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book_n church_n scripture_n write_v 5,125 5 5.8373 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A33207 A discourse concerning the operations of the Holy Spirit together with a confutation of some part of Dr. Owen's book upon that subject. Clagett, William, 1646-1688.; Owen, John, 1616-1683. Two discourses concerning the Holy Spirit and his work. 1678 (1678) Wing C4379; ESTC R14565 218,333 348

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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 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illuminate_v by_o a_o almighty_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o none_o but_o the_o doctor_n and_o he_o enlighten_v one_o can_v possible_o either_o give_v or_o receive_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o than_o if_o we_o reject_v his_o talk_n it_o be_v because_o we_o want_v that_o spiritual_a power_n without_o which_o the_o mind_n can_v receive_v it_o if_o you_o ask_v yet_o further_o what_o this_o spiritual_a power_n be_v he_o give_v you_o a_o admirable_a description_n of_o it_o 432._o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o the_o mind_n consist_v in_o a_o spiritual_a light_n and_o ability_n to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n so_o that_o spiritual_a light_n be_v spiritual_a power_n and_o spiritual_a power_n be_v spiritual_a light_n this_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v utter_o void_a of_o 433._o but_o any_o one_o that_o be_v true_o sanctify_v have_v light_n enough_o to_o understand_v the_o spiritual_a thing_n 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
that_o they_o may_v be_v witness_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o christ_n receive_v from_o the_o father_n act_v 2.23_o peculiar_o concern_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o this_o as_o i_o conceive_v the_o doctor_n acknowledge_v by_o say_v that_o christ_n shed_v forth_o what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v in_o the_o miraculous_a operation_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o now_o say_v he_o 157._o in_o this_o promise_n viz._n act_n 1._o vers_fw-la 4_o 8._o the_o lord_n christ_n found_v the_o church_n itself_o and_o by_o it_o he_o build_v it_o up_o and_o this_o be_v the_o hinge_v whereon_o the_o whole_a weight_n of_o it_o do_v turn_v and_o depend_v unto_o this_o day_n it_o be_v indeed_o certain_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n be_v at_o this_o day_n found_v upon_o the_o extraordinary_a testimony_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o which_o follow_v be_v absolute_o false_a take_v away_o this_o promise_n suppose_v it_o to_o cease_v as_o unto_o a_o continual_a accomplishment_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o absolute_a end_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n for_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o confess_v himself_o miracle_n be_v cease_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o church_n he_o proceed_v thus_o no_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n no_o church_n he_o that_o will_v utter_o separate_v the_o spirit_n from_o the_o word_n have_v as_o good_a burn_v his_o bible_n be_v not_o so_o hasty_a for_o although_o this_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o than_o you_o have_v prove_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v now_o be_v utter_o separate_v from_o the_o word_n for_o all_o act_n 1.4_o and_o although_o you_o very_o true_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v ingenerate_v faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yet_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o have_v here_o say_v it_o may_v for_o those_o text_n upon_o which_o you_o ground_n your_o confidence_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n whereby_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v now_o these_o be_v record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n together_o with_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o they_o may_v be_v as_o able_a to_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v when_o they_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o that_o of_o themselves_o too_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o have_v show_v to_o the_o contrary_a from_o act_n 1._o though_o the_o contrary_n may_v well_o be_v show_v from_o other_o scripture_n now_o i_o can_v see_v to_o what_o end_n these_o man_n when_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o will_v in_o all_o age_n be_v accomplish_v shall_v fly_v so_o often_o as_o they_o do_v to_o those_o text_n which_o mention_v those_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v bestow_v in_o the_o first_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v their_o follower_n believe_v that_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v inspire_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o that_o they_o preach_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v which_o because_o we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o they_o who_o do_v so_o to_o be_v sole_a owner_n of_o the_o privilege_n just_o as_o the_o papist_n support_v their_o pretence_n to_o miracle_n and_o infallibility_n by_o draw_v the_o promise_n peculiar_o make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o believer_n into_o consequence_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o every_o age_n and_o i_o fear_v by_o the_o like_a device_n our_o author_n have_v lay_v his_o plot_n to_o unchurch_n we_o quite_o and_o clean_o who_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n 158._o for_o say_v he_o let_v man_n cast_v themselves_o into_o what_o order_n they_o please_v institute_v what_o form_n of_o government_n and_o religious_a worship_n they_o please_v let_v they_o do_v it_o by_o a_o attendance_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o understand_n unto_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n i._n e._n let_v their_o government_n and_o worship_n be_v as_o near_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o can_v possible_o frame_v it_o yet_o if_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v disow_v or_o disclaim_v by_o they_o if_o they_o disow_v those_o extravagant_a pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n which_o you_o set_v up_o to_o magnify_v yourselves_o withal_o if_o there_o be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o upon_o they_o such_o a_o work_n of_o his_o as_o be_v promise_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v no_o church-state_n among_o they_o nor_o as_o such_o be_v it_o to_o be_v own_v and_o esteem_v and_o be_v this_o that_o you_o have_v be_v drive_v at_o all_o this_o while_n you_o have_v now_o find_v out_o a_o new_a colour_n for_o your_o schism_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v go_v forward_o upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n promise_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o upon_o we_o which_o in_o many_o place_n of_o your_o book_n also_o you_o spare_v not_o to_o say_v we_o reproach_n and_o disavow_v but_o i_o beseech_v you_o dare_v you_o say_v that_o you_o have_v that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o you_o and_o upon_o you_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o forementioned_a text_n if_o you_o say_v so_o we_o shall_v present_o desire_v you_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o it_o by_o miracle_n and_o such_o sign_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v if_o you_o dare_v not_o say_v it_o than_o it_o seem_v that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v no_o more_o in_o you_o and_o upon_o you_o than_o it_o be_v in_o we_o and_o then_o i_o hope_v we_o be_v not_o unchurch_v for_o not_o pretend_v to_o it_o nor_o fit_a to_o be_v account_v reprobate_n because_o we_o be_v not_o liar_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n mention_v by_o you_o in_o your_o next_o section_n matth._n 28.20_o 158._o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n prove_v the_o constant_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n by_o his_o spirit_n but_o then_o sir_n it_o do_v not_o prove_v nor_o i_o think_v be_v you_o able_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o forementioned_a promise_v make_v to_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o same_o promise_n with_o that_o which_o be_v here_o make_v now_o as_o to_o that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o will_v indeed_o continue_v through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v disow_v and_o disclaim_v it_o but_o we_o disow_v the_o prove_v it_o from_o such_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o you_o lay_v the_o great_a stress_n of_o your_o proof_n upon_o lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o pretend_v to_o those_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v pour_v forth_o upon_o the_o church_n at_o her_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a our_o pretence_n be_v laugh_v at_o for_o our_o pain_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o to_o say_v that_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o those_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n those_o extraordinary_a gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o believer_n have_v for_o it_o will_v be_v unanswerable_o return_v upon_o we_o that_o these_o text_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o speak_v of_o any_o but_o these_o and_o thus_o we_o shall_v disparage_v a_o good_a cause_n by_o argue_v no_o better_a for_o it_o therefore_o doctor_n if_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o and_o towards_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v open_o deride_v as_o you_o complain_v 118._o you_o may_v i_o doubt_v in_o great_a part_n thank_v yourself_o and_o such_o as_o you_o who_o by_o imprudent_a discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_n have_v give_v profane_a person_n occasion_n to_o make_v a_o question_n whether_o nowadays_o there_o be_v any_o work_n at_o all_o of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v and_o that_o by_o lay_v together_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v concern_v it_o all_o which_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o to_o who_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v make_v 3._o what_o be_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o operation_n by_o
be_v to_o ask_v of_o god_n to_o give_v we_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v do_v both_o when_o we_o use_v the_o formal_a petition_n and_o when_o we_o pray_v for_o any_o divine_a grace_n or_o christian_a virtue_n and_o when_o our_o soul_n breath_n after_o true_a goodness_n when_o they_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n when_o they_o zealous_o strive_v against_o every_o evil_a desire_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n that_o we_o may_v perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n then_o do_v we_o importunate_o ask_v the_o holy_a spirit_n we_o do_v effectual_o invoke_v he_o and_o attract_v those_o divine_a aid_n to_o ourselves_o which_o will_v make_v we_o what_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v the_o true_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 3._o and_o by_o consequence_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v suppose_v in_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o give_v or_o work_v any_o grace_n or_o good_a disposition_n in_o our_o mind_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o ask_v any_o such_o grace_n and_o to_o ask_v the_o holy_a spirit_n than_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v mean_v by_o god_n give_v the_o one_o and_o his_o give_v the_o other_o i._n e._n as_o dr._n owen_n very_o often_o and_o very_o true_o note_n when_o god_n bestow_v any_o blessing_n of_o this_o nature_n he_o do_v it_o by_o his_o spirit_n so_o that_o all_o those_o text_n which_o ascribe_v christian_a virtue_n to_o a_o divine_a operation_n and_o consequent_o those_o prayer_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o god_n will_v make_v they_o eminent_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o goodness_n be_v place_n pertinent_a to_o this_o subject_n and_o proper_a to_o inform_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v those_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o i_o be_o now_o discourse_v of_o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a of_o all_o to_o observe_v be_v this_o 4._o that_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v equal_o regard_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o those_o effect_n which_o his_o operation_n be_v here_o promise_v to_o produce_v be_v needful_a for_o all_o christian_n and_o not_o only_o for_o those_o to_o who_o christ_n speak_v in_o person_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o be_v this_o that_o they_o need_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o and_o because_o god_n be_v their_o father_n it_o follow_v that_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o condition_n we_o shall_v obtain_v the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o god_n be_v our_o father_n too_o and_o those_o thing_n we_o ask_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v as_o needful_a for_o we_o and_o for_o all_o believer_n as_o they_o can_v be_v for_o they_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v at_o first_o therefore_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o promise_v do_v not_o determine_v with_o the_o age_n of_o miracle_n last_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o as_o by_o the_o latter_a similitude_n where_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o child_n obtain_v of_o their_o parent_n thing_n needful_a for_o themselves_o our_o saviour_n do_v encourage_v every_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o ask_v the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o own_o behalf_n so_o by_o the_o former_a similitude_n where_o the_o man_n be_v say_v to_o prevail_v who_o request_v of_o his_o neighbour_n what_o be_v needful_a for_o his_o friend_n we_o be_v encourage_v to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o convert_v we_o from_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o increase_v his_o grace_n in_o we_o this_o i_o conceive_v may_v be_v one_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o similitude_n viz._n to_o excite_v we_o to_o this_o ●…nd_n of_o charity_n by_o let_v we_o know_v that_o we_o fare_v the_o better_a for_o the_o earnest_a prayer_n we_o make_v in_o each_o other_o behalf_n and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a because_o he_o use_v that_o similitude_n immediate_o after_o he_o have_v teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o by_o prescribe_v to_o they_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v otherwise_o these_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v clear_o imply_v in_o that_o place_n of_o st._n luke_n which_o we_o have_v be_v consider_v and_o not_o improper_a to_o be_v observe_v and_o now_o i_o shall_v forthwith_o proceed_v to_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o express_o mention_v the_o several_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o show_v that_o those_o needful_a effect_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v here_o in_o general_n promise_v to_o believer_n be_v in_o several_a of_o they_o particular_o ascribe_v to_o his_o operation_n but_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o i_o shall_v then_o leave_v behind_o i_o a_o great_a objection_n against_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v viz._n that_o i_o have_v give_v a_o very_a lame_a account_n of_o those_o qualification_n which_o be_v needful_a to_o salvation_n for_o dr._n owen_n come_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o qualification_n of_o quite_o another_o kind_n than_o any_o i_o have_v name_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o you_o must_v know_v be_v regeneration_n now_o indeed_o our_o saviour_n say_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n john_n 3.3_o and_o this_o regeneration_n our_o saviour_n likewise_o ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v &c._n &c._n vers_fw-la 5._o wherefore_o god_n forbid_v that_o any_o christian_n shall_v deny_v regeneration_n to_o be_v needful_a even_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o necessity_n to_o qualify_v we_o for_o eternal_a life_n or_o to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n wherever_o it_o be_v but_o i_o can_v think_v it_o to_o be_v so_o unintelligible_a a_o thing_n as_o our_o author_n represent_v it_o who_o make_v it_o to_o be_v somewhat_o distinct_a from_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n wherefore_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n particular_o inquire_v into_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o regeneration_n and_o because_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n but_o the_o great_a outcry_n which_o have_v be_v long_o raise_v by_o the_o doctor_n and_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n against_o the_o present_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o orthodox_n in_o the_o point_n of_o regeneration_n i_o shall_v thorough_o consider_v what_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v pro_n and_o con_fw-la in_o this_o book_n of_o his_o concern_v it_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n sect_n i._o that_o we_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o thereby_o qualify_v for_o eternal_a life_n be_v agree_v between_o we_o but_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n grant_v our_o author_n notion_n of_o regeneration_n to_o be_v true_a and_o i_o think_v his_o mistake_n in_o that_o may_v have_v lead_v he_o into_o divers_a other_o to_o proceed_v therefore_o with_o the_o more_o clearness_n i_o come_v to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v regenerate_v or_o bear_v again_o and_o here_o i_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o consider_v the_o doctor_n notion_n of_o regeneration_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v it_o because_o if_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o he_o go_v in_o state_v his_o notion_n be_v true_a it_o fundamental_o overthrow_v that_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a scriptural_a notion_n thereof_o for_o he_o contend_v that_o these_o expression_n to_o be_v bear_v again_o to_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o to_o have_v a_o new_a heart_n and_o the_o like_a do_v proper_o and_o literal_o signify_v that_o which_o be_v intend_v by_o they_o i_o say_v they_o signify_v it_o figurative_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v debate_v in_o the_o first_o place_n whether_o they_o be_v proper_a or_o metaphorical_a expression_n before_o we_o can_v settle_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o inquire_v whether_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o to_o have_v a_o new_a heart_n and_o to_o be_v create_v anew_o can_v proper_o be_v affirm_v of_o those_o that_o be_v qualify_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o not_o we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v what_o figurative_a sense_n it_o be_v in_o which_o these_o expression_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o determine_v which_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o regeneration_n
be_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o more_o metaphor_n than_o he_o allow_v not_o as_o he_o pretend_v here_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o metaphor_n at_o all_o but_o since_o he_o will_v have_v it_o so_o he_o must_v not_o say_v hereafter_o that_o he_o intend_v only_o to_o prove_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o metaphorical_a since_o his_o argument_n conclude_v that_o they_o be_v all_o proper_a if_o it_o conclude_v any_o thing_n that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v proper_a we_o grant_v and_o it_o be_v well_o that_o it_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o be_v prove_v by_o he_o for_o his_o untoward_a way_n of_o prove_v will_v tempt_v a_o man_n to_o suspect_v the_o plain_a truth_n he_o meddle_v withal_o if_o he_o have_v not_o better_a reason_n of_o his_o own_o for_o second_o what_o consequence_n be_v there_o in_o this_o argue_n if_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n intend_v in_o the_o scripture_n then_o be_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v it_o plain_a and_o proper_a otherwise_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a for_o 1._o none_o of_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o may_v have_v be_v proper_a and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o plain_o and_o then_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o have_v be_v obscure_a in_o that_o thing_n for_o a_o figurative_a expression_n may_v be_v plain_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o a_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n sure_o our_o author_n will_v grant_v that_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v my_o body_n to_o be_v figurative_a and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v plain_a because_o it_o be_v figurative_a so_o that_o his_o argument_n by_o which_o he_o conclude_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v this_o mysterious_a work_n to_o be_v proper_a do_v not_o prove_v that_o any_o one_o be_v so_o 2._o if_o some_o of_o the_o expression_n be_v both_o plain_a and_o proper_a and_o other_o figurative_a some_o whereof_o be_v 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create_a quicken_a and_o draw_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n and_o this_o i_o grant_v to_o be_v a_o very_a mysterious_a work_n if_o these_o be_v all_o proper_a expression_n of_o it_o now_o he_o prove_v there_o be_v such_o a_o work_n by_o this_o argument_n that_o otherwise_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a why_o so_o because_o they_o be_v obscure_a if_o these_o be_v not_o proper_a expression_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o he_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o mysterious_a work_n i._n e._n a_o work_n proper_o express_v by_o regeneration_n creation_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o argument_n that_o these_o be_v proper_a expression_n of_o such_o a_o work_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v a_o thing_n by_o itself_o and_o he_o prove_v also_o that_o these_o be_v proper_a expression_n because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mysterious_a work_n that_o be_v a_o work_n proper_o express_v by_o they_o which_o be_v to_o beg_v the_o question_n so_o that_o if_o you_o will_v grant_v the_o doctor_n that_o they_o be_v proper_a expression_n he_o can_v then_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o a_o work_n proper_o express_v by_o they_o or_o if_o you_o will_v grant_v there_o be_v such_o a_o work_n he_o can_v prove_v those_o to_o be_v proper_a expression_n and_o now_o i_o understand_v the_o doctor_n when_o he_o say_v the_o difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n arise_v from_o their_o mysterious_a nature_n and_o not_o from_o any_o obscurity_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o and_o i_o be_o full_o of_o his_o mind_n for_o if_o any_o one_o tell_v i_o that_o a_o body_n may_v be_v great_a than_o itself_o and_o lesser_a than_o itself_o and_o that_o transubstantiation_n may_v be_v true_a doctrine_n or_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v proper_o regenerate_v create_v quicken_v draw_v and_o awaken_v all_o at_o once_o i_o grant_v he_o do_v not_o obscure_o declare_v his_o mind_n to_o i_o and_o that_o i_o find_v no_o difficulty_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n but_o the_o only_a difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n arise_v from_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n or_o rather_o the_o nonsense_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v under_o these_o plain_a expression_n for_o the_o more_o plain_a any_o nonsense_n be_v the_o more_o easy_o it_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v so_o this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o slender_a proof_n which_o the_o doctor_n bring_v for_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o party_n concern_v the_o propriety_n of_o these_o scripture-expression_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v how_o he_o represent_v the_o judgement_n of_o those_o other_o who_o he_o speak_v of_o for_o he_o say_v sect_n 4._o other_o think_v the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o to_o be_v mystical_a and_o figurative_a but_o the_o thing_n intend_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o every_o man_n so_o that_o if_o the_o doctor_n may_v be_v believe_v there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o express_v by_o any_o proper_a word_n at_o all_o in_o the_o scripture_n 183._o but_o as_o he_o say_v they_o turn_v all_o scripture-expression_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n into_o metaphor_n if_o any_o such_o senseless_a people_n there_o be_v they_o be_v i_o shall_v think_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v find_v among_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o many_o of_o their_o preacher_n if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o their_o sermon_n by_o their_o book_n do_v so_o train_v they_o up_o to_o metaphorical_a talk_n that_o some_o of_o they_o may_v possible_o believe_v the_o scripture_n afford_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o think_v the_o thing_n intend_v by_o these_o expression_n suppose_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o every_o man_n i_o never_o hear_v there_o be_v any_o such_o before_o if_o by_o obvious_a the_o doctor_n mean_v discoverable_a by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v by_o all_o grant_v to_o depend_v on_o divine_a revelation_n but_o be_v reveal_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o reason_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o withal_o beside_o our_o natural_a reason_n but_o if_o by_o ordinary_a and_o obvious_a he_o mean_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a by_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n i_o be_o one_o of_o those_o who_o think_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereof_o we_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o less_o but_o the_o more_o excellent_a for_o be_v so_o our_o author_n must_v grant_v unless_o he_o will_v revoke_v his_o argument_n that_o the_o expression_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o metaphorical_a take_v from_o hence_o that_o otherwise_o the_o gospel_n be_v dark_a and_o unintelligible_a so_o that_o we_o be_v both_o agree_v in_o word_n at_o least_o that_o perspicuity_n and_o intelligibleness_n be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v he_o and_o his_o party_n have_v a_o notion_n of_o intelligibleness_n and_o perspicuity_n by_o themselves_o as_o any_o one_o will_v guess_v by_o their_o write_n for_o example_n the_o doctor_n here_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o the_o gospel_n intend_v nothing_o but_o moral_a duty_n and_o their_o observance_n in_o its_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n than_o it_o be_v dark_a and_o unintelligible_a now_o this_o be_v very_o strange_a for_o ●f_n as_o it_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n moral_a duty_n be_v easy_o intelligible_a and_o if_o the_o scripture_n intend_v 〈◊〉_d more_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n than_o the_o performance_n of_o moral_a duty_n then_o be_v the_o scripture_n very_o intelligible_a in_o the_o point_n of_o