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word_n faith_n scripture_n tradition_n 8,010 5 9.4856 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A85050 VindiciƦ mediorum & mediatoris. or, the present reigning errour arraigned, at the barr of Scripture and reason. Wherein is discovered the falshood and danger of that late borne opinion, that pretends to an immediate enjoyment and call of the Spirit of God, both above and against its owne fffects, [sic] cause, word, ministry, and witness, in all respects. Occasioned by a pamphlet, intituled, The saints travell to the land of Canaan, or a discovery of seventeen false rests, &c. By one R. Wilkinson, a preacher of this errour about Totnes in the West. In the treatise following, the reader shall finde, most of the maine fundamentall doctrinall truths that this age doth controvert, faithfully vindicated, cleared, confirmed. By F. Fullwood, minister of the Gospell at Staple Fitzpane in the county of Somerset. Fullwood, Francis, d. 1693. 1651 (1651) Wing F2521; Thomason E1281_1; ESTC R202060 131,348 337

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ministerial_a kingdom_n be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o father_n as_o you_o prize_v the_o virtue_n and_o influence_n of_o christ_n your_o head_n despise_v not_o prophesying_n and_o as_o you_o prize_v the_o fullness_n of_o god_n despise_v not_o the_o virtue_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o head_n christ_n by_o faith_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o head_n and_o by_o hold_v the_o head_n we_o receive_v all_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o growth_n and_o who_o be_v paul_n who_o apollo_n but_o minister_n by_o who_o you_o believe_v by_o faith_n 14._o rom._n 10._o 17._o 14._o in_o christ_n we_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a save_v and_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v we_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n be_v not_o deceive_v by_o any_o mean_n whatever_o to_o sleight_v your_o saviour_n and_o his_o salvation_n thus_o by_o slight_v his_o ministry_n your_o minister_n who_o have_v be_v and_o be_v in_o labour_n more_o abundant_a among_o you_o last_o pray_v evermore_o in_o every_o thing_n 6._o 1_o thes_n 5._o 17._o eph._n 4._o 6._o by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n let_v your_o request_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o god_n god_n have_v indeed_o promise_v all_o thing_n to_o his_o people_n yet_o unto_o they_o as_o a_o pray_a people_n eze._n 36._o 37._o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o promise_n before_o mention_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v yet_o for_o this_o be_v compare_v joh._n 1._o 12._o 16._o verse_n compare_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o faith_n indeed_o be_v that_o vital_a spirit_n by_o which_o but_o yet_o prayer_n be_v the_o organ_n through_o which_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o fullness_n of_o our_o head_n and_o grace_n for_o grace_n faith_n be_v the_o bucket_n but_o prayer_n be_v the_o rope_n whereby_o we_o let_v down_o the_o bucket_n of_o faith_n and_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n whosoever_o shall_v call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 13._o rom._n 10._o 13._o shall_v be_v save_v in_o this_o verse_n both_o end_n of_o a_o golden_a chain_n be_v link_v together_o here_o be_v salvation_n promise_v to_o prayer_n but_o shall_v every_o one_o that_o say_v lord_n lord_n enter_z in_o no_o very_o salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o such_o a_o prayer_n alone_o as_o proceed_v from_o faith_n how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o on_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v but_o as_o salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o prayer_n and_o all_o true_a prayer_n proceed_v from_o faith_n so_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v how_o shall_v they_o believe_v on_o he_o on_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n faith_n come_v by_o hear_v by_o faith_n come_v prayer_n and_o by_o prayer_n salvation_n cast_v away_o prayer_n and_o you_o have_v deny_v the_o faith_n refuse_v your_o own_o mercy_n yea_o neglect_v your_o own_o salvation_n and_o the_o height_n and_o depth_n the_o length_n and_o breadth_n of_o this_o word_n salvation_n the_o epitome_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o and_o every_o mercy_n the_o sum_n and_o all_o of_o every_o promise_n salvation_n and_o yet_o whosoever_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v you_o can_v loose_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n but_o you_o loose_a salvation_n you_o can_v loose_v the_o use_n of_o faith_n but_o you_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n and_o last_o you_o can_v loose_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n but_o you_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o faith_n he_o that_o neglect_v christ_n faith_n word_n or_o prayer_n neglect_v salvation_n o_o then_o take_v heed_n for_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v 3._o heb._n 2._o 3._o if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n but_o lest_o my_o porch_n shall_v be_v too_o large_a for_o the_o temple_n i_o have_v but_o a_o word_n or_o two_o of_o caution_n more_o by_o way_n of_o reflection_n for_o you_o and_o i_o speedy_o conclude_v 1._o first_o then_o beware_v of_o such_o in_o general_a as_o teach_v otherwise_o that_o fight_n against_o teach_v with_o teach_v against_o ordinance_n with_o the_o use_n of_o ordinance_n and_o consent_v not_o to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n such_o be_v proud_a know_v nothing_o but_o dote_v about_o question_n and_o strife_n of_o word_n whereof_o come_v perverse_a dispute_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n destitute_a of_o the_o truth_n 2._o but_o especial_o take_v heed_n of_o such_o who_o concern_v the_o faith_n have_v err_v say_v 18._o 2_o tim._n 2._o 18._o that_o the_o resurrection_n be_v pass_v already_o take_v heed_n of_o such_o because_o of_o their_o prevelancy_n and_o danger_n for_o the_o first_o their_o word_n do_v eat_v as_o do_v a_o canker_n for_o the_o second_o it_o overthrow_v 17._o ver_fw-la 17._o the_o faith_n of_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o and_o seem_v not_o compttible_a with_o truth_n of_o 18._o ver_fw-la 18._o grace_n nevertheless_o 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able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o 31._o ver_fw-la 31._o and_o to_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o subscribe_v my_o myself_o as_o true_o i_o be_o your_o christian_a brother_n that_o love_v you_o with_o all_o christian_a brotherly_a love_n fr_n fullwood_n the_o analysis_n this_o error_n be_v consider_v here_o 1._o general_o where_o we_o have_v two_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v definition_n 2._o its_o ground_n 2._o special_o where_o it_o be_v handle_v two_o way_n 1._o absolute_o or_o in_o its_o doctrine_n about_o which_o two_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v division_n i_o into_o five_o sort_n it_o oppose_v the_o spirit_n against_o its_o own_o 1._o effect_n 2._o cause_n 3._o word_n 4._o ministry_n 5._o witness_n 2._o its_o part_n i_o all_o its_o particular_a proposition_n and_o of_o they_o five_o thing_n usual_o 1._o whither_o reduce_v 2._o what_o they_o be_v 3._o whence_o they_o be_v 4._o their_o ground_n 5._o their_o confutation_n this_o twofold_a 1._o mediate_v answer_v their_o argument_n 2._o immediate_a confute_v the_o error_n 2._o respective_o or_o in_o its_o use_n where_o be_v show_v two_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v end_n namely_o to_o be_v chief_o a_o rest_n and_o evidence_n 2._o it_o be_v falseness_n and_o weakness_n as_o to_o that_o end_n the_o truth_n that_o be_v maintain_v in_o this_o treatise_n in_o order_n be_v first_o concern_v evidence_n and_o be_v these_o 1._o the_o word_n of_o grace_n or_o gracious_a qualification_n be_v sufficient_a good_a evidence_n of_o god_n favour_n 2._o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o with_o its_o own_o immediate_a light_n discover_v itself_o to_o the_o soul_n second_o concern_v christ_n 1_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o form_n type_n and_o shadow_n only_o or_o a_o bare_a representation_n of_o his_o spirit_n 2._o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o object_n or_o medium_fw-la of_o faith_n three_o concern_v scripture_n as_o first_o absolute_a 1._o the_o visible_a scripture_n be_v more_o than_o a_o bare_a allegory_n 2._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v more_o of_o god_n word_n then_o the_o spirit_n have_v clear_v and_o persuade_v to_o we_o second_o respective_a to_o our_o use_n thus_o both_o in_o the_o whole_a 1._o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o spirit_n thus_o also_o in_o many_o part_n especial_o the_o scripture_n be_v profitable_a in_o its_o doctrine_n for_o instruction_n in_o its_o command_n for_o obedience_n in_o its_o promise_n for_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n four_o concern_v the_o ministry_n 1._o communion_n of_o saint_n be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n be_v yet_o abide_v ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n last_o concern_v experience_n that_o
we_o may_v take_v comfort_n to_o ourselves_o against_o both_o our_o present_a and_o future_a end_n from_o former_a experience_n these_o markable_a scripture_n follow_v especial_o be_v large_o open_v in_o this_o treatise_n according_o as_o the_o margin_n point_v to_o rom._n 8._o 16._o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 16._o wherefore_o henceforth_o know_v we_o no_o man_n after_o the_o flesh_n yea_o though_o we_o have_v know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n yet_o now_o henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o no_o more_o isa_n 8._o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o dear_o belove_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v many_o false_a prophet_n go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophesy_n whereunto_o you_o do_v well_o that_o you_o take_v heed_n as_o unto_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n until_o the_o day_n dawn_n and_o the_o day_n star_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n rev._n 21._o 22._o 23._o and_o i_o see_v no_o temple_n therein_o for_o the_o lord_n god_n almighty_a and_o the_o lamb_n be_v the_o temple_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n heb._n 8._o 11._o and_o they_o shall_v not_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o all_o shall_v know_v i_o from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o a_o table_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n contain_v in_o this_o follow_a treatise_n chap._n 1._o of_o its_o definition_n fol._n 1._o chap._n 2._o of_o the_o ground_n or_o rise_v of_o this_o opinion_n in_o general_n fol._n 5._o chap._n 3._o of_o qualification_n f._n 15._o chap._n 4._o of_o the_o immediate_a witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n f._n 55._o chap._n 5._o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n or_o in_o his_o mediatorship_n f._n 68_o chap._n 6._o of_o the_o allegorical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n f._n 91._o chap._n 7._o of_o believe_v those_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o convince_v of_o by_o the_o spirit_n f._n 104._o chap._n 8._o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 115._o chap._n 9_o of_o the_o word_n as_o judge_v of_o spirit_n f._n 133._o chap._n 10._o of_o the_o word_n as_o profitable_a for_o instruction_n f._n 154._o chap._n 11._o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o profitable_a in_o its_o command_n for_o obedience_n f._n 161._o chap._n 12._o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o useful_a in_o their_o promise_n for_o comfort_n f._n 179._o chap._n 13._o of_o the_o gospel_n communion_n of_o saint_n or_o church_n fellowship_n f._n 192_o chap._n 14._o of_o gospel_n ordinance_n in_o general_a f._n 186_o chap._n 15._o of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n f._n 205._o chap._n 16._o of_o prayer_n f._n 233._o chap._n 17._o of_o experience_n f._n 252._o chap._n 18._o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o soul_n immediate_a rest_n and_o evidence_n f._n 263._o a_o farewell_n to_o the_o reader_n f._n 309._o the_o general_n consideration_n of_o the_o error_n chap._n i._o of_o its_o definition_n in_o general_n it_o be_v a_o pretence_n unto_o the_o immediate_a enjoyment_n of_o definition_n definition_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o alone_o the_o only_a all-sufficient_a mean_n to_o the_o soul_n even_o for_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n especial_o for_o evidence_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o pretence_n viz._n as_o oppose_v to_o that_o that_o be_v true_a and_o real_a or_o so_o indeed_o 2._o the_o fallacy_n and_o formality_n of_o the_o error_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o word_n immediate_a as_o alone_o mean_n as_o they_o have_v their_o place_n and_o sense_n in_o this_o definition_n 1._o immediate_a that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o opposition_n to_o distance_n of_o place_n but_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o enjoy_v but_o this_o word_n immediate_n will_v be_v better_o clear_v if_o we_o will_v join_v it_o with_o the_o second_o term_n of_o fallacy_n mention_v as_o alone_o 2._o as_o alone_o without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n whatever_o subordinate_a thereunto_o thus_o whatsoever_o we_o can_v call_v religious_a help_n gospel_n mean_n though_o own_a and_o ordain_v by_o god_n himself_o be_v plain_o exclude_v this_o their_o canaan_n as_o imperfect_a or_o a_o very_a needless_a thing_n and_o all_o use_n thereof_o flat_o condemn_v as_o a_o live_n and_o rest_v below_o god_n and_o treatise_n of_o false_a rest_n which_o be_v whole_o use_v in_o this_o treatise_n therefore_o oftentimes_o compare_v in_o his_o book_n to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n rest_v in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o a_o word_n it_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o sun_n and_o hold_v the_o beam_n in_o contempt_n tread_v under_o foot_n it_o be_v in_o a_o everlasting_a light_n and_o have_v cast_v a_o veil_n of_o darkness_n upon_o these_o thing_n below_o it_o viz._n ordinance_n grace_n scripture_n experience_n and_o not_o only_o upon_o those_o mean_n but_o upon_o christ_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n himself_o these_o be_v form_n type_n shadow_n while_o it_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o power_n truth_n substance_n god_n its_o glorious_a heaven_n 3._o mean_n it_o be_v not_o say_v efficient_a '_o nor_o yet_o end_v i_o advise_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o both_o those_o 1._o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o as_o alone_o the_o only_a all-sufficient_a efficient_a of_o all_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o creature_n here_o we_o dissent_v not_o but_o subscribe_v with_o both_o hand_n to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n 2._o neither_o be_v the_o question_n here_o whether_o god_n as_o alone_o be_v the_o only_a all-sufficient_a end_n of_o the_o 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cause_n and_o mean_n also_o 3._o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n it_o stand_v in_o the_o room_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n both_o of_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n but_o especial_o of_o comfort_n all_o our_o usual_a and_o most_o comfortable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o grace_n god_n love_n and_o favour_n to_o and_o presence_n in_o we_o these_o especial_o be_v most_o suspicious_a and_o forcible_o beat_v back_o with_o a_o high_a &_o zealous_a arm_n out_o of_o this_o their_o rest_n this_o error_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o christ_n in_o we_o have_v this_o prerogative_n to_o be_v immediate_o i._n e._n without_o and_o above_o the_o use_n of_o any_o mean_n both_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n grace_n and_o comfort_n even_o all_o in_o all_o unto_o its_o subject_n it_o pretend_v to_o the_o immediate_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o alone_o the_o only_a all-sufficient_a mean_n to_o the_o soul_n even_o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n etc._n etc._n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o ground_n or_o rise_v of_o this_o opinion_n in_o general_n we_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n that_o afford_v most_o occasion_n and_o help_v to_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o this_o fond_a conceit_n into_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o among_o many_o other_o perhaps_o we_o have_v think_v upon_o these_o follow_v the_o first_o may_v be_v either_o a_o conceit_a or_o perceive_v abuse_n of_o the_o usual_a gospel_n mean_n and_o help_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o other_o sad_a experience_n witness_v that_o this_o do_v too_o too_o often_o create_v in_o many_o a_o most_o zealous_a prejudice_n against_o the_o very_a use_n of_o lawful_a thing_n such_o be_v the_o vulgar_a unstayed_a rashness_n it_o put_v too_o a_o inconsiderate_a violent_a hand_n
in_o the_o sense_n we_o speak_v of_o may_v not_o always_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o the_o word_n true_a or_o false_a may_v be_v ambiguous_a for_o 1._o qualification_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a 1._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o principle_n as_o effect_n 2._o with_o relation_n to_o their_o end_n as_o mean_n because_o 3._o they_o may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a with_o regard_n to_o our_o knowledge_n now_o according_a to_o the_o first_o interpretation_n gracious_a quality_n can_v be_v false_a and_o therefore_o not_o either_o true_a or_o false_a for_o they_o be_v true_a effect_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o that_o be_v his_o sense_n his_o argument_n be_v guilty_a of_o contradictory_n quality_n he_o before_o have_v frequent_o grant_v they_o all_o to_o be_v true_o wrought_v by_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o still_o deny_v they_o as_o to_o be_v evidence_n of_o the_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n page_n 22._o line_n 22._o page_n 21._o line_n 14._o but_o if_o we_o conceive_v true_a or_o false_a in_o the_o late_a construction_n namely_o by_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o they_o may_v be_v false_a mean_n with_o respect_n to_o this_o end_n viz._n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o as_o i_o have_v already_o so_o hereafter_o in_o their_o place_n shall_v more_o clear_o free_v they_o from_o this_o roman_a scruple_n from_o be_v false_a i._n e._n fallible_a evidence_n of_o the_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n object_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o wicked_a man_n and_o hypocrite_n have_v the_o same_o qualification_n it_o be_v a_o needless_a thing_n for_o answ_n such_o man_n have_v the_o spirit_n as_o much_o and_o more_o true_o than_o grace_n as_o it_o work_v upon_o such_o man_n heart_n with_o its_o common_a effect_n and_o motion_n if_o this_o then_o hinder_v our_o infallible_a judgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n how_o will_v you_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o spirit_n object_n it_o be_v as_o little_a worth_n to_o affirm_v that_o hypocrite_n may_v think_v their_o grace_n to_o be_v true_a as_o well_o as_o the_o godly_a for_o answ_n truth_n be_v seat_v in_o the_o understanding_n have_v its_o answerable_a light_n and_o it_o do_v not_o hinder_v the_o godly_a man_n assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o grace_n because_o wicked_a man_n flatter_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o fall_v opinion_n of_o they_o not_o so_o because_o the_o madman_n think_v he_o be_v a_o sober_a man_n can_v the_o man_n that_o be_v sober_a indeed_o be_v assure_v thereof_o the_o child_n account_v his_o counter_a gold_n and_o so_o be_v mistake_v therefore_o can_v the_o father_n know_v his_o gold_n to_o be_v gold_n man_n in_o the_o dark_a may_v err_v and_o no_o wonder_n but_o the_o candle_n of_o david_n be_v enlighten_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o light_n within_o they_o a_o light_n that_o manifest_v evil_a from_o good_a truth_n from_o error_n even_o that_o anoint_v that_o teach_v they_o all_o thing_n but_o to_o conclude_v a_o wicked_a man_n may_v as_o well_o and_o more_o easy_o mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n of_o his_o spirit_n if_o judge_v thereof_o and_o not_o by_o its_o effect_n then_o of_o his_o grace_n this_o be_v more_o visible_a descernable_a as_o corporal_a the_o other_o more_o subtle_a and_o indescernable_a as_o spiritual_a the_o four_o and_o last_o argument_n object_n the_o last_o objection_n against_o qualification_n lie_v in_o experience_n the_o abettor_n of_o this_o way_n have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o such_o evidence_n as_o these_o be_v as_o a_o rot_a wall_n to_o those_o that_o trust_v and_o lean_a thereon_o answ_n it_o be_v most_o clear_a they_o lean_v too_o much_o upon_o their_o own_o fancied_a experience_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o put_v their_o experience_n in_o one_o scale_n and_o the_o many_o thousand_o counter_a experience_n of_o holy_a man_n of_o all_o age_n that_o have_v abundant_o testify_v for_o such_o qualification_n as_o bear_v invincible_a truth_n of_o evidence_n in_o the_o other_o scale_n leave_v they_o to_o be_v poise_v by_o indifferent_a judgement_n yea_o be_v not_o many_o experience_n of_o this_o very_a kind_n leave_v record_v in_o scripture_n on_o purpose_n for_o our_o clear_a instruction_n and_o strong_a consolation_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o old_a but_o new_a testament_n also_o even_o of_o such_o as_o have_v attain_v gospel_n perfection_n our_o pattern_n christ_n jesus_n take_v great_a boldness_n to_o himself_o in_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n that_o he_o have_v glorify_v his_o father_n name_n and_o if_o you_o ask_v holy_a paul_n advice_n and_o experience_n in_o this_o kind_n you_o may_v hear_v his_o answer_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v even_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o than_o we_o may_v affirm_v what_o this_o error_n deny_v that_o qualification_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v good_a and_o sure_a evidence_n of_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n argument_n to_o prove_v the_o affirmative_a that_o qualification_n may_v be_v use_v as_o evidence_n have_v pull_v down_o and_o lay_v error_n desolate_a we_o shall_v now_o attempt_v to_o build_v up_o truth_n and_o render_v it_o strong_a and_o glorious_a upon_o the_o ground_n follow_v arg._n 1_o the_o first_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o that_o of_o s._n peter_n 2_o ephes_n 1._o 10._o where_o the_o apostle_n do_v exhort_v we_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a now_o how_o shall_v we_o make_v our_o election_n sure_a but_o by_o our_o call_v for_o we_o be_v call_v according_a to_o his_o purpose_n rom._n 8._o 28._o and_o how_o shall_v we_o make_v 5._o verse_n 5._o our_o call_v sure_a but_o by_o the_o work_n of_o call_v and_o the_o effect_n thereof_o but_o by_o add_v unto_o faith_n virtue_n etc._n etc._n now_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v do_v you_o fear_v your_o fall_n away_o be_v this_o your_o desire_n to_o make_v your_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a this_o be_v the_o way_n add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v etc._n etc._n arg._n 2_o you_o must_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o reason_n who_o god_n have_v join_v together_o let_v no_o man_n put_v asunder_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o our_o reason_n these_o two_o make_v up_o a_o true_o enlighten_v and_o reform_v judgement_n a_o sound_a mind_n then_o 1._o while_o the_o scripture_n have_v plain_o lay_v down_o this_o proposition_n he_o that_o beleive_v shall_v be_v save_v if_o i_o can_v assume_v i_o believe_v why_o may_v not_o blood_n be_v my_o witness_n and_o my_o faith_n a_o bless_a evidence_n of_o salvation_n to_o i_o 2._o if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n witness_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o be_v apt_a to_o persuade_v we_o that_o we_o believe_v when_o our_o faith_n be_v dead_a do_v not_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o of_o scripture_n command_n examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n but_o how_o therefore_o 3._o while_o the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n purify_v the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o thus_o afford_v a_o rule_n for_o trial_n so_o by_o measure_v ourselves_o by_o this_o rule_n if_o we_o can_v true_o find_v that_o we_o be_v such_o as_o love_n god_n christ_n our_o brethren_n our_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o our_o heart_n be_v 3._o 1_o joh._n 2._o 3._o cap._n 3._o 19_o 21._o ver._n 14._o cap._n 2._o 3._o purify_n in_o the_o refiner_n fire_n do_v it_o not_o encourage_v yea_o command_v to_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n because_o we_o love_v etc._n etc._n and_o to_o strengthen_v in_o our_o soul_n that_o bless_a hope_n while_o we_o purify_v ourselves_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o so_o for_o any_o other_o true_a grace_n i_o close_o up_o this_o with_o that_o invincible_a scripture_n that_o have_v already_o be_v hint_v and_o if_o true_o weigh_v may_v end_v this_o controversy_n 2_o cor._n 13._o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n prove_v your_o own_o self_n know_v you_o not_o even_o your_o own_o self_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o unless_o you_o be_v reprobate_n i._n e._n unapprove_v whence_o 1._o the_o ordinary_a rule_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n of_o which_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o professor_n to_o be_v ignorant_a be_v the_o be_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o soul_n 2._o the_o ordinary_a way_n for_o professor_n to_o find_v
pray_v always_o for_o you_o even_o you_o that_o yet_o oppose_v your_o 12._o 2_o thess_n 1._o 11_o 12._o self_n that_o our_o god_n will_v count_v you_o worthy_a of_o this_o call_n and_o fulfil_v all_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n with_o power_n that_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n may_v yet_o be_v glorify_v in_o you_o and_o you_o in_o he_o according_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o allegorical_a sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v hitherto_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o reconciliation_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o his_o effect_n and_o cause_n but_o now_o how_o great_a occasion_n of_o endeavour_n have_v we_o put_v into_o our_o hand_n of_o make_v peace_n betwixt_o the_o spirit_n and_o his_o word_n their_o unchangeable_a spirit_n do_v deny_v his_o own_o word_n and_o oppose_v the_o scripture_n as_o absolute_a and_o that_o both_o in_o the_o whole_a as_o respective_a to_o our_o use_n and_o that_o both_o in_o in_o many_o part_n first_o than_o we_o find_v that_o this_o error_n do_v gainsay_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o absolute_a acception_n in_o these_o two_o particular_n 1._o that_o visible_a scripture_n or_o the_o bible_n be_v but_o a_o bare_a allegory_n page_n 64._o page_n 65_o ult_n 2._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v no_o more_o of_o god_n word_n then_o the_o spirit_n do_v persuade_v and_o clear_v up_o to_o we_o how_o much_o of_o popery_n familisme_n and_o anti-scripturisme_a be_v couch_v under_o these_o two_o proposition_n we_o may_v in_o a_o measure_n guess_v by_o the_o first_o hear_n and_o may_v further_o understand_v by_o the_o follow_a discourse_n hereof_o but_o of_o they_o in_o order_n for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o that_o lift_v a_o high_a hand_n to_o pull_v down_o the_o plain_a express_a and_o visible_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n to_o exalt_v a_o allegorical_a sense_n i_o know_v no_o other_o seem_a ground_n whereon_o it_o set_v foot_v to_o do_v this_o feat_n but_o one_o and_o that_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o engine_n for_o its_o own_o subversion_n and_o be_v the_o word_n mystery_n arg._n because_o we_o read_v many_o time_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n mystery_n of_o faith_n mystery_n of_o godliness_n etc._n etc._n they_o gather_v that_o in_o all_o that_o be_v write_v or_o speak_v there_o be_v hide_v manna_n a_o hide_a mystery_n that_o the_o outward_a visible_a sense_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v but_o their_o inward_a sense_n alone_o their_o allegorical_a interpretation_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n answ_n this_o argument_n be_v very_o much_o engage_v to_o the_o so_o frequent_o mention_v author_n who_o make_v so_o very_a much_o of_o that_o little_a nothing_o in_o it_o but_o i_o answer_v hereunto_o first_o because_o we_o read_v much_o of_o mystery_n in_o the_o word_n be_v therefore_o the_o word_n all_o allegorical_a why_o then_o do_v you_o not_o take_v the_o word_n mystery_n also_o in_o a_o mystical_a sense_n and_o look_v for_o a_o mystery_n in_o the_o word_n mystery_n but_o let_v we_o more_o plain_o seek_v a_o revelation_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n now_o we_o as_o ready_o grant_v as_o you_o can_v demand_v that_o the_o whole_a fabric_n and_o frame_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o mysterious_a deep_a and_o unsearchable_a yet_o not_o allegorical_a but_o that_o that_o make_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o we_o be_v the_o papistical_a equivocation_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n this_o word_n be_v first_o make_v pregnant_a and_o then_o be_v deliver_v of_o a_o double_a sense_n though_o the_o mystery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o literal_a meaning_n be_v only_o lawful_o beget_v and_o that_o that_o be_v in_o the_o allegorical_a be_v illegitimate_a but_o since_o we_o be_v force_v to_o be_v midwife_n for_o want_v of_o one_o of_o more_o skill_n in_o this_o present_a exigency_n we_o deliver_v into_o the_o world_n this_o distinction_n there_o be_v a_o mystery_n of_o the_o sense_n allegorical_a real_a subject_a the_o first_o may_v be_v when_o we_o dis-regarding_a the_o plain_a and_o open_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n seek_v and_o pick_v out_o a_o further_a mysterious_a interpretation_n of_o they_o the_o late_a namely_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o subject_a the_o real_a mystery_n be_v when_o in_o the_o very_a open_n of_o the_o plain_a intention_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v find_v contain_v some_o wonderful_a rare_a deep_a and_o mysterious_a matter_n in_o the_o same_o and_o now_o how_o easy_o be_v it_o determine_v that_o the_o mystery_n so_o frequent_o mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o as_o respect_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o at_o all_o the_o visible_a and_o outward_a sense_n and_o phrase_n thereof_o let_v any_o man_n that_o have_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n yea_o but_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n judge_n the_o gospel_n be_v a_o relation_n or_o report_n of_o the_o most_o strong_a deep_a and_o unsearchable_a truth_n of_o heaven_n concern_v the_o recovery_n 21._o act_n 26._o 21._o of_o miserable_a man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ._n now_o when_o you_o have_v find_v this_o out_o once_o assure_v yourselves_o you_o have_v the_o truth_n look_v for_o no_o high_a vain_a imagination_n no_o other_o mystery_n than_o this_o which_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n o_o take_v heed_n as_o you_o prize_v your_o soul_n and_o heaven_n of_o catch_v at_o any_o seem_a though_o seem_v never_o so_o glorious_a a_o shadow_n of_o the_o gospel_n lest_o you_o with_o the_o dog_n in_o the_o fable_n let_v slip_v away_o from_o you_o and_o lose_v irrecoverable_o the_o substance_n thereof_o when_o we_o read_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n therefore_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o mistake_v it_o for_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o sense_n but_o of_o the_o subject_a the_o mystery_n i_o of_o the_o kingdom_n i_o the_o mysterious_a way_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o gospel_n mysterious_a because_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n come_v conquer_v rule_v and_o govern_v so_o secret_o strange_o mysterious_o the_o kingdom_n 20._o luke_n 17._o 20._o of_o god_n come_v not_o with_o observation_n i_o with_o outward_a pomp_n and_o victory_n which_o make_v it_o so_o worthy_o call_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n second_o when_o we_o read_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n we_o must_v not_o understand_v it_o as_o if_o we_o be_v to_o look_v for_o a_o allegorical_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o godliness_n how_o weak_a and_o ridiculous_a be_v such_o a_o construction_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n notwithstanding_o now_o what_o be_v this_o mystery_n must_v we_o allegorise_v god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n into_o christ_n in_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v this_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n yea_o god_n in_o the_o spirit_n be_v no_o mystery_n at_o all_o at_o least_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n in_o flesh_n this_o be_v a_o mystery_n though_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o plain_a and_o easy_a word_n and_o phrase_n a_o mystery_n still_o and_o such_o a_o mystery_n as_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o the_o large_a and_o deep_a capacity_n of_o reason_n for_o without_o all_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o so_o to_o conclude_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n be_v also_o to_o be_v reveal_v &_o understand_v in_o like_a manner_n faith_n be_v mysterious_a two_o way_n objectiuè_fw-la as_o christ_n the_o former_a mystery_n be_v the_o object_n or_o medium_fw-la 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how_o large_a a_o step_n be_v that_o to_o a_o total_a rejection_n of_o scripture_n it_o get_v itself_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o what_o be_v not_o provable_a by_o a_o allegorical_a gloss_n wicked_a man_n and_o seducer_n wax_v worse_o and_o worse_o deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v chap._n vii_o of_o believe_v those_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o convince_v of_o by_o the_o spirit_n we_o now_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o disappoint_v that_o other_o main_a desperate_a engine_n direct_v by_o the_o wicked_a cunning_a hand_n of_o this_o error_n against_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_a namely_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o more_o of_o the_o bible_n than_o the_o error_n error_n spirit_n do_v persuade_v and_o clear_v up_o to_o we_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n thereof_o ground_n ground_n i_o find_v among_o they_o to_o be_v these_o because_o we_o can_v believe_v no_o more_o because_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v 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cruelty_n in_o man_n in_o pharaoh_n though_o god_n shall_v deal_v with_o we_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n we_o can_v not_o say_v god_n be_v unjust_a yet_o god_n make_v man_n upright_o and_o man_n own_o invention_n trifle_v away_o the_o heat_n and_o fire_n of_o his_o own_o lust_n burn_v up_o and_o waste_v the_o straw_n that_o god_n have_v allow_v he_o for_o to_o do_v his_o work_n now_o shall_v our_o lie_n make_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v shall_v our_o self-sought_a self-wrought_a inability_n discharge_v we_o of_o our_o duty_n how_o short_a and_o excellent_a a_o way_n be_v this_o to_o manifest_v and_o magnify_v strength_n in_o weakness_n and_o be_v unable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o trice_n by_o this_o sleight_n to_o perform_v all_o thing_n but_o second_o we_o must_v distinguish_v in_o order_n hereunto_o of_o a_o double_a faith_n faith_n persuade_v faith_n inspire_v the_o late_a believe_v the_o first_o truth_n for_o itself_o without_o or_o beside_o our_o reason_n be_v indeed_o the_o supernatural_a gift_n or_o geace_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n faith_n persuade_v arise_v from_o the_o probability_n of_o reason_n be_v certain_o reachable_a by_o natural_a man_n and_o for_o believe_v of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o historical_a way_n this_o will_n i_o mean_v this_o faith_n persuade_v by_o reason_n will_v climb_v very_o high_a 1._o reason_n persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v omnipotent_a what_o will_v it_o not_o persuade_v we_o to_o conclude_v as_o feasible_a by_o he_o second_o it_o persuade_v we_o further_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v the_o truth_n and_o can_v lie_v what_o will_v it_o not_o urge_v we_o to_o believe_v if_o he_o speak_v it_o therefore_o to_o those_o that_o can_v not_o tell_v how_o to_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n our_o saviour_n repli_v you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 29._o matth._n 22._o 29._o you_o err_v in_o gainsay_v this_o truth_n because_o as_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n so_o neither_o do_v you_o certify_v your_o reason_n about_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v yet_o the_o alwise_a god_n have_v a_o excellent_a use_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o force_n of_o his_o command_n viz._n even_o for_o the_o glorify_v of_o justice_n in_o condemn_v of_o sinner_n and_o of_o mercy_n and_o grace_n in_o give_v strength_n by_o command_v for_o the_o obedience_n in_o give_v glory_n hereafter_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o all_o the_o elect._n this_o great_a mystery_n i_o shall_v have_v fit_a occasion_n hereafter_o to_o unfold_v and_o therefore_o lonely_a touch_v it_o here_o and_o lay_v it_o by_o till_o then_o arg._n 2_o the_o second_o argument_n follow_v which_o as_o the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o the_o inability_n of_o believe_v more_o etc._n etc._n by_o reason_n of_o the_o real_a corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o inconveniency_n of_o believe_v more_o viz._n then_o the_o spirit_n shall_v clear_v to_o be_v truth_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o suppose_a or_o fear_v possible_a or_o probable_a corruption_n of_o god_n word_n answ_n that_o abusive_a comparison_n that_o be_v most_o injurious_o apply_v heretofore_o to_o nonconformist_n and_o puritan_n be_v most_o true_o make_v good_a in_o the_o reign_n of_o this_o error_n for_o while_o they_o may_v happy_o imagine_v that_o they_o be_v run_v as_o fast_o from_o the_o pope_n as_o their_o spirit_n can_v move_v they_o they_o be_v all_o the_o while_n tie_v by_o the_o tail_n to_o he_o as_o sampsons_n fox_n be_v join_v together_o while_o with_o contrary_a face_n they_o endeavour_v to_o run_v from_o each_o other_o yet_o among_o some_o of_o the_o more_o moderate_a papist_n we_o may_v read_v a_o distinction_n that_o will_v sufficient_o salve_v the_o present_a objection_n namely_o translation_n be_v liable_a to_o corruption_n only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o word_n stapleton_n d._n stapleton_n not_o of_o the_o sense_n and_o if_o not_o translation_n sure_o not_o the_o original_n papist_n themselves_z have_v never_o the_o power_n to_o meddle_v with_o the_o text_n original_a the_o greek_a &_o hebrew_n though_o they_o have_v sacralegious_o form_v up_o a_o gospel_n even_o to_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o humour_n in_o latin_a it_o be_v the_o great_a infidelity_n and_o mistrust_n of_o providence_n to_o think_v or_o imagine_v at_o laest_n upon_o such_o slender_a supposall_n surmise_n that_o god_n will_v suffer_v his_o witness_n record_n only_a image_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v falsify_v abuse_v deface_v what_o less_o than_o blasphemy_n to_o think_v as_o hellish_a to_o perform_v there_o be_v a_o excercise_n of_o charity_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n then_o in_o believe_v the_o scripture_n if_o this_o be_v all_o can_v be_v say_v against_o it_o yet_o the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v lay_v on_o divine_a not_o humane_a testimony_n or_o authority_n though_o the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o express_v god_n mind_n unto_o we_o yet_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n through_o scripture_n be_v our_o conversion_n and_o persuasion_n affirmative_a argument_n for_o the_o affirmative_a but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o leave_v the_o contrary_a truth_n in_o question_n take_v these_o thing_n follow_v for_o its_o confirmation_n if_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o word_n whereby_o god_n be_v please_v both_o to_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o by_o command_v we_o to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o be_v real_a precept_n then_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v more_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n then_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v and_o clear_v to_o we_o but_o such_o precept_n must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v real_a because_o they_o prove_v effectual_a and_o the_o consequence_n be_v also_o undeniable_a because_o a_o command_n do_v direct_o and_o 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be_v here_o hold_v out_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n i'faith_o the_o prime_a mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o scripture_n the_o way_n rule_n and_o guide_v of_o faith_n the_o practice_n of_o this_o have_v attain_v a_o honourable_a record_n of_o the_o man_n of_o berea_n the_o holy_a ghost_n still_o testify_v that_o they_o of_o berea_n be_v more_o noble_a than_o other_o even_o in_o this_o for_o that_o they_o will_v not_o give_v credit_n or_o faith_n to_o the_o truth_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o further_o than_o they_o make_v and_o find_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n thereof_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o act_v 18._o 11._o but_o the_o man_n we_o speak_v of_o while_o they_o wind_v up_o all_o religion_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n into_o their_o unadvised_a presume_v spirit_n what_o do_v they_o less_o so_o heinous_o obnoxious_a they_o be_v to_o the_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n then_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o that_o which_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v write_v but_o beside_o divine_a authority_n second_v also_o as_o might_n be_v abundant_o instance_a if_o occasion_n do_v require_v with_o the_o numerous_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a man_n of_o all_o age_n plain_a reason_n prove_v it_o viz._n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 1._o that_o be_v and_o only_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o infallible_a truth_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v and_o only_o be_v of_o infallible_a truth_n it_o be_v the_o word_n and_o mind_n of_o truth_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n undoubted_o be_v and_o only_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n truth_n be_v the_o proper_a &_o immediate_a object_n of_o faith_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o rule_n obliqui_fw-la rectum_fw-la norma_fw-la svi_fw-la &_o obliqui_fw-la thereof_o i_o of_o that_o that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o truth_n 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libertine_n rely_v upon_o revelation_n which_o as_o they_o will_v serve_v to_o condemn_v the_o scripture-blaspheming-papists_a out_o of_o their_o own_o mouth_n so_o also_o to_o confute_v our_o antiscripturists_a in_o this_o particular_a these_o thing_n be_v write_v notwithstanding_o that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o certainty_n of_o that_o wherein_o we_o be_v instruct_v and_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v in_o jesus_n and_o in_o believe_v have_v life_n eternal_a but_o how_o many_o absurdity_n and_o dangerous_a danger_n danger_n consequence_n be_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o denial_n hereof_o it_o follow_v 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o it_o be_v all_o one_o in_o effect_n to_o say_v so_o and_o to_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o that_o be_v the_o word_n i._o the_o will_n sense_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n reveal_v must_v needs_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o 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to_o fall_v profess_v papist_n or_o worse_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o wait_v and_o attend_v on_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o arise_v to_o familisme_n but_o since_o the_o way_n of_o this_o error_n do_v direct_o lead_v to_o the_o late_a of_o these_o we_o have_v a_o considerable_a price_n put_v into_o our_o hand_n to_o purchase_v though_o short_a yet_o seasonable_a digression_n touch_v revelation_n of_o this_o quere_z qu._n be_v it_o not_o lawful_a in_o these_o day_n of_o light_n to_o expect_v revelation_n answ_n the_o word_n revelation_n be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o good_a sense_n but_o such_o revelation_n as_o either_o take_v away_o from_o or_o add_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o such_o revelation_n as_o claim_v to_o be_v immediate_a may_v not_o be_v expect_v and_o such_o be_v the_o revelation_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o derogate_v from_o i_o deny_v or_o contradict_v any_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v utter_o unlawful_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o can_v possible_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o observe_v when_o there_o be_v but_o part_n of_o the_o word_n express_v and_o extant_a and_o god_n show_v at_o any_o time_n by_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o prophet_n his_o intention_n to_o add_v a_o increase_n and_o enlargement_n towards_o the_o free_a perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n he_o never_o argue_v so_o much_o former_a improvidence_n or_o present_a contradiction_n to_o himself_o as_o by_o the_o now_o reign_v spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o charge_v the_o other_o truth_n that_o have_v be_v reveal_v before_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a and_o even_o as_o god_n word_n of_o six_o several_a day_n in_o that_o most_o admirable_a frame_n and_o fabrik_v of_o the_o world_n do_v sing_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n with_o the_o sweet_a harmony_n even_o so_o do_v the_o glorious_a build_n of_o scripture_n though_o the_o stone_n thereof_o be_v lay_v at_o 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and_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a city_n the_o place_n you_o so_o much_o boast_v in_o and_o from_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n rev._n 22._o 19_o that_o revelation_n that_o add_v to_o the_o word_n be_v as_o impious_a &_o unwarrantable_a also_o the_o top_n stone_n be_v lay_v the_o work_n be_v finish_v the_o whole_a will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n be_v already_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o may_v look_v for_o wait_v for_o no_o more_o john_n writing_n contemn_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n even_o till_o he_o which_o testify_v these_o say_v sure_o i_o come_v quick_o etc._n etc._n rev._n 22._o 20._o and_o yet_o this_o error_n will_v expect_v more_o truth_n yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n
not_o know_v not_o god_n i_o he_o that_o do_v censorious_o uncharitable_o contemn_v or_o condemn_v his_o brethren_n do_v not_o show_v himself_o by_o love_n and_o the_o carriage_n of_o love_n know_v not_o god_n for_o god_n be_v love_n verse_n 8._o quest_n but_o what_o need_v of_o these_o rule_n be_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o discover_v error_n and_o heresy_n i_o answer_v answ_n though_o i_o have_v already_o before_o sufficient_o speak_v to_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o add_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o text_n do_v clear_v the_o contrary_a for_o who_o be_v they_o to_o who_o john_n write_v be_v they_o not_o such_o as_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n verse_n 4._o yet_o this_o command_n of_o try_v the_o spirit_n reach_v and_o immediate_o fall_v on_o they_o as_o if_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_o convenient_a for_o such_o as_o have_v the_o spirit_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n though_o they_o be_v child_n of_o light_n they_o can_v immediate_o discern_v betwixt_o thing_n that_o differ_v but_o these_o must_v use_v mean_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o spirit_n of_o discern_v these_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n quest_n but_o those_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n have_v not_o they_o sufficient_a light_n with_o they_o to_o discover_v themselves_o answ_n no_o not_o immediate_o for_o we_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n if_o of_o god_n we_o must_v know_v they_o to_o be_v so_o by_o trial_n and_o examination_n but_o it_o be_v now_o high_a time_n to_o shake_v hand_n with_o that_o text_n and_o to_o weigh_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o bold_a denial_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n for_o then_o thou_o can_v not_o possible_o convince_v another_o of_o the_o error_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o good_a ground_n what_o course_n will_v thou_o take_v with_o such_o a_o spirit_n will_v thou_o tell_v he_o that_o thou_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o error_n and_o will_v not_o he_o answer_v with_o assurance_n as_o stout_a that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v convince_v he_o by_o reason_v the_o case_n can_v this_o be_v do_v without_o some_o outward_a rule_n and_o ground_n to_o which_o both_o party_n acknowledge_v it_o umpire_n must_v make_v their_o appeal_n now_o this_o outward_a three_o this_o rule_n judge_n umpire_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o some_o humane_a tradition_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v silence_v in_o the_o case_n by_o this_o same_o spirit_n and_o what_o a_o popish_a absurdity_n follow_v a_o man_n of_o a_o erroneous_a spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o be_v his_o trial_n can_v possible_o convince_v himself_o of_o error_n upon_o good_a ground_n for_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o word_n or_o rule_n of_o truth_n for_o his_o instruction_n reproof_n conviction_n if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v undoubted_o true_a but_o then_o i_o demand_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o spirit_n that_o be_v of_o truth_n to_o be_v so_o or_o since_o none_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o he_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v what_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n in_o any_o man_n but_o by_o his_o word_n alone_o and_o now_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o man_n prefer_v above_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v not_o and_o must_v the_o word_n of_o man_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o truth_n and_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o a_o frail_a and_o fallible_a man_n exalt_v above_o the_o word_n of_o the_o true_a and_o infallible_a god_n the_o word_n of_o a_o private_a single_a man_n take_v up_o the_o place_n and_o office_n of_o the_o public_a word_n of_o god_n that_o have_v be_v so_o high_o honour_v and_o have_v in_o so_o famous_a acknowledgement_n and_o credit_n by_o all_o religious_a holy_a man_n of_o all_o age_n successive_o profanum_fw-la vulgus_fw-la this_o way_n speak_v every_o man_n true_a and_o god_n alone_o a_o liar_n let_v god_n arise_v and_o let_v his_o enemy_n be_v scatter_v may_v not_o the_o word_n in_o this_o use_n lay_v aside_o every_o man_n make_v his_o own_o spirit_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o faith_n while_o one_o more_o presumptuous_a than_o the_o rest_n intrude_v his_o tenet_n for_o truth_n another_o bring_v in_o his_o so_o a_o three_o so_o a_o four_o etc._n etc._n every_o man_n self-conceited_a believe_v his_o own_o way_n and_o opinion_n to_o be_v truth_n why_o may_v not_o every_o man_n claim_v the_o same_o privilege_n by_o what_o law_n be_v he_o forbid_v the_o law_n of_o god_n word_n that_o be_v repeal_v the_o law_n of_o spirit_n they_o be_v all_o equal_a how_o shall_v we_o now_o be_v reconcile_v what_o can_v end_v the_o controversy_n who_o shall_v we_o hear_v who_o follow_v how_o shall_v we_o become_v of_o one_o mind_n one_o faith_n what_o town-clerk_n can_v allay_v this_o hubburl_n confusion_n disturbance_n and_o make_v peace_n and_o union_n either_o every_o man_n must_v yield_v retreat_n draw_v back_o to_o himself_o into_o his_o own_o opinion_n go_v away_o quick_o guide_v by_o his_o own_o spirit_n the_o blind_a corrupt_a dictate_v of_o decay_a nature_n or_o by_o a_o proceed_n and_o that_o of_o necessity_n either_o by_o a_o sword_n or_o umpire_n first_o by_o the_o sword_n one_o urge_v thou_o shall_v yield_v to_o i_o another_o threaten_a subscribe_v to_o i_o a_o three_o swear_v you_o both_o be_v heretical_a and_o i_o be_o alone_a in_o truth_n you_o both_o must_v and_o shall_v be_v of_o my_o way_n etc._n etc._n until_o a_o bacillous_a argument_n end_v the_o controversy_n the_o strong_a arm_n be_v the_o best_a spirit_n and_o the_o sword_n have_v cut_v and_o decide_v the_o matter_n or_o second_o by_o a_o umpire_n all_o pitch_v upon_o one_o to_o mediate_v betwixt_o they_o to_o end_v and_o reconcile_v their_o difference_n to_o who_o they_o must_v give_v all_o power_n and_o sovereignty_n to_o command_v they_o truth_n peace_n and_o union_n thus_o create_v to_o themselves_o a_o pope_n and_o themselves_o papist_n but_o to_o prevent_v all_o this_o let_v we_o holdfast_n what_o we_o have_v receive_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v both_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o word_n as_o profitable_a for_o instruction_n have_v reconcile_v the_o spirit_n to_o its_o word_n whether_o take_v absolute_o or_o respective_o to_o our_o use_n in_o the_o whole_a body_n or_o bulk_n thereof_o we_o now_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v peace_n betwixt_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o some_o special_a part_n or_o particular_a use_n of_o the_o same_o word_n for_o this_o spirit_n that_o claim_v to_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n deni_v the_o word_n to_o be_v any_o way_n profitable_a either_o for_o instruction_n obedience_n or_o consolation_n in_o its_o doctrine_n command_n or_o promise_v first_o then_o it_o deni_v the_o word_n to_o be_v profitable_a in_o its_o doctrine_n for_o our_o teach_n and_o instruction_n now_o the_o scripture_n 14._o false_a rest_n pag._n 45._o l._n 14._o say_v he_o do_v not_o reveal_v christ_n within_o any_o man_n his_o sense_n must_v be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o mean_v appoint_v or_o make_v use_n of_o by_o god_n for_o the_o spiritual_a teach_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o be_v so_o general_a to_o the_o particular_n behind_o we_o shall_v have_v direct_a and_o just_a occasion_n of_o answer_n hereunto_o in_o answer_v to_o they_o yet_o for_o present_a satisfaction_n i_o make_v a_o proposal_n of_o these_o two_o queres_fw-la if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o mean_n to_o reveal_v jesus_n christ_n within_o any_o man_n what_o then_o be_v mean_v by_o such_o attribute_n of_o it_o as_o be_v find_v heb._n 4._o 12._o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v lively_a and_o mighty_a in_o operation_n and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two_o edge_a sword_n and_o enter_v through_o even_o to_o the_o divide_v of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o of_o the_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o of_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n we_o say_v not_o the_o word_n without_o the_o spirit_n but_o yet_o the_o spirit_n with_o the_o word_n do_v according_a to_o most_o sure_a and_o frequent_a experience_n all_o whatever_o we_o here_o have_v read_v therefore_o it_o be_v otherwhere_o call_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n 17._o eph._n 6._o 17._o and_o what_o can_v that_o do_v when_o set_v home_o by_o such_o a_o hand_n yea_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o man_n but_o now_o the_o
that_o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n as_o very_a scripture_n so_o that_o while_o our_o sermon_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o we_o ourselves_o in_o commission_n from_o god_n the_o word_n that_o we_o speak_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o we_o may_v speak_v they_o bold_o as_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n obj._n 3_o the_o two_o former_a objection_n will_v have_v none_o but_o this_o three_o on_o the_o contrary_a will_v have_v all_o preacher_n it_o know_v not_o why_o we_o shall_v put_v such_o a_o difference_n betwixt_o minister_n and_o other_o and_o therefore_o will_v have_v those_o that_o be_v gift_v to_o preach_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n answ_n ministerial_a gift_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n such_o as_o belong_v to_o officer_n and_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o member_n also_o but_o they_o both_o have_v their_o place_n proper_a to_o they_o and_o do_v 29._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 17_o 29._o not_o lash_v or_o jossle_v and_o be_v all_o teacher_n if_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v a_o eye_n where_o be_v the_o hear_n que._n but_o do_v not_o the_o persecute_a saint_n ast._n 8._o 4._o go_v preach_v the_o word_n every_o where_o and_o why_o have_v not_o we_o the_o same_o gospel_n liberty_n answ_n this_o if_o consider_v give_v no_o licence_n at_o all_o towards_o the_o wide_a and_o common_a practice_n of_o preach_v by_o the_o presume_v illiterate_a man_n of_o our_o time_n for_o 1._o first_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o word_n here_o use_v for_o preach_v be_v common_o use_v for_o publish_v or_o declare_v any_o thing_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n the_o same_o be_v use_v of_o the_o impotent_a man_n that_o be_v heal_v luke_n 8._o 39_o it_o be_v say_v he_o go_v away_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d preach_v i_o declare_v the_o same_o and_o praise_n of_o he_o that_o have_v heal_v he_o so_o the_o disciple_n here_o go_v preach_v i_o report_v the_o word_n gospel_n christ_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v 2._o observe_v that_o before_o they_o go_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n as_o also_o when_o once_o they_o come_v into_o jerusalem_n again_o where_o the_o ministry_n be_v settle_v we_o hear_v nothing_o of_o their_o preach_n and_o we_o dispute_v not_o here_o how_o far_o private_a christian_n may_v excercise_n their_o gift_n where_o there_o be_v none_o that_o may_v preach_v by_o way_n of_o office_n but_o we_o dispute_v and_o argue_v against_o such_o only_a as_o by_o their_o allowance_n of_o common_a preach_n will_v destroy_v the_o function_n que._n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o may_v all_o prophesy_v and_o by_o prophesy_v be_v mean_v 31._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 31._o preach_v therefore_o why_o may_v not_o all_o preach_v answ_n prophesy_v at_o least_o in_o the_o place_n now_o urge_v do_v not_o mean_a preach_v all_o conclude_v it_o be_v either_o more_o extraordinary_a or_o else_o more_o ordinary_a then_o but_o none_o the_o the_o same_o with_o preach_v or_o the_o pretend_a prophesy_v of_o our_o day_n if_o we_o receive_v these_o prophet_n among_o the_o corinthian_n as_o extraordinary_a officer_n as_o their_o name_n and_o 5._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28_o 29._o cap._n 14._o 5._o place_n they_o be_v still_o rank_v with_o apostle_n and_o such_o as_o speak_v with_o tongue_n will_v seem_v to_o intimate_v then_o without_o doubt_n the_o prophet_n among_o we_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o their_o work_n or_o office_n but_o and_o if_o we_o take_v these_o prophet_n in_o a_o more_o ordinary_a capacity_n than_o they_o be_v as_o much_o below_o as_o before_o they_o be_v above_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o it_o be_v general_o conclude_v even_o by_o such_o as_o complain_v of_o the_o loss_n of_o this_o excercise_n in_o our_o church_n that_o this_o way_n of_o prophecy_n be_v but_o a_o excercise_n of_o our_o gift_n as_o member_n not_o officer_n 32._o act_n 13._o 15._o 1_o cor._n 14._o 29_o 30_o 31_o 32._o and_o that_o it_o be_v only_o use_v in_o a_o church_n that_o have_v officer_n and_o that_o by_o their_o invitation_n and_o not_o till_o after_o public_a preach_v end_v and_o both_o it_o and_o its_o spirit_n be_v ever_o liable_a and_o ready_a to_o be_v try_v and_o censure_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n all_o which_o circumstance_n clear_o differ_v prophesy_v and_o preach_v prophesy_a being_n only_o subordinate_a unto_o not_o at_o all_o oppose_v against_o much_o less_o the_o same_o with_o preach_v not_o but_o that_o as_o vision_n by_o the_o prophet_n so_o prophesy_v 18._o prov._n 29._o 18._o may_v be_v sometime_o use_n by_o the_o apostle_n either_o by_o a_o metanimy_n or_o a_o abuse_n of_o speech_n for_o that_o that_o be_v proper_o call_v preach_v obj._n 4_o we_o grant_v say_v other_o that_o while_o the_o apostle_n live_v in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v a_o preach_v by_o way_n of_o office_n but_o that_o there_o be_v any_o succession_n of_o ministry_n from_o they_o to_o we_o as_o be_v pretend_v we_o deny_v answ_n but_o we_o shall_v clear_o prove_v what_o be_v deny_v viz._n that_o the_o ministry_n of_o preach_v by_o way_n of_o office_n do_v not_o expire_v with_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o rather_o it_o have_v use_v and_o place_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o last_o day_n which_o we_o shall_v demonstrate_v from_o its_o transition_n promise_n and_o end_n as_o they_o all_o be_v clear_o record_v in_o scripture_n 1._o first_o let_v we_o observe_v the_o transition_n which_o the_o gospel_n discover_v whereby_o this_o office_n be_v transmit_v or_o make_v over_o to_o posterity_n as_o the_o father_n say_v christ_n send_v i_o so_o or_o upon_o that_o account_n send_v i_o you_o the_o apostle_n send_v by_o christ_n say_v also_o in_o effect_n as_o christ_n send_v we_o so_o we_o send_v other_o instance_a especial_o in_o timothy_n and_o titus_n god_n send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n not_o only_o 3_o heb._n 2._o 3._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 11._o tit._n 1._o 3_o to_o be_v a_o king_n and_o priest_n but_o a_o preacher_n or_o prophet_n also_o christ_n send_v paul_n and_o the_o rest_n not_o only_o to_o be_v apostle_n but_o preacher_n also_o paul_n etc._n etc._n send_v timothy_n and_o titus_n not_o to_o be_v evangelist_n but_o preacher_n also_o and_o withal_o let_v they_o know_v their_o place_n power_n and_o duty_n that_o they_o shall_v send_v other_o and_o ordain_v elder_n and_o bishop_n in_o every_o city_n whence_o we_o may_v apt_o observe_v two_o thing_n both_o the_o 7._o tit._n 1._o 5_o 7._o truth_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o preach_v from_o the_o apostle_n downward_o the_o father_n give_v the_o son_n and_o the_o son_n give_v his_o servant_n the_o minister_n power_n by_o and_o in_o their_o own_o mission_n to_o ordain_v and_o send_v other_o successive_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n must_v needs_o follow_v for_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n ordain_v or_o send_v by_o titus_n with_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o revel_n without_o question_n live_v and_o rule_v after_o the_o apostle_n the_o former_a of_o which_o not_o be_v immediate_o ordain_v by_o apostolical_a power_n however_o the_o late_a be_v what_o then_o shall_v hinder_v but_o by_o the_o same_o the_o ministry_n of_o preach_v may_v and_o do_v pass_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o but_o second_o we_o may_v further_o demonstrate_v the_o succession_n and_o use_n of_o preach_v in_o the_o church_n even_o to_o and_o after_o the_o day_n we_o live_v in_o from_o the_o promise_n belong_v to_o it_o viz._n the_o promise_n of_o it_o and_o to_o it_o first_o there_o be_v promise_n of_o preacher_n even_o to_o the_o last_o &_o pure_a time_n to_o the_o pure_a time_n which_o show_v that_o the_o come_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o the_o go_v away_o of_o the_o ministry_n and_o to_o the_o last_o day_n witness_v that_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n and_o use_n of_o the_o same_o even_o to_o and_o with_o we_o when_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n shall_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n it_o shall_v be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n that_o be_v their_o doctrine_n as_o lay_v down_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o it_o but_o how_o do_v you_o prove_v that_o therefore_o compare_v therewith_o ezek._n 47._o 10._o for_o even_o then_o the_o fisher_n i_o of_o man_n shall_v stand_v and_o spread_v out_o their_o net_n etc._n etc._n but_o let_v we_o also_o more_o plain_o add_v that_o of_o jere._n 3._o 15._o where_o god_n speak_v of_o the_o restitution_n of_o his_o church_n or_o the_o build_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n by_o
be_v occasion_v by_o that_o godly_a jealousy_n wherewith_o you_o be_v jealous_a over_o your_o flock_n ever_o since_o i_o leave_v you_o i_o have_v travel_v for_o you_o yet_o not_o for_o you_o but_o you_o or_o if_o for_o you_o in_o you_o that_o i_o may_v bring_v forth_o this_o word_n of_o warning_n for_o they_o whreunto_o i_o have_v labour_v till_o now_o as_o the_o other_o my_o manifold_a occasion_n leave_v i_o opportunity_n and_o according_a to_o his_o work_n that_o work_v in_o i_o sir_n my_o request_n to_o you_o be_v only_o this_o that_o this_o poor_a issue_n of_o my_o faithful_a labour_n may_v have_v the_o honour_n and_o advantage_n of_o be_v deliver_v by_o your_o hand_n for_o as_o that_o will_v be_v a_o honourable_a so_o a_o certain_a convey_v and_o gain_v it_o embracement_n with_o better_a welcome_n at_o least_o if_o not_o effect_v this_o do_v worthy_a sir_n i_o must_v take_v my_o leave_n of_o you_o and_o turn_v to_o your_o people_n and_o i_o have_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n for_o you_o dear_a christian_n which_o if_o there_o be_v any_o consolation_n in_o christ_n if_o any_o comfort_n of_o love_n if_o any_o 1._o pil._n 2._o 1._o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n if_o any_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n receive_v and_o fulfil_v you_o my_o joy_n therein_o the_o great_a and_o main_a word_n of_o warning_n which_o i_o think_v may_v most_o seasonable_o be_v commend_v to_o you_o i_o find_v in_o coll._n 2._o 18._o 19_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v so_o vain_o puff_v up_o in_o your_o fleshly_a mind_n as_o not_o to_o hold_v the_o head_n from_o which_o all_o the_o body_n by_o joint_n and_o band_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o knit_v together_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n hold_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v come_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d robur_n strength_n it_o be_v not_o only_o bare_o to_o hold_v but_o firmiter_fw-la teneo_fw-la hold_v fast_o hold_v hard_o with_o all_o your_o might_n and_o strength_n as_o if_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n be_v pluck_v and_o tug_v at_o you_o to_o wrest_v you_o away_o from_o your_o head_n so_o we_o find_v it_o construe_v in_o apo._n 3._o 11._o hold_v fast_o what_o you_o have_v hold_v your_o hold_n in_o christ_n second_o hold_v the_o head_n hold_v christ_n as_o a_o head_n in_o subordination_n and_o union_n i_o not_o as_o the_o pope_n and_o too_o too_o many_o among_o we_o also_o that_o set_v up_o themselves_o check_v by_o jowl_n with_o christ_n their_o head_n yea_o and_o exalt_v themselves_o above_o he_o if_o the_o body_n be_v not_o under_o and_o subordinate_a to_o the_o head_n how_o can_v it_o receive_v influence_n from_o it_o when_o the_o body_n suffer_v not_o the_o head_n to_o be_v the_o head_n for_o eminence_n it_o reject_v the_o same_o as_o a_o head_n for_o influence_n second_o hold_v christ_n as_o your_o head_n i_o be_v unite_v keep_v near_o and_o close_o to_o christ_n lest_o his_o influence_n shall_v loose_v their_o heat_n or_o abate_v of_o their_o strength_n before_o they_o reach_v you_o take_v heed_n of_o not_o hold_v the_o head_n in_o these_o respect_n if_o we_o once_o cut_v ourselves_o off_o from_o christ_n we_o cut_v our_o selve_v off_o from_o all_o growth_n 19_o col._n 1._o 18_o 19_o eph._n 3._o 19_o and_o nourishment_n it_o please_v the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o alone_o shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v and_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o body_n the_o church_n do_v you_o ever_o think_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n and_o not_o through_o christ_n to_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n and_o not_o by_o keep_v yourselves_o subordinate_o unite_a to_o christ_n be_v not_o deceive_v 10._o col._n 2._o 9_o 10._o dear_a christian_n for_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a and_o you_o alone_o can_v be_v complete_a in_o he_o 2._o take_v heed_n of_o such_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n as_o 18._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 18._o to_o be_v reprobate_a concern_v the_o faith_n or_o as_o in_o the_o margin_n of_o your_o bibles_n of_o no_o judgement_n concern_v the_o faith_n of_o no_o judgement_n i_o indifferent_o inexpert_a unsettle_a ignorant_a experience_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d experience_n hetrodox_n in_o judgement_n concern_v the_o faith_n if_o you_o take_v faith_n here_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o special_a sense_n as_o one_o of_o those_o band_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n the_o instrument_n of_o its_o union_n with_o its_o head_n sure_o not_o so_o light_a slight_a or_o indifferent_a a_o thing_n as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d concern_v it_o as_o our_o redemption_n 1._o psa_fw-la 49._o 8._o 1_o pet_n 2._o 7._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 1._o be_v precious_a our_o christ_n be_v precious_a so_o be_v faith_n precious_a also_o hereby_o we_o hold_v the_o head_n &_o by_o hold_v the_o head_n we_o have_v nourishment_n minister_v to_o make_v we_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v so_o honour_a faith_n by_o ascribe_v unto_o it_o mighty_a acheivement_n we_o be_v justify_v by_o 28._o ro._n 3._o 28._o faith_n faith_n purify_v the_o heart_n yea_o by_o grace_n we_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n second_o take_v 8_o ephes_n 2._o 8_o faith_n in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o the_o belief_n or_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o faith_n as_o it_o believe_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o truth_n as_o take_v in_o the_o place_n now_o quote_v sure_o faith_n be_v no_o indifferent_a but_o a_o most_o necessary_a thing_n take_v heed_n of_o hold_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o thing_n indifferent_a as_o janne_n and_o jambres_n withstand_v moses_n so_o this_o also_o resist_v the_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o mind_n chief_o and_o be_v of_o most_o dangerous_a consequence_n if_o we_o hold_v christ_n we_o must_v hold_v his_o word_n also_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n alone_o as_o in_o his_o word_n we_o be_v knit_v to_o christ_n the_o head_n by_o this_o band_n his_o word_n alone_o therefore_o christ_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n the_o 1._o joh._n 1._o 1._o world_n have_v in_o it_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o that_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n but_o the_o word_n alone_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o that_o may_v be_v know_v of_o christ_n therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o they_o testify_v of_o i_o yea_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o as_o if_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o scripture_n do_v witness_v to_o christ_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 15._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15._o through_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n 3._o despise_v not_o prophesying_n this_o be_v another_o 20_o thes_n 5._o 20_o special_a band_n whereby_o we_o receive_v nourishment_n and_o growth_n from_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n therefore_o it_o be_v immediate_o prefix_v quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n i_o by_o despise_v prophesying_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d despise_v come_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nihil_fw-la it_o be_v the_o vanity_n and_o folly_n of_o our_o age_n habere_fw-la pro_fw-la nihilo_fw-la habere_fw-la to_o account_v the_o ministry_n as_o nothing_o worth_a a_o needless_a fruitless_a thing_n but_o the_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o effect_n the_o ministration_n of_o righteousness_n and_o life_n now_o do_v not_o this_o exceed_v in_o glory_n this_o 11_o 2_o cor_fw-la 3._o 6._o 6._o and_o 9_o and_o 11_o be_v the_o ministry_n that_o remain_v and_o shall_v remain_v for_o the_o word_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n until_o the_o top_n stone_n of_o this_o build_n be_v lay_v without_o the_o help_n of_o these_o builder_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v build_v up_o to_o perfection_n therefore_o they_o must_v work_v in_o this_o house_n till_o we_o all_o come_v not_o a_o few_o but_o till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n 13._o ephes_n 4._o 12_o 13._o therefore_o let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v of_o we_o as_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n to_o dispense_v the_o mystery_n and_o fullness_n of_o christ_n to_o all_o his_o member_n but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a matter_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o you_o or_o man_n judgement_n 5._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 3_o 5._o yet_o judge_v nothing_o of_o the_o ministry_n much_o less_o condemn_v it_o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o the_o
of_o faith_n sufficient_a for_o it_o but_o i_o protest_v unto_o every_o man_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o book_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v add_v unto_o these_o thing_n god_n shall_v add_v unto_o he_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n rev._n 22._o 18._o immediate_a revelation_n may_v neither_o be_v lawful_o expect_v by_o we_o for_o though_o it_o be_v necessary_a or_o at_o least_o most_o convenient_a for_o god_n intend_v to_o bless_v the_o world_n at_o the_o length_n though_o gradual_o with_o a_o stand_v visible_a mean_n for_o its_o recovery_n in_o knowledge_n etc._n etc._n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n at_o the_o first_o in_o a_o more_o immediate_a manner_n to_o some_o yet_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o such_o inspiration_n so_o absolute_o immediate_a way_n of_o revelation_n as_o my_o antagonist_n boast_v of_o god_n for_o the_o most_o part_n make_v use_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o mean_a more_o or_o less_o through_o which_o he_o convey_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o man_n of_o god_n themselves_o he_o do_v not_o distil_v inspire_v and_o reveal_v it_o into_o they_o much_o less_o into_o the_o people_n in_o so_o secret_a insensible_a a_o manner_n as_o this_o age_n mention_n which_o we_o shall_v further_o clear_v unto_o you_o by_o a_o few_o meditation_n upon_o this_o scripture_n viz._n god_n who_o at_o sundry_a and_o in_o diverse_a manner_n speak_v of_o old_a to_o our_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o the_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n heb._n 1._o 1_o 2._o these_o word_n may_v testify_v not_o only_o that_o but_o how_o god_n have_v declare_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n both_o in_o the_o first_o and_o last_o dispensation_n but_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n be_v not_o about_o the_o truth_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o these_o revelation_n quest_n first_o then_o how_o do_v god_n declare_v himself_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n answ_n this_o place_n inform_v that_o then_o in_o diverse_a manner_n he_o speak_v to_o our_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n observe_v god_n do_v not_o of_o old_a before_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v immediate_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o our_o father_n i_o the_o people_n but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o prophet_n god_n speak_v to_o our_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n here_o must_v needs_o be_v mean_v of_o his_o speak_n to_o the_o prophet_n and_o rather_o in_o then_o by_o they_o to_o our_o father_n for_o the_o prophet_n for_o aught_o i_o have_v read_v have_v only_o one_o way_n of_o reveal_v i_o by_o voice_n the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o people_n but_o here_o this_o speak_n must_v therefore_o be_v the_o speak_n of_o god_n to_o the_o prophet_n since_o it_o be_v as_o that_o be_v not_o only_o at_o sundry_a time_n but_o in_o diverse_a manner_n also_o god_n speak_v that_o truth_n unto_o the_o prophet_n that_o they_o be_v to_o declare_v to_o the_o people_n in_o diverse_a manner_n i_o not_o immediate_o but_o by_o diverse_a way_n and_o mean_n sometime_o by_o urim_n and_o thummim_n sometime_o by_o a_o voice_n sometime_o by_o dream_n sometime_o by_o vision_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v all_o medium_n in_o and_o through_o which_o god_n can_v reveal_v himself_o immediate_o these_o be_v all_o carnal_a way_n of_o revelation_n when_o compare_v with_o our_o late_a inspiration_n the_o spirit_n of_o our_o day_n not_o only_o speak_v into_o but_o in_o they_o without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o any_o mean_n whatsoever_o but_o have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n whence_o observe_v 1._o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n people_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o way_n wherein_o the_o son_n of_o god_n give_v we_o his_o father_n mind_n and_o council_n be_v his_o word_n voice_n or_o speak_v to_o we_o 3._o until_o the_o very_a last_o of_o day_n shall_v expire_v we_o must_v look_v for_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n his_o son_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n etc._n etc._n 4._o that_o in_o these_o very_o last_o of_o day_n the_o son_n of_o god_n instruct_v immediate_o by_o speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o word_n rather_o than_o by_o speak_v immediate_o in_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n object_n then_o what_o use_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o it_o promise_v to_o lead_v we_o into_o truth_n yea_o and_o to_o put_v into_o our_o mind_n what_o we_o shall_v say_v when_o occasion_n serve_v etc._n etc._n answ_n we_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o promise_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o its_o use_n yet_o do_v not_o the_o spirit_n or_o breath_n of_o christ_n still_o come_v with_o his_o word_n see_v the_o office_n of_o the_o spirit_n declare_v &_o expound_v joh._n 14._o 26._o vers_fw-la 25._o these_o thing_n say_v our_o saviour_n have_v i_o speak_v unto_o you_o be_v at_o present_a with_o you_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ver_fw-la 26._o shall_v come_v and_o teach_v you_o all_o thing_n but_o how_o it_o be_v immediate_o expound_v for_o he_o shall_v bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o christ_n by_o his_o word_n both_o writ_n and_o preach_v declare_v to_o the_o world_n his_o father_n council_n as_o write_v his_o mind_n be_v reveal_v as_o preach_v his_o word_n be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n can_v only_o take_v off_o the_o veil_n from_o our_o heart_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a and_o thus_o it_o do_v its_o office_n and_o make_v the_o word_n to_o be_v spirit_n 36._o see_v joh._n 6_o 36._o and_o life_n and_o the_o minister_n thereof_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n and_o the_o ministration_n 16._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 16._o of_o the_o spirit_n if_o it_o be_v in_o point_n of_o truth_n the_o spirit_n bring_v the_o word_n to_o our_o mind_n or_o understanding_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v to_o lead_v we_o into_o truth_n the_o way_n of_o truth_n be_v already_o lay_v in_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n 13_o joh._n 16._o 13_o only_o lead_v we_o into_o it_o for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v if_o in_o point_n of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n the_o spirit_n do_v work_v these_o in_o we_o 17._o joh._n 1._o 17._o 17._o by_o and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n thus_o bring_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o our_o remembrance_n i_o to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o improvement_n approve_v himself_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n in_o all_o respect_n as_o a_o 31._o rom._n 14._o act_n 9_o 31._o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o consolation_n obj._n but_o he_o be_v also_o a_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n to_o we_o and_o do_v he_o not_o then_o immediate_o inspire_v when_o as_o he_o speak_v our_o prayer_n in_o we_o answ_n here_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v a_o double_a fallacy_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o difference_n observable_a betwixt_o the_o spirit_n speak_v in_o we_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o with_o respect_n unto_o ourselves_o by_o truth_n the_o sense_n we_o be_v now_o about_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o double_a meaning_n in_o this_o little_a particle_n &_o preposition_n in_o as_o in_o these_o two_o proposition_n it_o be_v use_v his_o speak_v in_o we_o by_o prayer_n be_v rather_o a_o speak_n by_o we_o but_o his_o speak_n in_o we_o by_o teach_v be_v a_o speak_v immediate_o into_o we_o 2._o but_o more_o plain_o the_o spirit_n speak_v in_o we_o by_o prayer_n or_o as_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n in_o we_o be_v not_o happy_o to_o be_v take_v in_o such_o a_o immediate_a sense_n and_o way_n as_o some_o may_v think_v of_o it_o impli_v as_o i_o can_v conceive_v only_o 1._o a_o teach_v we_o 2._o a_o help_v we_o to_o pray_v 1._o the_o spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n teach_v we_o to_o pray_v either_o before_o prayer_n or_o in_o our_o pray_n 2._o the_o spirit_n teach_v we_o how_o to_o pray_v before_o we_o pray_v by_o prepare_v 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cause_n by_o its_o effect_n judge_v you_o then_o this_o be_v the_o result_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o case_n by_o make_v the_o word_n the_o trial_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o do_v no_o more_o abase_v or_o abuse_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n than_o we_o make_v the_o cause_n to_o stoop_v as_o inferior_a to_o the_o effect_n by_o clear_n or_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o same_o or_o then_o a_o righteous_a man_n be_v enslave_v by_o the_o law_n when_o as_o he_o be_v acquit_v to_o liberty_n by_o it_o but_o something_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o speak_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o affirmative_a part_n namely_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o holy_a truth_n the_o affirmative_a truth_n scripture_n be_v the_o only_a judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o end_v all_o controversy_n clear_v the_o truth_n discover_v error_n and_o every_o false_a way_n which_o i_o argue_v 1._o from_o the_o matter_n thus_o that_o which_o contain_v the_o will_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o decider_n of_o all_o controversy_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n confess_o contain_v the_o will_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o spirit_n the_o trial_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o of_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v even_o upon_o most_o immediate_a reason_n god_n that_o be_v every_o way_n truth_n that_o can_v lie_v and_o speak_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o in_o his_o thought_n or_o heart_n his_o word_n must_v needs_o contain_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n now_o for_o the_o consequence_n in_o the_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o which_o contain_v the_o will_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o spirit_n trial_n of_o truth_n decider_n of_o all_o controversy_n you_o have_v most_o easy_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o by_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o man_n do_v so_o much_o argue_v for_o what_o that_o be_v that_o be_v call_v and_o honour_v with_o the_o name_n of_o truth_n by_o every_o mouth_n that_o speak_v be_v it_o not_o that_o very_a thing_n which_o we_o call_v the_o will_n and_o sense_n of_o god_n in_o other_o word_n what_o be_v our_o truth_n the_o helen_n for_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v at_o debate_n and_o variance_n but_o the_o way_n the_o will_n the_o virgin_n truth_n of_o heaven_n will_v we_o know_v who_o be_v true_a and_o who_o a_o liar_n let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n and_o spirit_n else_o a_o liar_n his_o word_n be_v truth_n and_o the_o measure_n therefore_o of_o it_o will_v we_o know_v whether_o the_o first_o in_o obliqui_fw-la rectum_fw-la norma_fw-la svi_fw-la &_o obliqui_fw-la our_o land_n be_v straight_o or_o not_o the_o most_o ready_a way_n be_v by_o a_o even_o compare_v it_o with_o that_o that_o be_v undoubted_o so_o so_o we_o doubt_v which_o way_n and_o spirit_n be_v of_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o which_o of_o satan_n a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n take_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o the_o practice_n and_o opinion_n and_o look_v into_o the_o word_n for_o the_o warrant_n of_o they_o the_o doubt_n be_v whether_o they_o be_v according_a to_o god_n mind_n his_o word_n reveal_v his_o mind_n look_v there_o and_o search_v the_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n whither_o shall_v we_o go_v for_o truth_n or_o to_o know_v what_o be_v truth_n the_o word_n be_v truth_n arg._n 2_o we_o must_v either_o deny_v the_o bible_n to_o have_v the_o mind_n and_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o else_o subscribe_v to_o this_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o truth_n and_o spirit_n from_o the_o charge_n and_o cammand_v of_o god_n concern_v the_o scripture_n the_o end_n of_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v our_o use_n and_o duty_n in_o have_v they_o be_v to_o try_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o spirit_n by_o they_o isa_n 8._o 20._o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o this_o text_n though_o disregard_v have_v certain_o very_o much_o in_o it_o for_o the_o defence_n and_o clear_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o hand_n the_o whole_a drift_n thereof_o and_o not_o only_o the_o face_n of_o the_o word_n direct_o look_v with_o great_a respect_n to_o our_o present_a purpose_n for_o here_o be_v a_o clear_a command_n a_o strait_a charge_n we_o see_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v call_v a_o law_n it_o contain_v those_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o we_o must_v be_v obedient_a a_o testimony_n as_o a_o stand_n and_o visible_a witness_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o world_n about_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v for_o the_o better_a application_n of_o the_o same_o to_o our_o purpose_n something_o precedent_a in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o stand_v before_o and_o something_o consequent_a in_o the_o follow_a word_n of_o this_o same_o verse_n the_o part_n of_o the_o context_n precede_a and_o observable_a be_v the_o occasion_n whereupon_o this_o charge_n be_v bring_v in_o the_o part_n of_o the_o context_n subsequent_a be_v the_o reason_n thereof_o first_o for_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o ver_fw-la 19_o it_o shall_v seem_v that_o the_o people_n in_o those_o day_n of_o old_a have_v some_o wise_a man_n among_o they_o man_n wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v who_o boast_v of_o the_o spirit_n a_o spirit_n of_o divination_n promise_v a_o answer_n and_o undoubted_a resolution_n of_o all_o their_o doubt_n and_o inquiry_n obj._n but_o what_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o touch_v these_o when_o they_o shall_v say_v unto_o you_o inquire_v at_o they_o that_o have_v a_o spirit_n of_o divination_n etc._n etc._n answer_v they_o thus_o shall_v not_o a_o people_n inquire_v at_o their_o god_n but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v now_o how_o shall_v a_o people_n inquire_v at_o their_o god_n answ_n read_v on_o and_o read_v a_o answer_n sufficient_o satisfactory_a to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n there_o and_o there_o alone_o you_o may_v know_v your_o god_n mind_n and_o find_v to_o yourselves_o satisfaction_n and_o quietness_n which_o be_v further_o press_v by_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n already_o hint_v follow_v viz._n if_o they_o if_o any_o man_n the_o best_a soothsayer_n divine_a of_o they_o all_o if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o now_o do_v not_o god_n know_v very_o well_o that_o these_o man_n be_v act_v by_o a_o lie_a spirit_n yes_o very_o but_o this_o be_v speak_v for_o our_o sake_n doubtless_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o way_n to_o know_v they_o also_o and_o soothsayer_n may_v murmur_v what_o their_o hellish_a spirit_n dictate_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v by_o inquiry_n but_o rest_v not_o here_o venture_v not_o the_o least_o weight_n of_o credit_n or_o faith_n thereupon_o until_o thou_o have_v try_v this_o their_o spirit_n by_o my_o reveal_v will_n write_v word_n for_o if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a not_o only_o not_o against_o but_o if_o not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o true_a spirit_n nor_o light_n in_o they_o all_o light_a proceed_n from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n by_o the_o beam_n of_o his_o spirit_n through_o the_o window_n of_o his_o word_n both_o for_o satisfaction_n to_o thyself_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n inquire_v at_o thy_o god_n and_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o spirit_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n for_o if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o word_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v and_o conclude_v with_o these_o four_o thing_n 1_o that_o spirit_n that_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o the_o word_n have_v no_o light_n in_o it_o 2_o the_o only_a judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o write_a word_n 3_o upon_o every_o doubt_n and_o suspicion_n of_o spirit_n we_o be_v command_v and_o charge_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n 4_o so_o much_o of_o god_n will_v as_o have_v be_v already_o reveal_v have_v be_v always_o sufficient_a for_o his_o people_n in_o general_n in_o moses_n his_o time_n we_o read_v that_o secret_a 29._o deut._n 29._o 29._o thing_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o thing_n reveal_v to_o we_o and_o not_o to_o we_o alone_o but_o to_o all_o that_o shall_v come_v after_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n therefore_o not_o only_o so_o in_o moses_n time_n but_o in_o these_o day_n of_o the_o prophet_n to_o the_o
law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n now_o if_o but_o part_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n now_o reveal_v to_o the_o world_n be_v sufficient_a for_o god_n people_n in_o these_o former_a day_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a sense_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n both_o in_o law_n and_o gospel_n sufficient_a for_o we_o when_o as_o we_o have_v so_o much_o of_o write_a word_n let_v we_o not_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o be_v wise_a above_o it_o our_o saviour_n our_o king_n command_v the_o like_a therefore_o upon_o we_o that_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n search_v the_o scripture_n joh._n 5._o 39_o the_o whole_a chapter_n argue_v the_o wicked_a infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o christ_n himself_o who_o do_v not_o only_o doubt_v of_o his_o spirit_n but_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n he_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n and_o in_o any_o other_o place_n that_o he_o be_v act_v assist_v by_o the_o 18._o joh._n 5._o 18._o prince_n of_o devil_n the_o spirit_n of_o belzebub_n yet_o christ_n will_v have_v his_o own_o spirit_n try_v even_o by_o scripture_n search_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n your_o law_n be_v my_o testimony_n they_o be_v they_o that_o testify_v of_o i_o i_o protest_v to_o every_o one_o that_o shall_v add_v to_o the_o word_n of_o this_o book_n i_o will_v add_v all_o the_o curse_n that_o 22._o rev._n 22._o be_v write_v in_o it_o now_o if_o god_n have_v command_v this_o way_n he_o have_v sure_o intend_v it_o if_o it_o be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n sure_o than_o it_o be_v the_o way_n and_o we_o may_v conclude_v it_o in_o divine_a authority_n to_o be_v truth_n also_o viz._n that_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n 3_o from_o example_n that_o way_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v try_v and_o judge_v of_o spirit_n clear_v the_o truth_n and_o discover_v error_n by_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a way_n but_o that_o way_n that_o these_o walk_v in_o 28._o mat._n 21._o 42._o 22._o 29._o luke_n 4._o 1._o joh._n 7._o 42._o act_n 17._o 2._o 18._o 28._o for_o this_o end_n be_v the_o write_a word_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v therefore_o the_o best_a and_o sure_a way_n 4_o from_o divine_a testimony_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 16._o 17._o frame_v thus_o that_o which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v etc._n etc._n be_v a_o sufficient_a good_a judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n but_o the_o scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a good_a judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n the_o major_n must_v needs_o be_v grant_v as_o the_o minor_a be_v unquestionable_a for_o it_o most_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o man_n of_o god_n or_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n in_o he_o and_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o his_o ministerial_a perfection_n to_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v gainsayer_n if_o the_o 9_o tit._n 1._o 9_o scripture_n be_v not_o find_v sufficient_a for_o this_o it_o can_v make_v he_o perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n but_o doubtless_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a to_o teach_v to_o improve_v to_o correct_v and_o to_o instruct_v in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o every_o good_a work_n from_o divine_a encouragement_n that_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o only_o appoint_v command_v to_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n in_o general_a but_o have_v also_o high_o and_o honourable_o commend_v to_o all_o future_a posterity_n in_o holy_a writ_n for_o the_o judge_a and_o try_v of_o himself_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n the_o assumption_n be_v most_o clear_o find_v act_v 18._o 11._o where_o we_o have_v it_o not_o only_o relate_v not_o bare_o commend_v but_o high_o honour_v and_o honourable_o record_v for_o a_o act_n of_o a_o true_o and_o brave_o noble_a spirit_n that_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v any_o truth_n from_o paul_n himself_o yea_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o paul_n without_o search_v the_o scripture_n make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n judge_n and_o trial_n thereof_o how_o easy_o then_o may_v we_o conclude_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o all_o other_o spirit_n unless_o we_o will_v deny_v divine_a truth_n divine_a command_n divine_a example_n divine_a authority_n and_o divine_a encouragement_n and_o invitation_n but_o this_o branch_n will_v appear_v more_o worthy_o cut_v off_o if_o we_o will_v but_o a_o little_a error_n danger_n of_o the_o error_n consider_v what_o wild_a and_o dangerous_a fruit_n it_o bear_v for_o if_o this_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v not_o the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o spirit_n we_o strip_v ourselves_o of_o all_o possible_a mean_n for_o this_o important_a and_o most_o weighty_a end_n once_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o take_v heed_n what_o we_o hear_v to_o try_v all_o thing_n yea_o and_o express_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n john_n 4._o 1._o do_v god_n command_v his_o child_n to_o make_v he_o brick_n without_o straw_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n totry_n the_o spirit_n and_o have_v they_o no_o way_n leave_v no_o mean_n of_o obedience_n dear_o belove_v believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n i_o desire_v my_o candid_a reader_n to_o bear_v with_o a_o short_a digression_n for_o the_o open_n of_o this_o text._n we_o find_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v not_o only_o lay_v this_o command_n upon_o we_o negative_o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n and_o positive_o but_o try_v the_o spirit_n but_o have_v also_o press_v this_o doctrine_n with_o a_o reason_n or_o motive_n second_v that_o with_o direction_n respective_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v try_v the_o spirit_n be_v immediate_o subjoin_v viz._n for_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n the_o fall_v and_o heretical_a prophet_n go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n but_o the_o true_a one_o be_v send_v for_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v 10._o rom._n 10._o except_o they_o be_v send_v but_o this_o motive_n here_o have_v three_o step_n in_o it_o whereon_o we_o may_v ascend_v to_o obedience_n there_o be_v false_a prophet_n as_o well_o as_o true_a and_o therefore_o try_v etc._n etc._n there_o be_v man_n abroad_o that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o prophet_n though_o false_a carry_z lie_z in_o their_o right_a hand_n that_o carry_v on_o error_n very_o dexterious_o and_o thou_o may_v if_o thou_o take_v not_o good_a heed_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o try_v before_o thou_o trust_v thou_o may_v happy_o shake_v such_o a_o hand_n therefore_o try_v the_o spirit_n there_o be_v many_o false_a prophet_n as_o they_o be_v deceitful_a in_o quality_n so_o numerous_a in_o quantity_n he_o that_o walk_v in_o a_o place_n over-crept_a with_o many_o snake_n adder_n etc._n etc._n will_v he_o not_o take_v heed_n be_v very_o careful_a watchful_a over_o every_o step_n he_o tread_v now_o be_v there_o not_o many_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n many_o snake_n and_o serpent_n under_o the_o herb_n in_o god_n church_n garden_n take_v heed_n therefore_o try_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n the_o plot_n to_o deceive_v be_v not_o only_o lay_v but_o execute_v and_o that_o not_o in_o private_a or_o secret_a only_a but_o public_o open_o the_o deceiver_n very_o cunning_a or_o the_o time_n most_o corrupt_a many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n therefore_o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n quest_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o try_v the_o spirit_n answ_n there_o be_v rule_n sufficient_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n saint_n john_n have_v leave_v we_o two_o or_o three_o here_o as_o be_v more_o seasonable_a for_o those_o time_n and_o happy_o not_o unsuitable_a for_o we_o for_o hereby_o you_o shall_v know_v the_o spirit_n of_o error_n every_o spirit_n that_o deni_v that_o christ_n that_o be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o this_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n who_o be_v already_o in_o the_o world_n verse_n 3._o whosoever_o hear_v not_o we_o i_o do_v not_o with_o faith_n and_o conscience_n receive_v the_o word_n whether_o write_v or_o preach_v be_v not_o of_o god_n for_o hereby_o know_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n verse_n 6._o he_o that_o love_v
lie_v we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n heb._n 6._o 17._o 18._o 2._o experience_v strong_o prove_v the_o end_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o be_v such_o as_o we_o speak_v of_o in_o that_o they_o have_v so_o constant_o be_v throughout_o all_o generation_n effectual_a good_a mean_n of_o rest_n comfort_n satisfaction_n or_o ease_v in_o their_o application_n we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v these_o and_o such_o like_a to_o be_v the_o end_n thereof_o nothing_o be_v a_o able_a and_o effectual_a mean_n in_o any_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n but_o such_o as_o be_v appoint_v and_o consecrate_v thereto_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o end_n of_o execution_n ever_o discover_v reveil_v the_o end_n of_o intention_n in_o god_n who_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o council_n 11._o eph._n 1._o 11._o of_o his_o own_o will_n yea_o certain_a it_o be_v this_o way_n of_o a_o promise_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o a_o moral_a and_o eternal_a efficacy_n to_o gvie_a hope_n rest_n satisfaction_n and_o the_o like_a this_o way_n be_v regular_a to_o the_o law_n of_o right_a reason_n not_o be_v only_o the_o way_n of_o man_n but_o god_n also_o and_o may_v we_o not_o use_v the_o promise_n now_o for_o the_o intent_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o both_o reason_n and_o scripture_n nature_n and_o god_n have_v appoint_v they_o have_v god_n send_v we_o glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n in_o a_o promise_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o must_v we_o not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o rejoice_v therein_o god_n have_v make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n and_o must_v we_o not_o take_v comfort_n therefrom_o because_o it_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n heb._n 8._o 6._o gospel_n christian_n be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_n they_o inherit_v the_o promise_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o heir_n rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a with_o his_o rich_a inheritance_n sit_v under_o his_o vine_n and_o his_o figtree_n sing_v praise_n yea_o the_o spirit_n our_o comforter_n himself_o be_v 13_o eph._n 1._o 13_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n ephes_n 1._o 13._o wherein_o after_o you_o believe_v you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n we_o be_v invite_v persuade_v to_o believe_v by_o a_o promise_n as_o so_o in_o the_o form_n thereof_o when_o we_o believe_v we_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o promise_n that_o be_v of_o the_o matter_n thereof_o then_o we_o not_o able_a to_o apply_v our_o privilege_n in_o promise_n of_o ourselves_o for_o our_o comfort_n we_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n that_o see_v our_o riches_n by_o our_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n we_o may_v rejoice_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a in_o believe_v 4._o and_o last_o why_o may_v not_o the_o promise_n be_v the_o ordain_v mean_n of_o comfort_n as_o well_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n 1._o promise_n in_o their_o tender_a and_o offer_n be_v the_o only_a ordinary_a gospel_n way_n and_o mean_n of_o encourage_v and_o gain_v sinner_n to_o believe_v the_o law_n in_o a_o sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o lead_v or_o rather_o to_o drive_v a_o soul_n to_o christ_n but_o the_o gospel_n only_o ay_o the_o tender_a of_o christ_n in_o a_o promise_n do_v prevail_v upon_o the_o soul_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o he_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o a_o word_n but_o this_o he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n herein_o upon_o this_o condition_n of_o faith_n set_v home_o upon_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n do_v but_o reasonable_o persuade_v it_o to_o believe_v for_o salvation_n and_o why_o not_o likewise_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n apply_v the_o promise_n yea_o a_o soul_n groan_v under_o the_o weight_n and_o burden_n of_o sin_n must_v needs_o have_v some_o refreshment_n from_o the_o very_a apprehension_n much_o more_o application_n of_o the_o kindness_n of_o christ_n so_o sweet_o express_v in_o the_o invite_a promise_n come_v unto_o i_o all_o 28._o mat._n 11._o 28._o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v ease_v you_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o pomise_n that_o give_v any_o hope_n of_o ease_n and_o rest_n it_o give_v sure_o some_o ease_n and_o comfort_n to_o a_o true_o weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v soul_n as_o it_o incourage_v to_o come_v for_o it_o but_o furthermore_o be_v not_o a_o promise_n more_o natural_a and_o proper_a to_o comfort_v be_v apply_v then_o to_o persuade_v to_o believe_v be_v apprehend_v for_o i_o may_v know_v of_o a_o certain_a that_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n belong_v to_o i_o after_o i_o have_v faith_n but_o not_o before_o so_o must_v needs_o have_v more_o encouragement_n for_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n for_o comfort_v when_o i_o do_v believe_v before_o then_o by_o a_o general_a proposition_n to_o venture_v myself_o for_o faith_n yet_o as_o we_o have_v find_v a_o tender_a of_o promise_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o haven_n be_v the_o only_a effectual_a mean_n of_o faith_n second_o of_o holiness_n see_v we_o have_v 1_o 2_o cor._n 7._o 1_o those_o promise_n let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o now_o be_v there_o not_o wine_n to_o comfort_n as_o well_o as_o water_v to_o cleanse_v in_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o promise_n to_o we_o be_v give_v exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v 5._o 2_o pet._n 1._o 5._o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o be_v the_o promise_v give_v for_o this_o end_n only_o and_o not_o much_o rather_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o divine_a comfort_n strong_a consolation_n i_o may_v but_o i_o forbear_v to_o digress_v to_o show_v how_o these_o promise_n serve_v to_o sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v we_o yet_o thus_o much_o will_v clear_v and_o strengthen_v the_o argument_n promise_n be_v mean_n of_o holiness_n only_o accidental_o indirect_o but_o of_o comfort_n direct_o and_o natural_o they_o be_v the_o breast_n of_o consolation_n though_o wanton_a and_o untoward_o wicked_a child_n may_v vex_v deface_v and_o spit_v upon_o they_o yet_o let_v our_o father_n encourage_v enable_v we_o still_o to_o hug_v and_o kiss_v they_o to_o stroke_v they_o with_o the_o hand_n and_o suck_v they_o with_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o faith_n thence_o to_o draw_v sweet_a milk_n to_o comfort_v and_o strengthen_v we_o against_o all_o temptation_n and_o trial_n and_o shrew_n be_v to_o all_o such_o as_o offer_v they_o despite_n or_o injurious_o endeavour_v to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o our_o mouth_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o what_o ever_o be_v say_v against_o it_o be_v still_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d profitable_a to_o we_o both_o in_o its_o proposition_n precept_n and_o promise_v for_o instruction_n obedience_n and_o consolation_n chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o gospel_n communion_n of_o saint_n or_o church_n fellowship_n we_o now_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o considerate_o capacity_n of_o attone_v and_o mediate_a for_o the_o poor_a despise_a ministry_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o we_o shall_v here_o undertake_v on_o its_o behalf_n in_o two_o respect_n only_o viz._n in_o its_o way_n and_o manner_n and_o in_o its_o matter_n its_o ordinance_n leave_v the_o condition_n of_o its_o contemn_a forforsaken_a and_o condemn_v officer_n as_o too_o too_o desperate_a and_o even_o past_a recovery_n by_o my_o inexpert_a and_o impotent_a hand_n first_o then_o this_o error_n indeavore_v to_o error_n error_n subvert_v the_o way_n of_o church-fellowship_n condemn_v this_o as_o the_o very_o worst_a and_o most_o false_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n now_o reason_n this_o be_v abundant_o reprooved_a by_o the_o marvellous_a experience_n of_o the_o feign_a disturber_n of_o the_o false_a rest_n for_o he_o be_v rest_n in_o the_o nine_o false_a rest_n never_o under_o more_o gross_a darkness_n more_o laodicean_n lukewarmnesse_n he_o be_v never_o more_o spiritual_o proud_a more_o carnal_a more_o censorious_a etc._n etc._n then_o when_o under_o this_o dispensation_n viz._n a_o member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n in_o church_n fellowship_n answ_n and_o be_v this_o all_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v all_o that_o you_o can_v say_v against_o this_o good_a way_n of_o church-fellowship_n viz._n the_o corrupt_a abuse_n that_o your_o own_o and_o other_o heart_n do_v make_v thereof_o but_o how_o strange_o argue_v may_v it_o not_o be_v yet_o the_o way_n of_o god_n though_o man_n abuse_v it_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a for_o our_o unwashen_n hand_n to_o pollute_v and_o defile_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o holy_a child_n jesus_n innocency_n itself_o disgrace_v and_o spit_v upon_o scourge_v and_o crucify_v and_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o great_a than_o his_o master_n nor_o the_o thing_n ordain_v then_o the_o ordainer_n himself_o moreover_o we_o may_v bring_v many_o thousand_o experience_n
first_o our_o qualification_n be_v changeable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n second_o and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o giver_n disposal_n the_o first_o i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o gather_v from_o these_o two_o expression_n they_o shall_v come_v to_o nothing_o and_o be_v give_v to_o change_v the_o last_o be_v as_o clear_o express_v in_o the_o late_a word_n they_o may_v be_v take_v away_o at_o the_o owner_n disposal_n now_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o affirm_v our_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v give_v to_o change_v answ_n i_o answer_v 1._o by_o concession_n that_o grace_n in_o itself_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v changeable_a that_o be_v the_o gracious_a holy_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v spoil_v by_o sin_n and_o lose_v in_o ruin_n as_o be_v sad_o instance_a in_o the_o unhappy_a fall_n of_o the_o first_o holy_a man_n and_o glorious_a angel_n yet_o 2._o by_o exception_n to_o say_v notwithstanding_o that_o the_o grace_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n be_v give_v to_o change_v be_v a_o unsavoury_a arminian_n position_n let_v we_o learn_v to_o distinguish_v there_o be_v natural_a common_a and_o special_a i._n e._n save_v gospel_n grace_n the_o natural_a original_a grace_n that_o image_n of_o god_n in_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o common_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o hypocrite_n be_v and_o be_v liable_a to_o change_v and_o ruin_n yet_o that_o late_a special_a save_a gospel_n grace_n that_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o as_o the_o flower_n that_o fade_v away_o though_o it_o fade_v it_o shall_v never_o die_v be_v it_o ever_o seem_o dead_a it_o be_v but_o as_o the_o coal_n that_o be_v cover_v with_o ash_n bury_v alive_a grace_n be_v of_o a_o eternal_o conquer_a seed_n immortal_a seed_n nature_n and_o spite_n of_o all_o opposition_n in_o the_o end_n shall_v discover_v itself_o most_o certain_o effectual_a in_o the_o redemption_n of_o its_o subject_n the_o soul_n from_o hell_n to_o heaven_n grace_n come_v from_o christ_n and_o will_v return_v to_o he_o again_o but_o yet_o not_o empty_a it_o will_v do_v its_o work_n for_o which_o it_o be_v send_v and_o carry_v our_o soul_n to_o heaven_n with_o it_o that_o where_o he_o be_v we_o may_v be_v also_o that_o water_n that_o radical_a moisture_n christ_n give_v and_o derive_v into_o his_o branch_n be_v within_o they_o as_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n though_o it_o meet_v with_o opposition_n that_o will_v keep_v it_o down_o and_o choke_v it_o it_o will_v up_o again_o and_o with_o a_o most_o prevalent_a force_n at_o the_o last_o overcome_v all_o enmity_n and_o in_o high_a contempt_n and_o triumph_n bubble_v up_o itself_o into_o life_n everlasting_a jo._n 4._o 14._o this_o water_n shall_v never_o be_v whole_o exhaust_v for_o the_o 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give_v be_v to_o be_v consider_v either_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la or_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la 1._o if_o we_o consider_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o right_n than_o the_o question_n be_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o main_a question_n for_o as_o it_o be_v conclude_v in_o matter_n of_o right_n it_o must_v also_o be_v yield_v as_o touch_v fact_n in_o god_n that_o injure_v none_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o god_n can_v just_o take_v away_o that_o grace_n that_o he_o himself_o by_o the_o special_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v give_v for_o the_o clere_a whereof_z we_o must_v look_v upon_o this_o right_n as_o it_o ve_fw-la de_fw-fr meritory_n incurrit_fw-la iram_fw-la dei_fw-la licet_fw-la non_fw-la effect_n ve_fw-la respect_v we_o and_o god_n first_o then_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o unworthiness_n or_o abuse_v of_o grace_n doubtless_o god_n as_o he_o may_v have_v deny_v we_o so_o he_o may_v most_o just_o deprive_v we_o of_o it_o but_o second_o with_o respect_n unto_o himself_o if_o 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justice_n be_v satisfy_v by_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v the_o bargain_n end_v it_o be_v then_o 53._o isai_n 53._o as_o we_o may_v read_v conclude_v that_o by_o this_o knowledge_n or_o by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o himself_o he_o shall_v justify_v many_o now_o the_o price_n be_v tender_v and_o receive_v the_o property_n of_o the_o good_n be_v alter_v can_v god_n in_o justice_n now_o for_o justice_n be_v satisfy_v reclaim_v our_o grace_n we_o not_o only_a by_o gift_n but_o purchase_v also_o 6._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 6._o heb._n 3._o 6._o christ_n be_v our_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ransom_n and_o the_o mediator_n of_o that_o bargain_n of_o grace_n also_o even_o to_o see_v it_o perform_v and_o keep_v second_o as_o god_n proper_o engage_v 40._o jer._n 32._o 40._o by_o bargain_n not_o to_o take_v away_o grace_n so_o by_o promise_n also_o have_v not_o god_n promise_v 18._o deut._n 26._o 18._o and_o most_o solemn_o covenant_v that_o he_o will_v put_v his_o fear_n into_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o what_o end_n and_o effect_v even_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v keep_v thereby_o from_o fall_v away_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o depart_v ftom_n he_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n yea_o let_v this_o add_v to_o our_o great_a comfort_n that_o he_o will_v not_o only_o 3._o isai_n 42._o 3._o not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n not_o only_o not_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n but_o bring_v forth_o judgement_n into_o victory_n be_v confident_a of_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o he_o 6._o phil._n 1._o 6._o which_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o we_o will_v perform_v or_o finish_v it_o to_o the_o day_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o shall_v not_o god_n be_v as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n 2._o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o virtual_a engagement_n whereby_o god_n be_v bind_v never_o to_o withdraw_v his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n from_o he_o which_o be_v a_o addition_n of_o strength_n to_o the_o engagement_n of_o promise_n to_o hold_v god_n to_o his_o word_n the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n be_v not_o only_o the_o token_n of_o god_n love_n but_o a_o pledge_n to_o supply_v christ_n absence_n and_o our_o security_n for_o our_o belove_n return_v joh._n 14._o with_o 16._o our_o seal_n whereby_o we_o be_v seal_v and_o make_v 14._o ephes_n 4._o 10._o ephes_n 2._o 13._o 14._o sure_a to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n yea_o and_o the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n be_v not_o the_o man_n bind_v to_o stand_v to_o his_o bargain_n that_o have_v give_v earnest_a he_o must_v either_o have_v the_o one_o or_o lose_v the_o other_o now_o think_v you_o be_v the_o precious_a faith_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o vile_a in_o god_n eye_n that_o he_o will_v lose_v
his_o earnest_n be_v the_o redemption_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v precious_a or_o that_o his_o name_n his_o merciful_a gracious_a name_n that_o be_v exalt_v above_o all_o his_o word_n so_o sleight_n or_o worthless_a in_o divine_a thought_n weams_n gratia_n semel_fw-la recepta_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la be_fw-mi tti_fw-mi respectu_fw-la patris_fw-la jo._n 10._o 29._o filii_fw-la 1_o cor._n 6._o 7._o spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la ephes_n 1._o 13._o weams_n that_o god_n will_v or_o can_v suffer_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o to_o fail_v or_o miscarry_v yea_o he_o delight_v in_o mercy_n and_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o precious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o death_n of_o his_o saint_n see_v here_o the_o height_n and_o depth_n etc._n etc._n of_o divine_a love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o he_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o joy_n with_o these_o obligation_n god_n have_v tie_v his_o own_o hand_n he_o can_v only_o give_v not_o take_v away_o his_o grace_n give_v he_o can_v bless_v and_o only_o bless_v and_o not_o curse_v we_o so_o that_o it_o be_v but_o right_n and_o equity_n on_o his_o behalf_n not_o to_o deprive_v we_o of_o that_o grace_n and_o holiness_n he_o have_v once_o give_v we_o now_o certain_o if_o god_n can_v lawful_o he_o can_v at_o all_o take_v away_o grace_n 9_o 1_o joh._n 1._o 9_o if_o he_o can_v de_n jure_v he_o will_v not_o de_n facto_fw-la who_o be_v just_a and_o faithful_a just_o with_o relation_n to_o our_o saviour_n purchase_n 23._o heb._n 10._o 23._o and_o faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v to_o conclude_v than_o grace_n be_v no_o fallible_a evidence_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v neither_o changeable_a in_o itself_o nor_o yet_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n disposal_n but_o be_v it_o so_o that_o our_o grace_n be_v at_o the_o owner_n disposal_n what_o advantage_n yet_o be_v gain_v to_o this_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o such_o a_o grant_n be_v not_o god_n spirit_n as_o much_o god_n own_o as_o our_o grace_n we_o read_v of_o our_o light_n our_o grace_n but_o seldom_o of_o any_o such_o or_o so_o clear_a a_o interest_n we_o have_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v grace_n god_n right_a and_o not_o much_o rather_o the_o spirit_n be_v grace_n in_o god_n power_n will_n disposal_n and_o the_o spirit_n whole_o in_o we_o can_v god_n suck_v in_o his_o own_o breath_n as_o easy_o as_o to_o blot_v or_o put_v out_o our_o life_n have_v not_o god_n the_o same_o if_o not_o more_o immediate_a power_n over_o the_o cause_n as_o effect_v yet_o this_o be_v the_o way_n wherein_o we_o must_v walk_v to_o meet_v and_o close_a with_o the_o spirit_n come_v object_n but_o it_o may_v be_v further_o add_v that_o though_o grace_n can_v total_o yet_o may_v it_o gradum_fw-la not_o quoad_fw-la habitum_fw-la yet_o quoad_fw-la gradum_fw-la sure_o so_o far_o perish_v as_o not_o to_o be_v decernable_a and_o so_o not_o evidentiall_a answ_n suppose_v we_o grant_v yet_o what_o weight_n will_v it_o add_v to_o the_o scale_n in_o hand_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o there_o may_v not_o be_v some_o case_n experience_v wherein_o grace_n can_v evidence_n but_o whether_o grace_n be_v not_o able_a and_o apt_a in_o itself_o to_o evidence_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o grace_n to_o clear_v our_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n 2._o for_o further_a satisfaction_n let_v we_o a_o little_a weigh_v this_o case_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o experience_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a desertion_n namely_o of_o grace_n and_o comfort_n so_o these_o seldom_o or_o never_o fall_v in_o together_o to_o the_o same_o person_n for_o where_o we_o find_v a_o ebb_n of_o grace_n we_o usual_o find_v a_o flood_n of_o confidence_n and_o we_o many_o time_n see_v stream_n of_o grace_n flow_v from_o the_o wound_a bleed_a conscience_n the_o spirit_n be_v call_v fire_n and_o it_o do_v many_o time_n give_v much_o heat_n and_o little_a light_n when_o it_o have_v deny_v to_o bring_v with_o it_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v as_o a_o refiner_n fire_n to_o purge_v the_o soul_n to_o burn_v up_o its_o lust_n and_o to_o take_v away_o dross_n and_o tinn_n so_o that_o very_o many_o even_o while_o they_o do_v miserable_o labour_v under_o such_o sad_a desertion_n of_o comfort_n they_o be_v zealous_o affect_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n the_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o do_v even_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n but_o to_o apply_v if_o the_o desertion_n be_v of_o comfort_n as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n i_o conclude_v that_o all_o sincerity_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v never_o so_o far_o go_v even_o under_o the_o great_a desertion_n of_o comfort_n as_o not_o to_o be_v discernible_a even_o by_o the_o soul_n itself_o that_o suffer_v if_o enlighten_v assist_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o comforter_n do_v not_o all_o the_o expression_n of_o spirit_n so_o labour_v experience_n so_o much_o and_o testify_v for_o they_o to_o all_o the_o hearer_n their_o fear_n to_o offend_v their_o prize_v of_o christ_n &_o c_o but_o admit_v the_o desertion_n be_v of_o grace_n as_o it_o be_v sad_a to_o think_v how_o far_o even_o those_o that_o be_v true_o in_o christ_n may_v fall_v so_o be_v it_o as_o hard_a to_o imagine_v how_o a_o person_n while_o under_o the_o state_n of_o apostasy_n shall_v ever_o have_v so_o serious_a a_o selfreflection_n as_o to_o have_v any_o occasion_n to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o evidence_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o while_o he_o lie_v in_o this_o state_n whether_o they_o be_v clear_a or_o blur_v object_n but_o suppose_v he_o new_o enlighten_v new_o convict_v then_o he_o will_v have_v need_n of_o evidence_n and_o find_v none_o answ_n as_o such_o light_n bring_v conviction_n with_o it_o so_o such_o conviction_n bring_v light_a with_o it_o i_o mean_v matter_n of_o evidence_n and_o comfort_n for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v so_o far_o humble_v as_o to_o question_v his_o condition_n and_o to_o bring_v himself_o to_o trial_n and_o so_o to_o conviction_n this_o be_v undoubted_o a_o good_a visible_a decernable_a mark_n in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n even_o of_o the_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o see_v it_o nothing_o avail_v either_o to_o our_o case_n or_o indeed_o to_o any_o purpose_n to_o object_n that_o grace_n may_v not_o be_v visible_a and_o so_o not_o evidentiall_a but_o let_v we_o observe_v two_o thing_n by_o the_o by_o 1._o that_o the_o change_n with_o respect_n to_o comfort_n be_v not_o in_o our_o grace_n but_o in_o the_o spirit_n presence_n or_o absence_n 2._o the_o spirit_n itself_o we_o find_v thus_o far_o changeable_a my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o then_o what_o advantage_n have_v this_o way_n of_o the_o spirit_n against_o qualification_n by_o this_o discourse_n the_o second_o argument_n the_o second_o argument_n against_o qualification_n be_v find_v in_o page_n 23._o line_n 26._o it_o be_v a_o abuse_n of_o the_o gift_n viz._n qualification_n and_o a_o affront_n put_v upon_o the_o giver_n viz._n god_n to_o make_v the_o gift_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o true_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n this_o argument_n be_v so_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a that_o i_o shall_v only_o call_v earth_n earth_n sense_n and_o nature_n to_o bear_v witness_n against_o it_o such_o a_o instinct_n we_o find_v in_o all_o tameable_a beast_n even_o by_o the_o gift_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o giver_n do_v not_o nature_n teach_v you_o etc._n etc._n that_o herein_o have_v god_n commend_v his_o love_n that_o while_o yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o must_v not_o we_o now_o observe_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o love_n herein_o if_o we_o endeavour_v thereby_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o pass_v knowledge_n be_v this_o a_o abuse_n of_o the_o gift_n a_o affront_n put_v upon_o the_o giver_n to_o conclude_v acknowledge_v bless_v and_o admire_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n for_o gift_n and_o mercy_n earthy_a yea_o heavenly_a the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n the_o earnest_a and_o seal_n of_o our_o own_o inheritance_n the_o proper_a end_n yea_o and_o appoint_a end_n of_o all_o god_n mercy_n especial_a spiritual_a and_o to_o his_o saint_n that_o we_o may_v be_v to_o the_o prais_fw-fr of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n ephes_n 1._o 6._o the_o three_o argument_n object_n the_o three_o and_o most_o frequent_a argument_n against_o the_o evidence_n of_o qualification_n be_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o sure_a evidence_n that_o may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o our_o qualification_n may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a answ_n the_o second_o proposition_n we_o deny_v qualification_n
the_o punishment_n 3._o lam._n 3._o of_o his_o sin_n the_o consequence_n be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n for_o what_o the_o spirit_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o we_o can_v have_v a_o ignorant_a unbeleif_fw-mi thereof_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v every_o truth_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n in_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v many_o truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o spirit_n have_v not_o yet_o reveal_v to_o most_o if_o to_o any_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v more_o truth_n and_o scripture_n than_o the_o spirit_n have_v yet_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o proposition_n be_v clear_a because_o all_o reveal_v truth_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v first_o by_o that_o law_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v implant_v in_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n second_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o condemn_v every_o spirit_n as_o foolish_a and_o bewitch_v that_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o believe_v of_o it_o gal._n 3._o 1._o but_o now_o how_o shall_v we_o prove_v the_o assumption_n to_o they_o that_o deny_v the_o scripture_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v more_o truth_n in_o scripture_n than_o the_o spirit_n have_v yet_o reveal_v to_o any_o they_o will_v be_v force_v to_o grant_v it_o will_v they_o but_o yield_v a_o little_a to_o consult_v their_o own_o experience_n for_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v more_o enlighten_v inspire_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n than_o other_o even_o among_o themselves_o now_o that_o revelation_n that_o have_v honour_v they_o above_o and_o beyond_o their_o brethren_n be_v either_o make_v know_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o error_n but_o they_o not_o acknowledge_v the_o late_a of_o these_o then_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n must_v needs_o be_v truth_n and_o that_o may_v be_v the_o truth_n for_o their_o sufficient_a conviction_n that_o be_v not_o reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o many_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n in_o scripture_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o reveal_v to_o some_o man_n all_o the_o truth_n in_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o all_o man_n therefore_o man_n ought_v to_o believe_v more_o scripture_n than_o the_o spirit_n have_v yet_o make_v clear_a and_o manifest_a to_o they_o but_o a_o word_n to_o hint_n at_o the_o absurdity_n and_o danger_n of_o this_o opinion_n and_o i_o shake_v hand_n yea_o wash_v my_o hand_n of_o this_o and_o first_o we_o must_v needs_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n juris_fw-la sin_n ignorantia_fw-la juris_fw-la of_o ignorance_n can_v possible_o be_v commit_v for_o if_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o believe_v no_o more_o than_o the_o spirit_n do_v reveal_v i_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o know_v for_o whatsoever_o the_o spirit_n do_v reveal_v i_o must_v needs_o know_v there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n of_o unbeleif_n for_o so_o far_o as_o the_o spirit_n persuade_v and_o enlighten_v i_o must_v and_o can_v but_o assent_v there_o can_v be_v no_o actual_a sin_n at_o all_o among_o the_o heathen_n for_o they_o either_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o the_o first_o be_v too_o absurd_a to_o be_v imagine_v then_o if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n they_o can_v have_v the_o law_n reveal_v to_o they_o by_o it_o therefore_o the_o law_n concern_v they_o not_o and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n the_o man_n of_o sin_n himself_o as_o so_o can_v sin_v i_o against_o the_o gospel_n the_o saint_n or_o christ_n since_o he_o be_v not_o persuade_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n that_o these_o be_v true_a neither_o do_v i_o well_o conceive_v how_o the_o people_n of_o god_n can_v sin_v either_o for_o so_o far_o as_o they_o receive_v the_o truth_n from_o the_o spirit_n so_o far_o do_v they_o not_o obey_v it_o and_o no_o further_o be_v they_o bind_v to_o regard_v it_o or_o to_o conclude_v if_o the_o saint_n can_v sin_v the_o saint_n it_o seem_v be_v the_o only_a sinner_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o this_o account_n however_o man_n may_v wallow_v and_o tumble_v in_o the_o gross_a profaneness_n and_o yet_o not_o lose_v their_o cloak_n the_o spirit_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o to_o i_o it_o will_v be_v say_v i_o be_o not_o yet_o convince_v that_o what_o i_o do_v be_v sinful_a or_o evil_a and_o happy_a thrice_o happy_a be_v you_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a indian_n rise_v up_o and_o call_v this_o way_n above_o all_o other_o bless_v it_o free_v you_o from_o sin_n and_o punishment_n also_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o conviction_n of_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o law_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o punishment_n as_o this_o opinion_n lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n for_o sin_n so_o for_o ignorance_n and_o error_n also_o well_o may_v the_o papist_n say_v that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n it_o be_v so_o good_a a_o preservative_n against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o for_o error_n this_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o deny_v jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n himself_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n heaven_n hell_n and_o worse_o if_o possible_a and_o bring_v a_o man_n safe_o off_o and_o free_a from_o any_o sin_n or_o check_v upon_o this_o account_n plea_n ground_n and_o warrant_v i_o be_o not_o yet_o convince_v hereof_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o conclude_v it_o do_v plain_o level_v the_o holy_a bible_n with_o any_o other_o book_n whatsoever_o whether_o godly_a or_o profane_a and_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o no_o better_a authority_n than_o they_o which_o even_o the_o very_a very_o worst_a of_o which_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o believe_v so_o far_o as_o the_o spirit_n i_o mean_v by_o scripture_n shall_v convince_v and_o assure_v i_o of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o yet_o which_o i_o grieve_v to_o think_v and_o tremble_v to_o write_v this_o be_v a_o most_o common_o receive_v opinion_n among_o we_o in_o this_o age._n ah_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n of_o lose_v that_o if_o such_o error_n as_o these_o once_o spread_v and_o prevail_v wherein_o our_o very_a soul_n be_v bind_v up_o religion_n itself_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o now_o shall_v pass_v on_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o consider_v it_o respective_o to_o our_o use_n thereof_o &_o first_o altogether_o in_o the_o bulk_n &_o whole_a thereof_o as_o deny_v by_o this_o error_n in_o these_o two_o assertion_n 1._o that_o the_o scripture_n or_o bible_n be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n page_n 128._o 2._o nor_o the_o judge_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o spirit_n page_z 66._o line_n 2._o 3._o page_n 127._o both_o these_o be_v also_o know_v to_o every_o one_o that_o have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o popish_a tenet_n to_o be_v rank_n popery_n the_o difference_n lie_v only_o in_o the_o different_a use_n hereof_o the_o jesuist_n use_v they_o to_o advance_v his_o pope_n and_o the_o man_n of_o this_o error_n make_v they_o a_o mean_a to_o carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o their_o spirit_n but_o of_o they_o in_o order_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o viz._n the_o denial_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n these_o popish_a assertion_n be_v find_v in_o the_o jesuit_n book_n namely_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v not_o to_o rule_v our_o faith_n but_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o it_o that_o it_o receive_v all_o the_o authority_n it_o have_v from_o the_o church_n and_o that_o we_o must_v live_v more_o according_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n than_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n now_o may_v we_o but_o call_v the_o church_n here_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o pope_n the_o spirit_n a_o most_o easy_a mistake_n and_o in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o particular_n the_o abettor_n of_o the_o error_n we_o be_v dispute_v against_o do_v willing_o bow_v &_o do_v obeisance_n to_o his_o holiness_n if_o not_o even_o fall_v down_o and_o kiss_v his_o toe_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v bring_v for_o this_o error_n uphold_v that_o i_o can_v think_v of_o at_o present_a that_o have_v not_o already_o prove_v the_o truth_n prove_v receive_v a_o answer_n upon_o a_o other_o occasion_n before_o i_o shall_v immediate_o betake_v myself_o for_o the_o strength_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o contrary_a affirmative_a viz._n that_o the_o word_n or_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o first_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o pregnant_a scriptu●e_n for_o it_o 2._o tim_n 3._o 15._o the_o scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n where_o observe_v 1._o that_o christ_n