pretend to it can make it evident and give demonstration thereof as the Apostles and primitive Christians could as is to be demonstrated by many instances in the Scripture by signes and wonders and mighty deeds Answ The Dispensation of the Spirit may be considered in a twofold respect viz. In relation to its Inward Operation or Outward Manifestation Sometimes it is expressed under the similitude of wind or air invisible and unseen and so it is in the work of Regeneration and Renovation John 3.3 Tit. 3.5 And this was personally effected and personally evidenced Rom. 8.16 Rev. 2.17 Sometimes under the similitude of Cloven tongues and fire and visible demonstrations ratifying and confirming the word of Faith according to Mar. 16.20 By tongues prophecies miracles or by signes wonders and mighty deeds and these were Apostolical 2 Cor. 12.12 God bearing witness to the ministration of those first Messengers with signes and wonders and divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit according to his owne will Heb. 2.4 thereby confirming their word Mar. 16.20 convincing the opposers and stopping the mouths of the gainsayers Act. 4.16 This variety of the Spirits operation as thus distinguished into the Internal and External dispensation thereof as it may be clearly evidenced from the Scriptures so may it be of great use to strengthen the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees of such as are made weak and turned out of the way upon the account of this objection or the like The Scriptures do witness that many have been born of the Spirit i. e. have been true beleevers have had their eyes and hearts opened and have been turned to the Lord and yet many of these though they bear witness of the internal and invisible operation of the Spirit as being born from above Joh. 3.3 yet have been destitute of the demonstration of the Spirit in respect of its outward and visible manifestation in Signes and Miracles c. Those twelve Disciples at Ephesus mentioned Act. 19. were Beleevers and were so called vers 2. where the Apostle propounds this Question Have ye received the holy Spirit since ye beleeved Whereby it is evident that he spake of the outward manifestation of the Spirit which they had not so much as heard of and which they afterwards did receive vers 6. when upon the laying on of his hands they received the holy Spirit and spake with tongues and prophesied whence it appears evidently that they were Beleevers i. e. were born of the Spirit for faith is a fruit of the Spirit Gal. 5.22 whereof Christ i. e. the Spirit is both the Author and Finisher Heb. 12.2 not onely in himself as the object but in the Beleever as the subject giving them to beleeve on him Phil. 1.29 And if the faith of these twelve Disciples be questioned what kind of faith it was it will be resolved by the Apostle in his Letter of Confirmation directed to them Ephes 1.13 where he saith In whom ye also trusted after ye heard the word of truth the Gospel of your salvation in whom also after that ye beleeved you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise Whence it appears plainly that those Ephesians Act. 19. were reall and true Beleevers and did partake of the inward operation of the holy Spirit viz. faith though they had not as yet heard of the outward manifestation thereof in visible gifts A like instance there is of those Grecians of Antioch who upon the Evangelizing of the scattered Disciples a great number beleeving turned to the Lord Act. 11.21 who yet had no visible demonstration of the Spirit but an invisible operation onely So it was with them of Samaria who beleeved upon the Evangelizing of Philip while as yet they were destitute of the visible manifestation of the Spirit Act. 8.12 compared with vers 15 16. At Iconium multitudes both of Jews and Greeks beleeved Act. 14.1 at the speaking and preaching of Paul and Barnabas At Berea also upon the hearing of Paul and Silas together with searching the Scriptures daily many beleeved Act. 17.10 11 12. At Corinth likewise upon Paul's preaching many of the Corinthians hearing beleeved c. At Philippi the Lord opened the heart of Lydia attending to the things spoken by Paul Act. 16.14 These with many more examples there are testifying to and bearing witness of this truth that many persons have beleeved been converted and turned to the Lord i. e. have been born of God Joh. 1.12 13. 1 Joh. 5.1 regenerated or born again or from above or of the Spirit Joh. 3.3 5 6 8. who nevertheless have evidenced no other power or presence of the holy Spirit than what was invisible in and upon their owne hearts but gave no outward visible manifestation thereof by Signes and Miracles at least not until afterwards Whence it follows that notwithstanding the dispensations in the times of the Apostles and primitive Saints and Churches were very eminent for visible and outward manifestations of the Spirit in wonders signes and miracles with gifts of tongues and prophecies yet this was not universal in operation for many were turned to the Lord Act. 11.21 and unto them it was given to beleeve Phil. 1.29 and taken into a state of sonship Joh. 1.12 13. were also regenerated and born from above or of the Spirit Joh. 3.3 8. Some of them not knowing Act. 19.2 Others of them not yet receiving or witnessing any outward appearance or manifestation of the Spirit but onely that inward operation of the Spirit opening and enclining their hearts to embrace the word of faith and to receive the Lord Jesus as tendered therein according to Rom. 10.8 9 10 11. And as some who had the inward operation had not the outward manifestation so some to whom the outward or visible power of the Spirit was communicated were not intrusted with the inward and sanctifying operations thereof as appears Mat. 7.22 23. where it is witnessed that Christ shall say to the workers of miracles Depart c. I know you not and to Judas Iscariot was given power among the rest to cast out devils and work miracles Matth. 10.4 8. to shew the Spirit is not limited but as the wind blowing where it listeth distributing to several persons severally even as he pleaseth 1 Cor. 12.11 in diversity of gifts administrations and operations For as to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdome to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit to another the gifts of healing to another working of miracles c. So it is said to another faith by the same Spirit 1 Cor. 12.9 Which operation of the Spirit is diverse from the former gifts enumerated both before it and after it for although there is required to the working of Miracles a faith suitable thereunto as appears by our Saviours testimony Matt. 17.20 Luk. 17.6 Matt. 21.21 and by the Apostles 1 Cor. 14.2 Yet this Faith is a distinct gift diverse from that whose manifestation was external
things which hee had heard of his Father John 15.15 Who when hee was come should guide them into all truth Joh. 16.7 13. Nor should this be a priviledge peculiar to the then Disciples only or to the persons of that age or generation as appeares Joh. 17.20 21. Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall beleeve on mee through their word That they all may be one c. in us By the Administration of which Spirit of truth Hee i. e. The Lord Jesus Christ makes forth the discovery of himselfe his minde and will touching things to be knowne and done beleeved and practised Joh. 16.13 14. Whatsoever hee shall heare that shall hee speake and hee will shew you things to come Hee shall glorifie mee for hee shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you As the glory of God did shine forth through the appearance of Christ Joh. 17.4 So the glory of Christ doth shine forth through the appearance of the Spirit Joh. 16.14 As Christ did nothing of himselfe during his ministration in the world Joh. 12.49 50. I have not spoken of my selfe but the Father which sent mee gave me Commandement what I should say and what I should speake and as the Father said to me so I speake So the Spirit of truth hee shall not speake of himselfe but whatsoever hee shall heare that shall hee speake Hee shall glorifie mee for hee shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you As God was in Christ reconciling the world to himselfe 2 Cor. 5.19 So is Christ in Spirit subduing the world to himselfe Joh. 16.7 8. Now the Lord is that Spirit 2 Cor. 3.17 As Christ by being put to death in the flesh hath once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring them to God 1 Pet. 3.18 So by being justified in spirit or quickned by the spirit or declared to be the son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness 1 Tim. 3.16 He doth actually effect that thing in all them who by him do beleeve in God that raised him from the dead and gave him glory that their faith and hope might stand in God 1 Pet. 3.18 Rom. 1.4 Who by faith purifies their heart in obyeing the truth through the spirit waiting for the hope of righteousnesse by faith 1 Pet. 1.19 21 22 23. By which spirit he doth negotiate all the affairs of his kingdome on earth and so hath done from the time of his ascending up on high when he led Captivity captive and not only received gifts for men or in the man yea for the rebellious that he might dwell among them Psal 68.18 But also gave gifts to men Eph. 4.8.12 for the gathering into one or perfecting the number of the Saints for the edifying or building up the body of Christ till we all that is all the seed come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ which cannot be so long as one joint one finger or member of the body is uncalled ungathered or unjoynted according to that of Heb. 11.40 For as they without us could not be made perfect so neither they nor we apart nor together can so be without those which are to come after who altogether make up the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ whose body cannot be compleat till every joint be supplyed The Effecting whereof the Lord Jesus Christ performs by his spirit from the very first stone the foundation to the top stone thereof For he having been hammered and broken smitten and bruised crucified through weaknesse when his soul was made an offering for sin yet being raised in power and declard to be the Son of God with power by the spirit of holinesse and liveing by the power of God was made perfect through suffering and became the Author of eternall salvation to them which obey him being laid for a foundation for a Corner stone 1 Cor. 3.11 1 Pet. 2.6 Ephes 2.20 21 22. In whom the building is fitly framed together and built up together for an habitation of God through the spirit by which spirit the work is both begun and carried on by it the stones are hewen and made meet to be made partakers of a place in the building they are fitted and then fitly framed and built up together from first to last The first work which Christ by his spirit would exercise in the world after his departure was to reprove the world of sin viz. of unbeleefe John 16.7 8 9. and not only should they thereby be reproved of sin and of that before named in particular or in speciall that is of unbelief but it should convince them also of righteousnesse and of judgement The law under the former dispensation though it convinced of and reprooved for sin yet it discovered not a perfect righteousness nor brought forth judgement into victory but haveing detected the sinner it left him under the sentence of judgement and condemnation but the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus That quickning spirit proceeds at another rate it not only reproves the Sinner but reveales the Saviour opens a doore of hope to the convicted sinner If so there may be hope and for this reason among others it is called the Comforter giving to the sin-smitten soule the valley of Achor for a doore of hope I will be mercifull to their unrighteousnesse and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more making the discovery of grace a foundation of repentance and returning to a poore convicted and reproved sinner holding proportion with that ancient and first Gospel promise or word of faith the seed of the woman shall breake the head of the Serpent Gen. 3.15 applied by God to the trembling sinner Adam when he was affraid and hid himselfe By the same spirit doth Christ administer as a spirit of wisdome and revelation opening the eyes of the understanding Ephes 1.17 that men may come to the knowledge of him and may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints i. e. in them that trust in Christ or beleeve and are sealed with the holy spirit of promise Vers 12 13. Which operation of the spirit is wrought as himselfe listeth Joh. 3.8 and by what means himselfe pleaseth though ordinarily by the preaching of the word according to divine appointment Rom. 10.17 Ephes 4.11 12. whereby the spirit opens the blind eyes and turns men from darknesse to light and from the power of Sathan to God that they may receive forgivenesse of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith which is in Christ Jesus Act. 26.15 16 17 18. Which Faith is the fruit of his spirit in them Gal. 5.22 whereby they are given to beleeve Phil. 1.29 and to receive Christ Jesus Joh. 1.12 and to
the spirit Answ This doth not in the least invalidate that which hath been spoken touching the Pseuchical or natural man forasmuch as the Scripture-phrase is not another but the same in all four places that is 1 Cor. 2.14 1 Cor. 15.44 46. James 3.15 and Jude 19. only the Translators have varyed the English word in the two latter That which in the former is rendred natural is in the two latter translated sensual for reason best known to themselves hinted at by a Learned man in his Exposition on the Epistle of James but both are the same in the Original and both are opposed to that which is spiritual as in the last of the places aforementioned that is Jude 19. appears sensual not having the spirit So that all being put together they make up but one and the same thing viz. The sensuall man Let him be the Positive Pseuchik he that does not embrace the Wisdome from above James 3.15 but brings in another wisdome which is from beneath or those mockers of the last time Jude 18 19. both these being 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sensuals not having the Spirit that is opposing the Spirit Or those privative Pseuchik's mentioned 1 Cor. 2.14 which perceive not or receive not the things of the Spirit of God but count them foolishness nor can know them because they are spiritually discerned Both these kinds of persons if there be any diversity of kinde among them and all those testimonies of Scripture put together center in this truth That man that is meer man furnished with all that the first man after his transgression was capable of with all his light of knowledge and reason heightned and improved to the uttermost in that capacity He is not able to discern the things of the Spirit of God till he be born again and receive another eye wherewith to see that is faith and another light that is the Spirit by which to discern the spiritual-things of God or the things of the Spirit of God So true is that testimony Surely man at his best estate is altogether vanity Psal 39.5 not only in respect of outward things but even in his wisdome his very thoughts are vanity Psalm 44.11 yea the wisest of them are so 1 Cor. 3.20 The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise that they are vain therefore let no man glory in man but as it is written Jer. 9.23 1 Cor. 1.27 28 29 30.31 He that gloryeth let him glory in the Lord and be content to be a fool that he may be wise 1 Cor. 3.18 For it is written I will destroy the wisdome of the wise bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent 1 Cor. 1.19 and that God effecteth by bringing in that which the wise ones of the world count foolishness viz. Christ crucified who though he be to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Gentiles foolishness yet to them that are called both of the one and of the other that is both Jew and Greek he is the power of God and the wisdome of God 1 Cor. 1.18 31. because the foolishnesse of God is wiser than men and the weaknesse of God is stronger than men And the way of Gods communication hereof to his called ones is no lesse wonderful in it self though as foolish to the wisdome of them which would be wise according to the flesh whose glorying God himself cuts off 1 Cor. 1.29 and addes But of him are ye that is called ones in Christ Jesus who of God is made to us not in us Wisdome and Righteousness and Sanctification and Redemption that according as it is written He that gloryeth let him glory in the Lord How foolish a thing soever this seems to be in its application yet this is true in him and founded upon him as the Covenant and is one of the deep things of the Spirit of God which no natural man can receive till washing of Regeneration and the renewing of the holy Spirit flowing forth out of this blessed Fountain of mercy and grace as in opposition to works of Righteousnesse which is the womb of salvation to the saved ones Tit. 3.4 5 6 7. Obj. This is notwithstanding all that hath been said a most uncertain means of discovery as is cleerly to be evinced by all the pretenders thereto who though they be very many and diverse yet they all discover the great uncertainty hereof by sad and wofull experience Instances whereof may be given in great abundance Answ Though this be too true in some yea in very many yet it doth not make the Faith of God of none effect as if the things were not because so many are mistaken about it For the Scriptures give plentiful testimony to the thing and many have experienced the same viz. That as the Father had his peculiar time of operation by way of eminency though by the Word and Spirit as is testified John 5.17 The Father worketh hitherto c. So the Son had his peculiar time of working to bring life and immortality to light 2 Tim. 1.9 10. Reconciling the world to God though God was in Christ effecting this work 2 Cor. 5.19 and through the eternal Spirit the atonement was made Heb. 9.14 So likewise to the Spirit there is assigned a time of operation to apply whatsoever hath been spoken or done by the Father and Christ in order to the atoning and reconciling to the perfecting and compleating the eternal Inheritance preparing or making meet the heirs of salvation for it and it for them in all things necessary thereunto according to the tenour of the new Covenant Ezek. 36.27 and the Mediation and ministration thereof opening the dark eye of the understanding Ephes 1.18 to see the wonderful things which were hid from ages and generations with Christ in God Eph. 3.9 11. and now by him manifested and revealed 2 Tim. 1.9 10. enclining the will to receive them Phil. 2.13 removing away whatsoever sets and hinders and making the subject and object meet in the center and become a perfect vision and this not with uncertainty but with greatest assurance and certainty as doth evidently and eminently appear to such as to whom it was a seal Eph. 4.30 an earnest also Eph. 1.13 14. and the first fruits Rom. 8.23 and likewise a witness Rom. 8.16 1 Joh. 4.13 1 Cor. 2.12 All which are terms of indubitableness therefore there is such a thing such an administration to be witnessed unto in some whatever mistakes may otherwayes be about it in the misapplication thereof by many Obj. Though this were the dispensation in the times of the Apostles and of the primitive Saints and Churches that they were indued with the Spirit and born witness unto thereby and sealed therewith and that it was to them an earnest and first fruits and so was in them an evidence and certainty Yet it is not safe to conclude from thence that because they once had it therefore persons now have it except they which do now
and spirit mourning longing pressing after this and resisting and opposing judging and condemning whatsoever is contrary thereunto This is a measure of evidence even to the stander by at least so farre as is necessary and will amount to the fulfilling of that rule viz. Let your light so shine before men that they seeing your good workes may glorifie your father which is in Heaven And this may be and in many persons is witnessed though other external discoveries by Miracles be not produced Having in the foregoing part of this discourse treated of that light which the most high and holy God the eternall fountain and Father of lights hath formed in every man viz. the spirit of a man Zech. 12.1 Or candle of the Lord Prov. 20.27 And therein holding forth in some smal measure that which is witnessed in the holy Scriptures of truth touching the nature and property thereof under these two general heads viz. 1. What it is 2. What it does in every man The impartiall and serious consideration whereof afford's matter of conviction to the opposite principle and might be of use to such a purpose though there were not a word further added thereabout Nevertheless in order to the satisfaction of some that are tender who may not be free to trace the discourse throughout or may not so clearly discern the scope thereof by what hath hitherto been spoken I shal endevour to treat them I mean the people that pass under the name of Quakers upon their own ground discoursing with them upon such principles as are laid down in the Papers and Bookes of the men of their confederacy persons of no smal esteem among them certain hints whereof have been given at the beginning and others may occasionally be added In prosecution whereof to the intent it may be performed with the more clearness to the meanest capacity I shal proceed in the Method above mentioned enquiring what is by them held forth touching the nature of the light wherewith every man and woman that comes into the world is enlightned viz. 1. What it is 2. What it doth in ever man and I shall also examine the Testimony by them produced for proof thereof Touching the former of these two particulars viz. what that light is it is affirmed That the little light which shines in the dark heart is 1. The powerful word of faith which was in the beginning by which all things were created 2. That it is the word of Faith the Apostle exhorted to take heed unto Rom. 10.6 7 8. 3. That it is the unction of the holy one given of the Father whereby we need not to teach one another but as the anointing teacheth us 4. That it is the sure word of Prophecy whereunto ye do wel to take heed 2 Pet. 1.19 Dewsborr Mans return Pag. 27 28. Christ hath enlightned every one that comes into the World Fox way to the Kingdome Page 1. Waiting in the light which Christ hath enlightned you withall 5. That 's Scripture within you pag. 8. These five Heads or Propositions thus laid down relate to the first Article and are to be considered how far they hold proportion with the writings of Truth and are born witness unto thereby to the umpirage whereof I find the Authors of these assertions do referre themselves The Scriptures we own c. Howgills fiery darts Page 19. We direct to search the Scripture whether our doctrine be not true Page 22. I challenge all the City of London to prove that we speak or declare any thing but what the Scriptures bear witness to the same Page 28. Let him that can try us by the Scripture Here therefore we joyn issue and answerable to the evidence which the Lord shall give by his Spirit in the holy Scriptures so let it be According to the tenor of that divine Testimony Esai 8.20 To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because they have no morning light in them First To the first of those five Prepositions I Reply 1. Reply 1. That although it be said that the little light which shines in the dark heart is the powerfull word of faith which was in the beginning by which all things were created Yet this is but said without any Scripture produced giving witness thereto and therefore may not be admitted to the credit of a divine Truth having no other evidence than an humane Testimony briefly It is not proved therefore not beleeved 1. Obj. Did not God create all things by the word of his power or powerful word Answ I read in the holy Scriptures of truth that God created the Heavens and the Earth and all the hosts of them Gen. 1.1 2.1 and that he did this by his word Psal 118.5 He commanded and they were created but I no where read that they were created by the powerful word of faith as is affirmed in the proposition beforenamed 2. Object Is not Christ the word and did not he create all things Answ 1. Christ is called the word of God Rev. 19.13 but not the word of faith 2. Christ is called the word God Joh. 1.1 by whom all things were made vers 3. and without whom was nothing made that was made i. e. created Col. 1.16 But he is not called the powerful word of faith much lesse may it be said that the little light which shines in the dark heart is the powerful word of faith or it by which all things were made or created nor may be so called by warrant from the Scripture without some clearer proof 3. Object Is not Christ the light which lightneth every one that cometh into the world Joh. 1.9 And is it not he by whom al things were created and made A measure of whose light shineth in the dark heart of every one A. Besides that there is a departing from the Terms in the Proposition as may by the impartial and unprejudiced Reader be observed For if the little light which shines in the dark heart be that by which God created all things that that light is the word of God or the word God Joh. 1.1.3 or Christ the light as is intimated in the Object 't was by him not without him that al things were made Then this Objection should be thus put in plainness and truth Is not Christ the light in every man that cometh into the world c. And to this agree those so often quoted sentences of Scripture Christ in you the hope of Glory Know you not that Christ is in you The Kingdome of Heaven is within you Which Scriptures are applyed by those Objectors to every man by a distinction and a meaning viz the light of Christ and a measure of Christ and the little light which shines in the dark heart and sundry other meanings of this kind I shall endeavour to make it appear that this Objection is not founded upon the Scripture which is brought to prove it by
which conditions the Law of works as it is in every man hath power of deicsion to weigh and measure and determine touching the rectitude the regularity of every action and to declare it's conformity or non-conformity to the rule and pronounce it good or evill and to passe sentence according to the tenor and conditions of the Covenant both unto them who continue in well doeing as unto them that obey not the truth but obey unrighteousnesse for the doers of the law shall be justified if any such could be found that had or could fulfill the same in every thing * Rom. 2.6 7.8.13 But this dominion which the law hath over every man is limitted Rom. 7.1.4 If once that be dead wherein we were held we thence forth serve in newnesse of Spirit and not in oldnesse of the letter bringing forth fruit to another husband * Rom. 7.6 Now it is evident that Whatsoever the law saith it saith to them that are under the Law * Rom. 3.19 whether it be the Law of works or the law of faith the Law of sin and death or the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus And whatsoever the Spirit saith to such it saith it to them according to the tenor of the Covenant to which it relates Hence then it followes that as the Law to which all mankinde is subjected being written on every mans heart is the Law of works so it directs and gives rules detects and passeth sentence touching things done within its spheare and compasse as a Law of the first husband and so of the first man But touching such kinds of ungodlikenesse as relate to the new Covenant or law of faith viz. among many others the sin of not beleeving on Christ the light or Law in every man reprooves not for nor convinceth man of neither can it for it is not a condition of that law Now where no law is there is no transgression therefore no reprooving for transgression where none is imputed More might be added but it will be taken in in that which followes Object This pure light that doth proceed and come forth from God which is pure and perfect it convinceth man of all the deceits of his heart and of all his false wayes and worships and convinceth him of unrighteousnesse and Infidelity and all manner of evill whatsoever and leads him into the way of Salvation in obedience to it this light is from the fountain of lights it is the light of life Joh. 16.25 26 27 28. John 12.35 36. * * Richard Farnham Ranters discovered Page 12. Reply This being much what the same with the former passage of Francis Howgills that which hath been spoken in answer thereunto may be applyed to this also and where there is a difference in their expressions ir shall be considered a part and examined Besides and among other things this last writer saith that this pure light which he also calleth the pure Law Page 2. doth convince of all the deceits of the heart c. Among which he reckons up Infidelity and all manner of evill whatsoever To which it may be Replyed that If by Infidelity be intended a not believing in Christ then I doe affirme that the light or Law in every man doth not convince thereof For though Persons are reproved of many sins by the light and Law within them so as to leave them inexcusable before God yet are they not convinced or reproved of the sin of not believing in Christ but by the Comforter the Spirit of truth Joh. 16.7 8 9. If I goe not away the Comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you And when he is come he shall reproove the world of sin c. Of sin because they beleeve not on me By which place it is very plainly prooved that to convince of the sin of not believing on Christ is not ascribed to the light or Law in every man but to the Spirit of truth which Christ would send to his Disciples upon his departure Joh. 16.7 Object The light which is in man but not of man reprooves the the world of sin and is the same which is mentioned John 16.7 8 9. and convinceth of Infidelity and all manner of evill whatsoever Answ 1. That the light in man discovers and the Law in man convinceth and reprooves of sin even to the stopping of all mouthes and makeing them to become silent and guilty before God is acknowledged and witnessed unto both by the excercise of the accuseing conscience in man and the testimony of the Scriptures Rom. 2.14 15. And hath been assented unto before except in the case of not believing on Christ 2. But that this light or Law in every man is the same which is mentioned John 16.7 8. i. e. the Comforter the spirit of truth which convinceth or reproveth the world of the sin of not believing on Christ It may not in the least be admitted without great injury to the truth contained in the holy Scripture Forasmuch as First the Scripture saith not in expresse terms that the light in every man is the same Spirit or Comforter which was promised in John 16. to be sent to reprove the world of sin Secondly nor may any meaning or consequent supply the defect by putting in for a proofe thereof for if the light in every man and the Spirit of truth promised John 16 7. be both one then there was no time since man had a being on the face of the earth wherein this Comforter the Spirit of truth was not in every man as the light is said to have been and to have reproved every man of every transgression yea of unbeliefe Now it is plainly testified by Christ touching the Comforter the Spirit of truth who was to reprove the world of sin viz of unbeliefe That he was not yet come while as Christ was not yet ascended as appears John 16.7.13 Neverthelesse I tell you the truth it is expedient for you that I goe away for if I goe not away the Comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you when he is come he will reprove the world of sin How be it when he the Spirit of truth is come c. By which words of him who is faithfull and true yea Truth it selfe it 's evident that the appearance and comeing of the Spirit of truth to reprove the world for not believing on Christ Jesus was not a thing which had alwayes been with and in every man since man had a being as is affirmed of the light with which every man which comes into the world is enlightned Nay the clean contrary appears by this Scripture which testifies that he the Spirit of truth had not yet appeared a Comforter to the Disciples nor a Reprover to the world for their unbeliefe in Christ nor could he so appear as yet till Christ was glorified and then Christ when he went away would send him Therefore
thou must no more goe forth to seeke a righteousnesse but looke in the kingdome of heaven is within Ans The Christ of whom this discourse hath been treating is no other but the same to which the Scripture beares witnesse as hath been testified by many severall passages before recited not here to be repeated viz The Lord 's Christ The anoynted Saviour or Christ the Lord. And it is a truth not to be disdain'd but considered by the sober-minded and received according to the divine Evidence that appeares in it That the Lord Jesus Christ is held forth in the Scriptures under a two-fold dispensation First Either as hee was God the Word made flesh so becoming the Lord's Christ and Tabernacled among men and as such hee was to be beleeved on though hee under that dispensation were without not only before but after his Resurrection That hee was without while in the dayes of his flesh none will deny whether hee be considered before his suffering or after his resurrection 1 Cor. 15.5 6 7. That hee was to be beleeved on while hee was so is prooved from Joh. 14.1 Yee beleeve in God beleeve also in mee Hee that honoureth not the Sonne honoureth not the Father Joh. 5.23 Thus he spake touching himselfe while yet hee was in the flesh and consequently without during which space of time hee fulfilled all Righteousnesse Math. 3.5 And became the end of the Law for righteousnesse to every one that beleeveth Rom. 10.4 His soule being made an offering for sinne according to the Prophesies which went before of him Isa 53.10.12 Hee finished transgression and made an end of sinne Confirmed the Covenant and brought in Everlasting righteousnesse Dan. 9.24 27. By the sacrifice of himselfe which he offered up through the eternall Spirit at once and that once for all Heb. 9.14.26 28. This hee did for his Redeem'd ones without them as is witnessed by many Scriptures Rom. 5.8 While wee were yet sinners Christ dyed for us Rom. 4.25 Who was delivered For our offences and was raised againe For our Justification 1 Cor. 5.7 Was sacrificed For us Gal. 3.13 Was made a Curse For us Eph. 5.2 Given himselfe for us 1 Thes 5.10 Who dyed For us Titus 2 14. Who gave himselfe For us Heb. 9.12 By his owne Blood hee entered in once into the Holy place having obteined eternall Redemption For us 1 Pet. 2.21 24. Christ also suffered for us who his owne selfe bare our sinnes in his owne body on the tree that wee being dead to sinne should live unto Righteousnesse By whose stripes yee are healed 1 John 3.16 Herein perceive wee the love of God because Hee laid downe his life For us All this hee did for his without them not within them as is plaine by this Cloud of witnesses So that to speake of a Christ without and of what he both did and suffered without not in but for his people Even while they were yet sinners is no despicable thing nay it is such a dispensation of Christ as the Scripture gives testimony of and beares witnesse unto The beleife of which is necessary unto salvation and without which there is no peace according to the divine truth of those Scriptures Esay 57.21 There is no peace saith my God to the wicked And Rom. 4.23 24 25. But for us also to whom it shall be imputed if wee beleeve on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead who was delivered for our offences and raised againe for our Justification Rom. 5.1 2. Therefore being Justified by faith wee have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom also wee have accesse into this grace wherein wee stand and rejoyce in the hope of the glory of God and hope maketh not ashamed Rom. 5.1 2 8 9 10 11. For when wee were yet without strength in due time Christ dyed for the ungodly Yea while wee were yet sinners Christ dyed for us vers 8. Much more then now being Justified by his blood shall we be saved from wrath through him vers 9. And being reconciled wee shall be saved by his life And hence wee Joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom wee have now received the Attonement And to this purpose is that prayer of the Apostle Rom. 15.13 Now the God of hope fill you with all Joy and peace in beleeving Nor is this consideration of Christ as the object of faith for justification the antitype of the brazen Serpent lift up upon the pole in the Wildernesse to which the then bitten ones under which the sins-smitten soul the self-condemned sinners were figured and to it must these looke and live Numb 21.8 9. Esay 45.22 John 3 14 15. I say this consideration of Christ is not the whole of what the Scripture testifies concerning him nor may any such use be made hereof as if the magnifiing the grace of God were a covering for sin as the objection intimates Nay nay should we continue in sin because grace hath abounded God forbid Rom. 6.1 There is therefore a further dispensation of Christ viz. in Spirit according to the tenour of that testimony of the Apostle touching the mystery of Godlinesse 1 Tim. 3.16 God manifest in flesh Justified in Spirit and this dispensation of Christ in Spirit the Scriptures likewise beare witnesse unto which is Christs application of that which hee did for his beloved ones in the dayes of his flesh applying that to them by his Spirit by which he dwelleth in them which he wrought for them without them Then he prepared the medicine and since applyes it and gives it operation then he wove the Garment and since cloathes his therewith then he was the bruised and broken Corne now the loafe or staffe of Bread his flesh meate indeed and his blood drinke indeed both eaten and drunken by the beleever As there was a necessitie that the Word should be manifested in the flesh to answer the end of that dispensation 1 Tim. 3.16 viz. to become the end of the Law for righteousnesse to every one that beleeveth Rom. 10.4 That he might Confirme the Covenant viz. finish transgression and bring in everlasting righteousnesse Dan. 9.24 27. By being made of God to the beleeving Wisdome Righteousnesse Sanctification and Redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 So it was necessary that he should be Justified in Spirit in order to the more effectuall application of what he had done to those for whom he did it To whom hee was to be preached and by whom hee was to be beleeved on in the world and received up into Glory According to the testimony of the Holy Spirit by the mouths of men and Angells Luk. 24.51 52. Acts 1.9 10 11. 1 Tim. 3.16 For which purpose hee promised to send the Comforter the Spirit of truth that he might abide with his schollers and followers for ever John 14.16 17 18.26 To teach them all things and to bring all things to their remembrance whatsoever hee had said unto them viz. all
was the sin found out and the sinner driven out by the first measure of light viz. the law But the Saviour of the sinner from sin and death was not revealed by this first measure of light The sinne was discovered but the sinner was not thereby recovered Till the Lord holds forth the Scepter of grace in the promised seed of the woman Gen. 3.15 who was to be received as the way to the father the door by which entrance was to be made the gift in whom was exhibited eternal life Redemption from sin and wrath a proper object of faith while yet he was but in promise so was he received and so beleeved on by all the children of faith under the first Covenant Heb. 11.13 39. and the contrary with those who mingled not the Gospel with faith and so fell short of the rest and could not enter because of unbeleef Heb. 3.19 Heb. 4.2 notwithstanding the measure of light which discovers sinne and iniquity So then the first measure and degree of light which discovers sin and iniquity is the Law of God written in every mans heart but it is not Christ the light the door the way the gift for Christ is not the law but the Law-giver Christ is the end of the law not only in the commonly received sense the end of all figures types and shadows the substance in which they all center But he is so the end of the Law that he finishes and perfects what the Law could not finish nor perfect He takes up the work where the Law leaves it The Law may say O my God! I have shewed them thy wayes I have been a light and a lanthorn unto them I have kept back nothing that thou gavest me in command to shew unto them and to require of them But they like men have transgressed and have started aside like a broken bow and are become guilty and filthy Woe unto them Woe unto them they are polluted my Commission is to curse them from mount Ebal and they shall be cursed Cursed be Every one that abides not in Every thing written in the law to do it in some thing or other every one hath transgressed every mouth is stopped and every one become guilty before God God hath concluded all under sin saying there is none righteous no not one Rom. 3.10 19. they are all transgressors I cannot redeem them I cannot bring them to God But Christ takes up the matter where the law leaves it and becomes the end of the law for righteousness to every one beleeving saying to this end was I born and for this cause came I into the world to bear witness unto the truth giving the Valley of Achor for a door of hope perfecting and finishing the work which the law had been labouring to effect but could not For that which the Law could not do he did being not ashamed to call them Brethren whom the law had left under the sentence of the curse and that he might bring many sonns unto glory himself the captain of their salvation was made perfect through sufferings delivering them from the fear of death who all their life time were subject unto bondage standing upon Gerizim the mount of blessing in opposition to that mount Ebal where the law had left them making triumph and open shew in behalf of the seed saying Behold I and the children God hath given me all that the father hath given me shall come unto me They are blessed and they shall be blessed though righteousness could not come by the law for if it could then had my death been in vain yet to the beleeving to every one that beleeveth I am the end of the law for righteousness being made so of God to and for them that the righteousness of the law may be fulfilled in them and they be made the righteousness of God in me Though the first measure of light viz. the law written on the heart of the natural man be not Christ the way the door the gift the light yet it is such a measure and degree of light common to all men as to the direction whereof they are to give obedience and in the doing whereof they enjoy much peace and many persons in many things done in obedience thereto have whereof to glory but not before God for their peace is seated in their understanding while they think they do God good service but Gods thoughts are not as mans neither is their peace the peace of God which passeth all understanding which guards the heart and mind through Christ Jesus Nevertheless it is a good thing and hath a measure of blessing annexed to it for a person to be obedient to the law in the measure of the knowledg whereof he hath attained according to that testimony Happy is that man whose conscience condemns not himself in that thing which he allowes but doth exercise himself to keep a good conscience toward God and toward man But when he hath done all he can there is this one thing lacking to sell all he hath to resign up all to Christ Jesus and leave it at his foot that when he hath done all he reckon himself an unprofitable servant and to have done nothing in all that 's done to sel it all and give it all up in sacrifice to God this is more than whole burnt offerings and more than is attainable under the dispensation of the first measure of light and obedience thereunto for if so then righteousness were attainable by obedience to the law contrary to that testimony If there had been a law given which could have given life verily righteousness should have come by the law and if righteousness could have come by the law then had Christ died in vain But God hath concluded all under sin that he might have mercy on them that beleeve to cut off boasting and glorying in the flesh that he which gloryeth might glory in the Lord who hath said It is not in him that willeth nor in him that runneth but in God that sheweth mercy who testifieth That not by workes of righteousness which we have done but of his mercy he saveth his saved ones Leaving no room for glorying or boasting to him that worketh nor colour of confidence to him that is in the disobedience to the first measure of light for even he which despised Moses law died without mercy such will be the portion of every one who is willingly ignorant and disobedient to what is made known to him by the law that 's in him Yet to call this which discovers sin in man Christ the light the gift the door the way is to take the Gardener for Christ as Mary did mistake Christ for the Gardener The good way then is not to confound the several dispensations of God not to advance the son of the bond woman into the room and place of the son of the free woman not to preferre the servant into the place of the Heir but to consider every
though with all possible brevity Reply That the Gospel is the power of God to salvation may not be denyed Rom. 1.16 for it is so to every one that beleeveth and let him be accursed that preacheth any other gospel than that which is so Gal. 1.9 But where the gospel which is the power of God to salvation is preached if it be not mixt with faith in them which hear it it is not the power of God to salvation to such according to the testimony of that Scripture Heb. 4.2 For unto us was the gospel preached as well as unto them but the word preached did not profit them not being mixed with faith in them that heard So that the gospel is not the power of God to salvation to any but to such as beleeve it and by faith receive the glad tidings and message thereof and become obedient thereunto Rom. 1.17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith as it is written The just shal live by faith The gospel which in it self is the power of God to salvation so named already may be prerched not only in word but also in power and in the holy spirit as twice to the Thessalonians 1 Thes 1.5 in demonstration of the spirit and power as to the Corinthians 1 Cor. 2.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it may be powerfully ratified and confirmed by signs and wonders and mighty deeds yet not powerfull to salvation except received by faith in them that hear it Such a gospel was it to the Thessalonians 1 Thes 1.5 It was brought to them in mighty power and received by them in much assurance as the very word of God to which they yeilded the obedience of faith 1 Thes 2.13 14. As the Romans also did Chap. 15.18 19. Wheresoever the Gospel is preached in Evidence and demonstration of the spirit and received by faith in them that hear it it is the arm and power of God to salvation to such and doth powerfully incline them to yeild obedience in word and deed to whatsoever is therein revealed unto them He that receives the light and is obedient to it receivs the gift of God and shall receive the power the light rejected no power received Reply It hath been said before by this friend to whom I now reply That Christ is the light and That Christ is the gift of God To which may be added that which is testified 1 Cor. 1.18 That Christ is the power of God as it is expressed by the Apostle Now let it be considered what is spoken by the friend in this parcel of words above recited and whether it amount not to a repetition and Tautology of words He that receives the light and is obedient to it receives Christ for Christ is the light receives the gift of God that is Christ for Christ is the gift of God and shall receive the power that is Christ for Christ is the power of God and such as receive Christ and obey him reject not the light nor can be without the power forasmuch as he whom they have received and obeyed is both the light and the power and the gift and is no more than if it had been thus express'd He that receives Christ obeys him receives Christ and shall receive Christ Christ rejected no Christ received Your heart shall fail and your eyes wax dim that look for another way or another Gospel than that which redeems out of sin Reply It hath been said before that Christ is the way Let their heart fail and their eyes wax dim that expect salvation by any other way than by him who is the Way the Truth and the Life Forasmuch as there is no other name given under heaven whereby we can be saved and that Gospel which tenders salvation by Christ to sinners without redemption from sin let it indeed be Anathema from the Lord. For it is witnessed of the true and only Lord Jesus that his name should be called Jesus that is Saviour for that he should redeem his people from their sins Mat. 1.21 and save them to the utmost that come unto God by him everliving to make intercession for them Heb. 7.25 even for them who by him do beleeve in God purifying their souls in obeying the truth through the spirit being born again c. 1 Pet. 1.21 22 23. Which testimony is born up in the hearts of the children of the regeneration who are made the sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus having received the adoption of sons they cry unto him in spirit incessantly night and day that this redemption from the body of sin and death may be compleated in them saying how long Lord holy and true fighting the good fight of faith keeping up the watch and warre of the Lord as knowing that the God of peace will shortly tread Sathan under their feet I say their feet as really within them as he hath troden him under his own feet for them without them And further knowing that they shall assuredly reap in due time if they faint not this being their victory even their faith by which with patience they possess their soul being confident of this one thing that he is faithful who hath called them who will also do it and having begun a good work in them will also perfect it perform or finish it untill the day of Christ having this hope they purify themselves in the power of him who of God is made to them righteousness and sanctification as well as wisdome and redemption The name of Christ is pleasant in the outward sound in as much as thereby men think to have their sins taken away but the Gospel is the power of God that redeems out of sin Reply Who ever names the name of Christ is to depart from iniquity and he who naming the name of Christ how pleasant soever he count that name yet if such an one depart not from iniquity but rowl his sinne under his tongue as a sweet morsel and bless himself in his heart saying I shall have peace though I walk in the Imagination or stubborness of my heart to adde drunkenness to thirst the Lord will not spare him but the anger of the Lord and his jealousie will smoak against that man there 's no such use of the name of Christ as to make it a Cloak for sin for the wrath of God is revealed against all unrighteousness in men Whatsoever and in whomsoever it be and he that regards iniquity in his heart hath a root of gall and wormwood that will eat out all the pleasantness that may seem to be in the name of Christ in the outward sound Deut. 29.18 19 20. Yet for asmuch as there may be some snare and temptation lie upon some souls touching those words before minded and repeated viz. the Gospel is the power of God that redeems out of sin Whence some persons do conclude that they are redeemed out of sin and that the body of sin is destroyed in
this in sundry places Those which have seen the mighty works of God as a Creator upon themselves or others I say the mighty works of God as a Creator these are said to glorifie God in owning and acknowledging him to be the Author thereof confessing him to be the only God or the God of Gods so did that proud King Nebuchadnezzar Dan. 3.28 29. Blessed be the God of c. Because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort Dan. 4.2 3. I thought it good to shew the signes and wonders which the high God hath shewed toward me how great are his signes and how mighty are his wonders vers 34. And I blessed the most high and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extoll and honour the King of heaven all whose works are truth and his wayes judgement and those that walk in pride he is able to abase Thus he glorified God as the most high God Dan. 5.21 ascribing to him the glory due to his name so may and so ought every naturall man to own God as his Creator and to ascribe to him glory and honour The contrary whereof appears in his son Belshazzar Dan. 5.22 And thou his Son hast not humbled thy heart though thou knewest all this and the God in whose hand thy breath is hast thou not glorified whence it is evident that the father did but the Son did not glorifie God i.e. ascribe unto him the greatnesse of his power soveraignty and dominion and extoll and praise him according thereunto as the most High the only God of Gods as they in Rev. 11.13 in that terrible and dreadfull Earthquake who being affrighted gave glory i.e. ascribed glory to the God of heaven In like manner did the Centurion glorifye God in giving testimony to our Lord Jesus at the time of his death Luk. 23.47 when he saw what was done he glorified God saying Certainly this was a righteous man Luk. 7.15 16. and there came a great fear on all and they glorified God saying That a great Prophet is risen up among us So that when in that passage it is said Because when they knew God they glorified him not as God and the inference thereupon viz. those had such a knowledg of God that they might thereby have glorified him as God It is to be remembred what that Such Knowledg was Now what that kind of knowledge of God was which they had is declared that is Such as whereby they saw his eternal power and Godhead and could distinguish between him and any Created being they were not to be instructed that a bird or a beast or a creeping thing or the Image of a man was not the true and living God the Author and fountain of all created beings for they knew full well the contrary they had sufficient demonstration to the contrary both without them and within them Neverthelesse they being so stupidly brutish as contrary to their light and knowledge to bid defiance to the most high God and to cast off the knowledge of him and to erect contrary to truth and reason such beastly and brutish gods which are lies and no gods viz. Birds and beasts and creeping things as they did Rom. 1.23 The righteous Lord as a just recompence of reward gave them up to all uncleanesse blindnesse bruitishnesse a dreadfull reward of so horrible a sinne vers 24.26.28 A fearfull example to all such who having attained to any measure of the knowledge of God though but as a Creator and yet doe not glorifie him as such by ascribing unto him the honour due to his name according to those words of truth 1 Cor. 16.23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30. Jer. 10.7 Rev. 15.4 Who would not fear THEE O King of Nations and glorifie thy name sing unto the Lord all the earth shew forth from day to day his salvation declare his glory among the heathen for great is the Lord ye kinreds of the people give unto the Lord glory and strength the glory due to his Name But for any to know the true God and that there is no other gods but he nor any to be feared served but he and yet to bid defiance to him and that measure of knowledge which they have of him and imbrace other gods whether birds or beasts or creeping things yea though it should be a man or the Son of a man the Image of a man it is an aggravation of sin and 't will be so in the judgement and 't were better such had never known this knowledg but had been made birds or beasts or creeping things or had never seen the light for the untimely birth is more happy than such Whoso is wise and will observe those things even they shall understand the loving kindnesse of the Lord Psal 107. last verse To the Soule-ly Sensual or Natural Man Whether Civil or Profane SOlomon applying his heart to know to search and to seek out wisdome and to know the wickedness of folly even of foolishness and madness Eccles 9.3 centers all in the heart of the Sons of men from whence proceeds evil thoughts Adulteries Fornications Murders Thefts Covetousness Wickedness Deceit Lasciviousness an evil Eye Blasphemy Pride Foolishness all these evil things come from within and defile the man as he that is the truth it self testifies Mar. 7.21 22. But in the beginning it was not so and this testimony the Holy spirit gives by the mouth of him that made this diligent search Ecclesiast 7. ult Lo this â—nly have I found that God made man upright but they have sought out many Inventions As all the Inventions which defile the man proceed from within the man as above so all those defiling Inventions were sought out and fetch'd in by the man whose destruction is of himself for in the beginning God saw every thing that he had made and behold it was very good and Man was made in his own Image In the Image of God created he him Gen. 1.27 God made man upright Nevertheless Man in honour abideth not he is like the beasts that perish His bow abode not in strength he sought out many Inventions Tumbles down from his excellency and is driven out among beasts and made to eat grass as the Ox or husks with the Swine Till the time appointed of the most High be determined and mans understanding be caused to return and the splendor honour and brightness of his kingdome be restored and excellent Majesty added to him by being new created in Christ Jesus and renewed in the spirit of his mind in righteousness and holiness of truth being born again by the spirit or from above without which change passing upon him no man can see or enter into the kingdome of God Nor is this the Condition of some men only but it is the lot and portion of all the Generations of mankind all having sinned and come short of the Glory of God there being none that doth
the branches to be broken Jer. 11.16 because it is not testified of them according to that word Hos 14.8 from me is thy fruit found It 's necessary to consider the foundation whereon we are built there 's no other foundation but the Rock nor no Rock but the Lord Jesus Christ and him laid as a foundation whereon the building must stand that will abide the storm and tempest There are two Common Roots of Mankind The First Adam the Second Adam two Creations two Covenants There must be a breaking off that there may be a grafting in a dying to the spirit that there may be a quickning or live-making by the second Adam not a garnishing the old tomb neither with feathers nor Garlands no nor garments neither but old things must pass away and all things become new not a new name only but a New nature also For except a man be born again he shall never see the kingdome of God much may the natural man do and yet but a Child of the first birth To the latter of these to such as bid defiance to c. To the latter of these to such as bid defiance to the most High God who say to the Almighty depart from us we will not the knowledge of thy wayes Even to these wisedome uttereth her voice in the streets she cryeth in the chiefe place of concourse How long ye scorners will ye delight in scorning and fooles hate knowledg turn ye at my reproof To day while its called to day harden not your hearts but seek the Lord while he may be found for there is a destruction determined from the Lord upon all the proud and profane ones for he will dash them one against another even the Fathers and the Sons together and will neither pity nor spare nor have mercy but destroy Hear ye therefore and give ear be not proud for the Lord hath spoken give glory to the Lord God before he cause darknesse and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains and while ye look for light he turn it into the shadow of death and make it grosse darkness humble your selves and sit down for your Principalities shall come down even the crown of your glory and although you wipe your mouths and say you have done no wickedness yet the pride rebellion of Haman and Nebuchadnezzar the profaneness of Esau the gluttony drunkenness of Dives and Belshazzar as the iniquity of your heels will compass you about and what will you do in the end thereof when the watcher the Holy one shall say unto you as to him in the vision Hew down the Tree cut off his branches shake off his leaves and scatter his fruit let the beasts get away from under it and the fowls from his branches and let his portion be with the beasts in the grasse of the earth And though you may slight and contemn this as being a sound of words yet when your eyes shall see the fingers upon the plaister of the wall and shall read the writing which you cannot but see and read for the most High hath placed his candle upon a candlestick and not under a bushell and this writing is upon the wall over against the candlestick that thou maist see and shalt not chose but see eye to eye the light that 's in thee reflects upon the law written in thee that law written on the plaisterd wall or table of thy heart returns a reciprocal reflexion Then will thy countenance change and thy thoughts be troubled the joynts of thy loins be unloosed and thy knees smite against each other but if the vision be so terrible what wil the interpretation and the application thereof be unto thee when thou shalt be numbred and weighed found too light the glory of thy Kingdom finished divided from thee Then O thou fool whose shal these things be O therefore that thou wert wise and wouldest consider thy latter end and honour and extoll the most High God whose eternal power and Godhead is manifested in thee and shewne unto thee whose works are truth and his waies judgment and those which walk in pride he is able to abase To the Religious man upon the Terms of the first Covenant Thou art perswaded that thou art passed from death to life by all the Arguments whereby a person may be perswaded thereof Thou art convinced that as absolutely as it 's appointed for man once to dye so certainly necessary it is for a person to be born again of water and of the spirit if ever he expect to see the Kingdome of God and that thou art so born it 's to thee out of doubt being possest with these perswasions or such as these viz. That thou hast had the spirit of bondage to fear and haste abode under that dispensation for a season and this hath been the hour of thy travail through which thou hast been brought forth and hast been made partaker of the new birth the holy spirit testifying as much unto thee by giving thee ability to cry Abba father By this thou knowest thou hast past from death to life because thou lovest the brethren Thou art poor in spirit Thou dost hunger and thirst after righteousness Thou art weary and heavy laden Thou art persecuted for righteousness sake Thou dost mourn Therefore all the conditions of these promises shall be surely made good to thee whatever becomes of others whom thou pitiest and over whom thou mournest to think of their conditions And is it so indeed Art thou O man or woman at rest under all this if so what means those doubts and fears that so often arise within thee and whispers these things to thee What if my mourning should not be mourning aright my poverty of spirit not of a right kind my love to the Brethren but partial and feigned to some not to others scarce to any in a full proportion at least not to all without partiality is not this friend dearer to thee than that couldest thou not dye sooner for this friend than for that if at all for any oh how is thy wine mixt with water and thy silver with dross thy seemingly unfeigned love with respect of persons Sayest thou not sometimes in secret to thy soul O! if I were sure my hungring and thirsting were indeed after righteousness for righteousness sake and that I were indeed heavy laden according to truth then I were sure of satisfaction and were sure of ease but while these are the private reasonings of thy soul and yet thou wouldest seem and appear to be past from death to life death's in the window death 's in the pot thou yet needest the Physician for thou art sick though thou knowest it not But admit thou art able to deduce arguments of life from the actions of a living man Forasmuch as he that worketh righteousnes is righteous and such art thou and the course of thy life doth evidence this to thine own and all mens view walking