elect_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o while_o man_n impatient_a of_o contradiction_n ascribe_v their_o absurd_a interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o while_o man_n low_a and_o weak_a in_o their_o national_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n impute_v the_o vanity_n which_o they_o frequent_o utter_v in_o their_o prayer_n to_o the_o impulse_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o to_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o expectation_n of_o such_o gift_n from_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v nowhere_o promise_v that_o they_o may_v more_o zealous_o pursue_v after_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v indeed_o promise_v and_o without_o which_o they_o can_v be_v save_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o that_o part_n of_o my_o undertake_n which_o concern_v those_o effect_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v chap._n vi_o concern_v those_o to_o who_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v and_o give_v sect_n 1._o to_o speak_v clear_o to_o this_o matter_n we_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o observe_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v either_o 1._o such_o as_o prevent_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o our_o very_a first_o desire_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o this_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o depend_v not_o upon_o our_o believe_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o those_o disposition_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v preparatory_a and_o antecedent_o necessary_a to_o faith_n itself_o 2._o such_o as_o follow_v after_o to_o cherish_v and_o improve_v such_o good_a beginning_n in_o we_o and_o to_o endue_v we_o with_o all_o qualification_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n now_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o grace_n be_v conditional_a such_o be_v that_o promise_n in_o st._n luke_n 11.13_o and_o the_o condition_n be_v plain_o express_v god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o who_o be_v already_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o pray_v for_o divine_a assistance_n such_o also_o be_v that_o promise_n in_o 2_o cor._n 6._o that_o god_n will_v dwell_v in_o we_o which_o depend_v upon_o our_o be_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a promise_n of_o grace_n make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o former_a but_o on_o condition_n of_o our_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o own_v ourselves_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n nor_o to_o the_o latter_a if_o we_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v where_o the_o true_a difference_n lie_v between_o common_a and_o special_a grace_n which_o be_v a_o distinction_n i_o doubt_v often_o use_v than_o understand_v that_o special_a grace_n imply_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o favour_n towards_o they_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v bestow_v than_o be_v signify_v by_o common_a grace_n be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n understanding_n now_o there_o be_v indeed_o divers_a promise_n of_o such_o grace_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o will_v be_v in_o force_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o conditional_a and_o make_v with_o respect_n to_o some_o qualification_n without_o which_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o wherefore_o special_a grace_n be_v that_o which_o be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o condition_n and_o consequent_o that_o grace_n to_o which_o such_o a_o condition_n be_v not_o require_v beforehand_o be_v common_a but_o since_o there_o be_v several_a degree_n of_o grace_n proportionable_a to_o the_o several_a qualification_n of_o man_n for_o instance_n since_o more_o grace_n be_v promise_v to_o believer_n than_o to_o unbeliever_n and_o yet_o more_o to_o sincere_a christian_n than_o to_o mere_a professor_n the_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o latitude_n that_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v special_a in_o one_o respect_n may_v be_v common_a in_o another_o for_o that_o grace_n whereof_o faith_n be_v the_o condition_n be_v common_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o obedience_n qualify_v a_o believer_n to_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v special_a with_o regard_n to_o that_o which_o do_v not_o require_v the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o a_o unbeliever_n be_v capable_a of_o wherefore_o the_o distinction_n be_v not_o accurate_a enough_o to_o be_v nice_a withal_o for_o if_o it_o be_v strict_o hold_v to_o there_o be_v several_a instance_n of_o divine_a grace_n that_o will_v not_o fall_v under_o it_o because_o then_o only_a the_o first_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n prevent_v all_o good_a inclination_n in_o they_o will_v be_v common_a grace_n and_o those_o only_o which_o crown_n our_o obedience_n with_o perseverance_n special_a but_o admit_v the_o former_a latitude_n the_o distinction_n will_v reach_v every_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v common_a and_o that_o which_o be_v special_a may_v be_v so_o place_v as_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v one_o another_o when_o we_o use_v the_o distinction_n and_o then_o i_o offer_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n to_o place_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o this_o that_o common_a grace_n be_v that_o whereby_o we_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o include_v all_o those_o good_n desire_n that_o be_v excite_v and_o all_o those_o good_a disposition_n that_o be_v produce_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n before_o they_o believe_v and_o special_a grace_n that_o which_o be_v give_v to_o believer_n only_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o increase_n of_o their_o good_a desire_n and_o the_o enable_v of_o they_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o although_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o that_o grace_n to_o which_o faith_n be_v pre-required_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v antecedent_n to_o faith_n our_o saviour_n rule_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v hold_v equal_o in_o both_o case_n yet_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o st._n luke_n and_o all_o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o that_o nature_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v give_v only_o to_o believer_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o they_o but_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o condition_n require_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n now_o since_o there_o be_v peculiar_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o seem_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n to_o suppose_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o first_o condition_n of_o special_a grace_n and_o consequent_o that_o grace_n to_o be_v common_a which_o require_v not_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o condition_n undertake_v by_o we_o when_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o i_o shall_v understand_v the_o distinction_n because_o otherwise_o i_o think_v it_o will_v often_o prove_v a_o distinction_n without_o difference_n since_o in_o the_o strict_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n the_o same_o grace_n may_v be_v both_o common_a and_o special_a thus_o also_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o difference_n between_o prevent_v and_o cooperate_a grace_n and_o between_o prepare_v and_o perfect_a grace_n for_o these_o distinction_n express_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o other_o respect_n that_o be_v mean_v by_o common_a and_o special_a grace_n for_o that_o grace_n which_o we_o call_v common_a because_o it_o be_v give_v without_o that_o condition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o great_a grace_n be_v also_o say_v to_o be_v prevent_v grace_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o we_o and_o likewise_o prepare_v grace_n with_o regard_n to_o some_o further_a improvement_n that_o we_o be_v thereby_o make_v capable_a of_o attain_v and_o then_o cooperate_a and_o perfect_a grace_n be_v but_o other_o word_n express_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v mean_v by_o special_a grace_n with_o a_o like_a difference_n of_o respect_n so_o that_o these_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o the_o same_o latitude_n and_o use_v with_o the_o same_o caution_n that_o the_o former_a be_v if_o i_o be_o mistake_v in_o this_o they_o be_v more_o subtle_a and_o intricate_a than_o i_o be_v aware_a of_o but_o the_o accurate_a use_n of_o these_o distinction_n be_v not_o that_o which_o i_o contend_v for_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o if_o i_o can_v make_v my_o meaning_n to_o be_v
that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o doctrine_n here_o by_o he_o maintain_v viz._n that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v righteousness_n without_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o without_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o then_o he_o must_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n which_o be_v one_o of_o those_o argument_n whereby_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o a_o state_n of_o regeneration_n be_v a_o state_n of_o inherent_a personal_a righteousness_n and_o which_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v produce_v do_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v regenerate_v as_o it_o signify_v the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o to_o be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v sect_n 8._o 2._o if_o we_o consider_v regeneration_n as_o a_o effect_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o that_o state_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v regeneration_n to_o be_v these_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v to_o be_v water_n and_o the_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 5._o viz._n when_o he_o repeat_v his_o doctrine_n to_o nicodemus_n concern_v which_o grotius_n well_o note_n exponit_fw-la jam_fw-la qualem_fw-la nativitatem_fw-la intelligat_fw-la nè_fw-la nicodemus_n diutius_fw-la allegoricae_fw-la locutionis_fw-la ignorantiâ_fw-la fallatur_fw-la our_o saviour_n now_o explain_v what_o birth_n he_o understand_v that_o nicodemus_n may_v no_o long_o be_v deceive_v by_o his_o ignorance_n that_o christ_n speak_v figurative_o for_o after_o it_o be_v tell_v he_o that_o this_o birth_n be_v effect_v by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v not_o dream_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v be_v bear_v again_o in_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n as_o he_o conceive_v at_o first_o when_o it_o be_v only_o tell_v he_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o be_v can_v etc._n etc._n now_o whether_o one_o cause_n of_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n or_o more_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o general_o agree_v upon_o there_o be_v some_o whereof_o grotius_n himself_o be_v one_o who_o conceive_v that_o by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o word_n signify_v the_o sanctify_a or_o cleanse_v spirit_n of_o god_n non_fw-la loquor_fw-la de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la say_v grotius_n but_o withal_o he_o say_v sed_fw-la locutiones_fw-la sunt_fw-la alludentes_fw-la ad_fw-la baptismum_fw-la our_o saviour_n allude_v to_o baptism_n as_o he_o suppose_v he_o to_o allude_v to_o the_o eucharist_n in_o those_o word_n except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n etc._n etc._n but_o by_o the_o leave_n of_o so_o great_a a_o man_n i_o think_v the_o other_o opinion_n more_o general_o receive_v and_o in_o particular_a maintain_v by_o dr._n hammond_n viz._n that_o by_o water_n baptism_n be_v here_o mean_v to_o be_v to_o say_v no_o more_o far_o more_o probable_a than_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o baptism_n be_v that_o ceremony_n of_o proselytism_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o our_o saviour_n borrow_v from_o they_o query_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n be_v no_o new_a name_n or_o notion_n as_o dr._n owen_n pretend_v for_o the_o jew_n call_v their_o proselyte_n recens_fw-la nati_fw-la as_o grotius_n himself_o observe_v new_a bear_v man_n and_o as_o such_o count_v they_o to_o have_v quit_v their_o relation_n to_o their_o former_a country_n parent_n and_o kindred_n and_o since_o the_o jewish_a proselyte_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o baptize_v person_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o immersion_n in_o water_n be_v one_o of_o the_o indispensible_a ceremony_n of_o his_o proselytism_n or_o regeneration_n we_o may_v well_o conceive_v that_o by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n our_o saviour_n mean_v become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o his_o church_n by_o baptism_n as_o by_o baptism_n the_o jew_n admit_v proselyte_n to_o they_o for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o strange_a that_o nicodemus_n a_o master_n of_o israel_n shall_v not_o understand_v what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n 2._o st._n paul_n do_v express_o call_v baptism_n the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n which_o what_o it_o signify_v but_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v or_o become_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v understand_v and_o then_o that_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n now_o where_o there_o be_v not_o only_o no_o necessity_n to_o find_v a_o figure_n in_o scripture-phrase_n but_o the_o proper_a sense_n also_o contain_v a_o truth_n very_o pertinent_a to_o the_o subject_a speak_v of_o in_o all_o reason_n there_o the_o proper_a sense_n and_o consequent_o here_o of_o the_o word_n water_n ought_v to_o be_v follow_v and_o then_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n signify_v our_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o engage_v to_o be_v so_o for_o the_o future_a by_o baptism_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v make_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o baptism_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o concern_v they_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o show_v therefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o they_o in_o this_o place_n but_o only_o add_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o our_o regeneration_n or_o become_v good_a christian_n but_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v those_o other_o cause_n viz._n those_o mean_n which_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v our_o regeneration_n unto_o to_o be_v include_v under_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o effect_n without_o who_o operation_n those_o mean_n can_v be_v effectual_a to_o their_o end_n and_o these_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o pet._n 1.23_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o but_o this_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o consider_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o be_v bear_v again_o both_o as_o it_o signify_v a_o state_n and_o as_o a_o effect_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v require_v we_o to_o become_v his_o sincere_a follower_n and_o disciple_n if_o we_o hope_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n sect_n 9_o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o become_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v express_v by_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o i_o shall_v likewise_o show_v how_o fit_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v express_v by_o the_o other_o metaphor_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o this_o because_o our_o author_n seem_v unable_a to_o conceive_v how_o so_o mean_v a_o thing_n as_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v intend_v by_o such_o grand_a and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n as_o those_o of_o the_o new_a birth_n the_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v first_o observe_v the_o similitude_n between_o our_o become_a true_a christian_n and_o be_v born_n first_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o alteration_n which_o be_v make_v in_o a_o man_n state_n by_o his_o become_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v one_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o state_n of_o such_o a_o disciple_n be_v express_v by_o this_o metaphor_n for_o it_o express_v a_o very_a great_a change_n thus_o mr._n baxter_n tell_v we_o very_o well_o that_o regeneration_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a term_n 8._o take_v from_o our_o natural_a generation_n because_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o change_n that_o a_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v another_o man_n if_o we_o consider_v how_o great_a this_o change_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o so_o to_o be_v there_o be_v first_o of_o all_o a_o intrinsic_a change_n peculiar_a to_o the_o state_n of_o adult_n christian_n their_o understanding_n be_v inform_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o truth_n concern_v god_n and_o themselves_o and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v which_o they_o be_v most_o of_o all_o concern_v to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ._n hereby_o also_o be_v produce_v a_o proportionable_a change_n in_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v wrought_v such_o effect_n upon_o that_o
be_v effect_v but_o by_o a_o physical_a irresistible_a operation_n which_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v call_v a_o assistance_n i_o leave_v you_o to_o judge_v after_o you_o have_v consider_v these_o word_n which_o be_v your_o own_o 266._o the_o most_o effectual_a persuasion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o of_o they_o you_o be_v speak_v can_v prevail_v with_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o convert_v themselves_o any_o more_o than_o argument_n can_v prevail_v with_o a_o blind_a man_n to_o see_v or_o with_o a_o dead_a man_n to_o rise_v from_o the_o grave_a and_o you_o must_v not_o forget_v that_o you_o make_v as_o irresistible_a a_o operation_n necessary_a to_o conversion_n as_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o raise_n of_o a_o dead_a body_n now_o you_o know_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o persuade_v a_o dead_a man_n to_o stir_v and_o by_o your_o argument_n it_o be_v to_o as_o little_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n to_o repent_v but_o will_v it_o not_o be_v also_o a_o most_o absurd_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o god_n assist_v a_o dead_a body_n to_o be_v alive_a again_o whoever_o be_v say_v to_o assist_v another_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n be_v not_o suppose_v to_o do_v it_o all_o himself_o much_o less_o by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n but_o the_o person_n that_o be_v assist_v be_v suppose_v to_o contribute_v his_o own_o endeavour_n towards_o the_o thing_n now_o a_o dead_a body_n can_v do_v nothing_o towards_o its_o own_o resurrection_n and_o therefore_o be_v incapable_a of_o be_v assist_v to_o rise_v and_o if_o god_n raise_v it_o to_o life_n he_o must_v do_v all_o himself_o and_o do_v you_o not_o therefore_o make_v a_o sinner_n incapable_a of_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v this_o consequence_n pray_v will_v you_o acknowledge_v your_o own_o plain_a word_n where_o you_o give_v we_o your_o sense_n of_o that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n ascribe_v the_o honour_n of_o all_o he_o do_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o i_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o for_o thus_o you_o argue_v from_o thence_o 470._o suppose_v now_o that_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n do_v no_o more_o but_o aid_n assist_v and_o excite_v the_o will_n in_o its_o act_n that_o he_o do_v not_o effectual_o work_v all_o the_o gracious_a act_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o all_o our_o duty_n that_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v all_o himself_o the_o proposition_n will_v hold_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n not_o grace_n but_o i_o see_v the_o principal_a relation_n of_o the_o effect_n be_v unto_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a cause_n and_o thence_o have_v its_o denomination_n these_o be_v your_o own_o word_n wherein_o you_o do_v not_o only_o deny_v regeneration_n but_o which_o be_v much_o stranger_n even_o the_o good_a which_o regenerate_a man_n do_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o you_o deny_v this_o in_o such_o plain_a term_n that_o you_o allow_v they_o not_o to_o be_v the_o next_o cause_n of_o the_o good_a they_o do_v as_o if_o s._n paul_n have_v mean_v that_o in_o truth_n he_o have_v not_o labour_v at_o all_o though_o he_o plain_o say_v i_o labour_v abundant_o and_o thus_o you_o plain_o make_v believe_v repent_v and_o labour_v not_o to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o our_o own_o act_n but_o pure_o the_o act_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o obey_v but_o according_a to_o you_o god_n do_v all_o this_o for_o we_o not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v as_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v without_o make_v we_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a cause_n of_o our_o do_v so_o can_v you_o read_v these_o word_n of_o you_o without_o blush_v if_o you_o remember_v your_o crafty_a preface_n where_o you_o be_v all_o for_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o put_v yourself_o into_o such_o a_o combustion_n to_o defend_v they_o as_o if_o pelagius_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a you_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o we_o do_v believe_v god_n do_v aid_n and_o assist_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o that_o no_o body_n but_o yourself_o and_o such_o as_o you_o deny_v conversion_n and_o perseverance_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a assistance_n only_o you_o strain_v a_o point_n with_o your_o conscience_n and_o cast_v the_o odium_n of_o so_o detestable_a a_o doctrine_n upon_o we_o in_o your_o preface_n to_o make_v all_o the_o revile_v speech_n you_o bestow_v on_o we_o in_o your_o book_n go_v down_o the_o better_a with_o your_o reader_n but_o this_o artifice_n of_o you_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o preface_n but_o use_v also_o in_o divers_a place_n of_o your_o book_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o but_o one_o instance_n of_o it_o at_o present_a in_o the_o five_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o book_n you_o pretend_v to_o reconcile_v the_o usefulness_n of_o the_o command_n threaten_n promise_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o the_o promise_a aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o ascribe_v all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o we_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 166._o for_o this_o you_o say_v be_v the_o principal_a difficulty_n wherewith_o some_o man_n seek_v to_o entangle_v and_o perplex_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o you_o mean_v by_o some_o man_n your_o follower_n and_o we_o understand_v well_o enough_o but_o you_o know_v your_o adversary_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n at_o all_o in_o reconcile_a the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n with_o the_o usefulness_n of_o motive_n and_o then_o they_o can_v seek_v to_o entangle_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o this_o difficulty_n now_o this_o be_v your_o way_n very_o often_o when_o you_o talk_v of_o the_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o suppose_v the_o grace_n by_o which_o we_o be_v convert_v to_o be_v irresistible_a you_o make_v it_o your_o business_n to_o show_v that_o these_o objection_n do_v not_o lie_v against_o say_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v aid_n and_o assistance_n as_o here_o in_o this_o place_n you_o say_v 167._o if_o there_o be_v any_o opposition_n between_o the_o command_v of_o duty_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v either_o because_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v not_o meet_v to_o be_v command_v or_o because_o it_o need_v not_o to_o be_v assist_v and_o than_o you_o say_v very_o well_o that_o what_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v in_o we_o he_o do_v by_o we_o and_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o unto_o his_o command_n according_a to_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o his_o work_n it_o be_v to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v they_o very_o good_a all_o this_o we_o hearty_o believe_v but_o now_o the_o doctrine_n we_o seek_v to_o entangle_v by_o the_o forementioned_a difficulty_n be_v that_o man_n can_v be_v convert_v but_o by_o such_o a_o almighty_a operation_n as_o that_o which_o make_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o and_o will_v hereafter_o raise_v our_o dead_a body_n to_o life_n and_o now_o i_o can_v understand_v why_o you_o shall_v so_o often_o attempt_v to_o disentangle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o aid_n of_o grace_n from_o the_o former_a objection_n which_o do_v not_o lie_v against_o it_o but_o because_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o some_o man_n say_v we_o can_v keep_v the_o command_n of_o god_n without_o the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n indeed_o in_o one_o place_n you_o apply_v the_o objection_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v viz._n against_o your_o own_o doctrine_n and_o i_o intend_v to_o let_v you_o see_v short_o that_o you_o have_v not_o take_v it_o off_o but_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o you_o have_v no_o other_o meaning_n in_o apply_v it_o wrong_v and_o so_o change_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n between_o we_o but_o to_o make_v the_o most_o odious_a representation_n of_o we_o you_o can_v devise_v and_o now_o i_o take_v may_v leave_v of_o you_o for_o a_o while_n wish_v that_o you_o may_v hereafter_o write_v with_o the_o clearness_n of_o a_o doctor_n the_o good_a temper_n of_o a_o gentleman_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o forward_o to_o give_v you_o that_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a to_o your_o ability_n to_o sum_v up_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v in_o that_o manner_n work_v his_o grace_n in_o we_o that_o they_o be_v still_o the_o genuine_a effect_n of_o the_o evidence_n and_o the_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o our_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o of_o our_o own_o care_n and_o
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 need_n to_o produce_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o pretence_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v light_o take_v up_o that_o belief_n of_o another_o which_o if_o he_o once_o give_v way_n to_o he_o must_v believe_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o the_o bright_a those_o illumination_n be_v which_o any_o teacher_n boast_v of_o the_o less_o reason_n you_o have_v to_o take_v his_o bare_a word_n for_o it_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a that_o you_o shall_v examine_v his_o doctrine_n he_o give_v you_o great_a cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o they_o will_v not_o abide_v the_o trial_n beside_o the_o doctor_n take_v notice_n that_o what_o be_v praise_v in_o the_o berean_o 44._o be_v commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n beloved_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a spirit_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o prophet_n then_o as_o he_o go_v on_o must_v be_v try_v before_o they_o be_v trust_v now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o hold_v still_o there_o be_v many_o false_a teacher_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n wherefore_o try_v every_o one_o try_v his_o spirit_n his_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o teach_v and_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o will_v only_o add_v that_o the_o reason_n hold_v more_o strong_o now_o for_o if_o false_a teacher_n pretend_v to_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n even_o whilst_o the_o apostle_n be_v alive_a to_o contradict_v they_o and_o discover_v they_o much_o more_o likely_a be_v they_o to_o do_v so_o now_o when_o they_o think_v they_o may_v do_v it_o more_o secure_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o use_v the_o more_o diligence_n in_o try_v those_o teacher_n that_o pretend_v lofty_o by_o that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v leave_v we_o in_o their_o write_n now_o if_o the_o doctor_n will_v have_v you_o to_o shut_v your_o own_o eye_n and_o then_o trust_v to_o that_o new_a save_a light_n by_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o explain_v gospel-truths_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v you_o suspect_v that_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v darkness_n or_o if_o he_o mean_v to_o except_v himself_o from_o be_v try_v when_o he_o bid_v you_o try_v the_o spirit_n for_o that_o reason_n he_o be_v least_o of_o all_o to_o be_v except_v i_o have_v obey_v the_o apostle_n advice_n and_o try_v he_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o follow_a book_n which_o i_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v public_a because_o those_o reason_n which_o satisfy_v i_o that_o he_o be_v very_o much_o out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o discourse_v upon_o spiritual_a thing_n after_o this_o manner_n may_v possible_o seem_v as_o clear_a to_o you_o as_o they_o do_v to_o myself_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sophistry_n in_o they_o or_o carnal_a reason_v or_o pervert_v of_o holy_a writ_n it_o be_v more_o than_o i_o know_v and_o i_o shall_v thank_v the_o doctor_n for_o make_v the_o discovery_n which_o i_o think_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v if_o he_o can_v not_o only_o 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
the_o proper_a sense_n but_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o so_o learned_a a_o man_n as_o dr._n owen_n can_v excuse_v himself_o from_o dishonesty_n for_o make_v this_o construction_n of_o it_o which_o must_v appear_v ridiculous_a to_o any_o consider_a man_n however_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o have_v give_v a_o plain_a and_o reasonable_a account_n of_o the_o use_n of_o these_o metaphor_n by_o show_v wherein_o the_o similitude_n lie_v between_o the_o proper_a and_o figurative_a signification_n of_o they_o and_o hereby_o i_o may_v have_v help_v our_o author_n to_o conceive_v it_o a_o very_a possible_a thing_n that_o the_o scripture_n mean_v nothing_o more_o by_o those_o grand_a and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n as_o he_o call_v they_o of_o be_v regenerate_v etc._n etc._n then_o become_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o adversary_n notion_n of_o a_o regenerate_v man_n thus_o also_o i_o have_v show_v how_o far_o we_o may_v argue_v from_o these_o scripture_n metaphor_n if_o any_o man_n can_v go_v further_o and_o find_v out_o more_o similitude_n between_o the_o metaphor_n and_o that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v his_o adversary_n provide_v he_o keep_v himself_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o proper_a signification_n of_o any_o one_o or_o all_o these_o metaphor_n to_o conclude_v something_o parallel_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o believer_n to_o every_o thing_n which_o can_v proper_o be_v affirm_v of_o they_o be_v to_o run_v upon_o such_o wild_a and_o absurd_a consequence_n as_o any_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o and_o any_o good_a man_n will_v be_v afraid_a to_o fasten_v upon_o the_o scripture_n how_o our_o author_n argue_v from_o they_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o as_o to_o state_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o regeneration_n sect_n 10._o though_o i_o have_v as_o i_o conceive_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o be_v to_o become_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n yet_o for_o further_a confirmation_n and_o because_o it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o the_o ordinary_a reader_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o plain_a that_o this_o notion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n to_o nicodemus_n joh._n 3._o which_o be_v the_o most_o famous_a place_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n where_o this_o phrase_n be_v use_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a way_n of_o interpret_n any_o difficult_a passage_n in_o divine_a or_o humane_a author_n to_o observe_v the_o design_n of_o that_o whole_a discourse_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v and_o then_o to_o fix_v such_o a_o meaning_n upon_o that_o passage_n as_o be_v apparent_o suitable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o author_n if_o the_o word_n will_v bear_v that_o meaning_n that_o the_o phrase_n of_o be_v regenerate_v will_v bear_v that_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v assign_v to_o it_o i_o have_v show_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o clear_a argument_n from_o other_o scripture_n wherefore_o if_o i_o show_v also_o that_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o phrase_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o plain_a scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o discourse_n where_o he_o make_v the_o first_o mention_n of_o it_o that_o we_o read_v of_o nothing_o can_v be_v further_o desire_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n may_v easy_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o plain_a passage_n of_o it_o and_o then_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v this_o 1._o to_o show_v that_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n 2._o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o the_o former_a we_o find_v vers_fw-la 16._o for_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 on_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n i._n e._n this_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o save_v mankind_n viz._n by_o faith_n in_o his_o son_n who_o be_v to_o be_v lift_v up_o upon_o the_o cross_n as_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n a_o rude_a savage_a place_n and_o so_o fit_a to_o be_v the_o figure_n of_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o christ_n come_v to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 14_o 15._o now_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o man_n thus_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o no_o man_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v refuse_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o sacrifice_n for_o though_o indeed_o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v vers_fw-la 17._o yet_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o vers_fw-la 18._o be_v in_o a_o state_n to_o which_o condemnation_n belong_v and_o that_o a_o more_o severe_a one_o for_o refuse_v so_o gracious_a a_o opportunity_n of_o salvation_n as_o be_v now_o offer_v 2._o our_o saviour_n show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o man_n that_o believe_v not_o and_o that_o by_o note_v 1._o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o disbelieved_a 2._o the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o unbelief_n the_o former_a he_o admonish_v nicodemus_n of_o in_o these_o word_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o we_o speak_v that_o we_o do_v know_v and_o testify_v that_o we_o have_v see_v and_o you_o receive_v not_o our_o testimony_n vers_fw-la 11._o i._n e._n you_o believe_v not_o my_o doctrine_n concern_v that_o only_a way_n by_o which_o you_o must_v come_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n although_o it_o be_v evident_o true_a for_o this_o be_v that_o very_a message_n which_o i_o bring_v you_o from_o god_n this_o be_v that_o counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n which_o i_o come_v from_o he_o to_o testify_v unto_o you_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o that_o now_o this_o you_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v those_o miracle_n that_o i_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o v._n 2._o how_o strange_o incredulous_a therefore_o be_v you_o that_o yet_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o deliver_v that_o doctrine_n which_o by_o these_o testimony_n of_o my_o come_n from_o god_n i_o confirm_v for_o i_o prove_v that_o i_o have_v see_v and_o know_v what_o i_o testify_v i_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o say_v by_o those_o argument_n that_o convince_v you_o that_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n hence_o we_o may_v probable_o gather_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n and_o no_o man_n have_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n vers_n 13._o to_o be_v this_o no_o man_n have_v know_v the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o save_a mankind_n viz._n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n no_o man_n have_v thus_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o be_v come_v from_o heaven_n who_o god_n have_v send_v to_o reveal_v this_o to_o you_o even_o he_o who_o now_o speak_v to_o you_o who_o be_o in_o heaven_n who_o know_v the_o purpose_n and_o intention_n of_o my_o father_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o more_o probable_a interpretation_n of_o this_o difficult_a place_n than_o that_o which_o suppose_v our_o saviour_n to_o speak_v here_o of_o his_o local_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n afterward_o because_o 1._o the_o word_n themselves_o seem_v not_o well_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o future_a ascension_n 2._o as_o grotius_n have_v well_o show_v the_o phrase_n of_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n be_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n viz._n of_o gain_v knowledge_n from_o god_n as_o in_o prov._n 30.3_o 4._o and_o 3._o if_o thus_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n than_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v here_o have_v a_o clear_a connexion_n with_o vers_fw-la 11._o where_o he_o rebuke_v the_o jew_n for_o not_o believe_v his_o revelation_n tax_v they_o of_o unreasonableness_n for_o it_o since_o he_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o have_v see_v and_o know_v from_o god_n and_o also_o with_o the_o precedent_a verse_n where_o by_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n our_o saviour_n
they_o he_o also_o glorify_v vers_fw-la 29_o 30._o i_o e._n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o true_a that_o god_n will_v convert_v these_o suffering_n which_o now_o befall_v we_o into_o a_o mean_n of_o our_o inestimable_a advantage_n but_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v also_o that_o those_o who_o god_n fore-knew_a or_o fore-approved_n for_o his_o child_n be_v fore-appointed_n to_o suffering_n that_o in_o this_o respect_n also_o we_o may_v be_v like_o our_o elder_a brother_n christ_n jesus_n who_o have_v show_v we_o this_o way_n of_o come_v to_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o wherefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o we_o be_v call_v to_o actual_a suffering_n now_o upon_o our_o undergo_n of_o which_o with_o faith_n and_o patience_n god_n will_v justify_v and_o own_v we_o for_o sincere_a person_n and_o reward_v we_o eternal_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o to_o these_o thing_n if_o god_n be_v for_o we_o who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o vers_fw-la 31._o etc._n etc._n who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n as_o it_o be_v write_v for_o thy_o sake_n be_v we_o kill_v etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 35._o nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o through_o the_o divine_a disposition_n tend_v to_o our_o good_a we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n vers_fw-la 37._o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o second_o argument_n use_v by_o the_o apostle_n viz._n the_o profitableness_n of_o affliction_n themselves_o to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n which_o be_v full_o express_v vers_fw-la 28._o and_o vehement_o urge_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n but_o the_o apostle_n make_v way_n for_o this_o argument_n by_o what_o he_o say_v vers_fw-la 26_o 27._o likewise_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o those_o word_n likewise_o also_o that_o he_o be_v now_o offer_v to_o they_o a_o further_a consideration_n have_v just_a before_o conclude_v that_o motive_n to_o patience_n from_o the_o deliverance_n and_o glory_n which_o they_o hope_v for_o and_o that_o which_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v be_v the_o mistake_n of_o think_v that_o it_o be_v at_o least_o better_a for_o the_o present_a to_o be_v exempt_v from_o these_o suffering_n since_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v have_v what_o be_v best_a and_o than_o if_o suffering_n befall_v we_o we_o know_v they_o be_v most_o profitable_a for_o we_o and_o consequent_o that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a etc._n etc._n now_o by_o this_o time_n i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o supposition_n upon_o which_o the_o father_n go_v 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 present_a affliction_n be_v not_o only_o coherent_a with_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n but_o that_o the_o context_n do_v indeed_o require_v it_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o the_o word_n themselves_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v proper_o signify_v the_o spirit_n relieve_v we_o under_o our_o affliction_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o translate_v infirmity_n an._n be_v very_o frequent_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o signify_v misery_n and_o distress_n to_o conclude_v therefore_o if_o with_o origen_n st._n ambrose_n and_o dr._n hammond_n you_o suppose_v the_o intercession_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o proper_a sense_n the_o text_n may_v be_v thus_o paraphrase_a the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n afford_v we_o this_o relief_n against_o impatience_n under_o affliction_n that_o whereas_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o affliction_n or_o deliverance_n and_o ease_n be_v best_a for_o we_o at_o present_a and_o consequent_o as_o to_o these_o respect_n know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o in_o particular_a the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n himself_o intercede_v for_o we_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unuttered_a groan_n i._n e._n earnest_o and_o powerful_o for_o by_o a_o inexpressible_a desire_n we_o common_o understand_v one_o that_o be_v vehement_a and_o god_n who_o search_v our_o heart_n and_o understand_v that_o we_o do_v sometime_o desire_v such_o thing_n as_o tend_v not_o to_o our_o advantage_n know_v also_o what_o the_o spirit_n intercede_v for_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o request_v in_o our_o behalf_n better_a thing_n for_o we_o than_o we_o do_v for_o ourselves_o for_o we_o be_v ever_o ready_a to_o desire_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o thing_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o man_n but_o he_o ask_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o god_n know_v to_o be_v best_a for_o we_o but_o if_o with_o st._n austin_n and_o the_o rest_n we_o understand_v by_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o spirit_n his_o make_v we_o to_o intercede_v for_o ourselves_o as_o we_o may_v without_o swerve_v in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o text_n or_o exclude_v the_o former_a sense_n then_o the_o word_n admit_v of_o this_o paraphrase_n whereas_o when_o we_o pray_v for_o deliverance_n from_o affliction_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o to_o have_v our_o desire_n grant_v the_o holy_a spirit_n incline_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a submission_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o together_o with_o our_o most_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o that_o kind_n there_o be_v all_o along_o mingle_v that_o secret_a and_o more_o vehement_a desire_n of_o what_o god_n see_v best_a for_o we_o which_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o the_o forwardness_n of_o our_o appetite_n after_o the_o ease_n and_o comfort_n of_o this_o world_n be_v correct_v and_o govern_v now_o though_o this_o earnest_a request_n be_v not_o utter_v the_o particular_a matter_n of_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o know_v since_o we_o be_v ignorant_a what_o will_v be_v most_o profitable_a for_o we_o yet_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n understand_v it_o perfect_o and_o know_v that_o we_o vehement_o desire_v not_o so_o much_o that_o deliverance_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o utter_v groan_n and_o prayer_n as_o that_o good_a which_o the_o spirit_n move_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o and_o which_o we_o can_v particular_o utter_v that_o namely_o which_o god_n see_v best_a for_o we_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o divine_a cause_n and_o god_n be_v so_o please_v with_o it_o that_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o grant_v it_o so_o that_o if_o affliction_n continue_v we_o know_v they_o shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o the_o holy_a spirit_n relieve_v we_o under_o our_o infirmity_n and_o distress_n by_o bring_v all_o our_o worldly_a appetite_n under_o submission_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n which_o i_o have_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a in_o consider_v because_o it_o be_v perpetual_o produce_v to_o justify_v the_o pretence_n of_o those_o man_n that_o ascribe_v their_o extemporary_a invention_n and_o contrivance_n in_o prayer_n to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o little_o less_o than_o blasphemy_n for_o any_o man_n to_o contradict_v they_o i_o have_v by_o good_a authority_n and_o by_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o by_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n themselves_o clear_o show_v that_o it_o belong_v to_o another_o very_a distinct_a matter_n and_o be_v consequent_o incapable_a of_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o their_o purpose_n and_o now_o whether_o he_o that_o use_v pious_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o that_o relief_n from_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v here_o mention_v â—_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o sober_a reader_n to_o judge_v but_o will_v not_o so_o far_o question_v his_o understanding_n or_o presume_v upon_o his_o patience_n as_o to_o help_v he_o any_o further_a to_o do_v it_o thus_o have_v i_o at_o last_o consider_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v common_o allege_v in_o favour_n of_o those_o three_o pretend_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o i_o show_v before_o be_v not_o contain_v under_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n luke_n 11.13_o among_o many_o other_o reason_n induce_v i_o to_o this_o work_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o these_o two_o 1._o to_o vindicate_v the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o those_o dishonour_n that_o be_v daily_o do_v to_o he_o either_o while_n wicked_a and_o unrighteous_a man_n attribute_v their_o confidence_n that_o they_o be_v personal_o
plain_a that_o no_o body_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o procure_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v at_o first_o necessary_a to_o put_v he_o into_o the_o way_n of_o well-doing_n the_o latter_a proposition_n be_v clear_a thus_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o eternal_a punishment_n much_o less_o to_o such_o punishment_n in_o a_o more_o intolerable_a degree_n for_o not_o believe_v what_o be_v always_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v and_o that_o without_o his_o own_o fault_n but_o every_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o eternal_a punishment_n if_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o and_o to_o a_o sore_a punishment_n for_o not_o believe_v it_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o always_o thus_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o believe_v the_o second_o proposition_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o forementioned_a passage_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o first_o be_v from_o the_o unchangeable_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o to_o say_v that_o god_n require_v impossible_a thing_n of_o any_o man_n and_o so_o take_v advantage_n against_o he_o to_o cast_v he_o into_o fierce_a flame_n where_o he_o must_v burn_v for_o ever_o be_v to_o blaspheme_v all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o those_o which_o make_v he_o great_a and_o powerful_a it_o be_v to_o rob_v he_o of_o all_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o which_o he_o have_v express_v so_o much_o delight_n for_o not_o to_o say_v that_o this_o fasten_v the_o reproach_n of_o insincerity_n and_o foul_a dissimulation_n upon_o the_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v to_o charge_v the_o creator_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n with_o tyranny_n and_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n with_o injustice_n god_n be_v please_v to_o expostulate_v with_o man_n because_o of_o their_o disobedience_n from_o that_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v to_o he_o as_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n say_v the_o lord_n mal._n 1.6_o now_o can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o have_v give_v any_o man_n cause_n to_o retort_v that_o expostulation_n in_o this_o manner_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v thy_o bowel_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v thy_o justice_n for_o kindness_n belong_v as_o necessary_o to_o the_o character_n of_o a_o good_a father_n and_o justice_n to_o that_o of_o a_o good_a master_n as_o obedience_n and_o fear_n can_v to_o that_o of_o a_o good_a child_n or_o servant_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o forget_v that_o god_n have_v appeal_v to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n impress_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o justification_n of_o the_o equity_n and_o mercy_n of_o his_o proceed_n towards_o they_o the_o latter_a in_o isa._n 1.18_o come_v now_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n the_o former_a in_o ezekel_n 18.25_o be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a but_o to_o inflict_v a_o more_o grievous_a punishment_n and_o that_o eternal_a for_o not_o perform_v a_o impossible_a condition_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n cruel_a and_o unjust_a and_o therefore_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o father_n nor_o with_o the_o justice_n of_o a_o master_n nor_o with_o god_n plead_v with_o obstinate_a evil_a man_n from_o these_o relation_n and_o the_o appeal_v he_o make_v to_o their_o own_o mind_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o which_o upon_o these_o term_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o acknowledge_v unless_o they_o lie_v aside_o the_o bright_a principle_n of_o their_o reason_n if_o some_o thing_n be_v so_o evil_a that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v good_a than_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o can_v never_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n without_o blasphemy_n now_o if_o the_o inflict_a of_o eternal_a torment_n upon_o man_n for_o what_o they_o can_v never_o help_v be_v not_o one_o of_o those_o thing_n i_o desire_v any_o man_n to_o tell_v i_o what_o be_v beside_o be_v it_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v lie_v but_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o he_o that_o die_v but_o have_v rather_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v and_o what_o shadow_n of_o truth_n can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o say_n if_o he_o first_o prescribe_v impossible_a term_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o then_o damn_v the_o sinner_n with_o more_o severity_n for_o not_o perform_v they_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o debate_v this_o matter_n with_o dr._n owen_n in_o another_o place_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v he_o please_v to_o contrive_v some_o undeniable_a instance_n of_o barbarous_a injustice_n which_o without_o question_n he_o can_v easy_o do_v and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v we_o his_o idea_n of_o it_o i_o will_v undertake_v to_o reconcile_v the_o fasten_n it_o upon_o god_n with_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o attribute_n as_o easy_o as_o he_o can_v secure_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n while_o he_o make_v god_n to_o oblige_v man_n to_o impossibility_n under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o right_n and_o wrong_n if_o we_o know_v nothing_o so_o good_a or_o so_o evil_a but_o it_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v so_o then_o the_o divine_a perfection_n may_v cease_v too_o and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v mutable_a and_o so_o farewell_n to_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o last_o result_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o make_v believe_v and_o consequent_o obey_v the_o gospel_n impossible_a from_o the_o very_a first_o to_o they_o that_o will_v be_v damn_v for_o not_o do_v so_o i_o leave_v indifferent_a man_n to_o consider_v the_o conclusion_n be_v that_o believe_v be_v possible_a to_o all_o that_o hear_v now_o the_o possibility_n thereof_o must_v consist_v either_o in_o this_o that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v able_a to_o dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o that_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o that_o teachableness_n and_o attention_n which_o will_v cause_v actual_a believe_v assoon_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v plain_o and_o evident_o make_v know_v or_o else_o in_o this_o that_o by_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n we_o may_v be_v thus_o dispose_v and_o consequent_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n the_o former_a be_v the_o semipelagian_a doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n chap._n 4._o sect._n 1._o therefore_o the_o latter_a remain_v to_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v possible_a for_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n to_o believe_v and_o by_o force_n of_o the_o former_a argument_n it_o follow_v that_o common_a grace_n or_o that_o which_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o begin_v well_o and_o by_o believe_v to_o perform_v the_o first_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o i_o do_v not_o indeed_o find_v any_o such_o express_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n will_v give_v every_o man_n that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n grace_n to_o believe_v it_o as_o there_o be_v that_o he_o will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o believer_n and_o good_a man_n and_o this_o may_v be_v say_v why_o there_o be_v no_o such_o promise_n make_v express_o viz._n because_o it_o will_v have_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n either_o to_o those_o that_o believe_v already_o because_o they_o need_v not_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o beget_v faith_n at_o first_o but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o confirm_v and_o increase_v it_o or_o to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v for_o of_o whatsoever_o use_v such_o a_o promise_n can_v be_v to_o any_o man_n it_o must_v suppose_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o which_o he_o will_v want_v who_o do_v not_o yet_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o common_a grace_n express_o make_v to_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o implicit_a promise_n thereof_o contain_v partly_o under_o that_o obligation_n which_o the_o gospel_n lay_v upon_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o to_o believe_v and_o partly_o under_o those_o passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o suppose_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o we_o for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v just_o oblige_v to_o impossible_a term_n of_o forgiveness_n under_o pain_n of_o a_o more_o grievous_a punishment_n therefore_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n god_n will_v give_v his_o spirit_n in_o such_o measure_n