christian_a virtue_n be_v ascribe_v both_o to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o prayer_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o the_o colossian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o full_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n col._n 1.9_o 10._o and_o the_o co-operation_n of_o both_o these_o cause_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o the_o same_o effect_n be_v yet_o more_o plain_o express_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n for_o his_o disciple_n sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n where_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o this_o that_o the_o holiness_n of_o believer_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o truth_n upon_o their_o mind_n viz._n that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n see_v then_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o only_o in_o itself_o a_o proper_a mean_n of_o convert_v the_o unbeliever_n and_o the_o disobedient_a of_o confirm_v and_o improve_n the_o sincere_a convert_n but_o as_o you_o see_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v those_o effect_n also_o which_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o ascribe_v to_o the_o weightiness_n of_o those_o reason_n and_o consideration_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o our_o understanding_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o define_v the_o manner_n whereby_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o produce_v these_o grace_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a effect_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v do_v by_o assign_v such_o a_o manner_n of_o operation_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o must_v needs_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o ascribe_v conversion_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o truth_n wherefore_o it_o be_v too_o bold_o do_v of_o dr._n owen_n and_o his_o party_n to_o affirm_v that_o conversion_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n as_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v convert_v and_o withal_o that_o conversion_n be_v impossible_a without_o such_o a_o irresistible_a operation_n for_o 1._o if_o a_o man_n must_v necessary_o resist_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o god_n word_n till_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v in_o he_o by_o a_o irresistible_a action_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o these_o man_n teach_v then_o it_o be_v plain_o absurd_a to_o make_v conversion_n to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n for_o upon_o this_o hypothesis_n it_o contribute_v no_o more_o to_o a_o man_n conversion_n than_o the_o hurl_v of_o a_o pibble_n do_v to_o the_o throw_v down_o of_o a_o mighty_a wall_n that_o be_v fall_v by_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o cannon_n if_o as_o the_o doctor_n say_v 262._o the_o will_n can_v make_v use_n of_o that_o grace_n for_o conversion_n which_o it_o can_v refuse_v if_o also_o it_o can_v resist_v all_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n reason_n argument_n and_o motive_n 261._o as_o he_o himself_o suppose_v and_o by_o consequence_n that_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o conversion_n be_v cause_v be_v irresistible_a what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o conversion_n must_v upon_o these_o term_n be_v only_o and_o whole_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o say_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n produce_v their_o effect_n irresistible_o because_o they_o be_v join_v with_o the_o word_n be_v to_o ascribe_v a_o irresistible_a operation_n to_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o spirit_n or_o rather_o to_o make_v the_o irresistibleness_n to_o arise_v from_o the_o concurrence_n of_o both_o those_o cause_n now_o beside_o that_o upon_o this_o hypothesis_n all_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v will_v be_v convert_v see_v we_o have_v prove_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o beside_o this_o i_o say_v these_o man_n do_v not_o place_v the_o irresistible_a force_n by_o which_o conversion_n as_o they_o say_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n but_o in_o the_o sole_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o that_o conversion_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n which_o as_o they_o say_v a_o man_n can_v but_o resist_v till_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o of_o such_o a_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n too_o as_o be_v altogether_o irresistible_a be_v to_o i_o as_o unintelligible_a as_o transubstantiation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o resist_v the_o operation_n of_o truth_n and_o withal_o grant_v that_o conversion_n must_v as_o well_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n as_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operate_n in_o our_o mind_n it_o will_v plain_o follow_v that_o his_o operation_n be_v resistible_a the_o reason_n be_v because_o where_o a_o effect_n depend_v upon_o the_o concurrence_n of_o two_o cause_n he_o that_o have_v it_o always_o in_o his_o power_n to_o resist_v the_o force_n of_o one_o be_v at_o any_o time_n able_a to_o frustrate_v the_o other_o and_o consequent_o to_o hinder_v the_o effect_n now_o they_o themselves_o grant_v and_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o daily_a experience_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v resist_v and_o hear_v in_o vain_a as_o it_o be_v even_o when_o preach_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n wherefore_o when_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n conspire_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n to_o convert_v a_o sinner_n if_o he_o can_v be_v obstinate_a against_o the_o latter_a he_o may_v also_o quench_v the_o former_a and_o then_o they_o be_v not_o irresistible_a furthermore_o it_o may_v be_v say_v if_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v irresistible_o by_o the_o sole_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n then_o the_o word_n which_o may_v be_v resist_v be_v unnecessary_a but_o if_o the_o word_n can_v but_o be_v resist_v till_o the_o effect_n be_v wrought_v by_o another_o power_n that_o be_v invincible_a viz._n that_o of_o the_o spirit_n then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o effect_n be_v owe_v only_o to_o that_o power_n which_o be_v to_o render_v the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n utter_o vain_a and_o useless_a and_o to_o contradict_v all_o those_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o attribute_n our_o conversion_n to_o the_o force_n of_o divine_a truth_n but_o 2._o it_o be_v further_a evident_a from_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o explain_v this_o irresistible_a operation_n that_o they_o exclude_v all_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n word_n from_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o conversion_n 254._o dr._n owen_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o immediate_a author_n and_o cause_n of_o regeneration_n and_o he_o be_v often_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v convert_v by_o a_o immediate_a physical_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v for_o many_o page_n together_o now_o a_o physical_a operation_n he_o oppose_v to_o moral_a and_o thereby_o exclude_v from_o it_o all_o use_n of_o any_o reason_n argument_n and_o motive_n whatsoever_o as_o he_o do_v industrious_o more_o than_o once_o 261._o now_o what_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o to_o ascribe_v conversion_n to_o such_o a_o operation_n as_o this_o be_v whole_o to_o exclude_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o be_v any_o way_n subordinate_a to_o that_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v convert_v for_o although_o the_o doctor_n tell_v we_o sometime_o that_o he_o grant_v a_o moral_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o he_o only_o deny_v the_o concurrence_n of_o that_o with_o the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o total_a cause_n of_o conversion_n yet_o by_o his_o leave_n 268._o he_o do_v not_o make_v it_o so_o much_o as_o a_o partial_a cause_n for_o if_o this_o physical_a operation_n only_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o can_v remove_v all_o obstacle_n and_o overcome_v all_o opposition_n and_o infallible_o produce_v the_o effect_n intend_v as_o he_o speak_v 270._o if_o this_o operation_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o use_n of_o any_o motive_n whatsoever_o contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n final_o if_o this_o operation_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n if_o nothing_o intervene_v between_o this_o operation_n and_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v then_o plain_a i_o conceive_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o conversion_n for_o neither_o be_v the_o use_n of_o any_o
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
to_o all_o that_o shall_v hear_v that_o it_o will_v be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v which_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o consequence_n that_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o it_o will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a have_v not_o some_o man_n get_v a_o custom_n of_o impute_v the_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n to_o a_o defect_n on_o god_n part_n as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o give_v they_o grace_n enough_o to_o believe_v and_o repent_v etc._n etc._n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o phrase_n and_o the_o like_a if_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v not_o put_v it_o into_o their_o power_n to_o believe_v be_v so_o high_o dishonourable_a to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o i_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o show_v wherein_o it_o be_v so_o and_o thereby_o to_o prove_v the_o untruth_n of_o it_o final_o this_o implicit_a promise_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o put_v they_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n into_o the_o way_n of_o obtain_v salvation_n by_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o part_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n such_o as_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o believer_n and_o good_a man_n be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n annex_v to_o it_o thus_o that_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o mediator_n and_o which_o he_o be_v to_o seal_v with_o his_o blood_n but_o it_o be_v a_o absolute_a promise_n of_o a_o act_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o which_o depend_v not_o upon_o any_o condition_n require_v by_o it_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o saviour_n be_v indeed_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o of_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n in_o order_n to_o our_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n but_o it_o can_v be_v affirm_v to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n with_o any_o more_o propriety_n than_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o man_n be_v a_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o like_a manner_n that_o grace_n by_o which_o we_o be_v first_o put_v into_o a_o capacity_n of_o believe_v and_o consequent_o of_o obey_v the_o gospel_n after_o it_o be_v reveal_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o gospel_n otherwise_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v impossible_a which_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n such_o as_o that_o be_v whereof_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o mediator_n but_o although_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o grace_n be_v imply_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o any_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o it_o be_v a_o promise_n without_o condition_n sect_n 4._o 4._o from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v it_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o special_a grace_n be_v make_v to_o we_o all_o under_o possible_a condition_n for_o since_o a_o believer_n may_v by_o his_o prayer_n obtain_v that_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o sincere_a obedience_n since_o a_o obedient_a christian_a may_v obtain_v that_o further_a grace_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o perseverance_n see_v also_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o good_a beginning_n i._n e._n to_o excite_v good_a desire_n in_o we_o and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o faith_n be_v give_v absolute_o to_o all_o that_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n it_o follow_v plain_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o special_a grace_n be_v make_v to_o all_o such_o under_o possible_a condition_n wherefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o all_o that_o live_v under_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o believe_v and_o pray_v for_o his_o further_a grace_n that_o to_o all_o who_o be_v thus_o qualify_v he_o will_v give_v his_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v overcome_v the_o world_n and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o that_o to_o all_o such_o sincere_a christian_n he_o will_v give_v his_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o second_o question_n chap._n vii_o concern_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n sect_n 1._o this_o question_n may_v easy_o be_v multiply_v into_o a_o great_a many_o more_o according_a as_o man_n be_v lead_v by_o their_o curiosity_n that_o which_o have_v be_v still_o most_o debate_v under_o this_o head_n be_v this_o how_o far_o or_o in_o what_o measure_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n conduce_v to_o those_o effect_n which_o be_v design_v to_o be_v produce_v by_o they_o now_o concern_v this_o and_o all_o other_o question_n of_o this_o kind_n i_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o silent_a in_o comparison_n to_o that_o clear_a and_o full_a account_n which_o they_o have_v give_v we_o of_o the_o former_a god_n have_v think_v it_o sufficient_a for_o our_o encouragement_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n to_o let_v we_o know_v assure_o that_o he_o will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o for_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a purpose_n without_o satisfy_v our_o curiosity_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o power_n wherefore_o in_o treat_v upon_o this_o subject_a a_o man_n shall_v not_o venture_v to_o affirm_v many_o thing_n or_o to_o conclude_v very_o particular_o much_o less_o to_o obtrude_v his_o opinion_n upon_o other_o man_n for_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o knowable_a but_o only_o by_o revelation_n and_o concern_v which_o there_o be_v but_o little_o reveal_v he_o that_o be_v most_o ready_a to_o affirm_v bold_o and_o particular_o be_v still_o most_o likely_a to_o miscarry_v and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o it_o argue_v a_o immodest_a temper_n to_o define_v peremptory_o in_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v reserve_v from_o our_o knowledge_n and_o this_o to_o be_v sure_a be_v none_o of_o those_o qualification_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o reward_v with_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n but_o yet_o i_o observe_v that_o some_o man_n have_v be_v as_o dogmatical_a and_o particular_a in_o determine_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n as_o if_o their_o conclusion_n be_v as_o clear_o ground_v upon_o revelation_n as_o the_o plain_a truth_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v thrust_v they_o upon_o the_o world_n with_o more_o fierceness_n and_o zeal_n than_o will_v have_v become_v a_o much_o better_a cause_n for_o a_o instance_n hereof_o we_o may_v take_v dr._n owen_n book_n where_o he_o do_v not_o only_o assert_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o brethren_n that_o the_o efficiency_n as_o he_o call_v it_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v irresistible_a 270._o and_o that_o grace_n be_v always_o prevalent_a or_o effectual_a and_o can_v be_v resist_v as_o to_o that_o end_n whereunto_o of_o god_n it_o be_v design_v and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o fall_v upon_o his_o adversary_n in_o this_o point_n with_o such_o insolent_a language_n and_o immodest_a reproach_n that_o they_o can_v hardly_o deserve_v to_o be_v worse_o use_v by_o he_o if_o they_o have_v affirm_v divine_a grace_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o regeneration_n as_o resolute_o as_o they_o maintain_v the_o contrary_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o stand_v up_o for_o against_o the_o new_a pelagian_n and_o a_o crew_n of_o socinianize_v arminian_n they_o be_v his_o own_o word_n as_o if_o to_o deny_v the_o personality_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o to_o contradict_v his_o opinion_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v irresistible_o produce_v the_o effect_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o this_o you_o will_v less_o wonder_v at_o when_o you_o consider_v that_o he_o make_v nothing_o to_o compare_v those_o that_o oppose_v his_o opinion_n to_o cain_n and_o ishmael_n for_o he_o say_v 287._o the_o enmity_n of_o cain_n against_o abel_n be_v but_o a_o branch_n of_o this_o proud_a inclination_n the_o instance_n of_o ishmael_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o representative_a of_o all_o such_o as_o under_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v scoff_n at_o those_o who_o be_v as_o isaac_n child_n of_o the_o promise_n do_v profess_v and_o evidence_n a_o interest_n in_o the_o internal_a power_n of_o it_o which_o they_o be_v
unquaint_v withal_o and_o by_o this_o he_o show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o despise_v his_o opinion_n concern_v grace_n have_v not_o be_v take_v up_o of_o late_a now_o i_o will_v not_o say_v how_o old_a the_o practice_n have_v be_v of_o make_v every_o quarrel_n a_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o equal_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o godly_a man_n who_o suffering_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o it_o be_v at_o lest_o as_o old_a as_o that_o faction_n which_o our_o author_n have_v espouse_v and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o one_o branch_n of_o a_o proud_a inclination_n let_v sober_a man_n judge_v it_o have_v be_v often_o observe_v of_o these_o man_n how_o dear_a they_o and_o their_o opinion_n be_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o doctor_n have_v here_o give_v you_o a_o good_a ordinary_a instance_n of_o it_o for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v bewitch_v with_o self-conceit_n he_o have_v never_o make_v this_o absurd_a parallel_n for_o what_o have_v abel_n or_o isaac_n to_o do_v with_o his_o cause_n if_o he_o have_v only_o call_v we_o the_o seed_n of_o cain_n and_o ishmael_n without_o say_v why_o who_o will_v have_v think_v the_o reason_n have_v be_v our_o question_n whether_o man_n be_v snatch_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v his_o great_a quarrel_n against_o we_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o conversion_n which_o here_o he_o pretend_v to_o explain_v i_o know_v he_o do_v more_o than_o insinuate_v and_o that_o more_o than_o once_o that_o we_o disow_v the_o very_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o i_o shall_v convince_v you_o in_o a_o fit_a place_n but_o this_o you_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o his_o rage_n which_o make_v he_o foam_v out_o calumny_n against_o we_o without_o any_o discretion_n for_o he_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o his_o adversary_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o too_o from_o his_o own_o word_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n be_v not_o the_o representative_a of_o such_o shameless_a writer_n as_o he_o be_v a_o example_n of_o as_o to_o what_o he_o say_v 287._o that_o such_o a_o work_n of_o god_n upon_o man_n as_o he_o contend_v for_o be_v expose_v to_o derision_n if_o upon_o that_o account_n he_o compare_v his_o adversary_n to_o scoff_a ishmael_n i_o think_v he_o do_v they_o great_a wrong_n for_o let_v he_o if_o he_o can_v name_v any_o of_o his_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n who_o have_v debate_v the_o point_n with_o any_o appearance_n of_o modesty_n and_o sobriety_n and_o be_v answer_v with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o contempt_n but_o as_o for_o those_o of_o who_o dr._n owen_n be_v one_o that_o instead_o of_o answer_v the_o argument_n of_o their_o adversary_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o do_v themselves_o fall_v upon_o they_o with_o the_o foul_a reproach_n as_o upon_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v sometime_o good_a to_o take_v down_o their_o haughty_a spirit_n and_o to_o render_v their_o arrogance_n contemptible_a lest_o other_o be_v encourage_v to_o hope_v that_o any_o cause_n may_v be_v carry_v by_o vapour_a in_o my_o opinion_n it_o be_v a_o difficult_a undertake_n to_o define_v in_o particular_a what_o be_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n because_o i_o think_v the_o scripture_n have_v not_o particular_o acquaint_v we_o what_o it_o be_v let_v other_o who_o have_v better_o consider_v the_o thing_n enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o think_v otherwise_o and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o shall_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n submit_v to_o further_a instruction_n but_o as_o for_o dr._n owen_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o favour_v his_o determination_n of_o the_o question_n which_o i_o shall_v the_o rather_o endeavour_v because_o i_o conceive_v this_o opinion_n that_o the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n especial_o as_o he_o have_v advance_v it_o to_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o proposition_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o will_v i_o think_v be_v easy_o grant_v by_o all_o sober_a christian_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v in_o general_n conclude_v what_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o power_n not_o that_o i_o think_v even_o this_o be_v needful_a if_o our_o author_n and_o those_o of_o his_o way_n have_v not_o fall_v into_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n by_o venture_v too_o far_o for_o that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o say_v seem_v to_o i_o to_o afford_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o godliness_n and_o comfort_n if_o all_o be_v not_o subvert_v again_o by_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o we_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n now_o i_o think_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o those_o general_a proposition_n wherein_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n on_o our_o mind_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o particular_a definition_n of_o it_o and_o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v this_o that_o 1._o faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o conversion_n to_o god_n together_o with_o perseverance_n in_o holiness_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o such_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o produce_v these_o qualification_n in_o our_o mind_n that_o it_o hinder_v they_o not_o from_o be_v the_o genuine_a effect_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o ought_v still_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o whereby_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n of_o work_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mindâ—_n of_o man_n now_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o produce_v these_o effect_n consist_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n in_o the_o authority_n and_o excellency_n of_o its_o law_n and_o in_o the_o weightiness_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o other_o motive_n to_o obedience_n wherefore_o if_o conversion_n be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o god_n word_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v 1._o only_o cooperate_v to_o the_o produce_v of_o that_o effect_n and_o 2._o in_o that_o manner_n as_o it_o may_v true_o be_v affirm_v to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o those_o consideration_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o supposition_n be_v manifest_a from_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n as_o for_o faith_n st._n paul_n plain_o tell_v we_o it_o come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10.17_o thus_o upon_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o unbeliever_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v mighty_o and_o prevail_v act_v 19.20_o i_o e._n the_o testimony_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n convince_v many_o that_o be_v in_o all_o appearance_n most_o likely_a to_o oppose_v it_o hence_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o have_v beget_v they_o through_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v first_o bring_v they_o over_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n furthermore_o our_o obedience_n be_v by_o st._n peter_n ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n where_o he_o say_v that_o we_o have_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n give_v to_o we_o that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o work_v effectual_o in_o those_o that_o believe_v 1_o thess._n 2.13_o i_o e._n by_o the_o force_n of_o those_o promise_n mention_v by_o st._n peter_n and_o other_o weighty_a consideration_n move_v to_o holiness_n final_o our_o regeneration_n be_v express_o ascribe_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o we_o be_v say_v to_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 1_o pet._n 1.23_o and_o our_o spiritual_a improvement_n be_v attribute_v not_o long_o after_o to_o the_o same_o cause_n as_o newborn_a babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o thus_o the_o increase_n of_o
understand_v our_o be_v strong_o and_o deep_o affect_v with_o divine_a truth_n for_o where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v rich_o there_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v too_o nay_o i_o may_v add_v further_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o be_v curious_a to_o mark_v what_o respect_n be_v principal_o aim_v at_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o phrase_n throughout_o rom._n 8._o and_o likewise_o gal._n 5._o and_o other_o place_n and_o that_o because_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v curious_a in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o himself_o nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o so_o to_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v good_a of_o that_o conclusion_n against_o the_o jew_n which_o he_o aim_v at_o viz._n that_o justification_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n by_o be_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lusts._n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n his_o use_n of_o those_o phrase_n of_o be_v lead_v by_o and_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n indifferent_o for_o live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o his_o design_n of_o show_v that_o justification_n be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v obtain_v but_o by_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a for_o since_o mortify_v of_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o that_o degree_n which_o christianity_n now_o require_v be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n the_o jew_n who_o reject_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v under_o condemnation_n because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o guidance_n and_o incitation_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o subdue_a of_o sin_n be_v give_v for_o that_o purpose_n to_o none_o that_o reject_v christianity_n wherefore_o as_o long_a as_o the_o jew_n will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n i._n e._n to_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o profession_n whereof_o the_o special_a promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v make_v he_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o death_n of_o sin_n because_o he_o refuse_v the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o subdue_a the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n viz._n the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o refuse_v the_o incitation_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o death_n because_o if_o we_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v die_v this_o observation_n i_o think_v may_v not_o prove_v altogether_o unuseful_a to_o well-meaning_a person_n that_o have_v not_o hit_v on_o it_o before_o for_o a_o man_n may_v well_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o mistake_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o this_o and_o other_o place_n where_o the_o forementioned_a phrase_n be_v promiscuous_o use_v if_o he_o expect_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a mystery_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o a_o sense_n quite_o different_a from_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o that_o which_o i_o chief_o intend_v be_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o those_o phrase_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v extreme_o agreeable_a to_o that_o familiar_a way_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n move_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o if_o we_o be_v so_o move_v by_o he_o that_o we_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o any_o operation_n in_o our_o mind_n but_o that_o of_o divine_a truth_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o thereupon_o embrace_v by_o our_o understanding_n then_o we_o can_v better_o express_v our_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n than_o by_o say_v that_o we_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v a_o further_a reason_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a and_o indifferent_a use_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a phrase_n and_o that_o take_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n as_o the_o former_a be_v from_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o point_n with_o infer_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v it_o that_o we_o resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n many_o time_n when_o we_o think_v of_o nothing_o less_o and_o we_o do_v not_o think_v of_o it_o because_o we_o do_v not_o feel_v that_o supernatural_a impression_n which_o be_v make_v upon_o we_o and_o can_v discern_v it_o from_o the_o free_a and_o natural_a operation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o thus_o we_o quench_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n very_o often_o when_o we_o imagine_v that_o we_o only_o quarrel_v with_o our_o own_o thought_n or_o reject_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o a_o friend_n or_o the_o exhortation_n of_o a_o minister_n or_o the_o rebuke_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n now_o if_o we_o can_v hear_v or_o apprehend_v the_o holy_a spirit_n dissuade_v we_o from_o any_o wickedness_n as_o sensible_o as_o when_o a_o good_a man_n speak_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o dare_v sure_o to_o entertain_v one_o thought_n more_o of_o go_v forward_o a_o temptation_n can_v no_o more_o prevail_v against_o we_o if_o we_o be_v thus_o admonish_v than_o if_o god_n shall_v speak_v to_o we_o from_o heaven_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n in_o these_o word_n o_o do_v not_o that_o wicked_a thing_n which_o i_o hate_v but_o god_n do_v not_o use_v this_o method_n upon_o we_o because_o we_o be_v here_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n because_o he_o will_v prove_v we_o whether_o we_o believe_v his_o word_n or_o not_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o when_o we_o be_v sin_v against_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o our_o duty_n when_o we_o be_v baffle_v any_o good_a exhortation_n and_o counsel_n and_o our_o own_o hope_n of_o heaven_n or_o our_o fear_n of_o hell_n or_o the_o force_n of_o any_o seasonable_a good_a thought_n tend_v to_o repentance_n we_o do_v then_o as_o real_o contradict_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n as_o if_o we_o hear_v his_o voice_n sound_v in_o our_o ear_n shall_v we_o not_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a to_o do_v the_o former_a as_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o do_v the_o latter_a for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v admit_v in_o our_o excuse_n that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v of_o rebel_a against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o our_o not_o think_v of_o it_o be_v another_o fault_n since_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o every_o sin_n we_o commit_v against_o the_o check_n of_o conscience_n have_v that_o aggravation_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o one_o fault_n will_v excuse_v another_o wherefore_o if_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o do_v of_o despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n must_v needs_o add_v a_o heavy_a weight_n to_o every_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v presumptuous_o and_o to_o every_o neglect_n of_o improve_n a_o inclination_n to_o repentance_n methinks_v we_o shall_v tremble_v to_o do_v the_o one_o or_o to_o delay_v the_o other_o final_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o matter_n if_o we_o have_v any_o due_a reverence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o fail_v of_o make_v all_o good_a counsel_n profitable_a to_o we_o of_o give_v strength_n to_o all_o our_o own_o good_a purpose_n and_o make_v we_o careful_a to_o improve_v by_o all_o reason_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o convince_v we_o by_o all_o example_n that_o be_v fit_a to_o instruct_v we_o and_o by_o all_o opportunity_n of_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o ourselves_o for_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v conspire_v with_o such_o familiar_a method_n as_o these_o be_v to_o produce_v his_o grace_n in_o we_o sect_n 6._o from_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o our_o mind_n be_v assistance_n or_o help_n as_o they_o be_v general_o call_v by_o christian_n of_o all_o persuasion_n not_o except_v our_o author_n and_o the_o friend_n of_o his_o way_n but_o i_o say_v also_o they_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v because_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v no_o more_o than_o assistance_n and_o that_o because_o his_o grace_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o the_o effect_n of_o other_o cause_n viz._n of_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o external_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n with_o all_o which_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n conspire_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o those_o effect_n in_o we_o the_o spirit_n be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o these_o effect_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v his_o grace_n and_o ascribe_v to_o he_o as_o if_o we_o do_v nothing_o ourselves_o to_o gain_v they_o according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o labour_v abundant_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o
be_v with_o i_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o but_o because_o they_o be_v our_o own_o free_a act_n therefore_o he_o be_v not_o the_o only_a cause_n of_o they_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o regenerate_v we_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o do_v all_o himself_o and_o leave_v nothing_o for_o we_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o regeneration_n but_o we_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o use_v all_o proper_a mean_n of_o regeneration_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a matter_n depend_v upon_o our_o single_a endeavour_n as_o i_o show_v sect._n 4._o and_o that_o which_o i_o say_v of_o regeneration_n be_v equal_o true_a of_o every_o particular_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v this_o supposition_n viz._n that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v aid_n and_o help_n to_o our_o natural_a faculty_n which_o make_v the_o ascribe_v of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n to_o his_o grace_n consistent_a with_o leave_v the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o those_o duty_n which_o depend_v thereupon_o necessary_a to_o the_o attainment_n of_o they_o which_o our_o author_n understand_v so_o well_o that_o in_o his_o preface_n where_o he_o complain_v so_o tragical_o of_o the_o reproach_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o those_o that_o dare_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o defend_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n o._n he_o pretend_v to_o plead_v for_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n very_o well_o know_v that_o they_o do_v not_o impugn_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n as_o his_o phrase_n be_v and_o withal_o that_o this_o objection_n be_v produce_v by_o his_o adversary_n against_o nothing_o but_o his_o opinion_n of_o the_o irresistible_a manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v operation_n which_o very_o wise_o he_o say_v not_o one_o word_n of_o through_o his_o whole_a preface_n the_o only_a inconvenience_n say_v he_o wherewith_o our_o doctrine_n be_v press_v be_v the_o pretend_a difficulty_n in_o reconcile_a the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o duty_n with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o wave_v the_o consideration_n of_o it_o as_o that_o i_o have_v embrace_v every_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v it_o in_o all_o particular_a instance_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v urge_v with_o most_o appearance_n of_o probability_n and_o it_o be_v i_o hope_v at_o length_n make_v to_o appear_v that_o not_o only_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o also_o that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n we_o can_v perform_v no_o duty_n to_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v without_o its_o aid_n and_o assistance_n nor_o have_v any_o encouragement_n to_o attempt_v a_o course_n of_o obedience_n without_o a_o just_a expectation_n thereof_o so_o on_o the_o other_o that_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n itself_o be_v no_o way_n effectual_a but_o in_o our_o compliance_n with_o it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n only_o with_o the_o leave_n of_o some_o person_n or_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o we_o give_v the_o preeminence_n in_o all_o unto_o grace_n and_o not_o unto_o ourselves_o and_o now_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o we_o who_o do_v not_o give_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o all_o unto_o grace_n nay_o and_o think_v that_o if_o we_o can_v perform_v our_o duty_n as_o we_o ought_v without_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o it_o be_v destroy_v and_o withal_o that_o this_o man_n have_v spend_v a_o folio_n of_o rail_v upon_o we_o because_o we_o deny_v the_o aid_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o internal_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n why_o any_o man_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v discourage_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o industry_n which_o god_n require_v of_o he_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v unto_o he_o i_o can_v understand_v no_o true_o nor_o i_o neither_o nor_o any_o man_n that_o have_v common_a sense_n for_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v discourage_v from_o industry_n because_o he_o be_v promise_v that_o help_n without_o which_o his_o industry_n will_v not_o prevail_v but_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o we_o hear_v nothing_o at_o all_o now_o but_o of_o aid_n and_o assistance_n when_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v mention_v do_v the_o doctor_n be_v adversary_n ever_o urge_v any_o objection_n against_o they_o be_v the_o inconvenience_n wherewith_o his_o doctrine_n of_o irresistible_a grace_n be_v press_v ever_o charge_v by_o they_o upon_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o and_o where_o do_v any_o of_o they_o with_o or_o without_o who_o leave_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o write_v his_o book_n pretend_v that_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o aid_n of_o grace_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o inconvenience_n he_o promise_v to_o remove_v or_o rather_o what_o can_v this_o man_n say_v to_o palliate_v so_o foul_a a_o imposture_n let_v other_o as_o he_o go_v on_o do_v what_o they_o please_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o apostle_n advice_n upon_o the_o enforcement_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o it_o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v etc._n etc._n by_o all_o mean_n sir_n endeavour_v it_o but_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o reason_n why_o you_o persecute_v we_o with_o bitter_a word_n be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v please_v with_o you_o for_o take_v the_o apostle_n reason_n to_o follow_v his_o advice_n or_o if_o you_o continue_v to_o insinuate_v this_o belief_n of_o we_o and_o to_o make_v folk_n think_v that_o the_o principal_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o your_o present_a undertake_n be_v the_o open_a and_o horrible_a opposition_n 21._o that_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n in_o the_o world_n since_o as_o you_o go_v on_o there_o be_v no_o concernment_n of_o he_o that_o be_v not_o by_o many_o deride_v explode_v and_o blaspheme_v and_o that_o your_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o you_o be_v so_o angry_a with_o for_o say_v that_o you_o make_v a_o buz_n and_o a_o noise_n and_o trouble_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o unintelligible_a notion_n be_v such_o scoffer_n that_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v plead_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o duty_n he_o shall_v hardly_o escape_v from_o be_v notable_o deride_v by_o they_o i_o say_v if_o you_o go_v on_o in_o this_o manner_n sure_o you_o must_v forget_v all_o the_o while_n that_o there_o be_v a_o day_n come_v when_o you_o must_v appear_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o great_a god_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o your_o write_n but_o as_o for_o ourselves_o to_o use_v your_o own_o word_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o about_o a_o accusation_n which_o be_v lade_v with_o as_o many_o conviction_n of_o forgery_n as_o there_o be_v person_n against_o who_o you_o level_v these_o your_o uncharitable_a and_o malicious_a suggestion_n let_v any_o indifferent_a man_n read_v your_o preface_n where_o you_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o summary_n account_v of_o your_o book_n and_o say_v if_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o possess_v your_o reader_n with_o a_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v our_o blaspheme_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o enkindle_v your_o zeal_n against_o we_o and_o that_o you_o have_v bestir_v yourself_o in_o the_o book_n principal_o to_o make_v it_o good_a against_o all_o our_o opposition_n that_o we_o can_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n without_o they_o but_o now_o if_o you_o light_n upon_o a_o reader_n so_o unfortunate_a to_o yourself_o as_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o compare_v you_o and_o yourself_o together_o your_o preface_n with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o your_o book_n he_o 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do_v not_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n that_o he_o be_v infallible_a yet_o in_o that_o book_n which_o i_o have_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o consider_v he_o lay_v claim_v as_o you_o will_v see_v to_o such_o a_o illumination_n of_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o differ_v very_o little_a from_o that_o kind_n of_o inspiration_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v but_o this_o will_v not_o hinder_v you_o from_o try_v the_o doctor_n be_v spirit_n and_o way_n of_o teach_v if_o you_o consider_v what_o he_o very_o well_o observe_v in_o the_o forementioned_a book_n 44._o viz._n that_o the_o berean_o be_v high_o extol_v for_o search_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v our_o saviour_n preach_v by_o st._n paul_n be_v so_o or_o no_o for_o he_o must_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v believe_v more_o hasty_o than_o st._n paul_n do_v who_o we_o be_v sure_a speak_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n the_o more_o high_o any_o man_n pretend_v to_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o better_a testimony_n he_o have_v 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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
miracle_n prophecy_n etc._n etc._n the_o true_a difference_n between_o dr._n h._n and_o dr._n o._n in_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o manner_n or_o the_o mean_n of_o receive_v spiritual_a thing_n be_v signify_v by_o the_o word_n spiritual_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v design_v to_o express_v those_o mean_n which_o dr._n h._n affirm_v viz._n external_a testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n or_o those_o which_o dr._n o._n contend_v for_o viz._n the_o internal_a and_o irresistible_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o a_o man_n mind_n but_o 2._o i_o have_v show_v by_o the_o clear_a scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o outward_a mean_n be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v this_o i_o see_v be_v our_o author_n be_v great_a trouble_n that_o dr._n h._n suppose_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v because_o he_o will_v only_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o natural_a reason_n and_o will_v not_o attend_v to_o revelation_n and_o the_o outward_a mean_n whereby_o reveal_v doctrine_n may_v be_v prove_v whereas_o j._n owen_n meaning_n be_v that_o he_o can_v receive_v they_o because_o the_o new_a light_n be_v not_o yet_o create_v in_o his_o mind_n by_o a_o almighty_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o truth_n of_o dr._n hammond_n sense_n and_o the_o absurdity_n of_o dr._n owen_n i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o shall_v only_o add_v this_o to_o help_v our_o author_n understanding_n viz._n that_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o external_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n make_v equal_o to_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o gospel_n with_o they_o who_o receive_v it_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o they_o who_o reject_v it_o can_v not_o receive_v it_o because_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o enlighten_v by_o a_o omnipotent_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o another_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o they_o can_v not_o viz._n the_o apostle_n reason_n because_o they_o seek_v after_o man_n wisdom_n and_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o that_o for_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o philosophical_a discourse_n by_o the_o authority_n he_o bring_v to_o confirm_v his_o own_o exposition_n and_o to_o confront_v dr._n hammond_n we_o may_v guess_v how_o pertinent_a the_o rest_n be_v that_o his_o book_n be_v stuff_v withal_o he_o produce_v that_o say_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n a_o natural_a man_n be_v he_o who_o live_v by_o the_o flesh_n and_o have_v not_o his_o mind_n yet_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n but_o only_o have_v that_o connatural_a humane_a understanding_n which_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n have_v endue_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n withal_o this_o exposition_n which_o he_o call_v better_a than_o dr._n hammond_n be_v clear_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n with_o it_o for_o here_o be_v not_o a_o word_n about_o that_o irresistible_a light_n which_o j._n o._n contend_v for_o and_o to_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n which_o be_v dr._n hammond_n word_n be_v perfect_o the_o same_o with_o have_v only_o the_o connatural_a humane_a understanding_n etc._n etc._n the_o follow_a passage_n of_o chrysostome_n which_o he_o quote_v be_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o same_o writer_n which_o he_o bring_v in_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o exposition_n the_o natural_a man_n be_v one_o that_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o do_v not_o think_v that_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o aid_n from_o above_o which_o be_v madness_n for_o god_n have_v give_v the_o soul_n that_o it_o shall_v learn_v and_o receive_v what_o he_o bestow_v or_o what_o be_v from_o he_o and_o not_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o itself_o eye_n be_v beautiful_a and_o profitable_a but_o if_o they_o will_v see_v without_o light_n this_o beauty_n and_o power_n will_v not_o profit_v but_o hurt_v they_o and_o the_o mind_n if_o it_o will_v see_v without_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o do_v but_o entangle_v 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j._n o._n why_o he_o reject_v they_o be_v because_o the_o almighty_a work_n have_v not_o be_v yet_o upon_o his_o mind_n if_o st._n chrysostome_n have_v think_v so_o too_o he_o have_v be_v a_o mad_a man_n himself_o for_o accuse_v they_o of_o madness_n that_o fail_v of_o do_v what_o no_o power_n less_o than_o almighty_a can_v enable_v they_o to_o do_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o accuse_v they_o of_o madness_n because_o they_o be_v not_o almighty_a themselves_o st._n chrysostome_n similitude_n be_v very_o pertinent_a for_o as_o light_n be_v to_o bodily_a eye_n so_o be_v revelation_n to_o the_o mind_n in_o respect_n of_o reveal_v truth_n which_o be_v such_o as_o none_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v discover_v and_o therefore_o whoever_o refuse_v to_o attend_v to_o his_o revelation_n of_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o and_o will_v find_v himself_o entangle_v in_o many_o difficulty_n which_o he_o may_v have_v understand_v by_o harken_v to_o revelation_n this_o similitude_n st._n chrysostome_n use_v elsewhere_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n for_o he_o say_v as_o no_o man_n with_o his_o naked_a eye_n can_v learn_v the_o appearance_n in_o the_o heaven_n so_o the_o soul_n alone_o can_v learn_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 7._o i._n e._n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o revelation_n i_o now_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v with_o what_o conscience_n this_o man_n can_v pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n to_o countenance_v his_o own_o exposition_n of_o this_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o doctor_n be_v authority_n which_o any_o one_o may_v see_v be_v as_o convince_a as_o his_o reason_n and_o now_o at_o length_n i_o desire_v he_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o he_o to_o reject_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v concern_v spiritual_a thing_n contrary_a to_o his_o notion_n of_o they_o under_o pretence_n that_o i_o be_o a_o natural_a man_n for_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o be_o a_o christian_n and_o so_o long_o as_o i_o have_v the_o scripture_n by_o i_o i_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o understanding_n what_o revelation_n god_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n for_o they_o contain_v those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n these_o doctrine_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v foolishness_n to_o i_o or_o reject_v by_o i_o because_o they_o be_v not_o knowable_a by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o inexcusable_a madness_n if_o i_o shall_v not_o surrender_v up_o my_o belief_n unto_o they_o though_o i_o can_v not_o possible_o find_v they_o out_o nor_o have_v know_v they_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v reveal_v yet_o be_v reveal_v i_o discern_v the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o in_o they_o still_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o depth_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o my_o understanding_n can_v reach_v into_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o revelation_n i_o learn_v principal_o from_o the_o testimony_n give_v to_o they_o and_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o not_o exclude_v other_o subordinate_a help_n by_o compare_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o and_o the_o doctor_n have_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o discern_a of_o these_o thing_n aright_o but_o that_o new_a light_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o but_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v never_o a_o word_n of_o and_o let_v he_o make_v his_o best_a advantage_n of_o it_o but_o if_o the_o doctor_n be_v resolve_v to_o cant_n on_o still_o in_o his_o own_o defence_n and_o
that_o they_o may_v be_v witness_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o christ_n receive_v from_o the_o father_n act_v 2.23_o peculiar_o concern_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o this_o as_o i_o conceive_v the_o doctor_n acknowledge_v by_o say_v that_o christ_n shed_v forth_o what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v in_o the_o miraculous_a operation_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o now_o say_v he_o 157._o in_o this_o promise_n viz._n act_n 1._o vers_fw-la 4_o 8._o the_o lord_n christ_n found_v the_o church_n itself_o and_o by_o it_o he_o build_v it_o up_o and_o this_o be_v the_o hinge_v whereon_o the_o whole_a weight_n of_o it_o do_v turn_v and_o depend_v unto_o this_o day_n it_o be_v indeed_o certain_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n be_v at_o this_o day_n found_v upon_o the_o extraordinary_a testimony_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o which_o follow_v be_v absolute_o false_a take_v away_o this_o promise_n suppose_v it_o to_o cease_v as_o unto_o a_o continual_a accomplishment_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o absolute_a end_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n for_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o confess_v himself_o miracle_n be_v cease_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o church_n he_o proceed_v thus_o no_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n no_o church_n he_o that_o will_v utter_o separate_v the_o spirit_n from_o the_o word_n have_v as_o good_a burn_v his_o bible_n be_v not_o so_o hasty_a for_o although_o this_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o than_o you_o have_v prove_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v now_o be_v utter_o separate_v from_o the_o word_n for_o all_o act_n 1.4_o and_o although_o you_o very_o true_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v ingenerate_v faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yet_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o have_v here_o say_v it_o may_v for_o those_o text_n upon_o which_o you_o ground_n your_o confidence_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n whereby_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v now_o these_o be_v record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n together_o with_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o they_o may_v be_v as_o able_a to_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v when_o they_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o that_o of_o themselves_o too_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o have_v show_v to_o the_o contrary_a from_o act_n 1._o though_o the_o contrary_n may_v well_o be_v show_v from_o other_o scripture_n now_o i_o can_v see_v to_o what_o end_n these_o man_n when_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o will_v in_o all_o age_n be_v accomplish_v shall_v fly_v so_o often_o as_o they_o do_v to_o those_o text_n which_o mention_v those_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v bestow_v in_o the_o first_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v their_o follower_n believe_v that_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v inspire_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o that_o they_o preach_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v which_o because_o we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o they_o who_o do_v so_o to_o be_v sole_a owner_n of_o the_o privilege_n just_o as_o the_o papist_n support_v their_o pretence_n to_o miracle_n and_o infallibility_n by_o draw_v the_o promise_n peculiar_o make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o believer_n into_o consequence_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o every_o age_n and_o i_o fear_v by_o the_o like_a device_n our_o author_n have_v lay_v his_o plot_n to_o unchurch_n we_o quite_o and_o clean_o who_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n 158._o for_o say_v he_o let_v man_n cast_v themselves_o into_o what_o order_n they_o please_v institute_v what_o form_n of_o government_n and_o religious_a worship_n they_o please_v let_v they_o do_v it_o by_o a_o attendance_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o understand_n unto_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n i._n e._n let_v their_o government_n and_o worship_n be_v as_o near_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o can_v possible_o frame_v it_o yet_o if_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v disow_v or_o disclaim_v by_o they_o if_o they_o disow_v those_o extravagant_a pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n which_o you_o set_v up_o to_o magnify_v yourselves_o withal_o if_o there_o be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o upon_o they_o such_o a_o work_n of_o his_o as_o be_v promise_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v no_o church-state_n among_o they_o nor_o as_o such_o be_v it_o to_o be_v own_v and_o esteem_v and_o be_v this_o that_o you_o have_v be_v drive_v at_o all_o this_o while_n you_o have_v now_o find_v out_o a_o new_a colour_n for_o your_o schism_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v go_v forward_o upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n promise_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o upon_o we_o which_o in_o many_o place_n of_o your_o book_n also_o you_o spare_v not_o to_o say_v we_o reproach_n and_o disavow_v but_o i_o beseech_v you_o dare_v you_o say_v that_o you_o have_v that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o you_o and_o upon_o you_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o forementioned_a text_n if_o you_o say_v so_o we_o shall_v present_o desire_v you_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o it_o by_o miracle_n and_o such_o sign_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v if_o you_o dare_v not_o say_v it_o than_o it_o seem_v that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v no_o more_o in_o you_o and_o upon_o you_o than_o it_o be_v in_o we_o and_o then_o i_o hope_v we_o be_v not_o unchurch_v for_o not_o pretend_v to_o it_o nor_o fit_a to_o be_v account_v reprobate_n because_o we_o be_v not_o liar_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n mention_v by_o you_o in_o your_o next_o section_n matth._n 28.20_o 158._o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n prove_v the_o constant_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n by_o his_o spirit_n but_o then_o sir_n it_o do_v not_o prove_v nor_o i_o think_v be_v you_o able_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o forementioned_a promise_v make_v to_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o same_o promise_n with_o that_o which_o be_v here_o make_v now_o as_o to_o that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o will_v indeed_o continue_v through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v disow_v and_o disclaim_v it_o but_o we_o disow_v the_o prove_v it_o from_o such_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o you_o lay_v the_o great_a stress_n of_o your_o proof_n upon_o lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o pretend_v to_o those_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v pour_v forth_o upon_o the_o church_n at_o her_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a our_o pretence_n be_v laugh_v at_o for_o our_o pain_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o to_o say_v that_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o those_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n those_o extraordinary_a gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o believer_n have_v for_o it_o will_v be_v unanswerable_o return_v upon_o we_o that_o these_o text_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o speak_v of_o any_o but_o these_o and_o thus_o we_o shall_v disparage_v a_o good_a cause_n by_o argue_v no_o better_a for_o it_o therefore_o doctor_n if_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o and_o towards_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v open_o deride_v as_o you_o complain_v 118._o you_o may_v i_o doubt_v in_o great_a part_n thank_v yourself_o and_o such_o as_o you_o who_o by_o imprudent_a discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_n have_v give_v profane_a person_n occasion_n to_o make_v a_o question_n whether_o nowadays_o there_o be_v any_o work_n at_o all_o of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v and_o that_o by_o lay_v together_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v concern_v it_o all_o which_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o to_o who_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v make_v 3._o what_o be_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o operation_n by_o
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
speak_v of_o we_o agree_v that_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o his_o revelation_n be_v mean_v but_o this_o by_o the_o by_o it_o be_v however_o clear_a that_o our_o saviour_n challenge_v the_o jew_n of_o unreasonable_a incredulity_n for_o disbelieve_v what_o be_v sufficient_o testify_v and_o prove_v to_o they_o 2._o christ_n assign_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o unbelief_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a vers_fw-la 19_o i._n e._n the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o i_o bring_v be_v so_o bright_a and_o clear_a that_o the_o cause_n why_o man_n believe_v it_o not_o be_v not_o because_o they_o want_v reason_n and_o argument_n to_o induce_v they_o thereunto_o or_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v himself_o by_o light_n it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o i_o be_o the_o son_n god_n that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o perceive_v it_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o mean_n of_o conviction_n but_o because_o your_o deed_n be_v evil_a because_o my_o doctrine_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o your_o lust_n and_o vice_n that_o you_o be_v not_o will_v it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o so_o you_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o therefore_o great_a shall_v be_v your_o condemnation_n every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v sincere_o dispose_v to_o do_v whatever_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v manifest_a be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o have_v his_o action_n prove_v that_o they_o be_v wrought_v of_o god_n whether_o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o not_o i_o think_v it_o be_v thus_o sufficient_o plain_a that_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o his_o discourse_n to_o nicodemus_n be_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o come_v to_o he_o or_o believe_v in_o he_o i._n e._n of_o be_v his_o disciple_n in_o order_n to_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o to_o convince_v those_o of_o unreasonable_a obstinacy_n and_o incredulity_n who_o will_v not_o be_v his_o disciple_n it_o be_v therefore_o plain_a that_o suppose_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o regenerate_v man_n than_o the_o beginning_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n be_v consonant_a to_o his_o plain_a design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v why_o we_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o how_o inexcusable_a we_o be_v if_o we_o be_v not_o but_o that_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o whole_a may_v be_v clear_o see_v i_o shall_v here_o subjoin_v a_o paraphrase_n of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o concern_v regeneration_n proceed_v upon_o our_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v probable_a as_o grotius_n observe_v that_o after_o nicodemus_n have_v acknowledge_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n he_o ask_v he_o what_o qualification_n a_o man_n must_v have_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o in_o his_o preach_n he_o have_v make_v so_o much_o mention_v of_o to_o which_o question_n our_o saviour_n answer_n be_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v no_o man_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n except_o he_o become_v my_o disciple_n which_o you_o seem_v unwilling_a to_o be_v because_o you_o come_v secret_o to_o i_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o you_o to_o acknowledge_v to_o i_o that_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n but_o withal_o you_o must_v become_v one_o of_o my_o disciple_n and_o own_o yourself_o so_o to_o be_v though_o you_o forfeit_v thereby_o the_o honour_n you_o have_v in_o the_o jewish_a state_n for_o you_o must_v forsake_v all_o to_o follow_v i_o nicodemus_n not_o understand_v this_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n reply_v as_o if_o it_o be_v require_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v bear_v again_o in_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v when_o he_o be_v old_a as_o i_o be_o can_v he_o etc._n etc._n jesus_n answer_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n q._n d._n it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o birth_n that_o i_o mean_v but_o that_o of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n you_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o water_n you_o must_v by_o baptism_n become_v a_o profess_a disciple_n of_o i_o who_o you_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o you_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n too_o it_o be_v equal_o necessary_a that_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o promise_n whereof_o be_v part_n of_o my_o doctrine_n you_o become_v obedient_a in_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o those_o law_n which_o i_o deliver_v which_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o divine_a that_o they_o be_v hate_v by_o they_o who_o deed_n be_v evil_a who_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n vers_fw-la 6._o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n as_o when_o a_o infant_n be_v bear_v of_o his_o mother_n be_v discernible_a to_o your_o eye_n and_o the_o change_n make_v thereby_o be_v evident_a to_o your_o grosser_n sense_n it_o be_v not_o this_o change_n which_o i_o mean_v but_o i_o say_v you_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a change_n that_o i_o mean_v thereby_o viz._n that_o of_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o life_n which_o change_n together_o with_o those_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o it_o be_v produce_v be_v not_o discernible_a the_o same_o way_n in_o which_o the_o natural_a birth_n be_v vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o marvel_v not_o that_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o you_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o lift_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o spirit_n by_o this_o it_o shall_v seem_v that_o which_o be_v most_o troublesome_a to_o nicodemus_n to_o understand_v be_v this_o viz._n how_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o he_o stick_v at_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o imperceptibleness_n of_o that_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o this_o change_n be_v produce_v for_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n know_v when_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v suppose_v our_o saviour_n answer_n to_o he_o remove_v the_o doubt_n for_o it_o show_v 1._o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o they_o be_v not_o perceptible_a to_o the_o sense_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v otherways_o know_v to_o this_o purpose_n he_o use_v a_o familiar_a similitude_n to_o explain_v himself_o by_o viz._n that_o of_o the_o wind_n which_o blow_v hither_o and_o thither_o but_o be_v not_o discernible_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o though_o we_o see_v it_o not_o yet_o we_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n because_o we_o hear_v it_o now_o as_o every_o body_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o its_o proper_a sense_n so_o be_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o its_o proper_a faculty_n and_o as_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o some_o body_n because_o they_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o one_o sense_n if_o they_o be_v evident_a to_o another_o so_o we_o be_v not_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o some_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o our_o sense_n if_o they_o be_v evident_a to_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v 2._o our_o saviour_n answer_n show_v that_o we_o may_v know_v a_o effect_n the_o immediate_a cause_n whereof_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o similitude_n of_o the_o wind_n the_o natural_a cause_n whereof_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o be_v yet_o sure_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v ignorant_a of_o now_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o may_v perceive_v or_o feel_v a_o effect_n in_o our_o mind_n viz._n that_o change_n which_o the_o spirit_n make_v there_o though_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v and_o in_o that_o sense_n do_v not_o know_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n themselves_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n
of_o that_o change_n and_o as_o that_o original_a or_o cause_n of_o that_o change_n be_v not_o perceive_v by_o we_o as_o we_o know_v not_o whence_o the_o wind_n come_v so_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v not_o perceive_v by_o we_o neither_o for_o that_o be_v eternal_a life_n which_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o see_v as_o we_o know_v not_o whither_o the_o wind_n go_v but_o only_o believe_v 3._o our_o saviour_n similitude_n likewise_o show_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v discoverable_a only_o by_o its_o effect_n as_o the_o wind_n be_v by_o the_o noise_n it_o make_v and_o other_o effect_n thereof_o so_o likewise_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o perceivable_a by_o we_o yet_o in_o their_o effect_n they_o be_v for_o if_o christian_a virtue_n and_o piety_n can_v be_v attain_v or_o preserve_v without_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n then_o where_o there_o be_v this_o change_n in_o a_o man_n state_n there_o we_o be_v sure_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o cause_n itself_o yet_o he_o discover_v it_o in_o its_o effect_n 177._o dr._n owen_n indeed_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o work_n itself_o be_v discoverable_a in_o its_o cause_n and_o bring_v this_o very_a text_n to_o prove_v his_o say_n which_o prove_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v true_a we_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o change_n but_o how_o not_o by_o the_o work_n itself_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n who_o withal_o have_v inform_v we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o discern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o we_o but_o by_o their_o effect_n i._n e._n those_o alteration_n that_o be_v thereby_o produce_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n thus_o than_o we_o may_v understand_v our_o saviour_n word_n let_v not_o this_o startle_v you_o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o you_o must_v be_v change_v and_o as_o it_o be_v bear_v again_o be_v not_o discernible_a and_o sensible_a for_o though_o you_o can_v feel_v they_o yet_o you_o may_v understand_v they_o by_o the_o effect_n and_o alteration_n in_o you_o that_o be_v cause_v by_o they_o now_o whereas_o nicodemus_n answer_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v i_o suppose_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o hesitation_n be_v either_o 1._o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v this_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n or_o 2._o that_o he_o think_v as_o dr._n owen_n do_v that_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o be_v too_o hyperbolical_a a_o expression_n of_o that_o which_o he_o now_o perceive_v our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o it_o i_o can_v positive_o say_v which_o it_o be_v but_o suppose_v whether_o you_o will_v our_o saviour_n reply_n to_o he_o rebuke_v his_o ignorance_n either_o way_n be_v thou_o a_o master_n of_o israel_n and_o know_v not_o these_o thing_n vers_fw-la 10._o q._n d._n be_v thou_o one_o of_o the_o great_a council_n a_o learned_a jew_n and_o yet_o ignorant_a of_o these_o matter_n do_v you_o not_o perceive_v that_o i_o speak_v to_o you_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o become_v my_o disciple_n in_o such_o language_n as_o any_o man_n who_o be_v verse_v in_o your_o custom_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n may_v easy_o understand_v be_v not_o be_v bear_v again_o that_o very_a phrase_n whereby_o you_o express_v the_o make_n of_o a_o proselyte_n be_v not_o wash_v one_o of_o the_o ceremony_n whereby_o a_o proselyte_n be_v make_v among_o you_o and_o therefore_o when_o i_o tell_v you_o a_o man_n must_v be_v bear_v of_o water_n what_o shall_v you_o think_v i_o mean_v but_o that_o he_o must_v become_v my_o disciple_n by_o baptism_n i_o have_v also_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n too_o and_o can_v you_o be_v ignorant_a that_o those_o prophecy_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n do_v mention_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v liberal_o bestow_v upon_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o make_v they_o good_a and_o holy_a person_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v circumcise_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n that_o he_o will_v take_v away_o their_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v they_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n with_o his_o law_n write_v in_o it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o prophet_n to_o who_o you_o be_v to_o hearken_v in_o all_o thing_n 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 now_o i_o be_o that_o prophet_n but_o how_o credible_a soever_o that_o testimony_n be_v which_o be_v give_v hereof_o you_o regard_v it_o not_o if_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o earthly_a thing_n and_o you_o believe_v not_o how_o shall_v you_o believe_v if_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o heavenly_a thing_n vers_fw-la 12._o this_o last_o be_v a_o place_n of_o some_o difficulty_n for_o although_o by_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v mean_v doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n yet_o by_o those_o earthly_a thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v nicodemus_n already_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v truth_n mere_o natural_a for_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o become_v his_o disciple_n by_o baptism_n and_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o none_o but_o his_o disciple_n can_v be_v these_o be_v heavenly_a doctrine_n too_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o revelation_n wherefore_o i_o conceive_v that_o by_o heavenly_a thing_n here_o may_v probable_o be_v mean_v such_o reveal_v doctrine_n as_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o the_o worldly_a and_o sensual_a expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v long_o cherish_v in_o themselves_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o messiah_n who_o shall_v fight_v their_o battle_n for_o they_o as_o their_o other_o saviour_n and_o deliverer_n have_v do_v and_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o roman_a power_n now_o these_o doctrine_n be_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o be_v crucify_a for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n that_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n divers_a consideration_n make_v it_o probable_a that_o these_o be_v the_o heavenly_a thing_n mean_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o place_n for_o 1._o after_o he_o have_v make_v way_n for_o it_o by_o tell_v nicodemus_n that_o he_o only_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n i._n e._n know_v the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n he_o fall_v upon_o the_o mention_n of_o that_o death_n which_o he_o be_v to_o undergo_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o jew_n most_o of_o all_o offend_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v still_o pretend_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ._n it_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n word_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v probable_a this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o jew_n will_v hardly_o believe_v viz._n that_o god_n will_v save_v mankind_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n 3._o when_o st._n peter_n rebuke_v our_o saviour_n foretell_v his_o own_o passion_n he_o say_v unto_o peter_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n for_o thou_o savory_a not_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n or_o heavenly_a thing_n i._n e._n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n way_n to_o save_v the_o world_n but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o man_n thou_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v be_v of_o this_o world_n lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o it_o will_v appear_v probable_a that_o by_o those_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n intimate_v will_v be_v more_o difficulty_n believe_v by_o the_o jew_n than_o those_o which_o he_o have_v already_o mention_v to_o nicodemus_n be_v mean_v his_o suffering_n and_o death_n by_o which_o believer_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o which_o he_o discourse_v to_o nicodemus_n of_o present_o after_o and_o then_o by_o the_o earthly_a thing_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v indeed_o divine_o reveal_v but_o be_v not_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o worldly_a expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o other_o viz._n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o that_o all_o man_n be_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n which_o
but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o can_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v this_o matter_n and_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v sufficient_o show_v that_o faith_n or_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a operation_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o the_o first_o preparation_n within_o we_o towards_o regeneration_n be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o semipelagian_a opinion_n introduce_v by_o the_o massilienses_n upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o pelagian_a controversy_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o prevent_a grace_n though_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v our_o faith_n fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n but_o that_o faith_n and_o the_o first_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v mere_o from_o ourselves_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n sect_n 2._o now_o when_o we_o be_v once_o persuade_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o which_o still_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o be_v to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n indeed_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o jesus_n we_o have_v entertain_v into_o our_o mind_n such_o forcible_a and_o prevail_a consideration_n as_o will_v not_o easy_o suffer_v we_o to_o disobey_v he_o in_o any_o thing_n and_o they_o have_v so_o much_o power_n to_o lead_v our_o affection_n after_o they_o and_o to_o govern_v our_o practice_n that_o i_o always_o think_v the_o semipelagian_o may_v with_o more_o appearance_n of_o reason_n have_v question_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v those_o divine_a operation_n by_o which_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v crown_v with_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n than_o concern_v those_o which_o be_v preparatory_a to_o faith_n itself_o for_o of_o the_o two_o he_o be_v a_o more_o unreasonable_a man_n who_o believe_v god_n word_n be_v yet_o so_o mad_a as_o to_o go_v on_o still_o in_o his_o sin_n than_o he_o who_o believe_v it_o not_o and_o since_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n make_v they_o so_o unwilling_a to_o attend_v to_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v against_o they_o we_o may_v think_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o keep_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n from_o enter_v into_o their_o heart_n than_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v once_o admit_v but_o now_o as_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o reason_n by_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v far_o from_o exclude_v all_o need_n of_o a_o divine_a influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o create_v a_o firm_a faith_n in_o we_o so_o neither_o do_v the_o power_n of_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o faith_n render_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n needless_a to_o move_v our_o will_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o upon_o good_a principle_n but_o still_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n without_o who_o grace_n the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o make_v we_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v the_o truth_n will_v always_o suppress_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o afterward_o thus_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o john_n 15.5_o but_o he_o do_v not_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v incapable_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o he_o too_o but_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o now_o that_o this_o power_n impart_v to_o they_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n to_o they_o be_v plain_a from_o hence_o that_o they_o already_o believe_v the_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v now_o you_o be_v clean_a through_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o vers_n 3._o and_o yet_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o without_o he_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o which_o must_v needs_o imply_v some_o grace_n distinct_a from_o the_o bare_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o they_o have_v already_o bear_v some_o fruit_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o bring_v forth_o more_o vers_n 2_o 3._o but_o that_o all_o those_o disposition_n and_o virtue_n wherein_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n do_v consist_v be_v as_o well_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v clear_o and_o full_o affirm_v in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 2.13_o it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v which_o be_v again_o speak_v to_o believer_n manifest_o suppose_v a_o divine_a operation_n distinct_a from_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v i._n e._n to_o perform_v that_o obedience_n from_o their_o very_a soul_n which_o will_v qualify_v they_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o this_o be_v the_o motive_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n encourage_v they_o to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n vers_fw-la 12._o by_o universal_a obedience_n as_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v now_o because_o the_o motive_n extend_v to_o engage_v we_o to_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n therefore_o god_n work_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v every_o way_n so_o dispose_v in_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o obedient_a in_o life_n as_o to_o become_v meet_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n wherefore_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n together_o with_o all_o christian_a virtue_n such_o as_o righteousness_n mercy_n patience_n love_n peace_n joy_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n and_o temperance_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherefore_o last_o our_o do_v that_o which_o god_n require_v and_o with_o that_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o he_o which_o he_o require_v too_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o operation_n in_o we_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v yet_o want_v to_o satisfy_v we_o full_o in_o this_o matter_n our_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v not_o enter_v into_o temptation_n and_o to_o pray_v always_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n will_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubt_v whether_o of_o ourselves_o we_o need_v or_o by_o promise_n have_v this_o great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n or_o not_o for_o these_o direction_n be_v unprofitable_a if_o we_o either_o need_v no_o strength_n from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n against_o our_o temptation_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v by_o our_o prayer_n much_o less_o will_v those_o prayer_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o other_o christian_n which_o we_o so_o often_o meet_v withal_o have_v signify_v any_o thing_n to_o their_o advantage_n or_o encouragement_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o divine_a grace_n obtainable_a by_o they_o for_o the_o produce_v of_o those_o effect_n which_o he_o so_o much_o desire_v to_o see_v in_o their_o conversation_n and_o these_o effect_n be_v no_o other_o than_o all_o kind_n of_o christian_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v by_o the_o follow_a place_n wherefore_o also_o we_o pray_v always_o for_o you_o that_o our_o god_n will_v count_v you_o worthy_a of_o this_o call_n and_o fulfil_v all_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n with_o power_n 2_o thess._n 1.11_o i_o e._n that_o god_n will_v make_v their_o faith_n fruitful_a of_o all_o good_a work_n acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o they_o as_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n again_o we_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o to_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n col._n 1.9_o 10._o thus_o in_o another_o place_n for_o this_o cause_n i_o bow_v my_o knee_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v you_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n now_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o in_o these_o and_o many_o like_a place_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o those_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v may_v attain_v all_o those_o qualification_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o believer_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_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 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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 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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 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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
motive_n include_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o operation_n nor_o do_v the_o spirit_n use_v any_o motive_n when_o he_o thus_o operate_v for_o as_o these_o man_n say_v this_o physical_a operation_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n tell_v i_o in_o what_o capacity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v stand_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o author_n if_o you_o will_v believe_v he_o pay_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o do_v not_o only_o render_v thus_o useless_a in_o general_n but_o many_o plain_a testimony_n whereof_o he_o contradict_v in_o particular_a and_o for_o instance_n that_o passage_n in_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n i_o desire_v he_o at_o his_o leisure_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o grace_n which_o our_o saviour_n pray_v for_o in_o his_o disciple_n behalf_n be_v a_o immediate_a physical_a operation_n if_o not_o whether_o we_o be_v now_o sanctify_v by_o another_o sort_n of_o operation_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n pray_v for_o now_o to_o say_v in_o express_a term_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n will_v sound_v so_o horrid_o in_o any_o sober_a christian_n ear_n that_o the_o doctor_n himself_o have_v not_o venture_v upon_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o be_v often_o persuade_v his_o reader_n that_o he_o attribute_n as_o much_o to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n as_o any_o of_o they_o all_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o 268._o whereas_o some_o contend_v that_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o effectual_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n they_o do_v not_o ascribe_v a_o great_a power_n unto_o the_o word_n than_o we_o do_v by_o who_o this_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o total_a cause_n of_o conversion_n for_o we_o assign_v the_o same_o power_n to_o the_o word_n as_o they_o do_v and_o more_o also_o only_o we_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o effect_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o this_o work_n which_o all_o this_o power_n if_o alone_o be_v insufficient_a for_o after_o a_o few_o such_o say_n as_o these_o a_o man_n need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n for_o 1._o they_o who_o contend_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o spirit_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o mind_n be_v insufficient_a to_o cause_v conversion_n and_o that_o there_o be_v another_o action_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherein_o no_o use_n be_v make_v of_o the_o word_n at_o all_o necessary_a to_o conversion_n do_v not_o attribute_v so_o much_o power_n to_o the_o word_n as_o they_o do_v who_o say_v the_o former_a be_v sufficient_a 2._o much_o less_o do_v they_o so_o if_o withal_o they_o pretend_v that_o this_o other_o operation_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n whereby_o the_o word_n be_v exclude_v from_o intervening_a as_o a_o mean_n 3._o and_o yet_o much_o less_o if_o they_o say_v this_o operation_n produce_v the_o effect_n irresistible_o and_o till_o this_o irresistible_a act_n have_v take_v place_n the_o word_n be_v utter_o ineffectual_a 4._o lest_o of_o all_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o assign_v more_o power_n to_o the_o word_n than_o their_o adversary_n do_v i_o wonder_v at_o this_o man_n confidence_n to_o venture_v such_o open_a falsehood_n abroad_o as_o these_o be_v it_o have_v be_v enough_o in_o conscience_n for_o a_o modest_a man_n to_o say_v that_o those_o of_o our_o author_n opinion_n ascribe_v as_o much_o power_n to_o the_o word_n as_o we_o do_v but_o to_o say_v they_o assign_v more_o to_o it_o be_v too_o much_o in_o all_o reason_n to_o go_v for_o a_o mere_a mistake_n and_o therefore_o one_o may_v well_o think_v he_o see_v clear_o enough_o that_o he_o 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more_o efficacy_n to_o the_o word_n than_o we_o who_o say_v that_o mankind_n be_v not_o so_o incapable_a of_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o word_n but_o that_o when_o it_o be_v bless_v and_o use_v as_o he_o well_o enough_o express_v it_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 268._o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convert_v a_o man_n without_o any_o such_o physical_a operation_n as_o they_o talk_v of_o but_o you_o see_v this_o man_n make_v it_o to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o dead_a letter_n even_o when_o it_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n too_o and_o after_o all_o his_o flourish_v resolve_v conversion_n into_o a_o irresistible_a operation_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o the_o word_n at_o all_o and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v you_o what_o a_o irreverent_a opinion_n he_o have_v of_o it_o whatever_o he_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o proposition_n sect_n 2._o 2._o the_o manner_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o ratioâ—nal_a nature_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o full_o express_v and_o liberal_o grant_v by_o dr._n owen_n that_o i_o shall_v need_v to_o say_v the_o less_o of_o it_o 271._o for_o he_o say_v the_o power_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n put_v forth_o in_o our_o regeneration_n be_v such_o in_o its_o act_n or_o exercise_n as_o 〈◊〉_d mind_n will_n and_o affection_n be_v suit_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o to_o be_v affect_v by_o it_o according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o natural_a operation_n again_o he_o do_v not_o act_n in_o they_o otherwise_o than_o they_o themselves_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v act_v according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n power_n and_o ability_n he_o draw_v we_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n and_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o work_n itself_o be_v express_v by_o persuade_v and_o allure_a and_o that_o it_o carry_v no_o more_o repugnancy_n to_o our_o faculty_n than_o a_o prevalent_a persuasion_n do_v again_o that_o 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