the_o chidren_n of_o god_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n wherein_o stand_v the_o chief_a proof_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v god_n power_n to_o our_o salvation_n but_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o point_n that_o make_v the_o conclusion_n for_o without_o faith_n its_o impossible_a we_o can_v be_v or_o know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o notwithstanding_o that_o which_o make_v the_o infallible_a determination_n of_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n depend_v upon_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o without_o which_o all_o conceit_n of_o have_v faith_n be_v frivolous_a and_o vain_a the_o order_n then_o of_o our_o mind_n in_o search_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n be_v this_o 1._o we_o be_v to_o try_v and_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o for_o he_o be_v not_o of_o god_n that_o know_v not_o himself_o to_o be_v of_o god_n for_o according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o john_n he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o mind_n to_o know_v he_o which_o be_v true_a and_o we_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v true_a and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n john_n 1_o epi._n 5._o 19_o 20._o second_o we_o be_v to_o try_v if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n because_o we_o never_o can_v know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v of_o god_n until_o the_o time_n we_o find_v ourselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v god_n word_n you_o therefore_o hear_v they_o not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n john_n 8._o 47._o 3._o for_o confirm_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o 2._o point_v and_o so_o consequent_o in_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o first_o we_o be_v to_o try_v if_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o without_o which_o we_o can_v never_o assure_o know_v that_o we_o believe_v and_o so_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o christ_n speak_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v it_o at_o that_o day_n shall_v you_o know_v that_o i_o be_o in_o my_o father_n and_o you_o in_o 20._o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o and_o again_o in_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o elect_a the_o glory_n that_o thou_o give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o as_o we_o be_v one_o i_o in_o they_o and_o thou_o in_o i_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v perfect_a in_o one_o john_n 17._o 22._o 23._o and_o again_o i_o have_v declare_v unto_o they_o thy_o name_n and_o will_v declare_v it_o that_o the_o love_n wherewith_o thou_o have_v love_v i_o may_v be_v in_o they_o and_o i_o in_o they_o ibidem_fw-la 17._o 26._o for_o which_o cause_n the_o saint_n be_v call_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n ephesian_n 2._o 22._o whereupon_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v that_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o be_v not_o he_o rom._n 8._o 9_o and_o this_o dwell_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n be_v only_o wrought_v by_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o bow_v my_o knee_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o may_v grant_v you_o according_a to_o the_o richnes_n of_o his_o glory_n that_o you_o may_v be_v strengthen_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n by_o say_v ephesian_n 3._o 14._o 15_o 16._o 17._o by_o all_o which_o it_o evident_o appear_v when_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n know_v himself_o indeed_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o also_o wherein_o this_o knowledge_n consist_v viz._n when_o he_o come_v to_o a_o lively_a feel_n and_o clear_a sight_n that_o christ_n be_v in_o he_o all_o other_o gift_n and_o grace_n whatsoever_o be_v of_o no_o value_n or_o force_n in_o the_o least_o to_o give_v any_o assurance_n or_o true_a knowledge_n to_o a_o man_n soul_n that_o he_o be_v true_o and_o effectual_o call_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n and_o hope_n of_o glory_n for_o then_o only_o it_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n become_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o our_o salvation_n when_o as_o thereby_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o we_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o galatian_n say_v my_o little_a child_n of_o who_o i_o travel_v in_o birth_n again_o until_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o you_o cap._n 4._o 19_o the_o same_o be_v confirm_v by_o that_o speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o colossiaus_fw-la wherein_o he_o discribe_v what_o be_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentill_n say_v which_o riches_n be_v christ_n in_o you_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n cap._n 1_o 27._o the_o use_n of_o this_o be_v to_o teach_v we_o that_o in_o vain_a any_o man_n content_v himself_o with_o any_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o thereby_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v if_o he_o have_v not_o christ_n within_o he_o and_o that_o he_o himself_o know_v it_o for_o with_o out_o he_o nothing_o avail_v to_o salvation_n since_o nothing_o can_v make_v a_o man_n the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o he_o alove_o in_o so_o far_o that_o faith_n itself_o be_v not_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o god_n elect_v whereby_o the_o heart_n be_v purify_v and_o a_o sinner_n justify_v and_o save_v except_o that_o by_o it_o christ_n be_v bring_v in_o and_o make_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o in_o such_o evidency_n that_o the_o believe_a man_n know_v that_o he_o have_v christ_n within_o he_o for_o its_o impossible_a that_o a_o man_n can_v have_v christ_n but_o that_o he_o must_v know_v that_o he_o have_v he_o such_o be_v the_o lively_a operation_n and_o supernatural_a work_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o soul_n where_o he_o be_v illuminate_v quicken_a and_o transform_v every_o man_n who_o have_v he_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o in_o pacify_v &_o comfort_v the_o conscience_n and_o in_o fill_v and_o replenish_n the_o soul_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n and_o hope_v of_o his_o glory_n that_o never_o man_n can_v ever_o more_o clear_o discern_v that_o he_o have_v a_o soul_n within_o he_o by_o the_o natural_a effect_n thereof_o in_o his_o body_n then_o a_o christian_n may_v perceive_v christ_n to_o be_v within_o he_o by_o his_o proper_a effect_n before_o mention_v out_o of_o this_o use_n we_o gather_v a_o second_o viz._n that_o a_o man_n shall_v set_v himself_o to_o gain_n christ_n rather_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n esteem_v all_o other_o thing_n but_o loss_n and_o judge_v all_o to_o be_v but_o dung_n for_o the_o excellent_a knowledge_n sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n according_a as_o paul_n do_v philip._n 3._o 8._o so_o as_o with_o the_o same_o apostle_n he_o may_v sensible_o know_v the_o virtue_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o be_v make_v conform_v to_o he_o in_o his_o death_n ibid._n ver_fw-la 10_o for_o as_o christ_n himself_o say_v what_o avail_v it_o a_o man_n to_o win_v the_o whole_a world_n if_o he_o loose_a his_o soul_n mark_n 8_o 36._o but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o every_o soul_n shall_v perish_v eternal_o hereafter_o which_o gain_v not_o christ_n in_o this_o present_a life_n this_o yealds_n matter_n of_o just_a reproof_n against_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n if_o not_o all_o who_o labour_n so_o much_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o earth_n which_o be_v but_o transitory_a vanity_n and_o help_v nothing_o to_o their_o salvation_n and_o make_v so_o small_a account_n of_o gain_v christ_n for_o the_o inâ—oying_n of_o who_o even_o when_o they_o be_v invite_v unto_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v the_o small_a ease_n profit_n or_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n but_o make_v light_n of_o he_o and_o go_v their_o way_n one_o to_o his_o farm_n another_o about_o his_o merchandise_n other_o take_v the_o inviter_n and_o use_v they_o sharp_o and_o kill_v they_o as_o christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o â—arableâ—_n mat._n 22._o 5_o 6._o and_o â—e_n be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o these_o be_v the_o worst_a sort_n of_o the_o despiser_n of_o christ_n though_o these_o be_v so_o bad_a that_o they_o shall_v never_o taste_v of_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o great_a king_n but_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n much_o more_o to_o be_v lamenred_n who_o be_v lover_n of_o sinful_a pleasure_n more_o than_o of_o god_n spend_v the_o time_n appoint_v and_o set_v for_o the_o purchase_n and_o gain_v of_o christ_n in_o abominable_a filthiness_n in_o chamber_a and_o wantonness_n in_o gluttony_n and_o drunckennesse_n in_o sport_n and_o unlawful_a gaym_v and_o sinful_a
error_n and_o then_o confirm_v his_o assertion_n the_o remove_v of_o this_o error_n be_v by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n answer_v that_o which_o he_o know_v they_o stumble_v at_o and_o may_v object_v unto_o he_o after_o this_o manner_n how_o can_v thou_o show_v or_o we_o fear_v any_o might_n or_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o thou_o towards_o we_o who_o be_v thyself_o so_o weak_a in_o christ_n and_o destitute_a of_o all_o strength_n the_o apostle_n answer_v this_o by_o a_o distinction_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o the_o like_a example_n in_o christ_n himself_o for_o he_o deny_v not_o simple_o but_o confess_v himself_o to_o be_v weak_a in_o christ_n but_o that_o this_o weakness_n be_v only_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n notwithstanding_o whereof_o he_o be_v mighty_a with_o christ_n by_o the_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o in_o this_o he_o be_v like_o his_o lord_n &_o master_n christ_n who_o as_o concern_v the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a indeed_o have_v take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o with_o all_o the_o infirmity_n thereof_o except_o sin_n and_o according_a to_o this_o weakness_n do_v suffer_v death_n and_o be_v crucify_v who_o notwithstanding_o live_v again_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o godhead_n by_o the_o which_o he_o mighty_o raise_v himself_o from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o even_o as_o christ_n in_o himself_o be_v weak_a in_o or_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o yet_o be_v mighty_a in_o the_o spirit_n or_o accord_v to_o his_o divine_a nature_n so_o also_o his_o servant_n and_o messenger_n in_o he_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o flesh_n and_o in_o all_o fleshlie_o power_n but_o be_v alive_a or_o mighty_a with_o he_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o they_o this_o conformity_n of_o christ_n minister_n with_o christ_n himself_o in_o fleshlie_o weakness_n and_o spiritual_a power_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v mark_v not_o only_o against_o the_o sacrilegious_a usurpation_n of_o both_o power_n or_o sword_n by_o the_o pope_n as_o christ_n vicar_n but_o also_o against_o the_o corruption_n which_o originallie_o flow_v from_o his_o practice_n have_v yet_o too_o great_a place_n in_o reform_a church_n it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o the_o messenger_n of_o his_o truth_n shall_v carry_v that_o heavenly_a treasure_n in_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o excellency_n 7._o of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o they_o for_o the_o 4._o weapon_n of_o their_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a mighty_a not_o through_o man_n either_o themselves_o or_o other_o but_o only_a through_o god_n to_o cast_v down_o strong_a hold_v &c._n &c._n so_o 5_o that_o nether_a be_v he_o that_o plant_v nor_o he_o that_o water_v any_o thing_n but_o only_a god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n and_o hereof_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o ministry_n be_v a_o livelie_a pattern_n in_o shun_v all_o worldly_a perferment_n and_o disclaim_v all_o civil_a authority_n walk_v in_o great_a weakness_n outward_a as_o touch_v the_o flesh_n even_o from_o his_o birth_n to_o his_o death_n arm_v with_o no_o carnal_a might_n or_o fleshlie_o power_n but_o only_o with_o the_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a power_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o even_o as_o his_o baseness_n and_o weakness_n in_o the_o flesh_n make_v the_o world_n to_o despise_v he_o notwithstanding_o the_o infinite_a power_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n so_o in_o all_o age_n and_o now_o do_v most_o man_n stumble_v at_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o minister_n in_o fleshlie_o thing_n belong_v to_o this_o world_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o ministry_n now_o the_o apostle_n have_v thus_o answer_v their_o objection_n he_o come_v to_o prove_v his_o former_a assertion_n to_o wit_n that_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n be_v not_o weak_a towards_o they_o but_o be_v mighty_a in_o they_o so_o that_o this_o their_o seek_v of_o a_o far_a proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o he_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o sinful_a tempt_a of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o proof_n which_o he_o shall_v give_v they_o behoove_v to_o be_v sharp_a and_o bitter_a unto_o they_o in_o not_o spare_v they_o at_o his_o come_n if_o before_o his_o come_n they_o do_v not_o reverence_v his_o word_n and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o admonition_n upon_o the_o proof_n bypass_v in_o themselves_o of_o christ_n mighty_a power_n towards_o they_o in_o his_o ministry_n the_o argument_n of_o confirmation_n be_v draw_v from_o their_o own_o testimony_n ground_v upon_o their_o own_o knowledge_n &_o experience_n in_o themselves_o which_o testimony_n the_o apostle_n do_v forcible_o constrain_v they_o to_o yield_v by_o a_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o woeful_a consequence_n which_o must_v necessary_a follow_v upon_o the_o contrary_a the_o consequence_n be_v that_o if_o they_o acknowledge_v not_o this_o experience_n in_o themselves_o of_o christ_n power_n in_o his_o ministry_n towards_o they_o than_o they_o themselves_o must_v be_v reprobate_a christian_n but_o because_o many_o careless_o and_o negligent_o do_v pass_v by_o the_o right_a consideration_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o powerful_a effect_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o themselves_o and_o so_o do_v fall_v in_o this_o sin_n of_o the_o corinthian_n despise_v that_o which_o they_o shall_v high_o esteem_v of_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o refer_v not_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o assertion_n to_o what_o they_o will_v unadvisedlie_o say_v and_o witness_v of_o this_o might_n of_o christ_n towards_o they_o in_o his_o ministry_n but_o unto_o their_o testimony_n upon_o sufficient_a trial_n and_o examination_n of_o themselves_o in_o themselves_o upon_o which_o he_o bold_o affirm_v that_o they_o shall_v either_o find_v his_o ministry_n powerful_a or_o themselves_o reprobat_n if_o then_o we_o will_v consider_v this_o argument_n in_o all_o the_o particularity_n therein_o contain_v there_o be_v 4_o thing_n to_o be_v mark_v of_o we_o the_o 1_o be_v the_o trial_n and_o examination_n of_o themselves_o the_o 2_o be_v these_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v to_o take_v trial_n in_o themselves_o the_o 3_o be_v the_o argument_n remove_v all_o excuse_n of_o ignorance_n or_o pretence_n of_o impossibility_n of_o discern_v these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o the_o 4_o be_v the_o argument_n itself_o whereby_o the_o apostle_n draw_v they_o to_o a_o necessity_n of_o acknowledge_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n towards_o they_o from_o the_o hard_a consequence_n that_o must_v follow_v upon_o the_o contrary_n before_o we_o speak_v of_o these_o particular_n its_o necessary_a that_o first_o we_o mark_v and_o consider_v the_o main_a point_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n in_o this_o place_n first_o lay_v this_o supposition_n that_o the_o hearer_n be_v true_a christian_n and_o not_o reprobate_n he_o conclude_v absolute_o that_o they_o must_v have_v proof_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o those_o man_n by_o who_o they_o be_v either_o first_o call_v or_o afterward_o confirm_v in_o grace_n thereupon_o he_o seem_v evident_o to_o conclude_v these_o position_n follow_v first_o where_o no_o proof_n of_o christ_n power_n in_o the_o ministry_n be_v find_v or_o feel_v by_o the_o hearer_n either_o the_o teacher_n must_v be_v a_o reprobate_a teacher_n or_o the_o hearer_n reprobate_a hearer_n second_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o who_o be_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n can_v be_v without_o sense_n &_o feeling_n of_o christ_n mighty_a power_n unto_o salvation_n in_o those_o who_o be_v the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n three_o that_o want_v of_o sense_n &_o feeling_n in_o the_o hearer_n of_o this_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n do_v evident_o evince_v such_o hearer_n to_o be_v reprobate_n last_o that_o those_o minister_n in_o who_o ministry_n the_o hearer_n be_v of_o god_n elect_v do_v find_v no_o sense_n or_o evidence_n of_o christ_n power_n unto_o salvation_n must_v needs_o be_v reprobate_a minister_n for_o the_o true_a ministry_n of_o 24_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v 18._o save_v and_o be_v foolishness_n to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o perish_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o they_o that_o be_v save_v it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o that_o man_n ministry_n be_v not_o of_o god_n these_o general_a position_n shall_v be_v most_o clear_o and_o evident_a unto_o we_o after_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o 4_o former_a particular_a point_n contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n argument_n whereof_o we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v the_o 1_o point_n be_v the_o trial_n whereunto_o the_o apostle_n do_v invite_v they_o wherein_o 2_o thing_n be_v special_o to_o be_v observe_v the_o 1_o be_v the_o action_n itself_o of_o trial_n or_o
without_o mark_v or_o once_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v put_v on_o this_o faith_n as_o a_o garment_n to_o walk_v in_o and_o as_o a_o armour_n to_o fight_v in_o that_o they_o may_v see_v themselves_o in_o it_o clothe_v both_o as_o their_o garment_n and_o adorn_v they_o and_o as_o a_o armour_n defend_v they_o for_o its_o manifest_a by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o james_n that_o many_o boast_v they_o have_v faith_n who_o yet_o do_v not_o walk_v in_o it_o nor_o use_v it_o as_o a_o shield_n against_o sin_n and_o sathan_n therefore_o we_o be_v never_o to_o esteem_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o our_o salvation_n for_o any_o light_n or_o persuasion_n it_o work_v in_o our_o heart_n inward_o except_o likewise_o it_o make_v we_o put_v on_o that_o light_n to_o walk_v in_o it_o as_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o arm_v we_o with_o it_o to_o fight_v against_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o all_o his_o work_n for_o scripture_n and_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o many_o have_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n within_o they_o boast_v of_o it_o in_o word_n who_o yet_o in_o their_o deed_n deny_v it_o do_v as_o the_o apo._n speak_v of_o the_o gentiles_n who_o hold_v and_o detain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o suppress_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n because_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n neither_o be_v thankful_a rom._n 1._o 18._o &_o 21._o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n of_o the_o trial_n we_o shall_v now_o speak_v of_o the_o second_o but_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v stay_v we_o with_o a_o argument_n prevent_v a_o objection_n before_o he_o specifi_v the_o second_o point_n of_o trial_n which_o be_v the_o mean_a to_o know_v the_o former_a for_o they_o may_v have_v say_v how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o know_v these_o thing_n which_o thou_o will_v we_o to_o try_v either_o that_o which_o go_v before_o viz._n whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o that_o which_o follow_v viz._n whether_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o the_o apostle_n to_o take_v away_o this_o pretence_n of_o ignorance_n and_o so_o to_o enforce_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v by_o this_o trial_n of_o themselves_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n towards_o they_o do_v use_v this_o argument_n you_o must_v either_o by_o trial_n perceive_v these_o thing_n in_o yourselus_a being_n christian_n or_o than_o you_o know_v not_o yourselves_o but_o its_o absurd_a that_o you_o christian_n shall_v not_o know_v yourselves_o therefore_o you_o may_v easy_o try_v these_o thing_n in_o yourselves_o of_o argument_n we_o have_v no_o more_o set_v down_o but_o the_o second_o part_n yet_o so_o as_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o speech_n he_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o collection_n and_o gather_v of_o the_o rest_n the_o word_n be_v these_o know_v you_o not_o yourselves_o as_o if_o he_o will_v say_v this_o wherein_o i_o will_v you_o to_o examine_v yourselves_o can_v be_v hide_v from_o you_o if_o you_o know_v yourselves_o which_o knowledge_n of_o themselves_o he_o enforce_v upon_o they_o by_o this_o his_o interrogation_n which_o imply_v as_o much_o as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o shame_n to_o they_o but_o also_o a_o impossible_a thing_n not_o to_o know_v themselves_o &_o so_o insinuate_v the_o conclusion_n to_o wit_n that_o therefore_o they_o behoove_v to_o know_v these_o thing_n where_o in_o he_o will_v they_o to_o try_v themselves_o in_o this_o form_n of_o the_o apostle_n proceed_v we_o have_v first_o to_o learn_v what_o backwardness_n and_o untowardnes_n lurk_v in_o our_o nature_n still_o in_o that_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o acknowledge_v any_o thing_n whereby_o we_o ourselus_o may_v be_v convince_v except_o confession_n be_v wrest_v from_o we_o by_o forcible_a and_o unresistable_a argument_n we_o be_v still_o incline_v to_o use_v all_o sort_n of_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v and_o among_o the_o rest_n ignorance_n rather_o then_o by_o simple_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o know_a truth_n to_o condemn_v ourselves_o in_o any_o thing_n this_o vice_n do_v evident_o appear_v in_o cain_n when_o god_n inquire_v where_o his_o brother_n abel_n be_v who_o although_o he_o know_v perfect_o he_o have_v kill_v he_o yet_o use_v a_o shift_a answer_n to_o the_o lord_n first_o pretend_v ignorance_n and_o then_o bring_v in_o a_o argument_n to_o convince_v god_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o require_v such_o athing_n at_o his_o hand_n in_o that_o he_o say_v he_o 9_o be_v not_o his_o brother_n keeper_n the_o like_a we_o see_v also_o in_o saul_n when_o he_o be_v accuse_v by_o samuel_n for_o spare_v agag_n the_o king_n of_o ameleck_n in_o strong_o affirm_v he_o have_v perform_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o know_v that_o the_o preserve_n of_o agag_n alive_a and_o reserve_v of_o the_o best_a of_o the_o spoil_n be_v direct_v contrary_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o lord_n whereby_o he_o be_v command_v to_o smite_v ameleck_n and_o to_o destroy_v all_o that_o pertain_v unto_o they_o but_o to_o stay_v both_o man_n and_o woman_n both_o infant_n and_o suckling_n both_o ox_n and_o sheep_n both_o camel_n and_o ass_n 1._o samuel_n 15._o the_o same_o also_o be_v clear_o to_o be_v mark_v in_o annanias_n and_o saphira_n acts._n 5._o and_o this_o same_o infirmity_n appear_v here_o in_o the_o corinthian_n although_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n nor_o measure_n of_o inquity_n in_o cain_n saul_n ananias_n and_o saphira_n it_o proceed_v from_o profane_a and_o unsanctified_a heart_n fill_v with_o malice_n pride_n and_o coveteousnes_n but_o in_o the_o corinthian_n as_o in_o other_o godly_a man_n it_o fall_v through_o infirmity_n and_o negligence_n but_o never_o of_o obstinate_a malice_n or_o contempt_n yet_o still_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v a_o great_a weakness_n have_v always_o mix_v with_o it_o some_o self-love_n of_o our_o selus_fw-la which_o make_v we_o rather_o to_o dissemble_v a_o know_a truth_n then_o to_o disgrace_v our_o selus_fw-la in_o any_o sort_n but_o leave_v this_o we_o come_v to_o thosething_n which_o principal_o be_v to_o be_v mark_v in_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o yeald_v we_o two_o thing_n to_o our_o consideration_n the_o first_o be_v that_o a_o christian_n who_o be_v call_v out_o of_o darkness_n to_o the_o marvellous_a light_n of_o god_n have_v among_o all_o other_o this_o great_a blessing_n that_o his_o eye_n be_v open_a to_o know_v himself_o which_o no_o man_n can_v do_v till_o he_o be_v effectual_o call_v of_o god_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n whereby_o he_o be_v make_v able_a to_o discern_v all_o thing_n this_o knowledge_n of_o our_o selus_fw-la be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o great_a virtue_n among_o the_o very_a heathen_a and_o be_v propound_v to_o be_v follow_v as_o a_o singular_a virtue_n by_o the_o philosopher_n but_o never_o any_o of_o themselves_o can_v ever_o attain_v to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o special_a prerogative_n of_o those_o who_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n to_o have_v this_o grace_n to_o know_v themselves_o according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o john_n we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n &_o this_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n john_n 1_o epist_n 5_o 19_o and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v concern_v the_o elect_a that_o the_o anoint_v which_o they_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o father_n dwell_v in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o need_v not_o that_o any_o man_n teach_v they_o but_o as_o the_o same_o anoint_v 27_o teach_v they_o of_o all_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v true_a and_o not_o lie_v the_o 2._o thing_n which_o hereby_o we_o learn_v be_v this_o that_o the_o call_n of_o god_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o truth_n give_v to_o man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o themselves_o the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o all_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v they_o of_o god_n according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o unsearchablenes_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o but_o say_v he_o god_n have_v reveyl_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n 1_o corint_n 2_o 10_o 12._o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o christ_n call_v his_o disciple_n no_o more_o servaunt_n but_o friend_n because_o as_o he_o say_v the_o servant_n know_v not_o what_o his_o master_n do_v but_o unto_o they_o he_o have_v make_v know_v all_o thing_n which_o he_o hear_v of_o his_o father_n john_n 15_o 15._o and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o show_v the_o reason_n of_o
this_o knowledge_n in_o his_o disciple_n as_o also_o why_o the_o world_n be_v destitute_a of_o it_o speak_v concern_v the_o spirit_n say_v who_o the_o world_n can_v receive_v because_o it_o see_v he_o not_o neither_o know_v he_o but_o you_o know_v he_o because_o he_o dwell_v with_o you_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o you_o john_n 14_o 17._o this_o place_n be_v confer_v with_o the_o former_a two_o teach_v we_o 3_o special_a thing_n touch_v the_o estate_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a the_o 1_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n nor_o of_o any_o grace_n or_o blessing_n spiritual_a give_v they_o by_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o 2_o be_v that_o all_o this_o knowledge_n be_v teach_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v they_o &_o remain_v within_o they_o the_o 3_o that_o both_o the_o gift_n of_o this_o spirit_n and_o knowledge_n by_o he_o proceed_v from_o this_o that_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o in_o the_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o servitude_n &_o bondage_n but_o have_v take_v we_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o reconcyl_v we_o to_o himself_o in_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o his_o friend_n as_o abraham_n be_v the_o use_n of_o this_o be_v to_o convince_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papistical_a church_n of_o falsehood_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v that_o a_o christian_n true_o call_v can_v have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n urge_v the_o corinthian_n by_o this_o special_a knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o to_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n towards_o they_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o both_o they_o and_o all_o other_o call_v as_o they_o be_v must_v have_v undoubted_a knowledge_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o christ_n in_o they_o otherwise_o christ_n argument_n before_o allege_v can_v not_o be_v true_a when_o he_o say_v that_o his_o disciple_n do_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n because_o he_o dwell_v with_o they_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o which_o argument_n teach_v we_o thus_o much_o that_o the_o saint_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o gift_n or_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v with_o they_o and_o be_v in_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o a_o papist_n hold_v the_o former_a position_n for_o a_o truth_n must_v be_v both_o faithless_a and_o graceless_a see_v if_o either_o faith_n or_o grace_n be_v in_o they_o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o neither_o can_v they_o have_v any_o evasion_n by_o their_o old_a argument_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o special_a revelation_n from_o god_n for_o this_o which_o we_o have_v say_v before_o compare_v with_o the_o word_n of_o john_n do_v full_o answer_v they_o say_v if_o we_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n the_o witness_n 10._o of_o god_n be_v great_a for_o this_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o testify_v of_o his_o son_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o that_o soon_o of_o god_n have_v witness_n in_o himself_o by_o which_o word_n we_o be_v plain_o teach_v that_o faith_n can_v never_o be_v without_o the_o testimony_n both_o of_o those_o three_o which_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n to_o wit_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holyghost_n nor_o of_o these_o three_o witness_n which_o bear_v record_n in_o earth_n viz._n the_o spirit_n the_o water_n and_o the_o blood_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o every_o true_a believer_n have_v a_o most_o undoubted_a revelation_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o bless_a estate_n in_o grace_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o whosoever_o have_v not_o this_o undoubted_a warrant_n be_v faithless_a indeed_o see_v as_o say_v the_o apostle_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v this_o witness_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n &_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o water_n and_o of_o the_o blood_n which_o be_v in_o earth_n than_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o revelation_n of_o great_a force_n to_o confirm_v the_o certainty_n of_o one_o salvation_n for_o if_o according_a to_o god_n own_o law_n at_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o matter_n 5._o shall_v be_v establish_v how_o much_o more_o must_v a_o true_a believe_a christian_n know_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o salvation_n who_o have_v it_o witness_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o within_o himself_o by_o those_o six_o witness_n before_o mention_v of_o which_o none_o can_v lie_v and_o this_o be_v so_o much_o the_o clear_a by_o that_o which_o john_n in_o the_o same_o place_n speak_v ver_fw-la 13_o say_v these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v unto_o you_o who_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o you_o have_v eternal_a life_n whereby_o he_o utter_o annull_v that_o blind_a argument_n of_o the_o papist_n see_v it_o enforce_v they_o either_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o know_v they_o have_v eternal_a life_n or_o then_o plain_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o believe_v not_o in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n be_v two_o unseparable_a adjunct_n and_o ever_o such_o knowledge_n as_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o a_o doubtful_a opinion_n or_o conjecture_n but_o which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o unfallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o six_o witness_n mention_v before_o we_o conclude_v therefore_o this_o point_n with_o the_o comfortable_a use_n thereof_o to_o all_o true_a believe_a christian_n viz._n that_o they_o rejoice_v always_o i_o say_v again_o with_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o rejoice_v always_o see_v their_o salvation_n be_v sure_a and_o that_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v sure_a thus_o much_o for_o the_o apostle_n argument_n for_o remove_v of_o all_o pretence_n of_o ignorance_n now_o follow_v the_o 2_o point_n of_o trial_n which_o be_v whether_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o or_o not_o but_o it_o be_v propound_v in_o another_o manner_n than_o the_o first_o for_o touch_v faith_n he_o will_v they_o to_o try_v if_o they_o be_v in_o it_o but_o this_o last_o he_o propound_v as_o a_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o undoubted_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o no_o marvel_v for_o the_o effect_n be_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v then_o their_o cause_n now_o christ_n he_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o have_v a_o true_a evidence_n that_o we_o believe_v until_o we_o find_v that_o christ_n be_v assure_o within_o we_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o say_v before_o that_o this_o 2_o point_n of_o trial_n be_v the_o mean_a to_o know_v the_o former_a moreover_o the_o apo._n subjoin_v this_o point_n unto_o his_o former_a argument_n whereby_o he_o remoove_v all_o pretence_n of_o ignorance_n purposely_o to_o teach_v we_o both_o when_o and_o wherein_o it_o be_v that_o a_o christian_n come_v to_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o receave_v experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o his_o salvation_n whereof_o before_o we_o speak_v we_o will_v first_o somewhat_o consider_v the_o order_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n we_o see_v that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o put_v they_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n towards_o they_o to_o their_o salvation_n 2._o in_o this_o examination_n he_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o themselves_o as_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o all_o true_a believer_n 3._o he_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n presence_n in_o their_o heart_n as_o the_o only_a true_a testimony_n of_o the_o first_o &_o proper_a matter_n of_o the_o 2._o for_o if_o any_o man_n think_v he_o believe_v not_o have_v christ_n within_o he_o he_o be_v miserable_o deceive_v and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n except_o he_o find_v himself_o and_o christ_n unite_v by_o faith_n pitiful_o abuse_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o judgement_n this_o order_n therefore_o of_o the_o apostle_n proceed_v teach_v we_o this_o lesson_n what_o way_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v that_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o outstreched_a arm_n of_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n to_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o which_o 3_o thing_n be_v principal_o to_o be_v mark_v our_o faith_n our_o selus_fw-la and_o that_o in_o ourselves_o which_o make_v we_o know_v ourselves_o by_o faith_n to_o be_v