if_o prayer_n or_o petition_n fall_v short_a of_o this_o honour_n and_o preferment_n it_o be_v because_o it_o want_v only_o proper_a occasion_n a_o fit_a and_o hard_a season_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v dead_a in_o its_o use_n and_o matter_n only_o thing_n external_a to_o it_o be_v as_o true_o alive_a and_o eternal_a in_o its_o root_n and_o nature_n as_o thanksgiving_n imagine_v we_o but_o a_o occasion_n of_o prayer_n in_o heaven_n itself_o viz._n never_o so_o short_a a_o winter_n of_o want_n or_o misery_n there_o and_o prayer_n behold_v it_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o cry_n and_o tear_n and_o will_v not_o die_v but_o live_v and_o put_v up_o itself_o with_o strength_n of_o importunity_n while_o praise_n be_v silent_a we_o have_v a_o instance_n of_o this_o in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o his_o heaven_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n be_v seem_o eclipse_v in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n with_o strong_a cry_n and_o tear_n petition_v heavy_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o prayer_n it_o be_v a_o immortal_a spirit_n most_o like_a unto_o fire_n not_o in_o the_o embers_o but_o in_o the_o flint_n where_o it_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o virtue_n and_o power_n and_o any_o hard_a deal_n will_v strike_v it_o forth_o into_o art_n and_o use_v imagine_v it_o in_o heaven_n or_o any_o where_o else_o prayer_n be_v no_o more_o dead_a in_o heaven_n than_o it_o be_v betwixt_o its_o set_a hour_n or_o upon_o a_o thanksgiving_n day_n in_o the_o world_n prayer_n i_o mean_v the_o petitionary_a part_n of_o prayer_n be_v eternal_a after_o the_o same_o manner_n with_o the_o head_n of_o logic_n the_o principle_n and_o conclusion_n of_o reason_n all_o natural_a and_o moral_a truth_n which_o be_v produce_v into_o use_n and_o art_n but_o by_o occasion_n only_o petition_n or_o the_o crave_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o want_v it_o be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o a_o cause_n viz._n sense_n of_o want_n the_o proper_a and_o rational_a mean_n of_o a_o end_n the_o obtain_v our_o desire_n both_o witness_v in_o their_o observe_a rise_n in_o child_n and_o their_o general_a use_n and_o practice_v among_o all_o people_n and_o nation_n and_o in_o both_o these_o respect_n eternal_a yea_o so_o far_o as_o be_v discover_v any_o occasion_n thereof_o in_o heaven_n experience_n testestifi_v prayer_n live_v and_o breath_n there_o also_o 1._o our_o saviour_n be_v there_o and_o there_o live_v ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n or_o to_o pray_v 25._o heb._n 7._o 25._o for_o we_o 2._o and_o john_n see_v the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o 10._o rev._n 6._o 9_o 10._o be_v slay_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n say_v how_o long_o o_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a do_v thou_o not_o judge_v and_o avenge_v our_o blood_n on_o they_o which_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n arg._n 2_o second_o for_o the_o strength_n and_o application_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o warrant_n of_o prayer_n to_o all_o of_o this_o world_n we_o shall_v argue_v now_o from_o the_o subject_n of_o prayer_n man._n and_o as_o prayer_n be_v of_o a_o eternal_a nature_n and_o power_n and_o be_v only_o suspend_v till_o occasion_n act_v it_o so_o every_o man_n alive_a a_o tenant_n of_o this_o world_n have_v continual_a matter_n and_o occasion_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o every_o man_n alive_a have_v their_o warrant_n most_o ready_a for_o the_o practice_n of_o prayer_n now_o that_o every_o man_n alive_a have_v occasion_n and_o matter_n of_o prayer_n will_v appear_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o two_o proposition_n 1._o that_o want_n or_o misery_n of_o any_o kind_n whatsoever_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o natural_a occasion_n and_o season_n of_o prayer_n 2._o that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a of_o man_n in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o want_n or_o misery_n of_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o while_o they_o live_v in_o the_o world_n 1._o now_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o because_o the_o want_n of_o spiritual_a heavenly_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o prayer_n be_v as_o less_o doubt_v so_o less_o sensible_a also_o we_o shall_v therefore_o demonstrate_v that_o even_o earthly_a and_o temporal_a want_n be_v a_o fit_a and_o seasonable_a occasion_n of_o prayer_n 1._o even_o temporal_a blessing_n be_v promise_v and_o therefore_o may_v and_o must_v be_v pray_v for_o godliness_n have_v a_o promise_n of_o and_o therefore_o a_o prayer_n for_o this_o life_n also_o i_o will_v say_v god_n multiply_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o 37._o eze._n 36_o 30._o 37._o tree_n the_o increase_n of_o the_o field_n etc._n etc._n yet_o for_o this_o will_v i_o be_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n 2._o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n that_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n the_o most_o perfect_a of_o man_n he_o pray_v notwithstanding_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v 2._o and_o as_o any_o misery_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o prayer_n so_o the_o best_a and_o perfect_a of_o man_n alive_a be_v subject_n of_o misery_n in_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o and_o least_o man_n shall_v boast_v of_o perfection_n of_o grace_n though_o such_o boast_n be_v vain_a yet_o we_o may_v infallible_o convince_v they_o of_o outward_a suffering_n as_o liable_a to_o they_o as_o to_o any_o other_o and_o therefore_o afford_v to_o they_o a_o equal_a occasion_n and_o season_n of_o prayer_n with_o other_o they_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n let_v he_o be_v who_o he_o will_v our_o saviour_n god_n himself_o have_v but_o a_o short_a time_n to_o live_v and_o be_v full_a of_o misery_n yea_o and_o a_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n much_o more_o for_o those_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o here_o no_o argument_n will_v heal_v and_o help_v the_o man_n of_o this_o error_n in_o this_o fruit_n their_o rience_n visible_a all_o the_o world_n over_o discovers_z and_o proclaim_v their_o vanity_n and_o suffering_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o grief_n sickness_n want_n death_n as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n now_o unless_o they_o will_v maintain_v their_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v before_o their_o death_n one_o of_o their_o paradox_n how_o can_v they_o escape_v the_o dint_n of_o this_o argument_n how_o can_v they_o put_v of_o the_o impetious_a motion_n of_o their_o want_n and_o misery_n in_o their_o friend_n themselves_o their_o soul_n body_n estate_n name_n etc._n etc._n and_o still_o resist_v and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n 3._o three_o we_o argue_v the_o warrant_n of_o this_o practice_n by_o all_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o the_o efficiens_fw-la adjuvans_fw-la the_o assist_v help_a cause_n of_o prayer_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o that_o prayer_n depend_v upon_o its_o occasion_n and_o season_n and_o man_n in_o this_o life_n have_v continual_a occasion_n and_o season_n thereof_o and_o man_n be_v foolish_a and_o weak_a and_o not_o able_a or_o wise_a of_o himself_o to_o improve_v this_o occasion_n for_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n god_n grace_n have_v provide_v he_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o teach_v he_o 8._o rom._n 8._o how_o to_o pray_v but_o to_o make_v it_o as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o come_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o put_v to_o silence_n but_o rather_o raise_v and_o elevate_v the_o voice_n of_o prayer_n we_o consider_v he_o 1._o in_o his_o promise_n 2._o in_o his_o office_n 1._o in_o his_o promise_n and_o we_o read_v many_o pregnant_a promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o its_o abundant_a powring_n forth_o especial_o at_o the_o famous_a conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n towards_o the_o late_a age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o great_a question_n be_v what_o will_v be_v the_o manner_n and_o effect_n of_o his_o come_n from_o some_o general_a description_n thereof_o some_o man_n as_o our_o antagonist_n imagine_v that_o such_o shall_v be_v the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n then_o as_o that_o he_o shall_v drown_v and_o wash_v off_o from_o the_o earth_n all_o former_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o of_o prayer_n among_o the_o rest_n but_o as_o we_o defend_v the_o rest_n in_o their_o place_n so_o here_o we_o shall_v read_v upon_o that_o promise_n in_o zach._n 12._o 10._o which_o declare_v after_o this_o manner_n the_o spirit_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o 10._o zach._n 12._o 10._o plentifull_a powring_n forth_o thereof_o even_o at_o his_o most_o glorious_a come_n upon_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o duty_n in_o hand_n prayer_n let_v we_o read_v to_o be_v satisfy_v i_o will_v power_n upon_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n
part_n and_o this_o his_o knowledge_n here_o be_v by_o reflection_n in_o a_o glass_n dark_o though_o he_o promise_v to_o himself_o to_o see_v more_o immediate_o face_n to_o face_n hereafter_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v monacham_n si_fw-mi aliquis_fw-la videns_fw-la deum_fw-la intellexit_fw-la quod_fw-la vidit_fw-la non_fw-la ipsum_fw-la vidit_fw-la sed_fw-la aliquid_fw-la corumquae_fw-la sunt_fw-la eius_fw-la dioni_fw-la in_o episto_n 1._o adcapiam_fw-la monacham_n and_o end_v this_o argument_n with_o that_o say_n of_o dionis_fw-la if_o any_o man_n whoever_o have_v a_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o understand_v what_o he_o see_v let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o see_v not_o god_n himself_o but_o only_o some_o effect_n or_o symptom_n of_o he_o we_o may_v further_o proceed_v be_v it_o not_o too_o injurious_a to_o our_o design_n of_o haste_n to_o discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o delusion_n to_o wit_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o spirit_n immediate_o without_o regard_n to_o their_o effect_n in_o the_o light_n of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a maxim_n negative_a arg._n 2_o for_o the_o negative_a nothing_o can_v act_v beyond_o its_o one_o kind_a and_o nature_n now_o it_o be_v infinite_o beyond_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o bound_n of_o suum_fw-la nihil_fw-la agit_fw-fr extra_fw-la genus_fw-la suum_fw-la our_o intellect_n to_o discern_v of_o spirit_n and_o not_o by_o their_o effect_n to_o know_v whether_o or_o no_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_o immediate_o ay_o without_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n about_o the_o effect_n or_o sign_n thereof_o the_o office_n and_o natural_a work_n of_o reason_n as_o over_o and_o again_o we_o have_v show_v be_v to_o judge_v of_o spirit_n by_o their_o work_n and_o symptom_n and_o no_o otherwise_o for_o man_n do_v not_o gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n or_o fig_n of_o thistle_n second_o philosopher_n affirm_v that_o formalis_fw-la deus_fw-la ipse_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la supplere_fw-la vicim_fw-la causae_fw-la formalis_fw-la even_o god_n himself_o can_v supply_v the_o place_n of_o a_o formal_a cause_n ay_o can_v make_v on_o the_o one_o side_n spirit_n to_o be_v body_n and_o thing_n intelligible_a to_o become_v visible_a nor_o on_o the_o other_o side_n make_v we_o to_o see_v without_o eye_n to_o understand_v without_o understanding_n or_o to_o know_v but_o by_o our_o reason_n all_o which_o god_n must_v do_v before_o we_o can_v be_v able_a and_o yet_o be_v man_n to_o discern_v of_o spirit_n immediate_o or_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a good_a or_o bad_a without_o respect_n have_v unto_o their_o sign_n or_o effect_n but_o many_o man_n be_v deceive_v with_o their_o 25._o eccle_n ca._n 3._o 24_o 25._o own_o vain_a opinion_n and_o a_o evil_a suspicion_n viz._n of_o qualification_n have_v overthrow_v their_o judgement_n yet_o without_o eye_n thou_o shall_v want_v light_n profess_v not_o the_o knowledge_n therefore_o that_o thou_o have_v not_o obj._n 3_o but_o man_n of_o much_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n great_a divine_n affirm_v that_o the_o spirit_n sib_n dr._n sib_n do_v sometime_o immediate_o comfort_v we_o then_o sure_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v immediate_a also_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o comfort_n answ_n i_o answer_v and_o grant_v that_o some_o learned_a and_o pious_a divine_n have_v say_v it_o yet_o questionless_a not_o intend_v in_o the_o least_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n thereby_o for_o such_o a_o rejection_n of_o mark_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o trial_n as_o we_o have_v in_o dispute_n and_o therefore_o they_o immediate_o spirit_n dr._n sibbs_n in_o seal_v of_o the_o spirit_n subjoyn_v this_o question_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o a_o delusion_n they_o set_v down_o such_o rule_n of_o discern_a as_o may_v help_v we_o to_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o upon_o the_o least_o suspicion_n or_o occasion_n of_o suspicion_n of_o spirit_n we_o shall_v have_v ready_a and_o speedy_a recourse_n to_o the_o trial_n thereof_o thereby_o but_o second_o there_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v a_o considerable_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o comfort_n the_o spirit_n give_v we_o and_o the_o assurance_n we_o give_v or_o gain_v to_o ourselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o spirit_n ability_n the_o measure_n of_o we_o yea_o be_v it_o not_o far_o more_o difficult_a to_o work_v assurance_n out_o of_o doubt_v than_o comfort_n from_o assurance_n moreover_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o the_o spirit_n can_v and_o sometime_o do_v comfort_v we_o immediate_o that_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o use_v mean_n for_o assurance_n for_o no_o man_n may_v imagine_v that_o we_o can_v as_o easy_o work_v upon_o the_o spirit_n for_o assurance_n as_o the_o spirit_n upon_o we_o for_o comfort_n 3._o yet_o far_o for_o my_o part_n though_o i_o reverence_v the_o judgement_n of_o those_o godly_a posse_fw-la i_o must_v conclude_v with_o scotus_n in_o another_o case_n i_o magis_fw-la propter_fw-la autoritatatesquam_fw-la propter_fw-la rationes_fw-la putare_fw-la posse_fw-la man_n yet_o i_o can_v well_o see_v how_o the_o spirit_n do_v comfort_v we_o immediate_o either_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o solid_a and_o consequent_o most_o rational_a if_o rational_a not_o immediate_a because_o then_o they_o be_v convay_v into_o the_o heart_n upon_o reasonable_a ground_n now_o the_o spirit_n can_v supply_v the_o stead_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o give_v in_o comfort_n immediate_o the_o spirit_n can_v inlighten_v our_o heart_n but_o by_o our_o reason_n though_o he_o be_v a_o light_n he_o can_v not_o be_v a_o eye_n or_o faculty_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o can_v immediate_o comfort_v we_o if_o we_o take_v suggestion_n upon_o trust_n how_o shall_v our_o reason_n be_v sanctify_v and_o if_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o our_o conscience_n can_v never_o be_v satisfy_v and_o then_o how_o weak_a how_o superficial_a our_o comfort_n and_o how_o unworthy_a to_o be_v own_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n our_o comforter_n or_o to_o be_v call_v that_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o keep_v 4_o phil._n 4_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o christ_n jesus_n 4._o we_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v and_o mistake_v a_o flash_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n which_o may_v be_v occasion_v by_o many_o unknown_a &_o secret_a way_n to_o be_v the_o unspeakable_a ravish_a comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n sensitive_a joy_n to_o be_v spiritual_a comfort_n but_o the_o difference_n be_v as_o wide_a as_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v full_o that_o what_o revishment_n of_o spirit_n we_o know_v no_o account_n of_o as_o they_o be_v not_o reasonable_a so_o not_o spiritual_a the_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o office_n it_o be_v as_o comforter_n to_o show_v we_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v we_o to_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n be_v ever_o build_v upon_o ground_n most_o rational_a and_o such_o as_o be_v know_v to_o we_o obj._n but_o i_o have_v hear_v man_n of_o part_n and_o piety_n both_o to_o set_v forth_o this_o mediate_a comfort_v of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o comfort_n we_o have_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o sib_n 20._o sib_n friend_n answ_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o in_o this_o act_n of_o our_o comfort_n the_o spirit_n be_v take_v material_o and_o not_o essential_o i_o undestand_v it_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v hereby_o we_o know_v ult_n joh._n 3._o ult_n that_o he_o abide_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o but_o second_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o the_o presence_n of_o our_o friend_n do_v comfort_v we_o either_o because_o he_o be_v present_a or_o because_o he_o be_v our_o friend_n both_o how_o do_v we_o know_v he_o be_v present_v but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o see_v he_o and_o how_o do_v we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v our_o friend_n but_o because_o of_o our_o experience_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o friendship_n and_o comfort_n immediate_a after_o this_o manner_n we_o grant_v be_v attainable_a by_o the_o presence_n of_o our_o friend_n the_o spirit_n viz._n by_o assurance_n of_o its_o friendship_n by_o true_a experience_n of_o as_o also_o of_o its_o presence_n by_o due_a reason_n about_o the_o effect_n thereof_o 3._o but_o now_o unless_o thou_o try_v for_o aught_o either_o i_o or_o thyself_o can_v know_v thy_o spirit_n may_v be_v false_a as_o well_o as_o true_a thy_o joy_n counterfeit_a as_o well_o as_o real_a thy_o spirit_n may_v be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o thy_o comfort_n no_o other_o than_o a_o flash_n of_o hell_n yea_o thou_o may_v be_v act_v by_o no_o other_o than_o thou_o own_o deceitful_a and_o melancholy_a spirit_n and_o thy_o joy_n be_v but_o spark_n of_o
be_v occasion_v by_o that_o godly_a jealousy_n wherewith_o you_o be_v jealous_a over_o your_o flock_n ever_o since_o i_o leave_v you_o i_o have_v travel_v for_o you_o yet_o not_o for_o you_o but_o you_o or_o if_o for_o you_o in_o you_o that_o i_o may_v bring_v forth_o this_o word_n of_o warning_n for_o they_o whreunto_o i_o have_v labour_v till_o now_o as_o the_o other_o my_o manifold_a occasion_n leave_v i_o opportunity_n and_o according_a to_o his_o work_n that_o work_v in_o i_o sir_n my_o request_n to_o you_o be_v only_o this_o that_o this_o poor_a issue_n of_o my_o faithful_a labour_n may_v have_v the_o honour_n and_o advantage_n of_o be_v deliver_v by_o your_o hand_n for_o as_o that_o will_v be_v a_o honourable_a so_o a_o certain_a convey_v and_o gain_v it_o embracement_n with_o better_a welcome_n at_o least_o if_o not_o effect_v this_o do_v worthy_a sir_n i_o must_v take_v my_o leave_n of_o you_o and_o turn_v to_o your_o people_n and_o i_o have_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n for_o you_o dear_a christian_n which_o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o 1._o pil._n 2._o 1._o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n receive_v and_o fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n therein_o the_o great_a and_o main_a word_n of_o warning_n which_o i_o think_v may_v most_o seasonable_o be_v commend_v to_o you_o i_o find_v in_o coll._n 2._o 18._o 19_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v so_o vain_o puff_v up_o in_o your_o fleshly_a mind_n as_o not_o to_o hold_v the_o head_n from_o which_o all_o the_o body_n by_o joint_n and_o band_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o knit_v together_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n hold_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v come_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d robur_n strength_n it_o be_v not_o only_o bare_o to_o hold_v but_o firmiter_fw-la teneo_fw-la hold_v fast_o hold_v hard_o with_o all_o your_o might_n and_o strength_n as_o if_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n be_v pluck_v and_o tug_v at_o you_o to_o wrest_v you_o away_o from_o your_o head_n so_o we_o find_v it_o construe_v in_o apo._n 3._o 11._o hold_v fast_o what_o you_o have_v hold_v your_o hold_n in_o christ_n second_o hold_v the_o head_n hold_v christ_n as_o a_o head_n in_o subordination_n and_o union_n i_o not_o as_o the_o pope_n and_o too_o too_o many_o among_o we_o also_o that_o set_v up_o themselves_o check_v by_o jowl_n with_o christ_n their_o head_n yea_o and_o exalt_v themselves_o above_o he_o if_o the_o body_n be_v not_o under_o and_o subordinate_a to_o the_o head_n how_o can_v it_o receive_v influence_n from_o it_o when_o the_o body_n suffer_v not_o the_o head_n to_o be_v the_o head_n for_o eminence_n it_o reject_v the_o same_o as_o a_o head_n for_o influence_n second_o hold_v christ_n as_o your_o head_n i_o be_v unite_v keep_v near_o and_o close_o to_o christ_n lest_o his_o influence_n shall_v loose_v their_o heat_n or_o abate_v of_o their_o strength_n before_o they_o reach_v you_o take_v heed_n of_o not_o hold_v the_o head_n in_o these_o respect_n if_o we_o once_o cut_v ourselves_o off_o from_o christ_n we_o cut_v our_o selve_v off_o from_o all_o growth_n 19_o col._n 1._o 18_o 19_o eph._n 3._o 19_o and_o nourishment_n it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o alone_o shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v and_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n do_v you_o ever_o think_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n and_o not_o through_o christ_n to_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n and_o not_o by_o keep_v yourselves_o subordinate_o unite_a to_o christ_n be_v not_o deceive_v 10._o col._n 2._o 9_o 10._o dear_a christian_n for_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a and_o you_o alone_o can_v be_v complete_a in_o he_o 2._o take_v heed_n of_o such_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n as_o 18._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 18._o to_o be_v reprobate_a concern_v the_o faith_n or_o as_o in_o the_o margin_n of_o your_o bibles_n of_o no_o judgement_n concern_v the_o faith_n of_o no_o judgement_n i_o indifferent_o inexpert_a unsettle_a ignorant_a experience_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d experience_n hetrodox_n in_o judgement_n concern_v the_o faith_n if_o you_o take_v faith_n here_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o special_a sense_n as_o one_o of_o those_o band_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n the_o instrument_n of_o its_o union_n with_o its_o head_n sure_o not_o so_o light_a slight_a or_o indifferent_a a_o thing_n as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d concern_v it_o as_o our_o redemption_n 1._o psa_fw-la 49._o 8._o 1_o pet_n 2._o 7._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 1._o be_v precious_a our_o christ_n be_v precious_a so_o be_v faith_n precious_a also_o hereby_o we_o hold_v the_o head_n &_o by_o hold_v the_o head_n we_o have_v nourishment_n minister_v to_o make_v we_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v so_o honour_a faith_n by_o ascribe_v unto_o it_o mighty_a acheivement_n we_o be_v justify_v by_o 28._o ro._n 3._o 28._o faith_n faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n yea_o by_o grace_n we_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n second_o take_v 8_o ephes_n 2._o 8_o faith_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o the_o belief_n or_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o faith_n as_o it_o believe_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o truth_n as_o take_v in_o the_o place_n now_o quote_v sure_o faith_n be_v no_o indifferent_a but_o a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n take_v heed_n of_o hold_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o janne_n and_o jambres_n withstand_v moses_n so_o this_o also_o resist_v the_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o mind_n chief_o and_o be_v of_o most_o dangerous_a consequence_n if_o we_o hold_v christ_n we_o must_v hold_v his_o word_n also_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n alone_o as_o in_o his_o word_n we_o be_v knit_v to_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o this_o band_n his_o word_n alone_o therefore_o christ_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n the_o 1._o joh._n 1._o 1._o world_n have_v in_o it_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o that_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n but_o the_o word_n alone_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o that_o may_v be_v know_v of_o christ_n therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o testify_v of_o i_o yea_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o as_o if_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o scripture_n do_v witness_v to_o christ_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 15._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 3._o despise_v not_o prophesying_n this_o be_v another_o 20_o thes_n 5._o 20_o special_a band_n whereby_o we_o receive_v nourishment_n and_o growth_n from_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n therefore_o it_o be_v immediate_o prefix_v quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n i_o by_o despise_v prophesying_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d despise_v come_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nihil_fw-la it_o be_v the_o vanity_n and_o folly_n of_o our_o age_n habere_fw-la pro_fw-la nihilo_fw-la habere_fw-la to_o account_v the_o ministry_n as_o nothing_o worth_a a_o needless_a fruitless_a thing_n but_o the_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o effect_n the_o ministration_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n now_o do_v not_o this_o exceed_v in_o glory_n this_o 11_o 2_o cor_fw-la 3._o 6._o 6._o and_o 9_o and_o 11_o be_v the_o ministry_n that_o remain_v and_o shall_v remain_v for_o the_o word_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n until_o the_o top_n stone_n of_o this_o build_n be_v lay_v without_o the_o help_n of_o these_o builder_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v build_v up_o to_o perfection_n therefore_o they_o must_v work_v in_o this_o house_n till_o we_o all_o come_v not_o a_o few_o but_o till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n 13._o ephes_n 4._o 12_o 13._o therefore_o let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v of_o we_o as_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n to_o dispense_v the_o mystery_n and_o fullness_n of_o christ_n to_o all_o his_o member_n but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a matter_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o you_o or_o man_n judgement_n 5._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 3_o 5._o yet_o judge_v nothing_o of_o the_o ministry_n much_o less_o condemn_v it_o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o the_o
pray_v always_o for_o you_o even_o you_o that_o yet_o oppose_v your_o 12._o 2_o thess_n 1._o 11_o 12._o self_n that_o our_o god_n will_v count_v you_o worthy_a of_o this_o call_n and_o fulfil_v all_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n with_o power_n that_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n may_v yet_o be_v glorify_v in_o you_o and_o you_o in_o he_o according_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o allegorical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v hitherto_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o reconciliation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o his_o effect_n and_o cause_n but_o now_o how_o great_a occasion_n of_o endeavour_n have_v we_o put_v into_o our_o hand_n of_o make_v peace_n betwixt_o the_o spirit_n and_o his_o word_n their_o unchangeable_a spirit_n do_v deny_v his_o own_o word_n and_o oppose_v the_o scripture_n as_o absolute_a and_o that_o both_o in_o the_o whole_a as_o respective_a to_o our_o use_n and_o that_o both_o in_o in_o many_o part_n first_o than_o we_o find_v that_o this_o error_n do_v gainsay_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o absolute_a acception_n in_o these_o two_o particular_n 1._o that_o visible_a scripture_n or_o the_o bible_n be_v but_o a_o bare_a allegory_n page_n 64._o page_n 65_o ult_n 2._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v no_o more_o of_o god_n word_n then_o the_o spirit_n do_v persuade_v and_o clear_v up_o to_o we_o how_o much_o of_o popery_n familisme_n and_o anti-scripturisme_a be_v couch_v under_o these_o two_o proposition_n we_o may_v in_o a_o measure_n guess_v by_o the_o first_o hear_n and_o may_v further_o understand_v by_o the_o follow_a discourse_n hereof_o but_o of_o they_o in_o order_n for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o that_o lift_v a_o high_a hand_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o plain_a express_a and_o visible_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n to_o exalt_v a_o allegorical_a sense_n i_o know_v no_o other_o seem_a ground_n whereon_o it_o set_v foot_v to_o do_v this_o feat_n but_o one_o and_o that_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o engine_n for_o its_o own_o subversion_n and_o be_v the_o word_n mystery_n arg._n because_o we_o read_v many_o time_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n mystery_n of_o faith_n mystery_n of_o godliness_n etc._n etc._n they_o gather_v that_o in_o all_o that_o be_v write_v or_o speak_v there_o be_v hide_v manna_n a_o hide_a mystery_n that_o the_o outward_a visible_a sense_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v but_o their_o inward_a sense_n alone_o their_o allegorical_a interpretation_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n answ_n this_o argument_n be_v very_o much_o engage_v to_o the_o so_o frequent_o mention_v author_n who_o make_v so_o very_a much_o of_o that_o little_a nothing_o in_o it_o but_o i_o answer_v hereunto_o first_o because_o we_o read_v much_o of_o mystery_n in_o the_o word_n be_v therefore_o the_o word_n all_o allegorical_a why_o then_o do_v you_o not_o take_v the_o word_n mystery_n also_o in_o a_o mystical_a sense_n and_o look_v for_o a_o mystery_n in_o the_o word_n mystery_n but_o let_v we_o more_o plain_o seek_v a_o revelation_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n now_o we_o as_o ready_o grant_v as_o you_o can_v demand_v that_o the_o whole_a fabric_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o mysterious_a deep_a and_o unsearchable_a yet_o not_o allegorical_a but_o that_o that_o make_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o be_v the_o papistical_a equivocation_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n this_o word_n be_v first_o make_v pregnant_a and_o then_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o double_a sense_n though_o the_o mystery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o literal_a meaning_n be_v only_o lawful_o beget_v and_o that_o that_o be_v in_o the_o allegorical_a be_v illegitimate_a but_o since_o we_o be_v force_v to_o be_v midwife_n for_o want_v of_o one_o of_o more_o skill_n in_o this_o present_a exigency_n we_o deliver_v into_o the_o world_n this_o distinction_n there_o be_v a_o mystery_n of_o the_o sense_n allegorical_a real_a subject_a the_o first_o may_v be_v when_o we_o dis-regarding_a the_o plain_a and_o open_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n seek_v and_o pick_v out_o a_o further_a mysterious_a interpretation_n of_o they_o the_o late_a namely_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o subject_a the_o real_a mystery_n be_v when_o in_o the_o very_a open_n of_o the_o plain_a intention_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v find_v contain_v some_o wonderful_a rare_a deep_a and_o mysterious_a matter_n in_o the_o same_o and_o now_o how_o easy_o be_v it_o determine_v that_o the_o mystery_n so_o frequent_o mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o as_o respect_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o at_o all_o the_o visible_a and_o outward_a sense_n and_o phrase_n thereof_o let_v any_o man_n that_o have_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o but_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n judge_n the_o gospel_n be_v a_o relation_n or_o report_n of_o the_o most_o strong_a deep_a and_o unsearchable_a truth_n of_o heaven_n concern_v the_o recovery_n 21._o act_n 26._o 21._o of_o miserable_a man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ._n now_o when_o you_o have_v find_v this_o out_o once_o assure_v yourselves_o you_o have_v the_o truth_n look_v for_o no_o high_a vain_a imagination_n no_o other_o mystery_n than_o this_o which_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n o_o take_v heed_n as_o you_o prize_v your_o soul_n and_o heaven_n of_o catch_v at_o any_o seem_a though_o seem_v never_o so_o glorious_a a_o shadow_n of_o the_o gospel_n lest_o you_o with_o the_o dog_n in_o the_o fable_n let_v slip_v away_o from_o you_o and_o lose_v irrecoverable_o the_o substance_n thereof_o when_o we_o read_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n therefore_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o mistake_v it_o for_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o sense_n but_o of_o the_o subject_a the_o mystery_n i_o of_o the_o kingdom_n i_o the_o mysterious_a way_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o gospel_n mysterious_a because_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n come_v conquer_v rule_v and_o govern_v so_o secret_o strange_o mysterious_o the_o kingdom_n 20._o luke_n 17._o 20._o of_o god_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n i_o with_o outward_a pomp_n and_o victory_n which_o make_v it_o so_o worthy_o call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n second_o when_o we_o read_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n we_o must_v not_o understand_v it_o as_o if_o we_o be_v to_o look_v for_o a_o allegorical_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o godliness_n how_o weak_a and_o ridiculous_a be_v such_o a_o construction_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n notwithstanding_o now_o what_o be_v this_o mystery_n must_v we_o allegorise_v god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n into_o christ_n in_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v this_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n yea_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n be_v no_o mystery_n at_o all_o at_o least_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n in_o flesh_n this_o be_v a_o mystery_n though_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o plain_a and_o easy_a word_n and_o phrase_n a_o mystery_n still_o and_o such_o a_o mystery_n as_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o the_o large_a and_o deep_a capacity_n of_o reason_n for_o without_o all_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o so_o to_o conclude_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n be_v also_o to_o be_v reveal_v &_o understand_v in_o like_a manner_n faith_n be_v mysterious_a two_o way_n objectiuè_fw-la as_o christ_n the_o former_a mystery_n be_v the_o object_n or_o medium_fw-la of_o faith_n second_o effectiuè_fw-la its_o effect_n be_v mysterious_a deep_a and_o unsearchable_a by_o humane_a reason_n as_o it_o unite_v with_o christ_n justify_v adopt_v regenerate_v 9_o regenerate_v 1_o tim._n 3._o 8_o 9_o sanctifi_v save_v thus_o plain_o there_o be_v a_o mystery_n in_o faith_n and_o that_o far_o great_a than_o ever_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o allegorical_a faith_n imaginable_a but_o what_o colour_n or_o gloss_n can_v they_o possible_o have_v for_o their_o allegorical_o interpret_v resurrection_n day_n of_o judgement_n matter_n of_o such_o high_a import_n &_o concernment_n i_o say_v no_o more_o but_o i_o will_v avouch_v and_o testify_v they_o have_v as_o good_a in_o plain_a english_a to_o deny_v they_o both_o what_o hinder_v yet_o poor_a soul_n but_o you_o may_v if_o god_n suffer_v you_o see_v your_o fallacy_n sure_o you_o
mean_n be_v it_o answer_v that_o thus_o it_o be_v knowable_a so_o be_v the_o work_n thereof_o in_o our_o heart_n be_v they_o not_o know_v to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o our_o examine_n no_o more_o be_v the_o spirit_n himself_o which_o it_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v knowable_a to_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n by_o his_o own_o light_n we_o be_v agree_v but_o this_o you_o may_v not_o allow_v that_o deny_v and_o oppose_v by_o the_o same_o pretend_v spirit_n all_o mean_n of_o trial_n your_o error_n and_o misery_n 2._o second_o and_o do_v not_o right_a reason_n also_o set_v to_o its_o seal_n that_o this_o be_v true_a for_o thus_o i_o argue_v 1._o where_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o effect_n can-cannot_a be_v discern_v without_o light_n from_o the_o cause_n how_o shall_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v discern_v without_o help_n from_o the_o effect_n now_o as_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o hand_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o effect_n to_o wit_n grace_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o cause_n viz._n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a from_o this_o common_a truth_n the_o effect_n be_v more_o knowable_a than_o the_o cause_n the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v for_o that_o the_o effect_n be_v more_o obvious_a to_o sense_n then_o the_o cause_n and_o thing_n be_v convey_v by_o sense_n into_o the_o understanding_n for_o look_v how_o much_o the_o more_o any_o thing_n have_v de_fw-la ratione_fw-la objecti_fw-la viz._n of_o sense_n it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o easy_o discern_v again_o that_o that_o be_v far_o off_o from_o our_o knowledge_n be_v usual_o argue_v by_o that_o that_o be_v near_a and_o more_o know_v to_o we_o as_o we_o usual_o gain_v acquaintance_n with_o stranger_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o acquaintance_n before_o now_o according_a to_o these_o rule_n since_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v near_o to_o our_o knowledge_n than_o the_o spirit_n itself_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o true_a effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o spirit_n assistance_n how_o can_v we_o then_o be_v possible_o at_o least_o probable_o able_a to_o make_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o spirit_n indubitable_a to_o we_o without_o regard_n to_o its_o effect_n without_o use_n of_o mean_n second_o it_o seem_v to_o appear_v that_o the_o argue_v the_o second_o way_n of_o argue_v spirit_n as_o alone_o without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n and_o consider_v abstract_o from_o its_o effect_n can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n in_o general_n spirit_n be_v knowable_a to_o man_n in_o their_o essence_n residence_n and_o quality_n with_o respect_n indeed_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o may_v know_v they_o both_o that_o they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v as_o by_o way_n of_o negation_n so_o by_o way_n of_o eminence_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o place_n of_o residence_n and_o quality_n where_o they_o be_v and_o what_o once_o they_o be_v whether_o true_a or_o false_a good_a or_o bad_a we_o can_v know_v they_o only_o by_o way_n of_o causality_n or_o by_o their_o operation_n symptom_n effect_n etc._n etc._n second_o for_o in_o order_n hereunto_o we_o can_v only_o judge_v of_o they_o by_o sense_n or_o reason_n the_o only_a principle_n competent_a to_o man_n of_o knowledge_n and_o discern_v now_o therefore_o let_v we_o examine_v whether_o spirit_n either_o in_o their_o where_n or_o kind_n be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o sense_n or_o reason_n immediate_o without_o some_o sign_n effect_n or_o other_o 2._o for_o there_o where_o or_o place_n of_o abode_n this_o certain_o can_v be_v discern_v immediate_o by_o sense_n spirit_n be_v no_o sensible_a object_n imagine_v what_o kind_n of_o spirit_n you_o will_v whether_o it_o be_v angelical_a rational_a animal_n much_o more_o divine_a and_o though_o thing_n of_o a_o grosser_n substance_n viz._n body_n may_v yet_o the_o spirit_n can_v propter_fw-la ejus_fw-la excessum_fw-la or_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o excel_a purity_n be_v thus_o discover_v we_o may_v take_v up_o a_o little_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o spirit_n for_o our_o present_a purpose_n from_o the_o pure_a of_o body_n viz._n fire_n though_o fire_n as_o corrupt_v may_v and_o be_v yet_o fire_n in_o its_o element_n can_v be_v see_v and_o as_o some_o affirm_v nor_o feel_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o our_o daily_a experience_n show_v we_o that_o the_o fire_n with_o we_o so_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o have_v conquer_v and_o overcome_v its_o matter_n get_v out_o of_o the_o cage_n the_o flame_n that_o thicken_v it_o it_o be_v immediate_o invisible_a if_o not_o insensible_a and_o though_o it_o pass_v upward_o towards_o its_o centre_n and_o element_n before_o our_o eye_n yet_o who_o can_v perceive_v it_o now_o spirit_n the_o gross_a of_o spirit_n be_v superior_a to_o fire_v not_o only_o in_o degree_n but_o kind_a also_o and_o that_o that_o elevate_v the_o pure_a fire_n to_o exceed_v our_o sense_n viz._n its_o purity_n be_v far_o more_o eminent_o contain_v in_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o give_v spirit_n their_o name_n and_o the_o very_a name_n that_o put_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o they_o and_o body_n the_o pure_a of_o body_n fire_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o apparent_a to_o experience_n that_o we_o can_v know_v whence_o any_o spirit_n be_v immediate_o by_o sense_n for_o wherein_o can_v they_o be_v sensible_a they_o have_v no_o colour_n therefore_o invisible_a they_o be_v not_o body_n therefore_o not_o audible_a they_o have_v no_o sensible_a quality_n not_o cold_a hot_a dry_a moist_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o can_v be_v smell_v feel_v or_o taste_v therefore_o we_o read_v that_o when_o angel_n be_v send_v to_o accompany_v man_n they_o still_o assume_v body_n according_a to_o scripture_n second_o now_o since_o the_o presence_n of_o spirit_n be_v not_o knowable_a discernible_a by_o sense_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n leave_v for_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o but_o by_o reason_n angel_n indeed_o see_v and_o know_v intuitive_a but_o this_o way_n of_o knowledge_n do_v not_o competere_fw-la with_o we_o man_n we_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n and_o know_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n not_o obvious_a to_o sense_n by_o our_o reason_n only_o but_o let_v we_o be_v ourselves_o and_o serious_o consider_v and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o we_o that_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n shall_v judge_v of_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o thing_n not_o obvious_a to_o our_o sense_n without_o a_o exercise_n of_o reason_n about_o some_o effect_n sign_n etc._n etc._n 2._o moreover_o if_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o presence_n of_o spirit_n either_o by_o our_o sense_n or_o reason_n how_o much_o less_o shall_v we_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v aright_o of_o their_o nature_n kind_n or_o quality_n without_o regard_n to_o their_o effect_n without_o use_n and_o help_v of_o some_o sign_n mean_v companion_n or_o other_o thereof_o as_o for_o example_n how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o the_o spirit_n in_o thou_o be_v rational_a or_o animal_n only_o but_o because_o it_o act_v a_o humane_a form_n or_o figure_n of_o body_n in_o general_n because_o it_o discover_v itself_o by_o rational_a discourse_n more_o special_a give_v some_o sign_n or_o effect_n or_o other_o what_o spirit_n it_o be_v further_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o the_o spirit_n in_o any_o be_v weak_a simple_a or_o of_o ripe_a understanding_n but_o by_o some_o outward_a operation_n and_o fruit_n thereof_o how_o do_v we_o try_v a_o man_n person_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a but_o by_o his_o action_n the_o tree_n as_o our_o sahath_fw-mi teach_v we_o be_v know_v by_o his_o fruit_n by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o yea_o near_a yet_o a_o man_n may_v most_o easy_o mistake_v through_o self-conceit_n and_o flattery_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n imagine_v himself_o to_o be_v inform_v act_v and_o guide_v by_o a_o discreet_a wise_a and_o upright_a spirit_n when_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n unless_o he_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o take_v a_o true_a measure_n for_o his_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o by_o compare_v himself_o with_o such_o rule_n and_o pattern_n as_o be_v fit_a and_o know_v for_o a_o fool_n may_v be_v wise_a in_o his_o own_o conceit_n but_o to_o apply_v if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o difficult_a to_o know_v our_o own_o so_o impossible_a to_o know_v another_o spirit_n how_o improbable_a it_o be_v then_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v betwixt_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o satan_n without_o the_o help_n of_o some_o effect_n or_o sign_n or_o other_o
second_o to_o angel_n 1._o quamvis_fw-la primus_fw-la homo_fw-la in_o statu_fw-la innocentiae_fw-la alitori_fw-la quadam_fw-la cognition_n deum_fw-la cognoverit_fw-la quam_fw-la nos_fw-la cognoscamus_fw-la non_fw-la tamen_fw-la deum_fw-la per_fw-la essentiam_fw-la videt_fw-la cum_fw-la peccaverit_fw-la tho._n aqu._n sum_n par._n 6._o quae_n 9_o art_n 1._o 1._o then_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n do_v not_o see_v god_n in_o his_o essence_n but_o by_o or_o in_o his_o effect_n adam_n see_v god_n per_fw-la effectum_fw-la creatum_fw-la by_o or_o through_o the_o creation_n which_o be_v a_o medium_fw-la tho._n tell_v we_o that_o he_o see_v god_n in_o enigmate_fw-la or_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o creature_n be_v quid_fw-la obscurum_fw-la if_o compare_v with_o the_o brightness_n and_o purity_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n yet_o that_o glass_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v far_o more_o advantageous_a to_o adam_n in_o innocency_n for_o the_o let_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n than_o the_o mud_n wall_n of_o separation_n that_o sin_n have_v make_v we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o adam_n have_v then_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o sight_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v also_o by_o the_o word_n and_o effect_n of_o god_n than_o we_o have_v ibid._n multo_fw-la eminentius_fw-la videtur_fw-la deus_fw-la per_fw-la intelligibiles_fw-la effectus_fw-la quam_fw-la per_fw-la sensibiles_fw-la &_o corporeas_fw-la ibid._n now_o but_o if_o you_o ask_v wherein_o aqui._n answer_v insomuch_o as_o adam_n see_v god_n through_o the_o intelligible_a effect_n of_o god_n while_o we_o see_v he_o chief_o through_o effect_n corporeal_a and_o sensible_a a_o far_o more_o inferior_a manner_n a_o far_o more_o dark_a confuse_a and_o imperfect_a way_n adam_n be_v no_o way_n but_o we_o every_o way_n hinder_v by_o these_o outward_a thingss_n from_o a_o clear_a and_o firm_a contemplation_n ibidem_fw-la non_fw-la enim_fw-la oportebat_fw-la primum_fw-la hominem_fw-la pervenire_fw-la in_o dei_fw-la cognitionem_fw-la per_fw-la demonstrationem_fw-la sumptamab_fw-la aliquo_fw-la effectu_fw-la sicut_fw-la nobis_fw-la est_fw-la necessarium_fw-la sed_fw-la simul_fw-la in_o effectibus_fw-la â—recipue_v intilligibilibus_fw-la svo_fw-la modo_fw-la deum_fw-la cognoscebat_fw-la ibidem_fw-la of_o intilligible_a effect_n and_o yet_o somewhat_o high_o adam_n in_o that_o state_n do_v not_o need_v to_o gather_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o we_o of_o necessity_n must_v from_o some_o effect_n but_o he_o see_v and_o know_v god_n together_o at_o once_o in_o the_o effect_n especial_o intelligible_a yet_o still_o he_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o he_o not_o be_v able_a to_o see_v god_n in_o his_o essence_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v not_o a_o three_o way_n leave_v he_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o his_o effect_n only_o 2._o moreover_o as_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n can_v not_o see_v god_n so_o neither_o have_v he_o then_o so_o near_o a_o society_n with_o angel_n as_o to_o see_v and_o know_v they_o per_fw-la essentiam_fw-la that_o near_o immediate_a and_o familiar_a way_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o but_o to_o be_v brief_a the_o reason_n of_o both_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o very_a essence_n and_o form_n of_o man_n we_o read_v that_o when_o god_n make_v man_n at_o first_o he_o breathe_v into_o he_o the_o breath_n of_o life_n which_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n the_o form_n of_o man_n be_v that_o that_o give_v he_o a_o 47._o gen._n 2._o 7._o 1_o cor._n 15._o 45._o 47._o animal_n life_n therefore_o it_o be_v also_o say_v that_o the_o first_o man_n be_v make_v a_o live_a soul_n i_o a_o soul_n give_v life_n and_o that_o life_n and_o life_n animal_n as_o aquin._n gloss_v so_o that_o in_o vide._n cum_fw-la anima_fw-la 1._o homims_n in_o statu_fw-la innocentiae_fw-la suerit_fw-la accommodata_fw-la ad_fw-la corporis_fw-la gubernationem_fw-la &_o perfectionem_fw-la sicut_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la atque_fw-la ita_fw-la intelligere_fw-la debuerit_fw-la per_fw-la phantasmata_fw-la non_fw-la ponit_fw-la in_o illo_fw-la statum_fw-la angelos_n per_fw-la essentiam_fw-la didere_fw-la par._n 1._o aquin._n sum_fw-la ques_fw-la 94._o arti._n 2_o vide._n the_o state_n of_o innocency_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v accommodate_v fit_v to_o govern_v act_n and_o inform_v the_o body_n even_o as_o it_o be_v now_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v have_v then_o the_o like_a way_n of_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n that_o it_o have_v now_o more_o and_o less_o not_o differ_v the_o kind_a which_o be_v by_o a_o conversion_n of_o object_n to_o the_o phantasm_n and_o thereby_o to_o convey_v they_o into_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o way_n divine_a essence_n and_o the_o essence_n of_o angel_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n capable_a and_o now_o to_o conclude_v if_o a_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o perfection_n yea_o in_o the_o state_n of_o that_o perfection_n that_o do_v chief_o consist_v in_o a_o excellent_a admirable_a knowledge_n of_o and_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o angel_n can_v not_o see_v or_o receive_v into_o his_o knowledge_n either_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o angel_n but_o by_o their_o effect_n then_o how_o shall_v he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o we_o that_o be_v fall_v from_o that_o very_a perfection_n by_o sin_n who_o discern_v of_o spirit_n be_v by_o our_o fall_n much_o more_o obscure_v and_o dark_a than_o he_o and_o the_o best_a among_o we_o in_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v be_v but_o &_o that_o but_o in_o part_n the_o renew_v restore_v and_o prepare_v adam_n the_o same_o image_n of_o god_n be_v but_o in_o part_n repair_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n viz._n according_a to_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o first_o even_o so_o the_o in_o part_n receive_v and_o repair_v adam_n see_v god_n but_o in_o a_o glass_n behold_v with_o open_a face_n as_o ult_n cor._n 3._o ult_n in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v change_v into_o the_o same_o image_n 2._o now_o let_v we_o turn_v our_o eye_n to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o canaan_n and_o consider_v the_o height_n of_o the_o perfection_n to_o come_v in_o order_n hereunto_o for_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o very_o doubtful_a if_o not_o ground_o deniable_a that_o the_o perfection_n of_o heaven_n itself_o shall_v enable_v we_o to_o discern_v of_o spirit_n thus_o immediate_o and_o not_o in_o or_o by_o their_o effect_n as_o there_o be_v very_o much_o reason_n against_o so_o true_o i_o know_v no_o text_n of_o scripture_n invincible_a for_o it_o first_o reason_n seem_v to_o argue_v against_o it_o and_o first_o 1._o heaven_n be_v indeed_o the_o place_n of_o perfect_a and_o complete_a redemprion_n and_o of_o the_o most_o absolute_a recovery_n to_o we_o but_o be_v not_o these_o relative_n term_n have_v a_o respect_n to_o our_o fall_n as_o also_o to_o the_o former_a condition_n from_o which_o we_o fall_v may_v we_o not_o partly_o gather_v and_o guess_v whither_o and_o what_o our_o recovery_n shall_v be_v by_o remember_v from_o whence_o we_o be_v fall_v now_o we_o have_v clear_v this_o before_o viz._n that_o the_o soul_n of_o adam_n in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o innocency_n can_v not_o possible_o see_v either_o god_n or_o angel_n per_fw-la essentiam_fw-la but_o only_o per_fw-la effectus_fw-la 2._o the_o perfection_n of_o man_n be_v this_o viz._n his_o body_n be_v every_o way_n subject_n no_o way_n a_o impediment_n to_o his_o soul_n from_o this_o man_n fall_v by_o sin_n and_o by_o grace_n he_o be_v to_o this_o 2._o servato_fw-la eodem_fw-la modo_fw-la essendi_fw-la secundum_fw-la naturam_fw-la par._n 1._o aquin_n sum_fw-la quae_n 94._o art_n 2._o recover_v the_o same_o way_n of_o be_v in_o all_o estate_n retain_v according_a to_o nature_n and_o also_o by_o consequence_n the_o same_o way_n of_o know_v viz._n by_o a_o conversion_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o phantasm_n to_o which_o neither_o the_o divine_a nor_o intelligent_a essence_n can_v be_v subject_a the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o its_o threefold_a condition_n viz._n of_o innocency_n apostasy_n and_o recovery_n be_v still_o accommodate_v to_o inform_v the_o body_n it_o can_v be_v easy_o imagine_v to_o take_v knowledge_n of_o spirit_n but_o by_o their_o effect_n in_o any_o of_o they_o 3._o therefore_o further_o we_o offer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o very_a form_n and_o essence_n of_o man_n to_o come_v to_o know_v this_o way_n viz._n by_o a_o conversion_n of_o thing_n to_o fancy_n by_o reason_n and_o when_o man_n shall_v once_o arrive_v to_o this_o immediate_a knowledge_n and_o sight_n of_o spirit_n god_n and_o angel_n must_v he_o not_o cease_v to_o be_v man_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v continue_v to_o be_v man_n when_o in_o heaven_n i_o submit_v but_o i_o can_v imagine_v that_o then_o we_o shall_v ever_o enjoy_v such_o a_o
his_o earnest_n be_v the_o redemption_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v precious_a or_o that_o his_o name_n his_o merciful_a gracious_a name_n that_o be_v exalt_v above_o all_o his_o word_n so_o sleight_n or_o worthless_a in_o divine_a thought_n weams_n gratia_n semel_fw-la recepta_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la be_fw-mi tti_fw-mi respectu_fw-la patris_fw-la jo._n 10._o 29._o filii_fw-la 1_o cor._n 6._o 7._o spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la ephes_n 1._o 13._o weams_n that_o god_n will_v or_o can_v suffer_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o to_o fail_v or_o miscarry_v yea_o he_o delight_v in_o mercy_n and_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o death_n of_o his_o saint_n see_v here_o the_o height_n and_o depth_n etc._n etc._n of_o divine_a love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o he_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o joy_n with_o these_o obligation_n god_n have_v tie_v his_o own_o hand_n he_o can_v only_o give_v not_o take_v away_o his_o grace_n give_v he_o can_v bless_v and_o only_o bless_v and_o not_o curse_v we_o so_o that_o it_o be_v but_o right_n and_o equity_n on_o his_o behalf_n not_o to_o deprive_v we_o of_o that_o grace_n and_o holiness_n he_o have_v once_o give_v we_o now_o certain_o if_o god_n can_v lawful_o he_o can_v at_o all_o take_v away_o grace_n 9_o 1_o joh._n 1._o 9_o if_o he_o can_v de_n jure_v he_o will_v not_o de_n facto_fw-la who_o be_v just_a and_o faithful_a just_o with_o relation_n to_o our_o saviour_n purchase_n 23._o heb._n 10._o 23._o and_o faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v to_o conclude_v than_o grace_n be_v no_o fallible_a evidence_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v neither_o changeable_a in_o itself_o nor_o yet_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n disposal_n but_o be_v it_o so_o that_o our_o grace_n be_v at_o the_o owner_n disposal_n what_o advantage_n yet_o be_v gain_v to_o this_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o such_o a_o grant_n be_v not_o god_n spirit_n as_o much_o god_n own_o as_o our_o grace_n we_o read_v of_o our_o light_n our_o grace_n but_o seldom_o of_o any_o such_o or_o so_o clear_a a_o interest_n we_o have_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v grace_n god_n right_a and_o not_o much_o rather_o the_o spirit_n be_v grace_n in_o god_n power_n will_n disposal_n and_o the_o spirit_n whole_o in_o we_o can_v god_n suck_v in_o his_o own_o breath_n as_o easy_o as_o to_o blot_v or_o put_v out_o our_o life_n have_v not_o god_n the_o same_o if_o not_o more_o immediate_a power_n over_o the_o cause_n as_o effect_v yet_o this_o be_v the_o way_n wherein_o we_o must_v walk_v to_o meet_v and_o close_a with_o the_o spirit_n come_v object_n but_o it_o may_v be_v further_o add_v that_o though_o grace_n can_v total_o yet_o may_v it_o gradum_fw-la not_o quoad_fw-la habitum_fw-la yet_o quoad_fw-la gradum_fw-la sure_o so_o far_o perish_v as_o not_o to_o be_v decernable_a and_o so_o not_o evidentiall_a answ_n suppose_v we_o grant_v yet_o what_o weight_n will_v it_o add_v to_o the_o scale_n in_o hand_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o there_o may_v not_o be_v some_o case_n experience_v wherein_o grace_n can_v evidence_n but_o whether_o grace_n be_v not_o able_a and_o apt_a in_o itself_o to_o evidence_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o grace_n to_o clear_v our_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n 2._o for_o further_a satisfaction_n let_v we_o a_o little_a weigh_v this_o case_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o experience_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a desertion_n namely_o of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n so_o these_o seldom_o or_o never_o fall_v in_o together_o to_o the_o same_o person_n for_o where_o we_o find_v a_o ebb_n of_o grace_n we_o usual_o find_v a_o flood_n of_o confidence_n and_o we_o many_o time_n see_v stream_n of_o grace_n flow_v from_o the_o wound_a bleed_a conscience_n the_o spirit_n be_v call_v fire_n and_o it_o do_v many_o time_n give_v much_o heat_n and_o little_a light_n when_o it_o have_v deny_v to_o bring_v with_o it_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v as_o a_o refiner_n fire_n to_o purge_v the_o soul_n to_o burn_v up_o its_o lust_n and_o to_o take_v away_o dross_n and_o tinn_n so_o that_o very_o many_o even_o while_o they_o do_v miserable_o labour_v under_o such_o sad_a desertion_n of_o comfort_n they_o be_v zealous_o affect_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n the_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o do_v even_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n but_o to_o apply_v if_o the_o desertion_n be_v of_o comfort_n as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n i_o conclude_v that_o all_o sincerity_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v never_o so_o far_o go_v even_o under_o the_o great_a desertion_n of_o comfort_n as_o not_o to_o be_v discernible_a even_o by_o the_o soul_n itself_o that_o suffer_v if_o enlighten_v assist_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o comforter_n do_v not_o all_o the_o expression_n of_o spirit_n so_o labour_v experience_n so_o much_o and_o testify_v for_o they_o to_o all_o the_o hearer_n their_o fear_n to_o offend_v their_o prize_v of_o christ_n &_o c_o but_o admit_v the_o desertion_n be_v of_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v sad_a to_o think_v how_o far_o even_o those_o that_o be_v true_o in_o christ_n may_v fall_v so_o be_v it_o as_o hard_a to_o imagine_v how_o a_o person_n while_o under_o the_o state_n of_o apostasy_n shall_v ever_o have_v so_o serious_a a_o selfreflection_n as_o to_o have_v any_o occasion_n to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o evidence_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o while_o he_o lie_v in_o this_o state_n whether_o they_o be_v clear_a or_o blur_v object_n but_o suppose_v he_o new_o enlighten_v new_o convict_v then_o he_o will_v have_v need_n of_o evidence_n and_o find_v none_o answ_n as_o such_o light_n bring_v conviction_n with_o it_o so_o such_o conviction_n bring_v light_a with_o it_o i_o mean_v matter_n of_o evidence_n and_o comfort_n for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v so_o far_o humble_v as_o to_o question_v his_o condition_n and_o to_o bring_v himself_o to_o trial_n and_o so_o to_o conviction_n this_o be_v undoubted_o a_o good_a visible_a decernable_a mark_n in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n even_o of_o the_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o see_v it_o nothing_o avail_v either_o to_o our_o case_n or_o indeed_o to_o any_o purpose_n to_o object_n that_o grace_n may_v not_o be_v visible_a and_o so_o not_o evidentiall_a but_o let_v we_o observe_v two_o thing_n by_o the_o by_o 1._o that_o the_o change_n with_o respect_n to_o comfort_n be_v not_o in_o our_o grace_n but_o in_o the_o spirit_n presence_n or_o absence_n 2._o the_o spirit_n itself_o we_o find_v thus_o far_o changeable_a my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o then_o what_o advantage_n have_v this_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n against_o qualification_n by_o this_o discourse_n the_o second_o argument_n the_o second_o argument_n against_o qualification_n be_v find_v in_o page_n 23._o line_n 26._o it_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o the_o gift_n viz._n qualification_n and_o a_o affront_n put_v upon_o the_o giver_n viz._n god_n to_o make_v the_o gift_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n this_o argument_n be_v so_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a that_o i_o shall_v only_o call_v earth_n earth_n sense_n and_o nature_n to_o bear_v witness_n against_o it_o such_o a_o instinct_n we_o find_v in_o all_o tameable_a beast_n even_o by_o the_o gift_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o giver_n do_v not_o nature_n teach_v you_o etc._n etc._n that_o herein_o have_v god_n commend_v his_o love_n that_o while_o yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o must_v not_o we_o now_o observe_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o love_n herein_o if_o we_o endeavour_v thereby_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o pass_v knowledge_n be_v this_o a_o abuse_n of_o the_o gift_n a_o affront_n put_v upon_o the_o giver_n to_o conclude_v acknowledge_v bless_v and_o admire_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n for_o gift_n and_o mercy_n earthy_a yea_o heavenly_a the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n the_o earnest_a and_o seal_n of_o our_o own_o inheritance_n the_o proper_a end_n yea_o and_o appoint_a end_n of_o all_o god_n mercy_n especial_a spiritual_a and_o to_o his_o saint_n that_o we_o may_v be_v to_o the_o prais_fw-fr of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n ephes_n 1._o 6._o the_o three_o argument_n object_n the_o three_o and_o most_o frequent_a argument_n against_o the_o evidence_n of_o qualification_n be_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o sure_a evidence_n that_o may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o our_o qualification_n may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a answ_n the_o second_o proposition_n we_o deny_v qualification_n
whether_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o be_v by_o a_o self-searching_a examination_n not_o by_o a_o wait_a for_o the_o immediate_a invisible_a shine_v of_o the_o spirit_n for_o its_o own_o discovery_n and_o evidence_n arg._n 3_o a_o reflect_v upon_o and_o reason_v from_o grace_n for_o evidence_n of_o our_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n be_v but_o a_o judgeing_a of_o god_n presence_n by_o his_o work_n what_o absurdity_n or_o but_o a_o know_v of_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o effect_n and_o be_v this_o a_o strange_a thing_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o spirit_n may_v give_v we_o to_o see_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o work_n when_o as_o we_o behold_v the_o creation_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o that_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n so_o the_o new_a creation_n and_o government_n within_o we_o be_v that_o that_o may_v be_v know_v of_o the_o spirit_n arg._n 4_o since_o god_n be_v too_o wise_a a_o workman_n to_o make_v more_o work_n than_o needs_o why_o may_v not_o he_o make_v use_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n so_o easy_a and_o open_a and_o ready_a a_o way_n in_o this_o particular_a case_n of_o evidence_n as_o well_o as_o in_o those_o particular_n follow_v wherein_o i_o shall_v argue_v the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v exercise_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n to_o evidence_n to_o he_o this_o state_n of_o nature_n then_o why_o may_v he_o not_o by_o the_o same_o faculty_n evidence_n to_o man_n his_o state_n of_o grace_n these_o be_v in_o themselves_o proper_a contrary_n and_o both_o equal_o relative_n unto_o man_n the_o one_o the_o depravation_n the_o other_o the_o recovery_n and_o reparation_n of_o his_o nature_n yet_o we_o find_v the_o first_o footstep_n of_o god_n for_o the_o evidence_n of_o sin_n in_o our_o first_o parent_n tread_v in_o such_o a_o path_n god_n come_v towards_o they_o to_o find_v out_o and_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o rebellion_n in_o eat_v etc._n etc._n how_o by_o a_o reasonable_a expostulation_n and_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n any_o other_o way_n then_o this_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n be_v my_o witness_n the_o spirit_n at_o his_o come_n this_o glorious_a dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n john_n 16._o 8._o the_o spirit_n may_v discover_v sin_n long_o enough_o and_o i_o never_o see_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n and_o show_v i_o grace_n long_o enough_o and_o i_o never_o be_v comfort_v unless_o i_o see_v it_o with_o the_o same_o eye_n he_o show_v we_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n but_o must_v not_o we_o see_v they_o too_o 14._o john_n 16._o 14._o else_o how_o shall_v we_o glorify_v he_o god_n may_v accuse_v but_o he_o can_v convince_v we_o of_o sin_n without_o the_o enlighten_v of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o therefore_o that_o his_o ancient_a people_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o accuse_v they_o without_o a_o cause_n come_v now_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n isa_n 1._o 18._o therefore_o to_o conclude_v as_o the_o reprobate_n shall_v not_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n until_o they_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o their_o sin_n by_o most_o clear_a and_o invincible_a evidence_n have_v all_o their_o objection_n answer_v their_o mouth_n quite_o stop_v when_o they_o have_v read_v their_o debt_n in_o the_o book_n that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o judgement_n sufficient_a to_o cast_v they_o into_o the_o eternal_a dungeon_n matth._n 25._o 45._o etc._n etc._n so_o if_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n want_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v it_o seem_v with_o their_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o christ_n at_o that_o day_n know_v it_o before_o they_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n matth._n 25._o 37._o to_o 40._o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v use_v of_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n for_o his_o conversion_n then_o why_o not_o also_o for_o his_o consolation_n be_v it_o not_o the_o same_o object_n that_o do_v convert_v man_n to_o and_o comfort_v he_o in_o god_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n hell_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n heaven_n and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o same_o light_n that_o do_v discover_v the_o same_o object_n though_o for_o these_o divers_a end_n do_v it_o not_o then_o require_v the_o same_o organ_n the_o same_o faculty_n reason_n enlighten_v be_v the_o eye_n whereby_o we_o apprehend_v the_o terror_n of_o hell_n law_n justice_n etc._n etc._n with_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n grace_n and_o happiness_n and_o be_v change_v in_o our_o thought_n and_o way_n and_o sure_o also_o whereby_o we_o apprehend_v the_o same_o object_n and_o ourselves_o as_o free_v from_o the_o one_o kind_n and_o interest_v in_o the_o other_o and_o be_v ravish_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a god_n be_v the_o primum_fw-la movens_fw-la and_o he_o must_v first_o move_v our_o primum_fw-la mobile_a before_o the_o inferior_a orb_n will_v turn_v towards_o he_o the_o will_n have_v its_o immediate_a light_n and_o evidence_n not_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o the_o mind_n the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o understanding_n be_v darken_v it_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n the_o heart_n be_v blind_v but_o if_o this_o candle_n be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr not_o only_o to_o the_o will_n but_o consequent_o to_o the_o whole_a man_n in_o its_o turn_n from_o sin_n and_o nature_n to_o god_n and_o grace_n now_o the_o same_o light_n that_o do_v convert_v the_o mind_n by_o reflection_n do_v comfort_n and_o refresh_v the_o heart_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v work_v by_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o faith_n then_o why_o not_o also_o for_o hope_n and_o assurance_n god_n have_v provide_v a_o saviour_n for_o sinner_n the_o way_n of_o their_o salvatian_n by_o he_o be_v believe_v in_o he_o now_o that_o god_n may_v work_v up_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n to_o believe_v and_o be_v save_v he_o have_v ordain_v a_o ministry_n have_v put_v into_o its_o hand_n a_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n to_o show_v they_o the_o necessity_n and_o worth_n of_o a_o saviour_n by_o convince_a they_o of_o sin_n and_o righteousness_n offer_v they_o a_o saviour_n and_o life_n and_o heaven_n with_o he_o will_v they_o but_o believe_v beseech_v in_o christ_n stead_n that_o through_o he_o they_o will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o save_v and_o all_o this_o be_v that_o he_o may_v not_o force_v but_o win_v man_n to_o the_o faith_n that_o faith_n may_v come_v by_o reason_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n power_n his_o 110._o psal_n 110._o people_n may_v be_v a_o willing_a people_n as_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v so_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v but_o by_o reason_n they_o be_v both_o act_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o now_o what_o shall_v privilege_v the_o reflex_n act_n of_o faith_n more_o than_o its_o direct_a from_o be_v behold_v to_o reason_n i_o know_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v my_o reason_n be_v enlighten_v enable_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o stableness_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v effectual_o persuade_v to_o close_v with_o this_o offer_n and_o to_o believe_v but_o now_o i_o believe_v can_v the_o same_o faculty_n of_o reason_n enlighten_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n reflect_v consolation_n herefrom_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o i_o believe_v therefore_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o my_o salvation_n what_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o upon_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n cause_v i_o to_o believe_v may_v upon_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o faith_n together_o with_o the_o view_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o salvation_n cause_v i_o to_o rejoice_v because_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_n but_o he_o that_o beleive_v shall_v be_v save_v therefore_o i_o believe_v so_o for_o that_o i_o be_o assure_v i_o believe_v i_o be_o assure_v of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o be_o at_o rest_n what_o more_o need_n of_o the_o immediate_a shine_a of_o the_o spirit_n in_o we_o for_o faith_n of_o evidence_n then_o for_o faith_n of_o adherence_n as_o i_o reason_n about_o misery_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o first_o so_o i_o reason_n about_o happiness_n for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o second_o that_o be_v the_o great_a difference_n yea_o insomuch_o as_o we_o have_v assurance_n in_o adam_n and_o not_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o more_o difficult_a work_n second_o insomuch_o as_o it_o be_v more_o difficult_a to_o attain_v to_o any_o habit_n then_o to_o act_n from_o that_o habit_n when_o attain_v to_o act_v faith_n of_o evidence_n be_v far_o
before_o we_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n we_o shall_v subjoyne_v these_o necessary_a cautious_a as_o a_o qualification_n to_o qualification_n first_o let_v the_o reader_n take_v a_o special_a difference_n in_o order_n to_o the_o decide_n of_o the_o present_a question_n betwixt_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n for_o as_o assurance_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n so_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v effect_n of_o assurance_n and_o as_o they_o be_v divers_a in_o themselves_o so_o be_v they_o different_o obtain_v by_o we_o even_o as_o the_o habit_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o habit._n for_o when_o i_o will_v confirm_v my_o brother_n in_o a_o by_o he_o doubt_v truth_n as_o i_o fetch_v all_o the_o argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n to_o prove_v it_o to_o he_o even_o so_o must_v i_o deal_v with_o my_o doubt_a conscience_n to_o bring_v it_o unto_o a_o assure_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o title_n to_o heaven_n this_o as_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o habit_n require_v some_o time_n with_o a_o serious_a deliberate_a exercise_n of_o reason_n but_o as_o when_o we_o have_v get_v a_o habit_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ready_a and_o easy_a then_o to_o act_n therefrom_o so_o spiritual_a comfort_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o immediate_a effluvium_fw-la and_o effect_n of_o assurance_n obtain_v though_o we_o come_v very_o hardly_o to_o the_o assure_a knowledge_n of_o our_o state_n of_o grace_n yet_o we_o pass_v most_o easy_o from_o that_o assure_a knowledge_n etc._n etc._n to_o joy_n unspeakable_a as_o the_o reflection_n of_o the_o sun_n do_v natural_o recoil_v by_o or_o from_o its_o direct_a act_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o be_v some_o glance_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o believe_v reason_n upon_o pardon_n grace_n god_n heaven_n etc._n etc._n for_o every_o passion_n must_v have_v its_o object_n for_o the_o beget_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n from_o assurance_n so_o do_v it_o immediate_o and_o upon_o a_o sudden_a flash_n take_v life_n from_o thence_o as_o when_o a_o candle_n be_v light_v light_a immediate_o spring_v all_o over_o the_o house_n yet_o this_o joy_n be_v most_o real_a solid_a and_o substantial_a second_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o require_v especial_o from_o such_o as_o be_v already_o persuade_v to_o assurance_n upon_o good_a ground_n that_o every_o act_n of_o their_o spiritual_a joy_n shall_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o their_o immediate_a conception_n of_o grace_n as_o if_o a_o christian_a may_v never_o take_v spiritual_a comfort_n to_o himself_o but_o as_o from_o the_o reflection_n of_o reason_n upon_o his_o grace_n we_o many_o time_n rejoice_v in_o our_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o by_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o even_o bathe_v our_o soul_n in_o those_o river_n of_o pleasure_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o from_o assurance_n already_o make_v and_o not_o now_o question_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v assure_v we_o by_o show_v we_o our_o own_o thing_n and_o thus_o give_v we_o matter_n of_o joy_n do_v comfort_v we_o mediate_o but_o he_o do_v also_o show_v we_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o 16._o john_n 16._o thus_o be_v more_o immediate_o and_o proper_o our_o comforter_n for_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o make_v we_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n to_o conclude_v as_o when_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v my_o doctrine_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o needless_a perplexity_n and_o folly_n to_o turn_v back_o for_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o doctrine_n for_o every_o use_n that_o i_o make_v thereof_o so_o for_o a_o saint_n upon_o every_o occasion_n of_o spiritual_a rejoice_v to_o go_v so_o far_o about_o as_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o over_o much_o suspicion_n and_o infidelity_n so_o a_o gross_a in_o that_o a_o ungrateful_a abuse_v of_o assurance_n last_o our_o reason_n most_o diligent_o exercise_v even_o upon_o the_o best_a of_o our_o qualification_n can_v give_v we_o but_o a_o dark_a indistinct_a and_o uncertain_a evidence_n without_o the_o light_n and_o help_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o our_o eye_n can_v give_v we_o a_o exact_a distinct_a knowledge_n of_o colour_n without_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n by_o a_o candle_n now_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n prov._n 20._o 27._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o immediate_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v do_v my_o endeavour_n assist_v i_o hope_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o our_o evidence_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o other_o branch_n spring_v from_o the_o same_o root_n which_o have_v be_v before_o deliver_v in_o these_o word_n viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v manifest_v error_n error_n his_o presence_n to_o the_o soul_n by_o his_o own_o immediate_a light_n arg._n 1_o the_o first_o reason_n that_o endeavour_v the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o and_o be_v every_o where_o hint_v by_o the_o disturber_n of_o the_o false_a rest_n be_v the_o spirit_n sufficiency_n to_o discover_v himself_o immediate_o to_o we_o answ_n but_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v that_o from_o a_o sufficiency_n to_o a_o efficiency_n be_v no_o good_a argue_v the_o death_n of_o that_o person_n that_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n be_v infinite_o meritorious_a then_o how_o fall_v it_o out_o that_o all_o man_n yea_o and_o devil_n themselves_o be_v not_o save_v 2._o from_o the_o power_n to_o the_o act_n give_v no_o good_a argument_n because_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_o able_a to_o destroy_v the_o world_n and_o all_o therein_o therefore_o will_v he_o must_v he_o do_v it_o can_v the_o spirit_n discover_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n immediate_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v use_v no_o mean_n in_o this_o work_n be_v a_o pure_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la yet_o this_o assertion_n be_v build_v especial_o when_o illustrate_v with_o that_o that_o follow_v viz._n arg._n 2_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o sun_n page_n 60._o line_n 17._o now_o the_o sun_n do_v manifest_v itself_o unto_o the_o world_n in_o its_o own_o light_n therefore_o the_o spirit_n in_o like_a manner_n to_o our_o heart_n answ_n it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o as_o a_o thief_n come_v to_o do_v that_o that_o be_v sinful_a must_v christ_n also_o such_o it_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o precedent_a argument_n for_o comparison_n run_v not_o on_o four_o foot_n 2._o but_o second_o this_o comparison_n hold_v at_o least_o thus_o far_o first_o the_o sun_n do_v manifest_v itself_o in_o its_o own_o light_n so_o do_v the_o spirit_n again_o the_o sun_n do_v convey_v his_o light_n whereby_o we_o see_v other_o object_n and_o himself_o through_o a_o medium_fw-la viz._n the_o air_n so_o the_o spirit_n through_o our_o grace_n moreover_o the_o sun_n require_v a_o eye_n of_o sense_n in_o we_o whereby_o we_o must_v see_v and_o use_v his_o light_n etc._n etc._n so_o the_o spirit_n a_o eye_n of_o reason_n last_o we_o feel_v as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o the_o heat_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o sun_n by_o reflection_n only_o and_o thus_o by_o reflection_n we_o grant_v we_o have_v the_o sweet_a and_o comfort_n of_o this_o our_o spiritual_a sun_n the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o but_o three_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o spirit_n must_v in_o somewhat_o be_v unlike_a else_o not_o alike_o and_o this_o indeed_o may_v be_v receive_v for_o full_a solution_n the_o sun_n be_v a_o necessary_a but_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n the_o sun_n must_v shine_v and_o show_v itself_o but_o the_o spirit_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v therefore_o some_o have_v it_o and_o some_o have_v it_o not_o and_o other_o have_v it_o and_o know_v it_o not_o while_o the_o sun_n must_v always_o and_o always_o one_o way_n discover_v himself_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o bind_v by_o this_o mean_n nor_o yet_o by_o that_o much_o less_o immediate_o to_o show_v himself_o to_o we_o arg._n 3_o it_o have_v be_v object_v to_o i_o in_o discourse_n by_o one_o who_o i_o judge_v both_o very_a know_v and_o godly_a that_o christ_n be_v our_o husband_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o shall_v seem_v more_o answerable_a to_o that_o relation_n to_o tell_v we_o he_o love_v we_o with_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o immediate_o then_o to_o leave_v his_o spouse_n to_o construe_v his_o love_n from_o his_o token_n only_o answ_n for_o satisfaction_n hereunto_o i_o answer_v suppose_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v our_o husband_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o seem_v more_o fit_a that_o he_o himself_o declare_v his_o love_n to_o we_o immediate_o what_o be_v it_o that_o must_v judge_n of_o this_o meetenesse_n our_o fancy_n or_o faith_n we_o
etc._n atlas_n that_o uphold_v our_o heaven_n also_o but_o i_o be_o so_o well_o persuade_v of_o the_o love_n of_o all_o christian_n both_o to_o their_o saviour_n and_o themselves_o that_o i_o be_o persuade_v i_o need_v not_o say_v more_o in_o the_o be_v half_a of_o this_o truth_n or_o against_o its_o enemy_n will_v not_o every_o stone_n in_o the_o spiritual_a temple_n threaten_v that_o hand_n that_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v the_o cornerstone_n and_o every_o one_o that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a abhor_v and_o detest_v that_o wicked_a engine_n that_o seek_v to_o subvert_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n o_o let_v we_o fear_v and_o tremble_v to_o think_v of_o lay_v other_o foundation_n than_o what_o be_v lay_v by_o the_o wise_a master_n builder_n jesus_n christ_n that_o rock_n of_o age_n i_o apply_v it_o not_o but_o shall_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v another_o gospel_n then_o that_o which_o consist_v 21._o gal._n 1._o 8._o with_o act_n 20._o 21._o in_o repentance_n towards_o god_n and_o faith_n towards_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v rather_o than_o believe_v but_o let_v we_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v a_o little_a and_o we_o shall_v hear_v the_o most_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o immediate_a consequence_n and_o inference_n of_o it_o discover_v and_o cry_v aloud_o against_o the_o wickedness_n and_o danger_n of_o this_o way_n and_o error_n which_o i_o tremble_v to_o mention_v for_o 1._o it_o deny_v christ_n priestly_a office_n for_o 2._o it_o deni_v christ_n satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n therefore_o 3._o it_o deni_v our_o adoption_n 4._o it_o deni_v our_o imputative_a righteousness_n 5._o it_o thus_o put_v the_o soul_n upon_o immediate_a communion_n with_o god_n 6._o it_o confound_v faith_n and_o holiness_n justification_n and_o sanctification_n all_o these_o be_v not_o only_o immediate_o necessary_a inference_n from_o the_o former_a principle_n in_o themselves_o but_o be_v all_o of_o they_o clear_o hint_v by_o the_o maintainer_n thereof_o as_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v now_o as_o these_o race_n out_o every_o letter_n of_o our_o gospel_n so_o of_o our_o name_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n also_o for_o how_o shall_v we_o pay_v our_o debt_n without_o a_o surety_n or_o appear_v before_o god_n without_o a_o propitiation_n or_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o without_o a_o mediator_n for_o can_v dry_a stubble_n embrace_v a_o consume_a fire_n and_o who_o can_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_v be_v not_o those_o that_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n we_o be_v discover_v even_o of_o all_o kind_n of_o professor_n the_o most_o miserable_a the_o turk_n have_v his_o mahomet_n and_o the_o jew_n believe_v in_o his_o messiah_n to_o come_v but_o this_o strange_a generation_n have_v cast_v off_o all_o notion_n of_o a_o mediator_n as_o if_o their_o hindrance_n a_o moat_n in_o their_o eye_n account_v it_o their_o perfection_n to_o stand_v alone_o their_o only_a full_a happiness_n to_o be_v take_v up_o into_o the_o immediate_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n o_o how_o do_v this_o way_n smell_v of_o antichrist_n popery_n gross_a socinianism_n yea_o it_o have_v set_v one_o foot_n already_o upon_o the_o bank_n of_o heathenism_n and_o i_o fear_v it_o will_v not_o rest_v till_o it_o centre_n in_o atheism_n these_o man_n be_v go_v beyond_o the_o christian_a turk_n or_o jew_n they_o be_v about_o to_o shake_v hand_n with_o socrates_n and_o plato_n and_o it_o be_v much_o very_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o their_o end_n will_v be_v to_o be_v drown_v ranter_n drown_v the_o ranter_n with_o some_o of_o their_o forerunner_n in_o aristotle_n sea_n and_o utter_o lose_v in_o his_o entium_fw-la his_o ens_fw-la entium_fw-la universal_a be_v o_o my_o most_o dear_a saviour_n who_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v zealous_o affect_v for_o he_o when_o i_o serious_o think_v upon_o that_o heavenly_a glory_n that_o he_o be_v free_o please_v to_o put_v off_o for_o we_o and_o in_o my_o sad_a meditation_n 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such_o as_o shall_v bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n even_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o bring_v 1._o 2_o pet._n 2._o 1._o upon_o themselves_o swift_a destruction_n but_o let_v this_o be_v my_o trust_n support_v and_o comfort_n together_o with_o all_o those_o that_o wait_v for_o his_o appear_v that_o he_o that_o be_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o 10._o 2_o thess_n 1._o 8_o 9_o 10._o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o his_o gospel_n shall_v be_v glorify_v in_o his_o saint_n and_o admire_v by_o all_o we_o that_o believe_v appear_v able_a to_o save_v they_o to_o the_o uttermost_a that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o 25._o heb._n 7._o 25._o ever_o love_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o wherefore_o also_o we_o
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of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o fall_v man_n recovery_n this_o be_v first_o reveal_v in_o the_o first_o promise_n as_o man_n receive_v it_o in_o the_o serpent_n curse_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n so_o much_o of_o this_o as_o be_v preach_v before_o be_v gospel_n this_o be_v the_o epitome_n of_o that_o gospel_n that_o be_v now_o more_o full_o and_o clear_o reveal_v to_o the_o world_n which_o be_v true_o the_o truth_n and_o not_o a_o allegory_n but_o how_o be_v christ_n to_o break_v the_o serpent_n head_n only_o in_o the_o spirit_n sure_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n also_o who_o be_v as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o spirit_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n as_o 14._o joh._n 14._o priest_n prophet_n and_o king_n plain_o and_o real_o so_o he_o that_o come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v be_v the_o only_a saviour_n but_o christ_n in_o his_o person_n as_o well_o as_o in_o his_o spirit_n come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v therefore_o he_o be_v as_o in_o both_o the_o only_a saviour_n who_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o life_n so_o his_o flesh_n 55._o joh._n 6._o 55._o be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o his_o blood_n drink_v indeed_o i_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d true_o and_o real_o not_o allegorical_o the_o last_o be_v take_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o deliver_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o we_o 1._o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o the_o truth_n who_o can_v lie_v he_o that_o eat_v my_o flesh_n and_o 54._o joh._n 6._o 40._o &_o 54._o drink_v my_o blood_n not_o he_o that_o seek_v for_o a_o allegorical_a but_o metaphorical_a meaning_n in_o this_o he_o that_o see_v the_o son_n and_o believe_v on_o he_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o i_o will_v raise_v he_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o second_o by_o paul_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 15._o at_o the_o beginning_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o all_o brethren_n say_v he_o i_o declare_v unto_o you_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o preach_v unto_o you_o which_o also_o you_o have_v receive_v and_o wherein_o you_o stand_v by_o which_o also_o you_o be_v save_v well_o now_o what_o be_v this_o gospel_n to_o end_v all_o controversy_n verse_n 3_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o first_o of_o all_o that_o which_o i_o also_o receive_v how_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o he_o be_v bury_v and_o rise_v again_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n thus_o we_o preach_v you_o believe_v &_o be_v save_v and_o the_o truth_n believe_v be_v no_o more_o a_o allegory_n than_o the_o end_n thereof_o salvation_n but_o all_o in_o plainness_n of_o speech_n not_o in_o mysteriousness_n in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n not_o with_o double_a meaning_n and_o in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n notallegorical_o but_o i_o be_o jealous_a over_o you_o with_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n fear_v lest_o by_o any_o mean_n as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n so_o your_o mind_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 2_o 3._o but_o caveat_n emptor_n for_o who_o ever_o deal_v with_o this_o opinion_n be_v miserable_o deceive_v she_o wind_v up_o all_o religion_n to_o the_o airy_a pinnacle_n of_o tower_a speculation_n and_o there_o fair_o promise_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n but_o in_o the_o end_n this_o be_v all_o it_o receive_v at_o her_o hand_n even_o to_o be_v cast_v down_o thence_o into_o a_o troublesome_a sea_n of_o uncertainty_n fallibility_n absurdity_n and_o what_o not_o this_o spirit_n of_o they_o blow_v up_o a_o specious_a amiable_a bubble_n but_o if_o you_o once_o but_o close_a with_o it_o it_o immediate_o desolves_fw-la and_o vanish_v into_o a_o mere_a and_o empty_a nothing_o lay_v but_o once_o a_o side_n the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o let_v the_o 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law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n now_o if_o but_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n now_o reveal_v to_o the_o world_n be_v sufficient_a for_o god_n people_n in_o these_o former_a day_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a sense_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n both_o in_o law_n and_o gospel_n sufficient_a for_o we_o when_o as_o we_o have_v so_o much_o of_o write_a word_n let_v we_o not_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o it_o our_o saviour_n our_o king_n command_v the_o like_a therefore_o upon_o we_o that_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n search_v the_o scripture_n joh._n 5._o 39_o the_o whole_a chapter_n argue_v the_o wicked_a infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o christ_n himself_o who_o do_v not_o only_o doubt_v of_o his_o spirit_n but_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n he_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n and_o in_o any_o other_o place_n that_o he_o be_v act_v assist_v by_o the_o 18._o joh._n 5._o 18._o prince_n of_o devil_n the_o spirit_n of_o belzebub_n yet_o christ_n will_v have_v his_o own_o spirit_n try_v even_o by_o scripture_n search_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n your_o law_n be_v my_o testimony_n they_o be_v they_o that_o testify_v of_o i_o i_o protest_v to_o every_o one_o that_o shall_v add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o this_o book_n i_o will_v add_v all_o the_o curse_n that_o 22._o rev._n 22._o be_v write_v in_o it_o now_o if_o god_n have_v command_v this_o way_n he_o have_v sure_o intend_v it_o if_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n sure_o than_o it_o be_v the_o way_n and_o we_o may_v conclude_v it_o in_o divine_a authority_n to_o be_v truth_n also_o viz._n that_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n 3_o from_o example_n that_o way_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v try_v and_o judge_v of_o spirit_n clear_v the_o truth_n and_o discover_v error_n by_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a way_n but_o that_o way_n that_o these_o walk_v in_o 28._o mat._n 21._o 42._o 22._o 29._o luke_n 4._o 1._o joh._n 7._o 42._o act_n 17._o 2._o 18._o 28._o for_o this_o end_n be_v the_o write_a word_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v therefore_o the_o best_a and_o sure_a way_n 4_o from_o divine_a testimony_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o 17._o frame_v thus_o that_o which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v etc._n etc._n be_v a_o sufficient_a good_a judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a good_a judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n the_o major_n must_v needs_o be_v grant_v as_o the_o minor_a be_v unquestionable_a for_o it_o most_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o man_n of_o god_n or_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n in_o he_o and_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o his_o ministerial_a perfection_n to_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v gainsayer_n if_o the_o 9_o tit._n 1._o 9_o scripture_n be_v not_o find_v sufficient_a for_o this_o it_o can_v make_v he_o perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n but_o doubtless_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a to_o teach_v to_o improve_v to_o correct_v and_o to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o every_o good_a work_n from_o divine_a encouragement_n that_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o only_o appoint_v command_v to_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n in_o general_a but_o have_v also_o high_o and_o honourable_o commend_v to_o all_o future_a posterity_n in_o holy_a writ_n for_o the_o judge_a and_o try_v of_o himself_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n the_o assumption_n be_v most_o clear_o find_v act_v 18._o 11._o where_o we_o have_v it_o not_o only_o relate_v not_o bare_o commend_v but_o high_o honour_v and_o honourable_o record_v for_o a_o act_n of_o a_o true_o and_o brave_o noble_a spirit_n that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v any_o truth_n from_o paul_n himself_o yea_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o paul_n without_o search_v the_o scripture_n make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n judge_n and_o trial_n thereof_o how_o easy_o then_o may_v we_o conclude_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o all_o other_o spirit_n unless_o we_o will_v deny_v divine_a truth_n divine_a command_n divine_a example_n divine_a authority_n and_o divine_a encouragement_n and_o invitation_n but_o this_o branch_n will_v appear_v more_o worthy_o cut_v off_o if_o we_o will_v but_o a_o little_a error_n danger_n of_o the_o error_n consider_v what_o wild_a and_o dangerous_a fruit_n it_o bear_v for_o if_o this_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n we_o strip_v ourselves_o of_o all_o possible_a mean_n for_o this_o important_a and_o most_o weighty_a end_n once_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o take_v heed_n what_o we_o hear_v to_o try_v all_o thing_n yea_o and_o express_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n john_n 4._o 1._o do_v god_n command_v his_o child_n to_o make_v he_o brick_n without_o straw_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n totry_n the_o spirit_n and_o have_v they_o no_o way_n leave_v no_o mean_n of_o obedience_n dear_o belove_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n i_o desire_v my_o candid_a reader_n to_o bear_v with_o a_o short_a digression_n for_o the_o open_n of_o this_o text._n we_o find_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o only_o lay_v this_o command_n upon_o we_o negative_o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n and_o positive_o but_o try_v the_o spirit_n but_o have_v also_o press_v this_o doctrine_n with_o a_o reason_n or_o motive_n second_v that_o with_o direction_n respective_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v try_v the_o spirit_n be_v immediate_o subjoin_v viz._n for_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n the_o fall_v and_o heretical_a prophet_n go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n but_o the_o true_a one_o be_v send_v for_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v 10._o rom._n 10._o except_o they_o be_v send_v but_o this_o motive_n here_o have_v three_o step_n in_o it_o whereon_o we_o may_v ascend_v to_o obedience_n there_o be_v false_a prophet_n as_o well_o as_o true_a and_o therefore_o try_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v man_n abroad_o that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o prophet_n though_o false_a carry_z lie_z in_o their_o right_a hand_n that_o carry_v on_o error_n very_o dexterious_o and_o thou_o may_v if_o thou_o take_v not_o good_a heed_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o try_v before_o thou_o trust_v thou_o may_v happy_o shake_v such_o a_o hand_n therefore_o try_v the_o spirit_n there_o be_v many_o false_a prophet_n as_o they_o be_v deceitful_a in_o quality_n so_o numerous_a in_o quantity_n he_o that_o walk_v in_o a_o place_n over-crept_a with_o many_o snake_n adder_n etc._n etc._n will_v he_o not_o take_v heed_n be_v very_o careful_a watchful_a over_o every_o step_n he_o tread_v now_o be_v there_o not_o many_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n many_o snake_n and_o serpent_n under_o the_o herb_n in_o god_n church_n garden_n take_v heed_n therefore_o try_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n the_o plot_n to_o deceive_v be_v not_o only_o lay_v but_o execute_v and_o that_o not_o in_o private_a or_o secret_a only_a but_o public_o open_o the_o deceiver_n very_o cunning_a or_o the_o time_n most_o corrupt_a many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n therefore_o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n quest_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o try_v the_o spirit_n answ_n there_o be_v rule_n sufficient_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n saint_n john_n have_v leave_v we_o two_o or_o three_o here_o as_o be_v more_o seasonable_a for_o those_o time_n and_o happy_o not_o unsuitable_a for_o we_o for_o hereby_o you_o shall_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o error_n every_o spirit_n that_o deni_v that_o christ_n that_o be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o this_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n who_o be_v already_o in_o the_o world_n verse_n 3._o whosoever_o hear_v not_o we_o i_o do_v not_o with_o faith_n and_o conscience_n receive_v the_o word_n whether_o write_v or_o preach_v be_v not_o of_o god_n for_o hereby_o know_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n verse_n 6._o he_o that_o love_v
lie_v we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n heb._n 6._o 17._o 18._o 2._o experience_v strong_o prove_v the_o end_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o be_v such_o as_o we_o speak_v of_o in_o that_o they_o have_v so_o constant_o be_v throughout_o all_o generation_n effectual_a good_a mean_n of_o rest_n comfort_n satisfaction_n or_o ease_v in_o their_o application_n we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v these_o and_o such_o like_a to_o be_v the_o end_n thereof_o nothing_o be_v a_o able_a and_o effectual_a mean_n in_o any_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n but_o such_o as_o be_v appoint_v and_o consecrate_v thereto_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o end_n of_o execution_n ever_o discover_v reveil_v the_o end_n of_o intention_n in_o god_n who_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o council_n 11._o eph._n 1._o 11._o of_o his_o own_o will_n yea_o certain_a it_o be_v this_o way_n of_o a_o promise_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o a_o moral_a and_o eternal_a efficacy_n to_o gvie_a hope_n rest_n satisfaction_n and_o the_o like_a this_o way_n be_v regular_a to_o the_o law_n of_o right_a reason_n not_o be_v only_o the_o way_n of_o man_n but_o god_n also_o and_o may_v we_o not_o use_v the_o promise_n now_o for_o the_o intent_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o both_o reason_n and_o scripture_n nature_n and_o god_n have_v appoint_v they_o have_v god_n send_v we_o glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n in_o a_o promise_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o must_v we_o not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o rejoice_v therein_o god_n have_v make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n and_o must_v we_o not_o take_v comfort_n therefrom_o because_o it_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n heb._n 8._o 6._o gospel_n christian_n be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n they_o inherit_v the_o promise_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o heir_n rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a with_o his_o rich_a inheritance_n sit_v under_o his_o vine_n and_o his_o figtree_n sing_v praise_n yea_o the_o spirit_n our_o comforter_n himself_o be_v 13_o eph._n 1._o 13_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n ephes_n 1._o 13._o wherein_o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n we_o be_v invite_v persuade_v to_o believe_v by_o a_o promise_n as_o so_o in_o the_o form_n thereof_o when_o we_o believe_v we_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v of_o the_o matter_n thereof_o then_o we_o not_o able_a to_o apply_v our_o privilege_n in_o promise_n of_o ourselves_o for_o our_o comfort_n we_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n that_o see_v our_o riches_n by_o our_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n we_o may_v rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a in_o believe_v 4._o and_o last_o why_o may_v not_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o ordain_v mean_n of_o comfort_n as_o well_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n 1._o promise_n in_o their_o tender_a and_o offer_n be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a gospel_n way_n and_o mean_n of_o encourage_v and_o gain_v sinner_n to_o believe_v the_o law_n in_o a_o sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o lead_v or_o rather_o to_o drive_v a_o soul_n to_o christ_n but_o the_o gospel_n only_o ay_o the_o tender_a of_o christ_n in_o a_o promise_n do_v prevail_v upon_o the_o soul_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o a_o word_n but_o this_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n herein_o upon_o this_o condition_n of_o faith_n set_v home_o upon_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n do_v but_o reasonable_o persuade_v it_o to_o believe_v for_o salvation_n and_o why_o not_o likewise_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n apply_v the_o promise_n yea_o a_o soul_n groan_v under_o the_o weight_n and_o burden_n of_o sin_n must_v needs_o have_v some_o refreshment_n from_o the_o very_a apprehension_n much_o more_o application_n of_o the_o kindness_n of_o christ_n so_o sweet_o express_v in_o the_o invite_a promise_n come_v unto_o i_o all_o 28._o mat._n 11._o 28._o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v ease_v you_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o pomise_n that_o give_v any_o hope_n of_o ease_n and_o rest_n it_o give_v sure_o some_o ease_n and_o comfort_n to_o a_o true_o weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v soul_n as_o it_o incourage_v to_o come_v for_o it_o but_o furthermore_o be_v not_o a_o promise_n more_o natural_a and_o proper_a to_o comfort_v be_v apply_v then_o to_o persuade_v to_o believe_v be_v apprehend_v for_o i_o may_v know_v of_o a_o certain_a that_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n belong_v to_o i_o after_o i_o have_v faith_n but_o not_o before_o so_o must_v needs_o have_v more_o encouragement_n for_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o comfort_v when_o i_o do_v believe_v before_o then_o by_o a_o general_a proposition_n to_o venture_v myself_o for_o faith_n yet_o as_o we_o have_v find_v a_o tender_a of_o promise_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o haven_n be_v the_o only_a effectual_a mean_n of_o faith_n second_o of_o holiness_n see_v we_o have_v 1_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 1_o those_o promise_n let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o now_o be_v there_o not_o wine_n to_o comfort_n as_o well_o as_o water_v to_o cleanse_v in_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o we_o be_v give_v exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v 5._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o be_v the_o promise_v give_v for_o this_o end_n only_o and_o not_o much_o rather_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o divine_a comfort_n strong_a consolation_n i_o may_v but_o i_o forbear_v to_o digress_v to_o show_v how_o these_o promise_n serve_v to_o sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v we_o yet_o thus_o much_o will_v clear_v and_o strengthen_v the_o argument_n promise_n be_v mean_n of_o holiness_n only_o accidental_o indirect_o but_o of_o comfort_n direct_o and_o natural_o they_o be_v the_o breast_n of_o consolation_n though_o wanton_a and_o untoward_o wicked_a child_n may_v vex_v deface_v and_o spit_v upon_o they_o yet_o let_v our_o father_n encourage_v enable_v we_o still_o to_o hug_v and_o kiss_v they_o to_o stroke_v they_o with_o the_o hand_n and_o suck_v they_o with_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o faith_n thence_o to_o draw_v sweet_a milk_n to_o comfort_v and_o strengthen_v we_o against_o all_o temptation_n and_o trial_n and_o shrew_n be_v to_o all_o such_o as_o offer_v they_o despite_n or_o injurious_o endeavour_v to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o our_o mouth_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o what_o ever_o be_v say_v against_o it_o be_v still_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d profitable_a to_o we_o both_o in_o its_o proposition_n precept_n and_o promise_v for_o instruction_n obedience_n and_o consolation_n chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o gospel_n communion_n of_o saint_n or_o church_n fellowship_n we_o now_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o considerate_o capacity_n of_o attone_v and_o mediate_a for_o the_o poor_a despise_a ministry_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o undertake_v on_o its_o behalf_n in_o two_o respect_n only_o viz._n in_o its_o way_n and_o manner_n and_o in_o its_o matter_n its_o ordinance_n leave_v the_o condition_n of_o its_o contemn_a forforsaken_a and_o condemn_v officer_n as_o too_o too_o desperate_a and_o even_o past_a recovery_n by_o my_o inexpert_a and_o impotent_a hand_n first_o then_o this_o error_n indeavore_v to_o error_n error_n subvert_v the_o way_n of_o church-fellowship_n condemn_v this_o as_o the_o very_o worst_a and_o most_o false_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n now_o reason_n this_o be_v abundant_o reprooved_a by_o the_o marvellous_a experience_n of_o the_o feign_a disturber_n of_o the_o false_a rest_n for_o he_o be_v rest_n in_o the_o nine_o false_a rest_n never_o under_o more_o gross_a darkness_n more_o laodicean_n lukewarmnesse_n he_o be_v never_o more_o spiritual_o proud_a more_o carnal_a more_o censorious_a etc._n etc._n then_o when_o under_o this_o dispensation_n viz._n a_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o church_n fellowship_n answ_n and_o be_v this_o all_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v all_o that_o you_o can_v say_v against_o this_o good_a way_n of_o church-fellowship_n viz._n the_o corrupt_a abuse_n that_o your_o own_o and_o other_o heart_n do_v make_v thereof_o but_o how_o strange_o argue_v may_v it_o not_o be_v yet_o the_o way_n of_o god_n though_o man_n abuse_v it_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a for_o our_o unwashen_n hand_n to_o pollute_v and_o defile_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o holy_a child_n jesus_n innocency_n itself_o disgrace_v and_o spit_v upon_o scourge_v and_o crucify_v and_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o great_a than_o his_o master_n nor_o the_o thing_n ordain_v then_o the_o ordainer_n himself_o moreover_o we_o may_v bring_v many_o thousand_o experience_n
all_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v suspicious_a that_o either_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o immediate_o teach_v and_o lead_v we_o into_o truth_n or_o that_o what_o they_o vent_v and_o publish_v be_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o we_o know_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n against_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n for_o thou_o that_o 3._o rom._n 2._o 2._o 22_o 3._o preach_v a_o man_n shall_v not_o preach_v do_v thou_o preach_v thou_o that_o abhor_v idol_n do_v thou_o commit_v sacraledge_n think_v thou_o this_o o_o man_n that_o judge_v they_o which_o do_v such_o thing_n and_o do_v the_o same_o that_o thou_o shall_v escape_v etc._n etc._n 2._o let_v we_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o semblance_n at_o least_o of_o this_o glorious_a day_n of_o the_o spirit_n come_v let_v we_o observe_v what_o a_o aspect_n that_o cast_v upon_o preach_v there_o and_o we_o may_v thence_o partly_o judge_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v so_o malevolent_a or_o not_o at_o its_o full_a appearance_n act._n 2._o we_o find_v a_o abundant_a performance_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n assemble_v together_o and_o what_o do_v it_o now_o silence_v they_o all_o and_o forbid_v they_o to_o preach_v any_o more_o do_v this_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o spirit_n disannul_v and_o dissolve_v this_o ordinance_n of_o preach_v commit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o person_n of_o ult_n mat._n 28._o ult_n christ_n no_o certain_o it_o come_v not_o to_o abolish_v but_o to_o fulfil_v the_o same_o therefore_o it_o fall_v down_o upon_o they_o in_o no_o other_o figure_n and_o shape_n but_o of_o tongue_n and_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v 11._o act._n 2._o 3._o 4._o 11._o immediate_o begin_v to_o speak_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o god_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n now_o let_v not_o any_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o unchangeable_a god_n be_v fickle_a as_o themselves_o ever_o to_o despise_v that_o way_n and_o ministry_n that_o he_o have_v so_o high_o before_o promote_v and_o honour_v 3._o paul_n we_o know_v be_v immediate_o call_v to_o his_o great_a appostleship_n by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o of_o the_o letter_n let_v we_o 3_o 2._o cor_fw-la 3_o make_v paul_n umpire_n then_o in_o the_o case_n but_o we_o find_v paul_n preach_v and_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n that_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v we_o hear_v without_o a_o 10._o rom._n 10._o preacher_n obj._n but_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n direct_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v every_o one_o to_o teach_v his_o neighbour_n answ_n this_o be_v the_o strong_a hold_n whereby_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n be_v oppugn_v can_v we_o but_o preserve_v and_o deliver_v it_o from_o hence_o it_o have_v undoubted_o both_o safe_o and_o full_o escape_v the_o snare_n of_o the_o enemy_n now_o for_o this_o end_n we_o shall_v attempt_v at_o least_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o take_v of_o the_o dint_n of_o this_o argument_n that_o flourish_v itself_o and_o threaten_v so_o much_o in_o this_o scripture_n and_o second_o to_o show_v the_o proper_a and_o natural_a drift_n thereof_o 1._o and_o first_o this_o scripture_n can_v possible_o make_v void_a the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n if_o we_o consider_v this_o follow_a gradation_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o christ_n be_v the_o mediator_n and_o performer_n of_o it_o for_o we_o 3._o christ_n promise_v the_o spirit_n for_o the_o same_o purpose_n even_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n 4._o that_o the_o same_o christ_n when_o he_o ascend_v 4._o ephes_n 4._o give_v minister_n also_o for_o this_o same_o purpose_n 5._o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o as_o he_o ascend_v to_o 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therefore_o to_o conclude_v the_o text_n forementioned_a speak_v not_o the_o ministry_n null_a but_o effectual_a god_n will_v not_o take_v away_o mean_v but_o make_v mean_n more_o prosperous_a by_o a_o more_o especial_a presence_n and_o help_n of_o his_o spirit_n god_n will_v teach_v we_o by_o his_o son_n christ_n will_v instruct_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v we_o into_o all_o accommodum_fw-la universal_a accommodum_fw-la truth_n by_o the_o faithful_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o observe_v this_o covenant_n be_v in_o force_n as_o well_o then_o as_o now_o then_o why_o 1_o note_v 1_o shall_v it_o thursday_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n more_o now_o than_o then_o 2._o the_o ministry_n therefore_o be_v a_o co-worker_n with_o god_n in_o that_o age_n and_o why_o not_o now_o also_o obj._n 2_o other_o say_v we_o shall_v approve_v of_o preach_v better_a if_o minister_n will_v deal_v plain_o with_o we_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o what_o they_o preach_v be_v their_o own_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n and_o preach_v unto_o we_o in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o they_o presume_v to_o bring_v we_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n also_o and_o this_o offend_v and_o trouble_v we_o answ_n alas_o how_o apt_a be_v man_n to_o stumble_v at_o a_o straw_n yea_o and_o to_o make_v christ_n himself_o in_o his_o own_o ordinance_n a_o stumble_a stone_n and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o themselves_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o the_o ministry_n either_o as_o of_o christ_n or_o not_o of_o christ_n if_o we_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o have_v partly_o already_o and_o shall_v more_o full_o present_o when_o we_o prove_v the_o succession_n thereof_o make_v clear_a to_o you_o if_o you_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n then_o be_v they_o not_o steward_n and_o what_o steward_n do_v be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o master_n again_o be_v they_o not_o ambassador_n and_o do_v not_o ambassador_n declare_v the_o word_n of_o their_o master_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o they_o treat_v with_o man_n yet_o in_o the_o name_n and_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n obj._n but_o than_o what_o mean_v this_o expound_v raise_v doctrine_n give_v reason_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o word_n be_v all_o this_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answ_n there_o be_v a_o book_n abroad_o and_o but_o late_o start_v that_o upon_o this_o very_a ground_n do_v tax_v all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o granâ—_n apostasy_n indeavor_v withal_o to_o destroy_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o upon_o the_o other_o extreme_a from_o live_v immediate_o upon_o the_o spirit_n to_o a_o bare_a read_n of_o the_o word_n but_o let_v the_o reader_n beware_v and_o consider_v its_o fallacy_n indeed_o we_o grant_v that_o preach_v expound_v etc._n etc._n be_v but_o the_o secundary_a not_o the_o primary_n truth_n and_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o our_o sermon_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o and_o examine_v by_o the_o rule_n the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v either_o that_o that_o be_v express_v or_o employ_v or_o that_o that_o be_v deducible_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o that_o be_v natural_o draw_v therefrom_o be_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o the_o truth_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n itself_o upon_o the_o very_a same_o term_n divine_v observe_v that_o though_o the_o septuagint_n sometime_o differ_v from_o the_o text_n both_o in_o sense_n and_o word_n yet_o those_o very_a place_n be_v quote_v by_o christ_n himself_o for_o
be_v god_n or_o not_o answ_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o deliverance_n be_v spiritual_a be_v know_v this_o can_v be_v doubt_v for_o if_o i_o be_o true_o deliver_v from_o the_o dominion_n of_o any_o sin_n this_o can_v be_v from_o satan_n who_o want_v both_o will_n and_o power_n to_o such_o a_o holy_a work_n if_o it_o be_v of_o myself_o it_o can_v only_o be_v by_o christ_n his_o assistance_n seven_v from_o who_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o so_o that_o we_o 15._o john_n 15._o must_v of_o necessity_n conclude_v that_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o have_v do_v valiant_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o strength_n and_o our_o redeemer_n especial_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o premise_n and_o assist_v to_o lay_v down_o the_o conclusion_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v as_o fire_n that_o have_v not_o only_a heat_n to_o consume_v our_o corruption_n but_o light_a to_o manifest_v the_o world_n to_o be_v do_v and_o by_o who_o it_o be_v do_v likewise_o and_o do_v not_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a without_o doubt_n believe_v that_o their_o dream_n and_o vision_n be_v from_o god_n do_v not_o paul_n know_v that_o his_o call_n and_o apostleship_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v they_o not_o assure_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n even_o so_o we_o the_o redeem_a of_o the_o lord_n may_v infallible_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o rock_n and_o our_o deliverer_n and_o though_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n yet_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v receive_v be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o renew_n of_o this_o argument_n here_o have_v but_o offer_v a_o occasion_n of_o discover_v its_o rottenness_n more_o and_o more_o and_o not_o in_o the_o least_o darken_a the_o evidence_n of_o our_o experience_n affirmative_a argument_n for_o the_o affirmative_a but_o let_v we_o examine_v what_o may_v positive_o be_v say_v for_o the_o far_o clear_n thereof_o and_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o remembrance_n that_o the_o own_o experience_n of_o those_o man_n have_v usual_o be_v their_o strong_a argument_n in_o other_o point_n though_o here_o they_o dispute_v against_o experience_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2._o yet_o what_o more_o clear_a and_o convince_a way_n of_o argue_v then_o from_o experience_n it_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o mistress_n of_o fool_n it_o make_v they_o understand_v and_o be_v wise_a it_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a dictate_v maxim_n viz._n experientia_fw-la docet_fw-la yet_o christian_n may_v not_o observe_v or_o gather_v any_o thing_n from_o their_o experience_n how_o unnatural_a unreasonable_a be_v their_o religion_n do_v we_o not_o yea_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n must_v we_o not_o judge_v of_o man_n as_o we_o find_v they_o we_o will_v first_o try_v and_o then_o trust_v and_o be_v god_n more_o variable_a and_o man_n more_o constant_a darenot_v we_o venture_v our_o credit_n upon_o the_o experience_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o not_o of_o god_n o_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n let_v man_n be_v changeable_a but_o god_n be_v god_n that_o change_v not_o even_o the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o o_o let_v the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o god_n creation_n and_o government_n the_o course_n of_o his_o daily_a providence_n speak_v and_o entreat_v for_o he_o and_o persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v faithful_a to_o his_o own_o rule_n and_o to_o his_o servant_n trust_v that_o he_o be_v constant_a &_o the_o same_o with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v &_o that_o what_o you_o find_v he_o hitherto_o either_o to_o his_o friend_n or_o enemy_n even_o such_o you_o will_v find_v he_o still_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handy_a work_n but_o those_o experience_n that_o come_v in_o the_o father_n name_n that_o they_o may_v fare_v no_o better_o than_o the_o son_n you_o will_v not_o believe_v but_o ult_n joh._n 5._o ult_n other_o that_o come_v in_o their_o own_o name_n they_o you_o will_v believe_v do_v we_o not_o argue_v the_o love_n and_o good_a will_n of_o man_n by_o their_o gift_n especial_o in_o want_n from_o their_o help_n a_o assistance_n espeal_o in_o strait_n yet_o though_o god_n have_v be_v a_o present_a help_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n to_o we_o though_o he_o have_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o extreme_a want_n most_o constant_o and_o seasonable_o still_o supply_v we_o though_o he_o satisfy_v and_o conquer_v all_o our_o doubt_n and_o danger_n for_o we_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n out_o of_o any_o love_n he_o bear_v to_o we_o we_o may_v not_o for_o future_a put_v any_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o upon_o this_o encouragement_n nor_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o be_v safe_a under_o that_o protection_n that_o have_v hitherto_o be_v as_o wall_n and_o bulwark_n to_o we_o most_o strange_a and_o ureasonable_a doctrine_n most_o wicked_o ungrateful_a practice_n be_v his_o hand_n shorten_v that_o it_o can_v save_v still_o or_o his_o ear_n that_o be_v open_a heavy_a that_o it_o can_v hear_v 3._o and_o as_o the_o way_n of_o this_o error_n thwart_v reason_n and_o experience_n so_o it_o do_v flat_o contradict_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o particular_a which_o speak_v it_o express_o that_o experience_n work_v hope_n 5._o ro._n 5._o 4._o 5._o experience_n and_o hope_n be_v mutual_o a_o moral_a cause_n and_o effect_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a nature_n thereof_o to_o produce_v and_o to_o be_v produce_v he_o add_v that_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a i._n give_v great_a boldness_n because_o thereby_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o we_o see_v then_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o come_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o make_v null_a the_o use_n of_o experience_n but_o rather_o make_v use_n thereof_o for_o the_o work_n of_o hope_n that_o by_o hope_n he_o may_v shed_v the_o love_n of_o god_n abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o give_v we_o great_a boldness_n against_o future_a suffering_n in_o this_o very_a place_n we_o may_v read_v the_o use_n of_o experience_n now_o plead_v for_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n second_v by_o reason_n strengthen_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o all_o set_v down_o as_o the_o saint_n experience_n also_o 2._o moreover_o no_o argument_n in_o scripture_n be_v more_o frequent_a and_o potent_a for_o the_o raise_v up_o of_o the_o hope_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n child_n then_o this_o of_o experience_n we_o have_v the_o strength_n of_o david_n lion_n and_o bear_v yea_o and_o of_o pharaoh_n and_o all_o his_o host_n over_o and_o over_o and_o over_o for_o it_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n to_o reckon_v up_o how_o many_o several_a time_n david_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o wonderful_a deliverance_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n beside_o the_o honour_n the_o frequent_a mention_n of_o our_o scripture_n give_v it_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o be_v not_o we_o now_o in_o the_o wilderness_n your_o most_o frequent_a allegory_n then_o why_o may_v not_o we_o also_o remember_v the_o fatherly_a pity_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o when_o we_o groan_v under_o the_o egyptian_a bondage_n and_o rejoice_v in_o that_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n that_o have_v so_o gracious_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n comfort_v ourselves_o with_o this_o hope_n and_o confidence_n that_o he_o that_o have_v bring_v we_o out_o of_o egypt_n will_v lead_v we_o into_o canaan_n that_o though_o we_o be_v oppose_v with_o spiritual_a wickedness_n yet_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n over_o they_o and_o though_o through_o much_o tribulation_n yet_o we_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n 3._o may_v not_o we_o say_v with_o one_o breath_n that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o he_o that_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o we_o will_v also_o finish_v it_o to_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o that_o have_v give_v we_o his_o only_a son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o so_o love_v we_o yea_o since_o he_o have_v deliver_v and_o do_v deliver_v we_o may_v sure_o gather_v conclude_v and_o trust_v that_o he_o will_v still_o deliver_v 10._o 2._o cor._n 1._o 10._o we_o and_o because_o he_o have_v lead_v we_o as_o our_o most_o careful_a shepherd_n into_o green_a pasture_n and_o by_o the_o still_a water_n restore_v
our_o soul_n etc._n etc._n though_o we_o walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n let_v we_o fear_v no_o evil_a conclude_v thence_o with_o the_o psalmist_n that_o sure_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n 21_o psal_n 21_o shall_v follow_v we_o all_o our_o day_n and_o we_o shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o 4._o and_o to_o conclude_v what_o be_v reckon_v by_o god_n as_o a_o more_o heinous_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o unbleife_n or_o mistrust_v of_o providence_n than_o this_o mean_n and_o help_n of_o experience_n for_o which_o to_o pass_v by_o many_o let_v we_o fix_v our_o serious_a eye_n and_o thought_n upon_o that_o notable_a testimony_n record_v by_o david_n against_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n with_o who_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o in_o god_n nor_o trust_v in_o his_o salvation_n though_o he_o have_v command_v the_o cloud_n from_o heaven_n above_o and_o give_v they_o of_o the_o corn_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o 24._o psa_fw-la 78._o 21_o 22._o 23._o 24._o the_o lord_n be_v wroth_a and_o a_o fire_n be_v kindle_v against_o jacob_n and_o anger_n also_o come_v up_o against_o israel_n which_o be_v apt_o appliable_a to_o we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o we_o sleight_v the_o experience_n of_o mercy_n and_o deliverance_n harden_v our_o heart_n after_o ca._n heb._n 3_o &_o 4._o ca._n this_o sinful_a similitude_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n we_o shall_v also_o fall_v after_o the_o same_o example_n of_o unbelief_n chap._n 4._o 11._o chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o soul_n immediate_a rest_n and_o evidence_n we_o have_v at_o length_n dispatch_v this_o error_n on_o the_o absolute_a consideration_n of_o it_o wherein_o as_o you_o have_v if_o very_o busy_a to_o oppose_v the_o spirit_n to_o its_o effect_n cause_n word_n ministry_n and_o witness_n so_o you_o have_v we_o as_o careful_a to_o make_v and_o keep_v a_o answerable_a peace_n and_o concord_n betwixt_o they_o we_o be_v now_o ascend_v to_o the_o bench_n that_o have_v call_v this_o exorbitant_a spirit_n to_o its_o last_o trial_n we_o may_v answerable_o pass_v a_o sinall_z judgement_n and_o sentence_n upon_o it_o but_o as_o before_o we_o have_v find_v it_o erroneous_a and_o and_z guilty_a in_o a_o absolute_a capacity_n so_o the_o trial_n of_o it_o here_o be_v as_o it_o be_v respective_a unto_o its_o special_a end_n as_o a_o rest_n and_o evidence_n the_o end_n and_o conclusion_n of_o this_o way_n and_o error_n be_v that_o since_o all_o the_o fore-handled_n error_n the_o error_n particular_n be_v but_o false_a and_o unwarrantable_a mean_n and_o help_n etc._n etc._n the_o spirit_n immediate_a and_o as_o alone_o be_v the_o only_a all-sufficient_a mean_n to_o the_o soul_n for_o all_o end_n and_o purpose_n whatsoever_o but_o especial_o fort_n its_o rest_n and_o evidence_n the_o specialty_n subjoin_v as_o be_v near_o to_o the_o shadow_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o more_o dear_o embrace_v &_o commend_v by_o my_o antagonist_n than_o any_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o use_n of_o their_o spirit_n i_o shall_v chief_o and_o only_a question_n here_o viz._n whether_o the_o spirit_n be_v alone_o and_o immediate_o the_o only_a all-sufficient_a evidence_n of_o itself_o or_o god_n favour_n to_o we_o though_o the_o vanity_n hereof_o have_v be_v discover_v all_o along_o while_o the_o right_a way_n of_o mean_n have_v be_v clear_v and_o confirm_v in_o every_o particular_a of_o it_o yet_o my_o present_a undertake_n shall_v more_o direct_o demonstrate_v the_o same_o and_o condemn_v it_o first_o even_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o that_o very_a medium_fw-la and_o argument_n as_o umpire_n betwixt_o we_o that_o this_o way_n itself_o have_v choose_v and_o every_o place_n false_a rest_n pag._n 90._o 30._o and_o many_o other_o place_n where_o appeal_v to_o against_o we_o viz._n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v upon_o as_o a_o infallible_a evidence_n that_o may_v be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a which_o medium_fw-la we_o grant_v can_v the_o false_a and_o erroneous_a assumption_n viz._n that_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o evidence_n be_v not_o knowable_a have_v be_v make_v good_a will_v have_v undeniable_o conclude_v against_o we_o that_o the_o best_a of_o our_o evidence_n be_v but_o fallible_a and_o in_o their_o sense_n a_o false_a rest._n but_o as_o we_o have_v full_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o against_o the_o spite_n and_o power_n of_o this_o by_o they_o abuse_v argument_n so_o we_o shall_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o same_o reflect_v upon_o they_o plain_o manifest_a the_o fallibility_n and_o weakness_n of_o this_o their_o evidence_n the_o argument_n may_v be_v thus_o frame_v that_o which_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v possible_o witness_n 1._o argument_n against_o the_o spirit_n immediate_a witness_n gather_v may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a can_v be_v a_o infallible_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n but_o the_o spirit_n as_o alone_o and_o without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n and_o consider_v abstract_o from_o its_o effect_n for_o aught_o we_o can_v possible_o know_v may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a therefore_o the_o spirit_n as_o alone_o without_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n etc._n etc._n can_v be_v infallible_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n there_o be_v nothing_o here_o questionable_a but_o the_o second_o proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n as_o alone_o without_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n abstract_v from_o all_o its_o effect_n may_v for_o aught_o we_o can_v possible_o know_v be_v true_a or_o false_a which_o be_v also_o clear_a from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n according_a to_o scripture_n 1._o first_o these_o direct_a and_o most_o visible_a inference_n from_o 1._o john_n 4._o 1._o etc._n etc._n may_v whole_o satisfy_v as_o 1._o there_o be_v false_a as_o well_o as_o true_a spirit_n 2._o the_o false_a as_o well_o as_o the_o as_o good_a and_o true_a spirit_n have_v access_n to_o knock_v at_o the_o heart_n of_o saint_n 3._o the_o saint_n may_v be_v apt_a to_o believe_v both_o the_o false_a as_o well_o as_o the_o true_a spirit_n 4._o the_o saint_n be_v forbid_v to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n 5._o the_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v discern_v spirit_n from_o spirit_n but_o by_o trial_n 6._o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o commend_v only_o but_o command_v as_o we_o see_v even_o upon_o such_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v many_o false_a prophet_n go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n the_o glean_v after_o the_o full_a harvest_n we_o former_o have_v reap_v from_o this_o text_n may_v be_v gather_v thus_o our_o heart_n lie_v open_a to_o the_o various_a suggestion_n both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n the_o great_a question_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v which_o be_v the_o good_a and_o which_o be_v the_o evil_a that_o we_o put_v not_o evil_a for_o good_a and_o good_a for_o evil_a how_o we_o shall_v discern_v which_o be_v the_o come_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o make_v it_o to_o we_o a_o infallible_a evidence_n moreover_o my_o great_a antagonist_n himself_o acknowledge_v that_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o form_n though_o never_o so_o glorious_a but_o satan_n will_v transform_v himself_o into_o it_o there_o be_v no_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d god_n 127._o pag._n 127._o within_o man_n but_o he_o will_v resemble_v it_o so_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a until_o christ_n come_v in_o etc._n etc._n how_o then_o shall_v we_o know_v in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n this_o we_o grant_v but_o how_o do_v christ_n enlighten_v immediate_o without_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n then_o i_o shall_v demand_v why_o shall_v not_o christ_n evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o spirit_n immediate_o to_o we_o 2._o again_o why_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n while_o it_o evidence_v itself_o discover_v also_o every_o false_a and_o erroneous_a spirit_n immediate_o to_o we_o as_o he_o say_v the_o true_a rest_n show_v we_o the_o vanity_n of_o every_o false_a pag._n 34._o lin_v 18._o 3._o and_o then_o why_o do_v the_o spirit_n command_v we_o here_o not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n much_o more_o what_o need_v of_o trial_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o any_o mark_n or_o outward_a rule_n 6._o ver._n 1._o 2._o 3._o 6._o whereby_o we_o may_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n the_o text_n be_v thus_o far_o most_o clear_a to_o all_o that_o the_o spirit_n that_o dictate_v to_o or_o dwele_v in_o we_o may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a for_o aught_o we_o know_v until_o we_o try_v and_o examine_v it_o by_o outward_a