Precious faith considered in its nature, working, and growth

Again, they say there is a seculum spiritus sancti, an administration of all-spirit, which is much above all Scriptures and Ordinances; but that there should be such a Church-state on earth is a vain dream. There are two manifestations of God unto men, the one dark and through the glass of ordinances, the other by pure and immediate vision, as it were face to face. There are two states of believers, the one a state of weak and imperfect graces, the other a state of perfect holiness and purity. There are also two places, the one is earth, a vale of tears and death; the other is heaven, a region of all blessedness and life eternal. The manifestation by ordinances is congruous to weak graces, and such a place as earth. The manifestation by pure vision is congruous to perfect holiness, and such a place as heaven. Thus hath the wisdom of God ordered things. Methinks the Enthusiast should blush to say that he is above Scriptures and Ordinances here. What? above the glass, and yet below the bliss-making vision; above the channels and methods of grace, and yet below a state of perfection; above the heavenly mediums, and yet on earth? Oh strange imagination! What saith our Saviour? Go, teach and baptize, lo I am with you always to the end of the world, Mat. 28.19, 20. Ordinances run parallel with this world, and the state which is above them, is only in the next. What saith St. Paul? Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Pastors, are all for the perfecting of the Saints, for the edifying of the body of Christ, Eph. 4.11, 12. Ordinances must continue as long as weaknesses and imperfections, and cannot be spared till the ⟨p. 67⟩top-stone of holiness and perfection be laid in heaven. What saith St. John, speaking of the heavenly City? And I saw no Temple therein, Rev. 21.22. No Temple, no Ordinances, is only for heaven, earth must always want and have them. O my soul, enter not into their secret, which cry up the spirit, and despise prophesyings; be thou where Gods honour dwelleth; in the Temple of Ordinances thou mayest see his power and glory.

Again, they say there is a seculum spiritus sancti, an administration of all-spirit, which is much above all Scriptures and Ordinances; but that there should be such a Church-state on earth is a vain dream. There are two manifestations of God unto men, the one dark and through the glass of ordinances, the other by pure and immediate vision, as it were face to face. There are two states of believers, the one a state of weak and imperfect graces, the other a state of perfect holiness and purity. There are also two places, the one is earth, a vale of tears and death; the other is heaven, a region of all blessedness and life eternal. The manifestation by ordinances is congruous to weak graces, and such a place as earth. The manifestation by pure vision is congruous to perfect holiness, and such a place as heaven. Thus hath the wisdom of God ordered things. Methinks the Enthusiast should blush to say that he is above Scriptures and Ordinances here. What? above the glass, and yet below the bliss-making vision; above the channels and methods of grace, and yet below a state of perfection; above the heavenly mediums, and yet on earth? Oh strange imagination! What saith our Saviour? Go, teach and baptize, loe I am with you always to the end of the world,