herewith_o nay_o certain_o obedience_n be_v better_a than_o sacrifice_n and_o it_o be_v not_o our_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a simple_o that_o please_v god_n but_o that_o good_a which_o he_o will_v thus_o to_o do_v every_o member_n have_v its_o particular_a place_n in_o the_o body_n as_o the_o apostle_n show_v 1_o cor._n 12._o if_o then_o i_o be_v the_o foot_n shall_v offer_v to_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o the_o hand_n or_o be_v the_o hand_n that_o of_o the_o tongue_n my_o service_n will_v be_v troublesome_a and_o not_o acceptable_a and_o instead_o of_o help_v the_o body_n i_o shall_v make_v a_o schism_n in_o it_o so_o that_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o another_o to_o do_v may_v be_v sinful_a to_o i_o for_o as_o master_n will_v have_v their_o servant_n to_o obey_v they_o according_a to_o their_o good_a pleasure_n not_o only_o in_o blind_o do_v that_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o they_o to_o tend_v to_o their_o master_n profit_n whereby_o it_o may_v chance_v the_o master_n have_v business_n both_o in_o the_o field_n and_o in_o the_o house_n that_o the_o servant_n that_o know_v not_o his_o master_n will_n may_v go_v to_o the_o field_n when_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o master_n he_o shall_v stay_v and_o do_v the_o business_n of_o the_o house_n will_v not_o this_o servant_n then_o deserve_v a_o reproof_n for_o not_o answer_v his_o master_n mind_n and_o what_o master_n be_v so_o sottish_a and_o careless_a as_o have_v many_o servant_n leave_v they_o in_o such_o disorder_n as_o not_o to_o assign_v each_o his_o particular_a station_n and_o not_o only_o the_o general_a term_n of_o do_v that_o which_o be_v profitable_a which_o will_v leave_v they_o in_o various_a doubt_n and_o no_o doubt_n end_n in_o confusion_n shall_v we_o then_o dare_v to_o ascribe_v unto_o christ_n in_o the_o order_n of_o his_o church_n and_o servant_n that_o which_o in_o man_n may_v just_o be_v account_v disorder_n and_o confusion_n the_o apostle_n show_v this_o distinction_n well_o rom._n c._n 12._o v._n 6_o 8._o have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v we_o whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o ministring_n or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n now_o what_o scripture_n rule_n show_v i_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o exhort_v rather_o than_o prophesy_v or_o to_o minister_v rather_o than_o teach_v surely_n none_o at_o all_o many_o more_o difficulty_n of_o this_o kind_n occur_v in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian._n moreover_o that_o which_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v most_o needful_a for_o he_o to_o know_v to_o wit_n whether_o he_o real_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o heir_n of_o salvation_n or_o no_o the_o scripture_n can_v give_v he_o no_o certainty_n in_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o he_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v exceed_o desirable_a and_o comfortable_a all_o do_v unanimous_o acknowledge_v beside_o that_o it_o be_v especial_o command_v 2_o cor._n 13._o v._n 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v yourselves_o know_v you_o not_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 2_o pet._n 1.10_o wherefore_o the_o rather_o brethren_n give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a now_o i_o say_v what_o scripture_n rule_n can_v assure_v i_o that_o i_o have_v true_a faith_n that_o my_o call_n and_o election_n be_v sure_a if_o it_o be_v say_v by_o compare_v the_o scripture_n mark_n of_o true_a faith_n with_o i_o i_o demand_v wherewith_o shall_v i_o make_v this_o observation_n what_o shall_v ascertain_v i_o that_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v it_o can_v be_v the_o scripture_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n under_o debate_n if_o it_o be_v say_v my_o own_o heart_n how_o unfit_a a_o judge_n be_v it_o in_o its_o own_o case_n and_o how_o like_o to_o be_v partial_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o unrenewed_a do_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o it_o be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n i_o find_v the_o promise_n i_o find_v the_o threaten_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o who_o tell_v i_o that_o the_o one_o belong_v to_o i_o more_o than_o the_o other_o the_o scripture_n give_v i_o a_o mere_a declaration_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o make_v no_o application_n so_o that_o the_o assumption_n must_v be_v of_o my_o own_o make_n thus_o as_o for_o example_n i_o find_v this_o proposition_n in_o the_o scripture_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v thence_o i_o draw_v this_o assumption_n but_o i_o robert_n believe_v therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o minor_a be_v of_o my_o own_o make_n not_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o a_o humane_a conclusion_n not_o a_o divine_a position_n so_o that_o by_o my_o faith_n and_o assurance_n here_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o a_o scripture_n position_n but_o upon_o a_o humane_a principle_n which_o unless_o i_o be_v sure_a of_o elsewhere_o the_o scripture_n give_v i_o no_o certainty_n in_o the_o matter_n again_o if_o i_o shall_v pursue_v the_o argument_n further_o and_o seek_v a_o new_a medium_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o same_o difficulty_n will_v occur_v thus_o he_o that_o have_v the_o true_a and_o certain_a mark_n of_o true_a faith_n have_v true_a faith_n but_o i_o have_v those_o mark_n therefore_o i_o have_v true_a faith_n for_o the_o assumption_n be_v still_o here_o of_o my_o own_o make_n and_o be_v not_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o conclusion_n can_v be_v no_o better_o since_o it_o still_o follow_v the_o weak_a proposition_n this_o be_v indeed_o so_o pungent_a that_o the_o best_a of_o protestant_n who_o plead_v for_o this_o assurance_n ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o calvin_n in_o that_o large_a citation_n cite_v in_o the_o former_a proposition_n so_o that_o not_o to_o seek_v further_o into_o the_o write_n of_o the_o primitive_a protestant_n which_o be_v full_a of_o such_o expression_n even_o the_o westminster_n confession_n of_o faith_n affirm_v chap._n 18._o sect_n 12._o this_o certainty_n be_v not_o bear_v conjecture_n and_o probable_a persuasion_n ground_v upon_o fallible_a hope_n but_o a_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o faith_n found_v upon_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n the_o inward_a evidence_n of_o these_o grace_n unto_o which_o these_o promise_n be_v make_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n witness_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o spirit_n be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n whereby_o we_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n moreover_o the_o scripture_n itself_o wherein_o we_o be_v so_o earnest_o press_v to_o seek_v after_o this_o assurance_n do_v not_o at_o all_o affirm_v itself_o a_o rule_n sufficient_a to_o give_v it_o but_o whole_o ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o spirit_n as_o rom._n 8.16_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 1_o joh._n 4.13_o hereby_o do_v we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o 5.6_o and_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o bear_v witness_v because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n §_o iu._n last_o that_o can_v be_v the_o only_a principle_n nor_o chief_a rule_n which_o do_v not_o universal_o reach_v every_o individual_a that_o need_v it_o to_o produce_v the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o from_o the_o use_n of_o which_o either_o by_o some_o innocent_a and_o sinless_a defect_n or_o natural_a yet_o harmless_a and_o blameless_a imperfection_n many_o who_o be_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o may_v without_o absurdity_n yea_o with_o great_a probability_n be_v account_v oft_o he_o elect_v be_v necessary_o exclude_v and_o that_o either_o whole_o or_o at_o least_o from_o the_o immediate_a use_n thereof_o but_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o frequent_o concern_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o case_n of_o deaf_a people_n child_n and_o idiot_n who_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v we_o then_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v without_o any_o rule_n to_o god-ward_o or_o that_o they_o be_v all_o damn_a as_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v in_o itself_o very_o absurd_a and_o inconsistent_a both_o with_o the_o justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n so_o i_o know_v no_o sound_a reason_n can_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o now_o if_o we_o may_v suppose_v any_o such_o to_o be_v under_o the_o new_a covenant_n dispensation_n as_o i_o know_v none_o will_v deny_v but_o that_o we_o may_v suppose_v it_o without_o any_o absurdity_n we_o
it_o be_v answer_v §_o xiii_o the_o most_o usual_a be_v that_o these_o revelation_n be_v uncertain_a but_o this_o bespeak_v much_o ignorance_n in_o the_o opposer_n for_o we_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o thesis_fw-la and_o the_o hypothesis_n that_o be_v betwixt_o the_o proposition_n and_o supposition_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o true_a and_o undoubted_a revelation_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a and_o another_o thing_n to_o affirm_v that_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a person_n or_o people_n be_v lead_v infallible_o by_o this_o revelation_n in_o what_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v because_o they_o affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o lead_v by_o the_o inward_a and_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o first_o be_v only_o by_o we_o assert_v the_o latter_a may_v be_v call_v in_o question_n the_o question_n be_v not_o who_o be_v or_o be_v not_o so_o lead_v but_o whether_o all_o ought_v not_o or_o may_v not_o be_v so_o lead_v see_v then_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o lead_v his_o child_n and_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o both_o aught_o and_o may_v be_v lead_v by_o it_o if_o any_o depart_n from_o this_o certain_a guide_n in_o deed_n and_o yet_o in_o word_n pretend_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o into_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o good_a it_o will_v not_o from_o thence_o follow_v that_o the_o true_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v uncertain_a or_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v no_o more_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o sun_n show_v not_o light_n because_o a_o blind_a man_n or_o one_o who_o wilful_o shut_v his_o eye_n fall_v into_o a_o ditch_n at_o noon_n day_n for_o want_n of_o light_n or_o that_o no_o word_n be_v speak_v because_o a_o deaf_a man_n hear_v they_o not_o or_o that_o a_o garden_n full_a of_o fragrant_a flower_n have_v no_o sweet_a smell_n because_o he_o that_o have_v lose_v his_o smell_a do_v not_o savour_v it_o the_o fault_n than_o be_v in_o the_o organ_n and_o not_o in_o the_o object_n all_o these_o mistake_v therefore_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o weakness_n or_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o not_o to_o that_o holy_a spirit_n such_o as_o bend_v themselves_o most_o against_o this_o certain_a and_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n use_v common_o to_o allege_v the_o example_n of_o the_o old_a gnostic_n and_o the_o late_a monstruous_a and_o mischievous_a act_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n of_o munster_n all_o which_o touch_v we_o nothing_o at_o all_o neither_o weaken_v a_o whit_n our_o most_o true_a doctrine_n wherefore_o as_o a_o most_o sure_a bulwark_n against_o such_o kind_n of_o assault_n be_v subjoin_v that_o other_o part_n of_o our_o proposition_n thus_o moreover_o these_o divine_a and_o inward_a revelation_n which_o we_o establish_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n as_o they_o do_v not_o so_o neither_o can_v they_o at_o any_o time_n contradict_v the_o scripture_n testimony_n or_o find_v reason_n beside_o the_o intrinsic_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n we_o can_v bold_o affirm_v it_o from_o our_o certain_a and_o bless_a experience_n for_o this_o spirit_n never_o deceive_v we_o never_o act_v nor_o move_v we_o to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v amiss_o but_o be_v clear_a and_o manifest_a in_o its_o revelation_n which_o be_v evident_o discern_v of_o we_o as_o we_o wait_v in_o that_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a light_n of_o god_n that_o proper_a and_o fit_a organ_n in_o which_o they_o be_v receive_v therefore_o if_o any_o reason_n after_o this_o manner_n that_o because_o some_o wicked_a ungodly_a devilish_a man_n have_v commit_v wicked_a action_n and_o have_v yet_o more_o wicked_o assert_v that_o they_o be_v lead_v into_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o lean_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o seek_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o i_o utter_o deny_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o proposition_n which_o be_v it_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o true_a then_o will_v all_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o hope_v of_o salvation_n become_v uncertain_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v turn_v into_o mere_a scepticism_n for_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n i_o may_v reason_v thus_o because_o eve_n be_v deceive_v by_o the_o lie_a of_o the_o serpent_n therefore_o she_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v trust_v to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n because_o the_o old_a world_n be_v delude_v by_o evil_a spirit_n therefore_o ought_v neither_o noah_n nor_o abraham_n nor_o moses_n to_o have_v trust_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o a_o lie_a spirit_n speak_v through_o the_o four_o hundred_o prophet_n that_o persuade_v achab_n to_o go_v up_o and_o fight_v at_o ramoth_n gilead_n therefore_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o micajah_n be_v uncertain_a and_o dangerous_a to_o be_v follow_v because_o there_o be_v seduce_a spirit_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n of_o old_a therefore_o it_o be_v not_o good_a or_o uncertain_a to_o follow_v the_o anoint_v which_o teach_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v truth_n and_o no_o lye_n who_o dare_v say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n moreover_o not_o only_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o church_n of_o god_n of_o old_a be_v hereby_o render_v uncertain_a but_o also_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n now_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o like_a hazard_n even_o of_o those_o who_o seek_v a_o foundation_n for_o their_o faith_n elsewhere_o than_o from_o the_o spirit_n for_o i_o shall_v prove_v by_o a_o inevitable_a argument_n ab_fw-la incommodo_fw-la i._n e._n from_o the_o inconveniency_n of_o it_o that_o if_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o to_o be_v follow_v upon_o that_o account_n and_o that_o man_n may_v not_o depend_v upon_o it_o as_o their_o guide_n because_o some_o while_o pretend_v thereunto_o commit_v great_a evil_n that_o then_o nor_o tradition_n nor_o the_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n which_o the_o papist_n protestant_n and_o socinian_o do_v respective_o make_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v any_o whit_n more_o certain_a the_o romanist_n reckon_v it_o a_o error_n to_o celebrate_v easter_n any_o other_o way_n than_o that_o church_n do_v this_o can_v only_o be_v decide_v by_o tradition_n and_o yet_o the_o greek_a church_n which_o equal_o lay_v claim_v to_o tradition_n with_o herself_o do_v it_o otherwise_o yea_o so_o little_a effectual_a be_v tradition_n to_o decide_v the_o case_n that_o polycarpus_n the_o disciple_n of_o john_n and_o anicetus_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n 26._o who_o immediate_o succeed_v they_o according_a to_o who_o example_n both_o side_n conclude_v the_o question_n ought_v to_o be_v decide_v can_v not_o agree_v here_o of_o necessity_n one_o behove_v to_o err_v and_o that_o follow_a tradition_n will_v the_o papist_n now_o judge_v we_o deal_v fair_o by_o they_o if_o we_o shall_v thence_o aver_v that_o tradition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v beside_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o far_o great_a importance_n the_o same_o difficulty_n will_v occur_v to_o wit_n in_o the_o primacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o many_o do_v affirm_v and_o that_o by_o tradition_n that_o in_o the_o first_o six_o hundred_o year_n the_o roman_a prelate_n never_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o universal_a shepherd_n nor_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o such_o and_o as_o that_o which_o altogether_o overturn_v this_o presidency_n there_o be_v that_o allege_v and_o that_o from_o tradition_n also_o that_o peter_n never_o see_v rome_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n can_v be_v his_o successor_n seqq_fw-la will_v you_o romanist_n think_v this_o sound_a reason_n to_o say_v as_o you_o do_v many_o have_v be_v deceive_v and_o err_v grievous_o in_o trust_v to_o tradition_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o reject_v all_o tradition_n yea_o even_o those_o by_o which_o we_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a and_o as_o we_o think_v prove_v the_o truth_n last_o in_o the_o council_n of_o florence_n the_o chief_a doctor_n of_o the_o romish_a and_o greek_a church_n do_v debate_v whole_a session_n long_o concern_v the_o interpretation_n of_o one_o sentence_n of_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n and_o of_o epiphanius_n and_o basilius_n neither_o can_v they_o ever_o agree_v about_o it_o second_o as_o to_o the_o scripture_n the_o same_o difficulty_n occur_v the_o lutheran_n affirm_v they_o believe_v consubstantiation_n by_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o calvinist_n deny_v as_o that_o which_o they_o say_v according_a to_o the_o same_o scripture_n be_v a_o gross_a error_n the_o calvinist_n again_o affirm_v absolute_a reprobation_n which_o the_o arminian_n deny_v affirm_v the_o contrary_a wherein_o both_o affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o matter_n shall_v i_o argue_v thus_o then_o to_o the_o calvinist_n here_o the_o
can_v suppose_v they_o without_o some_o rule_n and_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n see_v it_o be_v express_o affirm_v they_o shall_v all_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n joh._n 6.45_o and_o they_o shall_v know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a heb._n 8.11_o but_o second_o though_o we_o be_v rid_v of_o this_o difficulty_n how_o many_o illiterate_a and_o yet_o good_a man_n be_v there_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o can_v read_v a_o letter_n in_o their_o own_o mother_n tongue_n which_o imperfection_n though_o it_o be_v inconvenient_a i_o can_v tell_v whether_o we_o may_v safe_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v sinful_a these_o can_v have_v no_o immediate_a knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n so_o their_o faith_n must_v needs_o depend_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o other_o man_n read_n or_o relate_v it_o unto_o they_o where_o either_o the_o alter_n add_v or_o omit_v of_o a_o little_a word_n may_v be_v a_o foundation_n in_o the_o poor_a hearer_n of_o a_o very_a dangerous_a 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translation_n and_o find_v they_o to_o disagree_v with_o the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n in_o their_o heart_n have_v bold_o affirm_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n never_o say_v so_o and_o that_o it_o be_v certain_o wrong_v for_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o any_o of_o the_o holy_a prophet_n or_o apostle_n have_v ever_o write_v so_o which_o when_o i_o on_o this_o account_n serious_o examine_v i_o real_o find_v to_o be_v error_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o translator_n who_o as_o in_o most_o translation_n do_v not_o so_o much_o give_v we_o the_o genuine_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n as_o strain_v they_o to_o express_v that_o which_o come_v near_a with_o that_o opinion_n and_o notion_n they_o have_v of_o truth_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o suit_n very_o well_o with_o that_o say_n of_o augustin_n epist._n 19_o ad_fw-la hen._n tom._n 2._o fol._n 14._o after_o he_o have_v say_v that_o he_o give_v only_o that_o honour_n to_o those_o book_n which_o be_v call_v canonical_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o author_n thereof_o do_v in_o writing_n not_o err_v he_o add_v and_o if_o i_o shall_v meet_v with_o any_o thing_n in_o these_o write_n that_o seem_v repugnant_a to_o truth_n i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o say_v that_o either_o the_o volume_n be_v faulty_a or_o erroneous_a that_o the_o expounder_n have_v not_o reach_v what_o be_v say_v or_o that_o i_o have_v in_o no_o wise_a understand_v it_o so_o that_o he_o suppose_v that_o in_o the_o transcription_n and_o translation_n there_o may_v be_v error_n §_o v._o if_o it_o be_v then_o ask_v i_o whether_o i_o think_v hereby_o to_o render_v the_o scripture_n altogether_o uncertain_a or_o useless_a i_o answer_v not_o at_o all_o the_o proposition_n itself_o declare_v what_o esteem_v i_o have_v for_o they_o and_o provide_v that_o to_o the_o spirit_n from_o which_o they_o come_v be_v but_o
of_o this_o world_n but_o subject_a to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o conscience_n sake_n second_o in_o that_o in_o the_o hot_a time_n of_o persecution_n and_o the_o most_o violent_a prosecution_n of_o those_o law_n make_v against_o meeting_n be_v clothe_v with_o innocency_n they_o have_v bold_o stand_v to_o their_o testimony_n for_o god_n without_o creep_v into_o hole_n or_o corner_n or_o once_o hide_v themselves_o as_o all_o other_o dissenter_n have_v do_v but_o daily_o meet_v according_a to_o their_o custom_n in_o the_o public_a place_n appoint_v for_o that_o end_n so_o that_o none_o of_o thy_o officer_n can_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v surprise_v they_o in_o a_o corner_n overtake_v they_o in_o a_o private_a conventicle_n or_o catch_v they_o lurk_v in_o their_o secret_a chamber_n nor_o need_v they_o to_o send_v out_o spy_n to_o get_v they_o who_o they_o be_v sure_o daily_a to_o find_v in_o their_o open_a assembly_n testify_v for_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n by_o 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practice_n know_v to_o thou_o by_o good_a experience_n to_o be_v more_o consistent_a with_o christianity_n and_o civil_a society_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o this_o island_n than_o that_o of_o those_o that_o thus_o accuse_v we_o do_v sufficient_o guard_v we_o against_o this_o calumny_n that_o we_o may_v indeed_o appeal_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o thy_o conscience_n as_o a_o witness_n for_o we_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o nation_n these_o thing_n move_v i_o to_o present_v the_o world_n with_o a_o brief_a but_o true_a account_n of_o this_o people_n principle_n in_o some_o short_a theological_a proposition_n which_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n prove_v successful_a beyond_o my_o expectation_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o several_a and_o to_o the_o move_n in_o many_o a_o desire_n of_o be_v far_o inform_v concern_v we_o as_o be_v every_o where_o evil_o speak_v of_o and_o likewise_o meet_v with_o public_a opposition_n by_o some_o as_o such_o will_v always_o do_v so_o long_o as_o the_o devil_n rule_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n i_o be_v thereby_o further_o engage_v in_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o present_v to_o the_o world_n this_o apology_n of_o the_o truth_n hold_v by_o those_o people_n which_o because_o of_o thy_o interest_n in_o they_o and_o they_o in_o thou_o as_o have_v first_o appear_v and_o most_o increase_v in_o these_o nation_n under_o thy_o rule_n i_o make_v bold_a to_o present_v unto_o thou_o thou_o know_v and_o have_v experience_v their_o faithfulness_n towards_o their_o god_n their_o patience_n in_o suffering_n their_o peaceableness_n towards_o the_o king_n their_o honesty_n plainness_n and_o integrity_n in_o their_o faithful_a warning_n and_o testimony_n to_o thou_o and_o if_o thou_o will_v allow_v thyself_o so_o much_o time_n as_o to_o read_v this_o thou_o may_v find_v how_o consonant_a their_o principle_n be_v both_o to_o scripture_n truth_n and_o right_a reason_n the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o behaviour_n the_o generality_n of_o their_o condition_n as_o be_v poor_a man_n and_o illiterate_a the_o manner_n of_o their_o procedure_n be_v without_o the_o wisdom_n and_o policy_n of_o this_o world_n have_v make_v many_o conclude_v they_o fool_n and_o mad_a man_n and_o neglect_v they_o as_o not_o be_v capable_a of_o reason_n but_o though_o it_o be_v to_o they_o as_o their_o crown_n thus_o to_o be_v esteem_v of_o the_o wise_a and_o great_a and_o learned_a of_o this_o world_n and_o though_o they_o rejoice_v to_o be_v account_v fool_n for_o christ_n sake_n yet_o of_o late_a some_o even_o such_o who_o in_o the_o world_n account_n be_v esteem_v both_o wise_a and_o learned_a begin_v to_o judge_v otherwise_o of_o they_o and_o find_v that_o they_o hold_v forth_o thing_n very_o agreeable_a both_o to_o scripture_n reason_n and_o true_a learning_n as_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n i_o bear_v so_o it_o be_v far_o from_o i_o to_o use_v this_o epistle_n as_o a_o engine_n to_o 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inhabitant_n of_o england_n so_o thou_o may_v not_o want_v a_o seasonable_a advertisement_n from_o a_o memher_n of_o thy_o ancient_a kingdom_n of_o scotland_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v which_o i_o hope_v thou_o shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v trouble_v at_o that_o god_n be_v raise_v up_o and_o increase_v that_o people_n in_o that_o nation_n and_o the_o nation_n shall_v also_o hereby_o know_v that_o the_o truth_n we_o profess_v be_v not_o a_o work_n of_o darkness_n nor_o propagate_v by_o stealth_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n because_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n and_o that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n so_o inconsistent_a with_o government_n nor_o such_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n as_o our_o enemy_n by_o traduce_v we_o have_v seek_v to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v we_o be_v for_o what_o to_o thou_o i_o dare_v appeal_n as_o a_o witness_n of_o our_o peaceableness_n and_o christian_a patience_n generation_n to_o come_v shall_v not_o more_o admire_v that_o singular_a step_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o restore_v thou_o to_o thy_o throne_n without_o outward_a bloodshed_n than_o they_o shall_v admire_v the_o increase_n and_o progress_n of_o this_o truth_n without_o all_o outward_a help_n and_o against_o so_o great_a opposition_n which_o shall_v be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o thing_n render_v thy_o memory_n remarkable_a god_n have_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o thou_o he_o have_v sufficient_o show_v thou_o that_o it_o be_v by_o he_o prince_n rule_v and_o that_o he_o can_v pull_v down_o and_o set_v up_o at_o his_o pleasure_n he_o have_v often_o faithful_o warn_v thou_o by_o his_o servant_n since_o he_o restore_v thou_o to_o thy_o royal_a dignity_n that_o thy_o heart_n may_v not_o wax_v wanton_a against_o he_o to_o forget_v his_o mercy_n and_o providence_n towards_o thou_o whereby_o he_o may_v permit_v thou_o
to_o be_v soothe_v up_o and_o lull_v asleep_o in_o thy_o sin_n by_o the_o flatter_a of_o court-parasit_n who_o by_o their_o fawn_a be_v the_o ruin_n of_o many_o prince_n there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o the_o world_n who_o can_v so_o experimental_o testify_v of_o god_n providence_n and_o goodness_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o who_o rule_v so_o many_o free_a people_n so_o many_o true_a christian_n which_o thing_n render_v thy_o government_n more_o honourable_a thyself_o more_o considerable_a than_o the_o accession_n of_o many_o nation_n fill_v with_o slavish_a and_o superstitious_a soul_n thou_o have_v taste_v of_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n thou_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v banish_v thy_o native_a country_n to_o be_v overrule_v as_o well_o as_o to_o rule_v and_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o be_v oppress_v thou_o have_v reason_n to_o know_v how_o hateful_a the_o oppressor_n be_v both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n if_o after_o all_o these_o warning_n and_o advertisement_n thou_o do_v not_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n withal_o thy_o heart_n but_o forget_v he_o who_o remember_v thou_o in_o thy_o distress_n and_o give_v up_o thyself_o to_o follow_v lust_n and_o vanity_n sure_o great_a will_v be_v thy_o condemnation_n against_o which_o snare_n as_o well_o as_o the_o temptation_n of_o those_o that_o may_v or_o do_v feed_v thou_o and_o prompt_v thou_o to_o evil_a the_o most_o excellent_a and_o prevalent_a remedy_n will_v be_v to_o apply_v thyself_o to_o that_o light_n of_o christ_n which_o shine_v in_o thy_o conscience_n which_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v flatter_v thou_o nor_o suffer_v thou_o to_o be_v at_o ease_n in_o thy_o sin_n but_o do_v and_o will_v deal_v plain_o and_o faithful_o with_o thou_o as_o those_o that_o be_v follower_n thereof_o have_v also_o do_v god_n almighty_a who_o have_v so_o signal_o hitherto_o visit_v thou_o with_o his_o love_n so_o touch_v and_o reach_v thy_o heart_n ere_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o visitation_n be_v expire_v that_o thou_o may_v effectual_o turn_v to_o he_o so_o as_o to_o improve_v thy_o place_n and_o station_n for_o his_o name_n so_o wish_v so_o pray_v thy_o faithful_a friend_n and_o subject_a robert_n barclay_n from_o ury_n the_o place_n of_o my_o pilgrimage_n in_o my_o native_a country_n of_o scotland_n the_o 25_o of_o the_o month_n call_v november_n in_o the_o year_n 1675._o r._n b._n unto_o the_o friendly_a reader_n wish_v salvation_n forasmuch_o as_o that_o which_o above_o all_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o myself_o be_v to_o declare_v and_o defend_v the_o truth_n for_o the_o service_n whereof_o i_o have_v give_v up_o and_o devote_v myself_o and_o all_o that_o be_v i_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o for_o its_o sake_n by_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n i_o may_v not_o attempt_v and_o in_o this_o confidence_n i_o do_v sometime_o ago_o publish_v certain_a proposition_n of_o divinity_n comprehend_v brief_o the_o chief_a principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o appear_v not_o unprofitable_a to_o some_o and_o be_v beyond_o my_o expectation_n well_o receive_v both_o by_o foreigner_n though_o dissent_v from_o we_o albeit_o also_o oppose_v by_o some_o envious_a one_o do_v so_o far_o prevail_v as_o in_o some_o part_n to_o remove_v that_o false_a and_o monstruous_a opinion_n which_o lie_v fame_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o our_o adversary_n have_v implant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o concern_v we_o and_o our_o doctrine_n in_o this_o respect_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o not_o fit_a to_o spare_v my_o pain_n and_o labour_n therefore_o be_v act_v by_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o the_o like_a design_n of_o propagate_a the_o truth_n by_o which_o i_o publish_v the_o proposition_n i_o judge_v it_o meet_v to_o explain_v they_o somewhat_o more_o large_o at_o this_o time_n and_o defend_v they_o by_o certain_a argument_n perhaps_o my_o method_n of_o writing_n may_v seem_v not_o only_o different_a but_o even_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o be_v common_o use_v by_o the_o man_n call_v divine_n with_o which_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v for_o that_o i_o confess_v myself_o to_o be_v not_o only_o no_o imitator_n and_o admirer_n of_o the_o schoolman_n but_o a_o opposer_n and_o despiser_n of_o they_o as_o such_o by_o who_o labour_n i_o judge_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v better_v that_o it_o be_v rather_o destroy_v neither_o have_v i_o seek_v to_o accommodate_v this_o my_o work_n to_o itch_a ear_n who_o desire_n rather_o to_o comprehend_v in_o their_o head_n the_o sublime_a notion_n of_o truth_n than_o to_o embrace_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n for_o what_o i_o have_v write_v come_v more_o from_o my_o heart_n than_o from_o my_o head_n what_o i_o have_v hear_v with_o the_o ear_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o see_v with_o my_o inward_a eye_n and_o my_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o what_o have_v be_v inward_o manifest_v to_o i_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n that_o do_v i_o declare_v not_o so_o much_o mind_v the_o eloquence_n and_o excellency_n of_o speech_n as_o desire_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o efficacy_n and_o operation_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o i_o err_v sometime_o in_o the_o former_a it_o be_v not_o great_a matter_n for_o i_o act_v not_o here_o the_o grammarian_n or_o the_o orator_n but_o the_o christian_a and_o therefore_o in_o this_o i_o have_v follow_v the_o certain_a rule_n of_o the_o divine_a light_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o make_v a_o end_n what_o i_o have_v write_v be_v write_v not_o to_o feed_v the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n or_o rather_o vain_a pride_n of_o this_o world_n but_o to_o starve_v and_o oppose_v it_o we_o the_o little_a preface_n prefix_v to_o the_o proposition_n do_v show_v which_o with_o the_o title_n of_o they_o be_v as_o follow_v thesis_n theologicae_fw-la to_o the_o clergy_n of_o what_o sort_n soever_o unto_o who_o hand_n these_o may_v come_v but_o more_o particular_o to_o the_o doctor_n professor_n and_o student_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o university_n and_o school_n of_o great_a britain_n whether_o prelatical_a presbyterian_a or_o any_o other_o robert_n barclay_n a_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n and_o one_o of_o those_o who_o in_o derision_n be_v call_v quaker_n wish_v unfeigned_a repentance_n unto_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n friend_n unto_o you_o these_o follow_a proposition_n be_v offer_v in_o which_o they_o be_v read_v and_o consider_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n you_o may_v perceive_v that_o simple_a naked_a truth_n which_o man_n by_o his_o wisdom_n have_v render_v so_o obscure_a and_o mysterious_a that_o the_o world_n be_v even_o burden_a with_o the_o great_a and_o voluminous_a tractate_v which_o be_v make_v about_o it_o and_o by_o their_o vain_a jangle_n and_o commentary_n by_o which_o it_o be_v render_v a_o hundred_o fold_n more_o dark_a and_o intricate_a than_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v which_o great_a learning_n so_o account_v of_o to_o wit_n your_o school_n divinity_n which_o take_v up_o almost_o a_o man_n whole_a life-time_n to_o learn_v bring_v not_o a_o whit_n near_o to_o god_n neither_o make_v any_o man_n less_o wicked_a or_o more_o righteous_a than_o he_o be_v therefore_o have_v god_n lay_v aside_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a and_o the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n and_o have_v choose_v a_o few_o despicable_a and_o unlearned_a instrument_n as_o to_o letter-learning_n as_o he_o do_v fisherman_n of_o old_a to_o publish_v his_o pure_a and_o naked_a truth_n and_o to_o free_v it_o of_o these_o mist_n and_o fog_n wherewith_o the_o clergy_n have_v cloud_v it_o that_o the_o people_n may_v admire_v and_o maintain_v they_o and_o among_o several_a other_o who_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o make_v know_v these_o thing_n see_v i_o also_o have_v receive_v in_o measure_n grace_n to_o be_v a_o dispenser_n of_o the_o same_o gospel_n it_o seem_v good_a unto_o i_o according_a to_o my_o duty_n to_o offer_v unto_o you_o these_o proposition_n though_o short_a yet_o be_v weighty_a comprehend_v much_o and_o declare_v what_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o knowledge_n be_v even_o of_o that_o knowledge_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n eternal_a which_o be_v here_o witness_v of_o and_o the_o testimony_n thereof_o leave_v unto_o the_o light_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o your_o conscience_n farewell_o r._n b._n the_o first_o proposition_n concern_v the_o true_a foundation_n of_o knowledge_n see_v the_o height_n of_o all_o happiness_n be_v place_v in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v the_o true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v the_o true_a and_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o foundation_n and_o ground_n of_o knowledge_n be_v that_o 17.3_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v in_o the_o first_o place_n
the_o second_o proposition_n concern_v immediate_a revelation_n see_v no_o man_n know_v the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o who_o the_o son_n reveal_v he_o 11.27_o and_o see_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o son_n be_v in_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o alone_a by_o which_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n have_v be_v be_v and_o can_v be_v only_o reveal_v who_o as_o by_o the_o move_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n convert_v the_o chaos_n of_o this_o world_n into_o that_o wonderful_a order_n wherein_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o create_v man_n a_o live_a soul_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v it_o so_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n he_o have_v manifest_v himself_o all_o along_o unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n both_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o revelation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n whether_o by_o outward_a voice_n and_o appearance_n dream_n or_o inward_a objective_n manifestation_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v of_o old_a the_o formal_a object_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o remain_v yet_o so_o to_o be_v since_o the_o object_n of_o the_o saint_n faith_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n though_o set_v forth_o under_o divers_a administration_n moreover_o these_o divine_a inward_a revelation_n which_o we_o make_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o build_n up_o of_o true_a faith_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v ever_o contradict_v the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o right_a and_o find_v reason_n yet_o from_o hence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o these_o divine_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o examination_n either_o of_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o of_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o man_n as_o to_o a_o more_o noble_a or_o certain_a rule_n or_o touchstone_n for_o this_o divine_a revelation_n and_o inward_a illumination_n be_v that_o which_o be_v evident_a and_o clear_a of_o itself_o force_v by_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o clearness_n the_o well_o dispose_v understanding_n to_o assent_v irresistible_o move_v the_o same_o thereunto_o even_o as_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o natural_a truth_n move_v and_o incline_v the_o mind_n to_o natural_a assent_n such_o as_o be_v these_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n that_o two_o contradictory_n saying_n can_v be_v both_o true_a or_o false_a which_o be_v also_o manifest_a according_a to_o our_o adversary_n principle_n who_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o inward_a divine_a revelation_n will_v nevertheless_o confess_v with_o we_o that_o neither_o scripture_n nor_o find_v reason_n will_v contradict_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v according_a to_o they_o that_o the_o scripture_n or_o find_v reason_n shall_v be_v subject_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o heart_n the_o three_o proposition_n concern_v the_o scripture_n from_o these_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o saint_n have_v proceed_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o contain_v 1._o a_o faithful_a historical_a account_n of_o the_o act_n of_o god_n people_n in_o divers_a age_n with_o many_o singular_a and_o remarkable_a providence_n attend_v they_o 2._o a_o prophetical_a account_n of_o several_a thing_n whereof_o some_o be_v already_o past_a and_o some_o yet_o to_o come_v 3._o a_o full_a and_o ample_a account_n of_o all_o the_o chief_a principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n hold_v forth_o in_o divers_a precious_a declaration_n exhortation_n and_o sentence_n which_o by_o the_o move_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v at_o several_a time_n and_o upon_o sundry_a occasion_n speak_v and_o write_v unto_o some_o church_n and_o their_o pastor_n nevertheless_o because_o they_o be_v only_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o fountain_n and_o not_o the_o fountain_n itself_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o principal_a ground_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o knowledge_n nor_o yet_o the_o adequate_a primary_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n nevertheless_o as_o that_o which_o give_v a_o true_a and_o faithful_a testimony_n of_o the_o first_o foundation_n they_o be_v and_o may_v be_v esteem_v a_o secondary_a rule_n subordinate_a to_o the_o spirit_n from_o which_o they_o have_v all_o their_o excellency_n and_o certainty_n for_o as_o by_o the_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o do_v alone_o true_o know_v they_o so_o they_o testify_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o guide_n by_o which_o the_o saint_n be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n 8.14_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n be_v the_o first_o and_o principle_n leader_n and_o see_v we_o do_v therefore_o receive_v and_o believe_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o also_o the_o spirit_n be_v more_o original_o and_o principal_o the_o rule_n according_a to_o that_o receive_a maxim_n in_o the_o school_n propter_fw-la quod_fw-la unumquodque_fw-la est_fw-la tale_n illud_fw-la ipsum_fw-la est_fw-la magis_fw-la tale_n english_v thus_o that_o for_o which_o a_o thing_n be_v such_o that_o thing_n itself_o be_v more_o such_o the_o four_o proposition_n concern_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o fall_n all_o adam_n posterity_n or_o mankind_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n 15._o as_o to_o the_o first_o adam_n or_o earthly_a man_n be_v fall_v degenerate_v and_o dead_a deprive_v of_o the_o sensation_n or_o feel_v of_o this_o inward_a testimony_n or_o seed_n of_o god_n and_o be_v subject_a unto_o the_o power_n nature_n and_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n which_o he_o sow_v in_o man_n heart_n while_o they_o abide_v in_o this_o natural_a and_o corrupt_a state_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o not_o their_o word_n and_o deed_n only_o but_o all_o their_o imagination_n be_v evil_a perpetual_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o proceed_v from_o this_o deprave_a and_o wicked_a seed_n man_n therefore_o as_o he_o be_v in_o this_o state_n can_v know_v nothing_o aright_o yea_o his_o thought_n and_o conception_n concern_v god_n and_o thing_n spiritual_a until_o he_o be_v disjoin_v from_o this_o evil_a seed_n and_o unite_v to_o the_o divine_a light_n be_v unprofitable_a both_o to_o himself_o and_o other_o hence_o be_v reject_v the_o socinian_n and_o pelagian_a error_n in_o exalt_v a_o natural_a light_n as_o also_o the_o papist_n and_o most_o of_o protestant_n who_o affirm_v that_o man_n without_o the_o true_a grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v a_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n nevertheless_o this_o seed_n be_v not_o impute_v to_o infant_n 2.1_o until_o by_o transgression_n they_o actual_o join_v themselves_o therewith_o for_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n who_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n the_o five_o and_o six_o proposition_n concern_v the_o universal_a redemption_n by_o christ_n and_o also_o the_o save_v and_o spiritual_a light_n wherewith_o every_o man_n be_v enlighten_v the_o five_o proposition_n god_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a love_n who_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o that_o all_o shall_v live_v and_o be_v save_v 2.9_o have_v so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v give_v his_o only_a son_n a_o light_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v who_o enlighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o make_v manifest_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v reprovable_a and_o teach_v all_o temperance_n righteousness_n and_o godliness_n and_o this_o light_n enlighten_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o in_o a_o day_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n if_o not_o resist_v nor_o be_v it_o less_o universal_a than_o the_o seed_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o purchase_n of_o his_o death_n who_o taste_v death_n for_o every_o man_n for_o as_o in_o adam_n all_o die_n even_o so_o in_o christ_n all_o shall_v be_v make_v alive_a 15.22_o the_o six_o proposition_n according_a to_o which_o principle_n or_o hypothesis_n all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o universality_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v easy_o solve_v neither_o be_v it_o needful_a to_o recur_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n and_o those_o other_o miraculous_a mean_n which_o they_o say_v god_n make_v use_v of_o to_o manifest_v the_o doctrine_n and_o history_n of_o christ_n passion_n unto_o such_o who_o live_v in_o those_o place_n of_o the_o world_n where_o the_o outward_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v unknown_a have_v well_o improve_v the_o first_o and_o common_a grace_n for_o hence_o it_o well_o follow_v that_o as_o some_o of_o the_o old_a philosopher_n may_v have_v be_v save_v so_o also_o may_v now_o some_o who_o by_o providence_n be_v cast_v into_o those_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o history_n be_v want_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a mystery_n if_o they_o receive_v and_o resist_v not_o that_o grace_n a_o manifestation_n whereof_o be_v give_v
for_o this_o vain_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o their_o knowledge_n hinder_v they_o from_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o the_o mean_a people_n who_o be_v not_o so_o much_o preoccupy_v with_o former_a principle_n nor_o conceit_v of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n do_v easy_o believe_v wherefore_o the_o pharisee_n upbraid_v they_o say_v have_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o pharisee_n believe_v in_o he_o 49._o but_o this_o people_n which_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v accurse_v this_o be_v also_o abundant_o prove_v by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v secret_o touch_v with_o the_o call_n of_o god_n grace_n unto_o they_o do_v apply_v themselves_o unto_o false_a teacher_n where_o the_o remedy_n prove_v worse_a than_o the_o disease_n because_o instead_o of_o know_v god_n or_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o their_o salvation_n aright_o they_o drink_v in_o wrong_a opinion_n of_o he_o from_o which_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v disintangled_n than_o while_o the_o soul_n remain_v a_o blank_a or_o tabala_n rasa_fw-la for_o they_o that_o conceit_n themselves_o wise_a be_v worse_a to_o deal_v with_o than_o they_o that_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o ignorance_n nor_o have_v it_o be_v less_o the_o device_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o great_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n to_o persuade_v man_n into_o wrong_a notion_n of_o god_n than_o to_o keep_v they_o altogether_o from_o acknowledge_v he_o the_o latter_a take_n with_o few_o because_o odious_a but_o the_o other_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a ruin_n of_o the_o world_n for_o there_o have_v scarce_o be_v a_o nation_n find_v but_o have_v have_v some_o notion_n or_o other_o of_o religion_n so_o that_o not_o from_o their_o deny_v any_o deity_n but_o from_o their_o mistake_n and_o misapprehension_n of_o it_o have_v proceed_v all_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o world_n yea_o hence_o even_o atheism_n itself_o have_v proceed_v for_o these_o many_o and_o various_a opinion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v so_o much_o mix_v with_o the_o guessing_n and_o uncertain_a judgement_n of_o man_n have_v beget_v in_o many_o the_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o that_o may_v be_v say_v may_v show_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o miss_v in_o the_o first_o step_n all_o that_o come_v not_o in_o by_o the_o door_n be_v account_v as_o thief_n and_o robber_n again_o how_o needful_a and_o desirable_a that_o knowledge_n be_v which_o bring_v life_n eternal_a epictetus_n show_v say_v excellent_o well_o cap._n 38._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d know_v that_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o piety_n be_v this_o to_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d right_a opinion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n this_o therefore_o i_o judge_v necessary_a as_o a_o first_o principle_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o affirm_v and_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o need_v much_o further_a explanation_n nor_o defence_n as_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o and_o in_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o controversy_n i_o love_v to_o be_v brief_a as_o that_o which_o will_v easy_o commend_v itself_o to_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o proposition_n which_o though_o it_o be_v nothing_o less_o certain_a yet_o by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o ignorance_n of_o many_o come_v far_o more_o under_o debate_n the_o second_o proposition_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n see_v no_o man_n know_v the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o who_o the_o son_n reveal_v he_o matt._n 11.27_o and_o see_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o son_n be_v in_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v that_o alone_a by_o which_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n have_v be_v be_v and_o can_v be_v only_o reveal_v who_o as_o by_o the_o move_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n he_o dispose_v the_o chaos_n of_o this_o world_n into_o that_o wonderful_a order_n wherein_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o create_v man_n a_o live_a soul_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v it_o so_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n he_o have_v manifest_v himself_o all_o along_o unto_o the_o son_n of_o man_n both_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n which_o revelation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n whether_o by_o outward_a voice_n and_o appearance_n dream_n or_o inward_a objective_n manifestation_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v of_o old_a the_o former_a object_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o remain_v yet_o so_o to_o be_v since_o the_o object_n of_o the_o saint_n faith_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n though_o hold_v forth_o under_o divers_a administration_n moreover_o these_o divine_a inward_a revelation_n which_o we_o make_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o build_n up_o of_o true_a faith_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v ever_o contradict_v the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o right_a and_o sound_a reason_n yet_o from_o hence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o divine_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o test_n either_o of_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o of_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o man_n as_o to_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o certain_a rule_n and_o touchstone_n for_o this_o divine_a revelation_n and_o inward_a illumination_n be_v that_o which_o be_v evident_a and_o clear_a of_o itself_o force_v by_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o clearness_n the_o well_o dispose_v understanding_n to_o assent_v irresistible_o move_v the_o same_o thereunto_o even_o as_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o natural_a truth_n do_v move_v and_o incline_v the_o mind_n to_o a_o natural_a assent_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o its_o part_n that_o two_o contradictory_n can_v neither_o be_v both_o true_a nor_o both_o false_a §_o i._o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o many_o carnal_a and_o natural_a christian_n will_v oppose_v this_o proposition_n who_o be_v whole_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o moving_n and_o act_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o their_o heart_n judge_v the_o same_o nothing_o necessary_a and_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o flout_v at_o it_o as_o ridiculous_a yea_o to_o that_o height_n be_v the_o generality_n of_o all_o christian_n apostatise_v and_o degenerate_v that_o though_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n more_o plain_o assert_v more_o serious_o recommend_v nor_o more_o certain_o arte_v to_o in_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o nothing_o be_v less_o mind_v and_o more_o reject_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n than_o immediate_a and_o divine_a revelation_n in_o so_o much_o that_o once_o to_o lay_v claim_n to_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o reproach_n whereas_o of_o old_a none_o be_v ever_o judge_v christian_n but_o such_o as_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n rom._n 8.9_o but_o now_o many_o do_v bold_o call_v themselves_o christian_n who_o make_v no_o difficulty_n of_o confess_v they_o be_v without_o it_o and_o laugh_v at_o such_o as_o say_v they_o have_v it_o of_o old_a they_o be_v account_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ibid._n verse_n 14._o but_o now_o many_o aver_v themselves_o son_n of_o god_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o this_o leader_n and_o he_o that_o affirm_v himself_o so_o lead_v be_v by_o the_o pretend_a orthodox_n of_o this_o age_n present_o proclaim_v a_o heretic_n the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v very_o manifest_a viz_o because_o many_o in_o these_o day_n under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n do_v experimental_o find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o act_v nor_o lead_v by_o god_n spirit_n yea_o many_o great_a doctor_n divine_n teacher_n and_o bishop_n of_o christianity_n common_o so_o call_v have_v whole_o shut_v their_o ear_n from_o hear_v and_o their_o eye_n from_o see_v this_o inward_a guide_n and_o so_o be_v become_v stranger_n unto_o it_o whence_o they_o be_v by_o their_o own_o experience_n bring_v to_o this_o strait_a either_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o ignorant_a of_o god_n and_o have_v only_o the_o shadow_n of_o knowledge_n and_o not_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o or_o that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v acquire_v without_o immediate_a revelation_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n then_o of_o this_o proposition_n we_o do_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o uncertain_a betwixt_o the_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o the_o literal_a the_o save_a heart-knowledg_n and_o soar_a airy_a head-knowledg_n the_o last_o we_o confess_v may_v be_v divers_a obtain_v but_o the_o first_o by_o no_o other_o way_n than_o the_o inward_a immediate_a manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n spirit_n shine_v in_o and_o upon_o the_o heart_n enlighten_v and_o open_v the_o understanding_n §_o ii_o have_v then_o propose_v to_o myself_o in_o these_o proposition_n to_o affirm_v those_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o true_a and_o effectual_a knowledge_n which_o bring_v
the_o daily_a clamour_n of_o their_o preacher_n do_v not_o only_o violent_o take_v up_o the_o house_n of_o the_o reform_a teacher_n overturn_v their_o library_n and_o spoil_v their_o furniture_n but_o also_o with_o reproachful_a word_n yea_o and_o with_o stone_n assaulted_z the_o marquess_z of_o brandeburgh_n the_o elector_n brother_n while_o he_o seek_v by_o smooth_a word_n to_o quiet_a the_o fury_n of_o the_o multitude_n they_o kill_v ten_o of_o his_o guard_n scarce_o spare_v himself_o who_o at_o last_o by_o flight_n escape_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n all_o which_o sufficient_o declare_v that_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o magistrate_n do_v not_o alter_v their_o principle_n but_o only_o their_o method_n of_o procedure_n so_o that_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o see_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o act_n of_o those_o of_o munster_n and_o these_o other_o whereof_o the_o one_o pretend_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o other_o by_o tradition_n scripture_n and_o reason_n save_v this_o that_o the_o former_a be_v rash_a heady_a and_o foolish_a in_o their_o proceed_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o soon_o bring_v to_o nothing_o and_o so_o into_o contempt_n and_o derision_n but_o the_o other_o be_v more_o politic_a and_o wise_a in_o their_o generation_n hold_v it_o out_o long_o and_o so_o have_v authorize_v their_o wickedness_n more_o with_o seem_a authority_n of_o law_n and_o reason_n but_o both_o their_o act_n be_v equal_o evil_a the_o difference_n appear_v to_o i_o to_o be_v only_o like_o that_o which_o be_v betwixt_o a_o simple_a silly_a thief_n that_o be_v easy_o catch_v and_o hang_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n and_o a_o company_n of_o resolute_a bold_a robber_n who_o be_v better_a guard_v though_o their_o offence_n be_v nothing_o less_o yet_o by_o violence_n do_v to_o evite_v the_o danger_n force_v their_o master_n to_o give_v they_o good_a term_n from_o all_o which_o then_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o they_o argue_v very_o ill_o that_o despise_v and_o reject_v any_o principle_n because_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o do_v evil_a in_o case_n it_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a and_o consequential_a tendency_n of_o that_o principle_n to_o lead_v unto_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a again_o it_o do_v follow_v from_o what_o be_v above_o assert_v that_o if_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v upon_o this_o account_n all_o these_o other_o principle_n ought_v on_o the_o same_o account_n to_o be_v reject_v and_o for_o my_o part_n as_o i_o have_v never_o a_o whit_n the_o low_a esteem_n of_o the_o bless_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o do_v the_o less_o respect_n any_o solid_a tradition_n that_o be_v answerable_a and_o according_a to_o truth_n neither_o at_o all_o despise_v reason_n that_o noble_a and_o excellent_a faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n because_o wicked_a man_n have_v abuse_v the_o name_n of_o they_o to_o cover_v their_o wickedness_n and_o deceive_v the_o simple_a so_o will_v i_o not_o have_v any_o reject_v or_o diffide_v the_o certainty_n of_o that_o unerring_a spirit_n which_o god_n have_v give_v his_o child_n as_o that_o which_o can_v alone_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n because_o some_o have_v false_o pretend_v to_o it_o §_o xv._n and_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o sound_a reason_n therefore_o we_o have_v well_o say_v that_o it_o can_v contradict_v neither_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o right_a reason_n yet_o as_o the_o proposition_n itself_o conclude_v to_o who_o last_o part_n i_o now_o come_v it_o will_v not_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o these_o divine_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o examination_n either_o of_o the_o outward_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n or_o of_o the_o humane_a or_o natural_a reason_n of_o man_n as_o to_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o certain_a rule_n and_o touchstone_n for_o the_o divine_a revelation_n and_o inward_a illumination_n be_v that_o which_o be_v evident_a by_o itself_o force_v the_o wel-distosed_n understanding_n and_o irresistible_o move_v it_o to_o assent_v by_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o clearness_n even_o as_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o natural_a truth_n do_v bow_v the_o mind_n to_o a_o natural_a assent_n he_o that_o deny_v this_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n must_v needs_o affirm_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v nor_o ever_o have_v manifest_v itself_o to_o man_n without_o the_o scripture_n or_o a_o distinct_a discursion_n of_o reason_n or_o that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o supernatural_a principle_n work_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v less_o evident_a then_o natural_a principle_n in_o their_o common_a operation_n both_o which_o be_v false_a for_o first_o through_o all_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o manifestation_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v immediate_a and_o objective_a as_o be_v above_o prove_v which_o they_o do_v not_o examine_v by_o any_o other_o principle_n but_o their_o own_o evidence_n and_o clearness_n second_o to_o say_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v less_o evidence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n then_o natural_a principle_n have_v be_v to_o have_v too_o mean_a and_o low_a thought_n of_o it_o how_o come_v david_n to_o invite_v we_o to_o taste_v and_o see_v that_o god_n be_v good_a if_o this_o can_v be_v feel_v and_o taste_v this_o be_v enough_o to_o overturn_v the_o faith_n and_o assurance_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n both_o now_o and_o of_o old_a how_o come_v paul_n to_o be_v persuade_v that_o nothing_o can_v separate_v he_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o by_o evidence_n and_o clearness_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v he_o the_o apostle_n john_n who_o know_v well_o wherein_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n consist_v judge_v it_o no_o way_n absurd_a without_o further_a argument_n to_o ascribe_v his_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n and_o that_o of_o all_o the_o saint_n hereunto_o in_o these_o word_n hereby_o know_v we_o that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n 1_o joh._n 4.13_o and_o again_o 5_o 6._o its_o the_o spirit_n that_o bear_v witness_v because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n observe_v the_o reason_n bring_v by_o he_o because_o the_o spirit_n be_v truth_n of_o who_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n i_o have_v heretofore_o speak_v we_o then_o trust_v to_o and_o confide_v in_o this_o spirit_n because_o we_o know_v and_o certain_o believe_v that_o it_o can_v only_o lead_v we_o a_o right_a and_o never_o mislead_v we_o and_o from_o this_o certain_a confidence_n it_o be_v that_o we_o affirm_v that_o no_o revelation_n come_v from_o it_o can_v ever_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n testimony_n nor_o right_a reason_n not_o as_o make_v this_o a_o more_o certain_a rule_n to_o ourselves_o but_o as_o condescend_v to_o such_o who_o not_o discern_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o proceed_v pure_o from_o god_n will_v try_v they_o by_o these_o medium_n yet_o those_o that_o have_v the_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o can_v savour_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v in_o prima_fw-la instantia_fw-la i._n e._n at_o the_o first_o blush_n can_v discern_v they_o without_o or_o before_o they_o apply_v they_o either_o to_o scripture_n or_o reason_n just_o as_o a_o good_a astronomer_n can_v calculate_v a_o eclipse_n infallible_o by_o which_o he_o can_v conclude_v if_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n continue_v and_o some_o strange_a and_o unnatural_a revolution_n intervene_v not_o there_o will_v be_v a_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o moon_n such_o a_o day_n and_o such_o a_o hour_n yet_o can_v he_o not_o persuade_v a_o ignorant_a rustic_a of_o this_o until_o he_o visible_o see_v it_o so_o also_o a_o mathematician_n can_v infallible_o know_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o art_n that_o the_o three_o side_n of_o a_o right_a triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a angle_n yea_o can_v know_v they_o more_o certain_o than_o any_o man_n by_o measure_n and_o some_o geometrical_a demonstration_n be_v by_o all_o acknowledge_a to_o be_v infallible_a which_o can_v be_v scarce_o discern_v or_o prove_v by_o the_o sense_n yet_o if_o a_o geometer_n be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o certify_v some_o ignorant_a man_n concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o art_n by_o condescend_v to_o measure_v it_o and_o make_v it_o obvious_a to_o his_o sense_n it_o will_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o that_o measure_n be_v so_o certain_a as_o the_o demonstration_n itself_o or_o that_o the_o demonstration_n will_v be_v uncertain_a without_o §_o xvi_o but_o to_o make_v a_o end_n i_o shall_v add_v one_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o this_o inward_a immediate_a objective_n revelation_n which_o we_o have_v plead_v for_o all_o along_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a certain_a and_o
and_o whereof_o he_o be_v a_o minister_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o be_v not_o far_o off_o but_o nigh_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o mouth_n which_o do_v he_o frame_v as_o it_o be_v the_o objection_n of_o our_o adversary_n in_o the_o 12_o and_o 15_o verse_n how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n this_o he_o answer_v in_o the_o 18_o verse_n say_v but_o i_o say_v have_v they_o not_o hear_v yes_o very_o their_o sound_n go_v forth_o into_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o word_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n insinuate_v that_o this_o divine_a preacher_n have_v sound_v in_o the_o ear_n and_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n for_o of_o the_o outward_a apostle_n that_o say_v be_v not_o true_a neither_o then_o nor_o many_o hundred_o year_n after_o yea_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v there_o may_v be_v yet_o great_a and_o spacious_a nation_n and_o kingdom_n who_o never_o have_v hear_v of_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n as_o outward_o this_o inward_a and_o powerful_a word_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o more_o full_o describe_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n c._n 4._o v._n 12_o 13._o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o virtue_n of_o this_o spiritual_a word_n be_v here_o enumerate_v it_o be_v quick_a because_o it_o search_v and_o try_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o no_o man_n heart_n be_v exempt_a from_o it_o for_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o reason_n of_o its_o be_v so_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n but_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_v unto_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o creature_n that_o be_v not_o manifest_a in_o his_o sight_n though_o this_o ultimate_o and_o mediate_o be_v refer_v to_o god_n yet_o near_o and_o immediate_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o word_n or_o light_n which_o as_o have_v be_v before_o prove_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o else_o it_o have_v be_v improper_a to_o have_v bring_v it_o in_o here_o the_o apostle_n show_v how_o every_o intent_n and_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v discern_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a before_o god_n which_o import_v nothing_o else_o but_o it_o be_v in_o and_o by_o this_o word_n whereby_o god_n see_v and_o discern_v man_n thought_n and_o so_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o all_o man_n because_o the_o apostle_n say_v there_o be_v no_o creature_n that_o be_v not_o manifest_a in_o his_o sight_n this_o then_o be_v that_o faithful_a witness_n and_o messenger_n of_o god_n that_o bear_v witness_n for_o god_n and_o for_o his_o righteousness_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n for_o he_o have_v not_o left_a man_n without_o a_o witness_n act._n 14.17_o and_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v for_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o people_n isa._n 55.4_o and_o as_o this_o word_n bear_v witness_n for_o god_n so_o it_o be_v not_o place_v in_o man_n only_o to_o condemn_v they_o for_o as_o he_o be_v give_v for_o a_o witness_n so_o say_v the_o prophet_n he_o be_v give_v for_o a_o leader_n and_o a_o commander_n the_o light_n be_v give_v that_o all_o through_o it_o may_v believe_v joh._n 1.7_o for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o this_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v place_v in_o man_n heart_n both_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n for_o god_n and_o to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o god_n through_o faith_n and_o repentance_n it_o be_v therefore_o powerful_a that_o it_o may_v divide_v betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v like_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n that_o it_o may_v cut_v off_o iniquity_n from_o he_o and_o separate_v betwixt_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a and_o because_o man_n heart_n be_v cold_a and_o hard_o like_a iron_n natural_o therefore_o have_v god_n place_v this_o word_n in_o he_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o a_o fire_n and_o like_o a_o hammer_n jer._n 23.29_o that_o like_v as_o by_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o fire_n the_o iron_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n cold_a be_v warm_v and_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o hammer_n be_v soften_v and_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o worker_n so_o the_o cold_a and_o hard_a heart_n of_o man_n be_v by_o the_o virtue_n and_o powerfulness_n of_o this_o word_n of_o god_n near_o and_o in_o the_o heart_n as_o it_o resist_v not_o warm_v and_o soften_v and_o receive_v a_o heavenly_a and_o celestial_a impression_n and_o image_n the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o father_n have_v speak_v at_o large_a touch_v this_o word_n seed_n and_o light_n and_o save_a voice_n call_v all_o unto_o salvation_n and_o able_a to_o save_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n say_v lib._n 2._o stromat_n the_o divine_a word_n have_v ory_v call_v all_o know_v well_o those_o that_o will_v not_o obey_v and_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n either_o to_o obey_v or_o not_o to_o obey_v that_o none_o may_v have_v a_o pretext_n of_o ignorance_n it_o have_v make_v a_o righteous_a call_n and_o require_v but_o that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o ability_n and_o strength_n of_o every_o one_o the_o self_n same_o in_o his_o warning_n to_o the_o gentile_n for_o as_o say_v he_o that_o heavenly_a ambassador_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o new_a song_n coming_z and_o manifestation_n of_o the_o word_n which_o now_o show_v itself_o in_o we_o which_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o be_v first_o of_o all_o and_o again_o hear_v therefore_o you_o that_o be_v a_o far_o off_o hear_v you_o who_o be_v near_o the_o word_n be_v hide_v from_o none_o the_o light_n be_v common_a to_o all_o and_o shine_v to_o all_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n in_o the_o world_n let_v we_o hasten_v to_o salvation_n to_o the_o new_a birth_n that_o we_o be_v many_o may_v be_v gather_v into_o the_o one_o alone_a love_n ibid._n he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v infuse_v unto_o all_o but_o principal_o into_o those_o that_o be_v train_v up_o in_o doctrine_n a_o certain_a divine_a influence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o again_o he_o speak_v concern_v the_o innate_a witness_n worthy_a of_o belief_n which_o of_o itself_o do_v plain_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v most_o honest_a and_o again_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o come_v unto_o the_o truth_n and_o lie_v hold_v of_o it_o see_v it_o be_v most_o near_o to_o we_o in_o our_o own_o house_n as_o the_o most_o wise_a moses_n declare_v live_v in_o three_o part_n of_o we_o viz._n in_o our_o hand_n in_o our_o mouth_n and_o in_o our_o heart_n this_o say_v he_o be_v a_o most_o true_a badge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v also_o fulfil_v in_o three_o thing_n namely_o in_o council_n in_o action_n in_o speak_v and_o again_o he_o say_v also_o unto_o the_o unbelieving_a nation_n receive_v christ_n receive_v light_n receive_v sight_n to_o the_o and_o thou_o may_v right_o know_v both_o god_n and_o man_n the_o word_n that_o have_v enlighten_v we_o be_v more_o pleasant_a than_o gold_n and_o the_o stone_n of_o great_a value_n and_o again_o he_o say_v let_v we_o receive_v the_o light_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v god_n let_v we_o receive_v the_o light_n that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o scholar_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o again_o he_o say_v to_o those_o infidel_n nation_n the_o heavenly_a spirit_n help_v thou_o resist_v and_o flee_v pleasure_n again_o lib._n strom._n 5._o he_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o man_n be_v not_o a_o partaker_n of_o divine_a acquaintance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o in_o genesis_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o inspiration_n and_o paed._n lib._n 1_o cap._n 3._o there_o be_v say_v he_o some_o lovely_a and_o some_o desirable_a thing_n in_o man_n which_o be_v call_v the_o in_o breathe_v of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o man_n lib._n 10._o strom._n direct_v man_n unto_o the_o light_n and_o water_n in_o themselves_o who_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n darken_v or_o dim_v through_o evil_a up_o bring_v and_o learn_v let_v they_o enter_v in_o unto_o their_o own_o domestic_a light_n or_o unto_o the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o house_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unto_o the_o truth_n which_o manifest_v accurate_o and_o clear_o these_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v write_v justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o first_o apology_n say_v that_o the_o word_n which_o