and_o his_o presence_n be_v with_o we_o not_o only_o to_o bless_v our_o faithful_a labour_n but_o also_o to_o ult_n matth._n 28._o ult_n blast_v and_o curse_v our_o opposer_n and_o enemy_n this_o give_v i_o a_o occasion_n to_o shake_v hand_n with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o objection_n against_o the_o ministry_n and_o thereby_o i_o shall_v take_v my_o leave_n of_o this_o chapter_n and_o let_v no_o man_n think_v as_o be_v most_o apt_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o dangerous_a principle_n of_o the_o error_n question_v that_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o inconsistent_a the_o ministry_n of_o preach_v be_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n and_o as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v a_o co-worker_n with_o god_n pri_fw-la 2_o cor._n 2._o ult_n 3_o cap._n pri_fw-la the_o ministry_n of_o righteousness_n the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n yea_o and_o to_o conclude_v and_o put_v all_o out_o of_o doubt_n express_o call_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n do_v as_o peaceable_o agree_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o age_n and_o work_n as_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n and_o action_n even_o so_o as_o that_o he_o that_o despise_v prophesiing_n quench_v the_o spirit_n let_v we_o therefore_o fear_n lest_o a_o way_n be_v leave_v we_o and_o we_o not_o be_v willing_a to_o walk_v therein_o the_o father_n of_o light_n shall_v withdraw_v his_o direction_n and_o we_o loose_v both_o our_o way_n and_o ourselves_o too_o let_v we_o never_o discover_v ourselves_o to_o be_v a_o generation_n so_o foolish_a and_o unwise_a yea_o so_o desperate_o wicked_a as_o eternal_o to_o perish_v with_o the_o plague_n of_o our_o hearer_n while_o we_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o sole_a remedy_n as_o wilful_o refuse_v our_o own_o mercy_n most_o cruel_o to_o murder_v our_o own_o seal_n rather_o than_o to_o accept_v of_o recovery_n and_o life_n which_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n will_v administer_v to_o we_o but_o let_v we_o be_v wise_a and_o rather_o repent_v of_o our_o former_a great_a abuse_n of_o the_o light_n thereof_o 5._o rev._n 2._o 5._o lest_o the_o lord_n come_v quick_o and_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n away_o from_o we_o as_o a_o wicked_a generation_n most_o unworthy_a thereof_o except_o we_o repent_v chap._n xvi_o we_o have_v sufficient_o speak_v for_o the_o word_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o make_v intercession_n for_o prayer_n obj._n and_o now_o what_o can_v be_v say_v against_o this_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a duty_n this_o heavenly_a and_o profitable_a ordinance_n prayer_n why_o prayer_n be_v too_o poor_a and_o contemptible_a a_o practice_n say_v they_o for_o we_o the_o miserable_a effect_n and_o consequent_a of_o want_n but_o we_o want_v nothing_o the_o deject_a companion_n of_o impotency_n weakness_n and_o imperfection_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o be_v strong_a entire_a and_o perfect_a we_o want_v nothing_o we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o prayer_n for_o what_o shall_v we_o pray_v for_o we_o have_v attain_v perfection_n already_o we_o be_v perfect_o above_o all_o mean_n of_o supply_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o pray_v for_o answ_n after_o this_o vain_a manner_n these_o man_n while_o they_o walk_v upon_o the_o battlement_n of_o heaven_n in_o their_o proud_a imagination_n they_o trample_v under_o foot_n this_o sacred_a ordinance_n as_o a_o carnal_a base_a and_o unworthy_a thing_n but_o even_o in_o this_o while_o they_o plead_v their_o perfection_n how_o do_v they_o in_o the_o interim_n discover_v their_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n 1._o do_v we_o not_o think_v that_o he_o that_o know_v no_o sin_n even_o the_o lord_n from_o heaven_n be_v as_o perfect_a as_o holy_a as_o these_o man_n be_v yet_o how_o many_o several_a time_n do_v we_o find_v our_o saviour_n himself_o upon_o his_o knee_n in_o prayer_n sure_o those_o than_o be_v none_o of_o the_o follower_n of_o christ_n that_o cast_v off_o prayer_n his_o so_o frequent_a practice_n 2._o yea_o certain_o jesus_n christ_n if_o there_o a_o thing_n as_o perfection_n here_o have_v attain_v perfection_n just_a before_o his_o death_n yet_o even_o then_o he_o find_v occasion_n to_o authorise_v the_o excellent_a practice_n of_o prayer_n by_o his_o own_o 1._o joh._n 17._o 1._o example_n jesus_n speak_v these_o word_n and_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n to_o heaven_n and_o say_v father_n etc._n etc._n obj._n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o although_o we_o be_v not_o actual_o perfect_a yet_o we_o be_v as_o sure_a of_o all_o thing_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o can_v possible_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o absolute_a perfection_n that_o it_o will_v but_o express_v and_o manifest_v our_o unbelieved_a heart_n to_o pray_v for_o any_o thing_n answ_n alas_o the_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v so_o far_o from_o forstalling_a prevent_v prayer_n that_o they_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o encouragement_n whereon_o it_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n god_n stand_v upon_o 28._o gen._n 28._o the_o top_n of_o the_o ladder_n as_o the_o god_n of_o the_o promise_n 2._o as_o that_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o and_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o motion_n of_o prayer_n as_o ezek._n 36._o ult_n where_o god_n conclude_v his_o everlasting_a gospell-covenant_n and_o all_o the_o better_a promise_n whereon_o it_o be_v establish_v with_o this_o proviso_n yet_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n 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 3._o and_o as_o for_o faith_n prayer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a mean_n of_o excercise_v faith_n yea_o they_o agree_v so_o well_o together_o that_o god_n to_o show_v his_o like_v and_o encouragement_n thereof_o have_v promise_v a_o grant_n even_o of_o whatsoever_o we_o ask_v believe_v as_o math._n 21._o 22._o mark_n 11._o 24._o jam._n 1._o 5._o 6._o but_o we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n more_o abundant_o to_o clear_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o positive_a proof_n of_o this_o haeven_o exercise_n which_o we_o shall_v immediate_o undertake_v by_o confirm_v 1._o the_o warrantable_a second_o the_o useful_a and_o necessary_a practice_n thereof_o 1._o we_o shall_v warrant_v the_o practice_n of_o prayer_n even_o by_o all_o that_o live_v in_o this_o world_n by_o argument_n take_v first_o 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v not_o temporary_a but_o eternal_a let_v we_o therefore_o consider_v it_o a_o little_a as_o divide_v distinguish_v into_o its_o two_o main_a part_n petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o now_o for_o the_o late_a of_o these_o all_o join_v hand_n to_o lift_v it_o to_o heaven_n by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o all_o it_o must_v yea_o be_v long_o ago_o arrive_v the_o heavenly_a canaan_n and_o why_o must_v petition_v the_o companion_n of_o praise_n a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o duty_n ordinance_n die_v in_o the_o wilderness_n what_o be_v there_o more_o inherent_a to_o praise_v then_o petition_n to_o make_v it_o more_o eternal_a or_o what_o in_o petition_n to_o make_v it_o more_o mortal_a than_o praise_n have_v they_o not_o both_o the_o same_o subject_a man_n have_v not_o they_o both_o the_o same_o object_n god_n and_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n for_o which_o we_o pray_v or_o give_v thanks_o one_o and_o the_o same_o also_o only_o prayer_n stand_v before_o and_o praise_v after_o in_o the_o want_n we_o pray_v 41._o joh._n 11._o compare_v 38._o &_o 41._o in_o the_o enjoyment_n we_o praise_v yet_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v the_o one_o be_v more_o immortal_a than_o the_o other_o have_v god_n command_v rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n always_o and_o have_v he_o not_o say_v also_o pray_v ever_o more_o que._n but_o why_o then_o do_v petition_n die_v on_o earth_n while_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v alive_a and_o triumphant_a in_o heaven_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o answ_n petition_n and_o praise_n be_v two_o different_a branch_n of_o the_o same_o root_n which_o though_o contrary_a weather_n and_o season_n even_a summer_n of_o mercy_n the_o one_o a_o winter_n of_o want_n and_o misery_n the_o other_o make_v they_o flourish_v in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o live_v together_o in_o their_o root_n continual_o praise_n have_v its_o season_n and_o matter_n in_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o it_o flourish_v there_o its_o matter_n i_o mean_v not_o any_o internal_a part_n or_o cause_n of_o praise_n but_o that_o causa_fw-la sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la that_o occasion_n or_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o those_o heavenly_a enjoyment_n for_o which_o we_o praise_v or_o give_v thanks_o to_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o rather_o than_o petition_n have_v its_o work_n business_n employment_n and_o exercise_v there_o in_o heaven_n and_o
need_v not_o go_v beyond_o the_o material_a real_a gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o one_o allegorical_a if_o this_o be_v all_o you_o seek_v to_o wit_n a_o mystery_n what_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o deep_a and_o mystical_a which_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a count_v worthy_a their_o inquiry_n and_o diligent_a search_n and_o which_o the_o intelligent_a angel_n themselves_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o 1._o pet_n 1._o 10_o 11_o 12._o but_o in_o set_v myself_o for_o the_o defence_n or_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v so_o mighty_o strike_v at_o by_o this_o particular_a i_o shall_v bring_v some_o few_o argument_n for_o the_o subversion_n of_o this_o allegorical_a way_n of_o interpret_n the_o same_o first_o then_o since_o that_o the_o immediate_a end_n and_o undertake_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n both_o in_o his_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n together_o for_o both_o our_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o comfort_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v inform_v whether_o this_o way_n will_v lead_v we_o to_o a_o allegory_n in_o the_o former_a only_o or_o in_o the_o late_a also_o if_o in_o only_a one_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o other_o exemption_n but_o if_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o sanctification_n and_o comfort_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o justification_n than_o my_o request_n be_v what_o may_v be_v the_o allegory_n of_o sanctification_n and_o comfort_n what_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o we_o may_v be_v whole_o draw_v out_o of_o this_o way_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o those_o follow_a argument_n the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o the_o author_n the_o first_o and_o great_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n now_o we_o read_v heb._n 2._o 3._o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o preach_v by_o the_o lord_n himself_o moses_n indeed_o may_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o type_n and_o shadow_n but_o when_o moses_n antitype_n the_o prophet_n which_o the_o lord_n shall_v raise_v up_o 3_o act_v 3_o like_a unto_o moses_n he_o shall_v doubtless_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n and_o substance_n with_o he_o the_o son_n himself_o shall_v whatever_o the_o servant_n have_v do_v declare_v his_o father_n mind_n clear_o and_o plain_o according_a as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o assure_v you_o be_v my_o friend_n for_o all_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o my_o father_n i_o 15._o jo._n 15._o 15._o have_v make_v know_v unto_o you_o to_o which_o we_o may_v hear_v his_o disciple_n and_o friend_n echo_v back_o a_o answer_n loe_o now_o speak_v 27._o jo._n 16._o 27._o thou_o plain_o and_o no_o parable_n i_o no_o allegory_n for_o though_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o moses_n yet_o grace_n and_o truth_n come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n joh_n 1._o 17._o the_o second_o argument_n against_o this_o allegorical_a way_n of_o expound_v the_o gospel_n be_v take_v from_o the_o matter_n thereof_o the_o mediate_a sense_n and_o substance_n 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 allegorical_a pass_n for_o authentical_a there_o must_v needs_o be_v admit_v and_o that_o avoidable_a as_o several_a mind_n of_o god_n as_o there_o be_v various_a fancy_n and_o different_a apprehension_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n every_o one_o spirit_n will_v coin_v a_o new_a mystery_n divinity_n quot_fw-la homines_fw-la tot_fw-la sententiae_fw-la what_o division_n distraction_n confusion_n will_v follow_v hereupon_o we_o can_v hardly_o agree_v about_o the_o literal_a o_o how_o shall_v we_o then_o differ_v about_o this_o mysterious_a allegorical_a truth_n and_o gospel_n methinks_v and_o true_o i_o aver_v it_o with_o a_o mind_n unprejudiced_a there_o glide_v a_o perceivable_a though_o silent_a stream_n through_o every_o channel_n of_o this_o error_n into_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n it_o will_v have_v the_o scripture_n universal_o allegorical_a so_o will_v the_o papist_n and_o as_o the_o papist_n descend_v below_o scripture_n to_o unwritten_a tradition_n so_o this_o way_n ascend_v above_o the_o scripture_n into_o unwritten_a mystery_n the_o worst_a of_o the_o papist_n have_v say_v the_o gospel_n be_v write_v not_o to_o rule_v our_o faith_n but_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o it_o calling_z it_o a_o nose_n of_o wax_n a_o dumb_a judge_n etc._n etc._n and_o do_v not_o this_o way_n of_o allegorise_a scripture_n speak_v aloud_o all_o this_o and_o blush_v not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v fit_v to_o the_o time_n and_o variable_o understand_v the_o sense_n thereof_o be_v one_o while_o this_o and_o another_o while_n that_o according_a as_o it_o please_v the_o spirit_n to_o change_v its_o dictate_v as_o the_o papist_n according_a as_o the_o church_n be_v please_v to_o change_v her_o judgement_n that_o be_v all_o the_o difference_n and_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 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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
let_v a_o man_n of_o reason_n judge_n 3._o thing_n especial_o do_v make_v this_o difficulty_n more_o difficult_a this_o impossibility_n more_o impossible_a than_o the_o rest_n the_o first_o respect_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v its_o transcendent_a purity_n in_o comparison_n whereof_o all_o other_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v imagine_v even_o as_o body_n the_o second_o proceed_v from_o this_o and_o be_v the_o distance_n there_o be_v betwixt_o our_o capacity_n and_o nature_n and_o this_o infinite_a purity_n and_o the_o last_o be_v from_o the_o unconceivable_a subtlety_n of_o satan_n change_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n who_o in_o his_o very_a minister_n will_v deceive_v if_o possible_a the_o very_a elect_n and_o who_o minister_n themselves_o as_o our_o saviour_n warn_v can_v be_v discover_v but_o by_o their_o fruit_n and_o let_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o if_o the_o good_a spirit_n will_v persuade_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o itself_o without_o trial_n much_o more_o will_v the_o evil_a truth_n seek_v no_o corner_n but_o the_o deceiver_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n he_o hate_v the_o light_n because_o his_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o trial_n obj._n though_o natural_a man_n have_v no_o better_o no_o other_o faculty_n of_o discern_v than_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n yet_o we_o hope_v that_o the_o believer_n have_v a_o eye_n of_o faith_n wherewith_o he_o be_v able_a to_o see_v far_o above_o and_o beyond_o the_o gift_n and_o ability_n both_o of_o sense_n &_o reason_n answ_n and_o therefore_o he_o assure_o partake_v of_o such_o joy_n as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v ear_n have_v hear_v as_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n to_o conceive_v of_o i_o answer_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o another_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o know_v distinct_a from_o reason_n it_o be_v but_o a_o high_a and_o more_o noble_a act_n and_o excercise_n of_o reason_n be_v seat_v in_o and_o act_v by_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n 13._o soul_n altior_fw-la cognitio_fw-la de_fw-la deo_fw-la in_o hoc_fw-la vita_fw-la habetur_fw-la per_fw-la gratiam_fw-la quam_fw-la per_fw-la naturalem_fw-la rationem_fw-la ut_fw-la lumen_fw-la naturale_fw-la intellectus_fw-la confortatur_fw-la per_fw-la infusionem_fw-la luminis_fw-la gratuiti_fw-la par._n 1._o aquin_n sum_fw-la quis_fw-la 13._o art_n 13._o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o high_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n have_v by_o grace_n far_o above_o what_o be_v attain_v by_o natural_a reason_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o without_o but_o by_o the_o heighten_v and_o improve_n of_o natural_a reason_n grace_v not_o destoy_v but_o perfect_a nature_n be_v grace_n or_o the_o spirit_n the_o light_n yet_o certain_o reason_n be_v the_o eye_n of_o faith_n it_o i_o mean_a reason_n be_v lighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o only_o do_v discover_v the_o ground_n and_o receive_v and_o give_v we_o the_o encouragement_n of_o faith_n by_o faith_n the_o understanding_n be_v always_o ibid._n tide_n cognitio_fw-la quaedam_fw-la est_fw-la in_fw-la quantum_fw-la intellectus_fw-la determinatur_fw-la per_fw-la sidem_fw-la ad_fw-la aliquod_fw-la cognoscibile_fw-la ibid._n determinate_v to_o that_o that_o be_v knowable_a and_o what_o ever_o we_o believe_v be_v know_v and_o the_o cause_n why_o we_o believe_v it_o be_v also_o know_v by_o the_o understanding_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n as_o man_n be_v as_o he_o can_v believe_v he_o know_v not_o what_o so_o will_v he_o never_o believe_v and_o know_v not_o why_o i_o will_v have_v some_o ground_n if_o it_o may_v not_o be_v call_v a_o reason_n why_o i_o believe_v any_o thing_n though_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o understandable_a to_o carnal_a reason_n unsanctified_a nature_n yet_o reason_n enlighten_v nature_n change_v or_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n that_o sound_a mind_n renew_v spirit_n be_v full_o satisfy_v with_o and_o see_v reason_n enough_o to_o believe_v even_o in_o the_o will_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o err_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o error_n in_o their_o understanding_n not_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n both_o which_o to_o wit_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n have_v say_v and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o do_v lay_v a_o foundation_n sufficient_a for_o a_o man_n most_o wed_v to_o reason_n to_o believe_v upon_o and_o whatsoever_o we_o know_v by_o faith_n whether_o it_o be_v spirit_n or_o god_n himself_o we_o know_v by_o reason_n yea_o in_o our_o very_a knowledge_n of_o faith_n reason_n be_v and_o whole_o be_v execise_v faith_n bring_v a_o high_a but_o yet_o a_o regular_a knowledge_n faith_n give_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a knowledge_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o by_o ibid._n intellectus_fw-la noster_fw-la per_fw-la gratiam_fw-la fidei_fw-la deo_fw-la adhaeret_fw-la ibid._n mend_v and_o widen_v the_o conduit_n pipe_n reason_n not_o by_o forsake_v or_o overflow_a it_o for_o our_o understanding_n themselves_o adhere_v and_o cleave_v to_o god_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n obj._n 2_o but_o by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v spiritualise_v and_o as_o the_o scripture_n call_v we_o we_o be_v spiritual_a man_n this_o principle_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v far_o above_o sense_n or_o reason_n this_o anoint_v can_v teach_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o spirit_n a_o more_o excellent_a way_n then_o by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n about_o their_o effect_n can_v it_o not_o think_v you_o answ_n i_o answer_v it_o do_v not_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n darken_v or_o eclipse_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o finger_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o put_v out_o but_o snuff_v this_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o man_n or_o rather_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n or_o the_o reasonable_a faculty_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o very_a candle_n that_o receive_v hold_v out_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o eye_n or_o organ_n that_o use_v it_o and_o see_v with_o it_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o his_o come_n as_o the_o sun_n to_o bring_v we_o light_n wherein_o we_o may_v see_v and_o so_o show_v object_n to_o we_o even_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n to_o see_v but_o we_o see_v they_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n therefore_o it_o give_v we_o to_o know_v it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o it_o know_v in_o we_o but_o it_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 and_o as_o we_o see_v the_o sun_n in_o by_z &_o through_o its_o own_o light_n yet_o with_o our_o eye_n videlicet_fw-la of_o sense_n so_o we_o see_v the_o spirit_n only_o in_o its_o own_o light_n &_o yet_o without_o our_o eye_n to_o wit_n of_o reason_n the_o spirit_n be_v so_o far_o from_o hurt_v or_o shut_v up_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o reason_n that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o agree_v and_o shine_v together_o but_o the_o spirit_n in_o his_o name_n ab_fw-la effectu_fw-la be_v call_v 7._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 7._o not_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n but_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n who_o office_n be_v answerable_a he_o be_v send_v to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n &_o revelation_n be_v give_v 18._o ephes_n 1._o 17_o 18._o through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n on_o purpose_n to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o that_o to_o this_o very_a end_n now_o in_o controversy_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n and_o what_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glorious_a inheritance_n in_o the_o saint_n but_o we_o may_v further_o demonstrate_v the_o argue_v three_o way_n of_o argue_v same_o by_o the_o argument_n following_n which_o be_v take_v from_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n to_o a_o state_n of_o imperfection_n and_o thus_o first_o from_o the_o perfection_n behind_o we_o and_o afterward_o from_o the_o perfection_n before_o we_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n and_o perfect_a recovery_n now_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o man_n in_o neither_o of_o these_o two_o condition_n wherein_o he_o have_v the_o most_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v or_o shall_v attain_v to_o the_o discern_a and_o knowledge_n of_o spirit_n immediate_o i_o without_o the_o use_n and_o help_v of_o their_o effect_n i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o the_o imperfect_a condition_n of_o this_o life_n that_o now_o be_v while_o we_o enjoy_v but_o a_o small_a nothing_o of_o the_o spirit_n in_o comparison_n here_o shall_v not_o 1._o but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n more_o certain_a then_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o its_o state_n of_o innocency_n do_v not_o see_v spirit_n per_fw-la essentiam_fw-la but_o per_fw-la effectum_fw-la which_o i_o shall_v brief_o open_v first_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n
we_o may_v take_v comfort_n to_o ourselves_o against_o both_o our_o present_a and_o future_a end_n from_o former_a experience_n these_o markable_a scripture_n follow_v especial_o be_v large_o open_v in_o this_o treatise_n according_o as_o the_o margin_n point_v to_o rom._n 8._o 16._o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 16._o wherefore_o henceforth_o know_v we_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n yea_o though_o we_o have_v know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o now_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o no_o more_o isa_n 8._o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o 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 for_o there_o be_v many_o false_a prophet_n go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophesy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o day_n star_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n rev._n 21._o 22._o 23._o and_o i_o see_v no_o temple_n therein_o for_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a and_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o temple_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n heb._n 8._o 11._o and_o they_o shall_v not_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o all_o shall_v know_v i_o from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o a_o table_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n contain_v in_o this_o follow_a treatise_n chap._n 1._o of_o its_o definition_n fol._n 1._o chap._n 2._o of_o the_o ground_n or_o rise_v of_o this_o opinion_n in_o general_n fol._n 5._o chap._n 3._o of_o qualification_n f._n 15._o chap._n 4._o of_o the_o immediate_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n f._n 55._o chap._n 5._o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n or_o in_o his_o mediatorship_n f._n 68_o chap._n 6._o of_o the_o allegorical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n f._n 91._o chap._n 7._o of_o believe_v those_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o convince_v of_o by_o the_o spirit_n f._n 104._o chap._n 8._o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 115._o chap._n 9_o of_o the_o word_n as_o judge_v of_o spirit_n f._n 133._o chap._n 10._o of_o the_o word_n as_o profitable_a for_o instruction_n f._n 154._o chap._n 11._o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o profitable_a in_o its_o command_n for_o obedience_n f._n 161._o chap._n 12._o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o useful_a in_o their_o promise_n for_o comfort_n f._n 179._o chap._n 13._o of_o the_o gospel_n communion_n of_o saint_n or_o church_n fellowship_n f._n 192_o chap._n 14._o of_o gospel_n ordinance_n in_o general_a f._n 186_o chap._n 15._o of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n f._n 205._o chap._n 16._o of_o prayer_n f._n 233._o chap._n 17._o of_o experience_n f._n 252._o chap._n 18._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 f._n 263._o a_o farewell_n to_o the_o reader_n f._n 309._o the_o general_n consideration_n of_o the_o error_n chap._n i._o of_o its_o definition_n in_o general_n it_o be_v a_o pretence_n unto_o the_o immediate_a enjoyment_n of_o definition_n definition_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o alone_o the_o only_a all-sufficient_a mean_n to_o the_o soul_n even_o for_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n especial_o for_o evidence_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o pretence_n viz._n as_o oppose_v to_o that_o that_o be_v true_a and_o real_a or_o so_o indeed_o 2._o the_o fallacy_n and_o formality_n of_o the_o error_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o word_n immediate_a as_o alone_o mean_n as_o they_o have_v their_o place_n and_o sense_n in_o this_o definition_n 1._o immediate_a that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o opposition_n to_o distance_n of_o place_n but_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o enjoy_v but_o this_o word_n immediate_n will_v be_v better_o clear_v if_o we_o will_v join_v it_o with_o the_o second_o term_n of_o fallacy_n mention_v as_o alone_o 2._o as_o alone_o without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n whatever_o subordinate_a thereunto_o thus_o whatsoever_o we_o can_v call_v religious_a help_n gospel_n mean_n though_o own_a and_o ordain_v by_o god_n himself_o be_v plain_o exclude_v this_o their_o canaan_n as_o imperfect_a or_o a_o very_a needless_a thing_n and_o all_o use_n thereof_o flat_o condemn_v as_o a_o live_n and_o rest_v below_o god_n and_o treatise_n of_o false_a rest_n which_o be_v whole_o use_v in_o this_o treatise_n therefore_o oftentimes_o compare_v in_o his_o book_n to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n rest_v in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o a_o word_n it_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o sun_n and_o hold_v the_o beam_n in_o contempt_n tread_v under_o foot_n it_o be_v in_o a_o everlasting_a light_n and_o have_v cast_v a_o veil_n of_o darkness_n upon_o these_o thing_n below_o it_o viz._n ordinance_n grace_n scripture_n experience_n and_o not_o only_o upon_o those_o mean_n but_o upon_o christ_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n himself_o these_o be_v form_n type_n shadow_n while_o it_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o power_n truth_n substance_n god_n its_o glorious_a heaven_n 3._o mean_n it_o be_v not_o say_v efficient_a '_o nor_o yet_o end_v i_o advise_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o both_o those_o 1._o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o as_o alone_o the_o only_a all-sufficient_a efficient_a of_o all_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o creature_n here_o we_o dissent_v not_o but_o subscribe_v with_o both_o hand_n to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n 2._o neither_o be_v the_o question_n here_o whether_o god_n as_o alone_o be_v the_o only_a all-sufficient_a end_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o we_o agree_v for_o god_n be_v our_o portion_n for_o ever_o nothing_o below_o god_n nothing_o but_o god_n be_v the_o rest_n of_o soul_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o sound_n of_o this_o most_o frequent_a term_n namely_o rest_v be_v so_o equivocal_a and_o dubious_a that_o the_o weak_a reader_n have_v in_o a_o most_o especial_a manner_n need_v to_o retain_v this_o item_n that_o we_o controvert_v not_o about_o the_o final_a rest_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o the_o mean_n thereof_o not_o about_o our_o objective_n but_o our_o evidentiall_a rest_n 3._o therefore_o the_o spirit_n here_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o mean_n or_o as_o the_o supply_n of_o all_o mean_n to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v confess_v we_o can_v call_v the_o spirit_n mean_v but_o in_o a_o unusual_a and_o improper_a sense_n yet_o we_o can_v no_o way_n better_o if_o any_o way_n otherwise_o express_v their_o sense_n who_o prefer_v i_o be_o sure_a and_o recommend_v their_o spirit_n in_o stead_n both_o of_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n also_o 3._o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n it_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n both_o of_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n but_o especial_o of_o comfort_n all_o our_o usual_a and_o most_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o grace_n god_n love_n and_o favour_n to_o and_o presence_n in_o we_o these_o especial_o be_v most_o suspicious_a and_o forcible_o beat_v back_o with_o a_o high_a &_o zealous_a arm_n out_o of_o this_o their_o rest_n this_o error_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o christ_n in_o we_o have_v this_o prerogative_n to_o be_v immediate_o i._n e._n without_o and_o above_o the_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n both_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n grace_n and_o comfort_n even_o all_o in_o all_o unto_o its_o subject_n it_o pretend_v to_o the_o immediate_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o alone_o the_o only_a all-sufficient_a mean_n to_o the_o soul_n even_o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n etc._n etc._n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o ground_n or_o rise_v of_o this_o opinion_n in_o general_n we_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n that_o afford_v most_o occasion_n and_o help_v to_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o this_o fond_a conceit_n into_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o among_o many_o other_o perhaps_o we_o have_v think_v upon_o these_o follow_v the_o first_o may_v be_v either_o a_o conceit_a or_o perceive_v abuse_n of_o the_o usual_a gospel_n mean_n and_o help_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o other_o sad_a experience_n witness_v that_o this_o do_v too_o too_o often_o create_v in_o many_o a_o most_o zealous_a prejudice_n against_o the_o very_a use_n of_o lawful_a thing_n such_o be_v the_o vulgar_a unstayed_a rashness_n it_o put_v too_o a_o inconsiderate_a violent_a hand_n
in_o the_o sense_n we_o speak_v of_o may_v not_o always_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o the_o word_n true_a or_o false_a may_v be_v ambiguous_a for_o 1._o qualification_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a 1._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o principle_n as_o effect_n 2._o with_o relation_n to_o their_o end_n as_o mean_n because_o 3._o they_o may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a with_o regard_n to_o our_o knowledge_n now_o according_a to_o the_o first_o interpretation_n gracious_a quality_n can_v be_v false_a and_o therefore_o not_o either_o true_a or_o false_a for_o they_o be_v true_a effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o that_o be_v his_o sense_n his_o argument_n be_v guilty_a of_o contradictory_n quality_n he_o before_o have_v frequent_o grant_v they_o all_o to_o be_v true_o wrought_v by_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o still_o deny_v they_o as_o to_o be_v evidence_n of_o the_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n page_n 22._o line_n 22._o page_n 21._o line_n 14._o but_o if_o we_o conceive_v true_a or_o false_a in_o the_o late_a construction_n namely_o by_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o they_o may_v be_v false_a mean_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o end_n viz._n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o as_o i_o have_v already_o so_o hereafter_o in_o their_o place_n shall_v more_o clear_o free_v they_o from_o this_o roman_a scruple_n from_o be_v false_a i._n e._n fallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n object_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o wicked_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n have_v the_o same_o qualification_n it_o be_v a_o needless_a thing_n for_o answ_n such_o man_n have_v the_o spirit_n as_o much_o and_o more_o true_o than_o grace_n as_o it_o work_v upon_o such_o man_n heart_n with_o its_o common_a effect_n and_o motion_n if_o this_o then_o hinder_v our_o infallible_a judgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n how_o will_v you_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o spirit_n object_n it_o be_v as_o little_a worth_n to_o affirm_v that_o hypocrite_n may_v think_v their_o grace_n to_o be_v true_a as_o well_o as_o the_o godly_a for_o answ_n truth_n be_v seat_v in_o the_o understanding_n have_v its_o answerable_a light_n and_o it_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o godly_a man_n assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o grace_n because_o wicked_a man_n flatter_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o fall_v opinion_n of_o they_o not_o so_o because_o the_o madman_n think_v he_o be_v a_o sober_a man_n can_v the_o man_n that_o be_v sober_a indeed_o be_v assure_v thereof_o the_o child_n account_v his_o counter_a gold_n and_o so_o be_v mistake_v therefore_o can_v the_o father_n know_v his_o gold_n to_o be_v gold_n man_n in_o the_o dark_a may_v err_v and_o no_o wonder_n but_o the_o candle_n of_o david_n be_v enlighten_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o light_n within_o they_o a_o light_n that_o manifest_v evil_a from_o good_a truth_n from_o error_n even_o that_o anoint_v that_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n but_o to_o conclude_v a_o wicked_a man_n may_v as_o well_o and_o more_o easy_o mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n of_o his_o spirit_n if_o judge_v thereof_o and_o not_o by_o its_o effect_n then_o of_o his_o grace_n this_o be_v more_o visible_a descernable_a as_o corporal_a the_o other_o more_o subtle_a and_o indescernable_a as_o spiritual_a the_o four_o and_o last_o argument_n object_n the_o last_o objection_n against_o qualification_n lie_v in_o experience_n the_o abettor_n of_o this_o way_n have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o such_o evidence_n as_o these_o be_v as_o a_o rot_a wall_n to_o those_o that_o trust_v and_o lean_a thereon_o answ_n it_o be_v most_o clear_a they_o lean_v too_o much_o upon_o their_o own_o fancied_a experience_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o put_v their_o experience_n in_o one_o scale_n and_o the_o many_o thousand_o counter_a experience_n of_o holy_a man_n of_o all_o age_n that_o have_v abundant_o testify_v for_o such_o qualification_n as_o bear_v invincible_a truth_n of_o evidence_n in_o the_o other_o scale_n leave_v they_o to_o be_v poise_v by_o indifferent_a judgement_n yea_o be_v not_o many_o experience_n of_o this_o very_a kind_n leave_v record_v in_o scripture_n on_o purpose_n for_o our_o clear_a instruction_n and_o strong_a consolation_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o old_a but_o new_a testament_n also_o even_o of_o such_o as_o have_v attain_v gospel_n perfection_n our_o pattern_n christ_n jesus_n take_v great_a boldness_n to_o himself_o in_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n that_o he_o have_v glorify_v his_o father_n name_n and_o if_o you_o ask_v holy_a paul_n advice_n and_o experience_n in_o this_o kind_n you_o may_v hear_v his_o answer_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v even_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o than_o we_o may_v affirm_v what_o this_o error_n deny_v that_o qualification_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v good_a and_o sure_a evidence_n of_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n argument_n to_o prove_v the_o affirmative_a that_o qualification_n may_v be_v use_v as_o evidence_n have_v pull_v down_o and_o lay_v error_n desolate_a we_o shall_v now_o attempt_v to_o build_v up_o truth_n and_o render_v it_o strong_a and_o glorious_a upon_o the_o ground_n follow_v arg._n 1_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o that_o of_o s._n peter_n 2_o ephes_n 1._o 10._o where_o the_o apostle_n do_v exhort_v we_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a now_o how_o shall_v we_o make_v our_o election_n sure_a but_o by_o our_o call_v for_o we_o be_v call_v according_a to_o his_o purpose_n rom._n 8._o 28._o and_o how_o shall_v we_o make_v 5._o verse_n 5._o our_o call_v sure_a but_o by_o the_o work_n of_o call_v and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o but_o by_o add_v unto_o faith_n virtue_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v do_v you_o fear_v your_o fall_n away_o be_v this_o your_o desire_n to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a this_o be_v the_o way_n add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v etc._n etc._n arg._n 2_o you_o must_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o reason_n who_o god_n have_v join_v together_o let_v no_o man_n put_v asunder_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o our_o reason_n these_o two_o make_v up_o a_o true_o enlighten_v and_o reform_v judgement_n a_o sound_a mind_n then_o 1._o while_o the_o scripture_n have_v plain_o lay_v down_o this_o proposition_n he_o that_o beleive_v shall_v be_v save_v if_o i_o can_v assume_v i_o believe_v why_o may_v not_o blood_n be_v my_o witness_n and_o my_o faith_n a_o bless_a evidence_n of_o salvation_n to_o i_o 2._o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n witness_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o be_v apt_a to_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o believe_v when_o our_o faith_n be_v dead_a do_v not_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o of_o scripture_n command_n examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n but_o how_o therefore_o 3._o while_o the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n purify_v the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o thus_o afford_v a_o rule_n for_o trial_n so_o by_o measure_v ourselves_o by_o this_o rule_n if_o we_o can_v true_o find_v that_o we_o be_v such_o as_o love_n god_n christ_n our_o brethren_n our_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o our_o heart_n be_v 3._o 1_o joh._n 2._o 3._o cap._n 3._o 19_o 21._o ver._n 14._o cap._n 2._o 3._o purify_n in_o the_o refiner_n fire_n do_v it_o not_o encourage_v yea_o command_v to_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v etc._n etc._n and_o to_o strengthen_v in_o our_o soul_n that_o bless_a hope_n while_o we_o purify_v ourselves_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o so_o for_o any_o other_o true_a grace_n i_o close_o up_o this_o with_o that_o invincible_a scripture_n that_o have_v already_o be_v hint_v and_o if_o true_o weigh_v may_v end_v this_o controversy_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o even_o your_o own_o self_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o unless_o you_o be_v reprobate_n i._n e._n unapprove_v whence_o 1._o the_o ordinary_a rule_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n of_o which_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o professor_n to_o be_v ignorant_a be_v the_o be_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o soul_n 2._o the_o ordinary_a way_n for_o professor_n to_o find_v
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
have_v most_o plain_o make_v it_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n i_o suppose_v christ_n will_n and_o way_n be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o effect_n in_o give_v we_o assurance_n of_o his_o favour_n or_o presence_n we_o must_v as_o well_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v our_o lord_n as_o challenge_v he_o to_o be_v our_o husband_n as_o his_o way_n be_v best_a in_o it_o self_n so_o let_v it_o seem_v to_o we_o for_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o reply_v against_o god_n what_o be_v this_o less_o than_o a_o resistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o carnal_a reason_n and_o our_o vain_a imagination_n while_o we_o pretend_v and_o plead_v for_o he_o yet_o further_o consider_v and_o whether_o of_o the_o two_o give_v most_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o wife_n or_o best_a assurance_n of_o her_o husband_n love_n the_o expression_n thereof_o by_o mouth_n and_o word_n or_o its_o signal_n testimony_n by_o life_n and_o action_n judge_v you_o moreover_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o so_o proper_o our_o husband_n here_o while_o we_o be_v but_o espouse_v or_o betroth_v to_o he_o there_o be_v a_o day_n appoint_v which_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v for_o the_o marriage_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o if_o we_o may_v speak_v humano_fw-la more_fw-it or_o after_o the_o manner_n and_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n for_o a_o lover_n to_o assure_v his_o belove_a of_o his_o heart_n affection_n by_o the_o special_a motion_n and_o effect_n thereof_o be_v not_o more_o strange_a than_o common_a especial_o if_o we_o commend_v this_o course_n and_o practice_n by_o these_o three_o considerable_a ingredient_n 1._o our_o belove_a be_v at_o a_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o absent_v from_o we_o second_o there_o be_v other_o plead_v interest_n in_o he_o and_o such_o as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o we_o last_o we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o delude_v ourselves_o and_o to_o be_v delude_v in_o this_o case_n affection_n be_v blind_a and_o our_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a and_o that_o above_o measure_n but_o last_o be_v it_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o to_o be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a way_n among_o creature_n of_o one_o nature_n and_o language_n to_o make_v their_o love_n know_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n whil_n this_o bear_v analogy_n to_o christ_n &_o the_o soul_n there_o be_v i_o conceive_v much_o difference_n for_o as_o a_o man_n and_o one_o that_o know_v but_o in_o part_n according_a to_o my_o measure_n i_o must_v thus_o yet_o humble_o judge_n that_o christ_n i_o mean_v not_o with_o regard_n to_o his_o power_n as_o absolute_a but_o as_o limit_v by_o his_o reveal_v will_v in_o condescension_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o shallow_a capacity_n christ_n can_v acquaint_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o such_o a_o immediate_a way_n and_o manner_n as_o be_v now_o discourse_v and_o first_o not_o in_o his_o person_n by_o reason_n of_o distance_n of_o place_n second_o not_o in_o his_o spirit_n because_o of_o distance_n in_o nature_n to_o i_o and_o yet_o i_o humble_o submit_v to_o high_a apprehension_n yet_o to_o i_o this_o seem_v defend_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o sound_n and_o upright_a reason_n the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o spirit_n be_v of_o too_o subtle_a and_o spiritual_a a_o nature_n to_o fall_v under_o or_o any_o way_n to_o bediscern_v by_o such_o gross_a 18._o this_o be_v large_o discuss_v in_o chap._n 18._o and_o carnal_a creature_n as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o by_o and_o through_o a_o medium_n i_o mean_v its_o effect_n be_v any_o thing_n that_o come_v under_o the_o name_n of_o spirit_n immediate_o or_o in_o itself_o decernable_a to_o we_o let_v we_o bethink_v ourselves_o with_o what_o eye_n do_v we_o see_v spirit_n be_v it_o not_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n which_o always_o judge_v of_o their_o presence_n by_o effect_n can_v the_o wise_a man_n tell_v i_o what_o man_n or_o beast_n or_o tree_n be_v alive_a have_v its_o formal_a spirit_n in_o it_o but_o by_o the_o effect_n or_o motion_n of_o it_o now_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v that_o pure_a spirit_n infinite_o far_o more_o pure_a spirit_n the_o very_a name_n of_o spirit_n be_v gross_a and_o carnal_a with_o respect_n thereto_o how_o shall_v we_o then_o judge_v of_o that_o immediate_o a_o man_n need_v not_o indeed_o to_o argue_v his_o life_n to_o himself_o by_o its_o motion_n etc._n etc._n for_o he_o know_v he_o be_v alive_a by_o the_o first_o light_n and_o instinct_n of_o nature_n in_o himself_o so_o will_v we_o conceive_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n do_v proper_o inform_v we_o and_o be_v part_n of_o our_o essence_n we_o may_v know_v it_o to_o be_v in_o we_o in_o a_o way_n more_o immediate_a but_o this_o be_v the_o gross_a absurdity_n imaginable_a till_o then_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o reform_a reason_n and_o hear_v our_o saviour_n speak_v his_o love_n by_o his_o action_n and_o reveal_v his_o presence_n by_o his_o effect_n who_o spirit_n be_v therefore_o compare_v to_o wind_n by_o his_o word_n that_o blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o no_o man_n know_v whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whither_o it_o go_v who_o presence_n be_v knowable_a only_o by_o its_o effect_n upon_o we_o even_o so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v only_o perceivable_a by_o we_o as_o it_o make_v a_o disturbance_n in_o the_o natural_a man_n as_o it_o breathe_v into_o we_o spiritual_a life_n as_o it_o sweet_o blow_v upon_o the_o spice_n grace_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o move_v we_o daily_o forward_o towards_o the_o bless_a haven_n heaven_n such_o gracious_a effect_n and_o operation_n in_o we_o the_o truth_n confirm_v but_o so_o much_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o weaken_n of_o the_o error_n now_o a_o few_o thing_n may_v be_v add_v for_o the_o further_o clear_v of_o the_o contrary_a truth_n namely_o that_o though_o the_o spirit_n do_v only_o yet_o do_v it_o not_o alone_o at_o least_o ordinary_o much_o less_o of_o necessity_n evidence_n itself_o or_o testify_v our_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v witness_n on_o earth_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o water_n and_o the_o blood_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 8._o and_o these_o three_o agree_v in_o one_o i._n e._n in_o one_o end_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n verse_n 10._o with_o our_o right_n and_o interest_n in_o eternal_a life_n verse_n 11._o and_o as_o they_o agree_v in_o their_o end_n so_o in_o themselves_o as_o the_o mean_n or_o testimony_n the_o spirit_n do_v witness_n to_o the_o pureness_n of_o the_o water_n the_o truth_n of_o our_o sanctification_n and_o in_o the_o water_n we_o see_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o blood_n for_o our_o regeneration_n generatio_fw-la fit_a per_fw-la sanguinem_fw-la per_fw-la aquam_fw-la ablutio_fw-la indeed_o the_o spirit_n do_v witness_v eminent_o zanch._n zanch._n and_o efficient_o but_o water_n and_o blood_n material_o and_o our_o spirit_n and_o reason_n instrumental_o so_o the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n through_z or_o by_o our_o grace_n and_o qualification_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8._o 16._o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v derive_v into_o we_o through_o the_o sacred_a ordinance_n so_o be_v it_o discover_v in_o we_o by_o its_o holy_a effect_n therefore_o be_v it_o thus_o plain_o say_v to_o witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o 8._o of_o the_o roman_n which_o chapter_n read_v with_o impartial_a and_o due_a observation_n it_o be_v so_o abundant_o full_a for_o the_o present_a purpose_n be_v doubtless_o sufficient_a to_o end_v the_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o the_o case_n resolve_v there_o seem_v very_o near_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n viz._n how_o we_o shall_v know_v whether_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o life_n or_o death_n verse_n 13._o the_o efficient_a be_v god_n spirit_n the_o instrument_n we_o verse_n 16._o and_o the_o medium_fw-la or_o matter_n of_o the_o argument_n viz._n the_o rule_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o case_n such_o as_o follow_v if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v well_o but_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v live_v verse_n 9_o 10._o the_o second_o argument_n in_o order_n hereunto_o be_v our_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n if_o we_o do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v through_o the_o spirit_n we_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o if_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n we_o live_v therefore_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o life_n and_o as_o it_o make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o consequent_o death_n v._o 2._o this_o argument_n be_v express_o contain_v v._o 9_o now_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o
be_v none_o of_o he_o but_o this_o seem_v to_o infer_v another_o argument_n as_o subordinate_a to_o the_o main_a conclusion_n take_v from_o the_o spirit_n not_o only_o as_o a_o cause_n but_o as_o a_o necessary_a effect_n consequent_a sign_n adjunct_n or_o companion_n of_o christ_n interest_n in_o we_o or_o relation_n to_o we_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n be_v none_o of_o christ_n but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o then_o be_v he_o his_o disciple_n his_o member_n his_o brother_n etc._n etc._n now_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n by_o sanctification_n for_o if_o the_o spirit_n that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o you_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v also_o quicken_v your_o mortal_a body_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 9_o &_o 11._o and_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o christ_n have_v relation_n or_o interest_n in_o we_o by_o that_o inseparable_a consequent_a or_o adjunct_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o last_o and_o that_o that_o bring_v the_o conclusion_n &_o argument_n together_o be_v a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o high_a and_o choice_a effect_n of_o the_o father_n love_n and_o our_o saviour_n office_n the_o principal_a cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n viz._n our_o sonship_n vers_fw-la 14._o for_o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o we_o may_v interpose_v between_o the_o term_n of_o this_o truth_n christ_n interest_n in_o we_o then_o thus_o those_o that_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o and_o those_o that_o be_v christ_n i._n his_o member_n brethren_n be_v by_o adoption_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o then_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a that_o if_o son_n than_o heir_n coheir_n with_o christ_n vers_fw-la 17._o and_o be_v for_o resolution_n of_o the_o case_n propound_v in_o a_o state_n of_o life_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n spirit_n according_a to_o god_n word_n examine_v his_o condition_n do_v either_o acquit_v or_o condemn_v if_o this_o speak_v peace_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o a_o heir_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o testimony_n and_o answer_n of_o a_o man_n own_o spirit_n but_o to_o make_v this_o our_o testimony_n clear_a and_o demonstrative_a sure_a and_o infallible_a the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n not_o only_o together_o with_o as_o two_o diverse_a witness_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n but_o with_o i_o nor_o yet_o only_o with_o the_o qualification_n of_o our_o spirit_n the_o matter_n of_o evidence_n water_n and_o blood_n but_o last_o and_o especial_o with_o i_o with_o our_o spirit_n as_o subordinate_a in_o the_o work_n through_z by_z so_o with_o make_v use_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o spirit_n seal_v and_o clear_v our_o rational_a evidence_n with_o the_o truth_n and_o light_n of_o he_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n nothing_o can_v indeed_o persuade_v we_o of_o our_o sonship_n to_o god_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n yet_o the_o spirit_n persuade_v we_o as_o rational_a creature_n viz._n as_o we_o have_v hear_v by_o enable_v we_o to_o reason_v our_o relation_n to_o god_n by_o christ_n relation_n and_o interest_n in_o we_o and_o that_o by_o the_o have_v of_o his_o spirit_n and_o that_o by_o its_o holy_a effect_n of_o mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o spiritual_a life_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o close_o as_o we_o begin_v that_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o spirit_n you_o shall_v live_v therefore_o examine_v yourselves_o know_v you_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o not_o even_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n and_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o witness_n in_o yourselves_o with_o the_o contest_v of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o your_o adoption_n to_o god_n 9_o col._n 1._o 9_o and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n also_o godly_a reader_n since_o the_o day_n you_o hear_v of_o i_o do_v not_o i_o beseech_v thou_o cease_v to_o pray_v that_o with_o respect_n both_o to_o one_o and_o the_o other_o i_o may_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n and_o finish_v my_o course_n that_o henceforth_o i_o may_v be_v comfortable_o assure_v with_o holy_a paul_n that_o there_o be_v lay_v 8._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 8._o up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n etc._n etc._n chap._n v._o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n or_o in_o his_o mediatorship_n before_o we_o have_v reconcile_v the_o spirit_n and_o its_o effect_n our_o gracious_a quality_n infuse_v by_o it_o but_o this_o follow_a chapter_n will_v engage_v we_o to_o atone_v the_o same_o spirit_n on_o its_o cause_n behalf_n the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o i_o may_v call_v without_o offence_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o spirit_n both_o with_o regard_n to_o its_o person_n and_o office_n first_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o derivation_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o joint_a breath_n and_o issue_n both_o of_o the_o father_n and_o son_n second_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n first_o by_o merit_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 2._o second_o by_o mission_n joh._n 14_o 15_o 16._o cap._n therefore_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o gospel_n so_o peculiar_o style_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n yet_o this_o their_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o they_o so_o call_v how_o ungrateful_o wicked_a do_v even_o stab_v at_o christ_n himself_o with_o these_o two_o erroneous_a point_n namely_o 1._o that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o form_n type_n or_o shadow_n only_o or_o a_o bare_a representation_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o his_o come_n as_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o law_n be_v before_o of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n see_v false_a rest_v in_o pag._n 103_o 104._o 2._o that_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o object_n or_o medium_fw-la of_o faith_n i_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o our_o mediator_n and_o saviour_n see_v the_o fifteen_o false_a rest_n the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o seeker_n own_o but_o the_o last_o be_v the_o very_a dregs_o of_o socinianism_n which_o affirm_v that_o christ_n come_v not_o among_o man_n to_o procure_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n but_o to_o be_v a_o object_n of_o imitation_n to_o man_n no_o wonder_n we_o have_v have_v boisterous_a time_n of_o late_a while_o such_o devil_n such_o error_n as_o these_o have_v be_v conjure_v up_o yet_o how_o great_a a_o wonder_n it_o be_v that_o such_o grossness_n of_o darkness_n shall_v call_v itself_o light_a and_o that_o to_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n itself_o in_o this_o our_o day_n of_o gospel_n when_o knowledge_n abound_v among_o we_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o so_o far_o question_v my_o salvation_n as_o to_o receive_v my_o saviour_n into_o doubtful_a dispute_n yea_o doubtless_o the_o mention_n of_o such_o error_n as_o these_o be_v sufficient_a confutation_n and_o confusion_n of_o they_o also_o in_o all_o humble_a ear_n and_o godly_a judgement_n yet_o though_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o reason_n that_o will_v entertain_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o there_o be_v one_o notable_a scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o some_o eye_n to_o cast_v a_o very_a favourable_a glance_n and_o countenance_n to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o error_n viz._n that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o type_n of_o the_o spirit_n a_o dispensation_n error_n error_n and_o form_n that_o be_v ruin_v or_o dissolve_v by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o scripture_n it_o scripture_n countenance_v it_o be_v the_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 16._o yea_o though_o we_o have_v know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o so_o no_o more_o to_o make_v this_o scripture_n pass_v for_o they_o the_o abettor_n of_o this_o error_n have_v stamp_v upon_o it_o this_o interpretation_n viz._n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o person_n a_o fleshly_a dispensation_n which_o paul_n have_v former_o be_v under_o but_o since_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o dispensation_n of_o christ_n person_n it_o chief_o mean_v the_o office_n of_o his_o preisthood_n be_v dissolve_v be_v dissolve_v to_o paul_n though_o i_o have_v know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n and_o
have_v have_v communion_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o death_n suffer_v satisfaction_n for_o my_o peace_n righteousness_n justification_n yet_o now_o i_o have_v a_o more_o immediate_a way_n to_o god_n to_o wit_n by_o in_o through_o the_o spirit_n without_o christ_n mediation_n in_o his_o person_n therefore_o henceforth_o know_v i_o christ_n so_o no_o more_o thus_o be_v both_o these_o error_n become_v one_o and_o one_o answer_n may_v serve_v for_o both_o answ_n o_o paul_n might_n it_o be_v retort_v now_o see_v your_o inconsiderate_a rashness_n where_o be_v that_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o your_o former_a prosopopeia_fw-la prosopopeia_fw-la vain_n it_o seem_v though_o so_o deep_o resolve_v determination_n do_v you_o not_o remember_v yourself_o good_a paul_n how_o in_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 2._o how_o solemn_o you_o determine_v there_o to_o know_v nothing_o else_o but_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v etc._n etc._n but_o let_v we_o reserve_v one_o ear_n unprejudiced_a to_o hear_v paul_n answer_n me_n think_v i_o hear_v he_o apologise_v after_o this_o manner_n alas_o poor_a ignorant_a wretch_n how_o apt_a to_o mistake_v weak_a and_o unadvised_a babe_n how_o easy_o seduce_v and_o overthrow_v ah_o foolish_a people_n who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o do_v you_o make_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a as_o a_o saviour_n and_o mediator_n how_o unworthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o trust_n as_o be_v commit_v unto_o i_o in_o my_o great_a apostleship_n shall_v i_o open_o proclaim_v myself_o to_o god_n the_o holy_a angel_n and_o man_n shall_v i_o thus_o as_o you_o will_v charge_v i_o base_o deny_v my_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o cowardly_o withdraw_v my_o neck_n from_o his_o cross_n shall_v i_o be_v but_o as_o unstable_a in_o my_o word_n resolution_n as_o you_o silly_a sceptic_n be_v fickle_a in_o opinion_n i_o shall_v judge_v myself_o utter_o unworthy_a of_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o you_o may_v be_v resolve_v that_o which_o may_v have_v prevent_v such_o unworthy_a uncharitable_a a_o censure_n of_o i_o and_o so_o fond_a a_o delusion_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n that_o intend_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o deny_v and_o die_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o person_n or_o office_n of_o mediatorship_n will_v you_o read_v and_o understand_v the_o verse_n but_o one_o immediate_o follow_v the_o text_n abuse_v where_o i_o have_v leave_v my_o acknowledgement_n and_o plain_a profession_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o mediator_n of_o reconciliation_n as_o a_o witness_n for_o i_o expound_v the_o same_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n conclude_v all_o out_o of_o controversy_n with_o this_o undeniable_a that_o christ_n be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o do_v i_o in_o my_o former_a avouchment_v give_v you_o any_o allowance_n for_o such_o a_o mistake_n misinterpretation_n yet_o will_v you_o read_v on_o you_o shall_v therein_o be_v prevent_v before_o you_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o fasten_v such_o a_o foolish_a conceit_n in_o your_o misunderstanding_n but_o take_v my_o reproof_n as_o precious_a balm_n and_o henceforth_o i_o charge_v and_o beseech_v you_o to_o tremble_v with_o fear_n of_o ground_v a_o opinion_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n upon_o one_o single_a verse_n and_o expression_n without_o a_o answerable_a due_a and_o sufficient_o serious_a consider_v the_o context_n and_o circumstance_n but_o let_v we_o reason_n the_o case_n a_o little_a further_o and_o be_v there_o not_o light_a enough_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n at_o least_o if_o not_o full_o to_o clear_v paul_n truth_n to_o convict_v this_o erroneous_a mistake_n henceforth_o say_v he_o know_v we_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n yea_o though_o we_o have_v know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n now_o can_v any_o man_n think_v can_v any_o that_o have_v but_o half_a the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n in_o the_o here_o twice_o mention_v knowledge_n after_o the_o flesh_n the_o invincible_a meaning_n of_o paul_n must_v needs_o be_v this_o we_o henceforth_o will_v know_v no_o man_n yea_o nor_o christ_n himself_o after_o the_o flesh_n so_o that_o the_o carnal_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o here_o resolve_v against_o must_v needs_o be_v doubtless_o the_o very_a same_o that_o he_o will_v not_o take_v not_o own_o man_n in_o now_o if_o paul_n mean_v a_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v of_o christ_n in_o his_o person_n in_o distinction_n to_o his_o spirit_n of_o christ_n without_o as_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o christ_n within_o as_o the_o author_n of_o holiness_n then_o the_o same_o sense_n must_v be_v hold_v in_o our_o or_o paul_n know_v of_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n here_o also_o paul_n then_o resolve_v it_o shall_v seem_v according_a to_o this_o error_n not_o to_o know_v man_n in_o their_o person_n as_o crucify_v as_o saviour_n and_o mediator_n but_o in_o their_o spirit_n as_o comfort_v and_o sanctify_v and_o how_o ridiculous_a how_o absurd_a be_v this_o object_n but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v what_o then_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n viz._n know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n in_o this_o place_n answ_n it_o may_v suffice_v for_o our_o present_a satisfaction_n and_o purpose_n to_o know_v it_o negative_o that_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n and_o not_o the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o yet_o some_o affirm_v this_o knowledge_n here_o after_o the_o flesh_n be_v such_o as_o we_o read_v in_o rom._n 9_o 3._o a_o know_a man_n as_o brethren_n and_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n so_o say_v they_o paul_n in_o this_o place_n resolve_v not_o to_o look_v on_o man_n as_o man_n so_o much_o as_o christian_n not_o to_o acquaint_v and_o sociate_n himself_o with_o man_n so_o much_o as_o they_o be_v relate_v unto_o he_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o for_o christ_n himself_o for_o that_o he_o be_v be_v a_o jew_n paul_n kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n paul_n it_o seem_v have_v be_v too_o apt_a to_o glory_v too_o much_o in_o his_o carnal_a relation_n to_o christ_n that_o he_o come_v of_o the_o same_o race_n and_o stock_n with_o the_o messiah_n himself_o but_o paul_n resolve_v though_o he_o have_v know_v christ_n thus_o after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o will_v he_o know_v he_o so_o no_o more_o this_o may_v satisfy_v but_o there_o may_v be_v more_o find_v happy_o if_o we_o will_v but_o a_o little_a consider_v the_o context_n for_o paul_n as_o be_v most_o easy_a to_o observe_v especial_o throughout_o the_o whole_a chapter_n upward_o be_v mighty_o transport_v in_o a_o rich_a contemplation_n of_o heaven_n now_o while_o he_o be_v walk_v upon_o the_o battlement_n of_o heaven_n by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n v._o 7._o he_o perceive_v how_o dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a this_o carnal_a distinguish_n of_o man_n and_o christ_n this_o claim_v a_o outward_a relation_n and_o interest_n in_o they_o be_v to_o the_o truth_n spirit_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n he_o make_v this_o resolution_n henceforth_o know_v i_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n yea_o though_o i_o have_v know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o henceforth_o know_v i_o he_o so_o no_o more_o this_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o direct_a true_a and_o only_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v if_o any_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o profession_n let_v the_o truth_n thereof_o appear_v by_o his_o renovation_n if_o any_o man_n therefore_o be_v in_o christ_n let_v he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o will_v henceforth_o regard_v not_o any_o man_n will_v i_o henceforth_o look_v after_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o relation_n or_o outward_a profession_n alone_o etc._n etc._n unless_o he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n but_o be_v not_o this_o far_o from_o know_v own_v or_o improve_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o person_n or_o office_n for_o peace_n atonement_n and_o satisfaction_n etc._n etc._n yea_o we_o must_v be_v in_o he_o though_o not_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o our_o ingrafture_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o relation_n whatsoever_o into_o a_o new_a stock_n without_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a and_o answerable_a we_o must_v be_v in_o christ_n and_o new_a creature_n too_o if_o any_o man_n therefore_o be_v in_o christ_n let_v he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n but_o let_v we_o direct_o fix_v our_o eye_n a_o little_a upon_o these_o error_n that_o we_o may_v see_v and_o abhor_v their_o loathsome_a monstrousness_n be_v christ_n the_o truth_n itself_o a_o type_n what_o then_o be_v truth_n be_v our_o rock_n a_o shadow_n what_o then_o can_v support_v we_o must_v we_o not_o believe_v in_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
the_o punishment_n 3._o lam._n 3._o of_o his_o sin_n the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n for_o what_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o we_o can_v have_v a_o ignorant_a unbeleif_fw-mi thereof_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v every_o truth_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n in_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v many_o truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o spirit_n have_v not_o yet_o reveal_v to_o most_o if_o to_o any_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v more_o truth_n and_o scripture_n than_o the_o spirit_n have_v yet_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o proposition_n be_v clear_a because_o all_o reveal_v truth_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v first_o by_o that_o law_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v implant_v in_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n second_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o condemn_v every_o spirit_n as_o foolish_a and_o bewitch_v that_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o believe_v of_o it_o gal._n 3._o 1._o but_o now_o how_o shall_v we_o prove_v the_o assumption_n to_o they_o that_o deny_v the_o scripture_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v more_o truth_n in_o scripture_n than_o the_o spirit_n have_v yet_o reveal_v to_o any_o they_o will_v be_v force_v to_o grant_v it_o will_v they_o but_o yield_v a_o little_a to_o consult_v their_o own_o experience_n for_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v more_o enlighten_v inspire_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n than_o other_o even_o among_o themselves_o now_o that_o revelation_n that_o have_v honour_v they_o above_o and_o beyond_o their_o brethren_n be_v either_o make_v know_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o error_n but_o they_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o late_a of_o these_o then_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n must_v needs_o be_v truth_n and_o that_o may_v be_v the_o truth_n for_o their_o sufficient_a conviction_n that_o be_v not_o reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o many_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n in_o scripture_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o reveal_v to_o some_o man_n all_o the_o truth_n in_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o man_n therefore_o man_n ought_v to_o believe_v more_o scripture_n than_o the_o spirit_n have_v yet_o make_v clear_a and_o manifest_a to_o they_o but_o a_o word_n to_o hint_n at_o the_o absurdity_n and_o danger_n of_o this_o opinion_n and_o i_o shake_v hand_n yea_o wash_v my_o hand_n of_o this_o and_o first_o we_o must_v needs_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n juris_fw-la sin_n ignorantia_fw-la juris_fw-la of_o ignorance_n can_v possible_o be_v commit_v for_o if_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o the_o spirit_n do_v reveal_v i_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o know_v for_o whatsoever_o the_o spirit_n do_v reveal_v i_o must_v needs_o know_v there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n of_o unbeleif_n for_o so_o far_o as_o the_o spirit_n persuade_v and_o enlighten_v i_o must_v and_o can_v but_o assent_v there_o can_v be_v no_o actual_a sin_n at_o all_o among_o the_o heathen_n for_o they_o either_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o the_o first_o be_v too_o absurd_a to_o be_v imagine_v then_o if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n they_o can_v have_v the_o law_n reveal_v to_o they_o by_o it_o therefore_o the_o law_n concern_v they_o not_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n the_o man_n of_o sin_n himself_o as_o so_o can_v sin_v i_o against_o the_o gospel_n the_o saint_n or_o christ_n since_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n that_o these_o be_v true_a neither_o do_v i_o well_o conceive_v how_o the_o people_n of_o god_n can_v sin_v either_o for_o so_o far_o as_o they_o receive_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o spirit_n so_o far_o do_v they_o not_o obey_v it_o and_o no_o further_o be_v they_o bind_v to_o regard_v it_o or_o to_o conclude_v if_o the_o saint_n can_v sin_v the_o saint_n it_o seem_v be_v the_o only_a sinner_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o account_n however_o man_n may_v wallow_v and_o tumble_v in_o the_o gross_a profaneness_n and_o yet_o not_o lose_v their_o cloak_n the_o spirit_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o to_o i_o it_o will_v be_v say_v i_o be_o not_o yet_o convince_v that_o what_o i_o do_v be_v sinful_a or_o evil_a and_o happy_a thrice_o happy_a be_v you_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a indian_n rise_v up_o and_o call_v this_o way_n above_o all_o other_o bless_v it_o free_v you_o from_o sin_n and_o punishment_n also_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o conviction_n of_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o law_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o punishment_n as_o this_o opinion_n lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n for_o sin_n so_o for_o ignorance_n and_o error_n also_o well_o may_v the_o papist_n say_v that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n it_o be_v so_o good_a a_o preservative_n against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o for_o error_n this_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o deny_v jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n himself_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n heaven_n hell_n and_o worse_o if_o possible_a and_o bring_v a_o man_n safe_o off_o and_o free_a from_o any_o sin_n or_o check_v upon_o this_o account_n plea_n ground_n and_o warrant_v i_o be_o not_o yet_o convince_v hereof_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o conclude_v it_o do_v plain_o level_v the_o holy_a bible_n with_o any_o other_o book_n whatsoever_o whether_o godly_a or_o profane_a and_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o no_o better_a authority_n than_o they_o which_o even_o the_o very_a very_o worst_a of_o which_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o believe_v so_o far_o as_o the_o spirit_n i_o mean_v by_o scripture_n shall_v convince_v and_o assure_v i_o of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o yet_o which_o i_o grieve_v to_o think_v and_o tremble_v to_o write_v this_o be_v a_o most_o common_o receive_v opinion_n among_o we_o in_o this_o age._n ah_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o lose_v that_o if_o such_o error_n as_o these_o once_o spread_v and_o prevail_v wherein_o our_o very_a soul_n be_v bind_v up_o religion_n itself_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o now_o shall_v pass_v on_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o consider_v it_o respective_o to_o our_o use_n thereof_o &_o first_o altogether_o in_o the_o bulk_n &_o whole_a thereof_o as_o deny_v by_o this_o error_n in_o these_o two_o assertion_n 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n or_o bible_n be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n page_n 128._o 2._o nor_o the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o spirit_n page_z 66._o line_n 2._o 3._o page_n 127._o both_o these_o be_v also_o know_v to_o every_o one_o that_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o popish_a tenet_n to_o be_v rank_n popery_n the_o difference_n lie_v only_o in_o the_o different_a use_n hereof_o the_o jesuist_n use_v they_o to_o advance_v his_o pope_n and_o the_o man_n of_o this_o error_n make_v they_o a_o mean_a to_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o their_o spirit_n but_o of_o they_o in_o order_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o viz._n the_o denial_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n these_o popish_a assertion_n be_v find_v in_o the_o jesuit_n book_n namely_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v not_o to_o rule_v our_o faith_n but_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o it_o that_o it_o receive_v all_o the_o authority_n it_o have_v from_o the_o church_n and_o that_o we_o must_v live_v more_o according_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n than_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n now_o may_v we_o but_o call_v the_o church_n here_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o pope_n the_o spirit_n a_o most_o easy_a mistake_n and_o in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o particular_n the_o abettor_n of_o the_o error_n we_o be_v dispute_v against_o do_v willing_o bow_v &_o do_v obeisance_n to_o his_o holiness_n if_o not_o even_o fall_v down_o and_o kiss_v his_o toe_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v bring_v for_o this_o error_n uphold_v that_o i_o can_v think_v of_o at_o present_a that_o have_v not_o already_o prove_v the_o truth_n prove_v receive_v a_o answer_n upon_o a_o other_o occasion_n before_o i_o shall_v immediate_o betake_v myself_o for_o the_o strength_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o contrary_a affirmative_a viz._n that_o the_o word_n or_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o first_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o pregnant_a scriptuâ—e_n for_o it_o 2._o tim_n 3._o 15._o the_o scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n where_o observe_v 1._o that_o christ_n
of_o faith_n sufficient_a for_o it_o but_o i_o protest_v unto_o every_o man_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v add_v unto_o these_o thing_n god_n shall_v add_v unto_o he_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n rev._n 22._o 18._o immediate_a revelation_n may_v neither_o be_v lawful_o expect_v by_o we_o for_o though_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o at_o least_o most_o convenient_a for_o god_n intend_v to_o bless_v the_o world_n at_o the_o length_n though_o gradual_o with_o a_o stand_v visible_a mean_n for_o its_o recovery_n in_o knowledge_n etc._n etc._n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n at_o the_o first_o in_o a_o more_o immediate_a manner_n to_o some_o yet_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o such_o inspiration_n so_o absolute_o immediate_a way_n of_o revelation_n as_o my_o antagonist_n boast_v of_o god_n for_o the_o most_o part_n make_v use_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o mean_a more_o or_o less_o through_o which_o he_o convey_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o man_n of_o god_n themselves_o he_o do_v not_o distil_v inspire_v and_o reveal_v it_o into_o they_o much_o less_o into_o the_o people_n in_o so_o secret_a insensible_a a_o manner_n as_o this_o age_n mention_n which_o we_o shall_v further_o clear_v unto_o you_o by_o a_o few_o meditation_n upon_o this_o scripture_n viz._n god_n who_o at_o sundry_a and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n speak_v of_o old_a to_o our_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o the_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o these_o word_n may_v testify_v not_o only_o that_o but_o how_o god_n have_v declare_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n both_o in_o the_o first_o and_o last_o dispensation_n but_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n be_v not_o about_o the_o truth_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o these_o revelation_n quest_n first_o then_o how_o do_v god_n declare_v himself_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n answ_n this_o place_n inform_v that_o then_o in_o diverse_a manner_n he_o speak_v to_o our_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n observe_v god_n do_v not_o of_o old_a before_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v immediate_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o our_o father_n i_o the_o people_n but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o prophet_n god_n speak_v to_o our_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n here_o must_v needs_o be_v mean_v of_o his_o speak_n to_o the_o prophet_n and_o rather_o in_o then_o by_o they_o to_o our_o father_n for_o the_o prophet_n for_o aught_o i_o have_v read_v have_v only_o one_o way_n of_o reveal_v i_o by_o voice_n the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o people_n but_o here_o this_o speak_n must_v therefore_o be_v the_o speak_n of_o god_n to_o the_o prophet_n since_o it_o be_v as_o that_o be_v not_o only_o at_o sundry_a time_n but_o in_o diverse_a manner_n also_o god_n speak_v that_o truth_n unto_o the_o prophet_n that_o they_o be_v to_o declare_v to_o the_o people_n in_o diverse_a manner_n i_o not_o immediate_o but_o by_o diverse_a way_n and_o mean_n sometime_o by_o urim_n and_o thummim_n sometime_o by_o a_o voice_n sometime_o by_o dream_n sometime_o by_o vision_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v all_o medium_n in_o and_o through_o which_o god_n can_v reveal_v himself_o immediate_o these_o be_v all_o carnal_a way_n of_o revelation_n when_o compare_v with_o our_o late_a inspiration_n the_o spirit_n of_o our_o day_n not_o only_o speak_v into_o but_o in_o they_o without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o any_o mean_n whatsoever_o but_o have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n whence_o observe_v 1._o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o way_n wherein_o the_o son_n of_o god_n give_v we_o his_o father_n mind_n and_o council_n be_v his_o word_n voice_n or_o speak_v to_o we_o 3._o until_o the_o very_a last_o of_o day_n shall_v expire_v we_o must_v look_v for_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n his_o son_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n etc._n etc._n 4._o that_o in_o these_o very_o last_o of_o day_n the_o son_n of_o god_n instruct_v immediate_o by_o speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o word_n rather_o than_o by_o speak_v immediate_o in_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n object_n then_o what_o use_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o it_o promise_v to_o lead_v we_o into_o truth_n yea_o and_o to_o put_v into_o our_o mind_n what_o we_o shall_v say_v when_o occasion_n serve_v etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o promise_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o its_o use_n yet_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n or_o breath_n of_o christ_n still_o come_v with_o his_o word_n see_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n declare_v &_o expound_v joh._n 14._o 26._o vers_fw-la 25._o these_o thing_n say_v our_o saviour_n have_v i_o speak_v unto_o you_o be_v at_o present_a with_o you_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ver_fw-la 26._o shall_v come_v and_o teach_v you_o all_o thing_n but_o how_o it_o be_v immediate_o expound_v for_o he_o shall_v bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o christ_n by_o his_o word_n both_o writ_n and_o preach_v declare_v to_o the_o world_n his_o father_n council_n as_o write_v his_o mind_n be_v reveal_v as_o preach_v his_o word_n be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n can_v only_o take_v off_o the_o veil_n from_o our_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a and_o thus_o it_o do_v its_o office_n and_o make_v the_o word_n to_o be_v spirit_n 36._o see_v joh._n 6_o 36._o and_o life_n and_o the_o minister_n thereof_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n and_o the_o ministration_n 16._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 16._o of_o the_o spirit_n if_o it_o be_v in_o point_n of_o truth_n the_o spirit_n bring_v the_o word_n to_o our_o mind_n or_o understanding_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v to_o lead_v we_o into_o truth_n the_o way_n of_o truth_n be_v already_o lay_v in_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n 13_o joh._n 16._o 13_o only_o lead_v we_o into_o it_o for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v if_o in_o point_n of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n the_o spirit_n do_v work_v these_o in_o we_o 17._o joh._n 1._o 17._o 17._o by_o and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n thus_o bring_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o remembrance_n i_o to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o improvement_n approve_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n in_o all_o respect_n as_o a_o 31._o rom._n 14._o act_n 9_o 31._o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o consolation_n obj._n but_o he_o be_v also_o a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n to_o we_o and_o do_v he_o not_o then_o immediate_o inspire_v when_o as_o he_o speak_v our_o prayer_n in_o we_o answ_n here_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v a_o double_a fallacy_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o difference_n observable_a betwixt_o the_o spirit_n speak_v in_o we_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o with_o respect_n unto_o ourselves_o by_o truth_n the_o sense_n we_o be_v now_o about_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o double_a meaning_n in_o this_o little_a particle_n &_o preposition_n in_o as_o in_o these_o two_o proposition_n it_o be_v use_v his_o speak_v in_o we_o by_o prayer_n be_v rather_o a_o speak_n by_o we_o but_o his_o speak_n in_o we_o by_o teach_v be_v a_o speak_v immediate_o into_o we_o 2._o but_o more_o plain_o the_o spirit_n speak_v in_o we_o by_o prayer_n or_o as_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n in_o we_o be_v not_o happy_o to_o be_v take_v in_o such_o a_o immediate_a sense_n and_o way_n as_o some_o may_v think_v of_o it_o impli_v as_o i_o can_v conceive_v only_o 1._o a_o teach_v we_o 2._o a_o help_v we_o to_o pray_v 1._o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n teach_v we_o to_o pray_v either_o before_o prayer_n or_o in_o our_o pray_n 2._o the_o spirit_n teach_v we_o how_o to_o pray_v before_o we_o pray_v by_o prepare_v our_o heart_n to_o prayer_n by_o mean_n and_o by_o degree_n by_o bring_v unto_o we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o estate_n want_n the_o mercy_n and_o fullness_n of_o god_n by_o the_o word_n the_o law_n and_o gospel_n and_o by_o its_o daily_a increase_v this_o habit_n of_o prayer_n by_o daily_a act_n quest_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o we_o never_o see_v a_o perfection_n of_o ability_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o heavenly_a duty_n of_o prayer_n in_o instanti_fw-la but_o by_o degree_n but_o second_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v in_o the_o very_a exercise_n now_o be_v not_o that_o immediate_o answ_n i_o answer_v not_o total_o immediate_o
cause_n by_o its_o effect_n judge_v you_o then_o this_o be_v the_o result_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o case_n by_o make_v the_o word_n the_o trial_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o do_v no_o more_o abase_v or_o abuse_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n than_o we_o make_v the_o cause_n to_o stoop_v as_o inferior_a to_o the_o effect_n by_o clear_n or_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o same_o or_o then_o a_o righteous_a man_n be_v enslave_v by_o the_o law_n when_o as_o he_o be_v acquit_v to_o liberty_n by_o it_o but_o something_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o speak_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o affirmative_a part_n namely_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a truth_n the_o affirmative_a truth_n scripture_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o end_v all_o controversy_n clear_v the_o truth_n discover_v error_n and_o every_o false_a way_n which_o i_o argue_v 1._o from_o the_o matter_n thus_o that_o which_o contain_v the_o will_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o decider_n of_o all_o controversy_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n confess_o contain_v the_o will_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o spirit_n the_o trial_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o of_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v even_o upon_o most_o immediate_a reason_n god_n that_o be_v every_o way_n truth_n that_o can_v lie_v and_o speak_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o his_o thought_n or_o heart_n his_o word_n must_v needs_o contain_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n now_o for_o the_o consequence_n in_o the_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o which_o contain_v the_o will_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o spirit_n trial_n of_o truth_n decider_n of_o all_o controversy_n you_o have_v most_o easy_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o by_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o man_n do_v so_o much_o argue_v for_o what_o that_o be_v that_o be_v call_v and_o honour_v with_o the_o name_n of_o truth_n by_o every_o mouth_n that_o speak_v be_v it_o not_o that_o very_a thing_n which_o we_o call_v the_o will_n and_o sense_n of_o god_n in_o other_o word_n what_o be_v our_o truth_n the_o helen_n for_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v at_o debate_n and_o variance_n but_o the_o way_n the_o will_n the_o virgin_n truth_n of_o heaven_n will_v we_o know_v who_o be_v true_a and_o who_o a_o liar_n let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n and_o spirit_n else_o a_o liar_n his_o word_n be_v truth_n and_o the_o measure_n therefore_o of_o it_o will_v we_o know_v whether_o the_o first_o in_o obliqui_fw-la rectum_fw-la norma_fw-la svi_fw-la &_o obliqui_fw-la our_o land_n be_v straight_o or_o not_o the_o most_o ready_a way_n be_v by_o a_o even_o compare_v it_o with_o that_o that_o be_v undoubted_o so_o so_o we_o doubt_v which_o way_n and_o spirit_n be_v of_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o which_o of_o satan_n a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n take_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o the_o practice_n and_o opinion_n and_o look_v into_o the_o word_n for_o the_o warrant_n of_o they_o the_o doubt_n be_v whether_o they_o be_v according_a to_o god_n mind_n his_o word_n reveal_v his_o mind_n look_v there_o and_o search_v the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v for_o truth_n or_o to_o know_v what_o be_v truth_n the_o word_n be_v truth_n arg._n 2_o we_o must_v either_o deny_v the_o bible_n to_o have_v the_o mind_n and_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o else_o subscribe_v to_o this_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o truth_n and_o spirit_n from_o the_o charge_n and_o cammand_v of_o god_n concern_v the_o scripture_n the_o end_n of_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v our_o use_n and_o duty_n in_o have_v they_o be_v to_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o spirit_n by_o they_o isa_n 8._o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o this_o text_n though_o disregard_v have_v certain_o very_o much_o in_o it_o for_o the_o defence_n and_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o hand_n the_o whole_a drift_n thereof_o and_o not_o only_o the_o face_n of_o the_o word_n direct_o look_v with_o great_a respect_n to_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o here_o be_v a_o clear_a command_n a_o strait_a charge_n we_o see_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v call_v a_o law_n it_o contain_v those_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o we_o must_v be_v obedient_a a_o testimony_n as_o a_o stand_n and_o visible_a witness_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o world_n about_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v for_o the_o better_a application_n of_o the_o same_o to_o our_o purpose_n something_o precedent_a in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o stand_v before_o and_o something_o consequent_a in_o the_o follow_a word_n of_o this_o same_o verse_n the_o part_n of_o the_o context_n precede_a and_o observable_a be_v the_o occasion_n whereupon_o this_o charge_n be_v bring_v in_o the_o part_n of_o the_o context_n subsequent_a be_v the_o reason_n thereof_o first_o for_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 19_o it_o shall_v seem_v that_o the_o people_n in_o those_o day_n of_o old_a have_v some_o wise_a man_n among_o they_o man_n wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v who_o boast_v of_o the_o spirit_n a_o spirit_n of_o divination_n promise_v a_o answer_n and_o undoubted_a resolution_n of_o all_o their_o doubt_n and_o inquiry_n obj._n but_o what_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o touch_v these_o when_o they_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o inquire_v at_o they_o that_o have_v a_o spirit_n of_o divination_n etc._n etc._n answer_v they_o thus_o shall_v not_o a_o people_n inquire_v at_o their_o god_n but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v now_o how_o shall_v a_o people_n inquire_v at_o their_o god_n answ_n read_v on_o and_o read_v a_o answer_n sufficient_o satisfactory_a to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n there_o and_o there_o alone_o you_o may_v know_v your_o god_n mind_n and_o find_v to_o yourselves_o satisfaction_n and_o quietness_n which_o be_v further_o press_v by_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n already_o hint_v follow_v viz._n if_o they_o if_o any_o man_n the_o best_a soothsayer_n divine_a of_o they_o all_o if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o now_o do_v not_o god_n know_v very_o well_o that_o these_o man_n be_v act_v by_o a_o lie_a spirit_n yes_o very_o but_o this_o be_v speak_v for_o our_o sake_n doubtless_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o way_n to_o know_v they_o also_o and_o soothsayer_n may_v murmur_v what_o their_o hellish_a spirit_n dictate_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v by_o inquiry_n but_o rest_v not_o here_o venture_v not_o the_o least_o weight_n of_o credit_n or_o faith_n thereupon_o until_o thou_o have_v try_v this_o their_o spirit_n by_o my_o reveal_v will_n write_v word_n for_o if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a not_o only_o not_o against_o but_o if_o not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o true_a spirit_n nor_o light_n in_o they_o all_o light_a proceed_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n by_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o spirit_n through_o the_o window_n of_o his_o word_n both_o for_o satisfaction_n to_o thyself_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n inquire_v at_o thy_o god_n and_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o spirit_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n for_o if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v and_o conclude_v with_o these_o four_o thing_n 1_o that_o spirit_n that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n have_v no_o light_n in_o it_o 2_o the_o only_a judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o write_a word_n 3_o upon_o every_o doubt_n and_o suspicion_n of_o spirit_n we_o be_v command_v and_o charge_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n 4_o so_o much_o of_o god_n will_v as_o have_v be_v already_o reveal_v have_v be_v always_o sufficient_a for_o his_o people_n in_o general_n in_o moses_n his_o time_n we_o read_v that_o secret_a 29._o deut._n 29._o 29._o thing_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o thing_n reveal_v to_o we_o and_o not_o to_o we_o alone_o but_o to_o all_o that_o shall_v come_v after_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n therefore_o not_o only_o so_o in_o moses_n time_n but_o in_o these_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o
not_o know_v not_o god_n i_o he_o that_o do_v censorious_o uncharitable_o contemn_v or_o condemn_v his_o brethren_n do_v not_o show_v himself_o by_o love_n and_o the_o carriage_n of_o love_n know_v not_o god_n for_o god_n be_v love_n verse_n 8._o quest_n but_o what_o need_v of_o these_o rule_n be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o discover_v error_n and_o heresy_n i_o answer_v answ_n though_o i_o have_v already_o before_o sufficient_o speak_v to_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o add_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o text_n do_v clear_v the_o contrary_a for_o who_o be_v they_o to_o who_o john_n write_v be_v they_o not_o such_o as_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n verse_n 4._o yet_o this_o command_n of_o try_v the_o spirit_n reach_v and_o immediate_o fall_v on_o they_o as_o if_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_o convenient_a for_o such_o as_o have_v the_o spirit_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n though_o they_o be_v child_n of_o light_n they_o can_v immediate_o discern_v betwixt_o thing_n that_o differ_v but_o these_o must_v use_v mean_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o spirit_n of_o discern_v these_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n quest_n but_o those_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n have_v not_o they_o sufficient_a light_n with_o they_o to_o discover_v themselves_o answ_n no_o not_o immediate_o for_o we_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n if_o of_o god_n we_o must_v know_v they_o to_o be_v so_o by_o trial_n and_o examination_n but_o it_o be_v now_o high_a time_n to_o shake_v hand_n with_o that_o text_n and_o to_o weigh_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o bold_a denial_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n for_o then_o thou_o can_v not_o possible_o convince_v another_o of_o the_o error_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o good_a ground_n what_o course_n will_v thou_o take_v with_o such_o a_o spirit_n will_v thou_o tell_v he_o that_o thou_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o will_v not_o he_o answer_v with_o assurance_n as_o stout_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v convince_v he_o by_o reason_v the_o case_n can_v this_o be_v do_v without_o some_o outward_a rule_n and_o ground_n to_o which_o both_o party_n acknowledge_v it_o umpire_n must_v make_v their_o appeal_n now_o this_o outward_a three_o this_o rule_n judge_n umpire_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o some_o humane_a tradition_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v silence_v in_o the_o case_n by_o this_o same_o spirit_n and_o what_o a_o popish_a absurdity_n follow_v a_o man_n of_o a_o erroneous_a spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o be_v his_o trial_n can_v possible_o convince_v himself_o of_o error_n upon_o good_a ground_n for_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o word_n or_o rule_n of_o truth_n for_o his_o instruction_n reproof_n conviction_n if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v undoubted_o true_a but_o then_o i_o demand_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o spirit_n that_o be_v of_o truth_n to_o be_v so_o or_o since_o none_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o he_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v what_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o any_o man_n but_o by_o his_o word_n alone_o and_o now_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o man_n prefer_v above_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v not_o and_o must_v the_o word_n of_o man_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o truth_n and_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o a_o frail_a and_o fallible_a man_n exalt_v above_o the_o word_n of_o the_o true_a and_o infallible_a god_n the_o word_n of_o a_o private_a single_a man_n take_v up_o the_o place_n and_o office_n of_o the_o public_a word_n of_o god_n that_o have_v be_v so_o high_o honour_v and_o have_v in_o so_o famous_a acknowledgement_n and_o credit_n by_o all_o religious_a holy_a man_n of_o all_o age_n successive_o profanum_fw-la vulgus_fw-la this_o way_n speak_v every_o man_n true_a and_o god_n alone_o a_o liar_n let_v god_n arise_v and_o let_v his_o enemy_n be_v scatter_v may_v not_o the_o word_n in_o this_o use_n lay_v aside_o every_o man_n make_v his_o own_o spirit_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o faith_n while_o one_o more_o presumptuous_a than_o the_o rest_n intrude_v his_o tenet_n for_o truth_n another_o bring_v in_o his_o so_o a_o three_o so_o a_o four_o etc._n etc._n every_o man_n self-conceited_a believe_v his_o own_o way_n and_o opinion_n to_o be_v truth_n why_o may_v not_o every_o man_n claim_v the_o same_o privilege_n by_o what_o law_n be_v he_o forbid_v the_o law_n of_o god_n word_n that_o be_v repeal_v the_o law_n of_o spirit_n they_o be_v all_o equal_a how_o shall_v we_o now_o be_v reconcile_v what_o can_v end_v the_o controversy_n who_o shall_v we_o hear_v who_o follow_v how_o shall_v we_o become_v of_o one_o mind_n one_o faith_n what_o town-clerk_n can_v allay_v this_o hubburl_n confusion_n disturbance_n and_o make_v peace_n and_o union_n either_o every_o man_n must_v yield_v retreat_n draw_v back_o to_o himself_o into_o his_o own_o opinion_n go_v away_o quick_o guide_v by_o his_o own_o spirit_n the_o blind_a corrupt_a dictate_v of_o decay_a nature_n or_o by_o a_o proceed_n and_o that_o of_o necessity_n either_o by_o a_o sword_n or_o umpire_n first_o by_o the_o sword_n one_o urge_v thou_o shall_v yield_v to_o i_o another_o threaten_a subscribe_v to_o i_o a_o three_o swear_v you_o both_o be_v heretical_a and_o i_o be_o alone_a in_o truth_n you_o both_o must_v and_o shall_v be_v of_o my_o way_n etc._n etc._n until_o a_o bacillous_a argument_n end_v the_o controversy_n the_o strong_a arm_n be_v the_o best_a spirit_n and_o the_o sword_n have_v cut_v and_o decide_v the_o matter_n or_o second_o by_o a_o umpire_n all_o pitch_v upon_o one_o to_o mediate_v betwixt_o they_o to_o end_v and_o reconcile_v their_o difference_n to_o who_o they_o must_v give_v all_o power_n and_o sovereignty_n to_o command_v they_o truth_n peace_n and_o union_n thus_o create_v to_o themselves_o a_o pope_n and_o themselves_o papist_n but_o to_o prevent_v all_o this_o let_v we_o holdfast_n what_o we_o have_v receive_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v both_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o word_n as_o profitable_a for_o instruction_n have_v reconcile_v the_o spirit_n to_o its_o word_n whether_o take_v absolute_o or_o respective_o to_o our_o use_n in_o the_o whole_a body_n or_o bulk_n thereof_o we_o now_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v peace_n betwixt_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o some_o special_a part_n or_o particular_a use_n of_o the_o same_o word_n for_o this_o spirit_n that_o claim_v to_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n deni_v the_o word_n to_o be_v any_o way_n profitable_a either_o for_o instruction_n obedience_n or_o consolation_n in_o its_o doctrine_n command_n or_o promise_v first_o then_o it_o deni_v the_o word_n to_o be_v profitable_a in_o its_o doctrine_n for_o our_o teach_n and_o instruction_n now_o the_o scripture_n 14._o false_a rest_n pag._n 45._o l._n 14._o say_v he_o do_v not_o reveal_v christ_n within_o any_o man_n his_o sense_n must_v be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o mean_v appoint_v or_o make_v use_n of_o by_o god_n for_o the_o spiritual_a teach_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o be_v so_o general_a to_o the_o particular_n behind_o we_o shall_v have_v direct_a and_o just_a occasion_n of_o answer_n hereunto_o in_o answer_v to_o they_o yet_o for_o present_a satisfaction_n i_o make_v a_o proposal_n of_o these_o two_o queres_fw-la if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o mean_n to_o reveal_v jesus_n christ_n within_o any_o man_n what_o then_o be_v mean_v by_o such_o attribute_n of_o it_o as_o be_v find_v heb._n 4._o 12._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v lively_a and_o mighty_a in_o operation_n and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_a sword_n and_o enter_v through_o even_o to_o the_o divide_v of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o of_o the_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o of_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n we_o say_v not_o the_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n but_o yet_o the_o spirit_n with_o the_o word_n do_v according_a to_o most_o sure_a and_o frequent_a experience_n all_o whatever_o we_o here_o have_v read_v therefore_o it_o be_v otherwhere_o call_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n 17._o eph._n 6._o 17._o and_o what_o can_v that_o do_v when_o set_v home_o by_o such_o a_o hand_n yea_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o man_n but_o now_o the_o
and_o supplication_n this_o will_v relieve_v some_o light_n more_o if_o compare_v with_o that_o of_o eze._n 36._o where_n have_v first_o lay_v down_o a_o most_o large_a description_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o will_v not_o be_v express_o or_o full_o perform_v till_o the_o powring_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o this_o house_n of_o david_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n all_o be_v conclude_v with_o this_o yet_o the_o spirit_n i_o have_v pour_v upon_o you_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n shall_v make_v you_o pray_v for_o what_o i_o have_v promise_v yet_o for_o all_o this_o will_v i_o be_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n not_o that_o we_o imagine_v that_o the_o sun_n of_o this_o spirit_n be_v thus_o full_o rise_v upon_o any_o among_o we_o do_v we_o argue_v but_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o folly_n of_o such_o as_o upon_o such_o a_o supposition_n have_v deny_v themselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o practice_v of_o prayer_n they_o have_v only_o the_o foolishness_n of_o cast_v away_o prayer_n and_o not_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o come_n of_o that_o spirit_n that_o be_v even_o then_o in_o its_o fullness_n a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n 2._o second_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o its_o office_n also_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v not_o seal_v to_o dissolve_v but_o indeed_o appoint_v to_o uphold_v yea_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n in_o we_o and_o for_o we_o its_o office_n be_v answerable_a to_o his_o name_n express_o perform_v in_o bear_v up_o our_o infirmity_n 26._o rom._n 8._o 26._o teach_v we_o what_o to_o ask_v yea_o and_o by_o make_v intercession_n or_o pray_v in_o we_o be_v the_o host_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n then_o divide_v be_v the_o spirit_n his_o come_n to_o teach_v we_o what_o to_o ask_v and_o yet_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n help_v oedipus_n obj._n but_o if_o any_o interpose_v that_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o this_o rom._n 8._o be_v say_v to_o pray_v in_o we_o which_o may_v bear_v a_o immediate_a intercession_n to_o god_n for_o we_o without_o the_o mean_n or_o use_n of_o our_o heart_n or_o mouth_n i_o answer_v that_o according_a to_o and_o in_o the_o very_a same_o text_n verse_n there_o be_v two_o sufficient_a expression_n to_o detect_v and_o prevent_v such_o a_o fond_a evaision_n 1._o the_o spirit_n be_v say_v to_o help_v our_o infirmity_n intimate_v that_o we_o be_v the_o subject_n or_o undertaker_n of_o prayer_n but_o indeed_o we_o be_v weak_a and_o insufficient_a for_o it_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o help_v and_o assist_v we_o in_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v also_o say_v to_o make_v intercession_n in_o we_o with_o groan_n etc._n etc._n imply_v thereby_o that_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o pray_v in_o we_o only_o but_o by_o we_o also_o the_o spirit_n be_v no_o way_n capable_a in_o itself_o of_o groan_v it_o intercede_v in_o and_o by_o our_o groan_n we_o be_v only_o capable_a of_o groan_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o feel_n of_o those_o heavy_a misery_n that_o be_v pray_v against_o it_o be_v high_a time_n i_o end_v have_v set_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n my_o spirit_n also_o make_v intercession_n both_o for_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o opposer_n thereof_o with_o groan_n unutterable_a 2._o but_o as_o i_o have_v be_v large_a in_o warrant_v the_o practice_n so_o may_v i_o be_v much_o more_o large_a in_o press_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o true_a as_o useful_a as_o lawful_a yea_o most_o necessary_a which_o i_o shall_v only_o touch_v with_o that_o usual_a distinction_n of_o necessity_n and_o leave_n and_o that_o 1._o with_o a_o necessity_n of_o command_n we_o have_v not_o time_n scarce_o arethmetick_n to_o reckon_v up_o and_o set_v down_o how_o many_o several_a time_n this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n be_v command_v in_o scripture_n which_o by_o the_o authority_n 17._o phil._n 4._o 7._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 17._o of_o one_o only_a be_v make_v not_o only_o to_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o a_o duty_n also_o in_o every_o strait_a at_o all_o time_n in_o all_o age_n pray_v in_o every_o thing_n make_v know_v your_o request_n unto_o god_n and_o pray_v continual_o now_o do_v any_o man_n plead_v that_o this_o duty_n or_o command_n be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o he_o i_o demand_v where_o when_o and_o of_o who_o have_v he_o have_v a_o dispensation_n therfrom_o neither_o can_v the_o power_n or_o authority_n thereof_o be_v weaken_v by_o extinction_n for_o the_o want_n of_o occasion_n every_o man_n alive_a have_v while_o alive_a here_o some_o cross_n some_o want_n or_o other_o as_o have_v be_v large_o demonstrate_v before_o and_o to_o want_v and_o the_o cross_n be_v prayer_n still_o nail_v and_o join_v or_o enjoin_v rather_o upon_o such_o as_o suffer_v they_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n 5._o jam._n 1._o 5._o that_o give_v liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o 2._o prayer_n be_v necessary_a with_o a_o necessity_n of_o mean_n also_o and_o it_o be_v indeed_o both_o a_o rational_a and_o a_o religious_a mean_n of_o good_a to_o we_o the_o first_o we_o heretofore_o have_v clear_v and_o the_o late_a appear_v in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o gospel_n command_n but_o such_o as_o be_v still_o encourage_v and_o follow_v with_o the_o attendance_n of_o a_o gracious_a promise_n prayer_n it_o be_v the_o ladder_n by_o which_o our_o saviour_n himself_o must_v climb_v and_o ascend_v to_o 8._o psal_n 2._o 8._o his_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n ask_v of_o i_o say_v god_n unto_o he_o and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o heathen_a for_o thy_o inheritance_n and_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o thy_o possession_n it_o be_v the_o rope_n whereby_o he_o also_o draw_v we_o up_o after_o he_o that_o where_o he_o be_v we_o may_v be_v also_o so_o pray_v he_o that_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o father_n i_o will_v that_o they_o also_o who_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o be_v with_o i_o where_o i_o be_o that_o they_o may_v behold_v the_o glory_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v 24_o joh._n 17._o 24_o i_o prayer_n be_v that_o whereby_o we_o also_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o receive_v from_o his_o hand_n both_o the_o general_a and_o particular_a blessing_n of_o child_n in_o general_n prayer_n be_v the_o sword_n in_o our_o hand_n that_o cut_v off_o the_o head_n of_o the_o beast_n babylon_n be_v drown_v in_o the_o sea_n of_o tear_n and_o the_o great_a whore_n burn_v in_o the_o zeal_n of_o cry_n prayer_n with_o the_o strength_n of_o its_o importunity_n break_v the_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n may_v descend_v upon_o his_o church_n and_o make_v it_o the_o praise_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o hasten_v the_o glorious_a marriage-day_n betwixt_o the_o lamb_n and_o the_o lamb_n wife_n as_o we_o prize_v those_o thing_n let_v we_o practice_v prayer_n join_v therein_o with_o glorify_a martyr_n apostle_n and_o prophet_n even_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o say_v 2._o rev._n 6._o 10._o isa_n 62_o 1._o 2._o how_o long_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a will_v thou_o not_o judge_v and_o avenge_v our_o blood_n etc._n etc._n for_o zion_n will_v i_o not_o hold_v my_o peace_n and_o for_o jerusalem_n 20._o rev._n 22._o 20._o sake_n will_v i_o not_o rest_n till_o the_o gentile_n see_v her_o righteousness_n and_o all_o king_n her_o glory_n amen_o even_o so_o come_v lord_n jesus_n and_o all_o particular_a private_a mercy_n be_v to_o be_v hand_v by_o prayer_n also_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n not_o only_o of_o our_o own_o but_o our_o neighbour_n good_a not_o only_o of_o temporal_a but_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a mercy_n also_o it_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n 9_o pro._n 2._o 3._o 1_o kin._n 3._o 9_o as_o we_o may_v read_v both_o in_o the_o wise_a man_n doctrine_n and_o experience_n therefore_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v and_o 5_o jam._n 1._o 5_o have_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v liberal_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n both_o pardon_v etc._n psal_n 15._o 1._o 2._o etc._n etc._n and_o heal_a grace_n therefore_o let_v we_o come_v with_o boldness_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o ult_n heb._n 4._o ult_n grace_n both_o to_o find_v grace_n and_o to_o obaine_a mercy_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n therefore_o the_o psal_n restore_v unto_o i_o 12_o psa_fw-la 51._o 12_o the_o joy_n of_o my_o salvation_n let_v we_o make_v request_n by_o prayer_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n 7._o phill._n 4._o 6._o 7._o shall_v keep_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o christ_n
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
thy_o 11_o isa_n 50._o 11_o own_o kindle_v that_o shall_v go_v out_o in_o sorrow_n have_v not_o as_o incredible_a thing_n as_o this_o be_v effect_v by_o melancholy_a man_n have_v be_v so_o far_o possess_v besot_v by_o it_o that_o they_o have_v imagine_v flesh_n even_o the_o flesh_n of_o their_o own_o body_n to_o be_v glass_n etc._n etc._n and_o may_v not_o these_o happy_o bare_a analogy_n with_o thou_o can_v not_o they_o discern_v of_o flesh_n nor_o thou_o of_o spirit_n thy_o fancy_n a_o little_a more_o sublime_a and_o lofty_a seem_v religious_a they_o as_o good_a and_o true_a in_o itself_o yet_o a_o a_o little_a low_o be_v plain_o ridiculous_a 4._o and_o furthermore_o do_v not_o he_o that_o hate_v finem_fw-la qui_fw-la vult_fw-la finem_fw-la vult_fw-la media_fw-la ad_fw-la finem_fw-la the_o light_n most_o just_o deserve_v to_o dwell_v in_o darkness_n now_o he_o that_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o light_n hate_v the_o light_n itself_o how_o great_a be_v our_o folly_n it_o be_v the_o most_o difficult_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o discern_v betwixt_o spirit_n and_o yet_o how_o wilful_o we_o fling_v away_o the_o very_a mean_n that_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v and_o afford_v to_o we_o with_o a_o promise_n of_o a_o blessing_n to_o our_o use_n and_o endeavour_n for_o this_o most_o desirable_a and_o difficult_a end_n and_o may_v we_o not_o expect_v a_o judgement_n answerable_a and_o that_o not_o only_o to_o be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n have_v our_o understanding_n darken_v here_o but_o even_o that_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n who_o we_o will_v not_o discern_v right_a by_o trial_n have_v blind_v our_o eye_n shall_v lead_v we_o on_o in_o our_o security_n in_o this_o blind_a confused_z and_o non-discerning_a way_n of_o darkness_n until_o he_o have_v plunge_v and_o fettete_v we_o in_o utter_a darkness_n and_o the_o power_n thereof_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o therefore_o unto_o they_o as_o unto_o child_n without_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n thou_o do_v senda_fw-la judgement_n 25._o wisdom_n 12._o 25._o to_o mock_v they_o but_o to_o draw_v towards_o a_o general_a close_a of_o this_o argument_n you_o see_v that_o this_o your_o argument_n a_o general_a conclusion_n of_o the_o argument_n suppose_a infallible_a evidence_n viz._n the_o immediate_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v needs_o be_v fallible_a the_o spirit_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v be_v not_o capable_a to_o be_v know_v or_o discern_v whether_o true_a or_o false_a and_o by_o consequence_n grant_v not_o able_a to_o evidence_n with_o any_o certainty_n as_o both_o scripture_n and_o reason_n have_v plain_o prove_v immediate_o brethren_n one_o end_n of_o my_o labour_n be_v reconciliation_n and_o union_n betwixt_o we_o and_o what_o do_v yet_o hinder_v it_o may_v we_o not_o be_v happy_a both_o with_o peace_n and_o truth_n we_o will_v come_v over_o to_o you_o but_o then_o we_o buy_v our_o peace_n too_o too_o dear_a viz._n with_o the_o loss_n of_o truth_n beside_o the_o deceit_n and_o rottenness_n of_o the_o ground_n whereon_o you_o stand_v detect_v threaten_v desperate_o threaten_v the_o loss_n of_o peace_n also_o yea_o with_o all_o our_o joy_n our_o soul_n and_o god_n too_o discourage_v deter_v but_o how_o great_a and_z i_o think_v not_o gain-sayable_a encouragement_n invitement_n have_v you_o not_o only_o from_o the_o prove_v both_o fallacy_n and_o weakness_n of_o your_o own_o but_o also_o from_o the_o try_a both_o strength_n and_o truth_n of_o we_o the_o ground_n whereon_o we_o stand_v to_o come_v over_o to_o we_o have_v you_o not_o see_v our_o ground_n to_o bare_v up_o both_o itself_o and_o we_o under_o the_o very_a same_o weight_n that_o shake_v and_o sink_v you_o before_o your_o eye_n and_o have_v not_o the_o very_a same_o beam_n of_o light_n the_o same_o principle_n of_o truth_n that_o discover_v the_o error_n and_o danger_n of_o the_o way_n you_o walk_v in_o make_v it_o manifest_v to_o you_o that_o the_o way_n we_o plead_v for_o be_v true_a and_o 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fallible_a evidence_n and_o while_o you_o have_v be_v condemn_v we_o have_v escape_v and_o be_v commend_v thereby_o o_o that_o you_o will_v be_v wise_a at_o length_n and_o lay_v down_o the_o buckler_n of_o a_o cause_n so_o desperate_a and_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o your_o peace_n both_o with_o god_n and_o we_o you_o know_v not_o how_o ready_a we_o be_v to_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n to_o you_o that_o be_v agree_v we_o may_v walk_v with_o god_n together_o in_o the_o good_a old_a way_n for_o strong_a consolation_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n spirit_n argu._n 2._o in_o ge_fw-mi against_o the_o immediate_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n last_o and_o we_o have_v but_o this_o one_o word_n more_o every_o letter_n whereof_o be_v a_o sentence_n sufficient_a for_o ever_o to_o condenm_fw-la the_o rest_n pretend_v have_v there_o be_v nothing_o yet_o yea_o can_v there_o be_v nothing_o else_o say_v against_o it_o viz._n that_o that_o be_v not_o true_a in_o itself_o can_v never_o be_v a_o true_a rest_n to_o we_o but_o we_o trust_v we_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o this_o little_a treatise_n that_o the_o spirit_n that_o exalt_v we_o above_o and_o against_o our_o qualification_n jesus_n christ_n the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o gospel_n ministry_n and_o all_o former_a experience_n of_o god_n grace_n towards_o we_o in_o eevery_a particular_a of_o which_o we_o have_v find_v this_o spirit_n deep_o guilty_a be_v no_o way_n true_a but_o a_o grand_a impostor_n and_o a_o blaspheme_a lie_a spirit_n therefore_o it_o can_v never_o be_v a_o true_a rest_n to_o we_o the_o breadth_n of_o this_o false_a wind_n spirit_n may_v seem_v for_o a_o while_n to_o fill_v our_o sail_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o mount_v we_o up_o a_o loft_n as_o upon_o eagle_n wing_n towards_o heaven_n itself_o but_o when_o you_o be_v soar_v near_o to_o the_o sun_n will_v not_o the_o sun_n think_v you_o scorch_v your_o plume_n that_o have_v slight_v his_o beam_n 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how_o sad_o will_v his_o expectation_n fail_v he_o when_o the_o lord_n shall_v say_v friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o bind_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o uttter_fw-ge darkness_n where_o all_o his_o steal_v presume_a joy_n shall_v be_v miserable_o turn_v into_o weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n for_o ever_o be_v not_o deceive_v dear_o belove_v your_o boast_n be_v vain_a and_o your_o rejoice_v not_o good_a can_v your_o deceive_a fancy_n indeed_o refresh_v you_o with_o the_o cluster_n of_o canaan_n that_o never_o set_v foot_n upon_o the_o border_n thereof_o can_v you_o build_v a_o sure_a castle_n of_o happiness_n and_o bliss_n upon_o no_o foundation_n or_o can_v airy_a notion_n that_o have_v no_o ground_n at_o all_o bear_v up_o