balme nor healing medicine in it but pure wrath and pure Justice powred forth in a curse against the transgressor by a just and righteous Law of equity May I not say then yea I doe say it with earning bowels of compassion Tell me ye that desire to be under the Law I mean the light and Law set up in every man doe ye not heare the Law for it is written that Abraham had two Sons the one by a bond maid the other by a free woman I desire the Scripture might be read in its owne words Gal. 4. from the 21. vers to the end of that Chapter and the Allegory thereof given heed unto as holding forth the 2 Covenants under the Persons of Agar and Sarah vers 24. and the 2 seeds under the persons of Ishmael and Isaac who both had but one father Abraham from whose loines they both descended though not so the one as the other for the former was born after the flesh The other was born after the Spirit The first born of these 2. though the son of the bond woman yet had Abraham to his father as truly and really as Isaac had Abrahams prayer touching Ishmael the interpretation of whose name is God shall hear was heard and Ishmael was blessed and made fruitfull and exceedingly multipled begot twelve Princes and became a great nation Gen. 17.20 Gen. 25.12 16. But notwithstanding all his greatnesse and glory and priviledge of being Abrahams Son yet his glory was no glory in comparison of that which excelled as appears Gen. 17.19 21. For it is said But my Covenant will I establish with Isaac I will establish my Covenat with him for an everlasting Covenant and with his seed after him the Son of the bondwoman for all his parentage priviledge and greatnesse though he say we have Abraham to our Father and we are a great people yet out of the house he must goe Cast out the bond woman and her Son * * Gen. 21.10 though it be never so grievious to part with this goodly birth the first-born of our strength yet it must be done the Son of the bond-woman must not abide in the house though he be Abrahams seed as it was witnessed Gen. 21.10 11 12 13. whom God will make a nation because he is his seed However out of the House he must be cast For the servant abideth not in the house for ever but the Sonne abideth ever Joh. 8.35 36. If the Sonne therefore shall make you free then are yee free indeed Agar the first Covenant and Ishmael the seed of Abraham by the first Covenant must be put away as faulty they may not abide in the House no though the first and first-borne For it is written The elder shall serve the younger and he that caught his brother by the heele must have the dominion The application hereof is plaine Neverthelesse for the sakes of some there may be a gathering up the summe of what hath been spoken touching this matter and it is this That although there be a light and law in every man which proceedeth from the Eternall God the Father and Fountaine of lights and spirits which hath the power and dominion over every man while he is under age as a Schoole-master or Tutor to the Edicts precepts and principles whereof he is obliged to yeild obedience under the penalty of Curse and Eternall separation from God which is the Condition of the first Covenant Yet this is not the abiding estate which God hath appoynted to perfect the Heires of salvation but rather in order to the bringing in that better hope viz. the promise by faith of Jesus Christ That it might be given to them that beleeve Gal. 3.22 And after that faith is come they are no longer under a Schoole-master but admitted to the Adoption of sonnes and thenceforth no more servants but sons not now under the Spirit of bondage and feare of being cast out of the house as a servant or sonne of the bondwoman who is not to abide in the house for ever but now as one whom the sonne having made free is free indeed and shall abide for ever Joh. 8.35 Gal. 3.25 Gal. 4.5 Rom. 8.15 The light and law of the naturall man of which every one is partaker and by which they which are obedient thereunto bring forth fruits as unto a first Husband which are legitimate and lawfull and of which wee are apt to say Oh that Ishmael might live in thy sight Neverthelesse this Husband must dye and so must his off-spring too though they seeme never so goodly nor never so glorious whether they be mournings prayings teares fastings humblings abstinencies righteousnesses loving and obeying the light and law which is in every man These must all dye and the glory of them become as the grasse of the feild when the glory of the Lord is revealed bringing in everlasting righteousnesse by the blood of the everlasting Covenant when the Lord shall pronounce against the goodlinesse of all flesh and when the Spirit of the Lord shall blow upon it cause it to wither declaring all flesh to be grasse and all the goodlinesse thereof as the flower of the feild which shall wither and fade away and its beauty shall be blasted Isa 40.4 5 6 7.8 And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day To him then shall every knee bow and every tongue sweare surely shall one say or surely shall he say of mee In the Lord is all righteousnesse and strength even to him shall men come and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified and shall glory Isa 45.24 25. Thus shall glorying in the flesh and all boasting be cut off Rom. 3.27 to fulfill that word of the Lord Jer. 9.23 Let not the wise man glory in his wisdome nor the mighty man glory in his might nor the rich man glory in his riches but let him that glorieth glory in this that he understandeth and knoweth mee that I am Jehovah which exerciseth loving kindnesse Which passage of the Prophet Jeremiah is made to Center in Christ who of God is made to his wisdome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption That no flesh should glory in his presence But as it is written Hee that glorieth let him glory in the Lord 1 Cor. 1.29 30 31. This poore and base and contemptible hang'd and crucified Jesus which to the Greekes was foolishnesse and to the Jewes a stumbling blocke but to the Called to them which beleeve both Jewes and Greeks Hee is Christ the power of God and the wisdome of God 1 Cor. 1.18 to 31. This is that other husband to whom the beleeving are married by whom they bring forth fruit to God not in oldnesse of letter but in newnesse of Spirit Rom. 7.4.6 These are they who notwithstanding all their obedience to the law of the first husband wherein they were fruitfull and had whereof to glory as unto and under
the spirit Answ This doth not in the least invalidate that which hath been spoken touching the Pseuchical or natural man forasmuch as the Scripture-phrase is not another but the same in all four places that is 1 Cor. 2.14 1 Cor. 15.44 46. James 3.15 and Jude 19. only the Translators have varyed the English word in the two latter That which in the former is rendred natural is in the two latter translated sensual for reason best known to themselves hinted at by a Learned man in his Exposition on the Epistle of James but both are the same in the Original and both are opposed to that which is spiritual as in the last of the places aforementioned that is Jude 19. appears sensual not having the spirit So that all being put together they make up but one and the same thing viz. The sensuall man Let him be the Positive Pseuchik he that does not embrace the Wisdome from above James 3.15 but brings in another wisdome which is from beneath or those mockers of the last time Jude 18 19. both these being 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sensuals not having the Spirit that is opposing the Spirit Or those privative Pseuchik's mentioned 1 Cor. 2.14 which perceive not or receive not the things of the Spirit of God but count them foolishness nor can know them because they are spiritually discerned Both these kinds of persons if there be any diversity of kinde among them and all those testimonies of Scripture put together center in this truth That man that is meer man furnished with all that the first man after his transgression was capable of with all his light of knowledge and reason heightned and improved to the uttermost in that capacity He is not able to discern the things of the Spirit of God till he be born again and receive another eye wherewith to see that is faith and another light that is the Spirit by which to discern the spiritual-things of God or the things of the Spirit of God So true is that testimony Surely man at his best estate is altogether vanity Psal 39.5 not only in respect of outward things but even in his wisdome his very thoughts are vanity Psalm 44.11 yea the wisest of them are so 1 Cor. 3.20 The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise that they are vain therefore let no man glory in man but as it is written Jer. 9.23 1 Cor. 1.27 28 29 30.31 He that gloryeth let him glory in the Lord and be content to be a fool that he may be wise 1 Cor. 3.18 For it is written I will destroy the wisdome of the wise bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent 1 Cor. 1.19 and that God effecteth by bringing in that which the wise ones of the world count foolishness viz. Christ crucified who though he be to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Gentiles foolishness yet to them that are called both of the one and of the other that is both Jew and Greek he is the power of God and the wisdome of God 1 Cor. 1.18 31. because the foolishnesse of God is wiser than men and the weaknesse of God is stronger than men And the way of Gods communication hereof to his called ones is no lesse wonderful in it self though as foolish to the wisdome of them which would be wise according to the flesh whose glorying God himself cuts off 1 Cor. 1.29 and addes But of him are ye that is called ones in Christ Jesus who of God is made to us not in us Wisdome and Righteousness and Sanctification and Redemption that according as it is written He that gloryeth let him glory in the Lord How foolish a thing soever this seems to be in its application yet this is true in him and founded upon him as the Covenant and is one of the deep things of the Spirit of God which no natural man can receive till washing of Regeneration and the renewing of the holy Spirit flowing forth out of this blessed Fountain of mercy and grace as in opposition to works of Righteousnesse which is the womb of salvation to the saved ones Tit. 3.4 5 6 7. Obj. This is notwithstanding all that hath been said a most uncertain means of discovery as is cleerly to be evinced by all the pretenders thereto who though they be very many and diverse yet they all discover the great uncertainty hereof by sad and wofull experience Instances whereof may be given in great abundance Answ Though this be too true in some yea in very many yet it doth not make the Faith of God of none effect as if the things were not because so many are mistaken about it For the Scriptures give plentiful testimony to the thing and many have experienced the same viz. That as the Father had his peculiar time of operation by way of eminency though by the Word and Spirit as is testified John 5.17 The Father worketh hitherto c. So the Son had his peculiar time of working to bring life and immortality to light 2 Tim. 1.9 10. Reconciling the world to God though God was in Christ effecting this work 2 Cor. 5.19 and through the eternal Spirit the atonement was made Heb. 9.14 So likewise to the Spirit there is assigned a time of operation to apply whatsoever hath been spoken or done by the Father and Christ in order to the atoning and reconciling to the perfecting and compleating the eternal Inheritance preparing or making meet the heirs of salvation for it and it for them in all things necessary thereunto according to the tenour of the new Covenant Ezek. 36.27 and the Mediation and ministration thereof opening the dark eye of the understanding Ephes 1.18 to see the wonderful things which were hid from ages and generations with Christ in God Eph. 3.9 11. and now by him manifested and revealed 2 Tim. 1.9 10. enclining the will to receive them Phil. 2.13 removing away whatsoever sets and hinders and making the subject and object meet in the center and become a perfect vision and this not with uncertainty but with greatest assurance and certainty as doth evidently and eminently appear to such as to whom it was a seal Eph. 4.30 an earnest also Eph. 1.13 14. and the first fruits Rom. 8.23 and likewise a witness Rom. 8.16 1 Joh. 4.13 1 Cor. 2.12 All which are terms of indubitableness therefore there is such a thing such an administration to be witnessed unto in some whatever mistakes may otherwayes be about it in the misapplication thereof by many Obj. Though this were the dispensation in the times of the Apostles and of the primitive Saints and Churches that they were indued with the Spirit and born witness unto thereby and sealed therewith and that it was to them an earnest and first fruits and so was in them an evidence and certainty Yet it is not safe to conclude from thence that because they once had it therefore persons now have it except they which do now
before proved The same is likewise confirmed Joh. 14.16 And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter even the spirit of Truth but lest it should be said as in the Objection this promise was made to that Age of the Apostles only it is added that he may abide with you for ever Obj. But were the Apostles at that time without that spirit altogether Answ It is answered in the 17. verse But ye know him for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you the spirit shall be the same but the measures enlarged the same spirit of faith but not the same measure Object What shall the spirit do when it is given in that larger measure Answ It is resolved partly in the 26. verse He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you And partly Joh. 16.13 He will guide you into all truth and he will shew you all things to come Obj. This is that dispensation of the spirit which is mentioned in Joh. 7.38 39. and for which the Apostles were commanded to waite at Jerusalem Luk. 24.49 and which the Apostles did receive Act. 2.4 according to the prophecy Joel 2.28 A. It is not to be denyed as before that one branch of the dispensation of the spirit is to open it self in such discoveries as those but the whole thereof and the all of that dispensation is not limited or confined to the external and outward and miraculous manifestation thereof only as in the Apostles dayes At which time not to every person individually was it so communicated as hath been proved before unto which you are referred and they which did receive the dispensation of the spirit at large both in its inward operation and outward manifestation yet did receive but the first fruits thereof Rom. 8.23 From the whole of what hath been spoken in answer to this main objection this briefly is the summe 1. That notwithstanding the dispensation of the spirit in the times called primitive viz. in the dayes of the Apostles and primitive Christians was with great evidence and outward manifestation accompanied with signs and wonders and mighty deeds yet it was so but in some persons not in all beleevers as by the instances before cited may appear for there were some beleevers that did not know of such a thing as the spirit Act. 19.2 2. That as some Beleevers were ignorant of outward manifestation thereof so there were others who having the outward were destitute of the inward Mat. 7.22 23. 10.4 8. 3. The gift of the spirit is a Covenant gift first promised to Christ and in him to them that are his that is Christs to him and to his seed throughout their generations seeds seed Isa 59.21 4. It was promised by Christ to his Apostles to be in them for ever Joh. 14.16 17. not so to remain in their individual persons for ever but in their successors and not in them only as such that is Apostles but also in all such as should thenceforth beleeve thorough their word Joh. 17.20 5. It was prophesied to be poured upon all flesh Joel 2.28 and applyed to all that were a farre off even as many as the Lord our God shall call Act. 2.39 6. The Apostle declareth of himself and the beleeving Romans who although they had received the Spirit of Adoption whereby they cryed Abba Father and he at least had also received the outward visible manifestation of the Spirit yet saith of himself and them They had received the first fruits of the spirit intimating that there was yet a further manifestation thereof reserved to them which were to come after according to the tenor of that Scripture Heb. 11.40 That they without us might not be made perfect Hence therefore it may be argued that though it hath pleased the Lord for the misuse or abuse of his holy spirit or for other most holy ends known unto himself to withdraw from the children of men for a season the manifestation thereof in that which is outward in gifts of tongues prophecies healings c. Suffering Arts so called by Man to prevail instead thereof till the faith of his people prevail through cryes and tears to bring back the Anointed and with him the Anointing For the prophesy of Joel is as yet but in part fulfilled and the direction of our Lord remains firm to this day Luk. 11. from the 5. verse to the 14. touching the incessant importunate prayer for the holy spirit concluding thus vers 14. If ye then which are evil know how to give good things to your children how much more shall the Heavenly Father give the holy spirit to them which ask him And surely were but the Lords people awakened to consider the necessity of the return of that spirit which hath been for so long a time withdrawn and to be importunate with the Lord and give him no rest but with all humble and holy boldness continue in prayer and not faint according to that in Luk. 18.1 who knowes how soon the most high might turn the Captivity of his people as the Rivers of the South as to this particular and meet his mourning praying Servants where David met the men of Judah who came to conduct him over Jordan even at Gilgal viz. the place of the rowling away of reproach Ioshuah 5.9 and make it a time as that was a place of rowling away of reproach from his people forever Nevertheless though in respect of its visible manifestation there be a great hiding and withdrawing yet according as was promised Joh. 14.18 Our Lord hath not left his children Comfortless nor Orphans But hath left them a Comforter as promised Continuing to them the invisible Operations of his holy spirit enabling them thereby to cry Abba Father who in that respect is called the spirit of Adoption Rom. 8.15 Gal. 4.6 Because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father becoming in them a sanctifying spirit 1 Cor. 6.11 a spirit of sanctification 2 Thes 2.13 1 Pet. 1.2 witnessing to their spirits their estate of Sonship Rom. 8.16 Causing them to Read that new-Name written on the white stone which no Man knows but he which hath it So that all though they cannot assure another by infallible evidence so as to leave them without doubt touching their estate yet to themselves the spirit of God by which they are regenerated doth evidence its own operation according to that testimony 1 Joh. 5.10 He that beleeveth hath the witness in himself and by filling them with fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ unto the praise and glory of God leading them in paths of righteousness keeping their feet that they stumble not upon the dark mountains sanctifying them throughout as well in body as in soul and spirit enabling them to mortify the deeds of the flesh and to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh
shineth in the dark heart of every man is the Vnction of the holy one given of the Father whereby we need not teach one another c. I say how doth it appeare that this is spoken of that little light as being that Vnction when there is not so much as one word mentioning that little light at all in this entire passage of Scripture nor any other that I doe know of If there be any I wish it were produced nor can it satisfie to say its meant so for meanings have received their sentence already in the former branch Nay the contrary is evident that the Apostle is so farre from speaking of the Light in every man and calling it the Vnction of the holy one given of the Father c. That he speakes of that holy Anoynting which they to whom he there writes viz. the little children the young men and the fathers were made partakers of viz whose sins were forgiven for his names sake and who had knowne the Father and overcome the wicked one 1 John 2.12 13. Such as in whom the darknesse was past and the true light now shined vers 8. These were they who had received the Vnction from the holy one and did know all things the anoynting which they having received abideth in them according to that which was promised John 14.16 Even the Spirit of truth who was to abide for ever with them to whom he should be given vers 27. who being come should teach them all things vers 26. To the persons who through beleeving were borne againe not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God who as little children had obtained Remission of sinnes for his names sake as young men had overcome the wicked one as fathers had knowne him from the beginning I say to such as these are and of such as these are this Scripture gives Testimony that they had received the Vnction of the holy one i. e. the Spirit of truth which should lead them into all truth and teach them all things and abide with them for ever according to the promise of Christ John 14.16 17 26. John 16.13 14 15. Which Vnction of the holy one i. e. the Spirit of truth is not a light in every one shining in the darke heart and teaching them all things but is so in such only as doe beleeve for to as many as received him to them he gave the priviledge of Sonneship And because they were Sonnes he sent forth the Spirit of his Sonne into their hearts crying Abba Father Gal. 4.6 Which is not the state or case of every one as is evident for all men have not the faith 2 Thes 3.2 Without which men cannot be the Children of God Gal. 3.7 26 28. nor receive the Vnction of the holy one so as not to need any one to teach them but as the anoynting teacheth them Object The words by thee first repeated as taken out of the booke called Mans returne mention not these words viz. Every one but only the little light which shineth in the darke heart Where the words Every one doe not follow notwithstanding thou doest often mention them as if they were there expressed Answ 1. To speake roundly and plainly to the Principle That which is said of the little light which shines in the dark heart as being the powerfull word of faith or as being the Vnction of the holy one c. is true of it as it is in every one or is not true of it at all in any one according to this Principle which saith The Light is but one in all 2 That Christ is the light which hath enlightned every one that comes into the world Thou that hatest this light thou hast it to this the current of these writings give testimony and in particular this very Author of mans returne hath these words viz. Fox way to the Kingdome Pages 1.6 All you enslaved Captives of Babylon hearken diligently to Jesus Christ the light which lets you see the evill of your hearts to be guided by it c. Mans Returne Page 26. Every one minde your conditions see what guides your mindes for the Kingdome of Christ is within you and that is the light which lets you see the evill of your hearts Page 27. O thou enslaved soule under the power of Babylon in thee come forth minde the light in thee which is the sure word of Prophecy whereunto ye do well to take heed 2 Pet. 1.19 By which severall passages it is evident that the light which enlightneth every one is the little light which shines in the dark heart of every one and is so intended even by this Author as by others and accordingly so applyed and spoken to Object Doth not the Scripture say 1 Cor. 12.7 The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withall How then dost thou restraine it to some men as thou hast done Answ It is evident that all have not the Spirit of Christ Rom. 8.9 If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his and Jude doth testifie of some persons that they are sensuall haveing not the Spirit vers 19. Therefore the Apostle speaking of the manifestation of the Spirit which was given forth in the Church of Corinth in the diversity of its gifts the differences of administration and the diversity of operations To one was given a word of Wisedome to another a word of Knowledge to another faith to another the gifts of healing to another the working of miracles to another Prophecy to another discerning of Spirits to another kindes of tongues to another interpretations of tongues Now all these were divers manifestations of the Spirit in that Church of Corinth diversly distributed and divided to every man severally vers 11. Now all these worketh that one and the selfe same spirit divideing to everyman severally as he will as appeares vers 28 29 30. Now God hath set some in the Church c. Are all Apostles are all Prophets are all Teachers are all Workers of miracles have all Gifts of healing doe all speake with tongues doe all interpret By which it doth appear that the manifestation of the Spirit as it was different so it was differently distributed and is restrained to some Persons v. 30. have all doe all are all c. And the word every man in the 7. verse is explained by the same words every Man in the 11. vers And the end of this distribution of the Spirit or manifestation of the Spirit is given to no man for himselfe but it is to every man to profit withall to edify and build up and doe service in the body as an hand foot or eye or some other member of the body according to the similitude of a body used in that Scripture not that the Spirit or the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man i. e. to every individuall Person Forasmuch as some men are
beleeved entred into rest It follows then that although God hath made of one blood all Nations to dwell on the face of the Earth c. and bounded their habitations Act. 17.26 Yet he hath distinguished the Race and Generations of mankind into two seeds first expressed in Gen. 3.15 in these words Thy seed and her seed Afterwards more amplified and that distinction evidenced not to be different qualities or qualifications in one and the same person as some understand but in distinct persons differently qualified as appears in the persons of Cain and Abel Ishmael and Isaac Esau and Jacob and so all along Wherein though all mankind are of the Race of Adam yet there are but some which are of Abraham and of those all are not the seed which the Lord hath blessed for though all which proceeded from his loins were his children according to the flesh yet the children of the promise are counted for the seed and these also are so the children of Abraham children of Promise children of Faith children that cannot lie as that they were first the children of Adam as Abraham himselfe also was according to that divine testimony 1 Cor. 15.46 47 48 49. That was not first which is spiritual but that naturall and afterward that spirituall The first man is of the earth earthy the second man is the Lord from heaven As is the earthy such are they that are earthy and as is the heavenly such are they also that are heavenly The former are the children of the first Adam by naturall generation the latter are the children of the second Adam by spirituall regeneration of whom it is thus witnessed Joh. 1.12 13. That to as many as receive him i. e. the Lord Jesus to them he gave the privilege or prerogative to be made the Sons of God even to as many as beleeve in his name who are born not of bloods nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God So that it appears As the first stone of the building viz. that living elect precious corner-stone the Lord Jesus himselfe was not borne of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God Luk. 1.34 35. So likewise the living stones of the same spirituall building are borne after the same manner for nature and kind not of the will of man nor of the will of the flesh but from above according to what is testified in John 3.3 by the true and faithfull witnesse himselfe Verily verily I say unto thee except a man be borne again or from above vers 5. or of the spirit vers 6. he cannot see the Kingdome of God Which being regenerate or born from above reverts into the former Joh. 1.12 13 viz. a receiving of and beleeving on Jesus Christ both which put together produce that new birth which is from above viz. when it shall please God the Father by his holy Spirit to make discovery of his love in Christ through or by means of a promise to sinners shall take off the fears and doubts of a Soul causing it to lie down at the foot of that grace thus brooding over it and willingly accepting thereof upon the terms on which it is tendred Surely this amounts unto a begetting again unto a lively hope 1 Pet. 1.3 is a testimony of the great good will of God by which he begetteth by the word of truth a kinde of first fruits to himself Jam. 1.18 especially when this discovery of Gods love shining into the Soul through the face of Christ 2 Cor. 4.6 shall be mixt with faith in them that hear and receive the glad tidings of it Heb. 4.2 Gal. 3.14 The Spirit of God thus revealing Christ to the heart of a Sinner and Gods great love in him preparing the heart to receive him mingling faith with the promise and giving strength to receive the seed of the Word of promise in fulness of time or according to the time of life spiritually so considered brings forth that birth which is after God according to that which is spoken 1 Pet. 1.23 Being born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible by the Word of God which liveth and abideth for ever This new birth presupposeth a new Life which holds similitude and proportion with the first Creation when God first made man he breathed into him the breath of lives and he became a living soul setting up in him a light viz. the spirit of a man viz. the Candle of the Lord suitable and proportionable to his capacity as he then stood directing him in all things necessary to be known or done in respect of God or himself according to the law written in his heart So likewise in this new birth or new creation the person receives a new life Ephes 2.5 Even when we were dead in sinnes he hath quickned us c. Evidencing that as he which hath the Son hath life 1 John 5.12 So this life puts forth it self in such discoveries as wherein the new-born Babe in Christ having received through beleeving a witnesse in himself 1 John 5.10 and hath set to his seal that God is true John 3.33 crying to God Abba Father by the Spirit of Adoption received Rom. 8.15 even the spirit of the Son sent forth into his heart Gal. 4.6 and desiring as new-born Babes the sincere milk of the Word the unmix'd milk of that same Word by the incorruptible seed whereof the new Birth was begotten and born 1 Pet. 1.23 That it may grow up in him in all things and this upon the accompt of having tasted that the Lord is gracious 1 Pet. 2.2 By which spiritual growth it appeareth to others as to himself also that he is alive in Christ as in his head and root by faith And that Christ lives in him also by faith Ephes 3.17 and Gal. 2.20 Not onely as an Object to be beleeved on without him as having done all for him Rom. 4.25 and 8.3 1 Cor. 1.30 2 Cor. 5.21 but as inhabiting in him according to that Testimony Gal. 1.16 It pleased God to reveal his Son in me which is more amplified and explained Gal. 2.20 I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life I live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me This inhabiting or in-dwelling of Christ in the heart is proper only to beleevers to new-born Babes in Christ unto whom he hath become a quickning Spirit Ephes 2.1 5. and 1 Cor. 15.45 in such he dwels as in his Tabernacle while they are Tabernacling in their house of clay And as its proper to them only which beleeve so it is effected and performed in them by the same Instruments by which its life and being was at first conveyed viz. by the Spirit on Christs part John 14.17 Rom. 8.11 and by that fruit of the Spirit viz. faith on mans part Ephes 3.17 That Christ may dwell
thereof who by the Spirit of Wisdome and Revelation in the knowledge of him opens the eyes of the understanding Ephes 1.17 and through the washing of Regeneration and renewing of the holy Spirit Tit. 3.5 abundantly and richly saves them making them to become one Spirit with himself 1 Cor. 6.17 In whom they in their degree and measure behold with open face as in a glass the Glory of the Lord and are changed into the same image from glory to glory as by the Spirit of the Lord or by the Lord the Spirit 2 Cor. 3.17 18. I say in measure according to the proportion he bears in the stature of Christ Eph. 4.13 Thus the Regenerate man doth come to see by the light of the Spirit of the Lord by which he is illuminated that glory of the Lord shining forth of darkness through the face of Christ Jesus which all the candles nor torches of mans spirit in the world could never have discovered nor given him the true and distinct knowledge of whatever hints he otherwise might have had touching a possibility of Remission and Salvation probably and conjecturally from the series of Gods Goodness Patience and forbearance or from the general sound of the Gospel and the glad tidings held forth therein which infinitely transcends the former yet this also whilest it is taken in by the light of a mans spirit though that be the candle of the Lord as hath often been minded it cannot amount to a discovery or right and true discerning of the things of the Spirit of God as contained in and under the new Covenant or law of faith but the Testimony of that Scripture stands as a wall of brass between his candle and it which saith The Natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned or judged of 1 Cor. 2.14 The reason is because although the candle-light of mans spirit was suited and fitly qualified by the Lord to lead him thorough the first Dispensation that is of works as that which had received its anointing thereunto and adapted to the administration that then was for he was made upright yet when that administration was to cease and to be done away 2 Cor. 3.7 11. and another to be brought in the place and stead thereof wherein all things were to become new a new creation and new creatures 2 Cor. 5.17 governed by a new Covenant or law Heb. 8.6 7 8 9 10 13. and Heb. 10.24 It was necessary that the subjects hereof should be endued with new principles and particularly with a new heart and a new spirit also with another eye and light than which did accompany the former administration for in that former there was light enough in mans own spirit to see to work by as a man may do in the night by a candle but in this there must be to walk by broad day-light Sun-light that they which are made light in the Lord may walk in the light of the Lord Ephes 5.8 Isa 2.5 and that those which are born of the spirit and made alive thereby may also walk in the spirit by which they were quickned and made to live Gal. 5.16 18 25. For which purpose the Covenant now spoken of undertakes not only to new-creature the man in Christ 2 Cor. 5.17 giving him a new heart and a new spirit that is renewing him in the spirit of his mind Eph. 4.23 but also God superadds of his abundant grace in the same Covenant his own Spirit which shall cause the renewed spirit to be improved aright which may appear as to the praise and glory of God that gives it so to the infinite and unutterable consolation of the sons and daughters of God to whom it is given as appears in those precious promises and breasts of consolations whereby the new Covenant is unbosomed particularly Ezekiel 36. 26 27. where besides that the new heart and the new spirit are promised in the twenty six verse it s added And I will put my spirit within you Q. But what to do A. It shall cause you to walk in my waies it shall be both light to shew you how to walk and life to enable you it shall cause you to walk c. Neither of which could be effected by the candle-light so often mentioned before therefore was it of absolute necessity in this case that as there was to be another Law or Covenant divers from the former called a new Covenant in comparison of the old So there must of necessity be another light to accompany it diverse from the former that is as then mans spirit so now the Spirit of the Lord not onely to enlighten but to enliven as to direct and guide so likewise to enable to perform that is to work in us to will and to do of his own good pleasure Phil. 2.23 Object Although it may not be denyed but that the Covenant and tearms thereof are much different from what they were under the Legal administration and that the Mediatour of the new Covenant doth far excel him that executed that Ministery under the old and that the light and glory of the latter doth far surpass that of the former Yet this doth not put out the Candle of the Lord in any man nor render it unnecessary or useless but rather improves it by clearing up its object from the obscurity that it lay under by reason of the veils and shadows which are now done away in Christ whereby the Candle of the Lord burns much brighter and is enabled to all intents and purposes to make discovery of whatsoever is revealed in the Gospel whatsoever is pretended unto as a means of discovery other than this viz. the spirit of a man that is the reason and understanding of a man is unnecessary uncertain and dangerous Answ Though this Objection hath a great appearance of seeming strength and bids defiance to all that hath been spoken hitherto touching the light of the Spirit of God in the new creature calling it unnecessary uncertain and dangerous Yet a few smooth stones taken out of the Brook of the holy Scripture directed by the Lord of the Battle though slung out by a weak despised and contemptible Instrument may stagger and disarm this Objection how disdainfully and Goliah-like soever it utters its self threatning to give the flesh of all that hath been said touching this matter to the fowls of the air and beasts of the field It hath been often said touching the Candle of the Lord in man that it 's a great and a goodly Light and to what hath been spoken this may further be added that it may be said of it as was said of that Champion 1 Sam. 17.4 c. It hath an helmet of brass on its head and is armed with a coat of male weighing five thousand shekels of brass besides its staffe its spear and shield Incomparable in all these and can speak
things which hee had heard of his Father John 15.15 Who when hee was come should guide them into all truth Joh. 16.7 13. Nor should this be a priviledge peculiar to the then Disciples only or to the persons of that age or generation as appeares Joh. 17.20 21. Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall beleeve on mee through their word That they all may be one c. in us By the Administration of which Spirit of truth Hee i. e. The Lord Jesus Christ makes forth the discovery of himselfe his minde and will touching things to be knowne and done beleeved and practised Joh. 16.13 14. Whatsoever hee shall heare that shall hee speake and hee will shew you things to come Hee shall glorifie mee for hee shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you As the glory of God did shine forth through the appearance of Christ Joh. 17.4 So the glory of Christ doth shine forth through the appearance of the Spirit Joh. 16.14 As Christ did nothing of himselfe during his ministration in the world Joh. 12.49 50. I have not spoken of my selfe but the Father which sent mee gave me Commandement what I should say and what I should speake and as the Father said to me so I speake So the Spirit of truth hee shall not speake of himselfe but whatsoever hee shall heare that shall hee speake Hee shall glorifie mee for hee shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you As God was in Christ reconciling the world to himselfe 2 Cor. 5.19 So is Christ in Spirit subduing the world to himselfe Joh. 16.7 8. Now the Lord is that Spirit 2 Cor. 3.17 As Christ by being put to death in the flesh hath once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring them to God 1 Pet. 3.18 So by being justified in spirit or quickned by the spirit or declared to be the son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness 1 Tim. 3.16 He doth actually effect that thing in all them who by him do beleeve in God that raised him from the dead and gave him glory that their faith and hope might stand in God 1 Pet. 3.18 Rom. 1.4 Who by faith purifies their heart in obyeing the truth through the spirit waiting for the hope of righteousnesse by faith 1 Pet. 1.19 21 22 23. By which spirit he doth negotiate all the affairs of his kingdome on earth and so hath done from the time of his ascending up on high when he led Captivity captive and not only received gifts for men or in the man yea for the rebellious that he might dwell among them Psal 68.18 But also gave gifts to men Eph. 4.8.12 for the gathering into one or perfecting the number of the Saints for the edifying or building up the body of Christ till we all that is all the seed come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ which cannot be so long as one joint one finger or member of the body is uncalled ungathered or unjoynted according to that of Heb. 11.40 For as they without us could not be made perfect so neither they nor we apart nor together can so be without those which are to come after who altogether make up the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ whose body cannot be compleat till every joint be supplyed The Effecting whereof the Lord Jesus Christ performs by his spirit from the very first stone the foundation to the top stone thereof For he having been hammered and broken smitten and bruised crucified through weaknesse when his soul was made an offering for sin yet being raised in power and declard to be the Son of God with power by the spirit of holinesse and liveing by the power of God was made perfect through suffering and became the Author of eternall salvation to them which obey him being laid for a foundation for a Corner stone 1 Cor. 3.11 1 Pet. 2.6 Ephes 2.20 21 22. In whom the building is fitly framed together and built up together for an habitation of God through the spirit by which spirit the work is both begun and carried on by it the stones are hewen and made meet to be made partakers of a place in the building they are fitted and then fitly framed and built up together from first to last The first work which Christ by his spirit would exercise in the world after his departure was to reprove the world of sin viz. of unbeleefe John 16.7 8 9. and not only should they thereby be reproved of sin and of that before named in particular or in speciall that is of unbelief but it should convince them also of righteousnesse and of judgement The law under the former dispensation though it convinced of and reprooved for sin yet it discovered not a perfect righteousness nor brought forth judgement into victory but haveing detected the sinner it left him under the sentence of judgement and condemnation but the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus That quickning spirit proceeds at another rate it not only reproves the Sinner but reveales the Saviour opens a doore of hope to the convicted sinner If so there may be hope and for this reason among others it is called the Comforter giving to the sin-smitten soule the valley of Achor for a doore of hope I will be mercifull to their unrighteousnesse and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more making the discovery of grace a foundation of repentance and returning to a poore convicted and reproved sinner holding proportion with that ancient and first Gospel promise or word of faith the seed of the woman shall breake the head of the Serpent Gen. 3.15 applied by God to the trembling sinner Adam when he was affraid and hid himselfe By the same spirit doth Christ administer as a spirit of wisdome and revelation opening the eyes of the understanding Ephes 1.17 that men may come to the knowledge of him and may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints i. e. in them that trust in Christ or beleeve and are sealed with the holy spirit of promise Vers 12 13. Which operation of the spirit is wrought as himselfe listeth Joh. 3.8 and by what means himselfe pleaseth though ordinarily by the preaching of the word according to divine appointment Rom. 10.17 Ephes 4.11 12. whereby the spirit opens the blind eyes and turns men from darknesse to light and from the power of Sathan to God that they may receive forgivenesse of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith which is in Christ Jesus Act. 26.15 16 17 18. Which Faith is the fruit of his spirit in them Gal. 5.22 whereby they are given to beleeve Phil. 1.29 and to receive Christ Jesus Joh. 1.12 and to
though with all possible brevity Reply That the Gospel is the power of God to salvation may not be denyed Rom. 1.16 for it is so to every one that beleeveth and let him be accursed that preacheth any other gospel than that which is so Gal. 1.9 But where the gospel which is the power of God to salvation is preached if it be not mixt with faith in them which hear it it is not the power of God to salvation to such according to the testimony of that Scripture Heb. 4.2 For unto us was the gospel preached as well as unto them but the word preached did not profit them not being mixed with faith in them that heard So that the gospel is not the power of God to salvation to any but to such as beleeve it and by faith receive the glad tidings and message thereof and become obedient thereunto Rom. 1.17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith as it is written The just shal live by faith The gospel which in it self is the power of God to salvation so named already may be prerched not only in word but also in power and in the holy spirit as twice to the Thessalonians 1 Thes 1.5 in demonstration of the spirit and power as to the Corinthians 1 Cor. 2.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it may be powerfully ratified and confirmed by signs and wonders and mighty deeds yet not powerfull to salvation except received by faith in them that hear it Such a gospel was it to the Thessalonians 1 Thes 1.5 It was brought to them in mighty power and received by them in much assurance as the very word of God to which they yeilded the obedience of faith 1 Thes 2.13 14. As the Romans also did Chap. 15.18 19. Wheresoever the Gospel is preached in Evidence and demonstration of the spirit and received by faith in them that hear it it is the arm and power of God to salvation to such and doth powerfully incline them to yeild obedience in word and deed to whatsoever is therein revealed unto them He that receives the light and is obedient to it receivs the gift of God and shall receive the power the light rejected no power received Reply It hath been said before by this friend to whom I now reply That Christ is the light and That Christ is the gift of God To which may be added that which is testified 1 Cor. 1.18 That Christ is the power of God as it is expressed by the Apostle Now let it be considered what is spoken by the friend in this parcel of words above recited and whether it amount not to a repetition and Tautology of words He that receives the light and is obedient to it receives Christ for Christ is the light receives the gift of God that is Christ for Christ is the gift of God and shall receive the power that is Christ for Christ is the power of God and such as receive Christ and obey him reject not the light nor can be without the power forasmuch as he whom they have received and obeyed is both the light and the power and the gift and is no more than if it had been thus express'd He that receives Christ obeys him receives Christ and shall receive Christ Christ rejected no Christ received Your heart shall fail and your eyes wax dim that look for another way or another Gospel than that which redeems out of sin Reply It hath been said before that Christ is the way Let their heart fail and their eyes wax dim that expect salvation by any other way than by him who is the Way the Truth and the Life Forasmuch as there is no other name given under heaven whereby we can be saved and that Gospel which tenders salvation by Christ to sinners without redemption from sin let it indeed be Anathema from the Lord. For it is witnessed of the true and only Lord Jesus that his name should be called Jesus that is Saviour for that he should redeem his people from their sins Mat. 1.21 and save them to the utmost that come unto God by him everliving to make intercession for them Heb. 7.25 even for them who by him do beleeve in God purifying their souls in obeying the truth through the spirit being born again c. 1 Pet. 1.21 22 23. Which testimony is born up in the hearts of the children of the regeneration who are made the sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus having received the adoption of sons they cry unto him in spirit incessantly night and day that this redemption from the body of sin and death may be compleated in them saying how long Lord holy and true fighting the good fight of faith keeping up the watch and warre of the Lord as knowing that the God of peace will shortly tread Sathan under their feet I say their feet as really within them as he hath troden him under his own feet for them without them And further knowing that they shall assuredly reap in due time if they faint not this being their victory even their faith by which with patience they possess their soul being confident of this one thing that he is faithful who hath called them who will also do it and having begun a good work in them will also perfect it perform or finish it untill the day of Christ having this hope they purify themselves in the power of him who of God is made to them righteousness and sanctification as well as wisdome and redemption The name of Christ is pleasant in the outward sound in as much as thereby men think to have their sins taken away but the Gospel is the power of God that redeems out of sin Reply Who ever names the name of Christ is to depart from iniquity and he who naming the name of Christ how pleasant soever he count that name yet if such an one depart not from iniquity but rowl his sinne under his tongue as a sweet morsel and bless himself in his heart saying I shall have peace though I walk in the Imagination or stubborness of my heart to adde drunkenness to thirst the Lord will not spare him but the anger of the Lord and his jealousie will smoak against that man there 's no such use of the name of Christ as to make it a Cloak for sin for the wrath of God is revealed against all unrighteousness in men Whatsoever and in whomsoever it be and he that regards iniquity in his heart hath a root of gall and wormwood that will eat out all the pleasantness that may seem to be in the name of Christ in the outward sound Deut. 29.18 19 20. Yet for asmuch as there may be some snare and temptation lie upon some souls touching those words before minded and repeated viz. the Gospel is the power of God that redeems out of sin Whence some persons do conclude that they are redeemed out of sin and that the body of sin is destroyed in
observer Nor did this their rent or division happen among the mean ones but between the heads the men of name where the chief strength lay persons of no smal account or esteem with the persons of this perswasion G. F. to I. N. I. N. to G. P. I. B. to I. N. Nor was this in some circumstantial matter but in their foundation so that it amounts unto the very same thing mentioned that is lo here and lo there the one not person only but party Crying down the other with great severity and that in the name of the Lord as not having stood in the Counsel of the Lord though both avouch the light to be but one and the same in all yet are set up as witnesses against each other and what further thing the Lord will do in the end thereof doth not yet appear but many of his poor and tender ones lie at his foot admiting at his wisdome and counsel herein waiting to see his further pleasure mourning for his Captiv'd ones Crying day and night unto him that they may be redeemed out of the snare which God hath caused to be broken before their eyes without hand using none other means but themselves for effecting thereof When they knew God they glorified him not as God those had such a knowledge of God that they might thereby have glorified him as God which not doing they were given up to vile affections Reply whether this passage have a special and particular application to the Romans or whether it relate more generally to mankinde is not declared however it is thus far evident That the most Holy and Eternall God the Maker and Creator of all things the father of lights and spirits hath made forth the discovery and knowledge of himself in the majesty of his power and Godhead to the sons of men Partly by what he hath manifested in them and partly by what he hath shewed unto them viz. his eternal power and Godhead hath been before largely proved and may be here but briefly hinted by way of repetition upon this renewed occasion viz. That God who stretcheth forth the Heavens and layeth the foundation of the earth hath formed the spirit of man within him as a Candle or lamp or torch calling it the candle of the Lord of the nature and property whereof much hath been spoken before together with a a law written on his heart by reflexion upon which not only the power but the Godhead of God was knowable and discernable that as it is manifested in man that no other but this eternal God is his maker and Creator so he must serve no other but him nor none beside him Him only shalt thou serve and this service must be performed as to the only Creator and Maker according to the tenor of that law written upon the heart which afterwards was declared by more solemn publication in the mount which burnt with fire Deut. 4.11 Nor was the power and Godhead of God only invisibly manifested in man but was also externally shewed unto him by those outspeakings of God in the visible parts and parcels of the Creation whereby it evidently appeared that there was no God no other God besides him whose invisible glory shined through these visible appearances which were seen from the Creation of the world by which double demonstration of his power and Godhead he left not himselfe without witnesse unto and in man nor man under the capacity of an excuse before God nor in himselfe the evincing whereof is the main scope of the holy spirit in Rom. 1.19 20 21. Acts 14.15 16 17. Act. 17. from 24. to the 30 verse Hence it follows that because when they knew God they glorified him not as God c. neither were thankfull but changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an Image made like to corruptible man and to birds and to four footed beasts and creeping things therefore or for this cause God gave them up Though they had evident plain discovery of the Godhead of God of his soveraignty and supremacy together with his benignity and bounty for which they should have served him and praised him as their soveraign Lord and maker owning him to be so and serving him as such according to those expressions Psal 95.6 Psal 100.1.2 3. Instead whereof it is testified that they did not glorifie him as God i. e. they did not ascribe unto the Lord glory and strength as became the kindreds of the people nor although they knew there was no God but he which made them and had made manifest the same unto them yet they liked not to retain this knowledge of God or God in their knowledge but changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an Image made like unto corruptible man and to birds and beasts and creeping things turning the Godhead of the invisible and eternal God into a lye and falling down thereunto worshipping and serving the Creature more than or instead of the Creator who is blessed for ever for this cause God gave them up c. Not as if the natural man while he is such can glorifie God as God i.e. ascribe to God the glory due unto his name any otherwise than as he is demonstrated to his naturall capacity as he is pleased to give forth himself to be discerned by his lamp or torch within or the works of Creation without him forasmuch as that which to a regenerate person to one born of the Spirit or from above is the power of God and the wisdom of God and owned by him as such and by him ascribed to God as being so is by the natural man accounted foolishnesse and consequently upon this account i. e. in spiritual things he cannot glorifie God because he cannot discern that there is any glory therein The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned 1 Cor. 2.14 Neverthelesse so much as may leave him without excuse is manifested in him and shewed unto him and is discernable by him viz. the eternal power and Godhead of God in opposition to all false Gods to every created being or likenesse thereof so as that who ever shall willingly and knowingly depart from the living God or from that of God which they know as men and erect something instead thereof and bow down thereto these do herein say to the Almighty depart from us we desire not the knowledge of thy waies and they may be truly said in the sense and scope of this Scripture Rom. 1.21 not to glorifie God as God these might have glorified him as God i.e. own'd him as such as the only God the Creator and maker of all things for so was he made out to them both within them and without them which they not owning nor acknowledging not liking to retain God in their knowledge but erecting something instead of him are said not to glorifie God as God The Scriptures bear testimony unto
submit to him for life and salvation by which they receive the witnesse in themselves that they are adopted Sons 1. Joh. 5.10 the spirit it self bearing them witness that they are born of God Rom. 8.16 and are the seed whom the Lord hath blessed Esay 61.9 So that Christ is not at a distance not a farre off from such as truely beleeve but is nigh them dwelling in their hearts by faith Eph. 3.17 and by his Spirit Rom. 8.11 and is in them the hope of glory Col. 1.27 whereby they being renewed in the spirit of their minde Ephes 4.23 and being married to this their other husband henceforth they bring forth fruit to God not according to oldnesse of letlet but according to newnesse of spirit Rom. 7.4 6. not taking advantage of the grace of God to dispence with themselves in poynt of obedience toward God but reckoning themselves under deeper obligation that as grace hath abounded toward them so might their obedience towards him that hath manifested that grace unto them as hee who sayd What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits I will take the Cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord Psal 116.12 What were those benefits The Lord hath heard the voyce of my supplication thou hast delivered my soule from death my eyes from teares and my feete from falling I will walke before the Lord in the land of the living Psal 116.1 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call upon the name of the Lord as long as I live Psal 116.17 She loved much because much was forgiven her Luk. 7.47 The life of the New Creature of the renewed man or man in Christ in whom Christ lives by his spirit and dwels by faith is no idle unfruitfull life but as a branch in the Vine and as a part of Gods husbandry he is purged and pruned and caused to bring forth fruit filled with fruits of righteousnesse which are by Jesus Christ unto the praise and glory of God Phil. 1.11 Not living to himelfe It is his meate and drinke to doe the will of his Father He now comes to beare witnesse to the truth of that Scripture which saith In keeping thy Commandements there is great reward Though formerly his soule went forth after the knowledge of Christ sometimes the Excellency of him as he was discovered and revealed in the Scriptures sometimes the necessitie of him as being the way to the Father and the only Name besides which there is no other given among men whereby they can be saved Under which dispensation and in the exercise whereof it was not so much Christ that was the ultimate object of the soules enquiry as it was the Creatures preservation from wrath to come It was not so much for Christ himselfe as for the Creatures owne selfe that the soule was so earnest and ardent in its pursuite after vision and manifestation yet it knew it not nor could it have beleeved that it had been so with it But Judgement breaking forth into victory remooving the Spirit of Feare and giving in stead thereof the Spirit of love and of a sound minde 2 Timothy 1.7 The Grace which was given in Christ Jesus was made manifest and by him brought to light and in his light was the new Creature caused to see light and by it to discerne where it had stucke all this while and how it had mistooke its way and sought its selfe in all its seeking under pretence of following on to know the Lord whom to know is life eternall Then the fire burned and the love was kindled towards him who had shed abroad his love in the heart by the Holy Spirit setting it in an holy flame towards himselfe and his service Henceforth hee became as one made up of strong desires and breakings of heart after doing the will of God Oh that hee were then baptized into the will of him whose he is and whom hee would serve according to the tenour of those Scriptures I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice holy acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minde that ye may prove what is that good that acceptable and perfect will of God Rom. 12.1 2. 2 Cor. 7.1 1 Pet. 1.14 15 16. As being bought with a price would glorifie God in body and Spirit which are Gods Not now as formerly obeying for life or that he might live but from life or because he is made to live or because he doth live by the power of Christ living in him Gal. 2.20 his whole life is a Thank-offering a sacrifice of praise the end henceforth of all he is and all he does is this that he may live to him who dyed for him and rose again to him who hath loved him and washed him from his sins in his blood Rev. 1.5 to him who hath said to him when he was in his bloods live not expecting a covering of sin that he may live in sin nor the righteousness of another that himselfe may live in unrighteousness but that he might live to God and serve him without feare in righteousness and holiness of truth Luk. 1.74 75. But as really as he doth beleeve that Christ is made of God to him righteousness 1 Cor. 1.30 so verily expecteth he to be made the righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 that the righteousness of the Law which could not be fulfilled by him through the weaknes of the flesh might be fulfilled in him by the power of the spirit of life Rom. 8.3 2 4. wherein he is made able and wiling to wait for the hope of righteousness by faith Gal. 5 5 18. expecting to be led and made willing to follow the guidance of the spirit even the spirit of truth by which he lives and moves and exists in Christ who is by his spirit in him the hope of glory Col. 1.27 Object Thou hast heaped up together many of the Saints words whose condition thou never learned of God Tell plainly whether the Christ thou tells of be within or without Answ How farre my soule is made one with what I beare witness unto is knowne unto him from whom nothing is hid to whom I apply for a further measure of the spirit of wisdome and revelation in the knowledge of him whom to know is eternal life remembring what is witnessed Rom. 15.4 being unmooved by the Judgement or censure of mans day and in relation to the objection have spoken in plainness already That the Lord Jesus Christ to whom in this poore stammering way I bear witness is considered both as being without and within the soule Respecting his person or bodily presence his glorious or glorified body so he is considered as being without not within the soule according to the testimony of those Scriptures before-named Joh. 17.24 Father I