That which should principally guide us in the management of this enquiry, is, that it be done unto spiritual advantage and Edification, without strife or contention. Now this cannot be without a diligent and constant Attendance unto the two sole Rules of judgment herein, namely, Scripture-Revelation and the Experience of them that do believe. For although the latter is to be regulated by the former; yet where it is so, it is a safe Rule unto them in whom it is. And in this case, as in water, Face answereth unto Face; so do Scripture Revelation and spiritual Experience unto one another. All other Reasonings from Customs, Traditions, and feigned consequences, are here of no use. The enquiries before us are concerning the Nature of the Work of the Holy Spirit in the Aids and Assistances which he gives unto Believers in and unto their Prayers, according unto the mind of God, as also what are the Effects and Fruits of that Work of his, or what are the spiritual Abilities which are communicated unto them thereby. Antecedently hereunto, it should be enquired, whether indeed there be any such thing or no, or whether they are only vainly pretended unto by some that are deceived. But the Determination hereof, depending absolutely on the foregoing enquiry, it may be ⟨image 5⟩handled jointly with them, and needs no distinct consideration. He that would not deceive nor be deceived in his enquiry after these things, must diligently attend unto the two forementioned Rules of Scripture Testimony and Experience. Other safe Guides he hath none. Yet will it also be granted, that from the Light of Nature, whence this Duty springs, wherein it is founded, from whence as unto its Essence it cannot vary, as also from generally received Principles of Religion suited thereunto, with the uncorrupted practice of the Church of God in former Ages, much direction may be given unto the Understanding of those Testimonies, and Examination of that Experience.
That which should principally guide us in the management of this enquiry, is, that it be done unto spiritual advantage and Edification, without strife or contention. Now this cannot be without a diligent and constant Attendance unto the two sole Rules of judgment herein, namely, Scripture-Revelation and the Experience of them that do believe. For although the latter is to be regulated by the former; yet where it is so, it is a safe Rule unto them in whom it is. And in this case, as in water, Face answereth unto Face; so do Scripture Revelation and spiritual Experience unto one another. All other Reasonings from Customs, Traditions, and feigned consequences, are here of no use. The enquiries before us are concerning the Nature of the Work of the Holy Spirit in the Aids and Assistances which he gives unto Believers in and unto their Prayers, according unto the mind of God, as also what are the Effects and Fruits of that Work of his, or what are the spiritual Abilities which are communicated unto them thereby. Antecedently hereunto, it should be enquired, whether indeed there be any such thing or no, or whether they are only vainly pretended unto by some that are deceived. But the Determination hereof, depending absolutely on the foregoing enquirie, it may be ⟨image 5⟩handled jointly with them, and needs no distinct consideration. He that would not deceive nor be deceived in his enquiry after these things, must diligently attend unto the two forementioned Rules of Scripture Testimony and Experience. Other safe Guides he hath none. Yet will it also be granted, that from the Light of Nature, whence this Duty springs, wherein it is founded, from whence as unto its Essence it cannot vary, as also from generally received Principles of Religion suited thereunto, with the uncorrupted practice of the Church of God in former Ages, much direction may be given unto the Understanding of those Testimonies, and Examination of that Experience.
