way_n clear_o contradict_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v concern_v the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o be_o concern_v to_o prove_v for_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n to_o consist_v in_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o stone_n take_v away_o as_o well_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o flesh_n give_v in_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n as_o well_o as_o in_o put_v on_o the_o new_a and_o when_o st._n paul_n say_v he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o be_v the_o old_a creature_n too_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o all_o old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a now_o thus_o i_o argue_v if_o these_o expression_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v literal_o than_o it_o be_v literal_o true_a that_o the_o old_a man_n the_o old_a creature_n be_v put_v off_o etc._n etc._n as_o well_o as_o the_o new_a man_n put_v on_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n to_o affirm_v regeneration_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n literal_o understand_v to_o the_o old_a last_o since_o the_o scripture_n do_v express_v the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n by_o phrase_n which_o literal_o and_o proper_o take_v do_v some_o of_o they_o signify_v the_o addition_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n to_o the_o old_a and_o other_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o old_a nature_n with_o a_o substitution_n of_o the_o new_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n shall_v be_v intend_v thus_o i_o have_v prove_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o these_o expression_n to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v before_o prove_v the_o absurd_a consequence_n which_o understand_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n be_v chargeable_a with_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v the_o consequence_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v clear_a that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o and_o proper_o then_o be_v they_o to_o be_v understand_v figurative_o and_o metaphorical_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v reasonable_o desire_v for_o the_o far_o clear_n of_o this_o point_n but_o to_o answer_v our_o author_n argument_n against_o it_o which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n propose_v sect_n 3._o all_o that_o he_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a which_o can_v pretend_v to_o 〈◊〉_d argue_v 175._o we_o have_v sect._n 7._o where_o his_o argument_n against_o the_o metaphorical_a use_n of_o these_o expression_n be_v two_o though_o they_o be_v there_o jumble_v together_o by_o he_o without_o any_o distinction_n whereof_o one_o lie_n against_o affirm_v regeneration_n to_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n or_o rather_o such_o a_o expression_n of_o what_o he_o say_v his_o adversary_n understand_v by_o it_o the_o other_o lie_v against_o the_o supposition_n of_o any_o metaphorical_a expression_n whatsoever_o 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and_o proper_o express_v the_o difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o they_o arise_v from_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v in_o they_o and_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o apprehend_v such_o thing_n and_o not_o from_o any_o obscurity_n or_o intricacy_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o therefore_o some_o do_v well_o to_o judge_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v deep_a and_o mysterious_a and_o the_o word_n of_o it_o to_o be_v plain_a and_o proper_a if_o there_o be_v any_o coherence_n in_o this_o argue_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v this_o if_o there_o be_v a_o mysterious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n intend_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v it_o be_v plain_a and_o proper_a and_o such_o a_o mysterious_a work_n there_o be_v otherwise_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a beyond_o all_o other_o write_n because_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v proper_a expression_n of_o such_o a_o mysterious_a work_n i_o begin_v with_o this_o latter_a argument_n first_o of_o all_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o doctor_n be_v conclusion_n that_o we_o may_v afterward_o see_v whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o premise_n if_o he_o conclude_v any_o thing_n against_o his_o adversary_n he_o conclude_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v use_v no_o metaphorical_a expression_n at_o all_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o he_o say_v herein_o indeed_o consist_v the_o main_a controversy_n whereunto_o thing_n with_o the_o most_o be_v reduce_v viz._n that_o he_o and_o his_o friend_n judge_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v mysterious_a and_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n proper_a that_o be_v all_z the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o for_o if_o he_o conclude_v only_o that_o some_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v proper_a and_o not_o figurative_a expression_n he_o conclude_v what_o none_o of_o his_o adversary_n deny_v and_o unless_o he_o conclude_v universal_o he_o prove_v nothing_o now_o by_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v convince_v our_o author_n that_o he_o have_v conclude_v amiss_o for_o himself_o by_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n that_o he_o elsewhere_o acknowledge_v that_o very_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o debate_n to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n metaphorical_o express_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v express_v there_o by_o quicken_a from_o death_n to_o life_n it_o be_v also_o express_v by_o turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n now_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a our_o author_n word_n be_v these_o the_o term_n of_o darkness_n in_o this_o case_n be_v metaphorical_a and_o borrow_v from_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a as_o to_o the_o former_a these_o there_o in_o be_v man_n a_o spiritual_a death_n call_v so_o metaphorical_o from_o the_o analogy_n and_o proportion_n that_o it_o bear_v to_o death_n natural_a let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o doctor_n be_v argument_n will_v not_o vnmetaphor_n these_o expression_n again_o if_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n intend_v in_o these_o expression_n than_o they_o be_v not_o metaphorical_a if_o no_o such_o work_n be_v intend_v by_o they_o then_o be_v the_o scripture_n obscure_a beyond_o all_o other_o writer_n if_o he_o can_v answer_v his_o argument_n for_o himself_o he_o can_v answer_v it_o for_o we_o too_o and_o then_o regeneration_n in_o particular_a will_v prove_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n for_o if_o death_n be_v so_o then_o life_n be_v so_o too_o and_o be_v bear_v into_o that_o life_n will_v unavoidable_o be_v so_o likewise_o some_o of_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v these_o matter_n the_o doctor_n allow_v to_o be_v metaphorical_a so_o that_o the_o controversy_n we_o have_v with_o he_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v
regeneration_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o meaning_n and_o intendment_n of_o the_o scripture_n therein_o which_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n be_v at_o present_a suppose_a to_o be_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a therefore_o i_o say_v the_o gospel_n in_o this_o matter_n must_v be_v so_o too_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o man_n but_o those_o who_o have_v be_v so_o long_o use_v to_o nonsense_n that_o they_o reckon_v nothing_o intelligible_a but_o what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o nothing_o unintelligible_a but_o what_o they_o do_v possible_o the_o doctor_n will_v grant_v that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o gospel_n be_v intelligible_a to_o those_o who_o do_v understand_v this_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o regeneration_n but_o he_o will_v pretend_v that_o it_o be_v unintelligible_a how_o these_o expression_n of_o be_v regenerate_v and_o create_v etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v metaphorical_a expression_n of_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a christian_n some_o such_o thing_n he_o intimate_v within_o a_o few_o line_n after_o in_o these_o word_n other_o judge_v that_o under_o a_o grandeur_n of_o word_n and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n thing_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o low_a sense_n be_v intend_v and_o to_o be_v understand_v so_o that_o our_o author_n seem_v unable_a to_o understand_v how_o such_o grand_a and_o lofty_a phrase_n as_o be_v regenerate_v create_v and_o quicken_v from_o death_n shall_v come_v to_o signify_v such_o a_o creep_a attainment_n as_o that_o of_o be_v true_o good_a and_o virtuous_a alas_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o the_o gospel_n upright_o and_o universal_o these_o be_v but_o thing_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o low_a sense_n and_o it_o be_v unintelligible_a how_o they_o shall_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o grandeur_n of_o such_o hyperbolical_a expression_n as_o regeneration_n and_o the_o new_a creation_n be_v tell_v we_o then_o i_o pray_v what_o be_v those_o thing_n of_o a_o noble_a and_o lofty_a sense_n than_o those_o which_o must_v be_v understand_v by_o these_o grand_a expression_n forsooth_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o proper_a and_o literal_a signification_n of_o these_o expression_n viz._n that_o man_n be_v proper_o create_v bear_v again_o and_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a when_o they_o be_v qualify_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n these_o indeed_o be_v lofty_a thing_n but_o so_o unfit_a be_v they_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o those_o expression_n that_o they_o can_v be_v understand_v at_o all_o and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o understand_v those_o phrase_n our_o author_n have_v implicit_o confess_v but_o two_o line_n before_o where_o he_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v so_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o condescension_n to_o our_o capacity_n so_o as_o that_o there_o be_v still_o a_o inexpressible_a grandeur_n in_o many_o of_o they_o beyond_o our_o comprehension_n now_o if_o the_o mystery_n of_o that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o our_o heart_n whereby_o we_o be_v fit_v for_o heaven_n be_v so_o express_v by_o these_o phrase_n then_o let_v he_o mark_v what_o follow_v viz._n 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o require_v to_o understand_v these_o phrase_n in_o their_o proper_a meaning_n for_o as_o i_o have_v show_v it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o understand_v with_o the_o least_o congruity_n therefore_o if_o the_o scripture_n in_o any_o measure_n condescend_v to_o our_o capacity_n in_o use_v those_o expression_n the_o literal_a sense_n of_o they_o be_v not_o intend_v 2._o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v say_v to_o condescend_v to_o our_o capacity_n it_o be_v always_o by_o the_o use_n of_o metaphor_n thus_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v hand_n and_o eye_n and_o this_o with_o condescension_n to_o our_o capacity_n but_o sure_o you_o will_v not_o say_v that_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v these_o expression_n proper_o but_o that_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v his_o power_n and_o by_o his_o eye_n his_o knowledge_n now_o if_o the_o scripture_n condescend_v to_o our_o capacity_n in_o represent_v the_o mention_a effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n by_o regeneration_n creation_n etc._n etc._n then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n these_o be_v metaphorical_a expression_n too_o by_o the_o use_n of_o which_o for_o the_o express_v of_o those_o effect_n the_o scripture_n condescend_v to_o our_o capacity_n last_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v still_o in_o these_o thing_n a_o inexpressible_a grandeur_n beyond_o our_o comprehension_n if_o the_o grandeur_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v express_v by_o a_o grandeur_n of_o word_n proper_a to_o the_o thing_n the_o grandeur_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o inexpressible_a as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v the_o proper_a meaning_n also_o of_o be_v bear_v and_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o clear_o comprehend_v i_o suppose_v how_o happen_v it_o then_o that_o the_o thing_n proper_o mean_v by_o these_o word_n be_v beyond_o his_o comprehension_n that_o it_o be_v beyond_o his_o comprehension_n or_o any_o man_n else_o that_o the_o same_o person_n shall_v in_o the_o proper_a sense_n be_v bear_v create_v and_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a all_o at_o once_o i_o do_v not_o question_v since_o it_o be_v sufficient_o incomprehensible_a that_o contradiction_n may_v be_v true_a but_o then_o they_o be_v the_o contradiction_n imply_v in_o the_o proper_a acceptation_n of_o these_o phrase_n in_o our_o present_a case_n which_o make_v the_o thing_n incomprehensible_a for_o set_v the_o contradiction_n aside_o and_o you_o can_v deny_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o those_o word_n to_o be_v beyond_o your_o comprehension_n i._n e._n you_o can_v as_o well_o comprehend_v what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o man_n to_o be_v proper_o bear_v create_v quicken_v awaken_v by_o the_o same_o numerical_a act_n as_o what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o man_n to_o be_v first_o create_v then_o bear_v then_o quicken_v and_o the_o like_a so_o that_o if_o our_o author_n have_v mark_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o he_o may_v lawful_o affirm_v the_o thing_n suppose_v to_o be_v proper_o express_v by_o these_o phrase_n to_o be_v beyond_o his_o comprehension_n he_o will_v have_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v the_o contradiction_n imply_v in_o the_o supposition_n that_o those_o phrase_n do_v proper_o express_v it_o have_v he_o therefore_o consider_v his_o own_o word_n he_o have_v present_o see_v that_o his_o sublime_a nonsense_n be_v none_o of_o those_o lofty_a thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o regeneration_n i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o in_o confute_v this_o pretence_n of_o these_o man_n that_o these_o scripture-phrase_n be_v proper_o to_o be_v understand_v because_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o those_o wild_a doctrine_n concern_v grace_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o conversion_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o holiness_n which_o they_o have_v introduce_v into_o divinity_n be_v it_o not_o for_o their_o amuse_v the_o people_n with_o such_o discourse_n about_o regeneration_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n as_o if_o they_o be_v literal_o to_o be_v understand_v it_o be_v as_o unlikely_a for_o they_o to_o persuade_v the_o mean_a of_o their_o hearer_n that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v convert_v till_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o hinder_v it_o that_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v in_o a_o moment_n that_o before_o that_o moment_n come_v the_o very_o best_a action_n of_o man_n be_v sin_n as_o it_o will_v be_v that_o the_o romanist_n shall_v cheat_v so_o many_o ignorant_a soul_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n have_v they_o not_o a_o weak_a pretence_n for_o that_o doctrine_n from_o the_o sound_n of_o those_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o they_o contend_v be_v literal_o and_o not_o figurative_o to_o be_v understand_v the_o people_n of_o both_o these_o party_n be_v to_o be_v pity_v since_o they_o equal_o surrender_v up_o their_o understanding_n to_o their_o guide_n and_o receive_v their_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n without_o examine_v they_o and_o then_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o say_v this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o create_v and_o quicken_v etc._n etc._n they_o come_v to_o believe_v nonsense_n i._n e._n that_o these_o expression_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o their_o proper_a sense_n as_o their_o master_n teach_v they_o but_o how_o they_o themselves_o can_v be_v excuse_v since_o i_o fear_v they_o can_v but_o be_v aware_a of_o the_o dishonour_n that_o be_v do_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o mischief_n which_o may_v happen_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o such_o a_o absurd_a use_n of_o scripture-metaphor_n as_o that_o i_o can_v understand_v some_o of_o they_o i_o
the_o proper_a sense_n but_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o so_o learned_a a_o man_n as_o dr._n owen_n can_v excuse_v himself_o from_o dishonesty_n for_o make_v this_o construction_n of_o it_o which_o must_v appear_v ridiculous_a to_o any_o consider_a man_n however_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o have_v give_v a_o plain_a and_o reasonable_a account_n of_o the_o use_n of_o these_o metaphor_n by_o show_v wherein_o the_o similitude_n lie_v between_o the_o proper_a and_o figurative_a signification_n of_o they_o and_o hereby_o i_o may_v have_v help_v our_o author_n to_o conceive_v it_o a_o very_a possible_a thing_n that_o the_o scripture_n mean_v nothing_o more_o by_o those_o grand_a and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n as_o he_o call_v they_o of_o be_v regenerate_v etc._n etc._n then_o become_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o adversary_n notion_n of_o a_o regenerate_v man_n thus_o also_o i_o have_v show_v how_o far_o we_o may_v argue_v from_o these_o scripture_n metaphor_n if_o any_o man_n can_v go_v further_o and_o find_v out_o more_o similitude_n between_o the_o metaphor_n and_o that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v his_o adversary_n provide_v he_o keep_v himself_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o proper_a signification_n of_o any_o one_o or_o all_o these_o metaphor_n to_o conclude_v something_o parallel_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o believer_n to_o every_o thing_n which_o can_v proper_o be_v affirm_v of_o they_o be_v to_o run_v upon_o such_o wild_a and_o absurd_a consequence_n as_o any_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o and_o any_o good_a man_n will_v be_v afraid_a to_o fasten_v upon_o the_o scripture_n how_o our_o author_n argue_v from_o they_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o as_o to_o state_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o regeneration_n sect_n 10._o though_o i_o have_v as_o i_o conceive_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o be_v to_o become_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n yet_o for_o further_a confirmation_n and_o because_o it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o the_o ordinary_a reader_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o plain_a that_o this_o notion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n to_o nicodemus_n joh._n 3._o which_o be_v the_o most_o famous_a place_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n where_o this_o phrase_n be_v use_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a way_n of_o interpret_n any_o difficult_a passage_n in_o divine_a or_o humane_a author_n to_o observe_v the_o design_n of_o that_o whole_a discourse_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v and_o then_o to_o fix_v such_o a_o meaning_n upon_o that_o passage_n as_o be_v apparent_o suitable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o author_n if_o the_o word_n will_v bear_v that_o meaning_n that_o the_o phrase_n of_o be_v regenerate_v will_v bear_v that_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v assign_v to_o it_o i_o have_v show_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o clear_a argument_n from_o other_o scripture_n wherefore_o if_o i_o show_v also_o that_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o phrase_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o plain_a scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o discourse_n where_o he_o make_v the_o first_o mention_n of_o it_o that_o we_o read_v of_o nothing_o can_v be_v further_o desire_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n may_v easy_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o plain_a passage_n of_o it_o and_o then_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v this_o 1._o to_o show_v that_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n 2._o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o the_o former_a we_o find_v vers_fw-la 16._o for_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n i._n e._n this_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o save_v mankind_n viz._n by_o faith_n in_o his_o son_n who_o be_v to_o be_v lift_v up_o upon_o the_o cross_n as_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n a_o rude_a savage_a place_n and_o so_o fit_a to_o be_v the_o figure_n of_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o christ_n come_v to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 14_o 15._o now_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o man_n thus_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o no_o man_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v refuse_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o sacrifice_n for_o though_o indeed_o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v vers_fw-la 17._o yet_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o vers_fw-la 18._o be_v in_o a_o state_n to_o which_o condemnation_n belong_v and_o that_o a_o more_o severe_a one_o for_o refuse_v so_o gracious_a a_o opportunity_n of_o salvation_n as_o be_v now_o offer_v 2._o our_o saviour_n show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o man_n that_o believe_v not_o and_o that_o by_o note_v 1._o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o disbelieved_a 2._o the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o unbelief_n the_o former_a he_o admonish_v nicodemus_n of_o in_o these_o word_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o we_o speak_v that_o we_o do_v know_v and_o testify_v that_o we_o have_v see_v and_o you_o receive_v not_o our_o testimony_n vers_fw-la 11._o i._n e._n you_o believe_v not_o my_o doctrine_n concern_v that_o only_a way_n by_o which_o you_o must_v come_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n although_o it_o be_v evident_o true_a for_o this_o be_v that_o very_a message_n which_o i_o bring_v you_o from_o god_n this_o be_v that_o counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n which_o i_o come_v from_o he_o to_o testify_v unto_o you_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o that_o now_o this_o you_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v those_o miracle_n that_o i_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o v._n 2._o how_o strange_o incredulous_a therefore_o be_v you_o that_o yet_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o deliver_v that_o doctrine_n which_o by_o these_o testimony_n of_o my_o come_n from_o god_n i_o confirm_v for_o i_o prove_v that_o i_o have_v see_v and_o know_v what_o i_o testify_v i_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o say_v by_o those_o argument_n that_o convince_v you_o that_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n hence_o we_o may_v probable_o gather_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n and_o no_o man_n have_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n vers_n 13._o to_o be_v this_o no_o man_n have_v know_v the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o save_a mankind_n viz._n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n no_o man_n have_v thus_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o be_v come_v from_o heaven_n who_o god_n have_v send_v to_o reveal_v this_o to_o you_o even_o he_o who_o now_o speak_v to_o you_o who_o be_o in_o heaven_n who_o know_v the_o purpose_n and_o intention_n of_o my_o father_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o more_o probable_a interpretation_n of_o this_o difficult_a place_n than_o that_o which_o suppose_v our_o saviour_n to_o speak_v here_o of_o his_o local_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n afterward_o because_o 1._o the_o word_n themselves_o seem_v not_o well_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o future_a ascension_n 2._o as_o grotius_n have_v well_o show_v the_o phrase_n of_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n be_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n viz._n of_o gain_v knowledge_n from_o god_n as_o in_o prov._n 30.3_o 4._o and_o 3._o if_o thus_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n than_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v here_o have_v a_o clear_a connexion_n with_o vers_fw-la 11._o where_o he_o rebuke_v the_o jew_n for_o not_o believe_v his_o revelation_n tax_v they_o of_o unreasonableness_n for_o it_o since_o he_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o have_v see_v and_o know_v from_o god_n and_o also_o with_o the_o precedent_a verse_n where_o by_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n our_o saviour_n
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