A26946:66
The judgment of non-conformists of the interest of reason in matters of religion in…
The judgment of non-conformists of the interest of reason in matters of religion in which it is proved against make-bates, that both conformists, and non-conformists, and all parties of true Protestants are herein really agreed, though unskilful speakers differ in words.
London : s.n., 1676
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
19. There are evident unimitable effects of the Christian Faith, which prove it to be of God; even the Spirits sanctifying Work, on Man; which may, by those that have it not, be partly discerned in the holy Lives of Believers; especially in the Sanctity of the Church, that it should be holy, in Comparison of the unholy World, (that is, all sound Believers which are the real spiritual living Church;) for, if one Letter might be made without Reason by chance, yet so cannot a Learned Book: And if an individual Christian might by chance be holier than Infidels, yet so could not all true Believers. But he that hath this Sanctification, or Spirit in himself, hath clearer, and more assuring evidence; and those most that have the greatest degree of holiness: These all have the Witness in themselves.
20. The Spirit of Christ thus sent from him, as his Agent, and Advocate in Mens Souls, is the Author, both of Common preparatory, and of Special saving Illumination, enlightening the Mind to understand the things of God; and (as is aforesaid) giving the sanctified Will a new Relish to them, as congruous and good: And this Knowledge, and Faith objectively, and subjectively is the gift of God, or a Beam from Christ, the Light of the redeemed World.
20. The Spirit of Christ thus sent from him, as his Agent, and Advocate in Mens Souls, is the Author, both of Common preparatory, and of Special saving Illumination, inlightening the Mind to understand the things of God; and (as is aforesaid) giving the sanctified Will a new Relish to them, as congruous and good: And this Knowledge, and Faith objectively, and subjectively is the gift of God, or a Beam from Christ, the Light of the redeemed World.
But to some the same Spirit giveth far greater measures of Knowledge and Faith, than to others; and those are likest to receive most of that Grace, who are most sincere, and diligent in the Study of Gods Word, and the use of all other holy means; and not the idle, negligent presumers.