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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 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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
consideration_n be_v a_o clear_a compliance_n with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o a_o mark_n of_o regeneration_n i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v a_o competent_a instance_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v prove_v himself_o to_o be_v regenerate_v by_o his_o spiritual_a understanding_n of_o thing_n but_o how_o he_o come_v to_o understand_v they_o so_o spiritual_o you_o hear_v before_o viz._n by_o a_o almighty_a power_n which_o induce_v a_o new_a save_a light_n into_o his_o mind_n for_o i_o suppose_v he_o have_v not_o a_o way_n by_o himself_o of_o arrive_v at_o this_o felicity_n this_o now_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o if_o you_o spiritual_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n you_o must_v not_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n but_o if_o you_o ask_v the_o doctor_n why_o you_o can_v understand_v it_o as_o he_o do_v his_o answer_n be_v because_o you_o be_v not_o enlighten_v and_o regenerate_v by_o the_o irresistible_a work_n for_o where_o this_o work_n be_v not_o that_o spiritual_a thing_n can_v be_v so_o understand_v and_o where_o it_o be_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o understand_v now_o then_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o the_o doctor_n prove_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o regenerate_a man_n he_o prove_v it_o clear_o by_o his_o understanding_n the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n in_o that_o spiritual_a manner_n wherein_o he_o understand_v it_o and_o at_o this_o rate_n i_o think_v a_o man_n may_v prove_v any_o thing_n thus_o the_o doctor_n tell_v we_o how_o the_o purify_n virtue_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v apply_v to_o we_o by_o faith_n 401._o but_o in_o so_o mystical_a a_o manner_n that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v it_o himself_o and_o therefore_o say_v he_o when_o you_o understand_v these_o thing_n you_o will_v not_o think_v it_o so_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v appoint_v this_o way_n of_o believe_v only_o as_o the_o mean_n to_o interest_n we_o in_o the_o purify_n virtue_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o truth_n be_v before_o he_o have_v do_v with_o that_o point_n he_o have_v make_v it_o so_o unintelligible_a that_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o keep_v up_o his_o reader_n in_o heart_n withal_o but_o by_o promise_v they_o that_o when_o they_o understand_v those_o thing_n they_o will_v not_o think_v they_o strange_a i._n e._n when_o that_o new_a save_a light_n be_v once_o dart_v into_o their_o mind_n by_o which_o the_o doctor_n discern_v spiritual_a mystery_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o caution_n they_o against_o those_o that_o pretend_v the_o believe_v he_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o work_n of_o the_o fancy_n in_o these_o word_n despise_v their_o ignorance_n for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v when_o man_n come_v to_o the_o real_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n the_o practice_n of_o believe_v that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n will_v cleanse_v they_o from_o their_o sin_n they_o will_v find_v what_o it_o be_v to_o discard_v all_o other_o way_n and_o pretence_n of_o cleanse_v viz._n a_o sincere_a reformation_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n what_o it_o be_v to_o give_v unto_o god_n against_o all_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n i._n e._n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o absurd_a to_o imagine_v this_o make_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o attribute_n in_o find_v out_o this_o way_n for_o we_o again_o after_o he_o have_v give_v such_o a_o description_n of_o gospel-holiness_n as_o any_o one_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o that_o pretend_v to_o a_o intelligible_a religion_n he_o hope_v to_o make_v up_o all_o with_o say_v 421._o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v be_v deep_a and_o mysterious_a not_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o the_o aid_n of_o spiritual_a light_n in_o our_o mind_n so_o that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o the_o doctor_n say_v the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o you_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o at_o this_o rate_n any_o man_n may_v write_v nonsense_n safe_o enough_o and_o put_v it_o off_o for_o a_o gospel-mystery_n when_o he_o have_v do_v for_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v understand_v though_o you_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o for_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o spiritual_a light_n and_o if_o you_o understand_v it_o not_o it_o be_v because_o you_o rely_v upon_o carnal_a reason_n and_o have_v not_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o thus_o the_o doctor_n tell_v we_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n have_v other_o notion_n of_o holiness_n than_o he_o have_v be_v their_o ignorance_n and_o hatred_n of_o the_o only_a true_a real_a principle_n of_o evangelical_n holiness_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v for_o what_o the_o world_n know_v not_o in_o these_o thing_n it_o always_o hate_v and_o they_o can_v discern_v it_o clear_o or_o in_o its_o own_o light_n and_o evidence_n for_o it_o must_v be_v spiritual_o discern_v this_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v do_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o and_o in_o that_o false_a light_n of_o corrupt_a reason_n wherein_o they_o discern_v and_o judge_v it_o they_o esteem_v it_o foolishness_n and_o fancy_n so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n what_o the_o natural_a man_n a_o man_n that_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n he_o can_v to_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o these_o matter_n till_o that_o new_a light_n be_v create_v in_o his_o mind_n by_o the_o help_n whereof_o this_o author_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v talk_v of_o sublime_a mystery_n which_o we_o use_v to_o call_v nonsense_n and_o yet_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o though_o he_o confess_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o now_o the_o doctor_n be_v as_o safe_a as_o may_v be_v if_o he_o can_v thus_o make_v his_o reader_n believe_v that_o to_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n spiritual_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o according_a to_o his_o apprehension_n of_o they_o and_o that_o to_o contradict_v he_o be_v a_o infallible_a sign_n of_o one_o that_o want_v the_o special_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o upon_o these_o term_n whoever_o go_v about_o to_o write_v against_o he_o must_v do_v it_o at_o the_o peril_n of_o be_v reckon_v a_o unregenerate_a man_n and_o then_o the_o doctor_n be_v secure_a for_o we_o have_v often_o see_v as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o he_o that_o such_o a_o man_n because_o he_o want_v special_a illumination_n can_v understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n spiritual_o and_o then_o he_o can_v discourse_v of_o they_o spiritual_o and_o then_o i_o think_v he_o may_v as_o well_o hold_v his_o tongue_n for_o any_o good_a he_o be_v likely_a to_o do_v with_o his_o carnal_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v that_o prejudice_n which_o i_o be_o in_o danger_n of_o lie_v under_o with_o the_o doctor_n be_v party_n while_o i_o treat_v concern_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o he_o use_v the_o same_o artifice_n to_o support_v his_o notion_n in_o this_o matter_n thus_o he_o tell_v we_o 336._o a_o command_n they_o suppose_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o a_o promise_n at_o least_o such_o a_o promise_n as_o wherein_o god_n shall_v take_v upon_o himself_o to_o work_v in_o we_o what_o the_o command_n require_v of_o we_o and_o a_o promise_v they_o think_v take_v off_o all_o the_o influence_a authority_n of_o the_o command_n if_o holiness_n be_v our_o duty_n there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o grace_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o duty_n but_o all_o these_o arguing_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n now_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o in_o these_o word_n he_o belie_v those_o who_o he_o write_v against_o for_o they_o suppose_v no_o such_o matter_n as_o he_o talk_v of_o but_o the_o doctor_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v do_v in_o other_o place_n mean_v by_o grace_n a_o irresistible_a force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n though_o he_o conceal_v it_o here_o dishonest_o to_o slander_v his_o adversary_n now_o that_o such_o a_o grace_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o command_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n may_v be_v so_o evident_o argue_v that_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o it_o but_o to_o call_v such_o argue_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v his_o perpetual_a refuge_n but_o to_o be_v short_a he_o express_o tell_v we_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v rational_o to_o be_v account_v for_o by_o and_o unto_o they_o who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n 187._o that_o i_o like_v very_o well_o and_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n but_o there_o we_o be_v all_o spoil_v again_o for_o we_o know_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n viz._n be_v
think_v may_v take_v sanctuary_n in_o that_o ignorance_n which_o will_v i_o hope_v make_v some_o abatement_n for_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o people_n but_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v those_o dreadful_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n luke_n 17.1_o 2._o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o offence_n will_v come_v but_o woe_n unto_o he_o through_o who_o they_o come_v it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o he_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o sect_n 5._o i_o shall_v come_v next_o to_o consider_v that_o argument_n of_o the_o doctor_n which_o lie_v particular_o against_o the_o supposal_n of_o regeneration_n to_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o reformation_n of_o life_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v his_o adversary_n notion_n of_o regeneration_n but_o it_o be_v fit_a their_o notion_n shall_v be_v better_o understand_v than_o as_o it_o be_v lame_o represent_v by_o he_o wherefore_o my_o next_o business_n shall_v be_v to_o state_n what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v do_v i_o promise_v the_o doctor_n not_o to_o forget_v his_o objection_n against_o it_o the_o meaning_n of_o be_v regenerate_v or_o bear_v again_o will_v be_v full_o know_v if_o we_o know_v what_o it_o signify_v as_o a_o state_n and_o what_o as_o a_o effect_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o be_v regenerate_v as_o that_o phrase_n imply_v the_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o that_o man_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v offer_v those_o reason_n which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o that_o meaning_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v express_v by_o this_o metaphor_n 1._o as_o regeneration_n denote_v a_o state_n i_o affirm_v that_o to_o be_v regenerate_v or_o bear_v again_o signify_v in_o its_o utmost_a meaning_n to_o become_v a_o sincere_a proselyte_n or_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n i_o shall_v first_o brief_o show_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ._n second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o a_o regenerate_a state_n to_o be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n consist_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o be_v baptize_v as_o our_o saviour_n require_v 2._o in_o make_v good_a the_o profession_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n this_o be_v clear_o answerable_a to_o that_o rule_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o make_v man_n his_o disciple_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o e._n admit_v they_o by_o baptism_n into_o the_o church_n and_o thereby_o engage_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o to_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o that_o doctrine_n to_o which_o they_o have_v bear_v record_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o i._n e._n and_o by_o the_o same_o baptism_n engage_v they_o to_o obey_v all_o my_o command_n that_o therefore_o which_o make_v we_o sincere_a disciple_n be_v thus_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v as_o we_o be_v by_o baptism_n engage_v to_o do_v now_o because_o to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n whatever_o we_o lose_v or_o suffer_v by_o it_o be_v the_o clear_a proof_n we_o can_v give_v to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o that_o we_o own_v he_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o that_o we_o do_v hearty_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o find_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o this_o obedience_n to_o he_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n in_o which_o our_o be_v his_o true_a disciple_n do_v consist_v thus_o john_n 15.8_o herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n that_o you_o be_v fruitful_a in_o piety_n and_o good_a work_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n the_o same_o thing_n be_v affirm_v of_o obedience_n to_o one_o but_o that_o a_o very_a remarkable_a precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 13.34_o a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o i_o e._n such_o love_n as_o christ_n have_v to_o we_o now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o this_o last_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v that_o one_o instance_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o or_o that_o the_o former_a concern_v obedience_n in_o general_n do_v exclude_v either_o the_o one_o obedience_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o law_n or_o the_o other_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v we_o his_o true_a disciple_n but_o that_o by_o such_o a_o high_a act_n of_o virtue_n as_o to_o love_v the_o brethren_n as_o christ_n love_v we_o it_o may_v strong_o be_v conclude_v that_o we_o will_v not_o stick_v at_o any_o thing_n he_o require_v of_o we_o and_o that_o our_o yield_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n do_v clear_o suppose_v that_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o all_o his_o promise_n to_o be_v true_a hence_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o admit_v that_o we_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n if_o we_o do_v not_o entire_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o he_o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n i._n e._n unless_o he_o love_v god_n and_o truth_n and_o goodness_n so_o much_o more_o than_o all_o his_o worldly_a interest_n even_o his_o life_n itself_o that_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o hate_v these_o thing_n when_o his_o love_n to_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o his_o love_n to_o christ_n he_o can_v be_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n he_o can_v be_v so_o if_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o all_o earthly_a thing_n in_o obedience_n to_o christ._n the_o meaning_n be_v he_o can_v be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n he_o can_v answer_v the_o profession_n of_o baptism_n while_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o he_o thus_o be_v we_o teach_v to_o interpret_v those_o word_n by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o in_o another_o place_n if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n to_o do_v according_a to_o it_o whatever_o betide_v you_o for_o so_o do_v in_o this_o world_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o st._n john_n 8.31_o so_o that_o the_o best_a notion_n we_o can_v frame_v of_o a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o to_o which_o we_o be_v guide_v by_o christ_n himself_o be_v this_o that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o do_v so_o firm_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o all_o his_o promise_n be_v true_a as_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o yield_v a_o hearty_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n now_o second_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n mean_v no_o more_o than_o to_o become_v such_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v and_o my_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o 1._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o unless_o we_o be_v regenerate_v we_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o withal_o that_o if_o we_o be_v regenerate_v we_o have_v thereby_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v i_o think_v likewise_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v equal_o necessary_a and_o sufficient_a for_o that_o end_n that_o we_o be_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ._n let_v these_o thing_n be_v grant_v and_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o to_o be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n if_o the_o latter_a be_v not_o ready_o grant_v it_o be_v clear_o prove_v from_o all_o those_o scripture_n which_o suppose_v faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o be_v necessary_a and_o sufficient_a qualification_n for_o eternal_a happiness_n such_o as_o these_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o on_o the_o son_n shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o
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diligence_n in_o use_v the_o external_a mean_n of_o grace_n his_o operation_n in_o we_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o recover_v ourselves_o by_o degree_n and_o all_o the_o while_n there_o be_v no_o sensible_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o natural_a operation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v his_o assistance_n and_o help_n in_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v and_o without_o it_o can_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o save_v purpose_n to_o affirm_v more_o particular_o what_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o we_o i_o dare_v not_o unless_o i_o have_v warrant_v which_o i_o think_v i_o have_v not_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o to_o do_v and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o which_o the_o scripture_n let_v we_o know_v concern_v it_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o no_o more_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o sect_n 7._o thus_o i_o have_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n finish_v the_o 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spirit_n to_o answer_v all_o our_o need_n will_v not_o deny_v we_o when_o we_o ask_v he_o to_o supply_v the_o great_a of_o all_o 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o make_v it_o such_o a_o motive_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v because_o it_o be_v make_v to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o one_o i_o say_v under_o a_o possible_a condition_n so_o that_o none_o of_o we_o can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o fear_v that_o we_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o promise_n for_o i_o have_v show_v you_o it_o lie_v open_a to_o all_o and_o we_o can_v lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o but_o by_o exclude_v ourselves_o beside_o the_o condition_n of_o obtain_v special_a grace_n from_o god_n be_v that_o of_o importunate_a ask_n we_o be_v hereby_o move_v to_o earnest_n and_o frequent_a prayer_n which_o you_o know_v be_v one_o branch_n of_o pious_a endeavour_n and_o then_o the_o condition_n of_o more_o plentiful_a communication_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v a_o careful_a improvement_n of_o those_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o have_v now_o obtain_v this_o also_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o powerful_a motive_n to_o every_o christian_a that_o have_v proceed_v more_o or_o less_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v as_o fruitful_a as_o he_o can_v in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o to_o follow_v after_o holiness_n look_v diligent_o lest_o he_o fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 3._o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o this_o promise_n to_o make_v it_o a_o strong_a motive_n to_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o we_o which_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v will_v not_o be_v effectual_a without_o our_o own_o consideration_n and_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n because_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o assist_v our_o endeavour_n but_o not_o to_o make_v we_o good_a man_n without_o they_o and_o our_o recovery_n still_o depend_v as_o much_o upon_o our_o diligence_n in_o the_o event_n as_o if_o it_o depend_v upon_o nothing_o else_o wherefore_o in_o all_o respect_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o most_o prevalent_a motive_n to_o the_o study_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o since_o it_o be_v my_o design_n from_o the_o first_o to_o recover_v it_o to_o this_o use_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o man_n that_o have_v make_v it_o good_a for_o nothing_o i_o can_v not_o conclude_v better_o than_o with_o show_v you_o plain_o wherein_o the_o force_n of_o this_o promise_n lie_v to_o make_v we_o all_o careful_a to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n o_o god_n forasmuch_o as_o without_o thou_o we_o be_v
they_o must_v be_v discern_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o discern_v they_o without_o that_o new_a light_n and_o now_o that_o i_o have_v take_v this_o pain_n to_o bring_v the_o doctor_n out_o of_o the_o cloud_n i_o challenge_v he_o to_o show_v that_o this_o paraphrase_n be_v not_o the_o just_a sum_n of_o his_o talk_n concern_v the_o text_n before_o we_o now_o although_o the_o naked_a representation_n of_o this_o paraphrase_n be_v enough_o to_o expose_v it_o yet_o because_o this_o be_v the_o text_n which_o these_o man_n perpetual_o rely_v upon_o when_o they_o set_v themselves_o to_o cant_v down_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n i_o shall_v brief_o let_v the_o doctor_n see_v that_o his_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v either_o groundless_a or_o absurd_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o incoherent_a with_o the_o context_n sect_n iv._o 1._o whereas_o he_o make_v the_o natural_a man_n to_o be_v one_o in_o who_o spiritual_a light_n be_v not_o create_v by_o the_o almightiness_n of_o god_n it_o be_v altogether_o groundless_a for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o of_o itself_o signify_v one_o who_o want_v that_o light_n nor_o do_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d denote_v any_o almighty_a act_n whereby_o a_o man_n come_v to_o be_v spiritual_o enlighten_v nor_o can_v the_o doctor_n show_v from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n any_o reason_n for_o this_o his_o notion_n for_o those_o word_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o do_v not_o infer_v that_o a_o man_n can_v know_v they_o without_o such_o a_o irresistible_a light_n as_o he_o suppose_v nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a context_n 38._o he_o tell_v we_o indeed_o that_o st._n paul_n plentiful_o show_v elsewhere_o that_o this_o light_n must_v be_v create_v in_o we_o by_o almightiness_n and_o he_o instance_v in_o 2_o cor._n 4.6_o i_o shall_v in_o due_a place_n prove_v that_o st._n paul_n show_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o that_o text_n but_o admit_v he_o do_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o present_o follow_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o this_o place_n mean_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n one_o in_o who_o this_o light_n be_v not_o create_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v not_o speak_v one_o word_n of_o it_o throughout_o the_o whole_a chapter_n wherefore_o the_o doctor_n ought_v at_o least_o to_o have_v prove_v by_o compare_v both_o these_o text_n that_o he_o design_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o he_o have_v not_o once_o attempt_v and_o yet_o this_o arbitrary_a supposal_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o whole_a comment_n upon_o this_o place_n 2._o his_o grant_v that_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o deny_v that_o he_o can_v discern_v their_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o their_o fitness_n to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v palpable_o absurd_a for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n who_o exercise_v his_o rational_a faculty_n about_o divine_a thing_n which_o he_o grant_v the_o natural_a man_n may_v do_v shall_v believe_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o yet_o see_v no_o consistency_n in_o they_o with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o no_o suitableness_n in_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o man_n good_a the_o doctor_n whatever_o he_o say_v about_o those_o improvement_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n mind_n which_o he_o allow_v to_o he_o seem_v rather_o to_o take_v he_o for_o a_o natural_a fool_n than_o a_o rational_a man_n a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o evidence_n upon_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o a_o mean_n conducible_a to_o the_o recovery_n of_o man_n and_o if_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n themselves_o be_v not_o more_o evident_a to_o a_o man_n that_o can_v consider_v than_o that_o they_o be_v so_o why_o may_v not_o a_o consider_a man_n who_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n believe_v this_o of_o they_o or_o how_o can_v he_o believe_v the_o former_a without_o believe_v the_o latter_a i_o know_v not_o which_o way_n the_o doctor_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v but_o by_o pretend_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o a_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n the_o true_a reason_n whereof_o he_o do_v not_o discern_v for_o example_n that_o a_o man_n may_v assent_v to_o the_o creed_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o not_o discern_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o those_o proposition_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o but_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v he_o for_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v by_o he_o grant_v to_o be_v one_o who_o may_v have_v a_o improve_a reason_n and_o may_v exercise_v it_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o of_o such_o a_o man_n viz._n who_o be_v thus_o improve_v and_o consider_v i_o say_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o affirm_v that_o he_o may_v assent_v to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v discern_v that_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o as_o dull_a and_o ignorant_a as_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v know_v and_o rational_a before_o since_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n etc._n etc._n as_o for_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o that_o mean_a motive_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o teacher_n though_o for_o want_v of_o consider_v they_o do_v not_o discern_v its_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n yet_o they_o do_v believe_v it_o it_o be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a but_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o proposition_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o believe_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n but_o man_n that_o can_v tolerable_o well_o use_v their_o understanding_n in_o divine_a thing_n as_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v do_v to_o abate_v the_o philosophical_a improvement_n which_o the_o doctor_n be_v willing_a to_o cast_v into_o the_o bargain_n may_v not_o only_o believe_v but_o discern_v this_o agreeableness_n and_o it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o suppose_v they_o have_v exercise_v their_o rational_a faculty_n as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o withal_o to_o affirm_v that_o they_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o can_v discern_v that_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o put_v this_o out_o of_o question_n i_o will_v instance_n in_o these_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_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 in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n this_o a_o natural_a man_n according_a to_o the_o doctor_n may_v assent_v unto_o but_o i_o demand_v this_o proposition_n be_v reveal_v be_v it_o not_o very_o discernible_a that_o god_n give_v his_o son_n for_o mankind_n be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o his_o goodness_n and_o that_o his_o purpose_n of_o save_a mankind_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o son_n death_n be_v agreeable_a with_o his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o justice_n and_o that_o the_o demonstration_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n this_o way_n be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n 2._o that_o no_o unrighteous_a person_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o also_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v assent_v to_o but_o i_o demand_v be_v it_o not_o very_o discernible_a that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o discernable_o agreeable_a with_o his_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o then_o why_o may_v not_o the_o wise_a and_o know_a man_n that_o believe_v these_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a revelation_n discern_v they_o to_o be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o divine_a perfection_n take_v the_o same_o doctrine_n again_o and_o i_o demand_v concern_v they_o be_v they_o not_o manifest_o suitable_a to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o end_v the_o doctor_n say_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o deliverance_n from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n they_o plain_o tend_v to_o the_o promote_a thereof_o because_o they_o manifest_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v observe_v before_o as_o for_o our_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n be_v not_o that_o doctrine_n plain_o suit_v to_o that_o end_n which_o assure_v we_o there_o be_v room_n for_o repentance_n since_o god_n have_v give_v his_o only_a son_n etc._n etc._n and_o which_o acquaint_v we_o
there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o our_o enter_v into_o the_o etc._n etc._n if_o we_o be_v unrighteous_a as_o for_o the_o deliverance_n from_o misery_n be_v not_o those_o doctrine_n discernible_o suit_v to_o that_o end_n that_o be_v suit_v to_o deliver_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o be_v not_o all_o these_o thing_n so_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n who_o have_v a_o improve_a mind_n and_o consider_v they_o as_o a_o understand_a man_n may_v not_o to_o discern_v they_o much_o more_o if_o he_o have_v consider_v the_o proposition_n themselves_o so_o as_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o what_o agreeableness_n and_o suitableness_n be_v it_o which_o this_o doctor_n mean_n be_v he_o able_a to_o explain_v it_o by_o such_o like_a instance_n as_o i_o have_v use_v if_o he_o be_v he_o shall_v see_v that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v it_o if_o he_o be_v not_o he_o cant_v like_o a_o quaker_n and_o pretend_v to_o know_v thing_n which_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v sense_n of_o when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v they_o but_o may_v a_o natural_a man_n understand_v and_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n yes_o say_v the_o doctor_n he_o may_v for_o instance_n he_o may_v assent_v unto_o this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v crucify_v but_o now_o it_o be_v another_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o to_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v be_v to_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 7._o it_o be_v also_o another_o that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o they_o that_o be_v save_v be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 18._o now_o if_o he_o may_v understand_v and_o assent_v to_o these_o proposition_n he_o may_v believe_v the_o conformity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o its_o efficacy_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o salvation_n which_o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o can_v and_o thereby_o revoke_v his_o concession_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v proposition_n who_o sense_n and_o importance_n any_o rational_a man_n may_v understand_v and_o assent_v to_o their_o truth_n and_o so_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v they_o again_o if_o the_o doctor_n will_v take_v my_o word_n for_o it_o i_o assure_v he_o that_o i_o do_v assent_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o a_o apprehension_n of_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o suitableness_n to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v propose_v as_o the_o mean_n of_o accomplish_v if_o a_o natural_a man_n can_v do_v this_o than_o the_o doctor_n be_v something_o mistake_v to_o say_v that_o he_o can_v if_o he_o can_v than_o i_o be_o no_o natural_a man_n according_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o may_v i_o hope_v pretend_v to_o argue_v with_o he_o about_o spiritual_a thing_n 3._o he_o say_v that_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v foolishness_n unto_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o can_v receive_v they_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o mind_n now_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v perpetual_o the_o same_o but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n may_v apprehend_v they_o otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n disease_n as_o when_o they_o apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v foolishness_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o and_o this_o reason_n be_v not_o at_o all_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o from_o the_o mind_n mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o he_o in_o effect_n confess_v when_o he_o say_v that_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o he_o mean_v as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o his_o instance_n of_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a be_v this_o that_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o know_v any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o unready_a he_o be_v to_o embrace_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o say_v express_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n and_o morality_n of_o any_o worth_n be_v embrace_v soon_a by_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o know_v most_o but_o here_o thing_n fall_v out_o quite_o otherwise_o well_o suppose_v they_o do_v yet_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o philosopher_n reject_v the_o gospel_n be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o know_a man_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o revelation_n as_o such_o nor_o yield_v that_o to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v which_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v their_o great_a pride_n and_o folly_n so_o the_o pharisee_n reject_v our_o saviour_n 5._o not_o because_o they_o be_v learned_a and_o know_v man_n but_o because_o their_o lust_n and_o interest_n prejudice_v they_o against_o his_o doctrine_n as_o he_o frequent_o tell_v they_o so_o that_o neither_o those_o nor_o these_o oppose_v the_o gospel_n because_o it_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o rational_a principle_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o the_o doctor_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v but_o because_o it_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o their_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la and_o interest_n which_o sure_o be_v none_o of_o those_o principle_n the_o write_n of_o justin_n martyr_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o divers_a other_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v early_o receive_v by_o learned_a man_n and_o philosopher_n what_o wise_a man_n they_o be_v that_o reject_v it_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o doctor_n the_o principal_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n say_v he_o be_v by_o many_o look_v upon_o and_o reject_v as_o foolish_a because_o false_a and_o untrue_a though_o indeed_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o false_a but_o because_o they_o suppose_v they_o foolish_a now_o be_v not_o these_o excellent_a philosopher_n that_o reject_v a_o doctrine_n as_o foolish_a because_o it_o be_v false_a and_o then_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o think_v it_o false_a but_o because_o they_o suppose_v it_o foolish_a be_v not_o their_o reject_v the_o gospel_n a_o admirable_a instance_n whereby_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o be_v foolishness_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o know_v most_o if_o that_o which_o the_o doctor_n here_o say_v be_v true_a then_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n for_o he_o to_o improve_v his_o mind_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o reason_n since_o foolish_a and_o credulous_a person_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o give_v any_o entertainment_n to_o it_o which_o be_v the_o very_a charge_n of_o celsus_n and_o julian_n against_o christianity_n and_o if_o they_o can_v have_v make_v good_a this_o charge_n they_o and_o the_o doctor_n here_o have_v do_v very_o well_o to_o expose_v it_o to_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n as_o they_o and_o he_o have_v do_v by_o represent_v it_o to_o be_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o the_o more_o a_o man_n exercise_n his_o reason_n about_o it_o the_o further_o he_o be_v from_o believe_v it_o for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o doctor_n mean_v by_o say_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v foolishness_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o mind_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n such_o thing_n that_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o know_v a_o man_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a he_o be_v to_o despise_v and_o scorn_v they_o which_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o blasphemy_n i_o now_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v here_o i_o can_v but_o remember_v what_o the_o doctor_n premise_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o that_o i_o know_v of_o deny_v by_o any_o that_o christian_a religion_n be_v high_o reasonable_a i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v by_o any_o christian._n but_o now_o as_o he_o add_v present_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o what_o it_o be_v with_o relation_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o large_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o reason_n enlighten_v but_o foolishness_n i._n e._n unreasonable_a to_o the_o natural_a man_n who_o reason_n be_v unenlightn_v by_o the_o irresistible_a work_n say_v you_o so_o doctor_n how_o come_v it_o then_o about_o that_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o any_o that_o christian_a religion_n be_v high_o reasonable_a can_v they_o not_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v high_o reasonable_a and_o yet_o must_v they_o necessary_o esteem_v it_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a he_o say_v also_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o dispute_v with_o any_o about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o
the_o mind_n unprofitable_a to_o man_n and_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n but_o then_o withal_o i_o can_v find_v they_o any_o where_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o he_o fancy_n of_o a_o possibility_n to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v which_o be_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n etc._n etc._n i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o believe_v they_o nor_o do_v i_o see_v any_o likelihood_n that_o i_o ever_o shall_v unless_o some_o irresistible_a power_n make_v another_o thing_n of_o i_o than_o i_o find_v myself_o to_o be_v at_o present_a and_o if_o this_o will_v content_v the_o doctor_n i_o have_v no_o quarrel_n with_o he_o but_o then_o if_o he_o pretend_v that_o the_o real_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n gospel_n viz._n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v crucify_v for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o must_v be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o etc._n etc._n be_v as_o unintelligible_a and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o they_o as_o indiscernible_a as_o that_o of_o his_o new-fashioned_a principle_n i_o must_v beg_v his_o pardon_n if_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o neither_o but_o reckon_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o doctor_n have_v cast_v a_o horrible_a reproach_n upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n while_o he_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n that_o bend_v his_o mind_n to_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o never_o so_o attentive_o and_o use_v his_o reason_n never_o so_o modest_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o to_o assent_v to_o they_o as_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o man_n if_o that_o be_v true_a than_o this_o pernicious_a consequence_n be_v unavoidable_a that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o a_o man_n to_o use_v any_o mean_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o pretend_v to_o he_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o right_a believer_n he_o have_v no_o way_n but_o to_o sit_v down_o in_o a_o lazy_a expectation_n of_o that_o light_n which_o the_o doctor_n say_v must_v be_v create_v in_o his_o mind_n by_o a_o almighty_a act_n of_o god_n before_o he_o can_v know_v and_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o be_v and_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v this_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v interpretation_n of_o st._n paul_n text_n and_o let_v any_o man_n but_o himself_o judge_n whether_o it_o do_v not_o infinite_o disparage_v the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o whether_o it_o do_v not_o offer_v great_a wrong_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o betray_v they_o either_o into_o a_o contempt_n of_o christianity_n or_o at_o least_o into_o a_o sluggish_a neglect_n of_o all_o that_o consideration_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o understand_v and_o believe_v it_o upon_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v be_v so_o punctual_a in_o find_v out_o and_o so_o long_o in_o confute_v his_o notion_n of_o this_o text_n which_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v altogether_o as_o pernicious_a as_o they_o be_v false_a i_o shall_v have_v leave_v they_o to_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o nonsense_n sect_n v._o the_o incoherence_n of_o his_o interpretation_n with_o the_o scope_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o that_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n must_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o observe_v what_o st._n paul_n design_n be_v in_o they_o which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o inquire_v into_o and_o thereby_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o the_o text._n to_o allay_v those_o contention_n that_o be_v among_o the_o corinthian_n about_o their_o teacher_n who_o they_o shall_v follow_v chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 11._o st._n paul_n remind_v they_o how_o he_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o they_o and_o by_o what_o argument_n they_o have_v be_v win_v to_o receive_v it_o not_o with_o wisdom_n of_o word_n vers_fw-la 17._o and_o again_o not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 4._o but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n note_n i._n e._n not_o with_o rhetorical_a oration_n or_o philosophical_a discourse_n such_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o gentile_n make_v use_v of_o to_o put_v off_o their_o opinion_n to_o the_o people_n withal_o he_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n but_o as_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o the_o gospel_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v he_o prove_v it_o to_o they_o by_o a_o divine_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o viz._n that_o of_o supernatural_a gift_n bestow_v now_o upon_o believer_n of_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o apparent_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o such_o testimony_n of_o god_n own_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o revelation_n from_o he_o as_o these_o be_v the_o consequence_n whereof_o be_v that_o their_o faith_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n i._n e._n that_o their_o faith_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o eloquence_n or_o the_o subtle_a reason_n of_o man_n but_o upon_o the_o plain_a testimony_n of_o god_n declare_v by_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v clear_o a_o good_a consideration_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o contend_v about_o the_o person_n of_o their_o teacher_n who_o never_o go_v about_o to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o themselves_o as_o vers_n 13._o by_o the_o ostentation_n of_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n but_o to_o win_v they_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n but_o hereupon_o the_o apostle_n take_v occasion_n to_o show_v 1._o the_o offence_n which_o they_o who_o be_v most_o in_o vogue_n for_o wisdom_n take_v at_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o way_n of_o preach_v it_o and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o that_o way_n notwithstanding_o above_o all_o other_o method_n to_o make_v man_n wise_a and_o good_a and_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o chap._n 1._o from_o vers_n 18._o to_o the_o end_n 2._o to_o vindicate_v this_o way_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n against_o their_o pretence_n who_o reject_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o chap._n 2._o that_o the_o former_a be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n be_v plain_a from_o what_o he_o say_v vers_fw-la 18._o and_o so_o forward_o for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foolishness_n and_o who_o these_o be_v we_o learn_v from_o vers_fw-la 20._o where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o scribe_n etc._n etc._n i_o e._n let_v those_o man_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n crucify_v come_v and_o compare_v the_o religion_n they_o teach_v and_o the_o reason_n they_o bring_v for_o it_o argument_n and_o the_o good_a they_o do_v by_o it_o with_o our_o doctrine_n and_o the_o testimony_n we_o confirm_v it_o withal_o and_o the_o advantage_n which_o it_o bring_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o for_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v vers_fw-la 21._o and_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 25._o i._n e._n let_v it_o be_v consider_v and_o you_o will_v see_v a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o convince_a of_o man_n that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o the_o bring_n of_o they_o to_o salvation_n by_o it_o vers_n 24._o you_o will_v see_v also_o what_o a_o infinite_a disparegement_n this_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o god_n will_v do_v to_o all_o the_o method_n of_o human_a wisdom_n when_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o for_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n those_o way_n of_o instruct_v and_o save_v mankind_n which_o be_v so_o far_o above_o all_o the_o invention_n and_o above_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o they_o now_o general_o reckon_v they_o to_o be_v foolish_a to_o confound_v the_o wise_a to_o put_v down_o all_o that_o wisdom_n of_o they_o which_o they_o so_o much_o glory_n in_o and_o thereby_o to_o show_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a than_o man_n v_o 27._o that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v glory_v in_o his_o presence_n vers_fw-la 29._o but_o the_o particular_a reason_n gospel_n why_o so_o few_o of_o those_o person_n who_o wisdom_n be_v in_o this_o manner_n baffle_v do_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v call_v vers_fw-la 26._o
of_o revelation_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o reveal_v doctrine_n by_o testimony_n of_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v one_o who_o reject_v reveal_v doctrine_n though_o as_o i_o intimate_v before_o he_o may_v be_v so_o call_v that_o be_v fain_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o mere_a natural_a reason_n for_o want_v of_o revelation_n because_o it_o be_v never_o propose_v to_o he_o for_o whether_o a_o man_n never_o have_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o be_v offer_v he_o be_v equal_o force_v to_o trust_v to_o natural_a reason_n in_o his_o enquiry_n after_o divine_a truth_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o doctor_n by_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n which_o he_o make_v such_o a_o clutter_v about_o all_o over_o his_o book_n mean_v the_o state_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o scriptural_a notion_n thereof_o though_o we_o do_v not_o find_v this_o very_a phrase_n the_o state_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v this_o viz._n the_o state_n of_o a_o heathen_a man_n who_o either_o want_n or_o reject_v divine_a revelation_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v fit_o oppose_v to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n as_o that_o signify_v be_v a_o believer_n or_o a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o both_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o state_n of_o judaisme_n or_o be_v under_o the_o law_n for_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o reject_v all_o divine_a revelation_n believe_v that_o which_o come_v by_o moses_n and_o so_o be_v not_o in_o a_o mere_a state_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o heathen_n be_v but_o as_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v under_o the_o law_n but_o not_o under_o grace_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 3._o i._n e._n they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n not_o as_o the_o phrase_n be_v take_v now_o adays_o but_o as_o it_o signify_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o those_o jew_n who_o receive_v not_o be_v under_o the_o law_n those_o heathen_n who_o receive_v not_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o natural_a man_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o 2._o by_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o the_o natural_a man_n reject_v the_o apostle_n mean_v those_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v not_o discoverable_a by_o natural_a reason_n which_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 9_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n of_o god_n v_o 7._o but_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o revelation_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 10._o be_v they_o concern_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n that_o depend_v upon_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 11_o 12._o and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v only_o by_o divine_a testimony_n and_o argument_n by_o the_o demonstration_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 4._o in_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 13._o 3._o because_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o signify_v because_o they_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o wisdom_n which_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o by_o philosophical_a demonstration_n from_o natural_a principle_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 22._o 4._o by_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v be_v mean_v their_o be_v know_v and_o understand_v and_o judge_v of_o by_o the_o revelation_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o external_a to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o immediate_o inspire_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v which_o be_v clear_a from_o st._n paul_n former_a discourse_n for_o he_o propose_v this_o way_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n he_o also_o propose_v this_o way_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o viz._n by_o compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a that_o be_v believe_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o now_o this_o have_v be_v utter_o vain_a if_o those_o to_o who_o that_o evidence_n and_o this_o help_n be_v propose_v can_v not_o possible_o know_v spiritual_a thing_n without_o such_o a_o internal_a and_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v themselves_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n not_o immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n but_o by_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v leave_v we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o holy_a write_n they_o prove_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v reveal_v those_o doctrine_n by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o prove_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o by_o compare_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o and_o this_o way_n of_o conviction_n st._n paul_n clear_o oppose_v to_o philosophical_a demonstration_n which_o it_o have_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o mean_v a_o external_a mean_n of_o conviction_n by_o it_o i._n e._n a_o mean_n by_o which_o one_o man_n may_v convince_v another_o which_o the_o doctor_n irresistible_a light_n can_v with_o any_o face_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v wherefore_o to_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v do_v according_a to_o the_o clear_a scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n signify_v to_o be_v discern_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o external_a revelation_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o thing_n that_o be_v natural_o discern_v be_v thing_n discernible_a by_o sense_n revelation_n or_o mere_a natural_a reason_n so_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v be_v those_o which_o be_v discernible_a only_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n &_o his_o apostle_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o by_o compare_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n argument_n be_v this_o a_o natural_a man_n can_v understand_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o revelation_n from_o the_o spirit_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v i._n e._n because_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o know_v these_o thing_n but_o by_o revelation_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o reject_v now_o he_o who_o faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o this_o revelation_n the_o apostle_n call_v a_o spiritual_a man_n v_o 15._o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n and_o he_o say_v concern_v he_o that_o he_o judge_v all_o thing_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n i._n e._n either_o according_a to_o st._n chrysostome_n excellent_a note_n he_o judge_v both_o the_o doctrine_n that_o may_v be_v know_v by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n and_o those_o which_o can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n for_o he_o have_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n equal_o with_o the_o natural_a man_n we_o and_o moreover_o he_o have_v further_a knowledge_n by_o revelation_n which_o the_o other_o have_v not_o or_o he_o judge_v all_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n be_v speak_v viz._n gospel-mystery_n he_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n by_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v divine_o reveal_v and_o thereby_o to_o confute_v their_o pretence_n who_o reject_v they_o because_o they_o can_v be_v know_v by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n but_o no_o man_n can_v confute_v he_o who_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v ground_v upon_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v divine_o reveal_v for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v pretend_v to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n better_a than_o god_n himself_o do_v and_o yet_o those_o must_v do_v so_o reveal_v who_o contradict_v what_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o certain_a foundation_n of_o our_o knowledge_n which_o must_v stand_v when_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n shall_v perish_v that_o we_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v instruct_v by_o christ_n himself_o who_o come_v from_o god_n thus_o have_v i_o large_o show_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o two_o chapter_n and_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n in_o hand_n which_o make_v the_o apostle_n discourse_v clear_o consistent_a and_o now_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o unprejudiced_a reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o the_o doctor_n be_v interpretation_n of_o it_o which_o i_o have_v already_o show_v to_o be_v absurd_a in_o itself_o be_v not_o also_o utter_o impertinent_a to_o the_o apostle_n main_a design_n for_o suppose_v the_o natural_a man_n to_o be_v one_o in_o who_o spiritual_a light_n be_v not_o create_v by_o a_o almighty_a work_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o mind_n how_o strange_o must_v the_o apostle_n have_v wander_v from_o his_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o reveal_v truth_n
can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o god_n reveal_v they_o to_o we_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o revelation_n by_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o such_o argument_n as_o he_o oppose_v to_o those_o natural_a demonstration_n and_o way_n of_o prove_v thing_n which_o the_o philosopher_n use_v and_o how_o just_o may_v they_o have_v deride_v the_o apostle_n for_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o because_o they_o reject_v reveal_v religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o be_v knowable_a by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n if_o after_o so_o long_a a_o flourish_n about_o a_o high_a and_o better_a way_n of_o demonstrate_v those_o divine_a truth_n he_o speak_v of_o than_o from_o natural_a principle_n he_o have_v conclude_v that_o no_o man_n can_v understand_v their_o truth_n and_o sense_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v till_o god_n make_v he_o to_o understand_v they_o by_o a_o irresistible_a work_n upon_o his_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o doctor_n be_v sense_n of_o those_o word_n that_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v i_o put_v it_o also_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o this_o follow_a paraphrase_n upon_o these_o word_n which_o the_o doctor_n carp_v at_o be_v as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o wrest_n of_o the_o scripture_n at_o pleasure_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n they_o that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n the_o learned_a philosopher_n etc._n etc._n do_v absolute_o despise_v and_o so_o harken_v not_o after_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o seem_v folly_n to_o they_o chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 28._o nor_o can_v they_o by_o any_o study_n of_o their_o own_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v by_o understand_v the_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n and_o other_o such_o mean_n which_o depend_v on_o divine_a revelation_n the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o paraphrase_n of_o the_o reverend_n dr._n hammond_n and_o it_o full_o express_v that_o sense_n which_o by_o the_o context_n i_o have_v prove_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o text._n our_o author_n bring_v it_o in_o at_o last_o to_o examine_v it_o by_o his_o own_o comment_n which_o since_o i_o have_v disprove_v i_o may_v spare_v myself_o any_o further_a trouble_n in_o defend_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o paraphrase_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o it_o 1._o he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o natural_a man_n intend_v not_o only_o the_o learned_a philosopher_n but_o every_o one_o of_o what_o sort_n and_o condition_n soever_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ._n to_o see_v what_o a_o man_n will_v say_v when_o he_o be_v set_v to_o wrangle_v dr._n owen_n himself_o more_o than_o once_o give_v his_o meaning_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n in_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o one_o which_o have_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o all_o his_o rational_a faculty_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o learned_a philosopher_n of_o old_a and_o the_o wise_a know_v and_o rational_a make_v the_o long_a opposition_n to_o they_o and_o he_o say_v himself_o in_o the_o very_a next_o exception_n the_o apostle_n give_v a_o account_n why_o so_o few_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n receive_v the_o gospel_n but_o if_o dr._n owen_n offence_n be_v take_v that_o they_o only_o be_v intend_v by_o dr._n hammond_n this_o offence_n be_v unreasonable_o take_v for_o the_o doctor_n intend_v as_o his_o word_n be_v very_o plain_a all_o those_o of_o whatsoever_o sort_n they_o be_v that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n i._n e._n who_o either_o want_n or_o reject_v revelation_n 2._o he_o dislike_v the_o paraphrase_v of_o he_o receive_v not_o by_o he_o absolute_o despise_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v sometime_o his_o own_o paraphrase_n as_o where_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o receive_v they_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n and_o that_o to_o cast_v a_o contempt_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n by_o who_o it_o be_v despise_v and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n he_o use_v the_o same_o liberty_n but_o his_o chief_a exception_n against_o this_o part_n of_o the_o paraphrase_n be_v because_o it_o do_v not_o express_v the_o reason_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o receive_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o reason_n be_v his_o disability_n to_o receive_v they_o i._n e._n because_o it_o do_v not_o express_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o possible_o intend_v for_o he_o that_o bare_o say_v that_o any_o one_o believe_v or_o receive_v not_o such_o a_o doctrine_n will_v not_o unless_o he_o be_v a_o fool_n pretend_v that_o by_o say_v so_o he_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v not_o but_o dr._n hammond_n give_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n where_o st._n paul_n give_v a_o reason_n who_o say_v he_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o because_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o and_o he_o can_v because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v his_o five_o objection_n be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n with_o this_o for_o he_o say_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o receive_v not_o be_v give_v in_o the_o ensue_a reason_n and_o explanation_n of_o it_o he_o can_v know_v they_o which_o be_v nonsense_n for_o not_o to_o know_v a_o doctrine_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o know_v it_o be_v another_o and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o the_o former_a nor_o do_v i_o understand_v how_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o proposition_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o for_o i_o always_o think_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o sentence_n must_v first_o be_v understand_v before_o the_o reason_n or_o truth_n of_o that_o meaning_n can_v be_v know_v it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o though_o dr._n owen_n take_v no_o care_n to_o speak_v truth_n he_o will_v yet_o make_v some_o conscience_n of_o speak_a sense_n 3._o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n treat_v not_o of_o what_o man_n can_v find_v out_o by_o any_o study_n of_o their_o own_o but_o of_o what_o they_o can_v not_o do_v they_o can_v not_o receive_v the_o spiritual_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o exception_n i_o be_o amaze_v at_o because_o neither_o dr._n hammond_n speak_v of_o what_o they_o can_v find_v out_o but_o of_o what_o they_o can_v not_o find_v out_o by_o any_o study_n of_o their_o own_o but_o say_v j.o._n they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v propose_v declare_v and_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o so_o the_o doctor_n suppose_v too_o and_o any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n must_v suppose_v it_o likewise_o for_o how_o else_o can_v they_o have_v call_v the_o gospel_n foolishness_n if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v know_v to_o they_o 4._o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o prophecy_n miracle_n and_o the_o like_a in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v what_o then_o why_o you_o may_v go_v look_n for_o he_o have_v only_o leave_v we_o to_o guess_v at_o the_o design_n of_o this_o exception_n but_o at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o five_o exception_n he_o say_v concern_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v spiritual_o discern_v to_o wrest_v this_o unto_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v direct_o design_v to_o express_v the_o internal_a manner_n of_o the_o mind_n reception_n of_o thing_n reveal_v be_v to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n at_o pleasure_n i_o answer_v 1._o if_o the_o word_n spiritual_o be_v design_v to_o express_v not_o the_o mean_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o receive_v gospel-mystery_n than_o dr._n h._n do_v wrest_v the_o scripture_n by_o make_v it_o to_o signify_v the_o outward_a mean_n of_o discern_v they_o viz._n miracle_n prophecy_n etc._n etc._n but_o then_o withal_o dr._n owen_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n too_o by_o make_v it_o to_o signify_v the_o inward_a mean_n of_o discern_v they_o viz._n the_o irresistible_a light_n by_o which_o he_o discern_v they_o for_o inward_a mean_n of_o do_v a_o thing_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o equal_o with_o outward_a mean_n and_o if_o dr._n owen_n say_v that_o the_o internal_a manner_n of_o the_o mind_n reception_n be_v express_v by_o his_o say_n that_o they_o be_v discern_v by_o irresistible_a light_n i_o ask_v he_o why_o i_o may_v not_o say_v too_o that_o the_o internal_a manner_n of_o the_o mind_n reception_n of_o they_o be_v express_v by_o dr._n hammond_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v discern_v by_o
be_v good_a to_o all_o his_o creature_n who_o envy_v no_o man_n happiness_n who_o give_v to_o all_o liberal_o and_o upbraid_v none_o much_o less_o i_o say_v will_v he_o deny_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n if_o we_o ask_v he_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o sayiour_n in_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o persuade_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v fervent_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v indeed_o needful_a for_o they_o and_o that_o by_o this_o argument_n that_o god_n will_v grant_v such_o request_n as_o these_o be_v it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v with_o this_o argument_n in_o these_o word_n god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o wherefore_o i_o conceive_v we_o have_v gain_v one_o note_n of_o those_o spiritual_a effect_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o work_v in_o our_o mind_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v indeed_o needful_a for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o both_o similitude_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v ask_v either_o by_o the_o friend_n or_o the_o child_n be_v real_o such_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o one_o for_o his_o friend_n the_o other_o for_o himself_o and_o that_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o they_o prevail_v now_o from_o hence_o our_o saviour_n infer_v that_o god_n will_v much_o more_o give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o i._n e._n for_o such_o purpose_n as_o be_v needful_a otherwise_o the_o argument_n will_v not_o hold_v for_o we_o can_v infer_v from_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o bestow_v upon_o our_o child_n what_o they_o need_v therefore_o our_o heavenly_a father_n will_v give_v we_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o such_o end_n as_o be_v needless_a if_o the_o demand_n of_o child_n be_v not_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o reason_n and_o modesty_n if_o they_o ask_v not_o to_o supply_v their_o real_a need_n but_o to_o gratify_v their_o wanton_a appetite_n it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o parent_n to_o deny_v such_o desire_n as_o those_o and_o to_o rebuke_v the_o folly_n of_o they_o too_o and_o if_o we_o shall_v ask_v those_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o we_o this_o will_v be_v more_o than_o we_o be_v encourage_v to_o do_v by_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o compassion_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n may_v very_o well_o consist_v with_o the_o refusal_n of_o such_o request_n as_o these_o sect_n 2._o but_o this_o general_a rule_n that_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o such_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o we_o will_v be_v insufficient_a to_o direct_v we_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o in_o particular_a if_o we_o do_v not_o also_o understand_v what_o effect_n be_v needful_a now_o to_o satisfy_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n i_o may_v present_o produce_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o the_o several_a effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o believer_n be_v mention_v which_o work_n belong_v proper_o to_o the_o second_o way_n propound_v for_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o present_a question_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o that_o i_o shall_v try_v how_o far_o we_o may_v conclude_v from_o our_o saviour_n promise_n thus_o this_o be_v a_o needful_a grace_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o it_o and_o then_o i_o shall_v in_o due_a place_n proceed_v to_o the_o second_o head_n under_o which_o those_o text_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v in_o this_o manner_n this_o grace_n we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o therefore_o it_o be_v needful_a these_o method_n of_o argue_v will_v indeed_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o same_o conclusion_n concern_v what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v in_o st._n luke_n but_o by_o so_o do_v they_o will_v afford_v mutual_a light_n to_o each_o other_o and_o infer_v the_o conclusion_n with_o more_o strength_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v not_o be_v judge_v unprofitable_a in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n for_o every_o christian_n to_o be_v well_o satisfy_v about_o i_o begin_v with_o argue_v from_o our_o need_n to_o those_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o now_o because_o it_o be_v some_o good_a or_o advantage_n of_o we_o that_o be_v regard_v in_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o in_o respect_n whereof_o his_o grace_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v needful_a we_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n set_v that_o end_n before_o we_o by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o measure_v what_o effect_n be_v needful_a to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o then_o consider_v what_o be_v indeed_o needful_a to_o that_o end_n for_o so_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v this_o we_o shall_v know_v what_o grace_n to_o pray_v for_o since_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o be_v needful_a and_o the_o needfulness_n of_o any_o thing_n must_v be_v judge_v of_o according_a to_o that_o end_n in_o respect_n whereof_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v needful_a 1._o as_o for_o the_o end_n itself_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v part_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o this_o promise_n with_o regard_n to_o our_o good_a be_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o glory_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o every_o part_n of_o it_o now_o the_o state_n which_o christ_n come_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o at_o last_o be_v that_o of_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o love_n for_o which_o reason_n st._n john_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n 1_o joh._n 2.25_o not_o as_o if_o the_o gospel_n have_v no_o other_o promise_n but_o because_o the_o rest_n be_v subordinate_a to_o this_o and_o consequent_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n must_v needs_o be_v so_o wherefore_o in_o that_o promise_n of_o his_o operation_n to_o produce_v all_o needful_a effect_n in_o our_o mind_n those_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v such_o which_o be_v needful_a for_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n now_o 2._o we_o must_v consider_v what_o effect_n be_v needful_a to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o for_o that_o end_n the_o needfulness_n of_o any_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n consist_v either_o in_o this_o that_o the_o end_n can_v be_v attain_v without_o they_o at_o all_o or_o not_o so_o well_o without_o they_o that_o which_o be_v needful_a in_o the_o former_a sense_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o which_o be_v needful_a in_o the_o latter_a be_v only_o profitable_a let_v we_o therefore_o first_o consider_v what_o effect_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n what_o these_o be_v we_o be_v plain_o tell_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o they_o may_v be_v comprise_v under_o these_o head_n 1._o faith_n in_o jesus_n or_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o so_o one_o upon_o who_o authority_n we_o may_v safe_o rely_v as_o to_o whatever_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o god_n will_n the_o necessity_n of_o which_o faith_n our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o in_o those_o word_n if_o you_o believe_v not_o that_o i_o be_o he_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n though_o indeed_o the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v promise_v in_o this_o place_n of_o st._n luke_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o faith_n in_o this_o notion_n it_o be_v apparent_o suppose_v that_o whatever_o be_v here_o promise_v be_v promise_v to_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n who_o do_v already_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ._n 2._o so_o much_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v faith_n in_o another_o notion_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o and_o encourage_v we_o to_o that_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n when_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n our_o next_o care_n must_v be_v to_o know_v what_o his_o will_n be_v and_o to_o possess_v our_o mind_n with_o those_o principle_n of_o obedience_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n for_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v equal_o necessary_a to_o understand_v his_o revelation_n his_o law_n and_o promise_n in_o that_o measure_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o do_v of_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o a_o believer_n be_v encourage_v by_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o ask_v the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o he_o may_v
from_o this_o charge_n of_o contradict_v the_o apostle_n but_o that_o his_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o the_o carnal_a man_n can_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o he_o can_v walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n that_o he_o reform_v himself_o thus_o universal_o as_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v by_o the_o spirit_n but_o only_o that_o he_o may_v be_v such_o a_o reform_a man_n that_o he_o may_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n that_o he_o may_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o proceed_v from_o the_o old_a nature_n and_o this_o work_n belong_v but_o to_o the_o old_a creation_n and_o this_o i_o find_v indeed_o to_o be_v his_o sense_n 183._o for_o he_o tell_v we_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o power_n disposition_n or_o ability_n or_o inclination_n unto_o god_n or_o for_o any_o moral_a action_n by_o nature_n i._n e._n before_o regenerate_v grace_n come_v it_o belong_v unto_o the_o 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of_o the_o body_n may_v be_v universal_o righteous_a and_o obedient_a in_o his_o life_n but_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o natural_a work_n all_o this_o while_n all_o his_o actual_a righteousness_n and_o his_o internal_a disposition_n to_o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o old_a creation_n it_o be_v no_o new_a creature_n whereas_o the_o spiritually-minded_n man_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o walk_v after_o the_o gospel_n walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n too_o and_o when_o he_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n do_v mortify_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n this_o pretence_n so_o derogatory_n from_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n contradict_v the_o scripture_n which_o say_v he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o observe_v that_o our_o author_n whatever_o he_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v discover_v to_o be_v a_o rank_a pelagian_a i_o speak_v it_o with_o great_a seriousness_n for_o the_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o he_o can_v with_o any_o modesty_n now_o deny_v it_o he_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n without_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o gospel_n though_o he_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o keep_v the_o command_n of_o god_n by_o the_o mere_a ability_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v universal_o righteous_a in_o his_o life_n and_o to_o be_v dispose_v and_o incline_v thereunto_o in_o his_o soul_n without_o a_o infusion_n as_o his_o phrase_n be_v of_o a_o new_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o holiness_n and_o he_o plain_o suppose_v that_o all_o that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v viz._n a_o universal_a performance_n of_o god_n command_n proceed_v from_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v belong_v unto_o the_o old_a creation_n and_o be_v no_o new_a creature_n nor_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o pelagius_n his_o great_a heresy_n be_v this_o that_o a_o man_n by_o his_o natural_a faculty_n may_v do_v that_o which_o god_n require_v without_o any_o further_a help_n from_o god_n than_o that_o of_o declare_v his_o will_n for_o set_v that_o aside_o he_o think_v our_o willing_a and_o do_v need_v no_o divine_a assistance_n as_o st._n austin_n report_v he_o 41._o and_o that_o god_n give_v we_o the_o power_n of_o choice_n in_o vain_a if_o we_o can_v do_v his_o will_n unless_o he_o always_o help_v we_o as_o st._n hierom_n say_v concern_v he_o ctesiph_n it_o be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o doctor_n say_v while_o he_o make_v all_o the_o righteousness_n and_o disposition_n thereunto_o which_o we_o have_v be_v consider_v even_o that_o of_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o belong_v unto_o the_o old_a creation_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n without_o the_o renew_n grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n if_o the_o doctor_n say_v that_o however_o in_o all_o the_o regenerate_v he_o ascribe_v that_o righteousness_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o his_o grace_n this_o will_v not_o bring_v he_o off_o for_o pelagius_n himself_o be_v bring_v to_o confess_v though_o not_o the_o same_o thing_n yet_o what_o will_v serve_v his_o turn_n as_o well_o as_o this_o can_v the_o doctor_n be_v for_o at_o length_n he_o say_v therefore_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n give_v that_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o do_v by_o nature_n we_o may_v more_o easy_o do_v by_o grace_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v that_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a it_o do_v equal_o conclude_v both_o he_o and_o pelagius_n to_o be_v the_o same_o heretic_n though_o he_o say_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v sometime_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o gracious_a aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o pelagius_n say_v do_v it_o more_o easy_o be_v always_o so_o our_o author_n i_o confess_v speak_v divers_a thing_n in_o this_o book_n which_o destroy_v this_o pelagian_a doctrine_n for_o he_o be_v sometime_o in_o the_o humour_n of_o a_o manichee_n which_o be_v a_o heresy_n of_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v any_o good_a action_n whatsoever_o without_o a_o irresistible_a determination_n of_o his_o will_n thereunto_o as_o in_o due_a place_n i_o shall_v put_v he_o in_o mind_n again_o how_o he_o come_v by_o the_o knack_n of_o believe_v such_o inconsistent_a thing_n if_o he_o believe_v they_o i_o know_v not_o but_o he_o make_v great_a use_n of_o his_o talon_n that_o way_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v further_a occasion_n to_o show_v he_o hereafter_o but_o whether_o he_o believe_v these_o contradiction_n or_o not_o as_o long_o as_o he_o assert_v pelagian_a doctrine_n he_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v from_o his_o own_o word_n and_o to_o go_v for_o a_o pelagian_a i_o grant_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o a_o man_n say_v in_o one_o part_n of_o a_o book_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o what_o he_o say_v in_o another_o but_o that_o always_o be_v upon_o supposition_n that_o his_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o sense_n which_o be_v that_o way_n endeavour_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o they_o but_o our_o author_n be_v argue_v in_o sect._n 17._o compare_v with_o sect._n 20._o be_v in_o my_o judgement_n so_o notorious_o for_o the_o pelagian_a heresy_n that_o if_o pelagius_n himself_o be_v here_o we_o can_v not_o discern_v the_o least_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o the_o point_n of_o man_n natural_a ability_n to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n indeed_o he_o give_v the_o pelagian_n ill_a word_n enough_o in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o book_n and_o he_o will_v persuade_v his_o reader_n that_o his_o adversary_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o pelagian_a heretic_n but_o for_o aught_o i_o see_v he_o be_v more_o angry_a at_o the_o name_n of_o pelagius_n than_o at_o his_o error_n or_o he_o hope_n that_o he_o may_v unsuspected_o broach_v the_o opinion_n of_o pelagius_n while_o he_o fall_v foul_a upon_o other_o man_n as_o if_o they_o be_v his_o follower_n and_o true_o this_o insincerity_n he_o may_v happy_o learn_v from_o pelagius_n himself_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o say_v and_o unsay_v to_o contradict_v his_o own_o concession_n one_o while_n and_o his_o assertion_n another_o when_o he_o be_v to_o save_v himself_o now_o against_o the_o catholic_n and_o then_o against_o his_o own_o party_n as_o st._n augustin_n tell_v we_o which_o be_v consider_v i_o leave_v it_o to_o other_o to_o judge_v whether_o our_o author_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o pelagian_a etc._n though_o he_o elsewhere_o affirm_v thing_n inconsistent_a with_o pelagianism_n i_o believe_v he_o have_v but_o one_o way_n to_o come_v off_o and_o
from_o be_v addict_v to_o sensuality_n and_o worldliness_n they_o be_v come_v to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n this_o likewise_o produce_v a_o suitable_a change_n in_o their_o life_n which_o now_o be_v lead_v not_o according_a to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o example_n of_o evil_a man_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ._n and_o thus_o we_o come_v to_o the_o true_a use_n of_o all_o our_o faculty_n as_o a_o infant_n after_o it_o be_v bear_v fall_n into_o those_o natural_a motion_n which_o be_v hinder_v by_o its_o imprisonment_n in_o the_o womb._n now_o when_o our_o mind_n be_v thus_o purify_v from_o sin_n when_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o and_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v become_v the_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n there_o follow_v a_o relative_n change_v in_o our_o state_n as_o considerable_a as_o the_o other_o for_o then_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n heir_n with_o christ_n brethren_n to_o god_n child_n in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n we_o be_v of_o kin_n to_o the_o family_n of_o god_n we_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n and_o have_v a_o actual_a right_n to_o that_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v even_o eternal_a life_n lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o nothing_o will_v be_v more_o evident_a to_o you_o than_o this_o that_o so_o great_a a_o change_n of_o our_o state_n be_v imply_v in_o our_o be_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v as_o it_o be_v other_o man_n by_o be_v so_o and_o so_o may_v fit_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o when_o we_o become_v such_o person_n but_o that_o intrinsic_a alteration_n which_o seem_v to_o afford_v the_o clear_a similitude_n regard_v that_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o a_o true_a christian._n we_o know_v that_o all_o live_a creature_n have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o thing_n hurtful_a and_o destructive_a to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v thereby_o general_o prompt_v to_o avoid_v they_o it_o be_v thus_o i_o say_v in_o the_o natural_a life_n that_o we_o ready_o apprehend_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o run_v into_o the_o fire_n nor_o venture_v down_o precipice_n because_o these_o thing_n be_v contrary_a and_o destructive_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a fit_a emblem_n of_o the_o state_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a for_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o divine_a temper_n of_o soul_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o have_v such_o a_o like_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n with_o regard_n to_o his_o mind_n and_o conscience_n as_o all_o live_a creature_n have_v with_o respect_n to_o their_o nature_n he_o therefore_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n i._n e._n who_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o to_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n for_o he_o have_v a_o new_a sense_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o before_o he_o have_v other_o apprehension_n of_o sin_n than_o sensual_a and_o worldly_a man_n have_v he_o look_v not_o upon_o any_o immorality_n as_o a_o harmless_a thing_n but_o apprehend_v all_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v pernicious_a and_o detestable_a which_o be_v the_o reason_n as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v of_o what_o st._n john_n say_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o which_o in_o the_o relative_n change_n seem_v to_o be_v most_o visible_o intend_v by_o this_o metaphor_n be_v our_o be_v qualify_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n for_o by_o become_v his_o disciple_n we_o be_v as_o it_o be_v bear_v to_o this_o inheritance_n we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o son_n than_o heir_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o now_o if_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n make_v man_n so_o much_o better_o and_o more_o excellent_a person_n than_o they_o be_v before_o and_o qualify_v they_o also_o for_o a_o everlasting_a reward_n then_o here_o be_v another_o visible_a reason_n for_o the_o choice_n of_o this_o metaphor_n to_o express_v the_o state_n of_o a_o good_a christian_n by_o viz._n the_o great_a advantage_n they_o gain_v by_o it_o we_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a be_v give_v unto_o we_o when_o we_o true_o believe_v in_o jesus_n and_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n we_o be_v so_o much_o alter_v for_o the_o better_a as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o live_v till_o then_o and_o we_o have_v infinite_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v of_o this_o alteration_n in_o our_o state_n than_o to_o remember_v the_o day_n of_o our_o birth_n with_o joy_n and_o gladness_n hence_o we_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o represent_v the_o advantage_n we_o gain_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n under_o metaphor_n take_v from_o thing_n most_o grateful_a to_o our_o natural_a appetite_n as_o liberty_n life_n and_o light_n but_o withal_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o good_a imply_v in_o those_o thing_n do_v in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n belong_v to_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o any_o body_n else_o as_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v joh._n 8.36_o if_o the_o son_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a then_o be_v you_o free_a indeed_o now_o what_o this_o freedom_n be_v we_o be_v tell_v vers_fw-la 32._o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a and_o vers_n 34._o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o this_o freedom_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v that_o very_a state_n that_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o call_v light_n and_o life_n and_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n last_o since_o it_o be_v by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o that_o we_o become_v true_a believer_n and_o good_a man_n it_o be_v visible_a that_o our_o be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v fit_o express_v the_o concurrence_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n whereby_o this_o change_n be_v effect_v in_o we_o there_o be_v other_o metaphor_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n express_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o none_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o full_a of_o signification_n as_o this_o although_o the_o use_n and_o meaning_n of_o all_o of_o they_o be_v easy_o discernible_a those_o expression_n of_o create_v and_o draw_v seem_v principal_o to_o respect_v that_o divine_a grace_n by_o which_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v to_o god_n convert_v or_o turn_v peculiarly_a note_n that_o alteration_n that_o be_v hereby_o make_v in_o our_o state_n take_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n express_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o chief_o with_o regard_n to_o what_o we_o be_v before_o as_o give_v the_o heart_n of_o flesh_n also_o do_v with_o respect_n to_o what_o we_o become_v afterward_o make_v a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n signify_v that_o change_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o cause_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o god_n statute_n note_n the_o reformation_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o life_n purify_n cleanse_v and_o purge_v be_v metaphor_n that_o express_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o change_n and_o how_o much_o our_o nature_n be_v better_v by_o it_o but_o quicken_a and_o make_v free_a and_o turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n do_v express_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o we_o gain_v by_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o they_o be_v inherent_a or_o relative_n and_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v in_o what_o divers_a respect_v these_o metaphor_n conspire_v to_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o metaphor_n of_o regeneration_n or_o the_o new_a birth_n contain_v all_o those_o similitude_n to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a which_o be_v several_o discernible_a in_o the_o rest_n and_o this_o probable_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v more_o frequent_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o rest_n be_v as_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n i_o suppose_v why_o it_o have_v obtain_v among_o christian_a writer_n to_o treat_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n more_o frequent_o under_o the_o name_n of_o regeneration_n than_o under_o any_o other_o phrase_n whereby_o they_o be_v metaphorical_o express_v and_o possible_o this_o common_a use_n of_o the_o word_n may_v have_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o some_o unwary_a christian_n of_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_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
in_o believe_v his_o gospel_n so_o as_o to_o yield_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n this_o be_v that_o regeneration_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o adult_v person_n as_o nicodemus_n be_v and_o as_o you_o may_v remember_v be_v one_o of_o those_o needful_a effect_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o in_o our_o mind_n god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o we_o if_o we_o ask_v he_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v what_o those_o qualification_n be_v for_o the_o effect_n of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v in_o st._n luke_n 11.13_o now_o though_o i_o have_v not_o pretend_v to_o prove_v from_o this_o place_n that_o god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o a_o good_a mind_n and_o good_a desire_n in_o we_o and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o since_o the_o spirit_n be_v here_o promise_v to_o believer_n and_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n yet_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o exclude_v they_o 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hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n and_o i_o shall_v now_o show_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v give_v to_o prepare_v our_o mind_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v prepare_v that_o we_o may_v become_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ._n to_o speak_v clear_o to_o this_o matter_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o sufficient_a testimony_n that_o they_o be_v divine_o reveal_v be_v presuppose_v to_o our_o obligation_n of_o believe_v they_o and_o 2._o that_o teachableness_n and_o due_a attention_n be_v necessary_o require_v to_o faith_n or_o actual_a believe_v of_o those_o doctrine_n now_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o the_o teachableness_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o actual_a believe_v be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o i_o only_o say_v that_o faith_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o his_o operation_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v now_o reveal_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o man_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n or_o that_o he_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o truth_n by_o any_o immediate_a or_o any_o new_a testimony_n whatsoever_o that_o they_o may_v believe_v not_o the_o first_o because_o we_o have_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n themselves_o we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.10_o but_o not_o to_o we_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o they_o by_o inspiration_n to_o we_o by_o their_o write_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v full_o instruct_v in_o all_o necessary_a truth_n not_o the_o second_o because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v sufficient_o confirm_v already_o even_o by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n in_o the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o supernatural_a gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a believer_n have_v and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o i_o can_v find_v that_o god_n will_v give_v unto_o we_o any_o further_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o that_o which_o be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o first_o wherefore_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o look_v for_o any_o private_a illumination_n and_o conviction_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v abundant_o confirm_v to_o our_o hand_n by_o so_o many_o divine_a testimony_n already_o it_o be_v the_o same_o light_n and_o the_o same_o evidence_n by_o which_o we_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o those_o to_o who_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v discern_v it_o by_o i._n e._n the_o testimony_n by_o which_o they_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v they_o we_o know_v they_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o scripture_n our_o saviour_n say_v light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o man_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o reveal_v by_o he_o and_o he_o be_v clear_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o work_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o many_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o now_o this_o be_v that_o light_n which_o still_o continue_v in_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o testimony_n by_o which_o they_o be_v confirm_v for_o we_o have_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o evidence_n whereby_o man_n be_v at_o first_o convince_v of_o their_o truth_n therefore_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v faith_n in_o we_o by_o illuminate_v our_o mind_n with_o any_o new_a revelation_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o any_o new_a testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o for_o this_o be_v more_o than_o needs_o to_o be_v do_v and_o i_o conceive_v more_o than_o any_o body_n can_v prove_v but_o he_o do_v it_o by_o dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o attention_n and_o teachableness_n or_o to_o that_o temper_n which_o whosoever_o be_v of_o will_v believe_v truth_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o a_o understand_a man_n assent_n to_o a_o true_a proportion_n in_o philosophy_n than_o to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n and_o represent_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o to_o he_o intelligible_o and_o clear_o this_o ordinary_o be_v sufficient_a in_o that_o case_n but_o there_o be_v more_o assistance_n require_v towards_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o propound_v with_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o conclusion_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o other_o science_n that_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o worldly_a interest_n be_v thwart_v by_o those_o but_o not_o by_o these_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o rise_v up_o in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o latter_a as_o we_o be_v to_o the_o former_a though_o they_o may_v be_v both_o prove_v with_o equal_a evidence_n religion_n be_v to_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o bind_v we_o to_o deny_v the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o sin_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o god_n high_a displeasure_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n influence_n their_o judgement_n and_o blass_n their_o understanding_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o irreconcilable_a to_o a_o wicked_a life_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o only_o so_o often_o spoil_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n where_o it_o be_v but_o do_v also_o cause_v uncertainty_n and_o unbelief_n where_o faith_n be_v not_o but_o where_o in_o all_o reason_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o they_o make_v man_n unwilling_a to_o believe_v and_o this_o unwillingness_n do_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n hinder_v their_o attention_n to_o the_o force_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o prove_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o incline_v they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o lean_a to_o the_o weak_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v against_o it_o this_o be_v just_o the_o case_n of_o the_o great_a man_n among_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o that_o one_o instance_n in_o john_n 9_o among_o many_o for_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v
hope_n and_o expectation_n these_o word_n i_o confess_v be_v capable_a of_o a_o double_a construction_n viz._n that_o the_o expectation_n of_o glory_n either_o without_o holiness_n previous_a to_o that_o expectation_n or_o without_o holiness_n previous_a to_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o glory_n be_v a_o curse_a hope_n if_o he_o mean_v the_o latter_a he_o suppose_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o christian_n to_o expect_v salvation_n and_o glory_n though_o he_o be_v neither_o holy_a at_o present_a nor_o presume_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o hereafter_o and_o this_o be_v a_o curse_a hope_n indeed_o but_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o meet_v with_o it_o any_o where_o either_o among_o christian_n who_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o personal_a election_n for_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o holiness_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n or_o among_o christian_n that_o grant_v it_o for_o they_o be_v persuade_v as_o the_o doctor_n can_v bear_v they_o witness_v that_o god_n will_v take_v care_n to_o make_v the_o elect_n who_o shall_v only_o be_v save_v holy_a before_o he_o bring_v they_o to_o glory_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o great_a danger_n of_o any_o christian_n entertain_v this_o curse_a hope_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o blessedness_n without_o be_v make_v holy_a antecedent_o thereunto_o 580._o as_o our_o author_n expression_n be_v one_o will_v think_v his_o zeal_n be_v mean_v against_o a_o wicked_a man_n hope_v to_o be_v save_v i._n e._n who_o want_v that_o ground_n for_o his_o hope_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v to_o they_o who_o have_v sincere_o forsake_v their_o sinful_a course_n now_o if_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a meaning_n and_o i_o think_v he_o can_v hardly_o say_v too_o much_o to_o awaken_v those_o man_n who_o go_v on_o in_o their_o ungodly_a practice_n and_o still_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n but_o then_o from_o his_o word_n i_o infer_v 1._o such_o man_n expectation_n of_o glory_n can_v be_v build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n that_o god_n have_v absolute_o elect_v some_o person_n to_o eternal_a life_n for_o the_o doctor_n say_v it_o can_v be_v build_v upon_o any_o other_o foundation_n than_o this_o that_o god_n will_v rescind_v his_o eternal_a decree_n to_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o these_o be_v plain_o two_o distinct_a thing_n 2._o that_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o person_n who_o be_v thus_o absolute_o elect_v for_o if_o there_o be_v than_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v hope_v that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o they_o and_o to_o nourish_v this_o hope_n he_o need_v not_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v change_v his_o purpose_n to_o comply_v with_o he_o in_o his_o sin_n but_o that_o god_n will_v take_v care_n to_o convert_v he_o from_o his_o sin_n in_o compliance_n with_o his_o own_o purpose_n and_o then_o 3._o it_o follow_v plain_o that_o god_n have_v decree_v to_o save_v no_o man_n but_o upon_o condition_n of_o his_o be_v holy_a and_o therefore_o 4._o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n for_o any_o man_n to_o hope_v that_o he_o may_v be_v regenerate_v because_o he_o may_v be_v elect_v since_o holiness_n or_o regeneration_n itself_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o any_o man_n be_v elect_v to_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o much_o as_o i_o say_v concern_v the_o desperateness_n of_o put_v our_o regeneration_n upon_o the_o venture_n of_o our_o election_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v word_n according_a to_o the_o most_o charitable_a construction_n of_o they_o i_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v between_o we_o but_o that_o he_o may_v not_o complain_v that_o i_o misrepresent_v his_o opinion_n concern_v that_o which_o he_o call_v the_o decree_n of_o election_n i_o shall_v here_o give_v you_o his_o own_o account_n of_o it_o from_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o his_o five_o book_n where_o he_o disclose_v his_o judgement_n of_o it_o very_o solemn_o his_o design_n in_o that_o chapter_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o eternal_a election_n be_v a_o cause_n of_o and_o motive_n unto_o holiness_n as_o the_o title_n thereof_o acquaint_v we_o and_o therefore_o i_o acknowledge_v he_o take_v a_o very_a proper_a way_n to_o begin_v with_o explain_v what_o he_o understand_v by_o eternal_a election_n but_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n think_v he_o have_v do_v fair_o to_o make_v election_n to_o be_v one_o thing_n when_o he_o industrious_o explain_v his_o notion_n of_o it_o and_o another_o thing_n when_o he_o proceed_v to_o use_v it_o for_o the_o prove_v of_o something_o else_o to_o make_v it_o plain_a to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o fault_n i_o will_v first_o show_v what_o he_o understand_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n where_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o holiness_n 525._o to_o this_o end_n he_o say_v first_o the_o sovereign_a grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n herein_o be_v a_o powerful_a motive_n thereunto_o now_o the_o grace_n which_o he_o mean_v be_v this_o that_o god_n shall_v first_o choose_v we_o unto_o life_n and_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n decree_a immutable_o to_o save_v we_o out_o of_o the_o perish_a multitude_n of_o mankind_n from_o who_o we_o neither_o than_o do_v in_o his_o eye_n or_o consideration_n nor_o by_o any_o thing_n in_o ourselves_o ever_o will_v differ_v in_o the_o least_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o election_n be_v a_o peremptory_a decree_n of_o god_n that_o this_o and_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v without_o consider_v they_o under_o any_o qualification_n which_o the_o gospel_n say_v be_v necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n so_o that_o his_o judgement_n in_o this_o place_n be_v that_o god_n have_v absolute_o elect_v all_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v which_o he_o plain_o affirm_v not_o long_o before_o 522._o by_o say_v that_o every_o thing_n else_o will_v fail_v but_o what_o be_v a_o especial_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o decree_n of_o election_n but_o that_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v understand_v he_o propound_v the_o common_a objection_n against_o this_o doctrine_n viz._n that_o on_o supposition_n thereof_o a_o choose_a one_o may_v happen_v to_o argue_v in_o this_o manner_n if_o god_n have_v thus_o choose_v i_o i_o may_v then_o live_v in_o sin_n as_o i_o please_v 525._o all_o will_v be_v well_o and_o safe_a in_o the_o latter_a end_n which_o be_v all_o i_o need_v care_n for_o i._n e._n election_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v absolute_a it_o follow_v that_o a_o man_n may_v live_v in_o sin_n all_o his_o day_n and_o it_o shall_v not_o go_v the_o worse_a with_o he_o hereafter_o which_o inference_n seem_v to_o be_v plain_a and_o strong_a and_o i_o think_v our_o author_n confess_v it_o so_o to_o be_v by_o not_o once_o attempt_v to_o show_v the_o contrary_n but_o instead_o thereof_o he_o tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o language_n of_o a_o devil_n and_o not_o of_o a_o man_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v act_v practical_o according_a to_o this_o inference_n be_v such_o a_o monster_n of_o impiety_n and_o presumptuous_a ingratitude_n as_o hell_n itself_o can_v parallel_v in_o many_o instance_n may_v be_v so_o but_o i_o hope_v a_o man_n may_v doctrinal_o make_v this_o inference_n without_o be_v as_o ill-natured_a as_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o our_o author_n will_v not_o call_v we_o devil_n for_o urge_v he_o with_o a_o objection_n that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o answer_v for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v if_o believer_n shall_v argue_v in_o this_o sort_n and_o live_v according_o he_o have_v no_o way_n that_o i_o can_v see_v to_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v fare_v the_o worse_a for_o it_o but_o thus_o he_o go_v on_o i_o shall_v use_v some_o boldness_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o do_v he_o right_o 526._o he_o be_v every_o jot_n as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n for_o present_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o call_v they_o stupid_a impious_a and_o ungrateful_a monster_n and_o to_o bestow_v such_o language_n upon_o they_o as_o may_v make_v he_o liable_a to_o be_v question_v by_o his_o brethren_n whether_o he_o have_v not_o take_v too_o much_o boldness_n with_o the_o elect_n if_o he_o have_v not_o make_v his_o peace_n with_o they_o in_o particular_a by_o say_v that_o he_o never_o know_v any_o man_n who_o be_v due_o persuade_v of_o his_o election_n in_o who_o it_o tend_v to_o ingenerate_a looseness_n of_o life_n but_o i_o suppose_v he_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o they_o all_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o of_o they_o that_o make_v this_o hellish_a inference_n doctrinal_o and_o practical_o too_o any_o man_n may_v see_v that_o his_o foul_a word_n do_v not_o confute_v the_o consequence_n of_o their_o argue_v although_o they_o
plain_a that_o no_o body_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o procure_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v at_o first_o necessary_a to_o put_v he_o into_o the_o way_n of_o well-doing_n the_o latter_a proposition_n be_v clear_a thus_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o eternal_a punishment_n much_o less_o to_o such_o punishment_n in_o a_o more_o intolerable_a degree_n for_o not_o believe_v what_o be_v always_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v and_o that_o without_o his_o own_o fault_n but_o every_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o eternal_a punishment_n if_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o and_o to_o a_o sore_a punishment_n for_o not_o believe_v it_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o always_o thus_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o believe_v the_o second_o proposition_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o forementioned_a passage_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o first_o be_v from_o the_o unchangeable_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o to_o say_v that_o god_n require_v impossible_a thing_n of_o any_o man_n and_o so_o take_v advantage_n against_o he_o to_o cast_v he_o into_o fierce_a flame_n where_o he_o must_v burn_v for_o ever_o be_v to_o blaspheme_v all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o those_o which_o make_v he_o great_a and_o powerful_a it_o be_v to_o rob_v he_o of_o all_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o which_o he_o have_v express_v so_o much_o delight_n for_o not_o to_o say_v that_o this_o fasten_v the_o reproach_n of_o insincerity_n and_o foul_a dissimulation_n upon_o the_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v to_o charge_v the_o creator_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n with_o tyranny_n and_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n with_o injustice_n god_n be_v please_v to_o expostulate_v with_o man_n because_o of_o their_o disobedience_n from_o that_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v to_o he_o as_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n say_v the_o lord_n mal._n 1.6_o now_o can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o have_v give_v any_o man_n cause_n to_o retort_v that_o expostulation_n in_o this_o manner_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v thy_o bowel_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v thy_o justice_n for_o kindness_n belong_v as_o necessary_o to_o the_o character_n of_o a_o good_a father_n and_o justice_n to_o that_o of_o a_o good_a master_n as_o obedience_n and_o fear_n can_v to_o that_o of_o a_o good_a child_n or_o servant_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o forget_v that_o god_n have_v appeal_v to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n impress_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o justification_n of_o the_o equity_n and_o mercy_n of_o his_o proceed_n towards_o they_o the_o latter_a in_o isa._n 1.18_o come_v now_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n the_o former_a in_o ezekel_n 18.25_o be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a but_o to_o inflict_v a_o more_o grievous_a punishment_n and_o that_o eternal_a for_o not_o perform_v a_o impossible_a condition_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n cruel_a and_o unjust_a and_o therefore_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o father_n nor_o with_o the_o justice_n of_o a_o master_n nor_o with_o god_n plead_v with_o obstinate_a evil_a man_n from_o these_o relation_n and_o the_o appeal_v he_o make_v to_o their_o own_o mind_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o which_o upon_o these_o term_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o acknowledge_v unless_o they_o lie_v aside_o the_o bright_a principle_n of_o their_o reason_n if_o some_o thing_n be_v so_o evil_a that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v good_a than_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o can_v never_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n without_o blasphemy_n now_o if_o the_o inflict_a of_o eternal_a torment_n upon_o man_n for_o what_o they_o can_v never_o help_v be_v not_o one_o of_o those_o thing_n i_o desire_v any_o man_n to_o tell_v i_o what_o be_v beside_o be_v it_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v lie_v but_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o he_o that_o die_v but_o have_v rather_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v and_o what_o shadow_n of_o truth_n can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o say_n if_o he_o first_o prescribe_v impossible_a term_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o then_o damn_v the_o sinner_n with_o more_o severity_n for_o not_o perform_v they_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o debate_v this_o matter_n with_o dr._n owen_n in_o another_o place_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v he_o please_v to_o contrive_v some_o undeniable_a instance_n of_o barbarous_a injustice_n which_o without_o question_n he_o can_v easy_o do_v and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v we_o his_o idea_n of_o it_o i_o will_v undertake_v to_o reconcile_v the_o fasten_n it_o upon_o god_n with_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o attribute_n as_o easy_o as_o he_o can_v secure_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n while_o he_o make_v god_n to_o oblige_v man_n to_o impossibility_n under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o right_n and_o wrong_n if_o we_o know_v nothing_o so_o good_a or_o so_o evil_a but_o it_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v so_o then_o the_o divine_a perfection_n may_v cease_v too_o and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v mutable_a and_o so_o farewell_n to_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o last_o result_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o make_v believe_v and_o consequent_o obey_v the_o gospel_n impossible_a from_o the_o very_a first_o to_o they_o that_o will_v be_v damn_v for_o not_o do_v so_o i_o leave_v indifferent_a man_n to_o consider_v the_o conclusion_n be_v that_o believe_v be_v possible_a to_o all_o that_o hear_v now_o the_o possibility_n thereof_o must_v consist_v either_o in_o this_o that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v able_a to_o dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o that_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o that_o teachableness_n and_o attention_n which_o will_v cause_v actual_a believe_v assoon_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v plain_o and_o evident_o make_v know_v or_o else_o in_o this_o that_o by_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n we_o may_v be_v thus_o dispose_v and_o consequent_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n the_o former_a be_v the_o semipelagian_a doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n chap._n 4._o sect._n 1._o therefore_o the_o latter_a remain_v to_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v possible_a for_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n to_o believe_v and_o by_o force_n of_o the_o former_a argument_n it_o follow_v that_o common_a grace_n or_o that_o which_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o begin_v well_o and_o by_o believe_v to_o perform_v the_o first_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o i_o do_v not_o indeed_o find_v any_o such_o express_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n will_v give_v every_o man_n that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n grace_n to_o believe_v it_o as_o there_o be_v that_o he_o will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o believer_n and_o good_a man_n and_o this_o may_v be_v say_v why_o there_o be_v no_o such_o promise_n make_v express_o viz._n because_o it_o will_v have_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n either_o to_o those_o that_o believe_v already_o because_o they_o need_v not_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o beget_v faith_n at_o first_o but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o confirm_v and_o increase_v it_o or_o to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v for_o of_o whatsoever_o use_v such_o a_o promise_n can_v be_v to_o any_o man_n it_o must_v suppose_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o which_o he_o will_v want_v who_o do_v not_o yet_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o common_a grace_n express_o make_v to_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o implicit_a promise_n thereof_o contain_v partly_o under_o that_o obligation_n which_o the_o gospel_n lay_v upon_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o to_o believe_v and_o partly_o under_o those_o passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o suppose_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o we_o for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v just_o oblige_v to_o impossible_a term_n of_o forgiveness_n under_o pain_n of_o a_o more_o grievous_a punishment_n therefore_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n god_n will_v give_v his_o spirit_n in_o such_o measure_n
be_v effect_v but_o by_o a_o physical_a irresistible_a operation_n which_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v call_v a_o assistance_n i_o leave_v you_o to_o judge_v after_o you_o have_v consider_v these_o word_n which_o be_v your_o own_o 266._o the_o most_o effectual_a persuasion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o of_o they_o you_o be_v speak_v can_v prevail_v with_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o convert_v themselves_o any_o more_o than_o argument_n can_v prevail_v with_o a_o blind_a man_n to_o see_v or_o with_o a_o dead_a man_n to_o rise_v from_o the_o grave_a and_o you_o must_v not_o forget_v that_o you_o make_v as_o irresistible_a a_o operation_n necessary_a to_o conversion_n as_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o raise_n of_o a_o dead_a body_n now_o you_o know_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o persuade_v a_o dead_a man_n to_o stir_v and_o by_o your_o argument_n it_o be_v to_o as_o little_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n to_o repent_v but_o will_v it_o not_o be_v also_o a_o most_o absurd_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o god_n assist_v a_o dead_a body_n to_o be_v alive_a again_o whoever_o be_v say_v to_o assist_v another_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n be_v not_o suppose_v to_o do_v it_o all_o himself_o much_o less_o by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n but_o the_o person_n that_o be_v assist_v be_v suppose_v to_o contribute_v his_o own_o endeavour_n towards_o the_o thing_n now_o a_o dead_a body_n can_v do_v nothing_o towards_o its_o own_o resurrection_n and_o therefore_o be_v incapable_a of_o be_v assist_v to_o rise_v and_o if_o god_n raise_v it_o to_o life_n he_o must_v do_v all_o himself_o and_o do_v you_o not_o therefore_o make_v a_o sinner_n incapable_a of_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v this_o consequence_n pray_v will_v you_o acknowledge_v your_o own_o plain_a word_n where_o you_o give_v we_o your_o sense_n of_o that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n ascribe_v the_o honour_n of_o all_o he_o do_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o i_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o for_o thus_o you_o argue_v from_o thence_o 470._o suppose_v now_o that_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n do_v no_o more_o but_o aid_n assist_v and_o excite_v the_o will_n in_o its_o act_n that_o he_o do_v not_o effectual_o work_v all_o the_o gracious_a act_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o all_o our_o duty_n that_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v all_o himself_o the_o proposition_n will_v hold_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n not_o grace_n but_o i_o see_v the_o principal_a relation_n of_o the_o effect_n be_v unto_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a cause_n and_o thence_o have_v its_o denomination_n these_o be_v your_o own_o word_n wherein_o you_o do_v not_o only_o deny_v regeneration_n but_o which_o be_v much_o stranger_n even_o the_o good_a which_o regenerate_a man_n do_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o you_o deny_v this_o in_o such_o plain_a term_n that_o you_o allow_v they_o not_o to_o be_v the_o next_o cause_n of_o the_o good_a they_o do_v as_o if_o s._n paul_n have_v mean_v that_o in_o truth_n he_o have_v not_o labour_v at_o all_o though_o he_o plain_o say_v i_o labour_v abundant_o and_o thus_o you_o plain_o make_v believe_v repent_v and_o labour_v not_o to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o our_o own_o act_n but_o pure_o the_o act_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o obey_v but_o according_a to_o you_o god_n do_v all_o this_o for_o we_o not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v as_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v without_o make_v we_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a cause_n of_o our_o do_v so_o can_v you_o read_v these_o word_n of_o you_o without_o blush_v if_o you_o remember_v your_o crafty_a preface_n where_o you_o be_v all_o for_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o put_v yourself_o into_o such_o a_o combustion_n to_o defend_v they_o as_o if_o pelagius_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a you_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o we_o do_v believe_v god_n do_v aid_n and_o assist_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o that_o no_o body_n but_o yourself_o and_o such_o as_o you_o deny_v conversion_n and_o perseverance_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a assistance_n only_o you_o strain_v a_o point_n with_o your_o conscience_n and_o cast_v the_o odium_n of_o so_o detestable_a a_o doctrine_n upon_o we_o in_o your_o preface_n to_o make_v all_o the_o revile_v speech_n you_o bestow_v on_o we_o in_o your_o book_n go_v down_o the_o better_a with_o your_o reader_n but_o this_o artifice_n of_o you_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o preface_n but_o use_v also_o in_o divers_a place_n of_o your_o book_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o but_o one_o instance_n of_o it_o at_o present_a in_o the_o five_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o book_n you_o pretend_v to_o reconcile_v the_o usefulness_n of_o the_o command_n threaten_n promise_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o the_o promise_a aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o ascribe_v all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o we_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 166._o for_o this_o you_o say_v be_v the_o principal_a difficulty_n wherewith_o some_o man_n seek_v to_o entangle_v and_o perplex_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o you_o mean_v by_o some_o man_n your_o follower_n and_o we_o understand_v well_o enough_o but_o you_o know_v your_o adversary_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o difficulty_n at_o all_o in_o reconcile_a the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n with_o the_o usefulness_n of_o motive_n and_o then_o they_o can_v seek_v to_o entangle_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o this_o difficulty_n now_o this_o be_v your_o way_n very_o often_o when_o you_o talk_v of_o the_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o suppose_v the_o grace_n by_o which_o we_o be_v convert_v to_o be_v irresistible_a you_o make_v it_o your_o business_n to_o show_v that_o these_o objection_n do_v not_o lie_v against_o say_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v aid_n and_o assistance_n as_o here_o in_o this_o place_n you_o say_v 167._o if_o there_o be_v any_o opposition_n between_o the_o command_v of_o duty_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n it_o be_v either_o because_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v not_o meet_v to_o be_v command_v or_o because_o it_o need_v not_o to_o be_v assist_v and_o than_o you_o say_v very_o well_o that_o what_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v in_o we_o he_o do_v by_o we_o and_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o apply_v ourselves_o unto_o his_o command_n according_a to_o the_o conviction_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o his_o work_n it_o be_v to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v they_o very_o good_a all_o this_o we_o hearty_o believe_v but_o now_o the_o doctrine_n we_o seek_v to_o entangle_v by_o the_o forementioned_a difficulty_n be_v that_o man_n can_v be_v convert_v but_o by_o such_o a_o almighty_a operation_n as_o that_o which_o make_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o and_o will_v hereafter_o raise_v our_o dead_a body_n to_o life_n and_o now_o i_o can_v understand_v why_o you_o shall_v so_o often_o attempt_v to_o disentangle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o aid_n of_o grace_n from_o the_o former_a objection_n which_o do_v not_o lie_v against_o it_o but_o because_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o some_o man_n say_v we_o can_v keep_v the_o command_n of_o god_n without_o the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n indeed_o in_o one_o place_n you_o apply_v the_o objection_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v viz._n against_o your_o own_o doctrine_n and_o i_o intend_v to_o let_v you_o see_v short_o that_o you_o have_v not_o take_v it_o off_o but_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o you_o have_v no_o other_o meaning_n in_o apply_v it_o wrong_v and_o so_o change_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n between_o we_o but_o to_o make_v the_o most_o odious_a representation_n of_o we_o you_o can_v devise_v and_o now_o i_o take_v may_v leave_v of_o you_o for_o a_o while_n wish_v that_o you_o may_v hereafter_o write_v with_o the_o clearness_n of_o a_o doctor_n the_o good_a temper_n of_o a_o gentleman_n and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o forward_o to_o give_v you_o that_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a to_o your_o ability_n to_o sum_v up_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v in_o that_o manner_n work_v his_o grace_n in_o we_o that_o they_o be_v still_o the_o genuine_a effect_n of_o the_o evidence_n and_o the_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o our_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o of_o our_o own_o care_n and_o
and_o demonstration_n viz._n ionas_n his_o tarry_v three_o day_n in_o the_o whale_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o always_o so_o signify_v for_o in_o st._n judas_n vers_fw-la 19_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sensual_a man_n man_n addict_v to_o their_o lust_n not_o those_o that_o reject_v revelation_n because_o they_o be_v there_o suppose_v to_o be_v professor_n and_o so_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o those_o who_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o 1_o cor._n 2._o who_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v chap._n 3._o who_o be_v meek_a peaceable_a christian_n they_o therefore_o in_o st._n judas_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n want_v those_o christian_a virtue_n of_o love_n meekness_n peaceableness_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v not_o unusual_a for_o the_o holy_a writer_n to_o use_v the_o same_o word_n under_o different_a signification_n and_o then_o the_o sense_n they_o intend_v by_o such_o a_o word_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o context_n now_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o st._n judas_n signify_v the_o sensual_a man_n who_o though_o a_o christian_n be_v yet_o want_v in_o christian_a temper_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o more_o clear_a from_o the_o context_n there_o than_o that_o here_o it_o signify_v one_o that_o be_v no_o christian_a at_o all_o or_o one_o that_o reject_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n here_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unfit_a once_o for_o all_o to_o observe_v a_o like_a variety_n in_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v by_o the_o apostle_n chap._n 2_o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o second_o chapter_n be_v oppose_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o signify_v one_o that_o admit_v of_o revelation_n and_o be_v thereby_o acquaint_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v he_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n say_v vers_fw-la 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o fit_a to_o do_v because_o he_o reject_v the_o only_a proper_a way_n whereby_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o be_v know_v but_o in_o the_o three_o chapt._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v oppose_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v vers_fw-la 1._o i_o can_v not_o speak_v unto_o you_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o consequent_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o unchristian_a temper_n be_v give_v to_o strife_n and_o debate_n can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v grow_v christian_n but_o be_v only_a babe_n in_o christ_n very_o imperfect_a christian_n wherefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o opposition_n to_o they_o signify_v not_o only_o one_o who_o have_v receive_v and_o believe_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o who_o mind_n also_o be_v thorough_o conform_v to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o so_o be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n 2._o vers._n 26._o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n among_o those_o improve_a christian_n who_o be_v by_o their_o good_a temper_n qualify_v to_o receive_v high_a knowledge_n concern_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v chap._n 3._o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v thus_o st._n chrys._n tell_v we_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v those_o who_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n hom._n 8._o who_o be_v of_o the_o low_a rank_n among_o the_o spiritual_a and_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o of_o their_o evil_a lust_n and_o of_o these_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o carnality_n permit_v they_o not_o to_o hear_v high_a doctrine_n moreover_o he_o say_v you_o can_v bear_v they_o be_v put_v for_o you_o will_v not_o for_o say_v he_o if_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a impossibility_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n will_v pardon_v they_o perhaps_o but_o since_o their_o inability_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o their_o own_o choice_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v bereave_v of_o all_o excuse_n and_o it_o be_v from_o their_o own_o choice_n because_o it_o proceed_v from_o their_o lust_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o a_o impure_a life_n be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o sublime_a knowledge_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o he_o excellent_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o ought_v to_o purify_v himself_o from_o all_o lust_n who_o intend_v to_o pursue_v after_o truth_n and_o to_o purge_v himself_o in_o particular_a from_o the_o lust_n of_o strife_n and_o contention_n and_o unpeaceableness_n since_o as_o st._n chrysostome_n well_o observe_v the_o apostle_n can_v have_v tell_v they_o they_o be_v carnal_a because_o of_o their_o fornication_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o choose_v to_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v so_o because_o of_o their_o schism_n and_o contention_n the_o lust_n whereof_o make_v man_n as_o unmeet_a to_o labour_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n as_o any_o other_o impure_a affection_n whatsoever_o which_o j._n o._n and_o his_o brethren_n as_o spiritual_a as_o they_o seem_v to_o themselves_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v a_o little_a better_o than_o i_o fear_v they_o do_v do_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v remember_v before_o that_o although_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v before_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v preach_v be_v hide_v till_o god_n reveal_v it_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n yet_o this_o wisdom_n have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o their_o prophecy_n be_v revelation_n of_o it_o how_o then_o be_v it_o hide_v it_o be_v hide_v in_o comparison_n to_o that_o revelation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v make_v when_o those_o prophecy_n be_v accomplish_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n contain_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o cover_v it_o but_o now_o when_o these_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v than_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v make_v plain_a the_o completion_n give_v light_a to_o the_o prophecy_n when_o the_o prophecy_n be_v make_v good_a by_o the_o completion_n and_o when_o those_o prophecy_n be_v clear_o fulfil_v and_o the_o wisdom_n hide_v in_o they_o be_v now_o manifest_v it_o be_v a_o very_a convince_a method_n which_o the_o apostle_n take_v to_o compare_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o that_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o that_o of_o the_o new_a in_o order_n to_o the_o demonstrate_v of_o their_o true_a meaning_n by_o their_o agreeableness_n to_o one_o another_o thus_o st._n chrysostome_n clear_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o the_o future_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o such_o resemblance_n and_o description_n as_o it_o be_v shadow_v 〈◊〉_d that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v they_o may_v be_v believe_v this_o be_v exact_o according_a to_o st._n chrysost._n note_v upon_o the_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v i._n e._n because_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n must_v necessary_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n and_o because_o they_o can_v be_v assent_v to_o from_o mere_a reason_n or_o because_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o philosophical_a discourse_n if_o they_o be_v assent_v to_o at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a revelation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o we_o know_v both_o our_o own_o thing_n and_o all_o those_o of_o unbeliever_n but_o they_o know_v not_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o we_o know_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n viz._n whatever_o it_o be_v his_o will_n we_o shall_v know_v and_o which_o he_o have_v reveal_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o 7._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 6._o 1_o cor._n and_o neither_o do_v we_o now_o persuade_v by_o syllogism_n but_o we_o prove_v what_o we_o say_v from_o the_o divine_a scripture_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v at_o first_o and_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v not_o only_o by_o sign_n but_o discourse_v also_o i._n e._n they_o reason_v and_o argue_v from_o those_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o st._n chrysost._n so_o often_o reject_v be_v not_o simple_o all_o reason_n and_o syllogism_n but_o such_o only_a as_o admit_v not_o of_o revelation_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o these_o be_v altogether_o improper_a when_o reveal_v doctrine_n be_v inquire_v into_o 1_o joh._n 4.13_o p._n 87._o ibid._n p._n 80._o p._n 85._o p._n 86._o p._n 15._o chap._n 4._o b._n 1._o ibid._n ch._n 1._o b._n 2._o p._n 116_o 117._o ch._n 34._o b._n 2._o p._n 10._o p._n 166._o 1_o cor._n 12.11_o p._n 157._o p._n 158._o p._n 158._o p._n 118._o p._n 184._o sect._n 21._o pag._n 183._o pag._n 173._o ibid._n p._n 175._o p._n 183._o p._n 175._o p._n 183._o p._n 181._o pag._n 183._o pag._n 181._o p._n 181._o p._n 183._o august_n lib._n de_fw-fr gratia_n christi_fw-la c._n 41._o hierom._n ep._n ad_fw-la ctesiph_n de_fw-fr pecc_fw-la orig._n c._n 17_o 18_o etc._n etc._n vid._n dr._n hammond_n in_o loc_n &_o resol_n of_o 6_o query_n treat_n of_o conu._n p._n 8._o pag._n 177._o the_o opinion_n of_o grotius_n that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o similitude_n of_o the_o natural_a birth_n and_o the_o wind_n which_o our_o saviour_n use_v and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d divine_a thing_n speak_v without_o this_o condescension_n by_o the_o use_n of_o metaphor_n etc._n etc._n want_v not_o its_o probability_n nor_o that_o of_o dr._n hammond_n who_o suppose_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v thing_n ordinary_a in_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o notion_n seem_v to_o be_v countenance_v by_o vers_n 31._o but_o then_o by_o believe_v they_o be_v both_o force_v to_o mean_a understanding_n whereas_o this_o notion_n do_v not_o only_o equal_o if_o not_o better_o agree_v with_o the_o context_n but_o may_v without_o use_v that_o liberty_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o word_n p._n 174._o p._n 529._o p._n 530._o p._n 529._o p._n 349._o vid._n knowl_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 389._o p._n 385._o p._n 349._o p._n 349_o 385._o chrys._n in_o rom._n 8._o hom._n 14._o august_n ep._n ad_fw-la probam_fw-la 121._o c._n 14._o ad_fw-la probam_fw-la c._n 15._o de_fw-fr anim._n etc._n etc._n orig._n lib._n 4._o hierom_n in_o locum_fw-la ambrose_n com._n in_o râ—m_n theod._n in_o rom._n orig._n in_o ep._n ad_fw-la rom._n lib._n 7._o between_o v_o 19_o and_o v_o 24_o there_o be_v some_o difficult_a passage_n viz._n the_o creature_n be_v subject_a to_o vanity_n and_o the_o groan_a of_o the_o creation_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v make_v very_o clear_a and_o plain_a in_o dr._n hammond_n be_v annotation_n where_o that_o which_o i_o have_v here_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o general_a meaning_n of_o the_o whole_a period_n be_v particular_o explain_v and_o therefore_o because_o i_o be_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o solution_n of_o difficulty_n somewhat_o remote_a from_o my_o main_a design_n i_o refer_v he_o thither_o see_v dr._n ham._n an._n p._n 182._o p._n 86._o p._n 358._o p._n 357._o p._n 361._o p._n 361._o p._n 358._o p._n 172._o p._n 521._o p._n 580._o p._n 525._o p._n 522._o p._n 525._o p._n 526._o p._n 522._o p._n 523_o 524._o p._n 520._o p._n 526._o p._n 521._o p._n 524._o p._n 205._o p._n 270._o p._n 287._o p._n 287._o p._n 262._o p._n 261._o p._n 254._o p._n 269_o etc._n etc._n p._n 261._o p._n 268._o p._n 270._o p._n 268._o p._n 268._o p._n 270_o 271._o p._n 271._o p._n 470._o 470._o if_o i_o forget_v not_o he_o acknowledge_v it_o somewhere_o in_o express_a term_n p._n 272._o pres._n j._n o._n p._n 21._o p._n 266._o p._n 470._o p._n 166._o p._n 167._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