stand all the Scripture correctly, without any sort of mistake: both which are contrary to matter of fact; for many persons who are evidently destitute of any saving work of the Spirit on their minds, have, nevertheless, attained a considerable knowledge of the truth; and it is evident also that some who are truly enlightened and sanctified, do fall into various errors and mistakes. A brief answer to these objections will close this discourse. (1.) There are, in the Scripture, sundry things that are common to other writings, such as historical facts. phrases of speech, various kinds of arguments, &c, all which persons may clearly understand without the special assistance of the Holy Spirit. (2.) The principal doctrines of truth are proposed in such a plain and distinct manner, that persons attending to them without prejudice, and in the use of ordinary means, may understand them without any special work of saving illumination on their minds. The propositions of truth are so plain and evident, that it is the fault and sin of men, endued with rational powers, if they do not perceive and assent to them. (3.) Considering the natural vanity of the human mind, and its proneness to error, whatever it attains in the knowledge of the truth, is to be ascribed to the Spirit of God, although not working on the mind by the communication of saving light and grace:-for (4.) The knowledge of truth, thus attained, is not that illumination which we are thus enquiring after; nor does it produce those effects of renewing the mind, and transforming it into the image of the things known, together with the fruits of holy obedience, which are inseparable from saving illumination. In answer to the second objection:-1 observe, (1.) That the promise of the Spirit " to teach, instruct, and guide into all truth," is suited to that great end for which God hath given us his word, namely, that we might live to him here according to his will, and hereafter be brought to his glory. (2.) That it is not necessary that we should understand the direct sense and meaning of any particular text of Scripture, nor yet that we should obtain the knowledge of every thing therein revealed; it is sufficient that the knowledge of all truth necessary to that end be communicated to us. (3.) We are not hereby absolutely secured from particular mistakes, no more than we are secured from all actual sins, by the renewing grace of God on our wills; but as s the wills of believers are so far renewed by grace as to preserve them from such sins as are inconsistent with a holy life, according to the tenor of the covenant, which yet leaves a possibility of many infirmities and actual sins, so their minds are so far renewed as to know and assent to all truths necessary to their life of obedience, which may yet consist with many mistakes to their great disadvantage: but, it must be added, such are the teachings of the Spirit of God, as to all divine truths, both in the revelation of them in Scripture, and in the assistance he gives us to understand his mind therein, that it is not without our own sin, as well as weakness, that we err in any scriptural propositions concerning our duty to God. And, if all who believe would lay aside their prejudices and preconceived opinions, and all impressions arising from worldly advantages, yielding themselves humbly and entirely to the teachings of God, we might all come "in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." Eph. iv. 13. And these things may suffice to illustrate the work of the Holy Spirit in our illumination, with respect to the external objective causes thereof, or the holy Scripture itself. INDEX. Application of believers to the blood of Christ for cleansing, 212.-For Apostacy with respect to the Spirit, &c. 20 Assistance of the Spirit requisite to every act of holiness, 242. In Assurance of final success, an encouragement to holiness, 304, &c. Augustine, a champion for the truth, 135, 170. The nature of con Baptism a proof of the Trinity, 30. Of the personality of the Spirit, Beauty and glory of holiness, 175-177 Beginning of holiness small, like seed, 185 Believers the only subjects of sanctification, 175, 194. Have differe Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, 19, 35 of the Jews against the name of Jesus, 10 Blemishes of professors often magnified, 304 Blood of Christ the procuring cause of our purification, 209 Bodily absence of Christ supplied by the Spirit, 79 strength of Samson a gift of the Spirit, 59 Body, how depraved by sin, 197, and sanctified by grace, 198, 199 Calumnies on the character of Augustine refuted, 157, 158, 1 Carnal Mind, enmity against God, 116, 124, and the things of Go Childhood, the early workings of sin in, 150 C Christ, the LORD, what that name signifies, 10. In no sense the So Circumcision of the heart, 142, 201 Cleansing from sin by the blood and Spirit of Christ, 212 Commands and Promises consistent with each other, 179, 180 288 of God in the law, good and equitable, 282. Not grievous, Communion with God impossible, without holiness, 254. How carried Complaint of sin, a part of prayer, 254. Derided by the profane, il Condition of all unregenerate men the same, 217. The danger of Confession of Faith, how given anciently, 169. Confessions, auricular, of the Papists exposed, 207 of Augustine quoted, 149, &c. Confidence of acceptance in prayer, 320 Conflict between convictions and corruptions, 161, 162 Conformity to God the glory of a believer, 267 D D D 10 D D I I |