their_o lamp_n and_o go_v forth_o to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n show_v that_o some_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o sense_n and_o yet_o return_v with_o the_o dog_n to_o his_o vomit_n be_v again_o entangle_v and_o quite_o overcome_v by_o their_o old_a sin_n and_o their_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a than_o their_o beginning_n so_o likewise_o we_o read_v of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v enlighten_v and_o taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o yet_o fall_v away_o not_o that_o these_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o do_v hold_v forth_o a_o total_a and_o final_a apostasy_n in_o any_o from_o special_a grace_n but_o only_o from_o common_a grace_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o perseverance_n of_o all_o sound_a believer_n shine_v forth_o so_o glorious_o from_o many_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o purchase_n that_o christ_n have_v make_v for_o they_o that_o be_v he_o and_o the_o almightiness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v undertake_v and_o promise_v to_o keep_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o perish_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o part_n of_o religion_n that_o have_v be_v controvert_v that_o be_v with_o more_o facility_n defend_v against_o all_o opposer_n but_o such_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o that_o there_o be_v common_a grace_n as_o well_o as_o special_a judas_n his_o profession_n and_o gift_n simon_n magus_n his_o believe_v when_o he_o see_v the_o miracle_n and_o sign_n which_o be_v do_v herod_n hearing_n john_n baptist_n glad_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n agrippa_n being_n almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n come_v all_o under_o this_o head_n of_o common_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o call_v because_o that_o not_o only_o those_o that_o be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o perish_v have_v many_o time_n such_o working_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o therefore_o observe_v that_o among_o those_o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v common_a grace_n upon_o some_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n and_o upon_o these_o the_o lord_n soon_o or_o late_a bestow_v special_a grace_n and_o as_o for_o other_o the_o holy_a lord_n do_v either_o by_o the_o common_a motion_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n keep_v they_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o all_o their_o day_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o good_a pleasure_n make_v use_n of_o their_o common_a grace_n and_o gift_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o for_o the_o prevent_n of_o their_o own_o great_a damnation_n or_o else_o god_n in_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n so_o order_v it_o that_o those_o common_a influence_n and_o working_n of_o the_o spirit_n depart_v from_o they_o and_o so_o they_o open_o fall_v away_o into_o gross_a error_n or_o profaneness_n of_o life_n to_o their_o great_a damnation_n as_o to_o common_a grace_n and_o preparatory_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n some_o carry_v that_o point_n so_o far_o that_o they_o confound_v common_a and_o special_a grace_n darken_v the_o doctrine_n of_o conversion_n and_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o weak_a christian_n puzzle_v they_o exceed_o speak_v of_o some_o thing_n under_o that_o head_n that_o be_v wrought_v only_o in_o those_o that_o be_v effectual_o call_v but_o these_o thing_n follow_v may_v be_v bring_v under_o this_o head_n of_o common_a grace_n and_o preparatory_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o a_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o make_v impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o man_n be_v fall_v in_o adam_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o mediator_n that_o there_o be_v heaven_n and_o hell_n yea_o one_o that_o have_v only_o this_o common_a illumination_n may_v have_v knowledge_n notional_a knowledge_n and_o utterance_n about_o these_o and_o other_o point_n of_o religion_n beyond_o many_o sincere_a christian_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n may_v go_v to_o hell_n with_o their_o head_n full_a of_o knowledge_n and_o notion_n of_o religion_n some_o that_o we_o think_v for_o their_o knowledge_n and_o excellent_a part_n be_v happy_a man_n yet_o may_v have_v only_o common_a illumination_n and_o perish_v 2._o conviction_n of_o sin_n come_v in_o also_o under_o this_o head_n of_o common_a grace_n and_o preparatory_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o lord_n use_v before_o he_o infuse_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o habit_n of_o special_a grace_n into_o the_o heart_n first_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o sin_n those_o that_o be_v convert_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n be_v first_o prick_v in_o their_o heart_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n verse_n 37._o afterward_o god_n give_v they_o faith_n in_o christ_n what_o sin_n the_o lord_n will_v set_v home_o upon_o the_o conscience_n first_o of_o all_o to_o awaken_v and_o startle_v a_o secure_a sinner_n depend_v upon_o his_o holy_a pleasure_n sometime_o the_o lord_n show_v man_n so_o much_o of_o their_o own_o vileness_n as_o do_v almost_o sink_v they_o in_o their_o spirit_n sometime_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o they_o in_o a_o gentle_a way_n usual_o god_n set_v home_o gross_a sin_n special_a sin_n with_o most_o terror_n upon_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n how_o long_o it_o be_v since_o the_o sin_n have_v be_v commit_v god_n can_v set_v it_o home_o upon_o the_o conscience_n with_o as_o much_o terror_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v but_o yesterday_o the_o universal_a depravedness_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v sometime_o set_v home_o upon_o the_o conscience_n that_o the_o convince_a sinner_n see_v himself_o more_o vile_a upon_o that_o account_n than_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o sinful_a act_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o shall_v convince_v man_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o on_o christ_n john_n 16.8_o 9_o from_o whence_o we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o man_n be_v not_o so_o thorough_o convince_v of_o sin_n as_o god_n do_v convince_v man_n in_o the_o preparatory_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n except_o the_o lord_n do_v set_v it_o home_o particular_o upon_o the_o conscience_n that_o the_o person_n beside_o many_o other_o sin_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n take_v it_o for_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o believe_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o saviour_n but_o we_o may_v take_v the_o not_o believe_v on_o christ_n there_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o be_v in_o a_o course_n of_o impenitency_n and_o gracelesness_n or_o we_o may_v thus_o conceive_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o place_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o convert_v soul_n will_v convince_v they_o of_o sin_n what_o sin_n he_o please_v and_o show_v they_o that_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n be_v such_o person_n as_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o christ_n and_o believe_v not_o on_o his_o name_n and_o so_o have_v not_o their_o pardon_n in_o christ_n to_o plead_v for_o their_o discharge_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v true_a where_o person_n have_v be_v long_o under_o conviction_n of_o other_o sin_n and_o have_v live_v under_o much_o preach_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o have_v go_v on_o a_o great_a while_n in_o a_o way_n of_o seck_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o give_v god_n the_o whole_a glory_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n in_o christ_n in_o justify_v and_o save_v of_o they_o the_o lord_n may_v set_v home_o this_o unbelief_n of_o they_o and_o slight_v of_o christ_n their_o only_a remedy_n as_o a_o great_a sin_n and_o folly_n but_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v set_v home_o this_o particular_o upon_o every_o one_o that_o be_v under_o conviction_n in_o order_n to_o a_o sound_a conversion_n and_o that_o conviction_n be_v not_o through_o and_o sufficient_a without_o this_o can_v be_v make_v out_o by_o scripture_n under_o this_o head_n it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o though_o the_o lord_n use_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o sin_n and_o fright_v man_n with_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n who_o he_o intend_v to_o convert_v and_o bring_v to_o christ_n yet_o first_o all_o that_o be_v convert_v feel_v not_o the_o like_a terror_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v before_o their_o close_n with_o christ_n 2._o though_o the_o set_n home_o of_o sin_n upon_o the_o conscience_n and_o put_v the_o soul_n in_o fear_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v use_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n to_o that_o purpose_n yet_o not_o every_o thing_n that_o sometime_o follow_v the_o reupon_o as_o a_o man_n conclude_v that_o he_o shall_v never_o find_v mercy_n or_o his_o go_v on_o in_o a_o
the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n can_v not_o make_v such_o a_o piece_n it_o be_v the_o most_o beautiful_a member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o it_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o marvellous_a power_n to_o discern_v and_o take_v in_o object_n the_o eye_n shall_v be_v pure_a holy_a chaste_a but_o it_o be_v full_a of_o adultery_n covetousness_n pride_n and_o envy_n even_o holy_a job_n one_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n be_v fain_o to_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o eye_n and_o put_v a_o law_n and_o restraint_n upon_o they_o it_o be_v strange_a what_o impression_n be_v make_v upon_o the_o mind_n from_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o eye_n in_o a_o moment_n how_o the_o eye_n affect_v the_o heart_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o there_o may_v more_o corruption_n be_v stir_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o one_o glance_n of_o the_o eye_n than_o we_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o many_o day_n it_o may_v be_v week_n even_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n have_v need_n to_o watch_v the_o outward_a sense_n of_o the_o body_n the_o eye_n make_v sudden_a and_o strong_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n ah_o what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o look_v to_o christ_n for_o a_o chaste_a eye_n a_o mortify_a eye_n a_o sanctify_a eye_n 2._o the_o sin_n of_o the_o tongue_n show_v the_o wonderful_a corruption_n that_o be_v within_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o tongue_n be_v a_o fire_n a_o unruly_a evil_n full_a of_o deadly_a poison_n james_n 3.6_o 7_o 8._o full_o of_o curse_v and_o bitterness_n rom._n 3.14_o the_o tongue_n and_o speech_n be_v a_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n it_o be_v man_n glory_n above_o a_o beast_n that_o he_o can_v express_v his_o mind_n by_o speech_n but_o man_n make_v it_o his_o shame_n if_o all_o our_o passionate_a speech_n proud_a and_o boast_a speech_n backbiting_a speech_n obscene_a and_o filthy_a speech_n lie_n curse_n oath_n indiscreet_a rash_a and_o idle_a word_n throughout_o our_o whole_a life_n shall_v be_v write_v down_o what_o a_o strange_a book_n will_v it_o be_v so_o much_o sin_n be_v commit_v by_o the_o tongue_n and_o such_o a_o unruly_a evil_n it_o be_v that_o david_n a_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o one_o that_o be_v eminent_a in_o grace_n too_o pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n to_o set_v a_o watch_n before_o his_o mouth_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o door_n of_o his_o lip_n 3._o the_o sin_n of_o the_o thought_n do_v show_v the_o wonderful_a corruption_n that_o be_v within_o in_o the_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o may_v soon_o convince_v we_o of_o our_o own_o vileness_n and_o make_v we_o cry_v out_o we_o be_v unclean_a we_o be_v unclean_a than_o a_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o our_o thought_n o_o how_o many_o proud_a thought_n wanton_a thought_n envious_a thought_n uncharitable_a thought_n discontent_a thought_n what_o a_o multitude_n of_o sinful_a thought_n arise_v in_o the_o heart_n in_o a_o little_a time_n then_o what_o a_o numberless_a number_n be_v there_o in_o one_o whole_a life_n that_o live_v any_o considerable_a time_n in_o the_o world_n none_o but_o he_o that_o tell_v the_o number_n of_o the_o star_n and_o call_v they_o all_o by_o their_o name_n be_v able_a to_o count_v the_o number_n of_o our_o vain_a and_o sinful_a thought_n and_o he_o know_v all_o the_o thought_n that_o come_v into_o our_o mind_n every_o one_o of_o they_o as_o for_o good_a and_o holy_a thought_n if_o god_n do_v not_o put_v they_o in_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o heart_n how_o rare_o shall_v we_o have_v a_o thought_n of_o god_n of_o death_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o eternal_a blessedness_n the_o thought_n of_o foolishness_n be_v sin_n though_o it_o never_o come_v into_o outward_a act_n there_o be_v heart_n adultery_n heart_n theft_n heart_n murder_n heart_n disobedience_n to_o parent_n heart_n blasphemy_n against_o god_n heart_n pride_n he_o know_v nothing_o almost_o of_o religion_n that_o know_v not_o that_o thought_n may_v be_v sin_n as_o well_o as_o outward_a act_n and_o that_o abundance_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v commit_v in_o the_o heart_n that_o never_o appear_v in_o the_o life_n after_o conversion_n nothing_o usual_o humble_v man_n more_o than_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o the_o unsuitableness_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o god_n sinful_a thought_n be_v far_o more_o before_o god_n wrought_v upon_o they_o but_o as_o believer_n grow_v more_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a the_o more_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o heart-sin_n and_o abhor_v themselves_o for_o they_o what_o shall_v i_o more_o say_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n whole_a volume_n may_v be_v write_v of_o this_o subject_a and_o yet_o the_o half_a no_o not_o the_o thousand_o part_n tell_v we_o of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n mark_v 7.21_o 22._o for_o from_o within_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n adultery_n fornication_n murder_n theft_n covetousness_n wickedness_n deceit_n a_o evil_a eye_n blasphemy_n pride_n foolishness_n and_o in_o jeremiah_n 17.9_o the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n and_o desperate_o wicked_a who_o can_v know_v it_o to_o treat_v full_o therefore_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n be_v one_o of_o the_o vast_a subject_n that_o can_v be_v speak_v of_o next_o to_o that_o of_o the_o immensity_n and_o infiniteness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n in_o christ_n but_o these_o few_o thing_n be_v write_v of_o it_o that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o plague_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n as_o a_o introduction_n to_o the_o follow_a discourse_n that_o we_o may_v see_v what_o need_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v pardon_v and_o sanctify_v through_o he_o by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v we_o may_v see_v what_o a_o gross_a and_o dangerous_a mistake_v it_o be_v of_o those_o that_o think_v there_o be_v no_o other_o conversion_n than_o be_v baptise_a and_o take_v upon_o we_o the_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n now_o that_o any_o shall_v speak_v thus_o and_o count_v all_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n about_o our_o eternal_a estate_n and_o look_v after_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o our_o soul_n to_o be_v enthusiasm_n melancholy_a and_o mopishness_n show_v their_o wonderful_a ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o their_o utter_a unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n when_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v so_o much_o of_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o take_v away_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v we_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n of_o write_v god_n law_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o put_v his_o fear_n into_o our_o heart_n of_o circumcise_n our_o heart_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o believe_v on_o christ_n of_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n to_o make_v all_o this_o to_o be_v only_o our_o be_v baptize_v and_o make_v a_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n show_v man_n to_o be_v whole_o stranger_n to_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o eternal_a life_n and_o such_o man_n as_o they_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o the_o case_n and_o condition_n of_o soul_n that_o be_v in_o spiritual_a trouble_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v cry_v out_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v so_o they_o prescribe_v as_o strange_a remedy_n for_o their_o cure_n as_o to_o be_v merry_a to_o go_v into_o company_n to_o play_v at_o card_n to_o go_v to_o play_n and_o such_o like_a when_o if_o they_o get_v rid_v of_o their_o trouble_n for_o sin_n by_o such_o mean_n and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o christ_n who_o only_o can_v give_v they_o rest_n their_o remedy_n be_v worse_a than_o their_o disease_n and_o they_o have_v better_o continue_v in_o their_o trouble_n of_o spirit_n than_o find_v ease_n by_o such_o thing_n common_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n chap_n ii_o that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v convert_v of_o soul_n god_n do_v first_o work_n upon_o man_n in_o a_o more_o common_a way_n make_v a_o change_n upon_o man_n which_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o a_o save_v work_n that_o there_o be_v a_o common_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o man_n as_o well_o as_o a_o special_a and_o save_a work_n appear_v by_o many_o scripture_n those_o hearer_n and_o professor_n that_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o stony_a ground_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n matth._n 13._o have_v common_a motion_n and_o working_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o have_v such_o as_o be_v call_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n that_o take_v
that_o think_v man_n have_v such_o a_o principle_n and_o seed_n of_o grace_n lie_v hide_v in_o his_o heart_n by_o nature_n which_o if_o it_o be_v draw_v forth_o by_o persuasion_n and_o exhortation_n and_o man_n will_v make_v use_n thereof_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convert_v he_o do_v not_o enough_o consider_v how_o utter_o corrupt_v every_o man_n be_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n and_o without_o any_o spiritual_a strength_n it_o be_v true_a man_n be_v reprove_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o love_a darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v and_o because_o they_o will_v not_o come_v to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n but_o such_o scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o imply_v that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o change_v our_o own_o heart_n will_n and_o affection_n that_o they_o show_v the_o to_o we_o invincible_a prejudice_n and_o opposition_n that_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o have_v neither_o power_n nor_o will_n to_o turn_v unto_o he_o such_o say_n of_o the_o 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and_o prize_v of_o christ_n that_o come_v not_o from_o a_o principle_n of_o grace_n infuse_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n into_o the_o heart_n but_o be_v the_o mere_a struggle_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n to_o get_v from_o under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n will_v bring_v no_o man_n to_o heaven_n neither_o do_v these_o working_n of_o the_o heart_n answer_v to_o those_o command_n of_o god_n to_o believe_v and_o to_o repent_v but_o be_v only_o a_o show_n of_o those_o grace_n they_o be_v something_o like_o conversion_n but_o be_v not_o conversion_n this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v may_v be_v illustrate_v from_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o stony_a ground_n matth._n 13._o to_o which_o they_o be_v compare_v that_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n and_o for_o a_o time_n believe_v and_o after_o fall_v away_o this_o be_v only_o some_o sudden_a flash_n from_o the_o natural_a working_n of_o the_o heart_n upon_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n accompany_v with_o some_o common_a conviction_n and_o common_a working_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o the_o text_n say_v they_o have_v no_o root_n they_o have_v not_o the_o root_n and_o habit_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o soul_n plant_v in_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o whence_o these_o thing_n do_v proceed_v if_o any_o shall_v say_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v these_o sudden_a working_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o flash_n of_o seem_a conversion_n that_o arise_v but_o from_o natural_a conscience_n awaken_v and_o startle_v with_o common_a conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o in_o balaam_n herod_n felix_n and_o such_o as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n from_o that_o believe_a repent_v and_o those_o spiritual_a affection_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o habit_n and_o principle_n of_o grace_n put_v into_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o difference_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o permanency_n and_o continuance_n such_o sudden_a flash_n as_o be_v in_o balaam_n be_v soon_o over_o and_o leave_v the_o heart_n unmortified_a unpurged_a but_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n be_v eternal_a and_o remain_v for_o ever_o where_o there_o be_v the_o root_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n though_o it_o be_v not_o always_o put_v forth_o itself_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o fix_a principle_n and_o desire_n in_o the_o heart_n to_o admire_v free_a grace_n to_o prize_n christ_n and_o to_o cleave_v to_o christ_n to_o mourn_v for_o sin_n and_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n though_o there_o be_v not_o always_o the_o same_o vigour_n and_o activity_n of_o grace_n in_o such_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o fix_a bent_n and_o inclination_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n towards_o the_o lord_n which_o no_o time_n can_v wear_v off_o which_o no_o temptation_n and_o opposition_n can_v whole_o quench_v and_o extinguish_v but_o to_o come_v near_o to_o this_o point_n to_o make_v it_o most_o manifest_a that_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o mere_a grace_n and_o power_n of_o god_n 1._o many_o that_o have_v the_o great_a outward_a mean_n of_o grace_n be_v never_o convert_v though_o they_o have_v godly_a parent_n which_o instruct_v they_o diligent_o and_o live_v under_o excellent_a preach_n and_o have_v meet_v with_o many_o startle_a providence_n and_o great_a affliction_n yet_o they_o be_v never_o bring_v home_o to_o god_n when_o as_o other_o that_o have_v carnal_a parent_n that_o set_v they_o very_o bad_a example_n and_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o ignorant_a and_o profane_a place_n and_o family_n and_o have_v live_v where_o there_o have_v be_v very_o poor_a and_o dark_a preach_n be_v sometime_o convert_v this_o show_v that_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o mere_a grace_n and_o power_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v some_o godly_a parent_n after_o many_o and_o many_o prayer_n for_o their_o child_n and_o great_a care_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n have_v so_o little_a fruit_n of_o all_o that_o thev_n count_v it_o a_o great_a matter_n if_o their_o poor_a child_n have_v a_o little_a civility_n and_o common_a morality_n it_o may_v be_v they_o have_v not_o that_o but_o be_v profane_a esau_n and_o rebellious_a absolom_n when_o as_o other_o that_o have_v have_v wicked_a parent_n that_o prejudice_v they_o what_o they_o can_v against_o religion_n from_o their_o infancy_n and_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o look_v after_o christ_n have_v oppose_v they_o with_o great_a rigour_n threaten_v to_o turn_v they_o out_o of_o door_n and_o never_o own_v they_o or_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o they_o if_o they_o follow_v religion_n yet_o they_o be_v turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o can_v be_v beat_v off_o from_o his_o way_n this_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o invincible_a power_n of_o god_n that_o work_v in_o they_o that_o believe_v 2._o some_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o the_o lord_n begin_v to_o convince_v they_o and_o convert_v they_o have_v be_v go_v on_o as_o desperate_o and_o resolute_o in_o their_o sin_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v all_o their_o day_n as_o paul_n be_v go_v to_o damascus_n to_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v as_o himself_o after_o confess_v mad_a and_o outrageous_a against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yet_o then_o and_o in_o that_o journey_n the_o lord_n convert_v he_o act_n 9_o be_v not_o this_o the_o mere_a grace_n and_o power_n of_o god_n some_o have_v go_v to_o hear_v godly_a minister_n on_o purpose_n to_o scoff_n at_o they_o or_o bring_v they_o into_o trouble_n and_z yet_o have_v be_v convert_v at_o the_o hear_n of_o they_o find_v a_o marvellous_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o heart_n which_o be_v very_o strange_a to_o they_o and_o fill_v they_o with_o astonishment_n at_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o power_n of_o god_n some_o ignorant_a and_o carnal_a people_n who_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o sermon_n have_v slight_v and_o despise_v it_o and_o the_o preacher_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o have_v be_v fill_v with_o indignation_n yet_o by_o and_o by_o before_o the_o sermon_n have_v be_v end_v something_o have_v be_v set_v home_o upon_o their_o heart_n that_o have_v convince_v they_o of_o their_o miserable_a estate_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o christ_n for_o help_v and_o salvation_n some_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o they_o be_v convert_v have_v be_v more_o indispose_v and_o unwilling_a to_o hear_v the_o word_n then_o at_o other_o time_n but_o be_v even_o as_o it_o be_v hurry_v and_o thrust_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o and_o when_o they_o have_v come_v there_o have_v be_v more_o drowsy_a sleepy_a and_o unwilling_a to_o hear_v the_o word_n than_o they_o use_v to_o be_v when_o lo_o on_o a_o sudden_a the_o lord_n awaken_v and_o startle_v their_o conscience_n
by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o if_o he_o himself_o have_v speak_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n to_o they_o by_o name_n and_o so_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v that_o unlikely_a time_n the_o time_n of_o love_n and_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n to_o their_o soul_n sometime_o when_o minister_n have_v be_v straighten_v in_o their_o affection_n and_o expression_n in_o preach_v more_o than_o they_o have_v use_v to_o be_v that_o they_o have_v go_v on_o heavy_o in_o the_o work_n and_o haver_n reflect_v upon_o their_o service_n with_o much_o humiliation_n to_o their_o own_o spirit_n yet_o god_n have_v sometime_o do_v much_o by_o such_o weak_a mean_n and_o convert_v some_o effectual_o at_o that_o time_n that_o there_o have_v be_v more_o good_a do_v at_o that_o time_n then_o at_o many_o other_o time_n so_o far_o as_o come_v to_o their_o knowledge_n when_o they_o have_v be_v much_o assist_v in_o the_o work_n god_n know_v how_o his_o faithful_a servant_n will_v preach_v and_o set_v forth_o his_o truth_n and_o he_o be_v please_v to_o enlarge_v thing_n by_o the_o inward_a light_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o hearer_n sometime_o above_o what_o they_o do_v sufficient_o clear_a to_o they_o all_o these_o observation_n run_v into_o this_o that_o god_n work_v all_o in_o all_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o that_o minister_n can_v do_v no_o good_a nor_o people_n that_o hear_v they_o receive_v any_o good_a but_o as_o it_o be_v give_v from_o above_o and_o when_o he_o will_v work_v nothing_o shall_v let_v it_o not_o the_o ignorant_a indisposedness_n and_o prejudice_n of_o the_o hearer_n nor_o the_o defect_n and_o weakness_n of_o his_o servant_n that_o speak_v in_o his_o name_n 3._o some_o of_o the_o worst_a natural_a temper_n not_o only_o of_o the_o weak_a part_n but_o of_o most_o froward_a and_o cross_a spirit_n be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o man_n of_o ripe_a wit_n and_o of_o more_o affable_a and_o courteous_a nature_n be_v never_o convert_v unto_o god_n those_o difference_n among_o man_n that_o arise_v from_o their_o constitution_n of_o body_n whether_o it_o be_v for_o the_o better_a or_o the_o worse_a alter_v not_o the_o case_n god_n have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n god_n can_v convert_v those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o worst_a natural_a temper_n and_o without_o he_o infuse_v grace_n those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o sweet_a natural_a disposition_n will_v never_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n yea_o the_o composedness_n of_o their_o natural_a temper_n may_v turn_v much_o to_o their_o prejudice_n make_v they_o think_v they_o be_v in_o a_o good_a estate_n because_o they_o do_v not_o break_v out_o into_o such_o passion_n and_o intemperances_n that_o other_o be_v very_o subject_a to_o although_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o any_o new_a birth_n and_o sanctify_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o their_o soul_n 4._o some_o very_a dissolute_a and_o profane_a person_n be_v convert_v and_o many_o other_o that_o be_v free_a from_o such_o gross_a vice_n be_v never_o bear_v again_o publican_n and_o harlot_n and_o such_o as_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v sometime_o bring_v to_o a_o sight_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o christ_n when_o other_o that_o never_o be_v so_o vile_a go_v on_o quiet_o rest_v in_o their_o formality_n and_o morality_n and_o never_o see_v their_o need_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o work_n of_o grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o so_o perish_v for_o ever_o when_o god_n do_v convert_v man_n that_o have_v be_v notorious_a sinner_n fill_v with_o all_o unrighteousness_n drunkard_n swearer_n scoffer_n at_o religion_n and_o old_a in_o sin_n too_o habituate_v and_o accustom_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_n he_o proclaim_v unto_o we_o that_o the_o power_n of_o convert_v soul_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n it_o be_v true_a it_o do_v require_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o god_n power_n to_o convince_v a_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi that_o trust_v in_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v righteous_a and_o despise_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o as_o a_o poor_a lose_v and_o undo_v sinner_n to_o seek_v for_o life_n from_o christ_n and_o in_o some_o respect_v such_o have_v great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v carry_v through_o to_o christ_n than_o other_o yet_o in_o regard_n that_o some_o of_o the_o other_o sort_n be_v so_o outrageous_a in_o sin_n and_o almost_o down_o right_a atheist_n that_o make_v a_o mock_n and_o jeer_v of_o all_o religion_n and_o regard_n of_o god_n and_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o the_o lord_n please_v to_o convert_v such_o as_o sometime_o he_o do_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o god_n power_n shine_v forth_o most_o eminent_o therein_o when_o the_o passage_n of_o man_n conversion_n shall_v be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o everlasting_a wonderment_n and_o astonishment_n to_o angel_n and_o man_n for_o than_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v admire_v for_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o all_o that_o believe_v last_o that_o i_o may_v stand_v no_o long_o upon_o this_o point_n let_v we_o consider_v a_o few_o place_n of_o scripture_n more_o that_o beyond_o all_o contradiction_n to_o establish_v this_o truth_n that_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n alone_o it_o be_v say_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n work_v towards_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o that_o according_a to_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a ephes_n 1.19_o 20._o he_o that_o have_v wrought_v we_o to_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n be_v god_n 2_o corin._n 5.5_o hence_o it_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a expression_n that_o we_o common_o use_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n conversion_n to_o say_v they_o be_v wrought_v upon_o at_o such_o a_o time_n for_o indeed_o except_o god_n have_v wrought_v they_o by_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o this_o self_n same_o thing_n they_o have_v never_o turn_v from_o sin_n to_o christ_n a_o new_a heart_n also_o will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n ezek._n 36.26_o 27._o in_o conversion_n the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v secret_o infuse_v into_o the_o heart_n as_o life_n into_o a_o dead_a man_n the_o soul_n be_v passive_a at_o first_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v of_o god_n in_o reference_n unto_o this_o work_n jam._n 1.18_o that_o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o of_o his_o own_o will_n that_o show_n it_o be_v of_o his_o own_o mere_a grace_n and_o when_o it_o be_v say_v he_o beget_v we_o that_o show_n that_o it_o be_v of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v first_o passive_a in_o the_o work_n when_o a_o soul_n be_v convert_v it_o do_v repent_v and_o do_v act_n say_v on_o christ_n and_o be_v active_a in_o a_o way_n of_o grace_n but_o first_o the_o lord_n beget_v we_o spiritual_o and_o in_o use_n spiritual_a life_n we_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o the_o soul_n never_o act_v at_o all_o first_o or_o last_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o create_a habit_n of_o grace_n but_o first_o the_o lord_n infuse_v the_o habit_n of_o grace_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v passive_a and_o the_o soul_n be_v change_v and_o sanctify_v thereby_o through_o the_o help_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n exciting_a and_o assist_v that_o new_a spiritual_a life_n put_v into_o we_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o put_v forth_o act_n of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o other_o grace_n first_o the_o lord_n put_v spiritual_a life_n into_o we_o and_o then_o in_o he_o through_o his_o concurrence_n and_o secret_a assistance_n we_o move_v and_o act_v spiritual_o and_o gracious_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o god_n first_o give_v repentance_n and_o then_o we_o repent_v god_n first_o give_v faith_n and_o then_o we_o believe_v all_o those_o scripture_n be_v it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n give_v repentance_n and_o give_v faith_n and_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v may_v all_o be_v insist_v on_o for_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n alone_o likewise_o all_o those_o scripture_n that_o set_v forth_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o saint_n even_o after_o they_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n how_o they_o yet_o cry_v out_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o body_n of_o death_n what_o need_v they_o