A90263:87
The branch of the Lord, the beauty of ZionThe branch of the Lord, the beauty of Sion
The branch of the Lord, the beauty of Zion: or, The glory of the Church, in it's relation unto Christ· Opened in two sermons; one preached at Berwick, the other at Edinburgh. By John Owen, minister of the Gospel.The branch of the Lord, the beauty of Sion: or, The glory of the Church, in it's relation unto Christ· Opened in two sermons; one preached at Berwick, the other at Edinburgh. By John Owen, minister of the Gospel.
Edinburgh: printed by Evan Tyler, 1650
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.
It is true, men by the help of Common Gifts, with ⟨p. 22⟩the use of the former Doctrinal Revelation, may attain to such a knowledge of the mind of God, as may in a sense be called Illumination, Heb. 6. 4. Far may they go much may they do, by this light. They may teach others, and be cast away themselves: They may dispute for Truth, yea dye for Truth, and all this while have but the first common Anointing, see nothing clearly, but, Men walking like Trees. A spiritual Insight into the mind of God, is not to be obtained, without an Almighty Act of the Spirit of Christ, creating a new power of Life, and Light upon the Soul.
It is true, men by the help of Common Gifts, with ⟨p. 22⟩the use of the former Doctrinall Revelation, may attain to such a knowledge of the mind of God, as may in a sense be called Illumination, Heb. 6. 4. Far may they go much may they do, by this light. They may teach others, and be cast away themselves: They may dispute for Truth, yea dye for Truth, and all this while have but the first common Anointing, see nothing clearly, but, Menwalking like Trees. A spiritual Insight into the mind of God, is not to be obtained, without an Almighty Act of the Spirit of Christ, creating a new power of Life, and Light upon the Soul.
Some indeed think that they have this seeing Power in themselves. Do but show them outwardly what is to be seen, and let them alone for the discerning of it. Well then, let them alone, if ever they are stones of this living House, I am deceived. Thou that art so, know whence is all thy light: and if thou art any thing in the dark, draw nigh to the Candlestick, from whence all light is: Thence must thy light come, yea and thence it shall come: the secrets of the Lord shall make their abode with thee.