the_o chidren_n of_o god_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n wherein_o stand_v the_o chief_a proof_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v god_n power_n to_o our_o salvation_n but_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o point_n that_o make_v the_o conclusion_n for_o without_o faith_n its_o impossible_a we_o can_v be_v or_o know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o notwithstanding_o that_o which_o make_v the_o infallible_a determination_n of_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n depend_v upon_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n within_o we_o without_o which_o all_o conceit_n of_o have_v faith_n be_v frivolous_a and_o vain_a the_o order_n then_o of_o our_o mind_n in_o search_v our_o spiritual_a estate_n be_v this_o 1._o we_o be_v to_o try_v and_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v of_o god_n or_o no_o for_o he_o be_v not_o of_o god_n that_o know_v not_o himself_o to_o be_v of_o god_n for_o according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o john_n he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o mind_n to_o know_v he_o which_o be_v true_a and_o we_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v true_a and_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n john_n 1_o epi._n 5._o 19_o 20._o second_o we_o be_v to_o try_v if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n because_o we_o never_o can_v know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v of_o god_n until_o the_o time_n we_o find_v ourselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v god_n word_n you_o therefore_o hear_v they_o not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n john_n 8._o 47._o 3._o for_o confirm_v our_o heart_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o 2._o point_v and_o so_o consequent_o in_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o first_o we_o be_v to_o try_v if_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o without_o which_o we_o can_v never_o assure_o know_v that_o we_o believe_v and_o so_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o christ_n speak_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v it_o at_o that_o day_n shall_v you_o know_v that_o i_o be_o in_o my_o father_n and_o you_o in_o 20._o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o and_o again_o in_o his_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o elect_a the_o glory_n that_o thou_o give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o as_o we_o be_v one_o i_o in_o they_o and_o thou_o in_o i_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v perfect_a in_o one_o john_n 17._o 22._o 23._o and_o again_o i_o have_v declare_v unto_o they_o thy_o name_n and_o will_v declare_v it_o that_o the_o love_n wherewith_o thou_o have_v love_v i_o may_v be_v in_o they_o and_o i_o in_o they_o ibidem_fw-la 17._o 26._o for_o which_o cause_n the_o saint_n be_v call_v the_o habitation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o spirit_n ephesian_n 2._o 22._o whereupon_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v that_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o same_o be_v not_o he_o rom._n 8._o 9_o and_o this_o dwell_n of_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n be_v only_o wrought_v by_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o bow_v my_o knee_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o may_v grant_v you_o according_a to_o the_o richnes_n of_o his_o glory_n that_o you_o may_v be_v strengthen_v by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n by_o say_v ephesian_n 3._o 14._o 15_o 16._o 17._o by_o all_o which_o it_o evident_o appear_v when_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n know_v himself_o indeed_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o also_o wherein_o this_o knowledge_n consist_v viz._n when_o he_o come_v to_o a_o lively_a feel_n and_o clear_a sight_n that_o christ_n be_v in_o he_o all_o other_o gift_n and_o grace_n whatsoever_o be_v of_o no_o value_n or_o force_n in_o the_o least_o to_o give_v any_o assurance_n or_o true_a knowledge_n to_o a_o man_n soul_n that_o he_o be_v true_o and_o effectual_o call_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n and_o hope_n of_o glory_n for_o then_o only_o it_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n become_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o our_o salvation_n when_o as_o thereby_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o we_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o galatian_n say_v my_o little_a child_n of_o who_o i_o travel_v in_o birth_n again_o until_o christ_n be_v form_v in_o you_o cap._n 4._o 19_o the_o same_o be_v confirm_v by_o that_o speech_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o colossiaus_fw-la wherein_o he_o discribe_v what_o be_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentill_n say_v which_o riches_n be_v christ_n in_o you_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n cap._n 1_o 27._o the_o use_n of_o this_o be_v to_o teach_v we_o that_o in_o vain_a any_o man_n content_v himself_o with_o any_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o thereby_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v if_o he_o have_v not_o christ_n within_o he_o and_o that_o he_o himself_o know_v it_o for_o with_o out_o he_o nothing_o avail_v to_o salvation_n since_o nothing_o can_v make_v a_o man_n the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o he_o alove_o in_o so_o far_o that_o faith_n itself_o be_v not_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o god_n elect_v whereby_o the_o heart_n be_v purify_v and_o a_o sinner_n justify_v and_o save_v except_o that_o by_o it_o christ_n be_v bring_v in_o and_o make_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o that_o in_o such_o evidency_n that_o the_o believe_a man_n know_v that_o he_o have_v christ_n within_o he_o for_o its_o impossible_a that_o a_o man_n can_v have_v christ_n but_o that_o he_o must_v know_v that_o he_o have_v he_o such_o be_v the_o lively_a operation_n and_o supernatural_a work_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o soul_n where_o he_o be_v illuminate_v quicken_a and_o transform_v every_o man_n who_o have_v he_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o in_o pacify_v &_o comfort_v the_o conscience_n and_o in_o fill_v and_o replenish_n the_o soul_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n love_n and_o hope_v of_o his_o glory_n that_o never_o man_n can_v ever_o more_o clear_o discern_v that_o he_o have_v a_o soul_n within_o he_o by_o the_o natural_a effect_n thereof_o in_o his_o body_n then_o a_o christian_n may_v perceive_v christ_n to_o be_v within_o he_o by_o his_o proper_a effect_n before_o mention_v out_o of_o this_o use_n we_o gather_v a_o second_o viz._n that_o a_o man_n shall_v set_v himself_o to_o gain_n christ_n rather_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n esteem_v all_o other_o thing_n but_o loss_n and_o judge_v all_o to_o be_v but_o dung_n for_o the_o excellent_a knowledge_n sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n according_a as_o paul_n do_v philip._n 3._o 8._o so_o as_o with_o the_o same_o apostle_n he_o may_v sensible_o know_v the_o virtue_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o be_v make_v conform_v to_o he_o in_o his_o death_n ibid._n ver_fw-la 10_o for_o as_o christ_n himself_o say_v what_o avail_v it_o a_o man_n to_o win_v the_o whole_a world_n if_o he_o loose_a his_o soul_n mark_n 8_o 36._o but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o every_o soul_n shall_v perish_v eternal_o hereafter_o which_o gain_v not_o christ_n in_o this_o present_a life_n this_o yealds_n matter_n of_o just_a reproof_n against_o the_o most_o part_n of_o man_n if_o not_o all_o who_o labour_n so_o much_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o earth_n which_o be_v but_o transitory_a vanity_n and_o help_v nothing_o to_o their_o salvation_n and_o make_v so_o small_a account_n of_o gain_v christ_n for_o the_o inâ—oying_n of_o who_o even_o when_o they_o be_v invite_v unto_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v the_o small_a ease_n profit_n or_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n but_o make_v light_n of_o he_o and_o go_v their_o way_n one_o to_o his_o farm_n another_o about_o his_o merchandise_n other_o take_v the_o inviter_n and_o use_v they_o sharp_o and_o kill_v they_o as_o christ_n himself_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o â—arableâ—_n mat._n 22._o 5_o 6._o and_o â—e_n be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o these_o be_v the_o worst_a sort_n of_o the_o despiser_n of_o christ_n though_o these_o be_v so_o bad_a that_o they_o shall_v never_o taste_v of_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o great_a king_n but_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n much_o more_o to_o be_v lamenred_n who_o be_v lover_n of_o sinful_a pleasure_n more_o than_o of_o god_n spend_v the_o time_n appoint_v and_o set_v for_o the_o purchase_n and_o gain_v of_o christ_n in_o abominable_a filthiness_n in_o chamber_a and_o wantonness_n in_o gluttony_n and_o drunckennesse_n in_o sport_n and_o unlawful_a gaym_v and_o sinful_a
this_o knowledge_n in_o his_o disciple_n as_o also_o why_o the_o world_n be_v destitute_a of_o it_o speak_v concern_v the_o spirit_n say_v who_o the_o world_n can_v receive_v because_o it_o see_v he_o not_o neither_o know_v he_o but_o you_o know_v he_o because_o he_o dwell_v with_o you_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o you_o john_n 14_o 17._o this_o place_n be_v confer_v with_o the_o former_a two_o teach_v we_o 3_o special_a thing_n touch_v the_o estate_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a the_o 1_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n nor_o of_o any_o grace_n or_o blessing_n spiritual_a give_v they_o by_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o 2_o be_v that_o all_o this_o knowledge_n be_v teach_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v they_o &_o remain_v within_o they_o the_o 3_o that_o both_o the_o gift_n of_o this_o spirit_n and_o knowledge_n by_o he_o proceed_v from_o this_o that_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o in_o the_o world_n nor_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o servitude_n &_o bondage_n but_o have_v take_v we_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o reconcyl_v we_o to_o himself_o in_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o his_o friend_n as_o abraham_n be_v the_o use_n of_o this_o be_v to_o convince_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papistical_a church_n of_o falsehood_n whereby_o they_o maintain_v that_o a_o christian_n true_o call_v can_v have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o for_o if_o the_o apostle_n urge_v the_o corinthian_n by_o this_o special_a knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o to_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n towards_o they_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o both_o they_o and_o all_o other_o call_v as_o they_o be_v must_v have_v undoubted_a knowledge_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o christ_n in_o they_o otherwise_o christ_n argument_n before_o allege_v can_v not_o be_v true_a when_o he_o say_v that_o his_o disciple_n do_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n because_o he_o dwell_v with_o they_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o they_o which_o argument_n teach_v we_o thus_o much_o that_o the_o saint_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o gift_n or_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o dwell_v with_o they_o and_o be_v in_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o a_o papist_n hold_v the_o former_a position_n for_o a_o truth_n must_v be_v both_o faithless_a and_o graceless_a see_v if_o either_o faith_n or_o grace_n be_v in_o they_o they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o neither_o can_v they_o have_v any_o evasion_n by_o their_o old_a argument_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o special_a revelation_n from_o god_n for_o this_o which_o we_o have_v say_v before_o compare_v with_o the_o word_n of_o john_n do_v full_o answer_v they_o say_v if_o we_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n the_o witness_n 10._o of_o god_n be_v great_a for_o this_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o testify_v of_o his_o son_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o that_o soon_o of_o god_n have_v witness_n in_o himself_o by_o which_o word_n we_o be_v plain_o teach_v that_o faith_n can_v never_o be_v without_o the_o testimony_n both_o of_o those_o three_o which_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n to_o wit_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holyghost_n nor_o of_o these_o three_o witness_n which_o bear_v record_n in_o earth_n viz._n the_o spirit_n the_o water_n and_o the_o blood_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o every_o true_a believer_n have_v a_o most_o undoubted_a revelation_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o bless_a estate_n in_o grace_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o whosoever_o have_v not_o this_o undoubted_a warrant_n be_v faithless_a indeed_o see_v as_o say_v the_o apostle_n whosoever_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v this_o witness_n of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n &_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o water_n and_o of_o the_o blood_n which_o be_v in_o earth_n than_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o revelation_n of_o great_a force_n to_o confirm_v the_o certainty_n of_o one_o salvation_n for_o if_o according_a to_o god_n own_o law_n at_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o matter_n 5._o shall_v be_v establish_v how_o much_o more_o must_v a_o true_a believe_a christian_n know_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o salvation_n who_o have_v it_o witness_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o within_o himself_o by_o those_o six_o witness_n before_o mention_v of_o which_o none_o can_v lie_v and_o this_o be_v so_o much_o the_o clear_a by_o that_o which_o john_n in_o the_o same_o place_n speak_v ver_fw-la 13_o say_v these_o thing_n have_v i_o write_v unto_o you_o who_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o you_o have_v eternal_a life_n whereby_o he_o utter_o annull_v that_o blind_a argument_n of_o the_o papist_n see_v it_o enforce_v they_o either_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o know_v they_o have_v eternal_a life_n or_o then_o plain_o to_o confess_v that_o they_o believe_v not_o in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n be_v two_o unseparable_a adjunct_n and_o ever_o such_o knowledge_n as_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o a_o doubtful_a opinion_n or_o conjecture_n but_o which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o unfallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o six_o witness_n mention_v before_o we_o conclude_v therefore_o this_o point_n with_o the_o comfortable_a use_n thereof_o to_o all_o true_a believe_a christian_n viz._n that_o they_o rejoice_v always_o i_o say_v again_o with_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o rejoice_v always_o see_v their_o salvation_n be_v sure_a and_o that_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v sure_a thus_o much_o for_o the_o apostle_n argument_n for_o remove_v of_o all_o pretence_n of_o ignorance_n now_o follow_v the_o 2_o point_n of_o trial_n which_o be_v whether_o christ_n be_v in_o they_o or_o not_o but_o it_o be_v propound_v in_o another_o manner_n than_o the_o first_o for_o touch_v faith_n he_o will_v they_o to_o try_v if_o they_o be_v in_o it_o but_o this_o last_o he_o propound_v as_o a_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o undoubted_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o no_o marvel_v for_o the_o effect_n be_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v then_o their_o cause_n now_o christ_n he_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v never_o have_v a_o true_a evidence_n that_o we_o believe_v until_o we_o find_v that_o christ_n be_v assure_o within_o we_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o say_v before_o that_o this_o 2_o point_n of_o trial_n be_v the_o mean_a to_o know_v the_o former_a moreover_o the_o apo._n subjoin_v this_o point_n unto_o his_o former_a argument_n whereby_o he_o remoove_v all_o pretence_n of_o ignorance_n purposely_o to_o teach_v we_o both_o when_o and_o wherein_o it_o be_v that_o a_o christian_n come_v to_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o receave_v experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o his_o salvation_n whereof_o before_o we_o speak_v we_o will_v first_o somewhat_o consider_v the_o order_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n we_o see_v that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o put_v they_o to_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n towards_o they_o to_o their_o salvation_n 2._o in_o this_o examination_n he_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o themselves_o as_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o true_a faith_n in_o all_o true_a believer_n 3._o he_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n presence_n in_o their_o heart_n as_o the_o only_a true_a testimony_n of_o the_o first_o &_o proper_a matter_n of_o the_o 2._o for_o if_o any_o man_n think_v he_o believe_v not_o have_v christ_n within_o he_o he_o be_v miserable_o deceive_v and_o if_o any_o man_n think_v he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n except_o he_o find_v himself_o and_o christ_n unite_v by_o faith_n pitiful_o abuse_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o judgement_n this_o order_n therefore_o of_o the_o apostle_n proceed_v teach_v we_o this_o lesson_n what_o way_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v that_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o outstreched_a arm_n of_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n to_o our_o salvation_n in_o the_o which_o 3_o thing_n be_v principal_o to_o be_v mark_v our_o faith_n our_o selus_fw-la and_o that_o in_o ourselves_o which_o make_v we_o know_v ourselves_o by_o faith_n to_o be_v
a_o frvitfull_a sermon_n make_v by_o the_o reverend_n and_o learned_a mr._n john_n forbes_n pastor_n of_o the_o english_a company_n of_o merchant_n adventurer_n at_o delft_n publish_a by_o some_o of_o his_o flock_n out_o of_o sincere_a affection_n for_o common_a good_a at_o amsterdam_n print_v by_o richard_n plater_n 1626._o academiae_fw-la cantabrigiensis_n libre_fw-la a_o fruitful_a sermon_n upon_o 2._o cor._n cap._n 13._o vers_fw-la 5._o prove_v yourselves_o if_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n examine_v yourselves_o know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o in_o all_o age_n and_o especial_o in_o this_o sinful_a &_o profane_a age_n wherein_o we_o now_o live_v there_o have_v be_v and_o now_o be_v so_o great_a and_o universal_a a_o contempt_n of_o the_o bless_a ministry_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o base_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n when_o a_o apostle_n and_o such_o a_o apostle_n as_o paul_n have_v so_o much_o a_o do_v to_o vindicate_v his_o ministry_n from_o the_o contempt_n &_o base_a account_n thereof_o among_o the_o corinth_n notwithstanding_o that_o they_o have_v be_v convert_v thereby_o and_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o apostle_n have_v be_v so_o powerful_o wrought_v by_o he_o among_o they_o for_o if_o the_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o outward_a estate_n worldly_a do_v so_o blind_a the_o corinthian_n eye_n that_o they_o can_v not_o perceive_v the_o divine_a power_n of_o christ_n spirit_n in_o so_o weak_a a_o vessel_n what_o marvel_v be_v it_o that_o succeed_a age_n and_o this_o present_a fleshlie_o age_n judge_v according_o to_o the_o flesh_n of_o such_o as_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o paul_n in_o grace_n do_v not_o behold_v that_o heavenly_a power_n which_o accompani_v their_o ministry_n the_o grief_n of_o this_o vanity_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v bear_v if_o it_o be_v only_o the_o profane_a worldling_n that_o do_v so_o see_v no_o natural_a man_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n spirit_n 14._o but_o it_o be_v a_o more_o lamentable_a error_n when_o it_o fall_v in_o such_o as_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o do_v uphold_v this_o ministry_n and_o reap_v the_o sweet_a and_o unspeakable_a fruit_n thereof_o to_o esteem_v so_o base_o of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o their_o salvation_n if_o ever_o they_o be_v to_o be_v save_v yet_o this_o example_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v not_o inferior_a in_o any_o thing_n to_o other_o church_n 13._o by_o the_o ap._n paul_n pain_n among_o they_o so_o comtemptiblie_o speak_v of_o he_o who_o be_v not_o in_o 11._o any_o thing_n inferior_a to_o the_o very_a chief_a apostle_n that_o his_o presence_n vers_fw-la be_v base_a and_o weak_a and_o his_o speech_n of_o no_o value_n may_v serve_v to_o teach_v all_o minister_n patience_n under_o the_o like_a cross_n but_o withal_o as_o paul_n who_o be_v glad_a when_o he_o be_v weak_a and_o they_o be_v strong_a do_v play_v the_o 11._o fool_n in_o boast_v of_o himself_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o authority_n &_o power_n of_o his_o ministry_n not_o because_o of_o any_o ambitious_a desire_n of_o vainglory_n but_o only_o to_o procure_v their_o edification_n that_o by_o their_o contempt_n of_o his_o ministry_n they_o shall_v not_o frustrate_v themselves_o of_o the_o bless_a fruit_n thereof_o even_o so_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o age_n have_v more_o than_o just_a cause_n with_o paul_n to_o speak_v somewhat_o for_o themselves_o not_o vain_o for_o their_o own_o creditie_n sake_n but_o only_o to_o prevent_v the_o like_a danger_n in_o their_o hearer_n upon_o the_o like_a contempt_n of_o their_o ministry_n know_v that_o the_o same_o cause_n still_o produce_v the_o like_a effect_n in_o do_v this_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a so_o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o use_v no_o more_o apollogie_n then_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o one_o verse_n of_o this_o text_n as_o be_v the_o strong_a argument_n whereby_o not_o only_a paul_n force_v the_o corinthian_n to_o confess_v the_o mighty_a strength_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n towards_o they_o but_o also_o whereby_o all_o true_a and_o faithful_a pastor_n must_v convince_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o hearer_n that_o they_o be_v not_o reprobate_a pastor_n the_o main_a scope_n and_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n be_v punctuallie_o take_v up_o be_v this_o you_o corinthian_n must_v either_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a virtue_n &_o force_n of_o my_o ministry_n or_o they_o you_o your_o selus_fw-la must_v be_v reprobate_n but_o we_o trust_v you_o be_v not_o reprobate_n neither_o will_v you_o have_v we_o think_v so_o therefore_o you_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o virtue_n of_o our_o ministry_n thus_o do_v he_o reduce_v they_o to_o a_o necessity_n either_o of_o acknowledge_v he_o not_o to_o be_v a_o reprobate_a minister_n but_o such_o a_o one_o in_o who_o christ_n do_v speak_v or_o then_o of_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v reprobate_a christian_n without_o faith_n and_o without_o christ_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o soundness_n of_o his_o argument_n we_o shall_v god_n will_v manifest_a in_o the_o particular_a open_n thereof_o for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n we_o be_v first_o to_o consider_v what_o have_v go_v before_o and_o how_o this_o verse_n depend_v or_o coher_v with_o the_o former_a two_o argument_n have_v be_v use_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o show_v why_o he_o behoove_v to_o manifest_v to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o authority_n of_o his_o ministry_n in_o not_o spare_v they_o at_o his_o come_n again_o the_o first_o be_v because_o they_o be_v lawful_o convince_v of_o obstinacy_n have_v be_v now_o twice_o or_o rather_o thrice_o admonish_v and_o therefore_o he_o behoove_v to_o proceed_v against_o they_o with_o sharpness_n if_o they_o do_v not_o now_o repent_v before_o his_o come_n even_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o ordain_v that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o 15._o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n shall_v stand_v the_o second_o argument_n be_v this_o they_o who_o have_v feel_v christ_n to_o be_v mighty_a in_o they_o by_o my_o ministry_n do_v yet_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o must_v needs_o have_v it_o in_o sharpness_n to_o make_v they_o know_v i_o to_o be_v a_o apostle_n of_o christ_n but_o you_o corinthian_n do_v yet_o after_o your_o conversion_n seek_v a_o experience_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o i_o therefore_o you_o must_v have_v a_o sharp_a proof_n see_v you_o acquiesse_n not_o in_o that_o which_o you_o have_v already_o and_o reverence_v not_o my_o admonition_n give_v you_o upon_o that_o proof_n which_o you_o have_v of_o christ_n power_n in_o i_o to_o show_v yet_o far_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o threaten_n upon_o this_o ground_n he_o lay_v down_o a_o assertion_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n towards_o they_o affirm_v that_o christ_n in_o his_o ministry_n towards_o they_o be_v not_o weak_a but_o mighty_a in_o they_o and_o therefore_o this_o their_o do_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o tempt_a of_o christ_n power_n in_o he_o even_o as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n after_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n in_o moses_n by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n by_o lead_v they_o safe_o through_o the_o red_a sea_n which_o overwhelm_v their_o enemy_n by_o the_o water_n give_v they_o out_o of_o the_o rock_n etc._n etc._n do_v notwithstanding_o of_o all_o these_o and_o much_o more_o tempt_v the_o lord_n power_n desire_v yet_o a_o far_a evidence_n thereof_o by_o cover_v they_o a_o table_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o give_v they_o flesh_n to_o eat_v as_o though_o all_o the_o precede_a wonder_n have_v be_v no_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n even_o so_o the_o corinthian_n have_v have_v sufficient_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o paul_n by_o his_o mighty_a work_n in_o themselves_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o do_v esteem_n paul_n but_o base_a and_o weak_a and_o his_o word_n of_o no_o value_n and_o so_o force_v he_o to_o give_v they_o a_o sharp_a experience_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o he_o to_o their_o far_a grief_n if_o upon_o this_o evidence_n pass_v they_o will_v not_o reverence_v his_o word_n nor_o obey_v his_o warning_n but_o will_v yet_o tempt_v christ_n in_o he_o for_o a_o far_a proof_n of_o his_o power_n now_o before_o the_o apostle_n prove_v this_o which_o he_o have_v affirm_v touch_v the_o might_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o by_o his_o ministry_n perceave_v the_o chief_a ground_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o their_o foolish_a judgement_n to_o be_v the_o weakness_n and_o poor_a estate_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o flesh_n he_o first_o remove_v this_o
they_o to_o prove_v &_o examine_v his_o word_n be_v prove_v yourselves_o examine_v yourselu_v the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o paul_n ministry_n he_o refer_v the_o trial_n thereof_o to_o his_o hearer_n in_o themselves_o which_o he_o will_v never_o have_v do_v if_o the_o question_n concern_v this_o power_n in_o all_o man_n preach_v be_v not_o to_o be_v decide_v rather_o by_o that_o which_o be_v feel_v by_o experience_n in_o the_o hearer_n than_o by_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o in_o the_o teacher_n divers_a singular_a use_n we_o have_v of_o this_o point_n first_o touch_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o spiritual_a thing_n it_o must_v be_v take_v from_o the_o trial_n and_o experience_n which_o we_o have_v of_o they_o in_o onr_n selus_fw-la which_o be_v the_o true_a limit_n and_o bound_n as_o well_o as_o the_o ground_n &_o foundation_n of_o all_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o salvation_n for_o how_o excellent_a and_o superemminent_o good_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o our_o mind_n can_v rise_v no_o high_o in_o apprehend_v and_o know_v they_o than_o the_o experience_n and_o sense_n be_v which_o we_o receive_v of_o their_o force_n and_o effectual_a work_n in_o and_o upon_o ourselus_o and_o this_o be_v true_a not_o only_o in_o the_o supernatural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n &_o heavenly_a thing_n but_o also_o in_o so_o far_o as_o nature_n itself_o can_v apprehend_v of_o god_n this_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o apostle_n word_n to_o the_o 19_o roman_n when_o he_o say_v that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o man_n themselves_o for_o which_o cause_n he_o just_o conclude_v the_o gentile_n to_o have_v be_v unjust_a detayner_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o most_o just_o punish_v from_o heaven_n because_o knowinug_a god_n they_o do_v not_o glorify_v 21._o he_o as_o god_n neither_o be_v thankful_a for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a judgement_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o so_o no_o way_n subject_n to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o earnall_a sense_n but_o only_o from_o the_o sense_n and_o ceiling_n of_o our_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o work_v whereby_o it_o please_v god_n by_o his_o spirit_n to_o make_v our_o soul_n sensible_a of_o his_o nature_n and_o goodness_n which_o we_o never_o can_v right_o esteem_v of_o until_o by_o his_o bless_a gospel_n beget_v we_o again_o to_o a_o lively_a hope_n of_o a_o inheritance_n immortal_a undefyled_a and_o that_o wither_v not_o he_o 4_o pour_v in_o by_o his_o spirit_n abundant_o in_o our_o heart_n his_o love_n and_o peace_n 5._o that_o pass_v all_o understanding_n neither_o can_v we_o ever_o acknowledge_v the_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n until_o that_o by_o experience_n we_o find_v it_o to_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n describe_v it_o to_o be_v in_o we_o viz._n a_o live_a word_n mighty_a in_o operation_n and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_a sword_n and_o 12._o pierce_v into_o the_o division_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o our_o spirit_n the_o joint_n &_o the_o marrow_n and_o judge_v the_o very_a thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o no_o man_n have_v any_o more_o true_a knowledge_n either_o of_o god_n the_o gospel_n or_o ministry_n thereof_o then_o so_o far_o as_o in_o himself_o he_o have_v feel_v by_o proof_n and_o experience_n their_o efficacy_n and_o work_n upon_o himself_o moreover_o this_o teach_v we_o another_o lesson_n touch_v the_o true_a course_n of_o man_n trial_n in_o matter_n spiritual_a and_o special_o of_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o any_o man_n ministry_n it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o corinthian_n do_v narrow_o mark_v the_o apostle_n himself_o in_o his_o outward_a estate_n and_o in_o his_o utterance_n and_o eloquence_n in_o all_o which_o they_o external_o find_v nothing_o in_o their_o carnal_a judgement_n but_o baseness_n weakness_n and_o word_n of_o no_o value_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o do_v not_o mark_v the_o mighty_a work_n of_o that_o weak_a man_n by_o his_o seem_a weak_a word_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n inward_o which_o make_v they_o perverse_a and_o sinistrous_a judge_n of_o his_o ministry_n the_o virtue_n and_o power_n whereof_o be_v not_o to_o be_v discern_v by_o aught_o that_o outward_o can_v be_v perceave_v either_o by_o the_o eye_n in_o behold_v the_o speaker_n or_o by_o the_o ear_n in_o hear_v his_o eloquence_n but_o only_o by_o the_o inward_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o spirit_n and_o this_o serve_v to_o correct_v two_o great_a vice_n in_o our_o judge_n first_o concern_v the_o person_n and_o 2_o concern_v the_o matter_n touch_v the_o person_n its_o a_o common_a vice_n to_o be_v busy_a in_o take_v notice_n &_o in_o judge_v of_o other_o but_o not_o of_o ourselves_o whereas_o our_o mind_n ought_v to_o be_v still_o examine_v ourselves_o &_o not_o other_o for_o as_o say_v the_o apostle_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n he_o 4._o stand_v or_o fall_v to_o his_o own_o lord_n and_o not_o unto_o thou_o and_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n continual_o warn_v we_o to_o absteyn_fw-mi from_o judge_v of_o other_o and_o still_o to_o judge_v and_o tax_v our_o selus_fw-la lest_o we_o be_v judge_v and_o in_o judge_v other_o to_o begin_v first_o at_o ourselves_o because_o thereby_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o able_a to_o give_v righteous_a judgement_n of_o other_o for_o as_o christ_n say_v how_o can_v a_o man_n say_v to_o his_o brother_n let_v i_o cast_v out_o a_o mote_n out_o of_o thy_o eye_n &_o behold_v there_o be_v a_o beam_n in_o his_o own_o eye_n mat._n 74._o for_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n see_v to_o cast_v out_o a_o mote_n out_o of_o his_o brother_n eye_n unto_o the_o time_n that_o first_o he_o have_v cast_v out_o the_o beam_n out_o of_o his_o own_o eye_n for_o christ_n himself_o 12._o show_v that_o with_o what_o judgement_n we_o judge_v other_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v and_o with_o what_o measure_n we_o meat_n unto_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v measure_v again_o to_o we_o beside_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o be_v not_o leave_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o lord_n but_o reserve_v unto_o himself_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n count_v it_o a_o very_a small_a matter_n to_o be_v 3._o judge_v by_o the_o corinthian_n or_o any_o man_n judgement_n touch_v his_o fidelity_n in_o his_o ministry_n but_o this_o apostle_n earnest_o invite_v we_o to_o judge_v and_o examine_v our_o selus_fw-la and_o show_v to_o the_o corinthian_n that_o if_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n with_o his_o temporal_a plague_n as_o infirmity_n sickness_n and_o temporal_a 38._o death_n by_o which_o the_o lord_n do_v chastise_v the_o corinthian_n for_o not_o judge_v and_o examine_v themselves_o before_o they_o do_v eat_v of_o the_o lord_n body_n and_o this_o duty_n of_o not_o judge_a other_o but_o our_o selus_fw-la be_v the_o more_o careful_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o we_o because_o as_o we_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o every_o faithful_a christian_a be_v able_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v he_o to_o discern_v of_o himself_o &_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n aright_o but_o as_o concern_v other_o although_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v well_o of_o all_o that_o profess_v christ_n yea_o even_o of_o those_o with_o who_o we_o refuse_v to_o converse_v for_o disobedience_n in_o they_o who_o still_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o be_v not_o to_o esteem_v as_o enemy_n but_o to_o admonish_v 15._o as_o brethren_n yet_o the_o infallible_a knowledge_n of_o their_o estate_n in_o christ_n be_v only_o know_v to_o god_n who_o only_o know_v who_o be_v his_o own_o 19_o the_o 2._o error_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o judgement_n be_v hereby_o likewise_o correct_v we_o see_v and_o perceive_v this_o to_o be_v a_o common_a folly_n in_o man_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o person_n of_o the_o preacher_n upon_o his_o gift_n and_o utterance_n and_o still_o to_o be_v censure_v all_o man_n to_o be_v either_o good_a or_o bad_a preacher_n according_a as_o they_o find_v they_o to_o satisfy_v or_o displease_v their_o judgement_n in_o their_o gift_n of_o knowledge_n utterance_n or_o eloquence_n and_o so_o often_o fall_v in_o a_o woeful_a error_n in_o contemn_v the_o best_a &_o applaud_v the_o worst_a whereas_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o true_a judgement_n of_o preach_v consist_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o matter_n or_o utterance_n of_o the_o preacher_n as_o in_o the_o power_n of_o that_o which_o be_v speak_v which_o power_n be_v