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
in_o the_o sense_n we_o speak_v of_o may_v not_o always_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o the_o word_n true_a or_o false_a may_v be_v ambiguous_a for_o 1._o qualification_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a 1._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o principle_n as_o effect_n 2._o with_o relation_n to_o their_o end_n as_o mean_n because_o 3._o they_o may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a with_o regard_n to_o our_o knowledge_n now_o according_a to_o the_o first_o interpretation_n gracious_a quality_n can_v be_v false_a and_o therefore_o not_o either_o true_a or_o false_a for_o they_o be_v true_a effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o that_o be_v his_o sense_n his_o argument_n be_v guilty_a of_o contradictory_n quality_n he_o before_o have_v frequent_o grant_v they_o all_o to_o be_v true_o wrought_v by_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o still_o deny_v they_o as_o to_o be_v evidence_n of_o the_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n page_n 22._o line_n 22._o page_n 21._o line_n 14._o but_o if_o we_o conceive_v true_a or_o false_a in_o the_o late_a construction_n namely_o by_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o they_o may_v be_v false_a mean_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o end_n viz._n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o as_o i_o have_v already_o so_o hereafter_o in_o their_o place_n shall_v more_o clear_o free_v they_o from_o this_o roman_a scruple_n from_o be_v false_a i._n e._n fallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n object_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o wicked_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n have_v the_o same_o qualification_n it_o be_v a_o needless_a thing_n for_o answ_n such_o man_n have_v the_o spirit_n as_o much_o and_o more_o true_o than_o grace_n as_o it_o work_v upon_o such_o man_n heart_n with_o its_o common_a effect_n and_o motion_n if_o this_o then_o hinder_v our_o infallible_a judgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n how_o will_v you_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o spirit_n object_n it_o be_v as_o little_a worth_n to_o affirm_v that_o hypocrite_n may_v think_v their_o grace_n to_o be_v true_a as_o well_o as_o the_o godly_a for_o answ_n truth_n be_v seat_v in_o the_o understanding_n have_v its_o answerable_a light_n and_o it_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o godly_a man_n assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o grace_n because_o wicked_a man_n flatter_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o fall_v opinion_n of_o they_o not_o so_o because_o the_o madman_n think_v he_o be_v a_o sober_a man_n can_v the_o man_n that_o be_v sober_a indeed_o be_v assure_v thereof_o the_o child_n account_v his_o counter_a gold_n and_o so_o be_v mistake_v therefore_o can_v the_o father_n know_v his_o gold_n to_o be_v gold_n man_n in_o the_o dark_a may_v err_v and_o no_o wonder_n but_o the_o candle_n of_o david_n be_v enlighten_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o light_n within_o they_o a_o light_n that_o manifest_v evil_a from_o good_a truth_n from_o error_n even_o that_o anoint_v that_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n but_o to_o conclude_v a_o wicked_a man_n may_v as_o well_o and_o more_o easy_o mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n of_o his_o spirit_n if_o judge_v thereof_o and_o not_o by_o its_o effect_n then_o of_o his_o grace_n this_o be_v more_o visible_a descernable_a as_o corporal_a the_o other_o more_o subtle_a and_o indescernable_a as_o spiritual_a the_o four_o and_o last_o argument_n object_n the_o last_o objection_n against_o qualification_n lie_v in_o experience_n the_o abettor_n of_o this_o way_n have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o such_o evidence_n as_o these_o be_v as_o a_o rot_a wall_n to_o those_o that_o trust_v and_o lean_a thereon_o answ_n it_o be_v most_o clear_a they_o lean_v too_o much_o upon_o their_o own_o fancied_a experience_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o put_v their_o experience_n in_o one_o scale_n and_o the_o many_o thousand_o counter_a experience_n of_o holy_a man_n of_o all_o age_n that_o have_v abundant_o testify_v for_o such_o qualification_n as_o bear_v invincible_a truth_n of_o evidence_n in_o the_o other_o scale_n leave_v they_o to_o be_v poise_v by_o indifferent_a judgement_n yea_o be_v not_o many_o experience_n of_o this_o very_a kind_n leave_v record_v in_o scripture_n on_o purpose_n for_o our_o clear_a instruction_n and_o strong_a consolation_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o old_a but_o new_a testament_n also_o even_o of_o such_o as_o have_v attain_v gospel_n perfection_n our_o pattern_n christ_n jesus_n take_v great_a boldness_n to_o himself_o in_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n that_o he_o have_v glorify_v his_o father_n name_n and_o if_o you_o ask_v holy_a paul_n advice_n and_o experience_n in_o this_o kind_n you_o may_v hear_v his_o answer_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v even_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o than_o we_o may_v affirm_v what_o this_o error_n deny_v that_o qualification_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v good_a and_o sure_a evidence_n of_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n argument_n to_o prove_v the_o affirmative_a that_o qualification_n may_v be_v use_v as_o evidence_n have_v pull_v down_o and_o lay_v error_n desolate_a we_o shall_v now_o attempt_v to_o build_v up_o truth_n and_o render_v it_o strong_a and_o glorious_a upon_o the_o ground_n follow_v arg._n 1_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o that_o of_o s._n peter_n 2_o ephes_n 1._o 10._o where_o the_o apostle_n do_v exhort_v we_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a now_o how_o shall_v we_o make_v our_o election_n sure_a but_o by_o our_o call_v for_o we_o be_v call_v according_a to_o his_o purpose_n rom._n 8._o 28._o and_o how_o shall_v we_o make_v 5._o verse_n 5._o our_o call_v sure_a but_o by_o the_o work_n of_o call_v and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o but_o by_o add_v unto_o faith_n virtue_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v do_v you_o fear_v your_o fall_n away_o be_v this_o your_o desire_n to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a this_o be_v the_o way_n add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v etc._n etc._n arg._n 2_o you_o must_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o reason_n who_o god_n have_v join_v together_o let_v no_o man_n put_v asunder_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o our_o reason_n these_o two_o make_v up_o a_o true_o enlighten_v and_o reform_v judgement_n a_o sound_a mind_n then_o 1._o while_o the_o scripture_n have_v plain_o lay_v down_o this_o proposition_n he_o that_o beleive_v shall_v be_v save_v if_o i_o can_v assume_v i_o believe_v why_o may_v not_o blood_n be_v my_o witness_n and_o my_o faith_n a_o bless_a evidence_n of_o salvation_n to_o i_o 2._o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n witness_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o be_v apt_a to_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o believe_v when_o our_o faith_n be_v dead_a do_v not_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o of_o scripture_n command_n examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n but_o how_o therefore_o 3._o while_o the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n purify_v the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o thus_o afford_v a_o rule_n for_o trial_n so_o by_o measure_v ourselves_o by_o this_o rule_n if_o we_o can_v true_o find_v that_o we_o be_v such_o as_o love_n god_n christ_n our_o brethren_n our_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o our_o heart_n be_v 3._o 1_o joh._n 2._o 3._o cap._n 3._o 19_o 21._o ver._n 14._o cap._n 2._o 3._o purify_n in_o the_o refiner_n fire_n do_v it_o not_o encourage_v yea_o command_v to_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v etc._n etc._n and_o to_o strengthen_v in_o our_o soul_n that_o bless_a hope_n while_o we_o purify_v ourselves_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o so_o for_o any_o other_o true_a grace_n i_o close_o up_o this_o with_o that_o invincible_a scripture_n that_o have_v already_o be_v hint_v and_o if_o true_o weigh_v may_v end_v this_o controversy_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o even_o your_o own_o self_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o unless_o you_o be_v reprobate_n i._n e._n unapprove_v whence_o 1._o the_o ordinary_a rule_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n of_o which_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o professor_n to_o be_v ignorant_a be_v the_o be_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o soul_n 2._o the_o ordinary_a way_n for_o professor_n to_o find_v
whether_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o be_v by_o a_o self-searching_a examination_n not_o by_o a_o wait_a for_o the_o immediate_a invisible_a shine_v of_o the_o spirit_n for_o its_o own_o discovery_n and_o evidence_n arg._n 3_o a_o reflect_v upon_o and_o reason_v from_o grace_n for_o evidence_n of_o our_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n be_v but_o a_o judgeing_a of_o god_n presence_n by_o his_o work_n what_o absurdity_n or_o but_o a_o know_v of_o the_o cause_n by_o the_o effect_n and_o be_v this_o a_o strange_a thing_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o spirit_n may_v give_v we_o to_o see_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o work_n when_o as_o we_o behold_v the_o creation_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o that_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n so_o the_o new_a creation_n and_o government_n within_o we_o be_v that_o that_o may_v be_v know_v of_o the_o spirit_n arg._n 4_o since_o god_n be_v too_o wise_a a_o workman_n to_o make_v more_o work_n than_o needs_o why_o may_v not_o he_o make_v use_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n so_o easy_a and_o open_a and_o ready_a a_o way_n in_o this_o particular_a case_n of_o evidence_n as_o well_o as_o in_o those_o particular_n follow_v wherein_o i_o shall_v argue_v the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v exercise_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n to_o evidence_n to_o he_o this_o state_n of_o nature_n then_o why_o may_v he_o not_o by_o the_o same_o faculty_n evidence_n to_o man_n his_o state_n of_o grace_n these_o be_v in_o themselves_o proper_a contrary_n and_o both_o equal_o relative_n unto_o man_n the_o one_o the_o depravation_n the_o other_o the_o recovery_n and_o reparation_n of_o his_o nature_n yet_o we_o find_v the_o first_o footstep_n of_o god_n for_o the_o evidence_n of_o sin_n in_o our_o first_o parent_n tread_v in_o such_o a_o path_n god_n come_v towards_o they_o to_o find_v out_o and_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o rebellion_n in_o eat_v etc._n etc._n how_o by_o a_o reasonable_a expostulation_n and_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n any_o other_o way_n then_o this_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n be_v my_o witness_n the_o spirit_n at_o his_o come_n this_o glorious_a dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n john_n 16._o 8._o the_o spirit_n may_v discover_v sin_n long_o enough_o and_o i_o never_o see_v it_o unless_o it_o be_v with_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n and_o show_v i_o grace_n long_o enough_o and_o i_o never_o be_v comfort_v unless_o i_o see_v it_o with_o the_o same_o eye_n he_o show_v we_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n but_o must_v not_o we_o see_v they_o too_o 14._o john_n 16._o 14._o else_o how_o shall_v we_o glorify_v he_o god_n may_v accuse_v but_o he_o can_v convince_v we_o of_o sin_n without_o the_o enlighten_v of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o therefore_o that_o his_o ancient_a people_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o accuse_v they_o without_o a_o cause_n come_v now_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n isa_n 1._o 18._o therefore_o to_o conclude_v as_o the_o reprobate_n shall_v not_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n until_o they_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o their_o sin_n by_o most_o clear_a and_o invincible_a evidence_n have_v all_o their_o objection_n answer_v their_o mouth_n quite_o stop_v when_o they_o have_v read_v their_o debt_n in_o the_o book_n that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o judgement_n sufficient_a to_o cast_v they_o into_o the_o eternal_a dungeon_n matth._n 25._o 45._o etc._n etc._n so_o if_o any_o of_o the_o saint_n want_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o assurance_n while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v it_o seem_v with_o their_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o christ_n at_o that_o day_n know_v it_o before_o they_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n matth._n 25._o 37._o to_o 40._o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v use_v of_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n for_o his_o conversion_n then_o why_o not_o also_o for_o his_o consolation_n be_v it_o not_o the_o same_o object_n that_o do_v convert_v man_n to_o and_o comfort_v he_o in_o god_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n hell_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n heaven_n and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o same_o light_n that_o do_v discover_v the_o same_o object_n though_o for_o these_o divers_a end_n do_v it_o not_o then_o require_v the_o same_o organ_n the_o same_o faculty_n reason_n enlighten_v be_v the_o eye_n whereby_o we_o apprehend_v the_o terror_n of_o hell_n law_n justice_n etc._n etc._n with_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n grace_n and_o happiness_n and_o be_v change_v in_o our_o thought_n and_o way_n and_o sure_o also_o whereby_o we_o apprehend_v the_o same_o object_n and_o ourselves_o as_o free_v from_o the_o one_o kind_n and_o interest_v in_o the_o other_o and_o be_v ravish_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a god_n be_v the_o primum_fw-la movens_fw-la and_o he_o must_v first_o move_v our_o primum_fw-la mobile_a before_o the_o inferior_a orb_n will_v turn_v towards_o he_o the_o will_n have_v its_o immediate_a light_n and_o evidence_n not_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o the_o mind_n the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o understanding_n be_v darken_v it_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n the_o heart_n be_v blind_v but_o if_o this_o candle_n be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr not_o only_o to_o the_o will_n but_o consequent_o to_o the_o whole_a man_n in_o its_o turn_n from_o sin_n and_o nature_n to_o god_n and_o grace_n now_o the_o same_o light_n that_o do_v convert_v the_o mind_n by_o reflection_n do_v comfort_n and_o refresh_v the_o heart_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v work_v by_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o faith_n then_o why_o not_o also_o for_o hope_n and_o assurance_n god_n have_v provide_v a_o saviour_n for_o sinner_n the_o way_n of_o their_o salvatian_n by_o he_o be_v believe_v in_o he_o now_o that_o god_n may_v work_v up_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n to_o believe_v and_o be_v save_v he_o have_v ordain_v a_o ministry_n have_v put_v into_o its_o hand_n a_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n to_o show_v they_o the_o necessity_n and_o worth_n of_o a_o saviour_n by_o convince_a they_o of_o sin_n and_o righteousness_n offer_v they_o a_o saviour_n and_o life_n and_o heaven_n with_o he_o will_v they_o but_o believe_v beseech_v in_o christ_n stead_n that_o through_o he_o they_o will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o save_v and_o all_o this_o be_v that_o he_o may_v not_o force_v but_o win_v man_n to_o the_o faith_n that_o faith_n may_v come_v by_o reason_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o god_n power_n his_o 110._o psal_n 110._o people_n may_v be_v a_o willing_a people_n as_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v so_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v but_o by_o reason_n they_o be_v both_o act_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o now_o what_o shall_v privilege_v the_o reflex_n act_n of_o faith_n more_o than_o its_o direct_a from_o be_v behold_v to_o reason_n i_o know_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v my_o reason_n be_v enlighten_v enable_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o stableness_n of_o the_o proposition_n be_v effectual_o persuade_v to_o close_v with_o this_o offer_n and_o to_o believe_v but_o now_o i_o believe_v can_v the_o same_o faculty_n of_o reason_n enlighten_v and_o assist_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n reflect_v consolation_n herefrom_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o i_o believe_v therefore_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v the_o joy_n of_o my_o salvation_n what_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o upon_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n cause_v i_o to_o believe_v may_v upon_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o faith_n together_o with_o the_o view_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o salvation_n cause_v i_o to_o rejoice_v because_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_n but_o he_o that_o beleive_v shall_v be_v save_v therefore_o i_o believe_v so_o for_o that_o i_o be_o assure_v i_o believe_v i_o be_o assure_v of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o be_o at_o rest_n what_o more_o need_n of_o the_o immediate_a shine_a of_o the_o spirit_n in_o we_o for_o faith_n of_o evidence_n then_o for_o faith_n of_o adherence_n as_o i_o reason_n about_o misery_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o first_o so_o i_o reason_n about_o happiness_n for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o second_o that_o be_v the_o great_a difference_n yea_o insomuch_o as_o we_o have_v assurance_n in_o adam_n and_o not_o faith_n faith_n be_v the_o more_o difficult_a work_n second_o insomuch_o as_o it_o be_v more_o difficult_a to_o attain_v to_o any_o habit_n then_o to_o act_n from_o that_o habit_n when_o attain_v to_o act_v faith_n of_o evidence_n be_v far_o
lie_v we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n heb._n 6._o 17._o 18._o 2._o experience_v strong_o prove_v the_o end_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o be_v such_o as_o we_o speak_v of_o in_o that_o they_o have_v so_o constant_o be_v throughout_o all_o generation_n effectual_a good_a mean_n of_o rest_n comfort_n satisfaction_n or_o ease_v in_o their_o application_n we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v these_o and_o such_o like_a to_o be_v the_o end_n thereof_o nothing_o be_v a_o able_a and_o effectual_a mean_n in_o any_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n but_o such_o as_o be_v appoint_v and_o consecrate_v thereto_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o end_n of_o execution_n ever_o discover_v reveil_v the_o end_n of_o intention_n in_o god_n who_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o council_n 11._o eph._n 1._o 11._o of_o his_o own_o will_n yea_o certain_a it_o be_v this_o way_n of_o a_o promise_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o a_o moral_a and_o eternal_a efficacy_n to_o gvie_a hope_n rest_n satisfaction_n and_o the_o like_a this_o way_n be_v regular_a to_o the_o law_n of_o right_a reason_n not_o be_v only_o the_o way_n of_o man_n but_o god_n also_o and_o may_v we_o not_o use_v the_o promise_n now_o for_o the_o intent_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o both_o reason_n and_o scripture_n nature_n and_o god_n have_v appoint_v they_o have_v god_n send_v we_o glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n in_o a_o promise_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o must_v we_o not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o rejoice_v therein_o god_n have_v make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n and_o must_v we_o not_o take_v comfort_n therefrom_o because_o it_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n heb._n 8._o 6._o gospel_n christian_n be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n they_o inherit_v the_o promise_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o heir_n rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a with_o his_o rich_a inheritance_n sit_v under_o his_o vine_n and_o his_o figtree_n sing_v praise_n yea_o the_o spirit_n our_o comforter_n himself_o be_v 13_o eph._n 1._o 13_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n ephes_n 1._o 13._o wherein_o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n we_o be_v invite_v persuade_v to_o believe_v by_o a_o promise_n as_o so_o in_o the_o form_n thereof_o when_o we_o believe_v we_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v of_o the_o matter_n thereof_o then_o we_o not_o able_a to_o apply_v our_o privilege_n in_o promise_n of_o ourselves_o for_o our_o comfort_n we_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n that_o see_v our_o riches_n by_o our_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n we_o may_v rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a in_o believe_v 4._o and_o last_o why_o may_v not_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o ordain_v mean_n of_o comfort_n as_o well_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n 1._o promise_n in_o their_o tender_a and_o offer_n be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a gospel_n way_n and_o mean_n of_o encourage_v and_o gain_v sinner_n to_o believe_v the_o law_n in_o a_o sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o lead_v or_o rather_o to_o drive_v a_o soul_n to_o christ_n but_o the_o gospel_n only_o ay_o the_o tender_a of_o christ_n in_o a_o promise_n do_v prevail_v upon_o the_o soul_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o a_o word_n but_o this_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n herein_o upon_o this_o condition_n of_o faith_n set_v home_o upon_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n do_v but_o reasonable_o persuade_v it_o to_o believe_v for_o salvation_n and_o why_o not_o likewise_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n apply_v the_o promise_n yea_o a_o soul_n groan_v under_o the_o weight_n and_o burden_n of_o sin_n must_v needs_o have_v some_o refreshment_n from_o the_o very_a apprehension_n much_o more_o application_n of_o the_o kindness_n of_o christ_n so_o sweet_o express_v in_o the_o invite_a promise_n come_v unto_o i_o all_o 28._o mat._n 11._o 28._o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v ease_v you_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o pomise_n that_o give_v any_o hope_n of_o ease_n and_o rest_n it_o give_v sure_o some_o ease_n and_o comfort_n to_o a_o true_o weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v soul_n as_o it_o incourage_v to_o come_v for_o it_o but_o furthermore_o be_v not_o a_o promise_n more_o natural_a and_o proper_a to_o comfort_v be_v apply_v then_o to_o persuade_v to_o believe_v be_v apprehend_v for_o i_o may_v know_v of_o a_o certain_a that_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n belong_v to_o i_o after_o i_o have_v faith_n but_o not_o before_o so_o must_v needs_o have_v more_o encouragement_n for_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o comfort_v when_o i_o do_v believe_v before_o then_o by_o a_o general_a proposition_n to_o venture_v myself_o for_o faith_n yet_o as_o we_o have_v find_v a_o tender_a of_o promise_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o haven_n be_v the_o only_a effectual_a mean_n of_o faith_n second_o of_o holiness_n see_v we_o have_v 1_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 1_o those_o promise_n let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o now_o be_v there_o not_o wine_n to_o comfort_n as_o well_o as_o water_v to_o cleanse_v in_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o we_o be_v give_v exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v 5._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o be_v the_o promise_v give_v for_o this_o end_n only_o and_o not_o much_o rather_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o divine_a comfort_n strong_a consolation_n i_o may_v but_o i_o forbear_v to_o digress_v to_o show_v how_o these_o promise_n serve_v to_o sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v we_o yet_o thus_o much_o will_v clear_v and_o strengthen_v the_o argument_n promise_n be_v mean_n of_o holiness_n only_o accidental_o indirect_o but_o of_o comfort_n direct_o and_o natural_o they_o be_v the_o breast_n of_o consolation_n though_o wanton_a and_o untoward_o wicked_a child_n may_v vex_v deface_v and_o spit_v upon_o they_o yet_o let_v our_o father_n encourage_v enable_v we_o still_o to_o hug_v and_o kiss_v they_o to_o stroke_v they_o with_o the_o hand_n and_o suck_v they_o with_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o faith_n thence_o to_o draw_v sweet_a milk_n to_o comfort_v and_o strengthen_v we_o against_o all_o temptation_n and_o trial_n and_o shrew_n be_v to_o all_o such_o as_o offer_v they_o despite_n or_o injurious_o endeavour_v to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o our_o mouth_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o what_o ever_o be_v say_v against_o it_o be_v still_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d profitable_a to_o we_o both_o in_o its_o proposition_n precept_n and_o promise_v for_o instruction_n obedience_n and_o consolation_n chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o gospel_n communion_n of_o saint_n or_o church_n fellowship_n we_o now_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o considerate_o capacity_n of_o attone_v and_o mediate_a for_o the_o poor_a despise_a ministry_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o undertake_v on_o its_o behalf_n in_o two_o respect_n only_o viz._n in_o its_o way_n and_o manner_n and_o in_o its_o matter_n its_o ordinance_n leave_v the_o condition_n of_o its_o contemn_a forforsaken_a and_o condemn_v officer_n as_o too_o too_o desperate_a and_o even_o past_a recovery_n by_o my_o inexpert_a and_o impotent_a hand_n first_o then_o this_o error_n indeavore_v to_o error_n error_n subvert_v the_o way_n of_o church-fellowship_n condemn_v this_o as_o the_o very_o worst_a and_o most_o false_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n now_o reason_n this_o be_v abundant_o reprooved_a by_o the_o marvellous_a experience_n of_o the_o feign_a disturber_n of_o the_o false_a rest_n for_o he_o be_v rest_n in_o the_o nine_o false_a rest_n never_o under_o more_o gross_a darkness_n more_o laodicean_n lukewarmnesse_n he_o be_v never_o more_o spiritual_o proud_a more_o carnal_a more_o censorious_a etc._n etc._n then_o when_o under_o this_o dispensation_n viz._n a_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o church_n fellowship_n answ_n and_o be_v this_o all_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v all_o that_o you_o can_v say_v against_o this_o good_a way_n of_o church-fellowship_n viz._n the_o corrupt_a abuse_n that_o your_o own_o and_o other_o heart_n do_v make_v thereof_o but_o how_o strange_o argue_v may_v it_o not_o be_v yet_o the_o way_n of_o god_n though_o man_n abuse_v it_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a for_o our_o unwashen_n hand_n to_o pollute_v and_o defile_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o holy_a child_n jesus_n innocency_n itself_o disgrace_v and_o spit_v upon_o scourge_v and_o crucify_v and_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o great_a than_o his_o master_n nor_o the_o thing_n ordain_v then_o the_o ordainer_n himself_o moreover_o we_o may_v bring_v many_o thousand_o experience_n
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
be_v occasion_v by_o that_o godly_a jealousy_n wherewith_o you_o be_v jealous_a over_o your_o flock_n ever_o since_o i_o leave_v you_o i_o have_v travel_v for_o you_o yet_o not_o for_o you_o but_o you_o or_o if_o for_o you_o in_o you_o that_o i_o may_v bring_v forth_o this_o word_n of_o warning_n for_o they_o whreunto_o i_o have_v labour_v till_o now_o as_o the_o other_o my_o manifold_a occasion_n leave_v i_o opportunity_n and_o according_a to_o his_o work_n that_o work_v in_o i_o sir_n my_o request_n to_o you_o be_v only_o this_o that_o this_o poor_a issue_n of_o my_o faithful_a labour_n may_v have_v the_o honour_n and_o advantage_n of_o be_v deliver_v by_o your_o hand_n for_o as_o that_o will_v be_v a_o honourable_a so_o a_o certain_a convey_v and_o gain_v it_o embracement_n with_o better_a welcome_n at_o least_o if_o not_o effect_v this_o do_v worthy_a sir_n i_o must_v take_v my_o leave_n of_o you_o and_o turn_v to_o your_o people_n and_o i_o have_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n for_o you_o dear_a christian_n which_o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o 1._o pil._n 2._o 1._o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n receive_v and_o fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n therein_o the_o great_a and_o main_a word_n of_o warning_n which_o i_o think_v may_v most_o seasonable_o be_v commend_v to_o you_o i_o find_v in_o coll._n 2._o 18._o 19_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v so_o vain_o puff_v up_o in_o your_o fleshly_a mind_n as_o not_o to_o hold_v the_o head_n from_o which_o all_o the_o body_n by_o joint_n and_o band_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o knit_v together_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n hold_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v come_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d robur_n strength_n it_o be_v not_o only_o bare_o to_o hold_v but_o firmiter_fw-la teneo_fw-la hold_v fast_o hold_v hard_o with_o all_o your_o might_n and_o strength_n as_o if_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n be_v pluck_v and_o tug_v at_o you_o to_o wrest_v you_o away_o from_o your_o head_n so_o we_o find_v it_o construe_v in_o apo._n 3._o 11._o hold_v fast_o what_o you_o have_v hold_v your_o hold_n in_o christ_n second_o hold_v the_o head_n hold_v christ_n as_o a_o head_n in_o subordination_n and_o union_n i_o not_o as_o the_o pope_n and_o too_o too_o many_o among_o we_o also_o that_o set_v up_o themselves_o check_v by_o jowl_n with_o christ_n their_o head_n yea_o and_o exalt_v themselves_o above_o he_o if_o the_o body_n be_v not_o under_o and_o subordinate_a to_o the_o head_n how_o can_v it_o receive_v influence_n from_o it_o when_o the_o body_n suffer_v not_o the_o head_n to_o be_v the_o head_n for_o eminence_n it_o reject_v the_o same_o as_o a_o head_n for_o influence_n second_o hold_v christ_n as_o your_o head_n i_o be_v unite_v keep_v near_o and_o close_o to_o christ_n lest_o his_o influence_n shall_v loose_v their_o heat_n or_o abate_v of_o their_o strength_n before_o they_o reach_v you_o take_v heed_n of_o not_o hold_v the_o head_n in_o these_o respect_n if_o we_o once_o cut_v ourselves_o off_o from_o christ_n we_o cut_v our_o selve_v off_o from_o all_o growth_n 19_o col._n 1._o 18_o 19_o eph._n 3._o 19_o and_o nourishment_n it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o alone_o shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v and_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n do_v you_o ever_o think_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n and_o not_o through_o christ_n to_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n and_o not_o by_o keep_v yourselves_o subordinate_o unite_a to_o christ_n be_v not_o deceive_v 10._o col._n 2._o 9_o 10._o dear_a christian_n for_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a and_o you_o alone_o can_v be_v complete_a in_o he_o 2._o take_v heed_n of_o such_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n as_o 18._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 18._o to_o be_v reprobate_a concern_v the_o faith_n or_o as_o in_o the_o margin_n of_o your_o bibles_n of_o no_o judgement_n concern_v the_o faith_n of_o no_o judgement_n i_o indifferent_o inexpert_a unsettle_a ignorant_a experience_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d experience_n hetrodox_n in_o judgement_n concern_v the_o faith_n if_o you_o take_v faith_n here_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o special_a sense_n as_o one_o of_o those_o band_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n the_o instrument_n of_o its_o union_n with_o its_o head_n sure_o not_o so_o light_a slight_a or_o indifferent_a a_o thing_n as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d concern_v it_o as_o our_o redemption_n 1._o psa_fw-la 49._o 8._o 1_o pet_n 2._o 7._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 1._o be_v precious_a our_o christ_n be_v precious_a so_o be_v faith_n precious_a also_o hereby_o we_o hold_v the_o head_n &_o by_o hold_v the_o head_n we_o have_v nourishment_n minister_v to_o make_v we_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v so_o honour_a faith_n by_o ascribe_v unto_o it_o mighty_a acheivement_n we_o be_v justify_v by_o 28._o ro._n 3._o 28._o faith_n faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n yea_o by_o grace_n we_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n second_o take_v 8_o ephes_n 2._o 8_o faith_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o the_o belief_n or_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o faith_n as_o it_o believe_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o truth_n as_o take_v in_o the_o place_n now_o quote_v sure_o faith_n be_v no_o indifferent_a but_o a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n take_v heed_n of_o hold_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o janne_n and_o jambres_n withstand_v moses_n so_o this_o also_o resist_v the_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o mind_n chief_o and_o be_v of_o most_o dangerous_a consequence_n if_o we_o hold_v christ_n we_o must_v hold_v his_o word_n also_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n alone_o as_o in_o his_o word_n we_o be_v knit_v to_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o this_o band_n his_o word_n alone_o therefore_o christ_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n the_o 1._o joh._n 1._o 1._o world_n have_v in_o it_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o that_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n but_o the_o word_n alone_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o that_o may_v be_v know_v of_o christ_n therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o testify_v of_o i_o yea_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o as_o if_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o scripture_n do_v witness_v to_o christ_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 15._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 3._o despise_v not_o prophesying_n this_o be_v another_o 20_o thes_n 5._o 20_o special_a band_n whereby_o we_o receive_v nourishment_n and_o growth_n from_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n therefore_o it_o be_v immediate_o prefix_v quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n i_o by_o despise_v prophesying_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d despise_v come_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nihil_fw-la it_o be_v the_o vanity_n and_o folly_n of_o our_o age_n habere_fw-la pro_fw-la nihilo_fw-la habere_fw-la to_o account_v the_o ministry_n as_o nothing_o worth_a a_o needless_a fruitless_a thing_n but_o the_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o effect_n the_o ministration_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n now_o do_v not_o this_o exceed_v in_o glory_n this_o 11_o 2_o cor_fw-la 3._o 6._o 6._o and_o 9_o and_o 11_o be_v the_o ministry_n that_o remain_v and_o shall_v remain_v for_o the_o word_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n until_o the_o top_n stone_n of_o this_o build_n be_v lay_v without_o the_o help_n of_o these_o builder_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v build_v up_o to_o perfection_n therefore_o they_o must_v work_v in_o this_o house_n till_o we_o all_o come_v not_o a_o few_o but_o till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n 13._o ephes_n 4._o 12_o 13._o therefore_o let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v of_o we_o as_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n to_o dispense_v the_o mystery_n and_o fullness_n of_o christ_n to_o all_o his_o member_n but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a matter_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o you_o or_o man_n judgement_n 5._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 3_o 5._o yet_o judge_v nothing_o of_o the_o ministry_n much_o less_o condemn_v it_o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o the_o
ministerial_a kingdom_n be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o father_n as_o you_o prize_v the_o virtue_n and_o influence_n of_o christ_n your_o head_n despise_v not_o prophesying_n and_o as_o you_o prize_v the_o fullness_n of_o god_n despise_v not_o the_o virtue_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o head_n christ_n by_o faith_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n and_o by_o hold_v the_o head_n we_o receive_v all_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o growth_n and_o who_o be_v paul_n who_o apollo_n but_o minister_n by_o who_o you_o believe_v by_o faith_n 14._o rom._n 10._o 17._o 14._o in_o christ_n we_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a save_v and_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v we_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n be_v not_o deceive_v by_o any_o mean_n whatever_o to_o sleight_v your_o saviour_n and_o his_o salvation_n thus_o by_o slight_v his_o ministry_n your_o minister_n who_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o labour_n more_o abundant_a among_o you_o last_o pray_v evermore_o in_o every_o thing_n 6._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 17._o eph._n 4._o 6._o by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n god_n have_v indeed_o promise_v all_o thing_n to_o his_o people_n yet_o unto_o they_o as_o a_o pray_a people_n eze._n 36._o 37._o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o promise_n before_o mention_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v yet_o for_o this_o be_v compare_v joh._n 1._o 12._o 16._o verse_n compare_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 faith_n indeed_o be_v that_o vital_a spirit_n by_o which_o but_o yet_o prayer_n be_v the_o organ_n through_o which_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o fullness_n of_o our_o head_n and_o grace_n for_o grace_n faith_n be_v the_o bucket_n but_o prayer_n be_v the_o rope_n whereby_o we_o let_v down_o the_o bucket_n of_o faith_n and_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n whosoever_o shall_v call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 13._o rom._n 10._o 13._o shall_v be_v save_v in_o this_o verse_n both_o end_n of_o a_o golden_a chain_n be_v link_v together_o here_o be_v salvation_n promise_v to_o prayer_n but_o shall_v every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n enter_z in_o no_o very_o salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o such_o a_o prayer_n alone_o as_o proceed_v from_o faith_n how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o on_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v but_o as_o salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o prayer_n and_o all_o true_a prayer_n proceed_v from_o faith_n so_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v how_o shall_v they_o believe_v on_o he_o on_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n faith_n come_v by_o hear_v by_o faith_n come_v prayer_n and_o by_o prayer_n salvation_n cast_v away_o prayer_n and_o you_o have_v deny_v the_o faith_n refuse_v your_o own_o mercy_n yea_o neglect_v your_o own_o salvation_n and_o the_o height_n and_o depth_n the_o length_n and_o breadth_n of_o this_o word_n salvation_n the_o epitome_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o and_o every_o mercy_n the_o sum_n and_o all_o of_o every_o promise_n salvation_n and_o yet_o whosoever_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v you_o can_v loose_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n but_o you_o loose_a salvation_n you_o can_v loose_v the_o use_n of_o faith_n but_o you_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n and_o last_o you_o can_v loose_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n but_o you_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o faith_n he_o that_o neglect_v christ_n faith_n word_n or_o prayer_n neglect_v salvation_n o_o then_o take_v heed_n for_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v 3._o heb._n 2._o 3._o if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n but_o lest_o my_o porch_n shall_v be_v too_o large_a for_o the_o temple_n i_o have_v but_o a_o word_n or_o two_o of_o caution_n more_o by_o way_n of_o reflection_n for_o you_o and_o i_o speedy_o conclude_v 1._o first_o then_o beware_v of_o such_o in_o general_a as_o teach_v otherwise_o that_o fight_n against_o teach_v with_o teach_v against_o ordinance_n with_o the_o use_n of_o ordinance_n and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n such_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o but_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n whereof_o come_v perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n 2._o but_o especial_o take_v heed_n of_o such_o who_o concern_v the_o faith_n have_v err_v say_v 18._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 18._o that_o the_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o take_v heed_n of_o such_o because_o of_o their_o prevelancy_n and_o danger_n for_o the_o first_o their_o word_n do_v eat_v as_o do_v a_o canker_n for_o the_o second_o it_o overthrow_v 17._o ver_fw-la 17._o the_o faith_n of_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o and_o seem_v not_o compttible_a with_o truth_n of_o 18._o ver_fw-la 18._o grace_n nevertheless_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v the_o seal_n the_o lord_n 19_o ver_fw-la 19_o know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o now_o for_o these_o great_a end_n dear_a christian_n i_o make_v bold_a to_o offer_v you_o this_o small_a mean_n this_o little_a treatise_n which_o indeed_o be_v compile_v though_o as_o in_o public_a it_o commend_v itself_o to_o all_o especial_o for_o your_o and_o your_o neighbour_n sake_n you_o have_v occasion_n to_o be_v acquaint_v more_o than_o other_o and_o i_o fear_v then_o enough_o with_o my_o antagonist_n now_o the_o lord_n manifest_v his_o strength_n in_o weakness_n and_o make_v this_o my_o small_a endeavour_n to_o be_v great_o effectual_a at_o least_o for_o prevention_n if_o not_o the_o subversion_n of_o this_o error_n among_o you_o i_o therefore_o commend_v you_o to_o the_o 29._o act_n 20._o 32_o ver_fw-la 29._o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o notwithstanding_o all_o grievous_a wolf_n which_o spare_v not_o the_o flock_n if_o you_o watch_v be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o 31._o ver_fw-la 31._o and_o to_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o subscribe_v my_o myself_o as_o true_o i_o be_o your_o christian_a brother_n that_o love_v you_o with_o all_o christian_a brotherly_a love_n fr_n fullwood_n the_o analysis_n this_o error_n be_v consider_v here_o 1._o general_o where_o we_o have_v two_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v definition_n 2._o its_o ground_n 2._o special_o where_o it_o be_v handle_v two_o way_n 1._o absolute_o or_o in_o its_o doctrine_n about_o which_o two_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v division_n i_o into_o five_o sort_n it_o oppose_v the_o spirit_n against_o its_o own_o 1._o effect_n 2._o cause_n 3._o word_n 4._o ministry_n 5._o witness_n 2._o its_o part_n i_o all_o its_o particular_a proposition_n and_o of_o they_o five_o thing_n usual_o 1._o whither_o reduce_v 2._o what_o they_o be_v 3._o whence_o they_o be_v 4._o their_o ground_n 5._o their_o confutation_n this_o twofold_a 1._o mediate_v answer_v their_o argument_n 2._o immediate_a confute_v the_o error_n 2._o respective_o or_o in_o its_o use_n where_o be_v show_v two_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v end_n namely_o to_o be_v chief_o a_o rest_n and_o evidence_n 2._o it_o be_v falseness_n and_o weakness_n as_o to_o that_o end_n the_o truth_n that_o be_v maintain_v in_o this_o treatise_n in_o order_n be_v first_o concern_v evidence_n and_o be_v these_o 1._o the_o word_n of_o grace_n or_o gracious_a qualification_n be_v sufficient_a good_a evidence_n of_o god_n favour_n 2._o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o with_o its_o own_o immediate_a light_n discover_v itself_o to_o the_o soul_n second_o concern_v christ_n 1_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o form_n type_n and_o shadow_n only_o or_o a_o bare_a representation_n of_o his_o spirit_n 2._o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o object_n or_o medium_fw-la of_o faith_n three_o concern_v scripture_n as_o first_o absolute_a 1._o the_o visible_a scripture_n be_v more_o than_o a_o bare_a allegory_n 2._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v more_o of_o god_n word_n then_o the_o spirit_n have_v clear_v and_o persuade_v to_o we_o second_o respective_a to_o our_o use_n thus_o both_o in_o the_o whole_a 1._o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n thus_o also_o in_o many_o part_n especial_o the_o scripture_n be_v profitable_a in_o its_o doctrine_n for_o instruction_n in_o its_o command_n for_o obedience_n in_o its_o promise_n for_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n four_o concern_v the_o ministry_n 1._o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n be_v yet_o abide_v ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n last_o concern_v experience_n that_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
first_o our_o qualification_n be_v changeable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n second_o and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o giver_n disposal_n the_o first_o i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o gather_v from_o these_o two_o expression_n they_o shall_v come_v to_o nothing_o and_o be_v give_v to_o change_v the_o last_o be_v as_o clear_o express_v in_o the_o late_a word_n they_o may_v be_v take_v away_o at_o the_o owner_n disposal_n now_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o affirm_v our_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v give_v to_o change_v answ_n i_o answer_v 1._o by_o concession_n that_o grace_n in_o itself_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v changeable_a that_o be_v the_o gracious_a holy_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v spoil_v by_o sin_n and_o lose_v in_o ruin_n as_o be_v sad_o instance_a in_o the_o unhappy_a fall_n of_o the_o first_o holy_a man_n and_o glorious_a angel_n yet_o 2._o by_o exception_n to_o say_v notwithstanding_o that_o the_o grace_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n be_v give_v to_o change_v be_v a_o unsavoury_a arminian_n position_n let_v we_o learn_v to_o distinguish_v there_o be_v natural_a common_a and_o special_a i._n e._n save_v gospel_n grace_n the_o natural_a original_a grace_n that_o image_n of_o god_n in_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o common_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o hypocrite_n be_v and_o be_v liable_a to_o change_v and_o ruin_n yet_o that_o late_a special_a save_a gospel_n grace_n that_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o as_o the_o flower_n that_o fade_v away_o though_o it_o fade_v it_o shall_v never_o die_v be_v it_o ever_o seem_o dead_a it_o be_v but_o as_o the_o coal_n that_o be_v cover_v with_o ash_n bury_v alive_a grace_n be_v of_o a_o eternal_o conquer_a seed_n immortal_a seed_n nature_n and_o spite_n of_o all_o opposition_n in_o the_o end_n shall_v discover_v itself_o most_o certain_o effectual_a in_o the_o redemption_n of_o its_o subject_n the_o soul_n from_o hell_n to_o heaven_n grace_n come_v from_o christ_n and_o will_v return_v to_o he_o again_o but_o yet_o not_o empty_a it_o will_v do_v its_o work_n for_o which_o it_o be_v send_v and_o carry_v our_o soul_n to_o heaven_n with_o it_o that_o where_o he_o be_v we_o may_v be_v also_o that_o water_n that_o radical_a moisture_n christ_n give_v and_o derive_v into_o his_o branch_n be_v within_o they_o as_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n though_o it_o meet_v with_o opposition_n that_o will_v keep_v it_o down_o and_o choke_v it_o it_o will_v up_o again_o and_o with_o a_o most_o prevalent_a force_n at_o the_o last_o overcome_v all_o enmity_n and_o in_o high_a contempt_n and_o triumph_n bubble_v up_o itself_o into_o life_n everlasting_a jo._n 4._o 14._o this_o water_n shall_v never_o be_v whole_o exhaust_v for_o the_o assurance_n of_o which_o the_o church_n be_v a_o fountain_n and_o for_o the_o more_o security_n a_o fountain_n seal_v a_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n shall_v never_o be_v without_o grace_n for_o grace_n while_o the_o immeasurable_a fullness_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o head_n and_o the_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o the_o father_n love_n be_v dry_v up_o and_o empty_v till_o the_o principle_n and_o mean_n die_v and_o fail_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o soul_n shall_v whole_o and_o final_o fall_v away_o that_o be_v be_v keep_v i._n e._n hold_v up_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n 1._o pet._n 1._o 5._o yet_o than_o our_o grace_n may_v be_v a_o firm_a evidence_n it_o be_v not_o fallible_a by_o be_v thus_o changeable_a object_n but_o he_o that_o give_v it_o i_o hope_v may_v take_v it_o away_o at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n this_o the_o second_o plea_n answ_n i_o answer_v that_o god_n executive_a power_n as_o to_o take_v away_o that_o he_o have_v give_v be_v to_o be_v consider_v either_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la or_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la 1._o if_o we_o consider_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o right_n than_o the_o question_n be_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o main_a question_n for_o as_o it_o be_v conclude_v in_o matter_n of_o right_n it_o must_v also_o be_v yield_v as_o touch_v fact_n in_o god_n that_o injure_v none_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o god_n can_v just_o take_v away_o that_o grace_n that_o he_o himself_o by_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v give_v for_o the_o clere_a whereof_z we_o must_v look_v upon_o this_o right_n as_o it_o ve_fw-la de_fw-fr meritory_n incurrit_fw-la iram_fw-la dei_fw-la licet_fw-la non_fw-la effect_n ve_fw-la respect_v we_o and_o god_n first_o then_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o unworthiness_n or_o abuse_v of_o grace_n doubtless_o god_n as_o he_o may_v have_v deny_v we_o so_o he_o may_v most_o just_o deprive_v we_o of_o it_o but_o second_o with_o respect_n unto_o himself_o if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o a_o sober_a sense_n he_o can_v and_o that_o because_o of_o his_o already_o acceptation_n of_o his_o son_n merit_n and_o his_o own_o voluntary_a obligation_n for_o we_o 1._o these_o outward_a gift_n and_o mercy_n be_v give_v as_o but_o exhypothesi_n we_o break_v the_o condition_n as_o we_o have_v forfeit_v so_o be_v we_o liable_a to_o give_v they_o up_o at_o the_o owner_n pleasure_n and_o demand_v but_o god_n have_v engage_v himself_o never_o total_o to_o take_v away_o grace_n and_o therefore_o lawful_o without_o breach_n of_o bond_n can_v do_v it_o now_o this_o engagement_n be_v real_a and_o virtual_a 1._o god_n have_v proper_o engage_v himself_o in_o bargain_n with_o christ_n not_o to_o recall_v the_o gift_n of_o grace_n from_o he_o christ_n love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o our_o vain_a conversation_n to_o be_v a_o holy_a people_n even_o with_o the_o price_n of_o his_o life_n and_o blood_n god_n accept_v justice_n be_v satisfy_v by_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v the_o bargain_n end_v it_o be_v then_o 53._o isai_n 53._o as_o we_o may_v read_v conclude_v that_o by_o this_o knowledge_n or_o by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o himself_o he_o shall_v justify_v many_o now_o the_o price_n be_v tender_v and_o receive_v the_o property_n of_o the_o good_n be_v alter_v can_v god_n in_o justice_n now_o for_o justice_n be_v satisfy_v reclaim_v our_o grace_n we_o not_o only_a by_o gift_n but_o purchase_v also_o 6._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 6._o heb._n 3._o 6._o christ_n be_v our_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ransom_n and_o the_o mediator_n of_o that_o bargain_n of_o grace_n also_o even_o to_o see_v it_o perform_v and_o keep_v second_o as_o god_n proper_o engage_v 40._o jer._n 32._o 40._o by_o bargain_n not_o to_o take_v away_o grace_n so_o by_o promise_n also_o have_v not_o god_n promise_v 18._o deut._n 26._o 18._o and_o most_o solemn_o covenant_v that_o he_o will_v put_v his_o fear_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o what_o end_n and_o effect_v even_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v keep_v thereby_o from_o fall_v away_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o depart_v ftom_n he_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n yea_o let_v this_o add_v to_o our_o great_a comfort_n that_o he_o will_v not_o only_o 3._o isai_n 42._o 3._o not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n not_o only_o not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n but_o bring_v forth_o judgement_n into_o victory_n be_v confident_a of_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o he_o 6._o phil._n 1._o 6._o which_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o we_o will_v perform_v or_o finish_v it_o to_o the_o day_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o shall_v not_o god_n be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n 2._o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o virtual_a engagement_n whereby_o god_n be_v bind_v never_o to_o withdraw_v his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n from_o he_o which_o be_v a_o addition_n of_o strength_n to_o the_o engagement_n of_o promise_n to_o hold_v god_n to_o his_o word_n the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n be_v not_o only_o the_o token_n of_o god_n love_n but_o a_o pledge_n to_o supply_v christ_n absence_n and_o our_o security_n for_o our_o belove_n return_v joh._n 14._o with_o 16._o our_o seal_n whereby_o we_o be_v seal_v and_o make_v 14._o ephes_n 4._o 10._o ephes_n 2._o 13._o 14._o sure_a to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n yea_o and_o the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n be_v not_o the_o man_n bind_v to_o stand_v to_o his_o bargain_n that_o have_v give_v earnest_a he_o must_v either_o have_v the_o one_o or_o lose_v the_o other_o now_o think_v you_o be_v the_o precious_a faith_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o vile_a in_o god_n eye_n that_o he_o will_v lose_v
be_v none_o of_o he_o but_o this_o seem_v to_o infer_v another_o argument_n as_o subordinate_a to_o the_o main_a conclusion_n take_v from_o the_o spirit_n not_o only_o as_o a_o cause_n but_o as_o a_o necessary_a effect_n consequent_a sign_n adjunct_n or_o companion_n of_o christ_n interest_n in_o we_o or_o relation_n to_o we_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n be_v none_o of_o christ_n but_o he_o that_o have_v it_o then_o be_v he_o his_o disciple_n his_o member_n his_o brother_n etc._n etc._n now_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n by_o sanctification_n for_o if_o the_o spirit_n that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a dwell_v in_o you_o he_o that_o raise_v up_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v also_o quicken_v your_o mortal_a body_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 9_o &_o 11._o and_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o christ_n have_v relation_n or_o interest_n in_o we_o by_o that_o inseparable_a consequent_a or_o adjunct_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o last_o and_o that_o that_o bring_v the_o conclusion_n &_o argument_n together_o be_v a_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o high_a and_o choice_a effect_n of_o the_o father_n love_n and_o our_o saviour_n office_n the_o principal_a cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n viz._n our_o sonship_n vers_fw-la 14._o for_o as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o we_o may_v interpose_v between_o the_o term_n of_o this_o truth_n christ_n interest_n in_o we_o then_o thus_o those_o that_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o and_o those_o that_o be_v christ_n i._n his_o member_n brethren_n be_v by_o adoption_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o then_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a that_o if_o son_n than_o heir_n coheir_n with_o christ_n vers_fw-la 17._o and_o be_v for_o resolution_n of_o the_o case_n propound_v in_o a_o state_n of_o life_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o a_o man_n spirit_n according_a to_o god_n word_n examine_v his_o condition_n do_v either_o acquit_v or_o condemn_v if_o this_o speak_v peace_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o a_o heir_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o testimony_n and_o answer_n of_o a_o man_n own_o spirit_n but_o to_o make_v this_o our_o testimony_n clear_a and_o demonstrative_a sure_a and_o infallible_a the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n not_o only_o together_o with_o as_o two_o diverse_a witness_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n but_o with_o i_o nor_o yet_o only_o with_o the_o qualification_n of_o our_o spirit_n the_o matter_n of_o evidence_n water_n and_o blood_n but_o last_o and_o especial_o with_o i_o with_o our_o spirit_n as_o subordinate_a in_o the_o work_n through_z by_z so_o with_o make_v use_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o spirit_n seal_v and_o clear_v our_o rational_a evidence_n with_o the_o truth_n and_o light_n of_o he_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n nothing_o can_v indeed_o persuade_v we_o of_o our_o sonship_n to_o god_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n yet_o the_o spirit_n persuade_v we_o as_o rational_a creature_n viz._n as_o we_o have_v hear_v by_o enable_v we_o to_o reason_v our_o relation_n to_o god_n by_o christ_n relation_n and_o interest_n in_o we_o and_o that_o by_o the_o have_v of_o his_o spirit_n and_o that_o by_o its_o holy_a effect_n of_o mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o spiritual_a life_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o close_o as_o we_o begin_v that_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o spirit_n you_o shall_v live_v therefore_o examine_v yourselves_o know_v you_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o not_o even_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n and_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o witness_n in_o yourselves_o with_o the_o contest_v of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o your_o adoption_n to_o god_n 9_o col._n 1._o 9_o and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n also_o godly_a reader_n since_o the_o day_n you_o hear_v of_o i_o do_v not_o i_o beseech_v thou_o cease_v to_o pray_v that_o with_o respect_n both_o to_o one_o and_o the_o other_o i_o may_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n and_o finish_v my_o course_n that_o henceforth_o i_o may_v be_v comfortable_o assure_v with_o holy_a paul_n that_o there_o be_v lay_v 8._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 8._o up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n etc._n etc._n chap._n v._o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n or_o in_o his_o mediatorship_n before_o we_o have_v reconcile_v the_o spirit_n and_o its_o effect_n our_o gracious_a quality_n infuse_v by_o it_o but_o this_o follow_a chapter_n will_v engage_v we_o to_o atone_v the_o same_o spirit_n on_o its_o cause_n behalf_n the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o i_o may_v call_v without_o offence_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o spirit_n both_o with_o regard_n to_o its_o person_n and_o office_n first_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o derivation_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o joint_a breath_n and_o issue_n both_o of_o the_o father_n and_o son_n second_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n first_o by_o merit_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 2._o second_o by_o mission_n joh._n 14_o 15_o 16._o cap._n therefore_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o gospel_n so_o peculiar_o style_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n yet_o this_o their_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o they_o so_o call_v how_o ungrateful_o wicked_a do_v even_o stab_v at_o christ_n himself_o with_o these_o two_o erroneous_a point_n namely_o 1._o that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o form_n type_n or_o shadow_n only_o or_o a_o bare_a representation_n of_o the_o spirit_n at_o his_o come_n as_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n of_o the_o law_n be_v before_o of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n see_v false_a rest_v in_o pag._n 103_o 104._o 2._o that_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o object_n or_o medium_fw-la of_o faith_n i_o we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o our_o mediator_n and_o saviour_n see_v the_o fifteen_o false_a rest_n the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o seeker_n own_o but_o the_o last_o be_v the_o very_a dregs_o of_o socinianism_n which_o affirm_v that_o christ_n come_v not_o among_o man_n to_o procure_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n but_o to_o be_v a_o object_n of_o imitation_n to_o man_n no_o wonder_n we_o have_v have_v boisterous_a time_n of_o late_a while_o such_o devil_n such_o error_n as_o these_o have_v be_v conjure_v up_o yet_o how_o great_a a_o wonder_n it_o be_v that_o such_o grossness_n of_o darkness_n shall_v call_v itself_o light_a and_o that_o to_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n itself_o in_o this_o our_o day_n of_o gospel_n when_o knowledge_n abound_v among_o we_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o so_o far_o question_v my_o salvation_n as_o to_o receive_v my_o saviour_n into_o doubtful_a dispute_n yea_o doubtless_o the_o mention_n of_o such_o error_n as_o these_o be_v sufficient_a confutation_n and_o confusion_n of_o they_o also_o in_o all_o humble_a ear_n and_o godly_a judgement_n yet_o though_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o reason_n that_o will_v entertain_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o there_o be_v one_o notable_a scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o some_o eye_n to_o cast_v a_o very_a favourable_a glance_n and_o countenance_n to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o error_n viz._n that_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v but_o a_o type_n of_o the_o spirit_n a_o dispensation_n error_n error_n and_o form_n that_o be_v ruin_v or_o dissolve_v by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o scripture_n it_o scripture_n countenance_v it_o be_v the_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 16._o yea_o though_o we_o have_v know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o so_o no_o more_o to_o make_v this_o scripture_n pass_v for_o they_o the_o abettor_n of_o this_o error_n have_v stamp_v upon_o it_o this_o interpretation_n viz._n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o person_n a_o fleshly_a dispensation_n which_o paul_n have_v former_o be_v under_o but_o since_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o dispensation_n of_o christ_n person_n it_o chief_o mean_v the_o office_n of_o his_o preisthood_n be_v dissolve_v be_v dissolve_v to_o paul_n though_o i_o have_v know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n and_o
have_v have_v communion_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o death_n suffer_v satisfaction_n for_o my_o peace_n righteousness_n justification_n yet_o now_o i_o have_v a_o more_o immediate_a way_n to_o god_n to_o wit_n by_o in_o through_o the_o spirit_n without_o christ_n mediation_n in_o his_o person_n therefore_o henceforth_o know_v i_o christ_n so_o no_o more_o thus_o be_v both_o these_o error_n become_v one_o and_o one_o answer_n may_v serve_v for_o both_o answ_n o_o paul_n might_n it_o be_v retort_v now_o see_v your_o inconsiderate_a rashness_n where_o be_v that_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o your_o former_a prosopopeia_fw-la prosopopeia_fw-la vain_n it_o seem_v though_o so_o deep_o resolve_v determination_n do_v you_o not_o remember_v yourself_o good_a paul_n how_o in_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 2._o how_o solemn_o you_o determine_v there_o to_o know_v nothing_o else_o but_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v etc._n etc._n but_o let_v we_o reserve_v one_o ear_n unprejudiced_a to_o hear_v paul_n answer_n me_n think_v i_o hear_v he_o apologise_v after_o this_o manner_n alas_o poor_a ignorant_a wretch_n how_o apt_a to_o mistake_v weak_a and_o unadvised_a babe_n how_o easy_o seduce_v and_o overthrow_v ah_o foolish_a people_n who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o do_v you_o make_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a as_o a_o saviour_n and_o mediator_n how_o unworthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o trust_n as_o be_v commit_v unto_o i_o in_o my_o great_a apostleship_n shall_v i_o open_o proclaim_v myself_o to_o god_n the_o holy_a angel_n and_o man_n shall_v i_o thus_o as_o you_o will_v charge_v i_o base_o deny_v my_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o cowardly_o withdraw_v my_o neck_n from_o his_o cross_n shall_v i_o be_v but_o as_o unstable_a in_o my_o word_n resolution_n as_o you_o silly_a sceptic_n be_v fickle_a in_o opinion_n i_o shall_v judge_v myself_o utter_o unworthy_a of_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a but_o you_o may_v be_v resolve_v that_o which_o may_v have_v prevent_v such_o unworthy_a uncharitable_a a_o censure_n of_o i_o and_o so_o fond_a a_o delusion_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n that_o intend_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o deny_v and_o die_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o person_n or_o office_n of_o mediatorship_n will_v you_o read_v and_o understand_v the_o verse_n but_o one_o immediate_o follow_v the_o text_n abuse_v where_o i_o have_v leave_v my_o acknowledgement_n and_o plain_a profession_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o mediator_n of_o reconciliation_n as_o a_o witness_n for_o i_o expound_v the_o same_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n conclude_v all_o out_o of_o controversy_n with_o this_o undeniable_a that_o christ_n be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o do_v i_o in_o my_o former_a avouchment_v give_v you_o any_o allowance_n for_o such_o a_o mistake_n misinterpretation_n yet_o will_v you_o read_v on_o you_o shall_v therein_o be_v prevent_v before_o you_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o fasten_v such_o a_o foolish_a conceit_n in_o your_o misunderstanding_n but_o take_v my_o reproof_n as_o precious_a balm_n and_o henceforth_o i_o charge_v and_o beseech_v you_o to_o tremble_v with_o fear_n of_o ground_v a_o opinion_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n upon_o one_o single_a verse_n and_o expression_n without_o a_o answerable_a due_a and_o sufficient_o serious_a consider_v the_o context_n and_o circumstance_n but_o let_v we_o reason_n the_o case_n a_o little_a further_o and_o be_v there_o not_o light_a enough_o in_o the_o same_o verse_n at_o least_o if_o not_o full_o to_o clear_v paul_n truth_n to_o convict_v this_o erroneous_a mistake_n henceforth_o say_v he_o know_v we_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n yea_o though_o we_o have_v know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n now_o can_v any_o man_n think_v can_v any_o that_o have_v but_o half_a the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n in_o the_o here_o twice_o mention_v knowledge_n after_o the_o flesh_n the_o invincible_a meaning_n of_o paul_n must_v needs_o be_v this_o we_o henceforth_o will_v know_v no_o man_n yea_o nor_o christ_n himself_o after_o the_o flesh_n so_o that_o the_o carnal_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o here_o resolve_v against_o must_v needs_o be_v doubtless_o the_o very_a same_o that_o he_o will_v not_o take_v not_o own_o man_n in_o now_o if_o paul_n mean_v a_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v of_o christ_n in_o his_o person_n in_o distinction_n to_o his_o spirit_n of_o christ_n without_o as_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o christ_n within_o as_o the_o author_n of_o holiness_n then_o the_o same_o sense_n must_v be_v hold_v in_o our_o or_o paul_n know_v of_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n here_o also_o paul_n then_o resolve_v it_o shall_v seem_v according_a to_o this_o error_n not_o to_o know_v man_n in_o their_o person_n as_o crucify_v as_o saviour_n and_o mediator_n but_o in_o their_o spirit_n as_o comfort_v and_o sanctify_v and_o how_o ridiculous_a how_o absurd_a be_v this_o object_n but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v what_o then_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n viz._n know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n in_o this_o place_n answ_n it_o may_v suffice_v for_o our_o present_a satisfaction_n and_o purpose_n to_o know_v it_o negative_o that_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n and_o not_o the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o yet_o some_o affirm_v this_o knowledge_n here_o after_o the_o flesh_n be_v such_o as_o we_o read_v in_o rom._n 9_o 3._o a_o know_a man_n as_o brethren_n and_o kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n so_o say_v they_o paul_n in_o this_o place_n resolve_v not_o to_o look_v on_o man_n as_o man_n so_o much_o as_o christian_n not_o to_o acquaint_v and_o sociate_n himself_o with_o man_n so_o much_o as_o they_o be_v relate_v unto_o he_o according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o according_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o for_o christ_n himself_o for_o that_o he_o be_v be_v a_o jew_n paul_n kinsman_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n paul_n it_o seem_v have_v be_v too_o apt_a to_o glory_v too_o much_o in_o his_o carnal_a relation_n to_o christ_n that_o he_o come_v of_o the_o same_o race_n and_o stock_n with_o the_o messiah_n himself_o but_o paul_n resolve_v though_o he_o have_v know_v christ_n thus_o after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o will_v he_o know_v he_o so_o no_o more_o this_o may_v satisfy_v but_o there_o may_v be_v more_o find_v happy_o if_o we_o will_v but_o a_o little_a consider_v the_o context_n for_o paul_n as_o be_v most_o easy_a to_o observe_v especial_o throughout_o the_o whole_a chapter_n upward_o be_v mighty_o transport_v in_o a_o rich_a contemplation_n of_o heaven_n now_o while_o he_o be_v walk_v upon_o the_o battlement_n of_o heaven_n by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n v._o 7._o he_o perceive_v how_o dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a this_o carnal_a distinguish_n of_o man_n and_o christ_n this_o claim_v a_o outward_a relation_n and_o interest_n in_o they_o be_v to_o the_o truth_n spirit_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n he_o make_v this_o resolution_n henceforth_o know_v i_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n yea_o though_o i_o have_v know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o henceforth_o know_v i_o he_o so_o no_o more_o this_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o direct_a true_a and_o only_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v if_o any_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o profession_n let_v the_o truth_n thereof_o appear_v by_o his_o renovation_n if_o any_o man_n therefore_o be_v in_o christ_n let_v he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o will_v henceforth_o regard_v not_o any_o man_n will_v i_o henceforth_o look_v after_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o relation_n or_o outward_a profession_n alone_o etc._n etc._n unless_o he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n but_o be_v not_o this_o far_o from_o know_v own_v or_o improve_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o person_n or_o office_n for_o peace_n atonement_n and_o satisfaction_n etc._n etc._n yea_o we_o must_v be_v in_o he_o though_o not_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o our_o ingrafture_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o relation_n whatsoever_o into_o a_o new_a stock_n without_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a and_o answerable_a we_o must_v be_v in_o christ_n and_o new_a creature_n too_o if_o any_o man_n therefore_o be_v in_o christ_n let_v he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n but_o let_v we_o direct_o fix_v our_o eye_n a_o little_a upon_o these_o error_n that_o we_o may_v see_v and_o abhor_v their_o loathsome_a monstrousness_n be_v christ_n the_o truth_n itself_o a_o type_n what_o then_o be_v truth_n be_v our_o rock_n a_o shadow_n what_o then_o can_v support_v we_o must_v we_o not_o believe_v in_o
christ_n who_o then_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o moses_n it_o seem_v must_v not_o enter_v canaan_n nay_o nor_o jesus_n nor_o i_o jesus_n joshua_n neither_o this_o new_a jerusalem_n dear_a christian_n let_v he_o that_o love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v anathema_n maranatha_n how_o venomous_a be_v the_o breath_n that_o blast_v the_o mouth_n from_o whence_o it_o issue_v how_o ungrateful_a the_o effect_n that_o deny_v its_o cause_n can_v that_o be_v the_o ingenuous_a self-denying_a humble_a spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o defame_v his_o person_n and_o nullify_v his_o office_n a_o bad_a servant_n sure_o that_o seek_v to_o eclipse_v the_o glory_n of_o its_o master_n and_o he_o that_o deny_v the_o son_n be_v antichrist_n o_o how_o needful_a and_o seasonable_a a_o caution_n be_v that_o for_o we_o viz._n try_v the_o spirit_n but_o that_o we_o may_v wipe_v off_o let_v we_o a_o little_a error_n the_o argument_n for_o this_o error_n examine_v the_o usual_a gloss_n and_o colour_n which_o paint_v and_o set_v off_o this_o error_n ugly_a and_o deform_a face_n viz._n that_o every_o new_a dispensation_n dissolve_v the_o former_a the_o spiritual_a dispensation_n must_v therefore_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o carnal_a or_o fleshly_a dispensation_n of_o christ_n the_o come_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o now_o be_v must_v drive_v away_o and_o banish_v the_o person_n or_o the_o use_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n answ_n this_o be_v the_o aliquid_fw-la nihil_fw-la that_o will_v fain_o be_v something_o to_o mischief_n our_o saviour_n but_o how_o vain_o and_o idle_o for_o 1._o though_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o mean_n may_v in_o part_n be_v dissolve_v as_o the_o figure_n and_o type_n of_o the_o law_n be_v by_o the_o come_n of_o a_o better_a and_o high_a dispensation_n of_o mean_n viz._n the_o gospel_n yet_o the_o last_o end_n be_v still_o aim_v at_o and_o endeavour_v by_o all_o viz._n the_o knowledge_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n matth._n 28._o 19_o 2._o there_o be_v not_o any_o real_o distinct_a dispensation_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n into_o the_o world_n no_o more_o then_o betwixt_o the_o come_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o father_n and_o son_n into_o the_o world_n the_o father_n be_v though_o dark_o know_v unto_o his_o child_n as_o appear_v in_o malachy_n if_o 6._o mal._n 1._o 6._o i_o be_o your_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o world_n but_o this_o knowledge_n i_o suppose_v of_o god_n as_o a_o father_n in_o those_o day_n be_v only_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o son_n for_o how_o know_v we_o how_o have_v we_o god_n as_o our_o father_n but_o by_o adoption_n and_o how_o have_v we_o this_o viz._n adoption_n but_o through_o the_o son_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n before_o the_o great_a and_o markable_a descension_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o come_v from_o the_o more_o ordinary_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n among_o we_o for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n do_v not_o reveal_v he_o to_o we_o and_o as_o we_o 27._o matth._n 11._o 27._o see_v not_o know_v not_o the_o father_n aright_o but_o in_o the_o light_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o son_n none_o know_v the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o who_o the_o son_n shall_v reveal_v he_o so_o the_o come_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v more_o clear_o and_o excellent_o reveal_v they_o both_o for_o thus_o we_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n 16._o rom._n 8._o john_n 16._o father_n which_o spirit_n also_o take_v off_o the_o thing_n of_o christ_n show_v they_o to_o we_o and_o for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o we_o may_v glorify_v he_o as_o our_o saviour_n can_v affirm_v father_n i_o have_v glorify_v thy_o name_n so_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o son_n be_v not_o as_o the_o glory_n of_o moses_n that_o must_v be_v do_v away_o by_o any_o future_a glory_n that_o excel_v the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o like_o the_o strong_a man_n and_o the_o strong_a as_o if_o the_o spirit_n at_o his_o entrance_n as_o the_o strong_a man_n shall_v bind_v both_o the_o father_n and_o son_n hand_n and_o foot_n and_o cast_v they_o out_o a_o door_n though_o indeed_o they_o come_v gradual_o into_o the_o world_n yet_o not_o successive_o when_o the_o second_o come_v the_o first_o withdraws_a not_z and_o with_o the_o last_o they_o all_o appear_v that_o god_n may_v be_v all_o even_o all_o in_o all_o as_o father_n saviour_n sanctifier_n for_o acceptance_n satisfaction_n and_o application_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v coequal_a and_o co-honorable_a one_o in_o essence_n will_n power_n and_o in_o glory_n also_o not_o like_a to_o such_o light_n as_o eclipse_v and_o darken_v each_o other_o but_o rather_o as_o beam_n of_o the_o same_o sun_n or_o lamp_n of_o a_o equal_a glory_n and_o lustre_n who_o light_n do_v sweet_o interweave_v incorporate_a and_o every_o one_o gain_n by_o other_o and_o to_o say_v no_o more_o in_o this_o case_n the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v like_o the_o natural_a moisture_n and_o heat_n in_o man_n both_o mutual_a preserver_n of_o each_o other_o and_o both_o most_o necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o heat_n that_o eat_v out_o and_o consume_v that_o natural_a moisture_n that_o spirit_n that_o dry_v up_o the_o blood_n i_o mediation_n of_o christ_n be_v false_a preternatural_a and_o antichristian_a but_o to_o come_v a_o little_a close_o be_v truth_n a_o type_n christ_n be_v truth_n and_o that_o in_o distinction_n 17._o 3._o joh._n 14._o 6._o with_o 16._o &_o 17._o to_o the_o spirit_n i_o be_o the_o truth_n and_o i_o will_v send_v the_o comforter_n my_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n now_o nihil_fw-la vero_fw-la verius_fw-la nothing_o be_v true_a than_o truth_n and_o as_o christ_n therefore_o can_v be_v a_o type_n so_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o truth_n the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o son_n if_o so_o call_v must_v last_v and_o continue_v even_o while_o the_o last_o day_n iast_n heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o and_o glory_n shall_v be_v to_o god_n by_o the_o church_n in_o christ_n jesus_n throughout_o all_o generation_n ephes_n 3._o ult_n and_o god_n shall_v continue_v to_o tender_a salvation_n and_o happiness_n in_o christ_n unto_o the_o world_n even_o after_o their_o new_a jerusalem_n be_v build_v until_o the_o last_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n himself_o for_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o bride_n say_v come_v 17._o rev._n 22._o 17._o and_o let_v he_o that_o hear_v say_v come_v and_o let_v he_o that_o be_v athirst_a come_v and_o whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o and_o he_o that_o testify_v these_o thing_n say_v sure_o i_o come_v quick_o amen_o so_o come_v lord_n jesus_n rev._n 22._o 17._o &_o 20._o further_o though_o christ_n must_v give_v up_o his_o ministerial_a kingdom_n to_o his_o father_n yet_o he_o shall_v most_o certain_o retain_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o saviour_n in_o his_o mediatorship_n to_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n we_o that_o be_v christ_n sheep_n shall_v be_v set_v indeed_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n but_o our_o forerunner_n be_v there_o before_o we_o who_o therefore_o shall_v be_v still_o near_o to_o god_n than_o we_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o yet_o he_o be_v upon_o god_n right_a hand_n and_o to_o which_o of_o we_o yea_o to_o which_o of_o his_o angel_n shall_v he_o say_v at_o any_o time_n sit_v on_o my_o right_a hand_n etc._n etc._n heb._n 1._o 13._o now_o do_v not_o he_o sit_v betwixt_o we_o and_o god_n to_o the_o end_n that_o what_o we_o receive_v from_o god_n we_o may_v receive_v through_o he_o he_o be_v our_o head_n and_o shall_v be_v our_o head_n for_o ever_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n must_v first_o have_v its_o influence_n and_o pass_v first_o from_o god_n upon_o our_o head_n and_o thence_o flow_v down_o upon_o we_o even_o to_o the_o skirt_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o we_o shall_v most_o undoubted_o continue_v in_o the_o presence_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n until_o the_o day_n we_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v our_o own_o debt_n to_o the_o utmost_a farthing_n which_o will_v be_v even_o for_o ever_o and_o a_o day_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o he_o that_o be_v the_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n for_o 3._o for_o psal_n 75._o 3._o he_o that_o bear_v up_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o etc._n rev._n 2._o 10._o etc._n
how_o large_a a_o step_n be_v that_o to_o a_o total_a rejection_n of_o scripture_n it_o get_v itself_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o what_o be_v not_o provable_a by_o a_o allegorical_a gloss_n wicked_a man_n and_o seducer_n wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v chap._n vii_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 we_o now_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o disappoint_v that_o other_o main_a desperate_a engine_n direct_v by_o the_o wicked_a cunning_a hand_n of_o this_o error_n against_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_a namely_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o more_o of_o the_o bible_n than_o the_o error_n error_n spirit_n do_v persuade_v and_o clear_v up_o to_o we_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n thereof_o ground_n ground_n i_o find_v among_o they_o to_o be_v these_o because_o we_o can_v believe_v no_o more_o because_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v and_o be_v still_o liable_a to_o corruption_n in_o the_o vindication_n of_o truth_n against_o this_o error_n according_a unto_o my_o former_a method_n i_o shall_v discover_v the_o error_n first_o and_o then_o the_o danger_n in_o convict_v this_o assertion_n of_o error_n according_a to_o my_o use_n i_o shall_v weaken_v and_o ruin_v the_o ground_n by_o refute_v their_o reason_n arg._n then_o establish_v the_o truth_n for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o reason_n that_o because_o we_o can_v it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v by_o duty_n to_o believe_v of_o the_o word_n more_o than_o the_o spirit_n do_v convince_v we_o of_o i_o answer_v answ_n be_v not_o this_o good_a reason_n because_o our_o debtor_n can_v pay_v his_o debt_n therefore_o he_o owe_v we_o nothing_o at_o all_o then_o as_o it_o be_v injustice_n to_o demand_v so_o no_o mercy_n to_o forgive_v but_o cruelty_n to_o punish_v yea_o moreover_o that_o that_o be_v in_o humane_a cruelty_n in_o man_n in_o pharaoh_n though_o god_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n we_o can_v not_o say_v god_n be_v unjust_a yet_o god_n make_v man_n upright_o and_o man_n own_o invention_n trifle_v away_o the_o heat_n and_o fire_n of_o his_o own_o lust_n burn_v up_o and_o waste_v the_o straw_n that_o god_n have_v allow_v he_o for_o to_o do_v his_o work_n now_o shall_v our_o lie_n make_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v shall_v our_o self-sought_a self-wrought_a inability_n discharge_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n how_o short_a and_o excellent_a a_o way_n be_v this_o to_o manifest_v and_o magnify_v strength_n in_o weakness_n and_o be_v unable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o trice_n by_o this_o sleight_n to_o perform_v all_o thing_n but_o second_o we_o must_v distinguish_v in_o order_n hereunto_o of_o a_o double_a faith_n faith_n persuade_v faith_n inspire_v the_o late_a believe_v the_o first_o truth_n for_o itself_o without_o or_o beside_o our_o reason_n be_v indeed_o the_o supernatural_a gift_n or_o geace_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n faith_n persuade_v arise_v from_o the_o probability_n of_o reason_n be_v certain_o reachable_a by_o natural_a man_n and_o for_o believe_v of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o historical_a way_n this_o will_n i_o mean_v this_o faith_n persuade_v by_o reason_n will_v climb_v very_o high_a 1._o reason_n persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v omnipotent_a what_o will_v it_o not_o persuade_v we_o to_o conclude_v as_o feasible_a by_o he_o second_o it_o persuade_v we_o further_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v the_o truth_n and_o can_v lie_v what_o will_v it_o not_o urge_v we_o to_o believe_v if_o he_o speak_v it_o therefore_o to_o those_o that_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o to_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n our_o saviour_n repli_v you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 29._o matth._n 22._o 29._o you_o err_v in_o gainsay_v this_o truth_n because_o as_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n so_o neither_o do_v you_o certify_v your_o reason_n about_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v yet_o the_o alwise_a god_n have_v a_o excellent_a use_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o force_n of_o his_o command_n viz._n even_o for_o the_o glorify_v of_o justice_n in_o condemn_v of_o sinner_n and_o of_o mercy_n and_o grace_n in_o give_v strength_n by_o command_v for_o the_o obedience_n in_o give_v glory_n hereafter_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o all_o the_o elect._n this_o great_a mystery_n i_o shall_v have_v fit_a occasion_n hereafter_o to_o unfold_v and_o therefore_o lonely_a touch_v it_o here_o and_o lay_v it_o by_o till_o then_o arg._n 2_o the_o second_o argument_n follow_v which_o as_o the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o the_o inability_n of_o believe_v more_o etc._n etc._n by_o reason_n of_o the_o real_a corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o inconveniency_n of_o believe_v more_o viz._n then_o the_o spirit_n shall_v clear_v to_o be_v truth_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o suppose_a or_o fear_v possible_a or_o probable_a corruption_n of_o god_n word_n answ_n that_o abusive_a comparison_n that_o be_v most_o injurious_o apply_v heretofore_o to_o nonconformist_n and_o puritan_n be_v most_o true_o make_v good_a in_o the_o reign_n of_o this_o error_n for_o while_o they_o may_v happy_o imagine_v that_o they_o be_v run_v as_o fast_o from_o the_o pope_n as_o their_o spirit_n can_v move_v they_o they_o be_v all_o the_o while_n tie_v by_o the_o tail_n to_o he_o as_o sampsons_n fox_n be_v join_v together_o while_o with_o contrary_a face_n they_o endeavour_v to_o run_v from_o each_o other_o yet_o among_o some_o of_o the_o more_o moderate_a papist_n we_o may_v read_v a_o distinction_n that_o will_v sufficient_o salve_v the_o present_a objection_n namely_o translation_n be_v liable_a to_o corruption_n only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o word_n stapleton_n d._n stapleton_n not_o of_o the_o sense_n and_o if_o not_o translation_n sure_o not_o the_o original_n papist_n themselves_z have_v never_o the_o power_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o text_n original_a the_o greek_a &_o hebrew_n though_o they_o have_v sacralegious_o form_v up_o a_o gospel_n even_o to_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o humour_n in_o latin_a it_o be_v the_o great_a infidelity_n and_o mistrust_n of_o providence_n to_o think_v or_o imagine_v at_o laest_n upon_o such_o slender_a supposall_n surmise_n that_o god_n will_v suffer_v his_o witness_n record_n only_a image_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v falsify_v abuse_v deface_v what_o less_o than_o blasphemy_n to_o think_v as_o hellish_a to_o perform_v there_o be_v a_o excercise_n of_o charity_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n then_o in_o believe_v the_o scripture_n if_o this_o be_v all_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o yet_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v lay_v on_o divine_a not_o humane_a testimony_n or_o authority_n though_o the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o express_v god_n mind_n unto_o we_o yet_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n through_o scripture_n be_v our_o conversion_n and_o persuasion_n affirmative_a argument_n for_o the_o affirmative_a but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o leave_v the_o contrary_a truth_n in_o question_n take_v these_o thing_n follow_v for_o its_o confirmation_n if_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o word_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v both_o to_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o by_o command_v we_o to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o be_v real_a precept_n then_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v more_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n then_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v and_o clear_v to_o we_o but_o such_o precept_n must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v real_a because_o they_o prove_v effectual_a and_o the_o consequence_n be_v also_o undeniable_a because_o a_o command_n do_v direct_o and_o immediate_o imply_v a_o duty_n and_o if_o the_o command_n be_v instrumental_o use_v for_o our_o beleif_n then_o as_o the_o mean_n be_v before_o the_o end_n we_o be_v command_v before_o we_o believe_v and_o by_o consequence_n ought_v to_o believe_v before_o we_o believe_v i_o before_o the_o truth_n be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o unbeleif_n come_v from_o ignorance_n be_v sinful_a than_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o believe_v more_o truth_n than_o the_o spirit_n have_v convince_v we_o of_o but_o such_o a_o unbeleif_n be_v sinful_a which_o appear_v first_o from_o etc._n pro._n 2._o 3_o etc._n etc._n the_o command_n of_o knowledge_n second_o faith_n as_o also_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o 15_o mar._n 1._o 15_o such_o a_o unbeleif_fw-mi 2_o thes_n 1._o and_o wherefore_o do_v the_o live_a man_n complain_v a_o man_n for_o nothing_o else_o but_o for_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
be_v here_o hold_v out_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n i'faith_o the_o prime_a mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o scripture_n the_o way_n rule_n and_o guide_v of_o faith_n the_o practice_n of_o this_o have_v attain_v a_o honourable_a record_n of_o the_o man_n of_o berea_n the_o holy_a ghost_n still_o testify_v that_o they_o of_o berea_n be_v more_o noble_a than_o other_o even_o in_o this_o for_o that_o they_o will_v not_o give_v credit_n or_o faith_n to_o the_o truth_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o further_o than_o they_o make_v and_o find_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n thereof_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o act_v 18._o 11._o but_o the_o man_n we_o speak_v of_o while_o they_o wind_v up_o all_o religion_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n into_o their_o unadvised_a presume_v spirit_n what_o do_v they_o less_o so_o heinous_o obnoxious_a they_o be_v to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n then_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v write_v but_o beside_o divine_a authority_n second_v also_o as_o might_n be_v abundant_o instance_a if_o occasion_n do_v require_v with_o the_o numerous_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a man_n of_o all_o age_n plain_a reason_n prove_v it_o viz._n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 1._o that_o be_v and_o only_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o infallible_a truth_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v and_o only_o be_v of_o infallible_a truth_n it_o be_v the_o word_n and_o mind_n of_o truth_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n undoubted_o be_v and_o only_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n truth_n be_v the_o proper_a &_o immediate_a object_n of_o faith_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o rule_n obliqui_fw-la rectum_fw-la norma_fw-la svi_fw-la &_o obliqui_fw-la thereof_o i_o of_o that_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o truth_n or_o what_o ever_o be_v straight_o and_o right_a be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n both_o of_o itself_o and_o that_o that_o be_v erroneous_a and_o crooked_a the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v certain_a and_o know_v for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a it_o be_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o know_v it_o be_v no_o rule_n to_o we_o but_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a nothing_o be_v more_o know_v than_o the_o holy_a scripture_n contain_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n wherefore_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n most_o certain_a and_o most_o safe_a and_o for_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v worth_a our_o notice_n that_o the_o scripture_n must_v needs_o be_v better_o know_v then_o the_o spirit_n in_o some_o case_n as_o namely_o where_o it_o be_v receive_v where_o it_o speak_v plain_o and_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o spirit_n these_o be_v bellarmine_n own_o reason_v not_o against_o we_o but_o libertine_n rely_v upon_o revelation_n which_o as_o they_o will_v serve_v to_o condemn_v the_o scripture-blaspheming-papists_a out_o of_o their_o own_o mouth_n so_o also_o to_o confute_v our_o antiscripturists_a in_o this_o particular_a these_o thing_n be_v write_v notwithstanding_o that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o certainty_n of_o that_o wherein_o we_o be_v instruct_v and_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v in_o jesus_n and_o in_o believe_v have_v life_n eternal_a but_o how_o many_o absurdity_n and_o dangerous_a danger_n danger_n consequence_n be_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o denial_n hereof_o it_o follow_v 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o it_o be_v all_o one_o in_o effect_n to_o say_v so_o and_o to_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o that_o be_v the_o word_n i._o the_o will_n sense_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v must_v needs_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o may_v not_o be_v receive_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o we_o see_v god_n by_o the_o eye_n of_o reaeson_n in_o the_o world_n through_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o creation_n and_o providence_n so_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n alone_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o he_o be_v there_o reveal_v to_o we_o by_o his_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n thus_o 2._o it_o rob_v the_o lord_n of_o his_o infinite_a glory_n and_o injurious_o strip_v the_o world_n of_o the_o great_a blessing_n wherewith_o ever_o god_n in_o blessing_n bless_v it_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o to_o god_n they_o be_v the_o great_a outward_a pledge_n of_o his_o admirable_a favour_n and_o as_o to_o we_o the_o best_a yea_o the_o only_a ordinary_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o heavenly_a light_n life_n and_o happiness_n to_o refuse_v the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n either_o expose_v we_o to_o the_o folly_n of_o acknowledge_v unwritten_a tradition_n and_o to_o fall_v profess_v papist_n or_o worse_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o wait_v and_o attend_v on_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o arise_v to_o familisme_n but_o since_o the_o way_n of_o this_o error_n do_v direct_o lead_v to_o the_o late_a of_o these_o we_o have_v a_o considerable_a price_n put_v into_o our_o hand_n to_o purchase_v though_o short_a yet_o seasonable_a digression_n touch_v revelation_n of_o this_o quere_z qu._n be_v it_o not_o lawful_a in_o these_o day_n of_o light_n to_o expect_v revelation_n answ_n the_o word_n revelation_n be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o good_a sense_n but_o such_o revelation_n as_o either_o take_v away_o from_o or_o add_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o such_o revelation_n as_o claim_v to_o be_v immediate_a may_v not_o be_v expect_v and_o such_o be_v the_o revelation_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o derogate_v from_o i_o deny_v or_o contradict_v any_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v utter_o unlawful_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o can_v possible_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o observe_v when_o there_o be_v but_o part_n of_o the_o word_n express_v and_o extant_a and_o god_n show_v at_o any_o time_n by_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o prophet_n his_o intention_n to_o add_v a_o increase_n and_o enlargement_n towards_o the_o free_a perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n he_o never_o argue_v so_o much_o former_a improvidence_n or_o present_a contradiction_n to_o himself_o as_o by_o the_o now_o reign_v spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o charge_v the_o other_o truth_n that_o have_v be_v reveal_v before_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a and_o even_o as_o god_n word_n of_o six_o several_a day_n in_o that_o most_o admirable_a frame_n and_o fabrik_v of_o the_o world_n do_v sing_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n with_o the_o sweet_a harmony_n even_o so_o do_v the_o glorious_a build_n of_o scripture_n though_o the_o stone_n thereof_o be_v lay_v at_o sundry_a time_n by_o several_a instrument_n and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n that_o land_n be_v not_o sure_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n that_o endeavour_n to_o demolish_v it_o yea_o or_o to_o take_v down_o a_o stone_n thereof_o but_o this_o error_n will_v remove_v the_o very_a corner_n stone_n and_o with_o violent_a hand_n labour_v every_o way_n to_o bury_v the_o beauty_n of_o this_o build_n in_o the_o ruin_n thereof_o deny_v not_o only_o the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o trial_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o yea_o faith_n itself_o and_o christ_n himself_o etc._n etc._n and_o almost_o what_o ever_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v unlawful_a abominable_a revelation_n for_o i_o protest_v say_v our_o saviour_n 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 that_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v diminish_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n god_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o part_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a city_n the_o place_n you_o so_o much_o boast_v in_o and_o from_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n rev._n 22._o 19_o that_o revelation_n that_o add_v to_o the_o word_n be_v as_o impious_a &_o unwarrantable_a also_o the_o top_n stone_n be_v lay_v the_o work_n be_v finish_v the_o whole_a will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v already_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o may_v look_v for_o wait_v for_o no_o more_o john_n writing_n contemn_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n even_o till_o he_o which_o testify_v these_o say_v sure_o i_o come_v quick_o etc._n etc._n rev._n 22._o 20._o and_o yet_o this_o error_n will_v expect_v more_o truth_n yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n
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
cause_n by_o its_o effect_n judge_v you_o then_o this_o be_v the_o result_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o case_n by_o make_v the_o word_n the_o trial_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o do_v no_o more_o abase_v or_o abuse_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n than_o we_o make_v the_o cause_n to_o stoop_v as_o inferior_a to_o the_o effect_n by_o clear_n or_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o same_o or_o then_o a_o righteous_a man_n be_v enslave_v by_o the_o law_n when_o as_o he_o be_v acquit_v to_o liberty_n by_o it_o but_o something_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o speak_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o affirmative_a part_n namely_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a truth_n the_o affirmative_a truth_n scripture_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o end_v all_o controversy_n clear_v the_o truth_n discover_v error_n and_o every_o false_a way_n which_o i_o argue_v 1._o from_o the_o matter_n thus_o that_o which_o contain_v the_o will_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o decider_n of_o all_o controversy_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n confess_o contain_v the_o will_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o spirit_n the_o trial_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o of_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v even_o upon_o most_o immediate_a reason_n god_n that_o be_v every_o way_n truth_n that_o can_v lie_v and_o speak_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o his_o thought_n or_o heart_n his_o word_n must_v needs_o contain_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n now_o for_o the_o consequence_n in_o the_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o which_o contain_v the_o will_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o spirit_n trial_n of_o truth_n decider_n of_o all_o controversy_n you_o have_v most_o easy_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o by_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o man_n do_v so_o much_o argue_v for_o what_o that_o be_v that_o be_v call_v and_o honour_v with_o the_o name_n of_o truth_n by_o every_o mouth_n that_o speak_v be_v it_o not_o that_o very_a thing_n which_o we_o call_v the_o will_n and_o sense_n of_o god_n in_o other_o word_n what_o be_v our_o truth_n the_o helen_n for_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v at_o debate_n and_o variance_n but_o the_o way_n the_o will_n the_o virgin_n truth_n of_o heaven_n will_v we_o know_v who_o be_v true_a and_o who_o a_o liar_n let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n and_o spirit_n else_o a_o liar_n his_o word_n be_v truth_n and_o the_o measure_n therefore_o of_o it_o will_v we_o know_v whether_o the_o first_o in_o obliqui_fw-la rectum_fw-la norma_fw-la svi_fw-la &_o obliqui_fw-la our_o land_n be_v straight_o or_o not_o the_o most_o ready_a way_n be_v by_o a_o even_o compare_v it_o with_o that_o that_o be_v undoubted_o so_o so_o we_o doubt_v which_o way_n and_o spirit_n be_v of_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o which_o of_o satan_n a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n take_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o the_o practice_n and_o opinion_n and_o look_v into_o the_o word_n for_o the_o warrant_n of_o they_o the_o doubt_n be_v whether_o they_o be_v according_a to_o god_n mind_n his_o word_n reveal_v his_o mind_n look_v there_o and_o search_v the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v for_o truth_n or_o to_o know_v what_o be_v truth_n the_o word_n be_v truth_n arg._n 2_o we_o must_v either_o deny_v the_o bible_n to_o have_v the_o mind_n and_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o else_o subscribe_v to_o this_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o truth_n and_o spirit_n from_o the_o charge_n and_o cammand_v of_o god_n concern_v the_o scripture_n the_o end_n of_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v our_o use_n and_o duty_n in_o have_v they_o be_v to_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o spirit_n by_o they_o isa_n 8._o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o this_o text_n though_o disregard_v have_v certain_o very_o much_o in_o it_o for_o the_o defence_n and_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o hand_n the_o whole_a drift_n thereof_o and_o not_o only_o the_o face_n of_o the_o word_n direct_o look_v with_o great_a respect_n to_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o here_o be_v a_o clear_a command_n a_o strait_a charge_n we_o see_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v call_v a_o law_n it_o contain_v those_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o we_o must_v be_v obedient_a a_o testimony_n as_o a_o stand_n and_o visible_a witness_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o world_n about_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v for_o the_o better_a application_n of_o the_o same_o to_o our_o purpose_n something_o precedent_a in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o stand_v before_o and_o something_o consequent_a in_o the_o follow_a word_n of_o this_o same_o verse_n the_o part_n of_o the_o context_n precede_a and_o observable_a be_v the_o occasion_n whereupon_o this_o charge_n be_v bring_v in_o the_o part_n of_o the_o context_n subsequent_a be_v the_o reason_n thereof_o first_o for_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 19_o it_o shall_v seem_v that_o the_o people_n in_o those_o day_n of_o old_a have_v some_o wise_a man_n among_o they_o man_n wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v who_o boast_v of_o the_o spirit_n a_o spirit_n of_o divination_n promise_v a_o answer_n and_o undoubted_a resolution_n of_o all_o their_o doubt_n and_o inquiry_n obj._n but_o what_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o touch_v these_o when_o they_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o inquire_v at_o they_o that_o have_v a_o spirit_n of_o divination_n etc._n etc._n answer_v they_o thus_o shall_v not_o a_o people_n inquire_v at_o their_o god_n but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v now_o how_o shall_v a_o people_n inquire_v at_o their_o god_n answ_n read_v on_o and_o read_v a_o answer_n sufficient_o satisfactory_a to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n there_o and_o there_o alone_o you_o may_v know_v your_o god_n mind_n and_o find_v to_o yourselves_o satisfaction_n and_o quietness_n which_o be_v further_o press_v by_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n already_o hint_v follow_v viz._n if_o they_o if_o any_o man_n the_o best_a soothsayer_n divine_a of_o they_o all_o if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o now_o do_v not_o god_n know_v very_o well_o that_o these_o man_n be_v act_v by_o a_o lie_a spirit_n yes_o very_o but_o this_o be_v speak_v for_o our_o sake_n doubtless_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o way_n to_o know_v they_o also_o and_o soothsayer_n may_v murmur_v what_o their_o hellish_a spirit_n dictate_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v by_o inquiry_n but_o rest_v not_o here_o venture_v not_o the_o least_o weight_n of_o credit_n or_o faith_n thereupon_o until_o thou_o have_v try_v this_o their_o spirit_n by_o my_o reveal_v will_n write_v word_n for_o if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a not_o only_o not_o against_o but_o if_o not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o true_a spirit_n nor_o light_n in_o they_o all_o light_a proceed_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n by_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o spirit_n through_o the_o window_n of_o his_o word_n both_o for_o satisfaction_n to_o thyself_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n inquire_v at_o thy_o god_n and_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o spirit_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n for_o if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v and_o conclude_v with_o these_o four_o thing_n 1_o that_o spirit_n that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n have_v no_o light_n in_o it_o 2_o the_o only_a judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o write_a word_n 3_o upon_o every_o doubt_n and_o suspicion_n of_o spirit_n we_o be_v command_v and_o charge_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n 4_o so_o much_o of_o god_n will_v as_o have_v be_v already_o reveal_v have_v be_v always_o sufficient_a for_o his_o people_n in_o general_n in_o moses_n his_o time_n we_o read_v that_o secret_a 29._o deut._n 29._o 29._o thing_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o thing_n reveal_v to_o we_o and_o not_o to_o we_o alone_o but_o to_o all_o that_o shall_v come_v after_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n therefore_o not_o only_o so_o in_o moses_n time_n but_o in_o these_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o
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
be_v god_n or_o not_o answ_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o deliverance_n be_v spiritual_a be_v know_v this_o can_v be_v doubt_v for_o if_o i_o be_o true_o deliver_v from_o the_o dominion_n of_o any_o sin_n this_o can_v be_v from_o satan_n who_o want_v both_o will_n and_o power_n to_o such_o a_o holy_a work_n if_o it_o be_v of_o myself_o it_o can_v only_o be_v by_o christ_n his_o assistance_n seven_v from_o who_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o so_o that_o we_o 15._o john_n 15._o must_v of_o necessity_n conclude_v that_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o have_v do_v valiant_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o strength_n and_o our_o redeemer_n especial_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o premise_n and_o assist_v to_o lay_v down_o the_o conclusion_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v as_o fire_n that_o have_v not_o only_a heat_n to_o consume_v our_o corruption_n but_o light_a to_o manifest_v the_o world_n to_o be_v do_v and_o by_o who_o it_o be_v do_v likewise_o and_o do_v not_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a without_o doubt_n believe_v that_o their_o dream_n and_o vision_n be_v from_o god_n do_v not_o paul_n know_v that_o his_o call_n and_o apostleship_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v they_o not_o assure_v that_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n even_o so_o we_o the_o redeem_a of_o the_o lord_n may_v infallible_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o rock_n and_o our_o deliverer_n and_o though_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n yet_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v receive_v be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o renew_n of_o this_o argument_n here_o have_v but_o offer_v a_o occasion_n of_o discover_v its_o rottenness_n more_o and_o more_o and_o not_o in_o the_o least_o darken_a the_o evidence_n of_o our_o experience_n affirmative_a argument_n for_o the_o affirmative_a but_o let_v we_o examine_v what_o may_v positive_o be_v say_v for_o the_o far_o clear_n thereof_o and_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o remembrance_n that_o the_o own_o experience_n of_o those_o man_n have_v usual_o be_v their_o strong_a argument_n in_o other_o point_n though_o here_o they_o dispute_v against_o experience_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2._o yet_o what_o more_o clear_a and_o convince_a way_n of_o argue_v then_o from_o experience_n it_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o mistress_n of_o fool_n it_o make_v they_o understand_v and_o be_v wise_a it_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a dictate_v maxim_n viz._n experientia_fw-la docet_fw-la yet_o christian_n may_v not_o observe_v or_o gather_v any_o thing_n from_o their_o experience_n how_o unnatural_a unreasonable_a be_v their_o religion_n do_v we_o not_o yea_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n must_v we_o not_o judge_v of_o man_n as_o we_o find_v they_o we_o will_v first_o try_v and_o then_o trust_v and_o be_v god_n more_o variable_a and_o man_n more_o constant_a darenot_v we_o venture_v our_o credit_n upon_o the_o experience_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o not_o of_o god_n o_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n let_v man_n be_v changeable_a but_o god_n be_v god_n that_o change_v not_o even_o the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o o_o let_v the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o god_n creation_n and_o government_n the_o course_n of_o his_o daily_a providence_n speak_v and_o entreat_v for_o he_o and_o persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v faithful_a to_o his_o own_o rule_n and_o to_o his_o servant_n trust_v that_o he_o be_v constant_a &_o the_o same_o with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v &_o that_o what_o you_o find_v he_o hitherto_o either_o to_o his_o friend_n or_o enemy_n even_o such_o you_o will_v find_v he_o still_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handy_a work_n but_o those_o experience_n that_o come_v in_o the_o father_n name_n that_o they_o may_v fare_v no_o better_o than_o the_o son_n you_o will_v not_o believe_v but_o ult_n joh._n 5._o ult_n other_o that_o come_v in_o their_o own_o name_n they_o you_o will_v believe_v do_v we_o not_o argue_v the_o love_n and_o good_a will_n of_o man_n by_o their_o gift_n especial_o in_o want_n from_o their_o help_n a_o assistance_n espeal_o in_o strait_n yet_o though_o god_n have_v be_v a_o present_a help_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n to_o we_o though_o he_o have_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o extreme_a want_n most_o constant_o and_o seasonable_o still_o supply_v we_o though_o he_o satisfy_v and_o conquer_v all_o our_o doubt_n and_o danger_n for_o we_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n out_o of_o any_o love_n he_o bear_v to_o we_o we_o may_v not_o for_o future_a put_v any_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o upon_o this_o encouragement_n nor_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o be_v safe_a under_o that_o protection_n that_o have_v hitherto_o be_v as_o wall_n and_o bulwark_n to_o we_o most_o strange_a and_o ureasonable_a doctrine_n most_o wicked_o ungrateful_a practice_n be_v his_o hand_n shorten_v that_o it_o can_v save_v still_o or_o his_o ear_n that_o be_v open_a heavy_a that_o it_o can_v hear_v 3._o and_o as_o the_o way_n of_o this_o error_n thwart_v reason_n and_o experience_n so_o it_o do_v flat_o contradict_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o particular_a which_o speak_v it_o express_o that_o experience_n work_v hope_n 5._o ro._n 5._o 4._o 5._o experience_n and_o hope_n be_v mutual_o a_o moral_a cause_n and_o effect_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a nature_n thereof_o to_o produce_v and_o to_o be_v produce_v he_o add_v that_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a i._n give_v great_a boldness_n because_o thereby_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thus_o we_o see_v then_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o come_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v not_o make_v null_a the_o use_n of_o experience_n but_o rather_o make_v use_n thereof_o for_o the_o work_n of_o hope_n that_o by_o hope_n he_o may_v shed_v the_o love_n of_o god_n abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o give_v we_o great_a boldness_n against_o future_a suffering_n in_o this_o very_a place_n we_o may_v read_v the_o use_n of_o experience_n now_o plead_v for_o to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n second_v by_o reason_n strengthen_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o all_o set_v down_o as_o the_o saint_n experience_n also_o 2._o moreover_o no_o argument_n in_o scripture_n be_v more_o frequent_a and_o potent_a for_o the_o raise_v up_o of_o the_o hope_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n child_n then_o this_o of_o experience_n we_o have_v the_o strength_n of_o david_n lion_n and_o bear_v yea_o and_o of_o pharaoh_n and_o all_o his_o host_n over_o and_o over_o and_o over_o for_o it_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n to_o reckon_v up_o how_o many_o several_a time_n david_n make_v mention_n of_o the_o wonderful_a deliverance_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n beside_o the_o honour_n the_o frequent_a mention_n of_o our_o scripture_n give_v it_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o be_v not_o we_o now_o in_o the_o wilderness_n your_o most_o frequent_a allegory_n then_o why_o may_v not_o we_o also_o remember_v the_o fatherly_a pity_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o when_o we_o groan_v under_o the_o egyptian_a bondage_n and_o rejoice_v in_o that_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n that_o have_v so_o gracious_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n comfort_v ourselves_o with_o this_o hope_n and_o confidence_n that_o he_o that_o have_v bring_v we_o out_o of_o egypt_n will_v lead_v we_o into_o canaan_n that_o though_o we_o be_v oppose_v with_o spiritual_a wickedness_n yet_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n over_o they_o and_o though_o through_o much_o tribulation_n yet_o we_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n 3._o may_v not_o we_o say_v with_o one_o breath_n that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o he_o that_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o we_o will_v also_o finish_v it_o to_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o that_o have_v give_v we_o his_o only_a son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o so_o love_v we_o yea_o since_o he_o have_v deliver_v and_o do_v deliver_v we_o may_v sure_o gather_v conclude_v and_o trust_v that_o he_o will_v still_o deliver_v 10._o 2._o cor._n 1._o 10._o we_o and_o because_o he_o have_v lead_v we_o as_o our_o most_o careful_a shepherd_n into_o green_a pasture_n and_o by_o the_o still_a water_n restore_v
our_o soul_n etc._n etc._n though_o we_o walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n let_v we_o fear_v no_o evil_a conclude_v thence_o with_o the_o psalmist_n that_o sure_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n 21_o psal_n 21_o shall_v follow_v we_o all_o our_o day_n and_o we_o shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o 4._o and_o to_o conclude_v what_o be_v reckon_v by_o god_n as_o a_o more_o heinous_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o unbleife_n or_o mistrust_v of_o providence_n than_o this_o mean_n and_o help_n of_o experience_n for_o which_o to_o pass_v by_o many_o let_v we_o fix_v our_o serious_a eye_n and_o thought_n upon_o that_o notable_a testimony_n record_v by_o david_n against_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n with_o who_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o in_o god_n nor_o trust_v in_o his_o salvation_n though_o he_o have_v command_v the_o cloud_n from_o heaven_n above_o and_o give_v they_o of_o the_o corn_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o 24._o psa_fw-la 78._o 21_o 22._o 23._o 24._o the_o lord_n be_v wroth_a and_o a_o fire_n be_v kindle_v against_o jacob_n and_o anger_n also_o come_v up_o against_o israel_n which_o be_v apt_o appliable_a to_o we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o we_o sleight_v the_o experience_n of_o mercy_n and_o deliverance_n harden_v our_o heart_n after_o ca._n heb._n 3_o &_o 4._o ca._n this_o sinful_a similitude_n according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n we_o shall_v also_o fall_v after_o the_o same_o example_n of_o unbelief_n chap._n 4._o 11._o chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o soul_n immediate_a rest_n and_o evidence_n we_o have_v at_o length_n dispatch_v this_o error_n on_o the_o absolute_a consideration_n of_o it_o wherein_o as_o you_o have_v if_o very_o busy_a to_o oppose_v the_o spirit_n to_o its_o effect_n cause_n word_n ministry_n and_o witness_n so_o you_o have_v we_o as_o careful_a to_o make_v and_o keep_v a_o answerable_a peace_n and_o concord_n betwixt_o they_o we_o be_v now_o ascend_v to_o the_o bench_n that_o have_v call_v this_o exorbitant_a spirit_n to_o its_o last_o trial_n we_o may_v answerable_o pass_v a_o sinall_z judgement_n and_o sentence_n upon_o it_o but_o as_o before_o we_o have_v find_v it_o erroneous_a and_o and_z guilty_a in_o a_o absolute_a capacity_n so_o the_o trial_n of_o it_o here_o be_v as_o it_o be_v respective_a unto_o its_o special_a end_n as_o a_o rest_n and_o evidence_n the_o end_n and_o conclusion_n of_o this_o way_n and_o error_n be_v that_o since_o all_o the_o fore-handled_n error_n the_o error_n particular_n be_v but_o false_a and_o unwarrantable_a mean_n and_o help_n etc._n etc._n the_o spirit_n immediate_a and_o as_o alone_o be_v the_o only_a all-sufficient_a mean_n to_o the_o soul_n for_o all_o end_n and_o purpose_n whatsoever_o but_o especial_o fort_n its_o rest_n and_o evidence_n the_o specialty_n subjoin_v as_o be_v near_o to_o the_o shadow_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o more_o dear_o embrace_v &_o commend_v by_o my_o antagonist_n than_o any_o and_o all_o other_o of_o the_o use_n of_o their_o spirit_n i_o shall_v chief_o and_o only_a question_n here_o viz._n whether_o the_o spirit_n be_v alone_o and_o immediate_o the_o only_a all-sufficient_a evidence_n of_o itself_o or_o god_n favour_n to_o we_o though_o the_o vanity_n hereof_o have_v be_v discover_v all_o along_o while_o the_o right_a way_n of_o mean_n have_v be_v clear_v and_o confirm_v in_o every_o particular_a of_o it_o yet_o my_o present_a undertake_n shall_v more_o direct_o demonstrate_v the_o same_o and_o condemn_v it_o first_o even_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o that_o very_a medium_fw-la and_o argument_n as_o umpire_n betwixt_o we_o that_o this_o way_n itself_o have_v choose_v and_o every_o place_n false_a rest_n pag._n 90._o 30._o and_o many_o other_o place_n where_o appeal_v to_o against_o we_o viz._n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rest_v upon_o as_o a_o infallible_a evidence_n that_o may_v be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a which_o medium_fw-la we_o grant_v can_v the_o false_a and_o erroneous_a assumption_n viz._n that_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o evidence_n be_v not_o knowable_a have_v be_v make_v good_a will_v have_v undeniable_o conclude_v against_o we_o that_o the_o best_a of_o our_o evidence_n be_v but_o fallible_a and_o in_o their_o sense_n a_o false_a rest._n but_o as_o we_o have_v full_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o against_o the_o spite_n and_o power_n of_o this_o by_o they_o abuse_v argument_n so_o we_o shall_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o same_o reflect_v upon_o they_o plain_o manifest_a the_o fallibility_n and_o weakness_n of_o this_o their_o evidence_n the_o argument_n may_v be_v thus_o frame_v that_o which_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v possible_o witness_n 1._o argument_n against_o the_o spirit_n immediate_a witness_n gather_v may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a can_v be_v a_o infallible_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n but_o the_o spirit_n as_o alone_o and_o without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n and_o consider_v abstract_o from_o its_o effect_n for_o aught_o we_o can_v possible_o know_v may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a therefore_o the_o spirit_n as_o alone_o without_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n etc._n etc._n can_v be_v infallible_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n there_o be_v nothing_o here_o questionable_a but_o the_o second_o proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n as_o alone_o without_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n abstract_v from_o all_o its_o effect_n may_v for_o aught_o we_o can_v possible_o know_v be_v true_a or_o false_a which_o be_v also_o clear_a from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n according_a to_o scripture_n 1._o first_o these_o direct_a and_o most_o visible_a inference_n from_o 1._o john_n 4._o 1._o etc._n etc._n may_v whole_o satisfy_v as_o 1._o there_o be_v false_a as_o well_o as_o true_a spirit_n 2._o the_o false_a as_o well_o as_o the_o as_o good_a and_o true_a spirit_n have_v access_n to_o knock_v at_o the_o heart_n of_o saint_n 3._o the_o saint_n may_v be_v apt_a to_o believe_v both_o the_o false_a as_o well_o as_o the_o true_a spirit_n 4._o the_o saint_n be_v forbid_v to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n 5._o the_o saint_n and_o such_o as_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v discern_v spirit_n from_o spirit_n but_o by_o trial_n 6._o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o commend_v only_o but_o command_v as_o we_o see_v even_o upon_o such_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v many_o false_a prophet_n go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n the_o glean_v after_o the_o full_a harvest_n we_o former_o have_v reap_v from_o this_o text_n may_v be_v gather_v thus_o our_o heart_n lie_v open_a to_o the_o various_a suggestion_n both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n the_o great_a question_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v which_o be_v the_o good_a and_o which_o be_v the_o evil_a that_o we_o put_v not_o evil_a for_o good_a and_o good_a for_o evil_a how_o we_o shall_v discern_v which_o be_v the_o come_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o make_v it_o to_o we_o a_o infallible_a evidence_n moreover_o my_o great_a antagonist_n himself_o acknowledge_v that_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o form_n though_o never_o so_o glorious_a but_o satan_n will_v transform_v himself_o into_o it_o there_o be_v no_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n 〈◊〉_d god_n 127._o pag._n 127._o within_o man_n but_o he_o will_v resemble_v it_o so_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a until_o christ_n come_v in_o etc._n etc._n how_o then_o shall_v we_o know_v in_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n this_o we_o grant_v but_o how_o do_v christ_n enlighten_v immediate_o without_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n then_o i_o shall_v demand_v why_o shall_v not_o christ_n evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o spirit_n immediate_o to_o we_o 2._o again_o why_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n while_o it_o evidence_v itself_o discover_v also_o every_o false_a and_o erroneous_a spirit_n immediate_o to_o we_o as_o he_o say_v the_o true_a rest_n show_v we_o the_o vanity_n of_o every_o false_a pag._n 34._o lin_v 18._o 3._o and_o then_o why_o do_v the_o spirit_n command_v we_o here_o not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n much_o more_o what_o need_v of_o trial_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o any_o mark_n or_o outward_a rule_n 6._o ver._n 1._o 2._o 3._o 6._o whereby_o we_o may_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n the_o text_n be_v thus_o far_o most_o clear_a to_o all_o that_o the_o spirit_n that_o dictate_v to_o or_o dwele_v in_o we_o may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a for_o aught_o we_o know_v until_o we_o try_v and_o examine_v it_o by_o outward_a
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
mean_n be_v it_o answer_v that_o thus_o it_o be_v knowable_a so_o be_v the_o work_n thereof_o in_o our_o heart_n be_v they_o not_o know_v to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o our_o examine_n no_o more_o be_v the_o spirit_n himself_o which_o it_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v knowable_a to_o we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n by_o his_o own_o light_n we_o be_v agree_v but_o this_o you_o may_v not_o allow_v that_o deny_v and_o oppose_v by_o the_o same_o pretend_v spirit_n all_o mean_n of_o trial_n your_o error_n and_o misery_n 2._o second_o and_o do_v not_o right_a reason_n also_o set_v to_o its_o seal_n that_o this_o be_v true_a for_o thus_o i_o argue_v 1._o where_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o effect_n can-cannot_a be_v discern_v without_o light_n from_o the_o cause_n how_o shall_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v discern_v without_o help_n from_o the_o effect_n now_o as_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o hand_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o effect_n to_o wit_n grace_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o cause_n viz._n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a from_o this_o common_a truth_n the_o effect_n be_v more_o knowable_a than_o the_o cause_n the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v for_o that_o the_o effect_n be_v more_o obvious_a to_o sense_n then_o the_o cause_n and_o thing_n be_v convey_v by_o sense_n into_o the_o understanding_n for_o look_v how_o much_o the_o more_o any_o thing_n have_v de_fw-la ratione_fw-la objecti_fw-la viz._n of_o sense_n it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o easy_o discern_v again_o that_o that_o be_v far_o off_o from_o our_o knowledge_n be_v usual_o argue_v by_o that_o that_o be_v near_a and_o more_o know_v to_o we_o as_o we_o usual_o gain_v acquaintance_n with_o stranger_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o acquaintance_n before_o now_o according_a to_o these_o rule_n since_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v near_o to_o our_o knowledge_n than_o the_o spirit_n itself_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o true_a effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o spirit_n assistance_n how_o can_v we_o then_o be_v possible_o at_o least_o probable_o able_a to_o make_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o spirit_n indubitable_a to_o we_o without_o regard_n to_o its_o effect_n without_o use_n of_o mean_n second_o it_o seem_v to_o appear_v that_o the_o argue_v the_o second_o way_n of_o argue_v spirit_n as_o alone_o without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n and_o consider_v abstract_o from_o its_o effect_n can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n in_o general_n spirit_n be_v knowable_a to_o man_n in_o their_o essence_n residence_n and_o quality_n with_o respect_n indeed_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o we_o may_v know_v they_o both_o that_o they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v as_o by_o way_n of_o negation_n so_o by_o way_n of_o eminence_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o place_n of_o residence_n and_o quality_n where_o they_o be_v and_o what_o once_o they_o be_v whether_o true_a or_o false_a good_a or_o bad_a we_o can_v know_v they_o only_o by_o way_n of_o causality_n or_o by_o their_o operation_n symptom_n effect_n etc._n etc._n second_o for_o in_o order_n hereunto_o we_o can_v only_o judge_v of_o they_o by_o sense_n or_o reason_n the_o only_a principle_n competent_a to_o man_n of_o knowledge_n and_o discern_v now_o therefore_o let_v we_o examine_v whether_o spirit_n either_o in_o their_o where_n or_o kind_n be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o sense_n or_o reason_n immediate_o without_o some_o sign_n effect_n or_o other_o 2._o for_o there_o where_o or_o place_n of_o abode_n this_o certain_o can_v be_v discern_v immediate_o by_o sense_n spirit_n be_v no_o sensible_a object_n imagine_v what_o kind_n of_o spirit_n you_o will_v whether_o it_o be_v angelical_a rational_a animal_n much_o more_o divine_a and_o though_o thing_n of_o a_o grosser_n substance_n viz._n body_n may_v yet_o the_o spirit_n can_v propter_fw-la ejus_fw-la excessum_fw-la or_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o excel_a purity_n be_v thus_o discover_v we_o may_v take_v up_o a_o little_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o spirit_n for_o our_o present_a purpose_n from_o the_o pure_a of_o body_n viz._n fire_n though_o fire_n as_o corrupt_v may_v and_o be_v yet_o fire_n in_o its_o element_n can_v be_v see_v and_o as_o some_o affirm_v nor_o feel_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o our_o daily_a experience_n show_v we_o that_o the_o fire_n with_o we_o so_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o have_v conquer_v and_o overcome_v its_o matter_n get_v out_o of_o the_o cage_n the_o flame_n that_o thicken_v it_o it_o be_v immediate_o invisible_a if_o not_o insensible_a and_o though_o it_o pass_v upward_o towards_o its_o centre_n and_o element_n before_o our_o eye_n yet_o who_o can_v perceive_v it_o now_o spirit_n the_o gross_a of_o spirit_n be_v superior_a to_o fire_v not_o only_o in_o degree_n but_o kind_a also_o and_o that_o that_o elevate_v the_o pure_a fire_n to_o exceed_v our_o sense_n viz._n its_o purity_n be_v far_o more_o eminent_o contain_v in_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o give_v spirit_n their_o name_n and_o the_o very_a name_n that_o put_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o they_o and_o body_n the_o pure_a of_o body_n fire_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o apparent_a to_o experience_n that_o we_o can_v know_v whence_o any_o spirit_n be_v immediate_o by_o sense_n for_o wherein_o can_v they_o be_v sensible_a they_o have_v no_o colour_n therefore_o invisible_a they_o be_v not_o body_n therefore_o not_o audible_a they_o have_v no_o sensible_a quality_n not_o cold_a hot_a dry_a moist_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o can_v be_v smell_v feel_v or_o taste_v therefore_o we_o read_v that_o when_o angel_n be_v send_v to_o accompany_v man_n they_o still_o assume_v body_n according_a to_o scripture_n second_o now_o since_o the_o presence_n of_o spirit_n be_v not_o knowable_a discernible_a by_o sense_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n leave_v for_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o but_o by_o reason_n angel_n indeed_o see_v and_o know_v intuitive_a but_o this_o way_n of_o knowledge_n do_v not_o competere_fw-la with_o we_o man_n we_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n and_o know_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n not_o obvious_a to_o sense_n by_o our_o reason_n only_o but_o let_v we_o be_v ourselves_o and_o serious_o consider_v and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o we_o that_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n shall_v judge_v of_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o thing_n not_o obvious_a to_o our_o sense_n without_o a_o exercise_n of_o reason_n about_o some_o effect_n sign_n etc._n etc._n 2._o moreover_o if_o we_o can_v discern_v the_o presence_n of_o spirit_n either_o by_o our_o sense_n or_o reason_n how_o much_o less_o shall_v we_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v aright_o of_o their_o nature_n kind_n or_o quality_n without_o regard_n to_o their_o effect_n without_o use_n and_o help_v of_o some_o sign_n mean_v companion_n or_o other_o thereof_o as_o for_o example_n how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o the_o spirit_n in_o thou_o be_v rational_a or_o animal_n only_o but_o because_o it_o act_v a_o humane_a form_n or_o figure_n of_o body_n in_o general_n because_o it_o discover_v itself_o by_o rational_a discourse_n more_o special_a give_v some_o sign_n or_o effect_n or_o other_o what_o spirit_n it_o be_v further_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o the_o spirit_n in_o any_o be_v weak_a simple_a or_o of_o ripe_a understanding_n but_o by_o some_o outward_a operation_n and_o fruit_n thereof_o how_o do_v we_o try_v a_o man_n person_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a but_o by_o his_o action_n the_o tree_n as_o our_o sahath_fw-mi teach_v we_o be_v know_v by_o his_o fruit_n by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o yea_o near_a yet_o a_o man_n may_v most_o easy_o mistake_v through_o self-conceit_n and_o flattery_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n imagine_v himself_o to_o be_v inform_v act_v and_o guide_v by_o a_o discreet_a wise_a and_o upright_a spirit_n when_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n unless_o he_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o take_v a_o true_a measure_n for_o his_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o by_o compare_v himself_o with_o such_o rule_n and_o pattern_n as_o be_v fit_a and_o know_v for_o a_o fool_n may_v be_v wise_a in_o his_o own_o conceit_n but_o to_o apply_v if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o difficult_a to_o know_v our_o own_o so_o impossible_a to_o know_v another_o spirit_n how_o improbable_a it_o be_v then_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v betwixt_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o satan_n without_o the_o help_n of_o some_o effect_n or_o sign_n or_o other_o