Answ.This Opinion, though somewhat more tolerable than the former, is nevertheless not altogether according to Truth, neither doth it reach the Fulness of it.
Arg 1.1. Because there be many Truths, which, as they are applicable to Particulars and Individuals, and most needful to be known by them, are in no-wise to be found in the Scripture, as in the following Proposition shall be shewn.
Besides, the Arguments already adduced do prove, that the Spirit doth not only Subjectively help us to discern Truths elsewhere delivered, but also Objectively present those Truths to our Minds. For that which teacheth me all Things, and is given me for that End, without doubt presents those Things to my Mind which it teacheth me. It is not said, It shall teach you how to understand those Things that are written; but, It shall teach you all Things. Again, that which brings all Things to my Remembrance, must needs present them by Way of Object; else it were improper to say, It brought them to my Remembrance; but only, that it helpeth to remember the Objects brought from elsewhere.
Arg. 2.My second Argument shall be drawn from the Nature of the New Covenant; by which, and those that follow, I shall prove that we are led by the Spirit, both Immediately and Objectively. The Nature of the New Covenant is expressed in divers Places: And
Proof 1.First, Isa. lix. 21. As for me, this is my Covenant with them, saith the Lord, My Spirit that is upon thee, and my Words which I have put into thy Mouth, shall not depart out of thy Mouth, nor out of the Mouth of thy Seed, nor out of the Mouth of thy Seed’s Seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. The Leadings of the Spirit.By the latter Part of this is sufficiently expressed the Perpetuity and Continuance of this Promise, It shall not depart, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. In the former Part is the Promise itself, which is the Spirit of God being upon them, and the Words of God being put into their Mouths.
1. Immediately.First, This was Immediate, for there is no Mention made of any Medium; he saith not, I shall by the Means of such and such Writings or Books, convey such and such Words into your Mouths; but My Words, I, even I, saith the Lord, have put into your Mouths.
2. Objectively.Secondly, This must be Objectively; for [the Words put into the Mouth] are the Object presented by him. He saith not, The Words which ye shall see written, my Spirit shall only enlighten your Understandings to assent unto; but positively, My Words, which I have put into thy Mouth, &c. From whence I Argue thus:
Upon whomsoever the Spirit remaineth always, and putteth Words into his Mouth, him doth the Spirit teach Immediately, Objectively, and Continually.
But the Spirit is always upon the Seed of the Righteous, and putteth Words into their Mouths, neither departeth from them: