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
neither_o the_o spirit_n infuse_v nothing_o into_o we_o while_o we_o pray_v that_o we_o have_v not_o some_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n of_o before_o as_o the_o spirit_n in_o beget_v a_o habit_n of_o prayer_n in_o we_o at_o the_o first_o it_o bring_v thing_n to_o our_o knowledge_n so_o in_o the_o very_a exercise_n it_o bring_v thing_n to_o our_o remembrance_n viz._n our_o sin_n want_n etc._n etc._n god_n fullness_n goodness_n and_o promise_n etc._n etc._n for_o petition_n 2._o our_o mercy_n privilege_n hope_n experience_n etc._n etc._n for_o thanksgiving_n so_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o pray_v 2._o the_o spirit_n office_n be_v to_o assist_v we_o in_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v bring_v thing_n to_o our_o sense_n bear_v up_o our_o infirmity_n so_o stir_v up_o our_o affection_n to_o be_v carry_v up_o to_o god_n with_o our_o heart_n might_n and_o soul_n in_o a_o heavenly_a powerful_a importunity_n that_o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n do_v not_o any_o way_n encourage_v our_o expectation_n of_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n the_o spirit_n only_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v therefore_o he_o direct_v we_o the_o spirit_n himself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o must_v be_v by_o we_o though_o they_o can_v be_v utter_v rom_n 8._o 26._o obj._n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o pet._n 1._o 21._o answ_n those_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n be_v the_o man_n that_o god_n make_v special_a choice_n of_o by_o they_o to_o leave_v his_o scripture_n in_o the_o world_n in_o so_o much_o that_o have_v god_n reveal_v himself_o immediate_o to_o they_o it_o leave_v we_o no_o advantage_n to_o expect_v the_o like_a the_o end_n of_o all_o such_o extraordinary_a revelation_n viz._n a_o visible_a word_n to_o leave_v 22._o joh._n 15._o 22._o the_o word_n without_o excuse_n be_v now_o attain_v 2._o but_o remember_v that_o these_o be_v the_o man_n the_o prophet_n whereby_o god_n in_o time_n past_a speak_v unto_o our_o father_n in_o diverse_a manner_n how_o we_o have_v already_o find_v and_o clear_v that_o these_o diverse_a manner_n be_v all_o of_o they_o mean_n and_o such_o as_o stand_v betwixt_o a_o mediate_a revelation_n and_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n 3._o last_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o phrase_n a_o little_a near_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v move_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v not_o say_v they_o be_v inspire_v not_o inspire_v that_o they_o themselves_o may_v know_v it_o but_o move_v that_o they_o may_v declare_v it_o to_o other_o and_o move_v in_o their_o declaration_n thereof_o they_o be_v move_v i_o 1._o by_o impulsion_n 2._o guidance_n as_o a_o scrivener_n move_v his_o scholar_n hand_n to_o the_o paper_n first_o and_o then_o guide_v the_o hand_n in_o write_v thereupon_o that_o it_o may_v write_v and_o write_v true_a so_o these_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v and_o write_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1._o to_o speak_v and_o write_v second_o in_o speak_v and_o write_v so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o declare_v and_o right_o and_o true_o declare_v the_o thing_n that_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v so_o the_o bless_a apostle_n the_o great_a and_o honourable_a penman_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n the_o performance_n of_o that_o promise_n the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o in_o that_o their_o great_a undertake_n but_o be_v they_o not_o rather_o move_v guide_v to_o and_o in_o then_o immediate_o inspire_v with_o the_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o their_o glorious_a work_n but_o in_o what_o i_o have_v here_o write_v concern_v the_o spirit_n i_o leave_v with_o submission_n to_o wise_a and_o better_a judgement_n and_o pass_v on_o to_o chap._n ix_o of_o the_o word_n as_o judge_v of_o spirit_n the_o fellow_n of_o what_o have_v be_v late_o handle_v come_v now_o to_o trial_n be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o holy_a scripture_n error_n error_n be_v not_o the_o judge_n or_o trial_n of_o spirit_n this_o be_v a_o papistical_a tenet_n toridem_fw-la verbis_fw-la arg._n now_o the_o only_a argument_n that_o i_o find_v for_o this_o part_n be_v because_o it_o be_v imagine_v that_o thus_o we_o set_v or_o advance_v the_o letter_n above_o the_o spirit_n the_o judge_n as_o so_o be_v ever_o above_o the_o prisoner_n which_o we_o rank_n into_o mood_n and_o figure_n thus_o that_o which_o set_v the_o letter_n above_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v but_o that_o which_o make_v the_o word_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o spirit_n set_v the_o letter_n above_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o that_o which_o make_v the_o word_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v answ_n the_o second_o proposition_n in_o answer_n hereunto_o be_v deny_v by_o distinguish_v as_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o judge_v or_o condemn_v and_o a_o judge_n of_o or_o think_v or_o conceive_v of_o thing_n or_o person_n now_o we_o must_v be_v advise_v that_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o the_o word_n be_v to_o judge_v the_o spirit_n but_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o spirit_n though_o the_o first_o have_v its_o truth_n and_o place_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o virtual_a and_o a_o real_a judge_n the_o law_n be_v the_o virtual_a judge_n it_o with_o a_o secret_a kind_n of_o virtue_n even_o of_o and_o in_o itself_o condemn_v the_o guilty_a and_o accquit_v the_o innocent_a aforehand_o as_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o square_v whereby_o the_o real_a judge_n do_v actual_o measure_v the_o action_n of_o man_n and_o in_o order_n to_o his_o last_o and_o determinate_a sentence_n judge_v of_o they_o but_o observe_v this_o judge_v of_o may_v as_o well_o precede_v acquittance_n as_o judgement_n or_o condemnation_n and_o to_o apply_v the_o word_n or_o scripture_n in_o the_o present_a sense_n be_v not_o the_o real_a but_o the_o virtual_a judge_n i_o the_o law_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n whereby_o we_o judge_v of_o our_o own_o or_o other_o spirit_n we_o ourselves_o or_o other_o that_o call_v our_o spirit_n in_o question_n be_v rather_o judge_n obj._n but_o thus_o we_o go_v about_o and_o be_v not_o that_o worse_a to_o lift_v up_o man_n above_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n answ_n the_o answer_n hereunto_o will_v bring_v we_o to_o the_o nick_n of_o the_o very_a business_n for_o we_o must_v here_o be_v mindful_a that_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v now_o upon_o the_o stage_n be_v not_o know_v but_o doubt_v for_o that_o which_o we_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o need_v we_o put_v upon_o trial_n indeed_o upon_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o speak_v of_o the_o word_n can_v proper_o be_v call_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o it_o but_o rather_o its_o proof_n and_o evidence_n but_o as_o our_o spirit_n be_v suspicious_a questionable_a so_o only_o we_o judge_v of_o and_o try_v they_o by_o scripture_n the_o truth_n the_o touchstone_n the_o law_n be_v not_o make_v for_o a_o righteous_a man_n yet_o if_o a_o righteous_a man_n fall_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o suspicion_n the_o law_n must_v try_v and_o clear_v he_o he_o be_v not_o try_v for_o judgement_n but_o satisfaction_n he_o be_v not_o try_v as_o a_o good_a and_o righreous_a man_n but_o as_o one_o that_o be_v fear_v doubt_a to_o be_v a_o evil_a doer_n the_o law_n be_v make_v for_o man_n and_o not_o man_n for_o the_o law_n it_o be_v inferior_a to_o he_o yea_o even_o his_o servant_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o it_o serve_v to_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o suspicious_a and_o doubt_a man_n no_o more_o be_v the_o word_n above_o but_o a_o servant_n to_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o suspicious_a spirit_n moreover_o 2._o the_o word_n do_v never_o try_v any_o spirit_n in_o it_o self_n but_o in_o its_o effect_n it_o do_v proper_o therefore_o not_o judge_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o as_o it_o tri_v its_o effect_n and_o judge_v of_o they_o we_o find_v our_o way_n our_o thought_n to_o be_v truth_n conclude_v therefrom_o that_o they_o be_v guide_v and_o act_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n we_o by_o the_o scripture_n likewise_o try_v and_o measure_v man_n opinion_n and_o practice_n do_v thus_o consequent_o and_o accidental_o only_a judge_n of_o the_o spirit_n last_o while_o we_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o try_v the_o spirit_n only_o by_o the_o word_n as_o its_o own_o effect_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o fire_n by_o its_o heat_n the_o
vindiciae_fw-la mediorum_fw-la &_o mediatoris_fw-la or_o the_o present_a reign_v error_n arraign_v at_o the_o bar_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n wherein_o be_v discover_v the_o falsehood_n and_o danger_n of_o that_o late_o bear_v opinion_n that_o pretend_v to_o a_o immediate_a enjoyment_n and_o call_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n both_o above_o and_o against_o its_o own_o fffect_n cause_n word_n ministry_n and_o witness_v in_o all_o respect_n occasion_v by_o a_o pamphlet_n entitle_v the_o saint_n travel_v to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n or_o a_o discovery_n of_o seventeen_o false_a rest_n etc._n etc._n by_o one_o r._n wilkinson_n a_o preacher_n of_o this_o error_n about_o totnes_n in_o the_o west_n in_o the_o treatise_n follow_v the_o reader_n shall_v find_v most_o of_o the_o main_a fundamental_a doctrinal_a truth_n that_o this_o age_n do_v controvert_v faithful_o vindicate_v clear_v confirm_v by_o f._n fullwood_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o staple_n fitzpane_n in_o the_o county_n of_o somerset_n jer._n 6._o 16._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n stand_v you_o in_o the_o way_n and_o see_v and_o ask_v for_o the_o old_a way_n which_o be_v the_o good_a way_n and_o walk_v therein_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n for_o your_o soul_n but_o they_o say_v we_o will_v not_o walk_v therein_o london_n print_v by_o tho_n roycroft_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o jo_n ridley_n at_o the_o castle_n in_o fleetstreet_n by_o ram_n alley_n 1651._o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a and_o true_o virtuous_a the_o lady_n mary_n farewell_o madam_n the_o a._n b._n c._n of_o the_o infant_n language_n be_v dad_n and_o mam_n that_o thus_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o lip_n may_v acknowledge_v their_o parent_n and_o since_o most_o happy_a providence_n have_v bring_v i_o forth_o into_o so_o near_o a_o relation_n to_o your_o ladyship_n to_o offer_v you_o this_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o my_o labour_n in_o this_o kind_n seem_v but_o my_o dutiful_a acknowledgement_n of_o you_o madam_n i_o be_o most_o full_o confident_a that_o your_o advantage_n gain_v by_o the_o dew_n of_o heaven_n upon_o your_o church_n family_n and_o closet_n mean_v of_o knowledge_n with_o the_o so_o many_o year_n influence_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o gracious_a your_o head_n and_o late_o decease_v husband_n the_o fruit_n of_o all_o these_o make_v yet_o more_o solid_a by_o your_o exceed_a great_a though_o by_o you_o esteem_v light_a affliction_n especial_o in_o these_o late_a trouble_n have_v breed_v within_o you_o a_o utter_a dislike_n to_o the_o receive_v weighty_a truth_n into_o light_n and_o doubtful_a disputation_n 1._o yet_o may_v you_o please_v to_o behold_v that_o spirit_n allay_v by_o the_o charm_n of_o the_o word_n that_o move_v their_o disturbance_n 2._o moreover_o you_o may_v easy_o call_v to_o your_o remembrance_n that_o god_n by_o the_o shake_n of_o the_o house_n do_v once_o more_o strong_o establish_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o do_v not_o the_o plant_n take_v deep_a root_n by_o too_o weak_a endeavour_n to_o pluck_v it_o up_o and_o why_o may_v not_o truth_n be_v more_o deep_o root_v more_o firm_o establish_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o malicious_a yet_o weak_a hand_n of_o error_n though_o it_o put_v to_o all_o its_o strength_n to_o shake_v and_o supplant_v it_o at_o the_o first_o though_o but_o a_o superficial_a view_v i_o may_v guess_v a_o castle_n to_o be_v strong_a but_o when_o upon_o a_o doubt_n i_o examine_v and_o upon_o examination_n find_v the_o foundation_n sure_a the_o wall_n imbatterable_a and_o prove_v it_o well_o supply_v with_o man_n meat_n ammunition_n ordnance_n and_o whatever_o else_o be_v requisite_a for_o to_o keep_v it_o invincible_a then_o i_o may_v with_o how_o much_o more_o confidence_n judge_n and_o report_v it_o a_o strong_a castle_n thus_o upon_o a_o superficial_a receipt_n of_o truth_n we_o may_v happy_o discern_v it_o to_o be_v strong_a than_o error_n but_o when_o urge_v by_o error_n impetious_a motion_n we_o examine_v the_o truth_n when_o we_o have_v walk_v about_o truth_n and_o go_v round_o about_o she_o and_o tell_v the_o tower_n thereof_o 13._o psal_n 48._o 12._o 13._o when_o we_o have_v mark_v well_o her_o bulwark_n and_o consider_v her_o palace_n and_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n the_o greatness_n of_o its_o strength_n and_o the_o strength_n 3._o heb._n 2._o 3._o of_o its_o foundation_n viz._n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n how_o may_v we_o then_o glory_v in_o our_o strength_n how_o well_o fortify_v how_o safe_a and_o secure_a may_v we_o boast_v ourselves_o to_o be_v in_o this_o our_o invincible_a castle_n 13._o psal_n 48._o 11._o with_o 13._o truth_n with_o how_o much_o more_o courage_n shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o repel_v malignant_a error_n in_o all_o its_o assault_n and_o say_v let_v mount_n zion_n rejoice_v and_o the_o daughter_n of_o judah_n be_v glad_a and_o tell_v it_o in_o triumph_n certum_fw-la 1._o esdras_n 4._o 38._o 40._o nil_fw-la tam_fw-la certum_fw-la quam_fw-la quod_fw-la ex_fw-la dubio_fw-la certum_fw-la unto_o the_o generation_n follow_v that_o as_o for_o truth_n it_o endure_v and_o be_v always_o strong_a it_o live_v and_o conquer_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o she_o be_v the_o strength_n kingdom_n power_n and_o majesty_n of_o all_o age_n bless_a be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n 3._o it_o be_v empty_a chaff_n not_o sound_a corn_n that_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o wind_n and_o they_o be_v rot_v tree_n which_o a_o storm_n overthrow_v but_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o truth_n be_v sound_a and_o steadfast_a though_o the_o rain_n descend_v the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v against_o they_o they_o shall_v not_o fall_v because_o they_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o rock_n and_o madam_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v preserve_v you_o root_v and_o ground_v in_o truth_n to_o the_o end_n that_o when_o all_o the_o gust_n of_o error_n have_v do_v their_o utmost_a spite_n against_o you_o you_o will_v be_v find_v to_o stand_v the_o devil_n may_v thus_o but_o winnow_n out_o your_o chaff_n but_o as_o for_o your_o wheat_n that_o can_v be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n 4._o yea_o you_o will_v become_v more_o fit_a and_o serviceable_a for_o your_o master_n use_n by_o winnow_v the_o fire_n burn_v hot_a when_o the_o weather_n be_v cold_a and_o the_o candle_n shine_v bright_a when_o the_o air_n be_v dark_a nature_n teach_v these_o inanimate_a creature_n to_o rejoice_v as_o it_o be_v in_o danger_n and_o to_o triumph_v over_o oppression_n and_o i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o by_o the_o like_a heavenly_a antiperistasin_n the_o chillness_n and_o darkness_n of_o error_n will_v brighten_v and_o heighten_v both_o your_o light_n and_o heat_n your_o knowledge_n and_o zeal_n even_o unto_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n 2._o col._n 2._o 2._o and_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o christ_n for_o this_o most_o bless_a end_n i_o presume_v good_a madam_n to_o put_v this_o small_a treatise_n into_o your_o hand_n and_o now_o i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n that_o he_o will_v be_v your_o light_n in_o the_o read_n hereof_o and_o by_o all_o mean_n make_v your_o path_n as_o the_o shine_a light_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o 18._o pro._n 4._o 18._o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n this_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o madam_n your_o obedient_a son_n and_o most_o humble_a servant_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n f_o fullwood_n to_o the_o reverend_a pastor_n and_o his_o pious_a flock_n at_o totnes_n in_o devon_n ss_z and_o in_o they_o to_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o pious_a minister_n and_o people_n especial_o in_o the_o west_n of_o england_n truth_n and_o grace_n i_o will_v you_o know_v most_o dear_o belove_v how_o great_a conflict_n i_o have_v for_o you_o though_o very_o many_o of_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v my_o face_n in_o the_o flesh_n reverend_a sir_n i_o need_v not_o mind_v you_o of_o what_o our_o saviour_n once_o preach_v and_o our_o sad_a and_o daily_a experience_n repeat_v that_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n who_o if_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a shall_v even_o deceive_v the_o very_a elect_n and_o your_o dwell_n be_v near_o where_o satan_n seat_n be_v and_o where_o his_o minister_n shine_v 24._o mat._n 24._o 24._o as_o angel_n of_o light_n now_o though_o i_o doubt_v not_o in_o the_o least_o but_o that_o yourself_o be_v so_o strong_o root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o you_o yet_o must_v i_o needs_o sympathize_v with_o you_o in_o that_o trouble_n of_o heart_n that_o must_v needs_o
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
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
more_o easy_a for_o beleiver_n then_o for_o such_o as_o do_v not_o yet_o believe_v to_o act_v faith_n of_o adherence_n it_o seem_v most_o strange_a that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v choose_v to_o work_v a_o miracle_n where_o be_v least_o need_n and_o work_v no_o miracle_n where_o most_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o mean_n or_o instrument_n for_o the_o create_v of_o faith_n and_o yet_o afterward_o work_v comfort_n in_o the_o same_o soul_n immediate_o miraculous_o faith_n of_o adherence_n be_v a_o creation_n and_o give_v life_n faith_n of_o evidence_n be_v only_o the_o motion_n of_o that_o life_n give_v for_o the_o first_o the_o spirit_n must_v enlighten_v for_o the_o last_o he_o need_v only_o snuff_v this_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o man._n the_o work_n of_o assurance_n be_v half_o wrought_v by_o and_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o adherence_n the_o soul_n have_v receive_v the_o prime_n efficient_a of_o it_o viz._n the_o spirit_n second_o the_o principle_n or_o second_v efficient_a faith_n together_o three_o with_o the_o matter_n of_o comfort_n viz._n justification_n and_o a_o right_a to_o heaven_n there_o want_v nothing_o for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o but_o the_o work_n of_o his_o faith_n through_o reason_n of_o his_o qualification_n show_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o how_o fit_o do_v enlighten_v reason_n and_o this_o habit_n of_o faith_n offer_v themselves_o for_o this_o bless_a work_n assurance_n god_n have_v put_v a_o inclination_n in_o reason_n and_o faith_n towards_o this_o work_n and_o shall_v potentiality_n never_o come_v to_o act_v shall_v a_o miracle_n be_v rather_o wrought_v to_o act_v their_o proper_a work_n without_o they_o no_o assure_o god_n will_v not_o spend_v his_o own_o omnipotency_n in_o such_o case_n as_o this_o who_o as_o he_o make_v nothing_o in_o vain_a so_o he_o do_v not_o delight_n to_o work_v a_o miracle_n for_o that_o that_o be_v more_o easy_o weame_n weame_n do_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v make_v a_o exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n about_o our_o qualification_n in_o the_o humble_v of_o our_o soul_n with_o godly_a sorrow_n then_o why_o not_o also_o for_o heavenly_a joy_n why_o may_v not_o the_o spirit_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n as_o well_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n work_v mediate_o through_o qualification_n there_o can_v be_v no_o godly_a sorrow_n but_o it_o aim_v at_o sin_n be_v conversant_a about_o sin_n and_o can_v there_o be_v any_o godly_a solace_n that_o spring_v not_o from_o grace_n as_o reason_v exercise_v about_o sin_n cause_v sorrow_n do_v not_o reason_n exercise_v about_o grace_n work_v out_o comfort_n let_v the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n judge_v betwixt_o we_o it_o be_v the_o same_o that_o ascend_v and_o the_o same_o that_o descend_v the_o same_o spirit_n that_o humble_v and_o exalt_v the_o change_n be_v not_o in_o the_o efficient_a but_o the_o matter_n or_o object_n sin_n and_o grace_n but_o be_v there_o not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o our_o exaltation_n and_o comfort_n from_o gracious_a as_o for_o our_o dejection_n from_o sinful_a quality_n have_v i_o not_o as_o much_o cause_n to_o rejoice_v at_o my_o recovery_n as_o to_o sorrow_n and_o grieve_v at_o my_o decay_n or_o delay_v in_o sickness_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o spirit_n discover_v our_o grace_n for_o matter_n of_o rejoice_v that_o discover_v our_o sin_n for_o cause_n of_o sorrow_n but_o all_o reason_n and_o scripture_n will_v affirm_v that_o that_o be_v no_o godly_a sorrow_n evangelicall_n repentance_n that_o be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o conviction_n of_o sin_n that_o sorrow_n be_v again_o 13._o 2_o cor._n 7._o 8._o with_o 13._o to_o be_v sorrow_v for_o and_o that_o repentance_n to_o be_v repent_v of_o that_o with_o its_o watery_a eye_n look_v not_o at_o sin_n who_o tear_n fall_v not_o down_o on_o sin_n for_o for_o what_o must_v i_o grieve_v sure_o for_o something_o and_o for_o what_o must_v i_o grieve_v with_o gospel-sorrow_n sure_o for_o sin_n so_o consequent_o be_v not_o joy_n infidelious_a and_o also_o ridiculous_a that_o come_v not_o from_o reason_n and_o as_o exercise_v on_o grace_n laughter_n be_v the_o immediate_a affection_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v exercise_v our_o reason_n about_o our_o qualification_n in_o our_o petition_n then_o why_o not_o in_o our_o praise_n and_o rejoice_v also_o they_o be_v both_o part_n of_o the_o same_o duty_n and_o both_o affect_v the_o same_o matter_n i_o pray_v for_o that_o for_o which_o when_o obtain_v i_o be_o bind_v to_o give_v praise_n and_o i_o praise_v and_o give_v thanks_n for_o that_o which_o be_v unto_o i_o the_o return_n of_o prayer_n now_o most_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o 16._o col._n 1._o 9_o 10_o 11._o heb._n 4._o 16._o i_o must_v pray_v for_o grace_n and_o that_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o want_n of_o grace_n i_o must_v address_v myself_o unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n therefore_o i_o may_v and_o must_v rejoice_v in_o god_n as_o i_o reveiw_n that_o grace_n the_o return_n of_o my_o prayer_n derive_v into_o i_o from_o my_o head_n christ_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n do_v make_v use_n of_o my_o reason_n to_o see_v and_o express_v my_o want_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o teach_v i_o to_o pray_v so_o the_o spirit_n of_o praise_n do_v make_v use_n of_o my_o reason_n to_o reflect_v from_o grace_n obtain_v my_o thanks_o unto_o and_o my_o joy_n in_o god_n and_o so_o be_v my_o comforter_n last_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o reason_v from_o our_o qualification_n do_v evidence_n to_o we_o our_o right_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n then_o why_o not_o also_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n our_o right_a and_o interest_n in_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n if_o hereby_o we_o come_v to_o know_v our_o propriety_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n sacramental_a why_o not_o hereby_o also_o our_o right_n and_o benefit_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n real_a and_o consequent_o in_o the_o fovour_n of_o heaven_n the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a for_o we_o must_v put_v on_o the_o wedding_n garment_n we_o must_v know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n before_o we_o may_v enter_v and_o venture_v to_o his_o feast_n now_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o spiritual_a joy_n yea_o what_o the_o helen_n we_o so_o much_o strive_v for_o but_o even_o this_o the_o knowledge_n or_o evidence_n of_o these_o condition_n viz._n our_o union_n with_o christ_n our_o interest_n in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o we_o must_v know_v our_o interest_n in_o heaven_n in_o order_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o sacrament_n or_o in_o our_o prepare_n for_o it_o but_o the_o argument_n be_v prove_v from_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 28_o 29._o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v etc._n etc._n wherefore_o examine_v that_o he_o may_v eat_v etc._n etc._n of_o what_o examine_v whether_o he_o be_v worthy_a i._n e._n fit_o qualify_v for_o this_o supper_n i._n e._n whether_o he_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n but_o whereby_o must_v he_o know_v this_o by_o search_v try_v and_o examine_v himself_o by_o exercise_v his_o reason_n about_o his_o qualification_n viz._n whether_o he_o can_v come_v in_o faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n but_o can_v this_o examination_n prove_v a_o mean_n effectual_a for_o this_o end_n yes_o very_o ordain_v of_o god_n for_o that_o very_a purpose_n let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n suppose_v effectual_a and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v have_v find_v himself_o worthy_o qualify_v for_o it_o by_o a_o sober_a due_a and_o rational_a examination_n of_o himself_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v then_o examine_v yourselves_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o no_o and_o if_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o your_o own_o examination_n of_o yourselves_o impartial_o exercise_v by_o your_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n you_o can_v true_o conclude_v you_o believe_v fear_v not_o but_o rejoice_v in_o the_o light_n of_o this_o evidence_n with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n in_o believe_v give_v thanks_n unto_o the_o father_n that_o have_v make_v you_o meet_v not_o only_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n 13._o col._n 1._o 12_o 13._o but_o of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n thus_o we_o have_v at_o length_n end_v as_o we_o hope_v this_o controversy_n for_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o assurance_n for_o ever_o isa_n 32._o 17._o 18._o qualification_n caution_n about_o qualification_n but_o
before_o we_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n we_o shall_v subjoyne_v these_o necessary_a cautious_a as_o a_o qualification_n to_o qualification_n first_o let_v the_o reader_n take_v a_o special_a difference_n in_o order_n to_o the_o decide_n of_o the_o present_a question_n betwixt_o assurance_n and_o comfort_n for_o as_o assurance_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n so_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v effect_n of_o assurance_n and_o as_o they_o be_v divers_a in_o themselves_o so_o be_v they_o different_o obtain_v by_o we_o even_o as_o the_o habit_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o habit._n for_o when_o i_o will_v confirm_v my_o brother_n in_o a_o by_o he_o doubt_v truth_n as_o i_o fetch_v all_o the_o argument_n from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n to_o prove_v it_o to_o he_o even_o so_o must_v i_o deal_v with_o my_o doubt_a conscience_n to_o bring_v it_o unto_o a_o assure_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o title_n to_o heaven_n this_o as_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o habit_n require_v some_o time_n with_o a_o serious_a deliberate_a exercise_n of_o reason_n but_o as_o when_o we_o have_v get_v a_o habit_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ready_a and_o easy_a then_o to_o act_n therefrom_o so_o spiritual_a comfort_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o immediate_a effluvium_fw-la and_o effect_n of_o assurance_n obtain_v though_o we_o come_v very_o hardly_o to_o the_o assure_a knowledge_n of_o our_o state_n of_o grace_n yet_o we_o pass_v most_o easy_o from_o that_o assure_a knowledge_n etc._n etc._n to_o joy_n unspeakable_a as_o the_o reflection_n of_o the_o sun_n do_v natural_o recoil_v by_o or_o from_o its_o direct_a act_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o be_v some_o glance_n from_o the_o exercise_n of_o believe_v reason_n upon_o pardon_n grace_n god_n heaven_n etc._n etc._n for_o every_o passion_n must_v have_v its_o object_n for_o the_o beget_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n from_o assurance_n so_o do_v it_o immediate_o and_o upon_o a_o sudden_a flash_n take_v life_n from_o thence_o as_o when_o a_o candle_n be_v light_v light_a immediate_o spring_v all_o over_o the_o house_n yet_o this_o joy_n be_v most_o real_a solid_a and_o substantial_a second_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o require_v especial_o from_o such_o as_o be_v already_o persuade_v to_o assurance_n upon_o good_a ground_n that_o every_o act_n of_o their_o spiritual_a joy_n shall_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o their_o immediate_a conception_n of_o grace_n as_o if_o a_o christian_a may_v never_o take_v spiritual_a comfort_n to_o himself_o but_o as_o from_o the_o reflection_n of_o reason_n upon_o his_o grace_n we_o many_o time_n rejoice_v in_o our_o god_n and_o saviour_n and_o by_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o even_o bathe_v our_o soul_n in_o those_o river_n of_o pleasure_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o from_o assurance_n already_o make_v and_o not_o now_o question_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v assure_v we_o by_o show_v we_o our_o own_o thing_n and_o thus_o give_v we_o matter_n of_o joy_n do_v comfort_v we_o mediate_o but_o he_o do_v also_o show_v we_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o 16._o john_n 16._o thus_o be_v more_o immediate_o and_o proper_o our_o comforter_n for_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o make_v we_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n to_o conclude_v as_o when_o i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v my_o doctrine_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o needless_a perplexity_n and_o folly_n to_o turn_v back_o for_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o my_o doctrine_n for_o every_o use_n that_o i_o make_v thereof_o so_o for_o a_o saint_n upon_o every_o occasion_n of_o spiritual_a rejoice_v to_o go_v so_o far_o about_o as_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sign_n of_o over_o much_o suspicion_n and_o infidelity_n so_o a_o gross_a in_o that_o a_o ungrateful_a abuse_v of_o assurance_n last_o our_o reason_n most_o diligent_o exercise_v even_o upon_o the_o best_a of_o our_o qualification_n can_v give_v we_o but_o a_o dark_a indistinct_a and_o uncertain_a evidence_n without_o the_o light_n and_o help_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o our_o eye_n can_v give_v we_o a_o exact_a distinct_a knowledge_n of_o colour_n without_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n by_o a_o candle_n now_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n prov._n 20._o 27._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o immediate_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v do_v my_o endeavour_n assist_v i_o hope_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o our_o evidence_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o the_o other_o branch_n spring_v from_o the_o same_o root_n which_o have_v be_v before_o deliver_v in_o these_o word_n viz._n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v manifest_v error_n error_n his_o presence_n to_o the_o soul_n by_o his_o own_o immediate_a light_n arg._n 1_o the_o first_o reason_n that_o endeavour_v the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o and_o be_v every_o where_o hint_v by_o the_o disturber_n of_o the_o false_a rest_n be_v the_o spirit_n sufficiency_n to_o discover_v himself_o immediate_o to_o we_o answ_n but_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v that_o from_o a_o sufficiency_n to_o a_o efficiency_n be_v no_o good_a argue_v the_o death_n of_o that_o person_n that_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n be_v infinite_o meritorious_a then_o how_o fall_v it_o out_o that_o all_o man_n yea_o and_o devil_n themselves_o be_v not_o save_v 2._o from_o the_o power_n to_o the_o act_n give_v no_o good_a argument_n because_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_o able_a to_o destroy_v the_o world_n and_o all_o therein_o therefore_o will_v he_o must_v he_o do_v it_o can_v the_o spirit_n discover_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n immediate_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v use_v no_o mean_n in_o this_o work_n be_v a_o pure_a non_fw-la sequitur_fw-la yet_o this_o assertion_n be_v build_v especial_o when_o illustrate_v with_o that_o that_o follow_v viz._n arg._n 2_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o sun_n page_n 60._o line_n 17._o now_o the_o sun_n do_v manifest_v itself_o unto_o the_o world_n in_o its_o own_o light_n therefore_o the_o spirit_n in_o like_a manner_n to_o our_o heart_n answ_n it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o as_o a_o thief_n come_v to_o do_v that_o that_o be_v sinful_a must_v christ_n also_o such_o it_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o precedent_a argument_n for_o comparison_n run_v not_o on_o four_o foot_n 2._o but_o second_o this_o comparison_n hold_v at_o least_o thus_o far_o first_o the_o sun_n do_v manifest_v itself_o in_o its_o own_o light_n so_o do_v the_o spirit_n again_o the_o sun_n do_v convey_v his_o light_n whereby_o we_o see_v other_o object_n and_o himself_o through_o a_o medium_fw-la viz._n the_o air_n so_o the_o spirit_n through_o our_o grace_n moreover_o the_o sun_n require_v a_o eye_n of_o sense_n in_o we_o whereby_o we_o must_v see_v and_o use_v his_o light_n etc._n etc._n so_o the_o spirit_n a_o eye_n of_o reason_n last_o we_o feel_v as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o the_o heat_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o sun_n by_o reflection_n only_o and_o thus_o by_o reflection_n we_o grant_v we_o have_v the_o sweet_a and_o comfort_n of_o this_o our_o spiritual_a sun_n the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o but_o three_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o spirit_n must_v in_o somewhat_o be_v unlike_a else_o not_o alike_o and_o this_o indeed_o may_v be_v receive_v for_o full_a solution_n the_o sun_n be_v a_o necessary_a but_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n the_o sun_n must_v shine_v and_o show_v itself_o but_o the_o spirit_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v therefore_o some_o have_v it_o and_o some_o have_v it_o not_o and_o other_o have_v it_o and_o know_v it_o not_o while_o the_o sun_n must_v always_o and_o always_o one_o way_n discover_v himself_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o bind_v by_o this_o mean_n nor_o yet_o by_o that_o much_o less_o immediate_o to_o show_v himself_o to_o we_o arg._n 3_o it_o have_v be_v object_v to_o i_o in_o discourse_n by_o one_o who_o i_o judge_v both_o very_a know_v and_o godly_a that_o christ_n be_v our_o husband_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o shall_v seem_v more_o answerable_a to_o that_o relation_n to_o tell_v we_o he_o love_v we_o with_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o immediate_o then_o to_o leave_v his_o spouse_n to_o construe_v his_o love_n from_o his_o token_n only_o answ_n for_o satisfaction_n hereunto_o i_o answer_v suppose_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v our_o husband_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o seem_v more_o fit_a that_o he_o himself_o declare_v his_o love_n to_o we_o immediate_o what_o be_v it_o that_o must_v judge_n of_o this_o meetenesse_n our_o fancy_n or_o faith_n we_o
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
law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n now_o if_o but_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n now_o reveal_v to_o the_o world_n be_v sufficient_a for_o god_n people_n in_o these_o former_a day_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a sense_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n both_o in_o law_n and_o gospel_n sufficient_a for_o we_o when_o as_o we_o have_v so_o much_o of_o write_a word_n let_v we_o not_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o it_o our_o saviour_n our_o king_n command_v the_o like_a therefore_o upon_o we_o that_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n search_v the_o scripture_n joh._n 5._o 39_o the_o whole_a chapter_n argue_v the_o wicked_a infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o christ_n himself_o who_o do_v not_o only_o doubt_v of_o his_o spirit_n but_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n he_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n and_o in_o any_o other_o place_n that_o he_o be_v act_v assist_v by_o the_o 18._o joh._n 5._o 18._o prince_n of_o devil_n the_o spirit_n of_o belzebub_n yet_o christ_n will_v have_v his_o own_o spirit_n try_v even_o by_o scripture_n search_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n your_o law_n be_v my_o testimony_n they_o be_v they_o that_o testify_v of_o i_o i_o protest_v to_o every_o one_o that_o shall_v add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o this_o book_n i_o will_v add_v all_o the_o curse_n that_o 22._o rev._n 22._o be_v write_v in_o it_o now_o if_o god_n have_v command_v this_o way_n he_o have_v sure_o intend_v it_o if_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n sure_o than_o it_o be_v the_o way_n and_o we_o may_v conclude_v it_o in_o divine_a authority_n to_o be_v truth_n also_o viz._n that_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n 3_o from_o example_n that_o way_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v try_v and_o judge_v of_o spirit_n clear_v the_o truth_n and_o discover_v error_n by_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a way_n but_o that_o way_n that_o these_o walk_v in_o 28._o mat._n 21._o 42._o 22._o 29._o luke_n 4._o 1._o joh._n 7._o 42._o act_n 17._o 2._o 18._o 28._o for_o this_o end_n be_v the_o write_a word_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v therefore_o the_o best_a and_o sure_a way_n 4_o from_o divine_a testimony_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o 17._o frame_v thus_o that_o which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v etc._n etc._n be_v a_o sufficient_a good_a judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a good_a judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n the_o major_n must_v needs_o be_v grant_v as_o the_o minor_a be_v unquestionable_a for_o it_o most_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o man_n of_o god_n or_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n in_o he_o and_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o his_o ministerial_a perfection_n to_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v gainsayer_n if_o the_o 9_o tit._n 1._o 9_o scripture_n be_v not_o find_v sufficient_a for_o this_o it_o can_v make_v he_o perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n but_o doubtless_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a to_o teach_v to_o improve_v to_o correct_v and_o to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o every_o good_a work_n from_o divine_a encouragement_n that_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o only_o appoint_v command_v to_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n in_o general_a but_o have_v also_o high_o and_o honourable_o commend_v to_o all_o future_a posterity_n in_o holy_a writ_n for_o the_o judge_a and_o try_v of_o himself_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n the_o assumption_n be_v most_o clear_o find_v act_v 18._o 11._o where_o we_o have_v it_o not_o only_o relate_v not_o bare_o commend_v but_o high_o honour_v and_o honourable_o record_v for_o a_o act_n of_o a_o true_o and_o brave_o noble_a spirit_n that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v any_o truth_n from_o paul_n himself_o yea_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o paul_n without_o search_v the_o scripture_n make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n judge_n and_o trial_n thereof_o how_o easy_o then_o may_v we_o conclude_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o all_o other_o spirit_n unless_o we_o will_v deny_v divine_a truth_n divine_a command_n divine_a example_n divine_a authority_n and_o divine_a encouragement_n and_o invitation_n but_o this_o branch_n will_v appear_v more_o worthy_o cut_v off_o if_o we_o will_v but_o a_o little_a error_n danger_n of_o the_o error_n consider_v what_o wild_a and_o dangerous_a fruit_n it_o bear_v for_o if_o this_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n we_o strip_v ourselves_o of_o all_o possible_a mean_n for_o this_o important_a and_o most_o weighty_a end_n once_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o take_v heed_n what_o we_o hear_v to_o try_v all_o thing_n yea_o and_o express_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n john_n 4._o 1._o do_v god_n command_v his_o child_n to_o make_v he_o brick_n without_o straw_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n totry_n the_o spirit_n and_o have_v they_o no_o way_n leave_v no_o mean_n of_o obedience_n dear_o belove_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n i_o desire_v my_o candid_a reader_n to_o bear_v with_o a_o short_a digression_n for_o the_o open_n of_o this_o text._n we_o find_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o only_o lay_v this_o command_n upon_o we_o negative_o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n and_o positive_o but_o try_v the_o spirit_n but_o have_v also_o press_v this_o doctrine_n with_o a_o reason_n or_o motive_n second_v that_o with_o direction_n respective_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v try_v the_o spirit_n be_v immediate_o subjoin_v viz._n for_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n the_o fall_v and_o heretical_a prophet_n go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n but_o the_o true_a one_o be_v send_v for_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v 10._o rom._n 10._o except_o they_o be_v send_v but_o this_o motive_n here_o have_v three_o step_n in_o it_o whereon_o we_o may_v ascend_v to_o obedience_n there_o be_v false_a prophet_n as_o well_o as_o true_a and_o therefore_o try_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v man_n abroad_o that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o prophet_n though_o false_a carry_z lie_z in_o their_o right_a hand_n that_o carry_v on_o error_n very_o dexterious_o and_o thou_o may_v if_o thou_o take_v not_o good_a heed_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o try_v before_o thou_o trust_v thou_o may_v happy_o shake_v such_o a_o hand_n therefore_o try_v the_o spirit_n there_o be_v many_o false_a prophet_n as_o they_o be_v deceitful_a in_o quality_n so_o numerous_a in_o quantity_n he_o that_o walk_v in_o a_o place_n over-crept_a with_o many_o snake_n adder_n etc._n etc._n will_v he_o not_o take_v heed_n be_v very_o careful_a watchful_a over_o every_o step_n he_o tread_v now_o be_v there_o not_o many_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n many_o snake_n and_o serpent_n under_o the_o herb_n in_o god_n church_n garden_n take_v heed_n therefore_o try_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n the_o plot_n to_o deceive_v be_v not_o only_o lay_v but_o execute_v and_o that_o not_o in_o private_a or_o secret_a only_a but_o public_o open_o the_o deceiver_n very_o cunning_a or_o the_o time_n most_o corrupt_a many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n therefore_o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n quest_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o try_v the_o spirit_n answ_n there_o be_v rule_n sufficient_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n saint_n john_n have_v leave_v we_o two_o or_o three_o here_o as_o be_v more_o seasonable_a for_o those_o time_n and_o happy_o not_o unsuitable_a for_o we_o for_o hereby_o you_o shall_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o error_n every_o spirit_n that_o deni_v that_o christ_n that_o be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o this_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n who_o be_v already_o in_o the_o world_n verse_n 3._o whosoever_o hear_v not_o we_o i_o do_v not_o with_o faith_n and_o conscience_n receive_v the_o word_n whether_o write_v or_o preach_v be_v not_o of_o god_n for_o hereby_o know_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n verse_n 6._o he_o that_o love_v
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
word_n and_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n spirit_n and_o life_n and_o direct_o the_o mean_n of_o sanctification_n so_o call_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o truth_n itself_o john_n 17._o 17._o sanctify_v we_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n but_o then_o if_o the_o spirit_n be_v indifferent_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o word_n and_o other_o mean_n which_o be_v your_o most_o please_a and_o acceptable_a sense_n how_o fall_v it_o out_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v only_o find_v where_o the_o gospel_n dwell_v what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o god_n have_v not_o a_o equal_a number_n and_o share_v of_o professor_n among_o the_o indian_n be_v the_o spirit_n free_a yet_o sure_o it_o do_v prize_n value_n and_o countenance_v that_o air_n to_o live_v and_o breathe_v in_o much_o more_o that_o be_v fill_v not_o to_o say_v bless_v and_o purify_v with_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o general_a darkness_n we_o see_v cover_v the_o people_n where_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n give_v no_o advantage_n while_o the_o land_n of_o goshen_n be_v full_a of_o light_n but_o we_o have_v here_o most_o room_n and_o occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n and_o clear_v that_o text_n on_o which_o indeed_o hang_v both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n of_o anti-scripturisme_a obj._n some_o man_n do_v acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n be_v use_v to_o teach_v we_o our_o rudiment_n and_o beginning_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n but_o this_o milk_n be_v for_o babe_n and_o strong_a man_n must_v have_v strong_a meat_n when_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n once_o they_o put_v away_o these_o childish_a thing_n to_o live_v above_o the_o scripture_n and_o harden_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o practice_n as_o this_o upon_o that_o notable_a scripture_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 prophecy_n to_o the_o which_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 etc._n etc._n hence_o say_v they_o we_o do_v take_v heed_n to_o scripture_n while_o we_o be_v ignorant_a until_o we_o receive_v the_o spirit_n but_o now_o what_o need_n have_v we_o thereof_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n itself_o invite_v we_o to_o take_v no_o more_o heed_n thereto_o answ_n this_o text_n bear_v to_o many_o weak_a sight_a and_o prejudice_v christian_n a_o very_a fair_a gloss_n for_o the_o thing_n pretend_v but_o can_v we_o but_o stay_v a_o little_a upon_o it_o and_o take_v its_o genuine_a sense_n along_o with_o we_o we_o shall_v certain_o understand_v and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o there_o be_v two_o gross_a mistake_n commit_v in_o this_o same_o fallacious_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n this_o way_n the_o first_o may_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o point_n of_o the_o word_n let_v we_o leave_v out_o the_o comma_n at_o the_o word_n place_n &_o read_v the_o word_n thus_o we_o have_v a_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n so_o far_o we_o both_o agree_v but_o these_o man_n will_v construe_v next_o until_o the_o day_n dawn_n etc._n etc._n but_o upon_o what_o account_n let_v we_o read_v construe_v and_o understand_v they_o as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o verse_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 etc._n etc._n which_o word_n be_v not_o to_o limit_v the_o time_n how_o long_o but_o to_o describe_v the_o manner_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v heed_n it_o be_v not_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n unto_o this_o prophecy_n till_o the_o day_n dawn_n but_o to_o it_o as_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o the_o dark_a till_o the_o day_n dawn_n the_o second_o and_o more_o dangerous_a misconstruction_n and_o mistake_n be_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o very_a term_n themselves_o they_o read_v the_o word_n as_o a_o collation_n between_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o come_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v only_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o context_n do_v most_o clear_o manifest_v the_o prophecy_n of_o old_a shine_a in_o those_o day_n that_o be_v dark_a till_o the_o day_n not_o proper_o of_o the_o spirit_n but_o of_o christ_n do_v down_o i_o till_o the_o gospel_n for_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o sun_n the_o light_n of_o the_o gentile_n at_o who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n the_o day_n spring_n from_o on_o ult_n luke_n 1._o ult_n high_a do_v visit_v we_o and_o the_o time_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o day_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o gospel_n child_n of_o the_o light_n and_o of_o the_o day_n god_n 8._o 1_o thess_n 5._o 8._o ephes_n 5._o 8._o that_o command_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n shine_v thence_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v we_o the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o apostle_n sense_n in_o that_o place_n he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o glimpse_n of_o the_o vision_n wherewith_o he_o be_v bless_v with_o christ_n on_o the_o mount_n in_o vers_fw-la 16_o 17_o 18._o he_o seem_v in_o vers_fw-la 19_o somewhat_o fearful_a lest_o he_o shall_v by_o this_o mean_n have_v stir_v up_o a_o hanker_a in_o their_o mind_n after_o such_o vision_n to_o the_o weaken_n of_o their_o heed_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o therefore_o thus_o add_v we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n more_o sure_a ay_o not_o more_o true_a in_o itself_o but_o as_o to_o you_o which_o you_o have_v mean_n of_o more_o assurance_n of_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n receive_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n and_o not_o to_o slacken_v your_o faith_n or_o heed_n thereunto_o any_o thing_n say_v by_o i_o of_o my_o vision_n notwithstanding_o but_o lest_o they_o shall_v err_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o prize_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n above_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n he_o add_v further_a whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n but_o you_o must_v heed_n it_o not_o otherwise_o but_o as_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n before_o the_o day_n or_o until_o the_o day_n dawn_n the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v day_n of_o great_a light_n than_o the_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n yet_o not_o to_o undervalue_v these_o prophecy_n neither_o we_o must_v know_v this_o first_o no_o prophecy_n 20._o verse_n 20._o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o any_o private_a interpretation_n though_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n yet_o must_v we_o bear_v respect_n and_o heed_n thereto_o as_o unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n also_o for_o the_o prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a 21._o verse_n 21._o man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o now_o what_o advantage_n have_v any_o from_o hence_o for_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n for_o our_o teach_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o profitable_a in_o its_o command_n for_o obedience_n this_o error_n will_v strike_v at_o the_o very_a majesty_n of_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a authority_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o stick_v not_o to_o deny_v the_o command_n thereof_o they_o be_v not_o by_o any_o to_o be_v hear_v or_o hearken_v to_o as_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o this_o i_o conceive_v upon_o a_o double_a respect_n as_o they_o look_v to_o the_o wicked_a and_o unregenerate_a world_n or_o relate_v to_o the_o godly_a and_o spiritual_a church_n and_o upon_o this_o dilemma_n because_o the_o command_n of_o scripture_n can_v come_v in_o upon_o we_o at_o this_o or_o that_o door_n they_o must_v be_v shut_v out_o reas_n 1_o with_o respect_n to_o man_n unregenerate_a they_o imply_v the_o command_n be_v vain_a such_o have_v no_o power_n to_o obey_v it_o and_o god_n can_v enforce_v or_o intend_v it_o to_o they_o who_o do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a reas_n 2_o and_o with_o relation_n to_o man_n regenerate_v the_o command_n be_v needless_a also_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n the_o law_n within_o they_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v leave_v no_o need_n no_o use_n of_o the_o letter_n or_o the_o law_n without_o as_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v no_o help_n so_o the_o man_n that_o be_v spiritual_a have_v neither_o help_n nor_o need_n of_o
all_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v suspicious_a that_o either_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o immediate_o teach_v and_o lead_v we_o into_o truth_n or_o that_o what_o they_o vent_v and_o publish_v be_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o we_o know_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n against_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n for_o thou_o that_o 3._o rom._n 2._o 2._o 22_o 3._o preach_v a_o man_n shall_v not_o preach_v do_v thou_o preach_v thou_o that_o abhor_v idol_n do_v thou_o commit_v sacraledge_n think_v thou_o this_o o_o man_n that_o judge_v they_o which_o do_v such_o thing_n and_o do_v the_o same_o that_o thou_o shall_v escape_v etc._n etc._n 2._o let_v we_o search_v the_o scripture_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o semblance_n at_o least_o of_o this_o glorious_a day_n of_o the_o spirit_n come_v let_v we_o observe_v what_o a_o aspect_n that_o cast_v upon_o preach_v there_o and_o we_o may_v thence_o partly_o judge_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v so_o malevolent_a or_o not_o at_o its_o full_a appearance_n act._n 2._o we_o find_v a_o abundant_a performance_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n assemble_v together_o and_o what_o do_v it_o now_o silence_v they_o all_o and_o forbid_v they_o to_o preach_v any_o more_o do_v this_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o spirit_n disannul_v and_o dissolve_v this_o ordinance_n of_o preach_v commit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o person_n of_o ult_n mat._n 28._o ult_n christ_n no_o certain_o it_o come_v not_o to_o abolish_v but_o to_o fulfil_v the_o same_o therefore_o it_o fall_v down_o upon_o they_o in_o no_o other_o figure_n and_o shape_n but_o of_o tongue_n and_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v 11._o act._n 2._o 3._o 4._o 11._o immediate_o begin_v to_o speak_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o god_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n now_o let_v not_o any_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o unchangeable_a god_n be_v fickle_a as_o themselves_o ever_o to_o despise_v that_o way_n and_o ministry_n that_o he_o have_v so_o high_o before_o promote_v and_o honour_v 3._o paul_n we_o know_v be_v immediate_o call_v to_o his_o great_a appostleship_n by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o of_o the_o letter_n let_v we_o 3_o 2._o cor_fw-la 3_o make_v paul_n umpire_n then_o in_o the_o case_n but_o we_o find_v paul_n preach_v and_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n that_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v we_o hear_v without_o a_o 10._o rom._n 10._o preacher_n obj._n but_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n direct_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v every_o one_o to_o teach_v his_o neighbour_n answ_n this_o be_v the_o strong_a hold_n whereby_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n be_v oppugn_v can_v we_o but_o preserve_v and_o deliver_v it_o from_o hence_o it_o have_v undoubted_o both_o safe_o and_o full_o escape_v the_o snare_n of_o the_o enemy_n now_o for_o this_o end_n we_o shall_v attempt_v at_o least_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o take_v of_o the_o dint_n of_o this_o argument_n that_o flourish_v itself_o and_o threaten_v so_o much_o in_o this_o scripture_n and_o second_o to_o show_v the_o proper_a and_o natural_a drift_n thereof_o 1._o and_o first_o this_o scripture_n can_v possible_o make_v void_a the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n if_o we_o consider_v this_o follow_a gradation_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o christ_n be_v the_o mediator_n and_o performer_n of_o it_o for_o we_o 3._o christ_n promise_v the_o spirit_n for_o the_o same_o purpose_n even_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n 4._o that_o the_o same_o christ_n when_o he_o ascend_v 4._o ephes_n 4._o give_v minister_n also_o for_o this_o same_o purpose_n 5._o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o as_o he_o ascend_v to_o give_v these_o gift_n he_o send_v his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o same_o errand_n and_o therefore_o not_o likely_a to_o beat_v his_o fellow_n servant_n to_o jossle_v the_o minister_n out_o of_o the_o world_n 2._o now_o for_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o place_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v either_o to_o be_v take_v hyperbolical_o or_o comparative_o but_o mediate_o still_o or_o with_o calvin_n restrain_v the_o accent_n to_o these_o late_a word_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n the_o meaning_n then_o be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o pour_v forth_o of_o the_o spirit_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n abroad_o knowledge_n cover_v the_o earth_n as_o water_n do_v the_o sea_n in_o a_o general_a sense_n of_o know_v the_o lord_n therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o need_v every_o one_o to_o teach_v his_o neighbour_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n after_o this_o manner_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o all_o shall_v know_v i_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o to_o conclude_v the_o text_n forementioned_a speak_v not_o the_o ministry_n null_a but_o effectual_a god_n will_v not_o take_v away_o mean_v but_o make_v mean_n more_o prosperous_a by_o a_o more_o especial_a presence_n and_o help_n of_o his_o spirit_n god_n will_v teach_v we_o by_o his_o son_n christ_n will_v instruct_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v we_o into_o all_o accommodum_fw-la universal_a accommodum_fw-la truth_n by_o the_o faithful_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o observe_v this_o covenant_n be_v in_o force_n as_o well_o then_o as_o now_o then_o why_o 1_o note_v 1_o shall_v it_o thursday_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n more_o now_o than_o then_o 2._o the_o ministry_n therefore_o be_v a_o co-worker_n with_o god_n in_o that_o age_n and_o why_o not_o now_o also_o obj._n 2_o other_o say_v we_o shall_v approve_v of_o preach_v better_a if_o minister_n will_v deal_v plain_o with_o we_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o what_o they_o preach_v be_v their_o own_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n and_o preach_v unto_o we_o in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o they_o presume_v to_o bring_v we_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n also_o and_o this_o offend_v and_o trouble_v we_o answ_n alas_o how_o apt_a be_v man_n to_o stumble_v at_o a_o straw_n yea_o and_o to_o make_v christ_n himself_o in_o his_o own_o ordinance_n a_o stumble_a stone_n and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n to_o themselves_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o the_o ministry_n either_o as_o of_o christ_n or_o not_o of_o christ_n if_o we_o receive_v it_o not_o as_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o have_v partly_o already_o and_o shall_v more_o full_o present_o when_o we_o prove_v the_o succession_n thereof_o make_v clear_a to_o you_o if_o you_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n then_o be_v they_o not_o steward_n and_o what_o steward_n do_v be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o master_n again_o be_v they_o not_o ambassador_n and_o do_v not_o ambassador_n declare_v the_o word_n of_o their_o master_n the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o they_o treat_v with_o man_n yet_o in_o the_o name_n and_o with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n obj._n but_o than_o what_o mean_v this_o expound_v raise_v doctrine_n give_v reason_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o word_n be_v all_o this_o the_o word_n of_o god_n answ_n there_o be_v a_o book_n abroad_o and_o but_o late_o start_v that_o upon_o this_o very_a ground_n do_v tax_v all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o granâ—_n apostasy_n indeavor_v withal_o to_o destroy_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o upon_o the_o other_o extreme_a from_o live_v immediate_o upon_o the_o spirit_n to_o a_o bare_a read_n of_o the_o word_n but_o let_v the_o reader_n beware_v and_o consider_v its_o fallacy_n indeed_o we_o grant_v that_o preach_v expound_v etc._n etc._n be_v but_o the_o secundary_a not_o the_o primary_n truth_n and_o word_n of_o god_n therefore_o our_o sermon_n as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v deduce_v from_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o and_o examine_v by_o the_o rule_n the_o word_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v either_o that_o that_o be_v express_v or_o employ_v or_o that_o that_o be_v deducible_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o that_o that_o be_v natural_o draw_v therefrom_o be_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o the_o truth_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n itself_o upon_o the_o very_a same_o term_n divine_v observe_v that_o though_o the_o septuagint_n sometime_o differ_v from_o the_o text_n both_o in_o sense_n and_o word_n yet_o those_o very_a place_n be_v quote_v by_o christ_n himself_o for_o
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
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
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
part_n and_o this_o his_o knowledge_n here_o be_v by_o reflection_n in_o a_o glass_n dark_o though_o he_o promise_v to_o himself_o to_o see_v more_o immediate_o face_n to_o face_n hereafter_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v monacham_n si_fw-mi aliquis_fw-la videns_fw-la deum_fw-la intellexit_fw-la quod_fw-la vidit_fw-la non_fw-la ipsum_fw-la vidit_fw-la sed_fw-la aliquid_fw-la corumquae_fw-la sunt_fw-la eius_fw-la dioni_fw-la in_o episto_n 1._o adcapiam_fw-la monacham_n and_o end_v this_o argument_n with_o that_o say_n of_o dionis_fw-la if_o any_o man_n whoever_o have_v a_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o understand_v what_o he_o see_v let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o see_v not_o god_n himself_o but_o only_o some_o effect_n or_o symptom_n of_o he_o we_o may_v further_o proceed_v be_v it_o not_o too_o injurious_a to_o our_o design_n of_o haste_n to_o discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o delusion_n to_o wit_n that_o we_o may_v discern_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o spirit_n immediate_o without_o regard_n to_o their_o effect_n in_o the_o light_n of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a maxim_n negative_a arg._n 2_o for_o the_o negative_a nothing_o can_v act_v beyond_o its_o one_o kind_a and_o nature_n now_o it_o be_v infinite_o beyond_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o bound_n of_o suum_fw-la nihil_fw-la agit_fw-fr extra_fw-la genus_fw-la suum_fw-la our_o intellect_n to_o discern_v of_o spirit_n and_o not_o by_o their_o effect_n to_o know_v whether_o or_o no_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_o immediate_o ay_o without_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n about_o the_o effect_n or_o sign_n thereof_o the_o office_n and_o natural_a work_n of_o reason_n as_o over_o and_o again_o we_o have_v show_v be_v to_o judge_v of_o spirit_n by_o their_o work_n and_o symptom_n and_o no_o otherwise_o for_o man_n do_v not_o gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n or_o fig_n of_o thistle_n second_o philosopher_n affirm_v that_o formalis_fw-la deus_fw-la ipse_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la supplere_fw-la vicim_fw-la causae_fw-la formalis_fw-la even_o god_n himself_o can_v supply_v the_o place_n of_o a_o formal_a cause_n ay_o can_v make_v on_o the_o one_o side_n spirit_n to_o be_v body_n and_o thing_n intelligible_a to_o become_v visible_a nor_o on_o the_o other_o side_n make_v we_o to_o see_v without_o eye_n to_o understand_v without_o understanding_n or_o to_o know_v but_o by_o our_o reason_n all_o which_o god_n must_v do_v before_o we_o can_v be_v able_a and_o yet_o be_v man_n to_o discern_v of_o spirit_n immediate_o or_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a good_a or_o bad_a without_o respect_n have_v unto_o their_o sign_n or_o effect_n but_o many_o man_n be_v deceive_v with_o their_o 25._o eccle_n ca._n 3._o 24_o 25._o own_o vain_a opinion_n and_o a_o evil_a suspicion_n viz._n of_o qualification_n have_v overthrow_v their_o judgement_n yet_o without_o eye_n thou_o shall_v want_v light_n profess_v not_o the_o knowledge_n therefore_o that_o thou_o have_v not_o obj._n 3_o but_o man_n of_o much_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n great_a divine_n affirm_v that_o the_o spirit_n sib_n dr._n sib_n do_v sometime_o immediate_o comfort_v we_o then_o sure_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v immediate_a also_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o comfort_n answ_n i_o answer_v and_o grant_v that_o some_o learned_a and_o pious_a divine_n have_v say_v it_o yet_o questionless_a not_o intend_v in_o the_o least_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n thereby_o for_o such_o a_o rejection_n of_o mark_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o trial_n as_o we_o have_v in_o dispute_n and_o therefore_o they_o immediate_o spirit_n dr._n sibbs_n in_o seal_v of_o the_o spirit_n subjoyn_v this_o question_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o a_o delusion_n they_o set_v down_o such_o rule_n of_o discern_a as_o may_v help_v we_o to_o know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o upon_o the_o least_o suspicion_n or_o occasion_n of_o suspicion_n of_o spirit_n we_o shall_v have_v ready_a and_o speedy_a recourse_n to_o the_o trial_n thereof_o thereby_o but_o second_o there_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v a_o considerable_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o comfort_n the_o spirit_n give_v we_o and_o the_o assurance_n we_o give_v or_o gain_v to_o ourselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o spirit_n ability_n the_o measure_n of_o we_o yea_o be_v it_o not_o far_o more_o difficult_a to_o work_v assurance_n out_o of_o doubt_v than_o comfort_n from_o assurance_n moreover_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o the_o spirit_n can_v and_o sometime_o do_v comfort_v we_o immediate_o that_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o use_v mean_n for_o assurance_n for_o no_o man_n may_v imagine_v that_o we_o can_v as_o easy_o work_v upon_o the_o spirit_n for_o assurance_n as_o the_o spirit_n upon_o we_o for_o comfort_n 3._o yet_o far_o for_o my_o part_n though_o i_o reverence_v the_o judgement_n of_o those_o godly_a posse_fw-la i_o must_v conclude_v with_o scotus_n in_o another_o case_n i_o magis_fw-la propter_fw-la autoritatatesquam_fw-la propter_fw-la rationes_fw-la putare_fw-la posse_fw-la man_n yet_o i_o can_v well_o see_v how_o the_o spirit_n do_v comfort_v we_o immediate_o either_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v most_o solid_a and_o consequent_o most_o rational_a if_o rational_a not_o immediate_a because_o then_o they_o be_v convay_v into_o the_o heart_n upon_o reasonable_a ground_n now_o the_o spirit_n can_v supply_v the_o stead_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o give_v in_o comfort_n immediate_o the_o spirit_n can_v inlighten_v our_o heart_n but_o by_o our_o reason_n though_o he_o be_v a_o light_n he_o can_v not_o be_v a_o eye_n or_o faculty_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o can_v immediate_o comfort_v we_o if_o we_o take_v suggestion_n upon_o trust_n how_o shall_v our_o reason_n be_v sanctify_v and_o if_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o our_o conscience_n can_v never_o be_v satisfy_v and_o then_o how_o weak_a how_o superficial_a our_o comfort_n and_o how_o unworthy_a to_o be_v own_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n our_o comforter_n or_o to_o be_v call_v that_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o keep_v 4_o phil._n 4_o our_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o christ_n jesus_n 4._o we_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v and_o mistake_v a_o flash_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n which_o may_v be_v occasion_v by_o many_o unknown_a &_o secret_a way_n to_o be_v the_o unspeakable_a ravish_a comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n sensitive_a joy_n to_o be_v spiritual_a comfort_n but_o the_o difference_n be_v as_o wide_a as_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v full_o that_o what_o revishment_n of_o spirit_n we_o know_v no_o account_n of_o as_o they_o be_v not_o reasonable_a so_o not_o spiritual_a the_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n who_o office_n it_o be_v as_o comforter_n to_o show_v we_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v we_o to_o know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n be_v ever_o build_v upon_o ground_n most_o rational_a and_o such_o as_o be_v know_v to_o we_o obj._n but_o i_o have_v hear_v man_n of_o part_n and_o piety_n both_o to_o set_v forth_o this_o mediate_a comfort_v of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o comfort_n we_o have_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o sib_n 20._o sib_n friend_n answ_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o in_o this_o act_n of_o our_o comfort_n the_o spirit_n be_v take_v material_o and_o not_o essential_o i_o undestand_v it_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v hereby_o we_o know_v ult_n joh._n 3._o ult_n that_o he_o abide_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o but_o second_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o the_o presence_n of_o our_o friend_n do_v comfort_v we_o either_o because_o he_o be_v present_a or_o because_o he_o be_v our_o friend_n both_o how_o do_v we_o know_v he_o be_v present_v but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o see_v he_o and_o how_o do_v we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v our_o friend_n but_o because_o of_o our_o experience_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o friendship_n and_o comfort_n immediate_a after_o this_o manner_n we_o grant_v be_v attainable_a by_o the_o presence_n of_o our_o friend_n the_o spirit_n viz._n by_o assurance_n of_o its_o friendship_n by_o true_a experience_n of_o as_o also_o of_o its_o presence_n by_o due_a reason_n about_o the_o effect_n thereof_o 3._o but_o now_o unless_o thou_o try_v for_o aught_o either_o i_o or_o thyself_o can_v know_v thy_o spirit_n may_v be_v false_a as_o well_o as_o true_a thy_o joy_n counterfeit_a as_o well_o as_o real_a thy_o spirit_n may_v be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o thy_o comfort_n no_o other_o than_o a_o flash_n of_o hell_n yea_o thou_o may_v be_v act_v by_o no_o other_o than_o thou_o own_o deceitful_a and_o melancholy_a spirit_n and_o thy_o joy_n be_v but_o spark_n of_o