reformatione_fw-la vitæ_fw-la a_o moral_a reformation_n of_o life_n what_o other_o socinian_o our_o author_n have_v find_v out_o beside_o the_o modern_a i_o know_v not_o but_o here_o he_o calumniate_v we_o and_o the_o socinian_o too_o though_o the_o socinian_o deserve_v rebuke_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o to_o have_v lie_v tell_v of_o they_o for_o not_o only_o we_o who_o be_v no_o socinian_n but_o those_o that_o be_v do_v acknowledge_v the_o state_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o spiritual_a renovation_n of_o his_o nature_n whereas_o therefore_o he_o tell_v we_o if_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o this_o moral_a reformation_n of_o life_n do_v proceed_v from_o a_o spiritual_a renovation_n of_o our_o nature_n this_o difference_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n i_o answer_v he_o that_o this_o difference_n be_v at_o a_o end_n before_o it_o be_v begin_v for_o we_o have_v always_o grant_v it_o and_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v he_o present_o he_o know_v it_o too_o only_o our_o author_n be_v willing_a to_o impose_v the_o fallacy_n of_o non_fw-la causa_fw-la pro_fw-la causâ_fw-la upon_o his_o reader_n and_o to_o gain_v the_o better_a opinion_n of_o his_o endeavour_n in_o this_o chapter_n he_o will_v make_v they_o believe_v that_o his_o design_n be_v indeed_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o change_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o life_n in_o a_o regenerate_a man_n now_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v to_o prove_v against_o we_o however_o he_o shift_v the_o question_n here_o that_o to_o use_v his_o own_o word_n he_o may_v take_v a_o opportunity_n to_o rail_v at_o other_o for_o want_n of_o better_a advantage_n his_o business_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o regeneration_n and_o the_o new_a creation_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v proper_o and_o as_o he_o know_v a_o foundation_n be_v hereby_o to_o be_v lay_v of_o affirm_v that_o we_o can_v be_v regenerate_v without_o the_o interposal_n of_o a_o irresistible_a power_n like_v to_o that_o whereby_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v raise_v here_o lie_v the_o difference_n between_o he_o and_o we_o not_o whether_o regeneration_n imply_v a_o change_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o life_n and_o this_o he_o confess_v himself_o in_o the_o very_a next_o page_n sect._n 20_o where_o he_o say_v some_o say_v a_o new_a creature_n be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o change_a man_n it_o be_v true_a but_o then_o this_o change_n be_v internal_a also_o yes_o in_o the_o purpose_n design_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o be_v it_o by_o a_o real_a infusion_n of_o a_o new_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o holiness_n no_o it_o denote_v no_o more_o but_o a_o new_a course_n of_o conversation_n only_o the_o expression_n be_v metaphorical_a a_o new_a creature_n be_v a_o moral_a man_n that_o have_v change_v his_o course_n or_o way_n now_o under_o that_o new_a course_n of_o conversation_n which_o he_o say_v some_o mean_n by_o regeneration_n either_o he_o include_v a_o internal_a change_n as_o their_o meaning_n too_o or_o not_o if_o he_o do_v than_o he_o confess_v their_o true_a meaning_n and_o the_o difference_n be_v at_o a_o end_n if_o not_o than_o he_o either_o want_v a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o good_a memory_n for_o he_o grant_v before_o that_o they_o confess_v a_o internal_a change_n also_o as_o to_o what_o he_o add_v that_o they_o deny_v the_o real_a infusion_n of_o a_o new_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o holiness_n i_o say_v they_o do_v not_o deny_v a_o new_a principle_n of_o holiness_n to_o be_v in_o the_o regenerate_v for_o they_o confess_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v in_o they_o the_o precept_n and_o motive_n whereof_o prevail_v in_o their_o mind_n be_v proper_o a_o principle_n of_o holiness_n of_o life_n in_o they_o now_o whether_o this_o principle_n be_v real_o infuse_v into_o they_o or_o not_o belong_v not_o to_o this_o place_n to_o consider_v where_o we_o be_v treat_v about_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n and_o not_o the_o manner_n whereby_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v regenerate_v we_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o the_o new_a creature_n according_a to_o they_o be_v a_o moral_a man_n that_o have_v change_v his_o course_n or_o way_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o blame_v they_o for_o it_o since_o the_o change_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v suppose_v in_o that_o of_o the_o life_n he_o know_v there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o tree_n than_o by_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o mind_n than_o by_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o the_o life_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v conclude_v it_o be_v a_o very_a honest_a account_n which_o they_o give_v of_o the_o new_a creature_n because_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o reckon_v himself_o regenerate_v who_o do_v not_o sincere_o amend_v his_o life_n according_a to_o god_n holy_a word_n which_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o keep_v hypocrite_n from_o pretend_v too_o fast_o to_o regeneration_n who_o may_v else_o be_v comfort_v themselves_o that_o their_o heart_n be_v good_a while_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n be_v naught_o i_o be_o sure_a their_o description_n of_o the_o regenerate_a state_n be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o st._n john_n say_v of_o it_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n but_o after_o all_o i_o thus_o far_o differ_v from_o he_o that_o i_o look_v upon_o his_o distinction_n between_o spiritual_a and_o moral_a to_o be_v vain_a and_o useless_a in_o the_o description_n of_o a_o regenerate_a state_n or_o of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v his_o own_o phrase_n as_o passive_o consider_v for_o as_o the_o moral_a reformation_n of_o life_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o be_v spiritual_a so_o the_o spiritual_a renovation_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v moral_a for_o as_o the_o state_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n in_o both_o respect_n may_v be_v call_v spiritual_a as_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n so_o in_o both_o it_o may_v be_v call_v moral_n as_o consist_v in_o the_o purity_n both_o of_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o action_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n for_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v grant_v that_o all_o sin_n i._n e._n all_o unbelief_n of_o god_n word_n and_o all_o disobedience_n to_o god_n command_n whether_o moral_a or_o positive_a be_v immorality_n therefore_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n be_v morality_n or_o moral_a goodness_n i._n e._n they_o be_v thing_n good_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n eternal_o and_o unalterable_o so_o 181._o this_o man_n charge_v his_o adversary_n here_o with_o confuse_a notion_n and_o sophistical_a expression_n about_o morality_n where_o he_o do_v not_o tell_v the_o reader_n one_o of_o their_o notion_n or_o expression_n about_o it_o and_o therein_o he_o have_v do_v more_o like_o a_o sophister_n himself_o than_o a_o doctor_n it_o be_v in_o this_o latitude_n which_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o they_o understand_v moral_a righteousness_n and_o virtue_n who_o affirm_v that_o the_o state_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n do_v consist_v therein_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o grace_n and_o virtue_n between_o spiritual_a and_o moral_a suppose_v that_o by_o grace_n and_o spiritual_n you_o express_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n if_o dr._n owen_n do_v not_o take_v they_o in_o this_o sense_n he_o misunderstand_v they_o and_o make_v a_o wrong_a report_n of_o their_o judgement_n concern_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o moral_a righteousness_n to_o qualify_v man_n for_o heaven_n if_o he_o do_v thus_o understand_v they_o and_o yet_o be_v angry_a because_o they_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o grace_n and_o virtue_n a_o spiritual_a and_o moral_a state_n as_o i_o find_v he_o be_v sect._n 19_o sure_a it_o must_v be_v because_o he_o think_v all_o be_v not_o moral_a virtue_n which_o they_o say_v be_v viz._n faith_n in_o god_n 183._o and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o then_o the_o contention_n between_o we_o be_v a_o mere_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o strife_n about_o word_n in_o which_o i_o suppose_v he_o have_v the_o hard_a part_n unless_o he_o can_v show_v that_o to_o disbelieve_v any_o of_o the_o revelation_n and_o to_o disobey_v any_o of_o the_o command_v of_o god_n be_v not_o immorality_n or_o else_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o displeasure_n must_v be_v because_o he_o think_v a_o regenerate_a state_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o if_o i_o understand_v he_o be_v his_o opinion_n and_o it_o be_v our_o affirm_v the_o contrary_n which_o have_v make_v he_o so_o fierce_a against_o we_o as_o i_o observe_v he_o to_o be_v sect._n 17._o where_o he_o have_v these_o strange_a word_n 181._o regeneration_n do_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
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
purge_v thou_o shall_v not_o be_v purge_v from_o thy_o filthiness_n any_o more_o i._n e._n god_n will_v afford_v they_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o conversion_n no_o long_o because_o they_o have_v already_o obstruct_v the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o so_o long_o together_o and_o then_o by_o his_o purge_n jerusalem_n it_o be_v plain_a nothing_o can_v be_v mean_v but_o his_o do_v all_o that_o be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n and_o which_o will_v certain_o have_v accomplish_v it_o have_v they_o comply_v as_o they_o may_v with_o his_o gracious_a method_n thus_o also_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n who_o be_v not_o actual_o lead_v by_o it_o be_v such_o as_o after_o their_o hardness_n and_o impenitent_a heart_n treasure_n up_o wrath_n unto_o themselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n rom._n 2.4_o 5._o the_o meaning_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o the_o forbearance_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v a_o most_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o bring_v those_o to_o repentance_n who_o do_v not_o only_o neglect_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o it_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v ascribe_v unto_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o what_o he_o do_v towards_o the_o conversion_n of_o those_o sinner_n that_o continue_v in_o impenitence_n by_o say_v that_o he_o have_v convert_v and_o heal_v they_o even_o while_o they_o be_v yet_o in_o their_o sin_n hereby_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o through_o any_o defect_n of_o grace_n on_o his_o part_n but_o only_o through_o their_o own_o fail_v to_o excite_v such_o endeavour_n as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v that_o they_o be_v not_o actual_o reform_v now_o in_o like_a manner_n and_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a stile_n of_o the_o scripture_n god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o work_n even_o in_o those_o man_n to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v who_o be_v still_o unwilling_a and_o disobedient_a and_o therefore_o that_o phrase_n do_v not_o necessary_o import_v that_o god_n do_v more_o than_o excite_v and_o stir_v up_o our_o will_n by_o his_o grace_n or_o that_o he_o do_v not_o leave_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o obstruct_v the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o operation_n for_o we_o see_v the_o scripture_n suppose_v god_n administer_a of_o those_o gracious_a help_n which_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o true_a convert_v to_o be_v ground_n enough_o for_o say_v that_o he_o have_v convert_v we_o wherefore_o if_o the_o word_n themselves_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o meaning_n if_o the_o scope_n also_o and_o design_n of_o the_o place_n do_v necessary_o require_v such_o a_o meaning_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v require_v more_o to_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o viz._n that_o god_n work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v in_o that_o manner_n that_o if_o our_o own_o care_n and_o diligence_n be_v want_v we_o may_v neither_o will_v nor_o do_v but_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o perish_v everlasting_o further_o whereas_o god_n be_v say_v to_o give_v repentance_n and_o a_o new_a heart_n it_o be_v from_o hence_o plain_a that_o the_o meaning_n of_o such_o place_n be_v not_o this_o that_o he_o do_v all_o himself_n and_o leave_v nothing_o for_o we_o to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v be_v convert_v because_o he_o command_v we_o often_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v yet_o say_v to_o do_v for_o we_o thus_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o ezek._n 36.26_o a_o new_a heart_n also_o will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o and_o cause_n you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n which_o word_n consider_v by_o themselves_o run_v as_o if_o god_n have_v absolute_o undertake_v to_o do_v this_o for_o his_o people_n and_o they_o need_v not_o now_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o do_v any_o thing_n towards_o it_o so_o by_o the_o same_o prophet_n god_n require_v they_o to_o cast_v away_o from_o they_o all_o their_o transgression_n to_o make_v themselves_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n for_o say_v he_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n ezek._n 18.31_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o notwithstanding_o god_n promise_n of_o give_v they_o a_o new_a heart_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o renew_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o what_o can_v this_o signify_v but_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o suppose_v the_o concurrence_n of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v give_v to_o encourage_v they_o but_o not_o to_o make_v they_o needless_a and_o this_o will_v be_v more_o evident_a to_o you_o if_o you_o consider_v that_o what_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o do_v in_o this_o kind_n for_o his_o people_n be_v not_o do_v for_o some_o of_o they_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o ezek._n 11.19_o 20_o 21._o i_o will_v put_v a_o new_a spirit_n into_o they_o and_o i_o will_v take_v the_o stony_a heart_n out_o of_o their_o flesh_n and_o will_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v in_o my_o statute_n etc._n etc._n but_o as_o for_o they_o who_o heart_n walk_v after_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o detestable_a thing_n and_o their_o abomination_n i_o will_v recompense_v their_o way_n upon_o their_o own_o head_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n from_o whence_o the_o needfulness_n of_o their_o own_o care_n to_o walk_v in_o god_n statute_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o if_o no_o such_o condition_n have_v be_v imply_v in_o the_o promise_n none_o of_o they_o can_v have_v walk_v after_o their_o abomination_n final_o since_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o only_o promise_v to_o work_v in_o we_o all_o needful_a qualification_n for_o eternal_a life_n but_o we_o be_v also_o command_v exhort_v entreat_v and_o that_o most_o serious_o affectionate_o and_o frequent_o to_o repent_v and_o be_v convert_v and_o to_o persevere_v in_o holiness_n and_o all_o this_o with_o promise_n of_o a_o eternal_a reward_n if_o we_o do_v and_o with_o threaten_n of_o everlasting_a punishment_n if_o we_o do_v not_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o promise_v to_o work_v his_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v our_o own_o endeavour_n unnecessary_a to_o the_o attainment_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v all_o those_o command_n and_o exhortation_n of_o god_n word_n a_o solemn_a piece_n of_o pageantry_n and_o to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v require_v we_o under_o the_o great_a penalty_n and_o with_o the_o most_o allure_a promise_n to_o obtain_v those_o qualification_n which_o will_v be_v thrust_v upon_o we_o though_o we_o do_v nothing_o to_o obtain_v they_o wherefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v no_o otherwise_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o to_o leave_v they_o under_o as_o great_a a_o obligation_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o proper_a mean_n for_o their_o recovery_n and_o perseverance_n as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o any_o such_o divine_a operation_n but_o be_v leave_v if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o do_v all_o themselves_o sect_n 4._o 4._o it_o may_v be_v add_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v suit_v or_o proportion_v to_o their_o present_a spiritual_a state_n he_o do_v not_o produce_v those_o effect_n in_o we_o all_o at_o once_o which_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v to_o divine_a grace_n but_o in_o such_o a_o order_n and_o by_o those_o degree_n that_o suit_n with_o our_o capacity_n and_o qualification_n this_o be_v partly_o evident_a 1._o from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v concern_v the_o communication_n of_o special_a grace_n the_o promise_n whereof_o be_v make_v only_o to_o believer_n and_o good_a man_n the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o form_v his_o other_o grace_n in_o we_o till_o he_o have_v wrought_v a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o our_o soul_n nor_o do_v he_o dwell_v in_o they_o till_o they_o be_v purge_v from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o world_n and_o since_o there_o be_v various_a degree_n of_o holiness_n according_a to_o which_o good_a man_n differ_v from_o each_o other_o since_o also_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o to_o he_o that_o have_v more_o shall_v be_v give_v we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o make_v in_o equal_a measure_n to_o all_o good_a man_n neither_o but_o according_a as_o their_o mind_n be_v more_o or_o less_o raise_v towards_o the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o that_o the_o more_o perfect_a christian_a enjoy_v a_o more_o plentiful_a influence_n of_o grace_n from_o above_o and_o be_v