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do_v not_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n that_o he_o be_v infallible_a yet_o in_o that_o book_n which_o i_o have_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o consider_v he_o lay_v claim_v as_o you_o will_v see_v to_o such_o a_o illumination_n of_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o differ_v very_o little_a from_o that_o kind_n of_o inspiration_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v but_o this_o will_v not_o hinder_v you_o from_o try_v the_o doctor_n be_v spirit_n and_o way_n of_o teach_v if_o you_o consider_v what_o he_o very_o well_o observe_v in_o the_o forementioned_a book_n 44._o viz._n that_o the_o berean_o be_v high_o extol_v for_o search_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v our_o saviour_n preach_v by_o st._n paul_n be_v so_o or_o no_o for_o he_o must_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v believe_v more_o hasty_o than_o st._n paul_n do_v who_o we_o be_v sure_a speak_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n the_o more_o high_o any_o man_n pretend_v to_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o better_a testimony_n he_o have_v 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for_o your_o sake_n but_o for_o i_o too_o for_o so_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v myself_o i_o be_o not_o less_o desirous_a to_o retract_v any_o error_n of_o my_o own_o than_o i_o be_o to_o convince_v you_o of_o he_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o be_v as_o willing_a as_o i_o be_o i_o shall_v in_o all_o probability_n hear_v further_o from_o he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o believe_v neither_o of_o we_o but_o to_o try_v we_o both_o if_o the_o doctor_n be_v friend_n shall_v be_v trouble_v to_o find_v he_o charge_v with_o nonsense_n in_o the_o follow_a book_n the_o author_n have_v this_o to_o say_v for_o himself_o that_o he_o know_v no_o other_o name_n so_o fit_a as_o nonsense_n to_o call_v nonsense_n by_o and_o he_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o say_v but_o prove_v also_o that_o the_o doctor_n be_v guilty_a of_o nonsense_n where_o he_o have_v charge_v he_o with_o it_o he_o hope_v also_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v offend_v with_o he_o for_o take_v occasion_n sometime_o to_o rebuke_v this_o man_n for_o those_o rude_a word_n and_o unjust_a reproach_n which_o he_o have_v pour_v forth_o for_o whole_a page_n together_o upon_o his_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o shall_v be_v teach_v at_o last_o to_o manage_v controversy_n in_o religion_n in_o a_o more_o christian_a manner_n than_o he_o have_v do_v hitherto_o and_o now_o the_o author_n will_v only_o say_v in_o behalf_n of_o himself_o that_o his_o design_n in_o this_o book_n be_v to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o question_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v to_o every_o ordinary_a understanding_n and_o thereby_o to_o promote_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o best_a thing_n he_o can_v say_v of_o the_o book_n itself_o be_v that_o it_o have_v be_v think_v by_o man_n of_o far_o better_a judgement_n than_o he_o can_v pretend_v to_o not_o to_o be_v altogether_o improper_a for_o that_o end_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o mistake_v may_v the_o alwise_a and_o good_a god_n prosper_v the_o design_n of_o it_o with_o his_o blessing_n the_o content_n of_o the_o introduction_n sect_n i._o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n a_o great_a motive_n to_o diligence_n in_o religion_n page_n 1_o that_o according_a to_o dr._n owen_n principle_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o p._n 3._o the_o author_n design_n p._n 4._o sect_n ii_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o doctor_n make_v by_o pretend_v that_o only_a the_o regenerate_v understand_v spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o p._n 5._o while_o he_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v regenerate_v by_o his_o spiritual_a understanding_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n p._n 6._o this_o artifice_n of_o his_o discover_v in_o some_o instance_n p._n 7._o that_o he_o allow_v only_o himself_o and_o his_o party_n to_o be_v competent_a judge_n of_o his_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n p._n 11._o sect_n iii_o his_o interpretation_n of_o 1_o cor._n 2.14_o explain_v p._n 15._o sect_n iv._o that_o his_o meaning_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v groundless_a p._n 20._o of_o his_o not_o receive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n absurd_a p._n 21._o and_o of_o their_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o blasphemous_a p._n 25._o the_o odd_a account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o his_o preface_n p._n 27._o other_o reflection_n upon_o his_o sense_n of_o the_o forementioned_a text_n p._n 30._o that_o the_o doctor_n be_v pretend_v gospel-mystery_n need_v his_o interpretation_n of_o that_o text_n but_o the_o real_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n need_v it_o not_o p._n 31._o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o his_o interpretation_n p._n 32._o sect_n v._o another_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n offer_v according_a to_o st._n chrysostome_n who_o authority_n the_o doctor_n pretend_v in_o favour_n of_o his_o own_o p._n 33._o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n large_o show_v p._n 34._o from_o whence_o it_o plain_o appear_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n p._n 40._o the_o scriptural_a notion_n of_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n p._n 42._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o their_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v p._n 43._o and_o by_o the_o spiritual_a man_n p._n 45._o the_o incoherence_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v sense_n with_o the_o context_n p._n 46._o dr._n hammond_n paraphrase_n upon_o the_o text_n vindicate_v from_o the_o exception_n of_o dr._n owen_n p._n 47._o and_o show_v to_o agree_v with_o those_o passage_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n which_o dr._n owen_n himself_o produce_v p._n 51._o that_o the_o follow_a book_n be_v not_o to_o be_v
reject_v on_o pretence_n that_o the_o author_n be_v but_o a_o natural_a man_n which_o conclude_v the_o introduction_n p._n 53._o of_o the_o book_n part_n 1._o chap._n 1._o what_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n spirit_n be_v needful_a to_o be_v note_v p._n 56._o the_o difference_n make_v by_o dr._n owen_n between_o give_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o give_v his_o grace_n p._n 58._o and_o what_o more_o he_o understand_v by_o put_v on_o the_o spirit_n p._n 59_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o discourse_n state_v p._n 61._o that_o dr._n owen_n confound_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o disciple_n only_o with_o that_o which_o be_v make_v to_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n p._n 64._o and_o argue_v inconsequent_o from_o the_o former_a in_o favour_n of_o his_o own_o mistake_n concern_v the_o latter_a p._n 65._o that_o by_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v he_o sometime_o also_o conclude_v that_o which_o be_v true_a from_o premise_n that_o do_v not_o infer_v it_o p._n 67._o his_o design_n in_o all_o this_o p._n 68_o and_o the_o disservice_n that_o be_v do_v the_o truth_n by_o it_o p._n 70._o chap._n 2._o for_o the_o produce_v of_o what_o effect_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o man_n which_o be_v the_o first_o matter_n of_o enquiry_n p._n 72._o may_v be_v discern_v in_o great_a part_n from_o luke_n 11.13_o p._n 73._o to_o which_o end_n the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n there_o be_v consider_v p._n 74._o and_o it_o be_v from_o thence_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v only_o needful_a purpose_n for_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v there_o promise_v p._n 76._o what_o effect_n be_v needful_a p._n 77._o what_o be_v necessary_a p._n 79._o what_o be_v profitable_a p._n 81._o how_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o needful_a grace_n of_o the_o latter_a sort_n p._n 83._o several_a consectary_n useful_a to_o our_o proceed_n in_o the_o follow_a inquiry_n gain_v from_o the_o forementioned_a text_n p._n 88_o a_o exception_n to_o this_o chapter_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n p._n 94._o chap._n 3._o the_o doctor_n be_v loose_a way_n of_o talk_v concern_v regeneration_n p._n 96._o but_o at_o last_o he_o conclude_v the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o its_o proper_a sense_n p._n 99_o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a so_o to_o understand_v it_o p._n 100_o that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o understand_v without_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n p._n 101._o his_o argument_n that_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n p._n 106._o his_o manner_n of_o charge_v his_o adversary_n with_o turn_v all_o scripture-expression_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n into_o metaphor_n p._n 110._o his_o scornful_a hint_n concern_v christian_n virtue_n p._n 112._o that_o regeneration_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n prove_v from_o what_o he_o say_v himself_o where_o he_o deny_v it_o p._n 113._o how_o dr._n owen_n and_o the_o papist_n do_v alike_o abuse_v the_o scripture_n p._n 115._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n p._n 117._o the_o notion_n prove_v p._n 119._o the_o doctor_n represent_v his_o adversary_n notion_n of_o regeneration_n false_o p._n 123._o and_o that_o know_o p._n 125._o the_o distinction_n between_o grace_n and_o moral_a virtue_n consider_v 126._o that_o the_o doctor_n reject_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o regeneration_n in_o term_n that_o do_v notorious_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n p._n 128._o that_o he_o contradict_v they_o also_o by_o that_o reason_n which_o he_o give_v for_o reject_v it_o p._n 130._o the_o charge_n of_o pelagianism_n just_o retort_v upon_o dr._n owen_n p._n 133._o regeneration_n consider_v as_o a_o effect_n p._n 136._o several_a reason_n why_o the_o state_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v express_v by_o the_o metaphor_n of_o regeneration_n the_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n p._n 139._o why_o the_o expression_n of_o regeneration_n be_v more_o use_v than_o the_o rest_n p._n 143._o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n to_o nicodemus_n show_v p._n 145._o a_o paraphrase_n of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o concern_v regeneration_n p._n 149._o the_o reddition_n of_o our_o saviour_n similitude_n of_o the_o wind_n explain_v p._n 150._o a_o probable_a sense_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o nicodemus_n p._n 155._o the_o doctor_n be_v objection_n against_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o regeneration_n ground_v upon_o the_o rebuke_n give_v to_o nicodemus_n answer_v p._n 157._o chap._n 4._o that_o faith_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a operation_n p._n 161._o in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v affirm_v so_o to_o be_v p._n 162._o the_o preparation_n require_v for_o faith_n p._n 165._o that_o all_o those_o christian_a virtue_n which_o flow_v from_o faith_n be_v also_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n p._n 169._o that_o our_o improvement_n in_o those_o virtue_n be_v so_o likewise_o p._n 173._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n dwelling_n in_o man_n p._n 175._o what_o be_v signify_v by_o his_o dwell_n in_o the_o ark_n p._n 176._o which_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n p._n 178._o that_o god_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v only_o in_o good_a man_n p._n 181._o that_o their_o progress_n in_o christian_a virtue_n and_o perseverance_n be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n p._n 185._o some_o consectary_n from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n p._n 186._o chap._n 5._o gift_n pretend_v to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n p._n 189._o immediate_a revelation_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n not_o promise_v in_o st._n luke_n p._n 191._o either_o to_o the_o spiritual_a guide_n or_o their_o people_n p._n 193._o nor_o absolute_a assurance_n of_o our_o particular_a election_n p._n 195._o dr._n owen_n way_n of_o prove_v such_o assurance_n profitable_a p._n 197._o what_o the_o author_n understand_v by_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n mention_v heb._n 6.11_o p._n 199._o the_o reason_n why_o some_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o comfort_n without_o assurance_n p._n 204._o neither_o be_v it_o there_o promise_a that_o the_o spirit_n will_v dictate_v extemporary_a prayer_n p._n 205._o that_o in_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o these_o prayer_n there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o matter_n and_o usual_o of_o method_n and_o that_o all_o the_o variety_n common_o lie_v in_o shift_v of_o word_n and_o phrase_n p._n 209._o that_o these_o three_o pretend_a gift_n be_v promise_v no_o where_o in_o the_o scripture_n p._n 211._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n p._n 214._o and_o by_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n p._n 216._o and_o by_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n p._n 218._o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v help_v our_o infirmity_n p._n 219._o chap._n 6._o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v to_o who_o p._n 233._o the_o difference_n between_o common_a and_o special_a grace_n p._n 234._o special_a grace_n promise_v upon_o condition_n p._n 237._o and_o not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o by_o those_o that_o perform_v they_o p._n 239._o dr._n owen_n mystical_a talk_n concern_v the_o object_n of_o sanctify_a grace_n p._n 240._o that_o he_o make_v no_o qualification_n on_o our_o part_n requisite_a beforehand_o for_o regeneration_n p._n 243._o and_o that_o according_a to_o he_o all_o pray_v for_o it_o be_v unprofitable_a p._n 244._o that_o he_o shuffle_n off_o the_o task_n of_o prove_v his_o main_a principle_n by_o pretend_v false_o that_o he_o have_v prove_v it_o before_o p._n 246._o the_o folly_n of_o trust_v to_o a_o suppose_a absolute_a decree_n p._n 247._o the_o doctor_n be_v insincerity_n in_o change_v his_o notion_n of_o election_n to_o shift_v off_o the_o difficulty_n of_o prove_v his_o own_o opinion_n concern_v it_o p._n 250._o that_o he_o make_v nothing_o to_o contradict_v himself_o as_o his_o cause_n require_v it_o p._n 258._o what_o that_o common_a grace_n be_v which_o be_v give_v to_o all_o p._n 261._o the_o notion_n prove_v p._n 262._o why_o the_o promise_n of_o common_a grace_n be_v not_o express_o make_v to_o all_o p._n 266._o that_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o part_v of_o the_o new_a covenant_n p._n 267._o that_o the_o promise_n of_o special_a grace_n be_v make_v to_o all_o under_o possible_a condition_n p._n 268._o chap._n 7._o difficult_a to_o define_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n particular_o p._n 270._o dr._n owen_n peremptory_a and_o fierce_a in_o this_o point_n p._n 271._o his_o definition_n of_o it_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n p._n 274._o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v in_o that_o manner_n cause_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o they_o be_v still_o proper_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n p._n 274._o that_o according_a to_o dr._n owen_n principle_n they_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n
thereunto_o 206._o for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o pride_n and_o petulancy_n qualify_v man_n either_o to_o maintain_v argument_n or_o to_o answer_v they_o the_o doctor_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o they_o do_v and_o much_o good_a may_v his_o advantage_n do_v he_o but_o this_o i_o see_v that_o pride_n and_o petulancy_n be_v good_a help_n towards_o the_o write_n of_o a_o great_a book_n for_o if_o this_o man_n have_v spare_v himself_o the_o pain_n of_o charge_v his_o adversary_n with_o pelagianism_n ignorance_n impudence_n and_o ill_a manner_n and_o his_o frequent_a tautology_n into_o the_o bargain_n the_o bulk_n of_o his_o book_n have_v be_v take_v down_o so_o considerable_o that_o the_o smallness_n of_o the_o volume_n will_v have_v carry_v a_o even_a proportion_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o profitableness_n of_o his_o discourse_n and_o how_o much_o of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o he_o i_o will_v leave_v the_o indifferent_a reader_n to_o judge_v sect_n ii_o my_o design_n as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o work_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o remove_v one_o prejudice_n which_o the_o doctor_n have_v lay_v in_o every_o man_n way_n that_o shall_v pretend_v to_o write_v against_o he_o concern_v this_o or_o any_o other_o divine_a subject_n and_o that_o be_v that_o no_o man_n reason_v about_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v heed_v till_o his_o mind_n be_v illuminate_v by_o a_o almighty_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i._n e._n till_o he_o be_v regenerate_v this_o be_v the_o clear_a consequence_n of_o his_o affirm_v that_o without_o such_o illumination_n a_o man_n can_v understand_v spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o i._n e._n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v for_o if_o he_o himself_o can_v understand_v they_o spiritual_o neither_o can_v he_o explain_v they_o spiritual_o to_o other_o and_o then_o let_v he_o say_v what_o he_o will_v he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v regard_v and_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a advantage_n he_o make_v by_o this_o pretence_n for_o when_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o answer_v the_o objection_n that_o lie_v against_o he_o he_o despise_v they_o under_o the_o name_n of_o carnal_a reason_n and_o when_o he_o have_v run_v himself_o upon_o manifest_a absurdity_n he_o come_v off_o with_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v mystery_n not_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o natural_a man_n understand_v they_o not_o because_o they_o be_v not_o enlighten_v it_o be_v true_a he_o make_v use_v of_o scripture_n very_o often_o and_o he_o make_v a_o show_n of_o reason_v also_o i._n e._n of_o propound_v difficulty_n and_o give_v their_o solution_n and_o the_o like_a but_o than_o if_o you_o make_v it_o never_o so_o plain_a that_o he_o argue_v weak_o and_o that_o he_o allege_v scripture_n impertinent_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v your_o turn_n for_o you_o must_v know_v that_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o receive_v that_o new_a save_a light_n he_o speak_v of_o which_o can_v only_o make_v you_o to_o understand_v spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o for_o without_o the_o addition_n of_o this_o new_a light_n which_o only_o the_o regenerate_a have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n be_v utter_o insufficient_a to_o give_v you_o a_o spiritual_a understanding_n of_o they_o so_o that_o you_o can_v neither_o be_v convince_v that_o another_o understand_v they_o spiritual_o till_o security_n be_v give_v you_o that_o he_o be_v a_o regenerate_a man_n nor_o when_o you_o be_v certain_a of_o that_o be_v he_o able_a to_o make_v you_o understand_v they_o so_o till_o you_o be_v regenerate_v yourself_o now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o i_o have_v a_o very_a strange_a task_n for_o than_o i_o can_v confute_v dr._n owen_n till_o i_o can_v prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o unregenerate_a man_n nor_o can_v i_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o what_o i_o be_o to_o say_v be_v true_a till_o i_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o own_o conversion_n both_o which_o argument_n i_o take_v to_o be_v very_o improper_a for_o a_o book_n for_o though_o i_o shall_v argue_v from_o principle_n common_a either_o to_o all_o christian_n or_o to_o all_o man_n with_o never_o such_o appearance_n of_o reason_n it_o may_v yet_o be_v reply_v that_o all_o this_o be_v but_o carnal_a reason_n which_o the_o doctor_n and_o his_o sanctify_a friend_n discover_v to_o be_v no_o better_o by_o that_o illumination_n which_o because_o i_o have_v not_o i_o can_v understand_v spiritual_a mystery_n spiritual_o but_o for_o this_o reason_n you_o will_v say_v our_o author_n ought_v consonant_o to_o his_o principle_n to_o have_v prove_v himself_o a_o regenerate_a man_n before_o he_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v surrender_v our_o belief_n to_o his_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a mystery_n you_o must_v know_v therefore_o that_o he_o have_v do_v something_o towards_o it_o in_o divers_a place_n of_o his_o book_n for_o he_o suppose_v that_o whoever_o understand_v gospel-mystery_n in_o that_o spiritual_a manner_n wherein_o he_o have_v explain_v they_o be_v thereby_o prove_v one_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o special_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o consequent_o regenerate_v so_o that_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o a_o man_n be_v qualify_v to_o understand_v and_o teach_v spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o you_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o especial_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o if_o you_o will_v then_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o doctor_n suppose_v be_v thus_o illuminate_v you_o must_v know_v it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o because_o he_o understand_v and_o teach_v spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o shameful_a circle_n now_o whether_o i_o have_v injure_v the_o doctor_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v hitherto_o charge_v he_o with_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_v by_o a_o few_o of_o many_o passage_n to_o that_o purpose_n which_o lie_v up_o and_o down_o in_o his_o book_n he_o say_v 209._o that_o without_o a_o effectual_a powerful_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n create_v and_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n induce_v a_o new_a save_a light_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v receive_v understand_v or_o believe_v save_o spiritual_a truth_n or_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o again_o 236._o such_o be_v the_o darkness_n of_o their_o unregenerate_a mind_n that_o they_o be_v powerful_o and_o as_o unto_o any_o light_n of_o their_o own_o i._n e._n till_o the_o almighty_a create_a work_n be_v do_v invincible_o keep_v off_o from_o receive_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n now_o i_o shall_v show_v by_o two_o or_o three_o instance_n that_o the_o doctor_n make_v his_o way_n of_o understand_v spiritual_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o regeneration_n and_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o irresistible_a work_n have_v be_v upon_o a_o man_n mind_n when_o he_o undertake_v to_o show_v why_o god_n do_v require_v holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o we_o and_o affirm_v that_o he_o do_v not_o require_v it_o in_o order_n to_o our_o justification_n he_o tell_v we_o carnal_a reason_n can_v discern_v of_o what_o use_v it_o shall_v be_v 334._o if_o it_o serve_v not_o to_o this_o purpose_n or_o one_o of_o those_o which_o he_o there_o reject_v now_o that_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a be_v one_o of_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o carnal_a reason_n may_v understand_v but_o if_o you_o understand_v this_o doctrine_n spiritual_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o justification_n and_o this_o forsooth_o carnal_a reason_n can_v discern_v but_o what_o follow_v make_v it_o plain_o yet_o but_o the_o first_o save_v light_n that_o shine_v by_o the_o gospel_n from_o jesus_n christ_n into_o our_o heart_n begin_v to_o undeceive_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n so_o that_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v require_v holiness_n of_o we_o as_o a_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o our_o be_v justify_v have_v have_v no_o save_a light_n shine_v into_o his_o heart_n by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o have_v not_o have_v the_o first_o of_o all_o and_o this_o clear_o show_v how_o the_o doctor_n make_v the_o reject_v of_o his_o notion_n to_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n he_o say_v further_a and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o our_o receive_v a_o evangelical_n baptism_n or_o of_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o clear_a compliance_n of_o our_o mind_n with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n herein_o this_o be_v full_a and_o home_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o you_o see_v that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o discard_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n under_o that_o
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of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n for_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n what_o other_o may_v think_v of_o this_o i_o know_v not_o but_o methinks_v it_o will_v grieve_v any_o christian_a heart_n to_o observe_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o divine_a mean_n of_o make_v man_n true_o wise_a and_o good_a thus_o debase_v and_o dishonour_v by_o such_o a_o senseless_a use_n of_o scripture-phrase_n as_o this_o man_n make_v of_o they_o who_o write_v himself_o d._n d._n for_o that_o which_o set_v off_o all_o this_o wild_a and_o confuse_a talk_n of_o he_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o puzzle_v any_o man_n at_o the_o first_o blush_n be_v his_o pervert_n the_o true_a use_n of_o these_o phrase_n viz._n the_o natural_a man_n and_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n spiritual_a thing_n and_o discern_v they_o spiritual_o with_o which_o he_o ring_v the_o change_n so_o often_o in_o his_o book_n leave_v a_o noise_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o fancy_n of_o his_o reader_n instead_o of_o the_o true_a i._n e._n the_o scriptural_a notion_n belong_v to_o they_o imprint_v on_o their_o mind_n that_o i_o may_v therefore_o reconcile_v the_o reader_n to_o a_o opinion_n that_o i_o may_v possible_o write_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n with_o more_o truth_n than_o this_o man_n have_v do_v i_o shall_v prepare_v my_o way_n by_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o 2.14_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v for_o it_o be_v chief_o upon_o this_o place_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v that_o the_o doctor_n build_v his_o confidence_n that_o we_o can_v spiritual_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n and_o as_o by_o expound_v thereof_o the_o use_n of_o those_o phrase_n and_o such_o as_o be_v equivalent_a to_o they_o will_v be_v understand_v so_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o will_v be_v conducible_a also_o to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o book_n i_o shall_v first_o examine_v the_o doctor_n be_v interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o offer_v that_o sense_n of_o it_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v true_a than_o he_o before_o i_o attempt_v either_o of_o which_o thing_n i_o must_v beg_v his_o pardon_n if_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o follow_v he_o as_o oft_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o leave_v the_o argument_n and_o fall_v a_o rail_n against_o those_o that_o have_v other_o thought_n of_o the_o text_n than_o he_o have_v especial_o where_o he_o spend_v almost_o two_o whole_a page_n upon_o nothing_o else_o 223._o charge_v his_o adversary_n with_o the_o want_n of_o those_o virtue_n particular_o enumerate_v by_o he_o which_o they_o great_o praise_v and_o extol_v and_o accuse_v they_o of_o pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n vanity_n and_o profaneness_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o vice_n more_o now_o what_o be_v all_o this_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o of_o the_o like_a stuff_n which_o he_o have_v swell_v his_o discourse_n withal_o to_o the_o explanation_n of_o st._n paul_n text_n which_o he_o be_v endeavour_v suppose_v i_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o retaliate_v have_v so_o large_a a_o subject_a as_o dr._n owen_n prank_n from_o the_o year_n 1648_o to_o this_o present_a time_n to_o expatiate_v upon_o what_o goodly_a work_n be_v here_o for_o the_o reader_n therefore_o all_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o whereas_o his_o lewd_a and_o notorious_a practice_n against_o the_o church_n and_o state_n have_v be_v expose_v in_o print_n and_o these_o charge_v upon_o he_o not_o from_o tale_n pick_v up_o in_o the_o street_n and_o at_o gossiping-meeting_n but_o from_o his_o own_o public_a action_n and_o write_n he_o have_v no_o way_n to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o the_o gentleman_n that_o have_v do_v he_o this_o kindness_n but_o by_o let_v fly_n upon_o his_o whole_a order_n with_o all_o sort_n of_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n though_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fasten_v his_o accusation_n upon_o any_o one_o of_o those_o who_o he_o thus_o bespatter_n since_o his_o plentiful_a rage_n against_o they_o may_v satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o his_o will_n be_v not_o want_v wherefore_o it_o be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n to_o attempt_v the_o confutation_n of_o such_o loose_a and_o general_a calumny_n as_o it_o have_v be_v to_o have_v answer_v the_o doctor_n if_o he_o can_v have_v satisfy_v his_o implacable_a malice_n with_o be_v at_o a_o word_n and_o call_v we_o once_o for_o all_o rogue_n and_o villain_n i_o shall_v leave_v he_o in_o the_o quiet_a possession_n of_o his_o talon_n at_o lie_v and_o defamation_n and_o shall_v now_o only_o try_v whether_o his_o reason_n be_v as_o unanswerable_a as_o his_o rail_n sect_n iii_o i_o often_o find_v it_o very_o difficult_a to_o fasten_v any_o meaning_n upon_o so_o slippery_a a_o writer_n as_o this_o but_o to_o my_o best_a understanding_n he_o thus_o explain_v the_o phrase_n of_o the_o text._n 1._o by_o the_o natural_a man_n he_o mean_v one_o that_o have_v the_o use_n of_o all_o his_o rational_a faculty_n 218._o or_o every_o one_o that_o be_v so_o and_o that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o so_o that_o be_v every_o one_o who_o be_v not_o a_o spiritual_a man_n be_v not_o one_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n one_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n enable_v he_o to_o know_v thing_n natural_a civil_a or_o political_n but_o not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o know_v thing_n spiritual_a so_o that_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v not_o a_o spiritual_a man_n but_o a_o natural_a man_n only_o as_o the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v not_o only_o a_o natural_a man_n or_o thus_o the_o natural_a man_n concern_v who_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v one_o who_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o if_o the_o doctor_n have_v rest_v in_o this_o explication_n i_o think_v he_o have_v be_v safe_a enough_o for_o ever_o be_v confute_v but_o he_o have_v a_o further_a meaning_n which_o discover_v not_o itself_o till_o we_o come_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o comment_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n have_v no_o ability_n to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n be_v because_o the_o light_n itself_o 38._o whereby_o alone_o spiritual_a thing_n can_v be_v spiritual_o discern_v be_v create_v in_o we_o by_o a_o almighty_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n so_o that_o at_o last_o this_o be_v his_o notion_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o book_n that_o he_o be_v one_o in_o who_o mind_n spiritual_a light_n be_v not_o create_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n 26._o 2._o by_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o depend_v whole_o on_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o i_o think_v this_o be_v the_o only_a phrase_n he_o understand_v right_a if_o he_o mean_v honest_o by_o supernatural_a revelation_n viz._n that_o revelation_n which_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o not_o any_o particular_a revelation_n make_v to_o himself_o and_o his_o party_n by_o a_o irresistible_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o their_o mind_n but_o such_o a_o custom_n he_o have_v get_v to_o confound_v every_o thing_n that_o within_o two_o page_n he_o understand_v by_o it_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n whatsoever_o for_o through_o
from_o this_o charge_n of_o contradict_v the_o apostle_n but_o that_o his_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o the_o carnal_a man_n can_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o he_o can_v walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n that_o he_o reform_v himself_o thus_o universal_o as_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v by_o the_o spirit_n but_o only_o that_o he_o may_v be_v such_o a_o reform_a man_n that_o he_o may_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n that_o he_o may_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o proceed_v from_o the_o old_a nature_n and_o this_o work_n belong_v but_o to_o the_o old_a creation_n and_o this_o i_o find_v indeed_o to_o be_v his_o sense_n 183._o for_o he_o tell_v we_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o power_n disposition_n or_o ability_n or_o inclination_n unto_o god_n or_o for_o any_o moral_a action_n by_o nature_n i._n e._n before_o regenerate_v grace_n come_v it_o belong_v unto_o the_o old_a creation_n it_o be_v no_o new_a creature_n now_o by_o compare_v these_o word_n with_o his_o 17_o section_n we_o may_v now_o discern_v that_o by_o the_o inherent_a habitual_a righteousness_n which_o the_o moral_a man_n want_v as_o he_o say_v he_o do_v not_o mean_v a_o internal_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n to_o virtue_n correspondent_a to_o that_o righteousness_n which_o he_o practise_v in_o his_o life_n for_o he_o suppose_v that_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n or_o vnregeneracy_n such_o a_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n such_o a_o power_n and_o ability_n he_o may_v have_v but_o he_o mean_v by_o it_o a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o holiness_n infuse_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o he_o explain_v himself_o afterward_o so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o defence_n he_o must_v make_v for_o himself_o out_o of_o his_o book_n when_o i_o charge_v he_o with_o contradict_v st._n paul_n viz._n that_o he_o only_o say_v the_o carnal_a man_n may_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n may_v be_v universal_o righteous_a and_o obedient_a in_o his_o life_n but_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o natural_a work_n all_o this_o while_n all_o his_o actual_a righteousness_n and_o his_o internal_a disposition_n to_o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o old_a creation_n it_o be_v no_o new_a creature_n whereas_o the_o spiritually-minded_n man_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o walk_v after_o the_o gospel_n walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n too_o and_o when_o he_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n do_v mortify_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n this_o pretence_n so_o derogatory_n from_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n contradict_v the_o scripture_n which_o say_v he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o observe_v that_o our_o author_n whatever_o he_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v discover_v to_o be_v a_o rank_a pelagian_a i_o speak_v it_o with_o great_a seriousness_n for_o the_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o he_o can_v with_o any_o modesty_n now_o deny_v it_o he_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n without_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o gospel_n though_o he_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o keep_v the_o command_n of_o god_n by_o the_o mere_a ability_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v universal_o righteous_a in_o his_o life_n and_o to_o be_v dispose_v and_o incline_v thereunto_o in_o his_o soul_n without_o a_o infusion_n as_o his_o phrase_n be_v of_o a_o new_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o holiness_n and_o he_o plain_o suppose_v that_o all_o that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v viz._n a_o universal_a performance_n of_o god_n command_n proceed_v from_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v belong_v unto_o the_o old_a creation_n and_o be_v no_o new_a creature_n nor_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o pelagius_n his_o great_a heresy_n be_v this_o that_o a_o man_n by_o his_o natural_a faculty_n may_v do_v that_o which_o god_n require_v without_o any_o further_a help_n from_o god_n than_o that_o of_o declare_v his_o will_n for_o set_v that_o aside_o he_o think_v our_o willing_a and_o do_v need_v no_o divine_a assistance_n as_o st._n austin_n report_v he_o 41._o and_o that_o god_n give_v we_o the_o power_n of_o choice_n in_o vain_a if_o we_o can_v do_v his_o will_n unless_o he_o always_o help_v we_o as_o st._n hierom_n say_v concern_v he_o ctesiph_n it_o be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o doctor_n say_v while_o he_o make_v all_o the_o righteousness_n and_o disposition_n thereunto_o which_o we_o have_v be_v consider_v even_o that_o of_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o belong_v unto_o the_o old_a creation_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n without_o the_o renew_n grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n if_o the_o doctor_n say_v that_o however_o in_o all_o the_o regenerate_v he_o ascribe_v that_o righteousness_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o his_o grace_n this_o will_v not_o bring_v he_o off_o for_o pelagius_n himself_o be_v bring_v to_o confess_v though_o not_o the_o same_o thing_n yet_o what_o will_v serve_v his_o turn_n as_o well_o as_o this_o can_v the_o doctor_n be_v for_o at_o length_n he_o say_v therefore_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n give_v that_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v by_o nature_n we_o may_v more_o easy_o do_v by_o grace_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v that_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a it_o do_v equal_o conclude_v both_o he_o and_o pelagius_n to_o be_v the_o same_o heretic_n though_o he_o say_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v sometime_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o gracious_a aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o pelagius_n say_v do_v it_o more_o easy_o be_v always_o so_o our_o author_n i_o confess_v speak_v divers_a thing_n in_o this_o book_n which_o destroy_v this_o pelagian_a doctrine_n for_o he_o be_v sometime_o in_o the_o humour_n of_o a_o manichee_n which_o be_v a_o heresy_n of_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v any_o good_a action_n whatsoever_o without_o a_o irresistible_a determination_n of_o his_o will_n thereunto_o as_o in_o due_a place_n i_o shall_v put_v he_o in_o mind_n again_o how_o he_o come_v by_o the_o knack_n of_o believe_v such_o inconsistent_a thing_n if_o he_o believe_v they_o i_o know_v not_o but_o he_o make_v great_a use_n of_o his_o talon_n that_o way_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v further_a occasion_n to_o show_v he_o hereafter_o but_o whether_o he_o believe_v these_o contradiction_n or_o not_o as_o long_o as_o he_o assert_v pelagian_a doctrine_n he_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v from_o his_o own_o word_n and_o to_o go_v for_o a_o pelagian_a i_o grant_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o a_o man_n say_v in_o one_o part_n of_o a_o book_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o what_o he_o say_v in_o another_o but_o that_o always_o be_v upon_o supposition_n that_o his_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o sense_n which_o be_v that_o way_n endeavour_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o they_o but_o our_o author_n be_v argue_v in_o sect._n 17._o compare_v with_o sect._n 20._o be_v in_o my_o judgement_n so_o notorious_o for_o the_o pelagian_a heresy_n that_o if_o pelagius_n himself_o be_v here_o we_o can_v not_o discern_v the_o least_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o the_o point_n of_o man_n natural_a ability_n to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n indeed_o he_o give_v the_o pelagian_n ill_a word_n enough_o in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o book_n and_o he_o will_v persuade_v his_o reader_n that_o his_o adversary_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o pelagian_a heretic_n but_o for_o aught_o i_o see_v he_o be_v more_o angry_a at_o the_o name_n of_o pelagius_n than_o at_o his_o error_n or_o he_o hope_n that_o he_o may_v unsuspected_o broach_v the_o opinion_n of_o pelagius_n while_o he_o fall_v foul_a upon_o other_o man_n as_o if_o they_o be_v his_o follower_n and_o true_o this_o insincerity_n he_o may_v happy_o learn_v from_o pelagius_n himself_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o say_v and_o unsay_v to_o contradict_v his_o own_o concession_n one_o while_n and_o his_o assertion_n another_o when_o he_o be_v to_o save_v himself_o now_o against_o the_o catholic_n and_o then_o against_o his_o own_o party_n as_o st._n augustin_n tell_v we_o which_o be_v consider_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o other_o to_o judge_v whether_o our_o author_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o pelagian_a etc._n though_o he_o elsewhere_o affirm_v thing_n inconsistent_a with_o pelagianism_n i_o believe_v he_o have_v but_o one_o way_n to_o come_v off_o and_o
understand_v which_o be_v this_o that_o although_o faith_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o divine_a grace_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o high_a measure_n of_o grace_n promise_v to_o we_o if_o we_o believe_v and_o a_o great_a than_o that_o if_o we_o sincere_o obey_v the_o gospel_n the_o great_a promise_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o good_a way_n already_o and_o the_o better_a that_o way_n be_v in_o which_o they_o be_v the_o more_o plentiful_a communication_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v they_o capable_a of_o it_o be_v indeed_o impossible_a to_o assign_v the_o several_a degree_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o man_n under_o such_o qualification_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v because_o we_o know_v not_o the_o degree_n by_o which_o man_n be_v more_o or_o less_o qualify_v the_o scripture_n have_v only_o acquaint_v we_o that_o believer_n and_o good_a man_n have_v promise_n of_o special_a grace_n as_o for_o the_o particular_a degree_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a we_o shall_v know_v they_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o only_o in_o general_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v that_o be_v as_o the_o parable_n to_o which_o these_o word_n belong_v clear_o import_v great_a measure_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o who_o best_o improve_v the_o grace_n they_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a weighty_a encouragement_n to_o make_v we_o all_o careful_a to_o be_v better_o sect_n 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o speak_v direct_o to_o the_o argument_n of_o this_o chapter_n viz._n who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o by_o lay_v down_o two_o or_o three_o plain_a proposition_n which_o be_v prove_v the_o question_n will_v be_v sufficient_o and_o true_o answer_v 1._o god_n will_v give_v special_a grace_n to_o all_o those_o that_o perform_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v promise_v which_o i_o hope_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o other_o medium_n to_o prove_v it_o by_o than_o that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a and_o will_v perform_v his_o promise_n dr._n owen_n true_o observe_v that_o the_o same_o grace_n in_o nature_n and_o kind_n 182._o be_v communicate_v unto_o several_a person_n in_o various_a degree_n and_o be_v by_o they_o use_v or_o improve_v with_o more_o or_o less_o care_n and_o diligence_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o this_o special_a grace_n for_o of_o that_o he_o speak_v be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o in_o those_o degree_n according_a as_o the_o grace_n they_o have_v former_o receive_v be_v improve_v with_o more_o or_o less_o diligence_n for_o that_o be_v plain_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n now_o mention_v to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v a_o say_n so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o evangelist_n but_o as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v remember_v not_o once_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o our_o author_n throughout_o his_o great_a book_n though_o it_o be_v as_o material_a and_o necessary_a a_o passage_n for_o any_o christian_a writer_n that_o undertake_v this_o subject_n to_o guide_v himself_o by_o as_o any_o be_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n for_o what_o reason_n he_o slip_v over_o this_o text_n though_o it_o lay_v so_o plain_o before_o he_o in_o the_o bible_n he_o know_v best_o himself_o he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v it_o be_v very_o pertinent_a to_o the_o subject_n though_o it_o be_v impertinent_a to_o his_o manner_n of_o handle_v it_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o his_o design_n in_o the_o chapter_n concern_v work_n preparatory_a to_o regeneration_n where_o as_o i_o shall_v in_o due_a place_n manifest_v he_o make_v all_o the_o preparatory_a work_n that_o one_o can_v well_o think_v of_o to_o signify_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o effect_n towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v which_o beside_o that_o it_o confute_v the_o title_n of_o the_o chapter_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o to_o make_v the_o communication_n of_o that_o grace_n a_o arbitrary_a act_n that_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o consequent_o to_o destroy_v all_o the_o encouragement_n we_o have_v from_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v become_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ._n indeed_o he_o be_v now_o and_o then_o please_v to_o mince_v the_o matter_n as_o where_o he_o tell_v we_o 86._o sometime_o as_o to_o some_o gift_n and_o grace_n god_n do_v bestow_v his_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v some_o preparation_n and_o co-operation_n on_o our_o part_n sometime_o and_o some_o grace_n and_o some_o preparation_n be_v uncertain_a word_n but_o i_o will_v know_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o those_o grace_n which_o he_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v bestow_v though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o much_o preparation_n on_o our_o part_n for_o that_o be_v also_o clear_o suppose_v in_o his_o word_n for_o instance_n if_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n a_o man_n believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o hearty_o desire_v to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o pray_v as_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v he_o for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n i_o will_v know_v whether_o upon_o this_o preparation_n and_o co-operation_n on_o his_o part_n god_n will_v not_o enable_v he_o so_o to_o do_v if_o our_o author_n deny_v it_o let_v he_o answer_v our_o saviour_n saying_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o so_o upon_o the_o like_a preparation_n for_o any_o special_a grace_n that_o we_o need_v if_o he_o shall_v deny_v that_o god_n will_v bestow_v it_o i_o will_v also_o desire_v he_o to_o give_v we_o his_o thought_n upon_o that_o other_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n which_o seem_v to_o conclude_v against_o he_o in_o all_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n viz._n that_o unto_o every_o one_o which_o have_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v luke_n 19.26_o 2._o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o gospel_n give_v we_o no_o ground_n to_o expect_v any_o special_a grace_n or_o such_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v promise_v to_o qualify_a person_n if_o we_o do_v not_o perform_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o the_o promise_n depend_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v withdraw_v that_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v already_o give_v from_o those_o slothful_a person_n that_o refuse_v to_o make_v any_o good_a use_n of_o it_o indeed_o how_o long_o god_n will_v extend_v his_o patience_n towards_o they_o and_o bear_v with_o their_o obstinacy_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o and_o depend_v upon_o his_o sovereign_a pleasure_n but_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v we_o that_o from_o he_o that_o have_v i._n e._n improve_v not_o even_o that_o he_o have_v shall_v be_v take_v away_o from_o he_o so_o little_a reason_n have_v any_o such_o person_n to_o expect_v any_o new_a accession_n of_o grace_n to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v forfeit_v by_o receive_v it_o altogether_o in_o vain_a wherefore_o i_o be_o far_o from_o contradict_v those_o man_n that_o say_v the_o promise_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n belong_v not_o to_o all_o who_o have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o though_o i_o take_v my_o leave_n of_o they_o when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o promise_n be_v restrain_v to_o a_o few_o man_n who_o god_n have_v personal_o choose_v and_o by_o a_o absolute_a decree_n fore-appointed_n to_o salvation_n but_o instead_o thereof_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o restriction_n of_o these_o promise_n to_o certain_a person_n be_v measure_v only_o by_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v i._n e._n that_o they_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o by_o who_o these_o condition_n be_v perform_v my_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o there_o be_v not_o one_o promise_n in_o the_o whole_a covenant_n that_o be_v make_v absolute_o to_o this_o or_o that_o man_n person_n but_o they_o be_v all_o make_v with_o respect_n to_o man_n qualification_n now_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n by_o which_o we_o can_v know_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n council_n and_o decree_n concern_v our_o salvation_n wherefore_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a than_o the_o reason_n why_o every_o man_n can_v claim_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o be_v not_o because_o this_o man_n person_n be_v absolute_o exclude_v and_o that_o man_n benefit_n absolute_o intend_v by_o they_o but_o because_o some_o be_v qualify_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v the_o promise_n and_o other_o be_v not_o thus_o i_o can_v but_o subscribe_v to_o the_o title_n of_o our_o author_n three_o chapter_n in_o his_o four_o book_n viz._n that_o believer_n be_v