Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
cause_n	believe_v	lie_n	truth_n	1,698	5	6.1293	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A62632	Several discourses viz. Of the great duties of natural religion. Instituted religion not intended to undermine natural. Christianity not destructive; but perfective of the law of Moses. The nature and necessity of regeneration. The danger of all known sin. Knowledge and practice necessary in religion. The sins of men not chargeable on God. By the most reverend Dr. John Tillotson, late lord arch-bishop of Canterbury. Being the fourth volume; published from the originals, by Ralph Barker, D.D. chaplain to his Grace.	Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708.; White, Robert, 1600-1690, engraver.	1697 (1697)	Wing T1261A; ESTC R221745	169,748	495

and_o virtue_n be_v able_a to_o withstand_v but_o where_o man_n be_v sincere_o good_a and_o honest_o resolve_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v ward_n off_o these_o fierce_a blow_n and_o put_v by_o these_o violent_a thrust_n and_o by_o a_o secret_a disposal_n of_o thing_n keep_v they_o from_o be_v assault_v by_o these_o irresistible_a kind_n of_o temptation_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o be_v sincere_o good_a so_o likewise_o a_o great_a argument_n for_o a_o continual_a dependence_n upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o confidence_n in_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o this_o use_v the_o apostle_n make_v of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 12._o wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v that_o be_v confident_a that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o shake_v he_o or_o throw_v he_o down_o take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v there_o have_v no_o temptation_n take_v you_o but_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o what_o be_v humane_a nothing_o but_o what_o a_o humane_a strength_n assist_v by_o a_o ordinary_a grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v able_a to_o resist_v and_o conquer_v but_o there_o be_v great_a and_o more_o violent_a temptation_n than_o these_o which_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v try_v with_o and_o when_o those_o happen_v we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o god_n for_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o way_n i_o mention_v whereby_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v secure_a good_a man_n in_o case_n of_o extraordinary_a temptation_n which_o no_o humane_a strength_n can_v probable_o resist_v and_o this_o the_o same_o apostle_n assure_v we_o of_o in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n god_n be_v faithful_a who_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o that_o be_v in_o case_n of_o great_a and_o violent_a temptation_n such_o as_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o height_n of_o their_o persecution_n be_v expose_v to_o god_n will_v secret_o minister_v strength_n and_o support_v equal_a to_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o the_o temptation_n and_o this_o god_n do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o the_o christian_a martyr_n and_o that_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o make_v they_o joyful_o to_o embrace_v their_o suffering_n and_o with_o the_o great_a cheerfulness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o endure_v those_o torment_n which_o no_o humane_a patience_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o where_o god_n do_v thus_o secure_a man_n against_o temptation_n or_o support_v they_o under_o they_o it_o be_v no_o reflection_n at_o all_o upon_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v thus_o tempt_v second_o god_n permit_v other_o to_o be_v thus_o tempt_v by_o way_n of_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n for_o some_o former_a great_a sin_n and_o provocation_n which_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o thus_o many_o time_n god_n punish_v great_a and_o notorious_a offender_n by_o permit_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o great_a temptation_n which_o meet_v with_o a_o vicious_a disposition_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o they_o especial_o consider_v how_o by_o a_o long_a habit_n of_o wickedness_n and_o wilful_a commission_n of_o great_a and_o notorious_a sin_n they_o have_v make_v themselves_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o every_o temptation_n and_o have_v drive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o they_o and_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o tho●e_a aid_n and_o restraint_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o he_o ordinary_o afford_v not_o only_o to_o good_a man_n but_o likewise_o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o very_o bad_a and_o thus_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v harden_v pharaoh_n by_o those_o plague_n and_o judgement_n which_o he_o send_v upon_o he_o and_o his_o kingdom_n but_o if_o we_o careful_o read_v the_o story_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o first_o harden_v himself_o and_o then_o that_o god_n harden_v he_o that_o be_v he_o be_v harden_v under_o the_o first_o judgement_n of_o god_n god_n send_v more_o which_o meet_v with_o his_o obstinacy_n have_v this_o unnatural_a effect_n upon_o he_o to_o harden_v he_o yet_o more_o not_o that_o god_n do_v infuse_v any_o wickedness_n or_o obstinacy_n into_o he_o but_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n send_v more_o plague_n upon_o he_o which_o harden_v he_o yet_o more_o and_o which_o be_v likely_a to_o have_v that_o effect_n upon_o he_o consider_v the_o ill_a temper_n of_o the_o man._n and_o it_o be_v just_a by_o way_n of_o punishment_n that_o they_o shall_v and_o so_o likewise_o joshua_n 11._o 19_o 20._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o city_n of_o the_o canaanite_n do_v not_o make_v peace_n with_o joshua_n because_o it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v come_v against_o israel_n in_o battle_n that_o he_o may_v destroy_v they_o utter_o that_o be_v for_o their_o former_a iniquity_n the_o measure_n whereof_o be_v now_o full_a the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v just_o bring_v they_o into_o and_o leave_v they_o under_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v they_o obstinate_a against_o all_o term_n of_o peace_n and_o this_o prove_v fatal_a to_o they_o and_o in_o the_o like_a sense_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v several_a other_o expression_n in_o scripture_n which_o likewise_o may_v seem_v very_o harsh_a as_o isaiah_n 6._o 10._o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a and_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o shut_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v all_o which_o expression_n signify_v no_o more_o but_o that_o god_n for_o the_o former_a provocation_n and_o impenitency_n of_o that_o people_n do_v leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o hardness_n and_o blindness_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o understand_v and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n so_o likewise_o rom._n 1._o 24._o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v give_v up_o the_o idolatrous_a heathen_a to_o uncleanness_n to_o vile_a and_o unnatural_a lust_n and_o ver._n 28._o to_o a_o reprobate_n and_o injudicious_a mind_n that_o be_v as_o a_o punishment_n of_o their_o idolatry_n he_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o those_o temptation_n which_o betray_v they_o to_o the_o vile_a lust_n and_o to_o mention_v but_o one_o text_n more_o 2_o thes_n 2._o 11._o the_o apostle_n threaten_v those_o that_o reject_v the_o truth_n that_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n will_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n the_o efficacy_n of_o error_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n that_o be_v as_o a_o just_a punishment_n for_o their_o renounce_v the_o truth_n god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n their_o error_n have_v its_o full_a scope_n at_o they_o to_o tempt_v they_o with_o all_o its_o colour_n and_o pretence_n but_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o all_o these_o place_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v god_n be_v say_v to_o give_v man_n up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n as_o a_o punishment_n of_o some_o former_a great_a crime_n and_o provocation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o unjust_a with_o god_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o man_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n when_o they_o have_v first_o wilful_o forsake_v he_o and_o in_o this_o case_n god_n do_v not_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o to_o be_v tempt_v by_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o if_o they_o yield_v and_o be_v conquer_a it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n because_o they_o have_v neglect_v god_n grace_n whereby_o they_o may_v have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v resist_v those_o temptation_n and_o have_v force_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o they_o and_o to_o leave_v they_o open_a and_o naked_a to_o those_o assault_n of_o temptation_n against_o which_o they_o may_v otherwise_o have_v be_v sufficient_o arm_v three_o the_o last_o end_n of_o temptation_n which_o i_o mention_v be_v to_o try_v man_n with_o a_o direct_a purpose_n and_o intention_n to_o seduce_v man_n to_o sin_n thus_o wicked_a man_n tempt_v other_o and_o thus_o the_o devil_n tempt_v men._n thus_o he_o tempt_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o seduce_v they_o from_o their_o obedience_n and_o allegiance_n to_o god_n thus_o he_o tempt_v job_n by_o bring_v he_o into_o those_o circumstance_n which_o be_v very_o likely_a to_o have_v force_v he_o into_o impatience_n and_o discontent_n and_o thus_o he_o tempt_v our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o find_v

metaphor_n this_o three_o doctrine_n follow_v well_o enough_o from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v agreeable_a enough_o that_o that_o which_o be_v effect_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o omnipotence_n without_o any_o concurrence_n or_o operation_n on_o our_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o all_o at_o once_o not_o that_o this_o be_v necessary_a but_o that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o why_o shall_v omnipotence_n use_v delay_n and_o take_v time_n and_o proceed_v by_o degree_n in_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o with_o the_o same_o ease_n it_o can_v do_v at_o once_o and_o in_o a_o instant_n especial_o consider_v how_o well_o this_o suit_n with_o the_o other_o metaphor_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o with_o this_o of_o a_o new_a creation_n viz._n the_o metaphor_n of_o regeneration_n and_o resurrection_n a_o child_n be_v bear_v at_o once_o and_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v raise_v in_o a_o moment_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o plausible_a appearance_n and_o conspiracy_n of_o metaphor_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v effect_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o all_o at_o once_o be_v not_o well_o ground_v either_o upon_o scripture_n or_o experience_n not_o but_o that_o god_n can_v do_v so_o if_o he_o please_v and_o work_v this_o change_n in_o some_o much_o soon_o and_o quick_a than_o in_o other_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o scripture_n or_o experience_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a much_o less_o the_o constant_a and_o unalterable_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o bring_v it_o about_o in_o a_o instant_n without_o any_o sensible_a step_n and_o degree_n but_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v upon_o what_o mistake_a ground_n and_o principle_n this_o doctrine_n rely_v beside_o the_o metaphor_n already_o mention_v which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o prove_v the_o thing_n second_o i_o shall_v plain_o show_v what_o regeneration_n be_v by_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o effect_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o at_o once_o but_o admit_v of_o degree_n three_o that_o it_o be_v evident_o so_o in_o experience_n of_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n both_o in_o those_o who_o be_v regenerate_v by_o a_o pious_a and_o religious_a education_n and_o in_o those_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n four_o that_o all_o this_o be_v very_a consonant_n and_o agreeable_a to_o what_o the_o scripture_n plain_o and_o constant_o declare_v concern_v it_o first_o i_o shall_v discover_v several_a mistake_v upon_o which_o this_o doctrine_n be_v ground_v beside_o the_o metaphor_n already_o mention_v and_o which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o prove_v the_o thing_n viz._n that_o regeneration_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o admit_v of_o no_o degree_n as_o 1._o that_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v not_o only_o different_a expression_n but_o do_v signify_v two_o thing_n real_o different_a but_o this_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n for_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v but_o different_a expression_n of_o the_o self_n self_n same_o thing_n for_o regeneration_n be_v a_o metaphor_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o express_v our_o translation_n and_o change_n from_o one_o state_n to_o another_o from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n as_o if_o we_o be_v bear_v over_o again_o and_o be_v the_o child_n of_o another_o father_n and_o from_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n do_v become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o sanctification_n be_v our_o be_v make_v holy_a our_o be_v purify_v and_o cleanse_v from_o sin_n and_o impurity_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o same_o cause_n principal_a and_o instrumental_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o they_o as_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o if_o sanctification_n be_v the_o make_n of_o we_o holy_a and_o regeneration_n make_v we_o holy_a then_o regeneration_n be_v sanctification_n 2._o it_o be_v say_v that_o regeneration_n only_o signify_v our_o first_o entrance_n into_o this_o state_n and_o sanctification_n our_o progress_n and_o continuance_n in_o it_o but_o this_o likewise_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o regeneration_n do_v signify_v our_o first_o entrance_n into_o this_o state_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o it_o only_o signify_v that_o for_o it_o be_v use_v likewise_o in_o scripture_n to_o signify_v our_o continuance_n in_o that_o state_n for_o christian_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o regenerate_a state_n not_o only_o in_o the_o instant_n of_o this_o change_n but_o during_o their_o continuance_n in_o it_o beside_o that_o our_o first_o change_n be_v as_o well_o call_v our_o sanctification_n as_o our_o progress_n and_o continuance_n in_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n so_o that_o neither_o in_o this_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n they_o do_v both_o of_o they_o signify_v both_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o a_o holy_a state_n and_o our_o continuance_n and_o progress_n in_o it_o '_o thou_o regeneration_n do_v more_o frequent_o denote_v the_o make_n of_o this_o change_n and_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o one_o of_o the_o main_a difference_n between_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v this_o that_o regeneration_n be_v incapable_a of_o degree_n and_o all_o that_o be_v regenerate_v be_v equal_o so_o and_o one_o regenerate_v person_n be_v not_o more_o or_o less_o regenerate_v than_o another_o whereas_o sanctification_n be_v a_o gradual_a progress_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o holiness_n to_o another_o and_o of_o ●hem_n that_o be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o holy_a one_o may_v be_v more_o sanctify_a and_o more_o holy_a than_o another_o but_o this_o likewise_o be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n without_o any_o real_a ground_n for_o as_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n do_v plain_o admit_v of_o degree_n so_o likewise_o do_v the_o regenerate_a and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n admit_v of_o degree_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o some_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v more_o wicked_a than_o other_o and_o thereby_o more_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o devil_n than_o other_o which_o be_v the_o scripture_n expression_n concern_v the_o degree_n of_o man_n wickedness_n and_o impiety_n in_o like_a manner_n they_o that_o be_v more_o holy_a and_o more_o like_a god_n be_v more_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v more_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v sure_o to_o be_v more_o regenerate_v that_o be_v more_o renew_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o consist_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a precarious_a assertion_n and_o evident_o false_a to_o affirm_v that_o regeneration_n do_v not_o admit_v of_o degree_n and_o that_o one_o be_v not_o more_o regenerate_v than_o another_o 4_o thly_a and_o last_o they_o ground_n this_o conceit_n upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n which_o teach_v that_o in_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n all_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v infuse_v simul_fw-la &_o semel_fw-la together_o and_o at_o once_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o regard_n much_o less_o a_o veneration_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n where_o it_o differ_v from_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o say_v not_o one_o word_n of_o infuse_a habit_n which_o yet_o be_v much_o talk_v of_o in_o divinity_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n these_o word_n serve_v only_o to_o obscure_v the_o thing_n for_o to_o say_v that_o in_o conversion_n the_o habit_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v infuse_v together_o and_o at_o once_o be_v to_o say_v that_o in_o a_o instant_a man_n that_o be_v vicious_a before_o in_o several_a kind_n be_v by_o a_o omnipotent_a act_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o by_o a_o new_a principle_n infuse_v into_o they_o endue_v with_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o contra●y_a grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o be_v as_o chaste_a and_o temperate_a and_o just_o and_o meek_a and_o humble_a as_o if_o by_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n they_o have_v become_v so_o that_o

the_o grace_n of_o contentment_n by_o great_a consideration_n and_o diligent_a care_n of_o himself_o in_o several_a condition_n not_o as_o if_o the_o habit_n of_o this_o grace_n have_v be_v infuse_v into_o he_o at_o once_o phil._n 4._o 11_o 12._o i_o have_v learn_v in_o whatsoever_o state_n i_o be_o therewith_o to_o be_v content_a i_o know_v both_o how_o to_o be_v abase_v and_o i_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n i_o be_o instruct_v both_o to_o be_v full_a and_o to_o be_v hungry_a both_o to_o abound_v and_o to_o suffer_v need_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o consider_v namely_o the_o true_a and_o just_a importance_n of_o this_o metaphor_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n the_o two_o particular_n which_o remain_v i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n finish_v in_o my_o next_o discourse_n sermon_n ix_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n and_o its_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o justification_n and_o salvation_n galat._n vi_o 15._o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n the_o observation_n i_o be_o still_o upon_o from_o these_o word_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n nothing_o will_v avail_v to_o our_o justification_n but_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n express_v here_o by_o a_o new_a creature_n in_o treat_v of_o which_o i_o propose_v the_o do_v of_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v the_o ●rue_a import_n of_o this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n second_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a condition_n of_o o●●_n justification_n and_o three_o that_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o in_o treat_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o particular_n i_o have_v consider_v some_o doctrine_n as_o found_v upon_o this_o metaphor_n which_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a not_o only_o to_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n or_o experience_n but_o also_o to_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n whether_o by_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n or_o in_o those_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o notorious_a wicked_a course_n of_o life_n and_o that_o i_o have_v so_o long_o insist_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o handle_v it_o in_o a_o more_o contentious_a way_n than_o be_v usual_a with_o i_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o love_n to_o controversy_n which_o i_o be_o less_o fond_a of_o every_o day_n than_o other_o but_o from_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o these_o controversy_n and_o quarrelling_n in_o the_o dark_a by_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o clear_a state_n and_o plain_a issue_n and_o likewise_o to_o undeceive_v good_a man_n concern_v some_o current_a notion_n and_o doctrine_n which_o i_o do_v real_o believe_v to_o be_v dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o cause_n of_o great_a perplexity_n and_o discomfort_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o a_o real_a discouragement_n to_o the_o resolution_n and_o endeavour_n of_o become_v better_o upon_o which_o consideration_n i_o be_v strong_o urgent_a to_o search_v these_o doctrine_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o to_o contribute_v what_o in_o i_o lay_v to_o the_o rescue_v of_o good_a man_n from_o the_o disquiet_n and_o entanglement_n of_o they_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o matter_n with_o a_o few_o caution_n not_o unworthy_a to_o be_v remember_v by_o we_o that_o we_o will_v be_v careful_a so_o to_o ascribe_v all_o good_a to_o god_n that_o we_o be_v sure_a we_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o he_o that_o be_v evil_a or_o any_o way_n unworthy_a of_o he_o that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v he_o the_o sole_a author_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o will_v unavoidable_o charge_v upon_o he_o the_o final_a impenitency_n and_o ruin_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n that_o we_o do_v not_o so_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o to_o make_v his_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n signify_v nothing_o such_o as_o these_o make_v you_o new_a he●●ts_n and_o new_a spirit_n strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n where_o if_o by_o the_o strait_a gate_n be_v mean_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n that_o be_v of_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n i_o can_v imagine_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o reconcile_v our_o be_v mere_o passive_a in_o this_o work_n and_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o it_o with_o our_o saviour_n precept_n of_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n unless_o to_o be_v very_o active_a and_o to_o be_v mere_o passive_a about_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v all_o one_o and_o a_o earnest_a contention_n and_o endeavour_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o do_v nothing_o again_o that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v the_o utmost_a degeneracy_n and_o depravation_n which_o man_n ever_o arrive_v at_o by_o the_o great_a abuse_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o wicked_a practice_n the_o standard_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n and_o of_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n and_o last_o that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v some_o particular_a instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o the_o strange_a and_o sudden_a conversion_n of_o some_o person_n as_o namely_o of_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o jailor_n in_o the_o act_n the_o common_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o every_o man_n conversion_n so_o that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v strike_v down_o by_o a_o light_n and_o power_n from_o heaven_n and_o take_v with_o a_o fit_a of_o tremble_a and_o fright_v almost_o out_o of_o his_o wit_n or_o find_v in_o himself_o something_o equal_a to_o this_o he_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o his_o conversion_n whereas_o a_o much_o sure_a judgement_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o man_n conversion_n by_o the_o real_a effect_n of_o this_o change_n than_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o by_o that_o apt_a resemblance_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o wind_n of_o the_o original_a cause_n whereof_o and_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o its_o cease_n or_o continuance_n and_o why_o it_o blow_v strong_a or_o gentle_a this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n we_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a but_o that_o it_o be_v we_o be_v sensible_a from_o the_o sound_n of_o it_o john_n 3._o 8._o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o it_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n be_v sensible_a though_o the_o manner_n and_o degree_n of_o his_o operation_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v so_o various_a that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o they_o by_o which_o one_o will_v think_v our_o saviour_n have_v sufficient_o caution_v we_o not_o to_o reduce_v the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n to_o any_o certain_a rule_n or_o standard_n but_o chief_o to_o regard_v the_o sensible_a effect_n of_o this_o secret_a work_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n and_o after_o all_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o contend_v by_o any_o argument_n against_o clear_a and_o certain_a experience_n if_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o many_o be_v insensible_o change_v and_o make_v good_a by_o pious_a education_n in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o som●_n who_o have_v long_o live_v in_o a_o profane_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n be_v by_o the_o secret_a power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o calm_a consideration_n without_o any_o great_a terror_n and_o amazement_n visible_o change_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o better_a mind_n and_o course_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o these_o case_n to_o pretend_v that_o this_o change_n be_v not_o real_a because_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v not_o answerable_a to_o some_o instance_n which_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n or_o which_o we_o have_v observe_v in_o our_o experience_n and_o because_o these_o person_n can_v give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o these_o instance_n which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o i_o shall_v meet_v a_o man_n beyond_o sea_n who_o i_o have_v know_v in_o england_n and_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v cross_v the_o sea_n because_o he_o say_v he_o have_v a_o smooth_a and_o easy_a

author_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o men._n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o that_o every_o man_n be_v his_o own_o great_a tempter_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v aside_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v god_n do_v not_o tempt_v any_o man_n to_o sin_n but_o every_o man_n be_v then_o tempt_v when_o by_o his_o own_o lust_n his_o irregular_a inclination_n and_o desire_n he_o be_v seduce_v to_o evil_a and_o entice_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v catch_v as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o bait_n for_o so_o the_o greek_n word_n signify_v in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o prevalency_n and_o efficacy_n of_o temptation_n upon_o men._n it_o be_v not_o because_o god_n have_v any_o design_n to_o ensnare_v man_n in_o sin_n but_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n seduce_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a to_o instance_n in_o the_o particular_a temptation_n the_o apostle_n be_v speak_v of_o persecution_n &_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n to_o avoid_v which_o many_o do_v then_o forsake_v the_o truth_n and_o apostatise_v from_o their_o christian_a profession_n the_o true_a cause_n of_o which_o be_v not_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o those_o suffering_n but_o their_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o their_o unreasonable_a fear_n of_o the_o evil_n and_o suffering_n of_o it_o they_o value_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o present_a life_n more_o than_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o in_o another_o life_n and_o they_o fear_v the_o persecution_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dreadful_a punishment_n of_o another_o world_n they_o have_v a_o inordinate_a affection_n for_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o their_o unwillingness_n to_o part_v with_o ease_n be_v a_o great_a temptation_n to_o they_o to_o quit_v their_o religion_n by_o this_o bait_n they_o be_v catch_v when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v proportionable_o in_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o temptation_n man_n be_v betray_v by_o themselves_o and_o the_o temptation_n without_o have_v a_o party_n within_o they_o with_o which_o it_o hold_v a_o secret_a correspondence_n and_o which_o be_v ready_a to_o yield_v and_o give_v consent_n to_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v our_o own_o consent_n and_o treachery_n to_o ourselves_o that_o make_v any_o temptation_n master_n of_o we_o and_o without_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v overcome_v every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v aside_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v it_o be_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n comply_v with_o the_o temptation_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o which_o render_v they_o effectual_a and_o give_v they_o the_o victory_n over_o we_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v from_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n observe_v to_o you_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o acquit_v god_n from_o any_o hand_n in_o tempt_a man_n to_o sin_n so_o he_o do_v not_o ascribe_v the_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o devil_n second_o that_o he_o ascribe_v the_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n which_o seduce_v they_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o temptation_n that_o be_v present_v to_o they_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v aside_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v these_o two_o observation_n shall_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n first_o that_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o acquit_v god_n from_o any_o hand_n in_o tempt_a m●n_z to_o sin_n so_o he_o do_v not_o ascribe_v the_o prevalency_n and_o efficacy_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o devil_n that_o he_o acquit_v god_n i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a in_o my_o former_a discourse_n it_o be_v evident_a likewise_o that_o he_o do_v not_o ascribe_v the_o efficacy_n and_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o discourse_n of_o his_o concern_v temptation_n make_v no_o express_a mention_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o suppose_v indeed_o that_o bait_n be_v lay_v for_o man_n every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v aside_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v i_o e._n when_o he_o play_v with_o the_o bait_n that_o be_v lay_v for_o he_o and_o swallow_v they_o and_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o frequent_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v very_o active_a and_o busy_a to_o tempt_v man_n and_o be_v continual_o lay_v bait_n before_o they_o but_o their_o own_o lust_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o be_v catch_v by_o they_o and_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o insist_v upon_o this_o because_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o lay_v great_a load_n upon_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o business_n of_o temptation_n hope_v thereby_o either_o whole_o or_o at_o least_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v here_o consider_v how_o far_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o temptation_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o sin_n which_o man_n by_o compliance_n with_o those_o temptation_n be_v draw_v into_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o devil_n be_v very_o active_a and_o busy_a to_o minister_v to_o they_o the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o temptation_n to_o it_o for_o ever_o since_o he_o fall_v from_o god_n partly_o out_o of_o enmity_n to_o he_o and_o partly_o out_o of_o envy_n and_o malice_n to_o mankind_n he_o have_v make_v it_o his_o great_a business_n and_o employment_n to_o seduce_v man_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o walk_v up_o and_o down_o the_o earth_n and_o watch_v all_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n to_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n and_o so_o far_o as_o his_o power_n reach_v and_o god_n permit_v he_o he_o lay_v bait_n and_o temptation_n before_o they_o in_o all_o their_o way_n present_v they_o wi●h_v the_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n to_o sin_n and_o with_o such_o bait_n and_o allurement_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o temper_n and_o most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v with_o their_o particular_a inclination_n and_o as_o often_o as_o he_o can_v surprise_v man_n with_o these_o at_o the_o easy_a time_n of_o access_n and_o with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v give_v his_o temptation_n the_o great_a force_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o in_o general_a when_o it_o tell_v we_o of_o these_o wile_n and_o device_n of_o satan_n and_o of_o the_o method_n of_o his_o temptation_n so_o that_o though_o we_o do_v not_o particular_o discern_v how_o and_o when_o he_o do_v this_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o thing_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o spirit_n in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o scripture_n particular_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v that_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n and_o that_o god_n from_o who_o nothing_o be_v hide_v and_o who_o see_v all_o the_o secret_a engine_n which_o be_v at_o work_n in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v we_o good_a or_o harm_n have_v in_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n give_v we_o particular_a warning_n of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o our_o enemy_n and_o their_o malicious_a design_n upon_o we_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v continual_o upon_o our_o guard_n aware_a of_o our_o danger_n and_o arm_v against_o it_o second_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o only_o present_a to_o man_n the_o temptation_n and_o occasion_n of_o sin_n but_o when_o he_o be_v permit_v to_o make_v near_a approach_n to_o they_o do_v excite_v and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o comply_v with_o these_o temptation_n and_o to_o yield_v to_o they_o and_o this_o he_o do_v not_o only_o by_o employ_v his_o instrument_n to_o solicit_v for_o he_o and_o to_o draw_v man_n to_o sin_n by_o bad_a counsel_n and_o example_n which_o we_o see_v frequent_o 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