be_v good_a to_o all_o his_o creature_n who_o envy_v no_o man_n happiness_n who_o give_v to_o all_o liberal_o and_o upbraid_v none_o much_o less_o i_o say_v will_v he_o deny_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n if_o we_o ask_v he_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o sayiour_n in_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o persuade_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v fervent_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v indeed_o needful_a for_o they_o and_o that_o by_o this_o argument_n that_o god_n will_v grant_v such_o request_n as_o these_o be_v it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v with_o this_o argument_n in_o these_o word_n god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o wherefore_o i_o conceive_v we_o have_v gain_v one_o note_n of_o those_o spiritual_a effect_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o work_v in_o our_o mind_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v indeed_o needful_a for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o both_o similitude_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v ask_v either_o by_o the_o friend_n or_o the_o child_n be_v real_o such_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o one_o for_o his_o friend_n the_o other_o for_o himself_o and_o that_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o they_o prevail_v now_o from_o hence_o our_o saviour_n infer_v that_o god_n will_v much_o more_o give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o i._n e._n for_o such_o purpose_n as_o be_v needful_a otherwise_o the_o argument_n will_v not_o hold_v for_o we_o can_v infer_v from_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o bestow_v upon_o our_o child_n what_o they_o need_v therefore_o our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v give_v we_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o such_o end_n as_o be_v needless_a if_o the_o demand_n of_o child_n be_v not_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o reason_n and_o modesty_n if_o they_o ask_v not_o to_o supply_v their_o real_a need_n but_o to_o gratify_v their_o wanton_a appetite_n it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o parent_n to_o deny_v such_o desire_n as_o those_o and_o to_o rebuke_v the_o folly_n of_o they_o too_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v ask_v those_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o we_o this_o will_v be_v more_o than_o we_o be_v encourage_v to_o do_v by_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o compassion_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n may_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o the_o refusal_n of_o such_o request_n as_o these_o sect_n 2._o but_o this_o general_a rule_n that_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o such_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o we_o will_v be_v insufficient_a to_o direct_v we_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o in_o particular_a if_o we_o do_v not_o also_o understand_v what_o effect_n be_v needful_a now_o to_o satisfy_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n i_o may_v present_o produce_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o the_o several_a effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o believer_n be_v mention_v which_o work_n belong_v proper_o to_o the_o second_o way_n propound_v for_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o present_a question_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o that_o i_o shall_v try_v how_o far_o we_o may_v conclude_v from_o our_o saviour_n promise_n thus_o this_o be_v a_o needful_a grace_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o it_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v in_o due_a place_n proceed_v to_o the_o second_o head_n under_o which_o those_o text_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v in_o this_o manner_n this_o grace_n we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a these_o method_n of_o argue_v will_v indeed_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o same_o conclusion_n concern_v what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v in_o st._n luke_n but_o by_o so_o do_v they_o will_v afford_v mutual_a light_n to_o each_o other_o and_o infer_v the_o conclusion_n with_o more_o strength_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v not_o be_v judge_v unprofitable_a in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n for_o every_o christian_n to_o be_v well_o satisfy_v about_o i_o begin_v with_o argue_v from_o our_o need_n to_o those_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o now_o because_o it_o be_v some_o good_a or_o advantage_n of_o we_o that_o be_v regard_v in_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o in_o respect_n whereof_o his_o grace_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v needful_a we_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n set_v that_o end_n before_o we_o by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o measure_v what_o effect_n be_v needful_a to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o then_o consider_v what_o be_v indeed_o needful_a to_o that_o end_n for_o so_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v this_o we_o shall_v know_v what_o grace_n to_o pray_v for_o since_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o be_v needful_a and_o the_o needfulness_n of_o any_o thing_n must_v be_v judge_v of_o according_a to_o that_o end_n in_o respect_n whereof_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v needful_a 1._o as_o for_o the_o end_n itself_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v part_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o this_o promise_n with_o regard_n to_o our_o good_a be_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o glory_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o every_o part_n of_o it_o now_o the_o state_n which_o christ_n come_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o at_o last_o be_v that_o of_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o love_n for_o which_o reason_n st._n john_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n 1_o joh._n 2.25_o not_o as_o if_o the_o gospel_n have_v no_o other_o promise_n but_o because_o the_o rest_n be_v subordinate_a to_o this_o and_o consequent_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n must_v needs_o be_v so_o wherefore_o in_o that_o promise_n of_o his_o operation_n to_o produce_v all_o needful_a effect_n in_o our_o mind_n those_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v such_o which_o be_v needful_a for_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n now_o 2._o we_o must_v consider_v what_o effect_n be_v needful_a to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o for_o that_o end_n the_o needfulness_n of_o any_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n consist_v either_o in_o this_o that_o the_o end_n can_v be_v attain_v without_o they_o at_o all_o or_o not_o so_o well_o without_o they_o that_o which_o be_v needful_a in_o the_o former_a sense_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o which_o be_v needful_a in_o the_o latter_a be_v only_o profitable_a let_v we_o therefore_o first_o consider_v what_o effect_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n what_o these_o be_v we_o be_v plain_o tell_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o they_o may_v be_v comprise_v under_o these_o head_n 1._o faith_n in_o jesus_n or_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o so_o one_o upon_o who_o authority_n we_o may_v safe_o rely_v as_o to_o whatever_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o god_n will_n the_o necessity_n of_o which_o faith_n our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o in_o those_o word_n if_o you_o believe_v not_o that_o i_o be_o he_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n though_o indeed_o the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v promise_v in_o this_o place_n of_o st._n luke_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o faith_n in_o this_o notion_n it_o be_v apparent_o suppose_v that_o whatever_o be_v here_o promise_v be_v promise_v to_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n who_o do_v already_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ._n 2._o so_o much_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v faith_n in_o another_o notion_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o and_o encourage_v we_o to_o that_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n when_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n our_o next_o care_n must_v be_v to_o know_v what_o his_o will_n be_v and_o to_o possess_v our_o mind_n with_o those_o principle_n of_o obedience_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n for_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v equal_o necessary_a to_o understand_v his_o revelation_n his_o law_n and_o promise_n in_o that_o measure_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o do_v of_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o a_o believer_n be_v encourage_v by_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o ask_v the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o he_o may_v
a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n together_o with_o a_o confutation_n of_o some_o part_n of_o dr._n owen_n book_n upon_o that_o subject_a imprimatur_fw-la may_v four_o 1677._o guil._n jane_n r.p.d._n hen._n episc._n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la dome_v london_n print_v by_o j._n c._n for_o hen._n brome_n at_o the_o gun_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o st._n paul_n 1678._o the_o preface_n among_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v usual_o aim_v at_o in_o a_o preface_n one_o be_v to_o invite_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o book_n the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n do_v not_o think_v it_o worthy_a of_o every_o man_n perusal_n into_o who_o hand_n it_o may_v chance_v to_o come_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o commend_v it_o to_o all._n it_o be_v write_v principal_o for_o their_o sake_n who_o have_v be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v depart_v from_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o operation_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v one_o of_o those_o prejudices_fw-la that_o have_v be_v instill_a into_o the_o dissent_v party_n by_o their_o leader_n to_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o separation_n the_o author_n think_v he_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o accuse_v we_o very_o wrongful_o but_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o crime_n which_o they_o lie_v to_o our_o charge_n and_o he_o hope_v their_o follower_n can_v think_v it_o a_o unreasonable_a request_n that_o they_o will_v impartial_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n and_o judge_v according_o but_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o that_o he_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n however_o that_o he_o have_v do_v his_o part_n by_o give_v they_o a_o fair_a occasion_n so_o to_o do_v if_o some_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v incline_v by_o the_o weightiness_n of_o the_o subject_n to_o read_v the_o discourse_n and_o yet_o be_v tempt_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o throw_v it_o aside_o mere_o because_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o confutation_n of_o some_o of_o dr._n owen_n principle_n dr._n owen_n himself_o will_v help_v to_o cure_v they_o of_o so_o unreasonable_a a_o prejudice_n for_o he_o have_v tell_v you_o long_o since_o in_o a_o book_n of_o he_o call_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n and_o people_n distinguish_v that_o you_o be_v not_o to_o take_v any_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n on_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o authority_n alas_o say_v he_o 44._o you_o be_v in_o a_o miserable_a condition_n if_o you_o have_v all_o this_o while_n rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n he_o that_o build_v his_o faith_n upon_o preacher_n though_o they_o preach_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o he_o pretend_v to_o believe_v it_o have_v indeed_o no_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o a_o waver_a opinion_n build_v upon_o a_o rot_a foundation_n now_o you_o know_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o man_n and_o therefore_o you_o have_v his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o that_o to_o build_v your_o faith_n upon_o his_o authority_n be_v to_o build_v it_o upon_o a_o rot_a foundation_n whether_o you_o have_v so_o do_v all_o this_o while_n i_o can_v say_v but_o if_o you_o have_v he_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v in_o a_o miserable_a condition_n and_o if_o you_o have_v not_o you_o will_v easy_o be_v persuade_v to_o take_v this_o opportunity_n now_o offer_v to_o you_o of_o examine_v his_o doctrine_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o which_o the_o author_n do_v appeal_v as_o hearty_o as_o the_o doctor_n himself_o can_v do_v i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o altogether_o of_o his_o mind_n in_o the_o forementioned_a passage_n for_o it_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o all_o man_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n who_o rely_v upon_o the_o honesty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o i_o doubt_v there_o be_v some_o person_n incapable_a of_o inquire_v much_o further_o and_o i_o hope_v some_o of_o these_o do_v so_o firm_o believe_v the_o truth_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n minister_n as_o to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o which_o if_o they_o do_v god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v in_o a_o damnable_a condition_n but_o you_o see_v in_o what_o strict_a term_n the_o doctor_n admonish_v every_o one_o of_o you_o not_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n but_o to_o examine_v their_o doctrine_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n possible_o he_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o that_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o be_v discharge_v by_o all_o christian_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o those_o mean_n ability_n and_o opportunity_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o give_v they_o and_o this_o sure_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n but_o then_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o every_o one_o of_o you_o be_v more_o concern_v to_o look_v to_o it_o that_o you_o omit_v not_o this_o duty_n than_o many_o other_o christian_n be_v and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o you_o have_v withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o lawful_a guide_n of_o this_o church_n to_o follow_v those_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o lead_v you_o without_o any_o know_a authority_n by_o which_o they_o do_v so_o for_o if_o you_o follow_v these_o your_o leader_n into_o error_n it_o will_v be_v no_o excuse_n for_o you_o to_o say_v they_o lead_v you_o into_o error_n because_o you_o set_v they_o up_o to_o yourselves_o against_o the_o will_n of_o your_o rightful_a superior_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n whereas_o if_o the_o christian_n of_o our_o communion_n shall_v be_v lead_v into_o some_o great_a mistake_n as_o i_o be_o persuade_v they_o be_v not_o by_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n and_o wisdom_n of_o their_o pastor_n though_o it_o will_v not_o total_o excuse_v they_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v some_o mitigation_n of_o their_o fault_n that_o they_o be_v mislead_v by_o those_o guide_n and_o minister_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o 44._o the_o doctor_n himself_o tell_v you_o in_o that_o book_n that_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o hear_v those_o who_o possess_v the_o place_n of_o teach_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o if_o the_o law_n account_v only_o such_o assembly_n to_o be_v conventicle_n 52._o where_o the_o assembler_n contemn_v and_o despise_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o public_a he_o have_v not_o speak_v one_o word_n in_o favour_n of_o they_o you_o do_v not_o wonder_v i_o suppose_v at_o these_o passage_n for_o you_o know_v this_o book_n be_v write_v by_o he_o above_o thirty_o year_n since_o when_o he_o be_v a_o presbyterian_a as_o he_o there_o solemn_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v 42._o and_o engage_v by_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o party_n to_o contend_v for_o some_o church-decency_n and_o order_n 47._o as_o he_o there_o do_v after_o his_o manner_n indeed_o since_o that_o time_n he_o turn_v independent_a but_o however_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o he_o have_v change_v his_o mind_n in_o that_o other_o point_n also_o of_o the_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o examine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o teacher_n who_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o hear_v or_o that_o he_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o conventicle_n or_o write_v by_o those_o assembler_n that_o despise_v the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o public_a may_v be_v take_v upon_o trust_n no_o though_o he_o have_v change_v his_o party_n he_o may_v still_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n 45._o that_o unless_o minister_n as_o he_o tell_v you_o will_v answer_v for_o all_o those_o soul_n they_o shall_v mislead_v and_o excuse_v they_o before_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o debar_v they_o from_o try_v their_o doctrine_n now_o this_o they_o can_v do_v for_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a both_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n now_o unless_o he_o except_v himself_o from_o a_o possibility_n of_o mislead_v you_o thus_o far_o i_o will_v not_o desire_v a_o fair_a adversary_n and_o if_o you_o think_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o except_v himself_o i_o can_v wish_v more_o equal_a judge_n than_o yourselves_o sure_o i_o be_o the_o doctor_n must_v either_o explain_v himself_o further_o or_o he_o must_v not_o debar_v you_o from_o try_v his_o doctrine_n and_o inquire_v whether_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o a_o blind_a guide_n who_o you_o may_v follow_v into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n for_o what_o he_o say_v in_o general_a may_v be_v apply_v to_o he_o in_o particular_a that_o if_o he_o shall_v mislead_v you_o he_o can_v excuse_v you_o before_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n now_o the_o truth_n be_v although_o he_o
they_o must_v be_v discern_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o discern_v they_o without_o that_o new_a light_n and_o now_o that_o i_o have_v take_v this_o pain_n to_o bring_v the_o doctor_n out_o of_o the_o cloud_n i_o challenge_v he_o to_o show_v that_o this_o paraphrase_n be_v not_o the_o just_a sum_n of_o his_o talk_n concern_v the_o text_n before_o we_o now_o although_o the_o naked_a representation_n of_o this_o paraphrase_n be_v enough_o to_o expose_v it_o yet_o because_o this_o be_v the_o text_n which_o these_o man_n perpetual_o rely_v upon_o when_o they_o set_v themselves_o to_o cant_v down_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n i_o shall_v brief_o let_v the_o doctor_n see_v that_o his_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v either_o groundless_a or_o absurd_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o incoherent_a with_o the_o context_n sect_n iv._o 1._o whereas_o he_o make_v the_o natural_a man_n to_o be_v one_o in_o who_o spiritual_a light_n be_v not_o create_v by_o the_o almightiness_n of_o god_n it_o be_v altogether_o groundless_a for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o of_o itself_o signify_v one_o who_o want_v that_o light_n nor_o do_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d denote_v any_o almighty_a act_n whereby_o a_o man_n come_v to_o be_v spiritual_o enlighten_v nor_o can_v the_o doctor_n show_v from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n any_o reason_n for_o this_o his_o notion_n for_o those_o word_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o do_v not_o infer_v that_o a_o man_n can_v know_v they_o without_o such_o a_o irresistible_a light_n as_o he_o suppose_v nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a context_n 38._o he_o tell_v we_o indeed_o that_o st._n paul_n plentiful_o show_v elsewhere_o that_o this_o light_n must_v be_v create_v in_o we_o by_o almightiness_n and_o he_o instance_v in_o 2_o cor._n 4.6_o i_o shall_v in_o due_a place_n prove_v that_o st._n paul_n show_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o that_o text_n but_o admit_v he_o do_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o present_o follow_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o this_o place_n mean_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n one_o in_o who_o this_o light_n be_v not_o create_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v not_o speak_v one_o word_n of_o it_o throughout_o the_o whole_a chapter_n wherefore_o the_o doctor_n ought_v at_o least_o to_o have_v prove_v by_o compare_v both_o these_o text_n that_o he_o design_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o he_o have_v not_o once_o attempt_v and_o yet_o this_o arbitrary_a supposal_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o whole_a comment_n upon_o this_o place_n 2._o his_o grant_v that_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o deny_v that_o he_o can_v discern_v their_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o their_o fitness_n to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v palpable_o absurd_a for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n who_o exercise_v his_o rational_a faculty_n about_o divine_a thing_n which_o he_o grant_v the_o natural_a man_n may_v do_v shall_v believe_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o yet_o see_v no_o consistency_n in_o they_o with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o no_o suitableness_n in_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o man_n good_a the_o doctor_n whatever_o he_o say_v about_o those_o improvement_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n mind_n which_o he_o allow_v to_o he_o seem_v rather_o to_o take_v he_o for_o a_o natural_a fool_n than_o a_o rational_a man_n a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o evidence_n upon_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o a_o mean_n conducible_a to_o the_o recovery_n of_o man_n and_o if_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n themselves_o be_v not_o more_o evident_a to_o a_o man_n that_o can_v consider_v than_o that_o they_o be_v so_o why_o may_v not_o a_o consider_a man_n who_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n believe_v this_o of_o they_o or_o how_o can_v he_o believe_v the_o former_a without_o believe_v the_o latter_a i_o know_v not_o which_o way_n the_o doctor_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v but_o by_o pretend_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o a_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n the_o true_a reason_n whereof_o he_o do_v not_o discern_v for_o example_n that_o a_o man_n may_v assent_v to_o the_o creed_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o not_o discern_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o those_o proposition_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o but_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v he_o for_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v by_o he_o grant_v to_o be_v one_o who_o may_v have_v a_o improve_a reason_n and_o may_v exercise_v it_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o of_o such_o a_o man_n viz._n who_o be_v thus_o improve_v and_o consider_v i_o say_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o affirm_v that_o he_o may_v assent_v to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v discern_v that_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o as_o dull_a and_o ignorant_a as_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v know_v and_o rational_a before_o since_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n etc._n etc._n as_o for_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o that_o mean_a motive_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o teacher_n though_o for_o want_v of_o consider_v they_o do_v not_o discern_v its_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n yet_o they_o do_v believe_v it_o it_o be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a but_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o proposition_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o believe_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n but_o man_n that_o can_v tolerable_o well_o use_v their_o understanding_n in_o divine_a thing_n as_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v do_v to_o abate_v the_o philosophical_a improvement_n which_o the_o doctor_n be_v willing_a to_o cast_v into_o the_o bargain_n may_v not_o only_o believe_v but_o discern_v this_o agreeableness_n and_o it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o suppose_v they_o have_v exercise_v their_o rational_a faculty_n as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o withal_o to_o affirm_v that_o they_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o can_v discern_v that_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o put_v this_o out_o of_o question_n i_o will_v instance_n in_o these_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n this_o a_o natural_a man_n according_a to_o the_o doctor_n may_v assent_v unto_o but_o i_o demand_v this_o proposition_n be_v reveal_v be_v it_o not_o very_o discernible_a that_o god_n give_v his_o son_n for_o mankind_n be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o his_o goodness_n and_o that_o his_o purpose_n of_o save_a mankind_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o son_n death_n be_v agreeable_a with_o his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o justice_n and_o that_o the_o demonstration_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n this_o way_n be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n 2._o that_o no_o unrighteous_a person_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o also_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v assent_v to_o but_o i_o demand_v be_v it_o not_o very_o discernible_a that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o discernable_o agreeable_a with_o his_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o then_o why_o may_v not_o the_o wise_a and_o know_a man_n that_o believe_v these_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a revelation_n discern_v they_o to_o be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o divine_a perfection_n take_v the_o same_o doctrine_n again_o and_o i_o demand_v concern_v they_o be_v they_o not_o manifest_o suitable_a to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o end_v the_o doctor_n say_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o deliverance_n from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n they_o plain_o tend_v to_o the_o promote_a thereof_o because_o they_o manifest_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v observe_v before_o as_o for_o our_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n be_v not_o that_o doctrine_n plain_o suit_v to_o that_o end_n which_o assure_v we_o there_o be_v room_n for_o repentance_n since_o god_n have_v give_v his_o only_a son_n etc._n etc._n and_o which_o acquaint_v we_o
as_o profitable_a for_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o these_o present_a advantage_n etc._n etc._n tend_v to_o the_o harm_n of_o the_o soul._n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v by_o we_o which_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n thy_o will_v be_v do_v as_o to_o that_o clause_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n he_o say_v it_o show_v that_o god_n regard_v the_o mind_n more_o than_o the_o word_n wherewith_o we_o pray_v as_o to_o the_o unutterable_a groan_n he_o say_v how_o can_v that_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o god_n be_v utter_v by_o we_o when_o sometime_o that_o which_o our_o own_o spirit_n feel_v and_o understand_v can_v be_v express_v by_o we_o in_o word_n now_o i_o believe_v we_o shall_v not_o ready_o meet_v with_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n contain_v any_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n whereof_o the_o father_n do_v more_o unanimous_o conspire_v than_o they_o do_v in_o their_o sense_n of_o this_o i_o can_v easy_o have_v add_v more_o authority_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n if_o i_o have_v please_v but_o i_o hope_v these_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v any_o sober_a person_n that_o that_o interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n which_o i_o prefer_v before_o dr._n owen_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v call_v present_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n for_o i_o shall_v offer_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o christian_a writer_n who_o may_v with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o little_a charity_n i_o think_v pass_v for_o regenerate_a man_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o say_v towards_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o text_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o we_o ought_v in_o the_o general_a to_o pray_v for_o what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o 2._o that_o in_o some_o case_n we_o know_v not_o what_o be_v best_a and_o they_o be_v those_o which_o concern_v our_o present_a state_n in_o this_o world_n with_o regard_n to_o affliction_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o ease_n and_o prosperity_n on_o the_o other_o and_o thus_o st._n austin_n prevent_v that_o objection_n of_o the_o christian_n know_v the_o lord_n prayer_n by_o restrain_v the_o ignorance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o temporal_a affliction_n 3._o that_o our_o infirmity_n here_o mention_v consist_v in_o this_o ignorance_n together_o with_o our_o proness_n to_o desire_v health_n riches_n and_o ease_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o natural_a aversation_n we_o have_v to_o pain_n and_o trouble_v when_o as_o yet_o god_n may_v see_v that_o the_o former_a will_v be_v hurtful_a the_o latter_a profitable_a for_o we_o 4._o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v make_v intercession_n for_o we_o they_o all_o understand_v his_o exciting_a we_o to_o pray_v for_o ourselves_o except_v st._n ambrose_n who_o suppose_v the_o spirit_n to_o intercede_v proper_o for_o we_o that_o god_n will_v bestow_v better_a thing_n on_o we_o than_o we_o sometime_o ask_v for_o ourselves_o and_o origen_n seem_v to_o understand_v both_o 5._o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v help_v our_o infirmity_n be_v his_o incite_n of_o we_o to_o pray_v for_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o not_o for_o earthly_a as_o st._n hierom_n say_v which_o be_v to_o pray_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o pray_v at_o all_o for_o any_o temporal_a blessing_n but_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v content_a if_o we_o be_v deny_v because_o those_o thing_n viz._n deliverance_n from_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o think_v will_v profit_v may_v hurt_v we_o as_o he_o observe_v and_o therefore_o all_o our_o desire_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v by_o that_o petition_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v teach_v we_o thy_o will_v be_v do_v as_o origen_n note_v in_o short_a by_o the_o scope_n of_o what_o they_o all_o say_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v their_o meaning_n that_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n by_o increase_v our_o desire_n after_o heavenly_a thing_n by_o make_v we_o more_o indifferent_a about_o earthly_a matter_n and_o content_a with_o affliction_n if_o god_n see_v they_o good_a for_o we_o see_v his_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o as_o he_o tell_v st._n paul_n when_o he_o so_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n which_o be_v the_o instance_n they_o all_o use_n 6._o by_o the_o unutterable_a groan_n some_o of_o they_o understand_v that_o inexpressible_a fervency_n of_o mind_n enkindle_v in_o good_a man_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wherewith_o they_o desire_v heavenly_a thing_n and_o which_o wherever_o it_o be_v will_v certain_o abate_v our_o desire_n of_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o make_v we_o less_o weary_a of_o affliction_n other_o of_o they_o suppose_v the_o proper_a intercession_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o and_o st._n austin_n in_o particular_a suppose_v that_o by_o the_o unutterable_a groan_n be_v mean_v the_o desire_n of_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v best_a for_o we_o for_o say_v he_o how_o shall_v that_o which_o be_v desire_v be_v utter_v when_o it_o be_v yet_o unknown_a i._o e._n when_o under_o a_o affliction_n we_o pray_v for_o what_o god_n see_v best_a for_o we_o not_o know_v whether_o that_o may_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o continuance_n or_o removal_n of_o it_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a about_o this_o matter_n the_o interpretation_n of_o origen_n himself_o who_o can_v not_o learn_v it_o from_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n fall_v in_o with_o they_o and_o yet_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o find_v as_o many_o mystery_n in_o the_o bible_n as_o another_o man_n but_o he_o leave_v they_o that_o can_v light_v upon_o a_o more_o sublime_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n to_o enjoy_v their_o opinion_n by_o themselves_o now_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o supposition_n upon_o which_o they_o go_v in_o interpret_n the_o text_n this_o way_n be_v this_o that_o our_o not_o know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o belong_v to_o the_o case_n of_o present_a affliction_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v may_v be_v more_o profitable_a for_o we_o than_o to_o be_v exempt_v or_o rescue_v from_o they_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o show_v that_o this_o supposition_n and_o the_o interpretation_n build_v upon_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n wherewith_o this_o text_n have_v a_o plain_a coherence_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n propound_v in_o the_o 17_o verse_n st._n paul_n begin_v to_o comfort_v the_o christian_n under_o their_o affliction_n show_v they_o that_o they_o who_o suffer_v with_o christ_n shall_v be_v also_o glorify_v together_o this_o consideration_n afford_v two_o argument_n of_o patience_n which_o he_o distinct_o note_n the_o former_a be_v the_o transcendent_a greatness_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o they_o hope_v for_o the_o latter_a the_o profitableness_n of_o their_o present_a suffering_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o that_o glory_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o glory_n itself_o for_o i_o reckon_v say_v he_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o v_o 18._o thither_o from_o which_o verse_n to_o the_o 24_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o as_o in_o god_n good_a time_n the_o heathen_n will_v be_v rescue_v from_o their_o idolatry_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o glory_n so_o the_o christian_n shall_v be_v rescue_v from_o their_o suffering_n also_o under_o which_o they_o now_o groan_v wherefore_o at_o present_a he_o will_v have_v they_o take_v comfort_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o deliverance_n and_o glory_n which_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v for_o say_v he_o we_o be_v save_v by_o hope_n etc._n etc._n v._n 24._o but_o if_o we_o hope_v for_o that_o we_o see_v not_o then_o do_v we_o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o it_o v_o 25._o 2._o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o patience_n yet_o further_o by_o the_o profitableness_n of_o their_o present_a suffering_n we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n to_o they_o who_o be_v the_o call_v according_a to_o purpose_n vers_fw-la 28._o that_o be_v who_o with_o full_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n adhere_v to_o the_o profession_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v notwithstanding_o all_o these_o suffering_n for_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o first-born_a among_o many_o brethren_n moreover_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o also_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o also_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v