minister_n on_o earth_n can_v pull_v down_o this_o strong_a hold_n and_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o adversary_n as_o any_o christ_n have_v in_o the_o world_n to_o obstruct_v his_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o great_a goliath_n that_o stand_v in_o open_a defiance_n against_o christ_n and_o make_v the_o stout_a resistance_n against_o our_o regeneration_n again_o our_o self-righteousness_n be_v a_o other_o great_a obstacle_n and_o bull-work_n against_o our_o regeneration_n man_n have_v long_o be_v build_v up_o that_o which_o god_n will_v and_o must_v pull_v down_o in_o regenerate_v we_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v our_o own_a babel_n to_o stand_v when_o he_o come_v to_o set_v up_o zion_n in_o our_o heart_n neither_o will_v he_o let_v dagon_n alone_o when_o he_o come_v to_o set_v up_o his_o ark_n in_o we_o all_o our_o work_n conceit_n and_o imagination_n be_v but_o rubbish_n and_o dirt_n that_o must_v be_v throw_v away_o and_o cast_v out_o to_o make_v way_n for_o his_o build_n and_o therefore_o god_n begin_v here_o namely_o to_o overturn_v demolish_v and_o remove_v out_o his_o way_n the_o strong_a tower_n and_o fortress_n of_o our_o own_o high_a thought_n conceit_n work_n and_o vain_a imagination_n that_o so_o we_o be_v leave_v destitute_a of_o succour_n and_o ground_n of_o hope_n in_o ourselves_o we_o may_v free_o comply_v and_o join_v issue_n with_o god_n in_o his_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o we_o but_o now_o when_o god_n come_v to_o do_v this_o o_o what_o strong_a resistance_n and_o violent_a opposition_n do_v our_o self-righteousness_n and_o good_a conceit_n of_o ourselves_o make_v against_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o grace_n god_n will_v undo_v we_o that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o he_o will_v pull_v we_o down_o and_o quite_o deface_v our_o own_o structure_n that_o he_o may_v build_v and_o set_v up_o his_o own_o in_o we_o buch_n such_o be_v our_o conceit_n and_o apprehension_n of_o our_o sufficiency_n goodness_n righteousness_n acceptable_a and_o worthy_a performance_n as_o that_o we_o harden_v our_o heart_n against_o all_o conviction_n of_o the_o invalidity_n and_o nothingness_n yea_o vanity_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o they_o and_o be_v exceed_o averse_a to_o and_o unwilling_a of_o any_o alteration_n can_v endure_v to_o think_v of_o lose_v all_o that_o we_o have_v wrought_v for_o so_o many_o year_n and_o after_o so_o much_o labour_n and_o confidence_n peace_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o our_o state_n and_o what_o we_o have_v do_v to_o lose_v all_o at_o once_o and_o be_v behold_v at_o last_o only_o to_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o another_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v never_o endure_v it_o and_o therefore_o make_v all_o possible_a opposition_n against_o it_o man_n have_v be_v long_o rich_a and_o happy_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o therefore_o can_v bear_v to_o be_v undo_v and_o impoverish_v to_o be_v poor_a and_o miserable_a wretched_a and_o naked_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o stop_v their_o ear_n against_o light_n and_o god_n gracious_a invitation_n they_o will_v have_v none_o of_o he_o because_o they_o fancy_v they_o have_v enough_o and_o do_v and_o may_v do_v enough_o of_o their_o own_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o some_o of_o the_o laodicean_n rev._n 3.17_o they_o think_v themselves_o rich_a and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o that_o when_o they_o be_v wretched_a naked_a and_o miserable_a thus_o it_o be_v with_o paul_n before_o he_o be_v regenerate_v phil._n 3.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstruction_n that_o hinder_v the_o jew_n from_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n tender_v they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n john_n 8_o and_z 9_o chapter_n and_o in_o luke_n 18.9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o their_o self-conceited_a righteousness_n and_o light_n their_o privilege_n and_o good_a work_n make_v they_o such_o desperate_a resolute_a violent_a and_o stout_a opposer_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o be_v still_o the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n as_o sad_a experience_n show_v and_o as_o self-righteousness_n and_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o ourselves_o be_v a_o strong_a bar_n to_o fence_v we_o against_o god_n regenerate_a work_n so_o be_v vain_a and_o groundless_a hope_n likewise_o these_o opposition_n and_o contradiction_n do_v all_o hang_v together_o in_o a_o string_n as_o so_o many_o link_n in_o a_o chain_n where_o one_o be_v all_o be_v but_o one_o may_v be_v strong_a in_o one_o man_n and_o another_o in_o another_o man_n man_n be_v by_o nature_n exceed_v full_a of_o presumptuous_a hope_n and_o confidence_n they_o seign_v that_o god_n will_v save_v they_o because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o merciful_a to_o sinner_n although_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o filthiness_n and_o practical_a abomination_n in_o their_o blindness_n and_o unregenerate_a state_n the_o conception_n of_o god_n mercy_n prove_v snare_n and_o dangerous_a rock_n to_o unregenerate_a man_n while_o they_o confident_o conclude_v that_o god_n will_v have_v mercy_n on_o and_o save_v they_o because_o he_o be_v merciful_a though_o they_o live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o unregenerate_a state_n and_o condition_n although_o the_o word_n of_o god_n tell_v they_o the_o contrary_a isa_n 27.11_o this_o be_v the_o vain_a hope_n of_o hypocrite_n mention_v in_o job_n 8.13_o 14._o which_o shall_v perish_v with_o they_o presumptuous_a confidence_n and_o vain_a hope_n be_v natural_a to_o we_o and_o we_o will_v take_v hold_n of_o any_o break_a reed_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o despondency_n or_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o ourselves_o state_n and_o way_n rather_o than_o yield_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o suffer_v he_o to_o save_v we_o in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o by_o his_o own_o mean_n this_o vain_a presumptuous_a hope_n be_v that_o which_o arm_n and_o strengthen_v the_o soul_n against_o christ_n and_o lie_v in_o a_o direct_a opposition_n to_o our_o regeneration_n again_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v a_o great_a bar_n to_o regeneration_n we_o be_v by_o nature_n harden_v in_o sin_n and_o in_o fond_a conceit_n of_o our_o good_a condition_n and_o therefore_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n in_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n we_o be_v so_o harden_v by_o sin_n and_o we_o harden_v ourselves_o more_o and_o more_o when_o god_n hand_n out_o light_a to_o we_o to_o see_v our_o state_n and_o lead_v we_o to_o himself_o when_o god_n come_v to_o regenerate_v than_o we_o be_v most_o insensible_a of_o our_o condition_n and_o harden_v our_o heart_n most_o against_o he_o even_o then_o when_o he_o will_v soften_v and_o melt_v we_o break_v and_o humble_v we_o we_o be_v hard_a and_o knotty_a piece_n before_o but_o then_o we_o make_v ourselves_o much_o hard_o for_o than_o we_o do_v purposely_o and_o design_o set_v ourselves_o against_o god_n and_o his_o working_n and_o as_o water_n strive_v with_o great_a vehemency_n against_o opposition_n so_o do_v our_o hard_a heart_n against_o the_o spirit_n operation_n in_o we_o to_o renew_v and_o change_v we_o ezek._n 3.7_o pharaoh_n be_v a_o hard-hearted_a man_n before_o god_n send_v moses_n and_o aaron_n to_o he_o but_o then_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o harden_v his_o heart_n against_o god_n and_o his_o word_n more_o than_o ever_o so_o when_o god_n send_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o strive_v with_o they_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o himself_o the_o more_o he_o wrestle_v with_o they_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o receive_v his_o grace_n and_o become_v new_a creature_n the_o more_o they_o strive_v and_o fight_v against_o he_o act_v 19_o act_n 28._o until_o god_n judicial_o harden_v they_o also_o and_o then_o they_o be_v seal_v up_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n joh._n 12.40_o then_o it_o be_v ever_o after_o a_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a heart_n rom._n 2.5_o last_o enmity_n there_o be_v in_o every_o natural_a man_n most_o stout_a and_o strong_a enmity_n against_o god_n which_o be_v implacable_a and_o irreconcilable_a there_o can_v no_o peace_n or_o friendship_n be_v have_v with_o a_o implacable_a enemy_n and_o a_o man_n that_o be_v at_o real_a enmity_n with_o we_o until_o he_o be_v change_v the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v not_o only_o a_o enemy_n to_o god_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d enmity_n against_o god_n rom._n 8.7_o and_o in_o rom._n 1.31_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v implacable_a enmity_n will_v never_o be_v win_v and_o make_v to_o yield_v either_o by_o fair_a or_o foul_a mean_n but_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o as_o that_o it_o will_v rather_o die_v on_o the_o place_n than_o conform_v to_o any_o tolerable_a term_n of_o friendship_n with_o a_o adversary_n but_o the_o enmity_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v most_o stout_a stubborn_a and_o desperate_a
resolve_v they_o will_v not_o do_v so_o whatever_o be_v say_v to_o confute_v and_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n but_o in_o that_o state_n they_o will_v abide_v in_o spite_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n and_o that_o when_o god_n come_v and_o proffer_v to_o regenerate_v and_o make_v they_o new_a creature_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o stout_o and_o stubborn_o resist_v and_o rise_v up_o in_o violent_a opposition_n against_o god_n and_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n dispute_v against_o and_o contend_v with_o he_o and_o the_o mean_n he_o give_v they_o for_o their_o change_n and_o in_o effect_n say_v we_o be_v well_o enough_o why_o shall_v we_o trouble_v ourselves_o yea_o why_o shall_v god_n concern_v or_o trouble_v himself_o any_o further_a with_o we_o see_v we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n already_o and_o may_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n be_v save_v if_o god_n will_n man_n be_v natural_o such_o stranger_n to_o their_o own_o state_n as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o regeneration_n be_v needful_a and_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n or_o that_o it_o amount_v to_o any_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a reformation_n and_o change_n of_o practice_n regeneration_n be_v such_o a_o mystery_n and_o they_o be_v so_o captivate_v to_o their_o ignorance_n atheism_n and_o unbelief_n as_o that_o they_o think_v it_o be_v but_o a_o idle_a story_n and_o a_o needle_v thing_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v moral_a honest_a man_n and_o great_a professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o it_o be_v when_o christ_n have_v to_o do_v with_o and_o intend_v to_o convert_v nicodemus_n who_o be_v a_o moral_a and_o religious_a honest_a man_n that_o he_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n on_o he_o with_o four_o asseveration_n together_o except_o a_o man_n namely_o thou_o and_o other_o be_v bear_v again_o you_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o marvel_v not_o at_o this_o you_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o joh._n 3.3.5.7_o so_o in_o matth._n 18.3_o very_o i_o say_v to_o you_o except_o you_o be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o they_o neither_o see_v nor_o believe_v in_o good_a earnest_n their_o need_n of_o regeneration_n so_o they_o believe_v not_o that_o god_n have_v a_o mind_n that_o he_o do_v indeed_o propose_v intend_v or_o be_v real_o willing_a to_o regenerate_v they_o but_o they_o dream_v as_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o their_o infidelity_n and_o delusion_n and_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o whatever_o they_o read_v or_o hear_v minister_n report_v of_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v but_o fiction_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n nor_o reality_n in_o it_o or_o if_o there_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o what_o they_o say_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o effectual_a conviction_n and_o regeneration_n and_o therefore_o when_o christ_n strive_v and_o his_o minister_n strive_v with_o they_o to_o get_v into_o their_o heart_n and_o regenerate_v they_o they_o defend_v themselves_o stand_v upon_o their_o ground_n and_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o prevent_v and_o hinder_v they_o rom._n 10._o ult_n heb._n 3.1.15_o thus_o you_o see_v that_o atheism_n and_o unbelief_n be_v a_o potent_a enemy_n to_o regeneration_n second_o hatred_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n and_o their_o great_a love_n strong_a and_o much_o endear_a affection_n to_o their_o sin_n lust_n and_o the_o world_n great_o oppose_v regenerate_a grace_n or_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n in_o we_o that_o by_o nature_n we_o be_v hater_n of_o god_n the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n you_o have_v hear_v before_o as_o also_o that_o we_o have_v great_a affection_n for_o and_o be_v much_o in_o love_n with_o our_o lust_n and_o the_o world_n now_o that_o these_o be_v exceed_v great_a enemy_n to_o and_o obstruction_n of_o our_o regeneration_n be_v evident_a in_o luk._n 14.16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o god_n make_v a_o supper_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n for_o sinner_n make_v it_o ready_a set_v it_o on_o the_o table_n and_o send_v his_o servant_n to_o invite_v they_o to_o come_v and_o eat_v but_o will_v they_o come_v no_o in_o no_o wise_a but_o why_o not_o why_o because_o they_o have_v other_o thing_n to_o mind_n and_o as_o they_o think_v of_o great_a concernment_n one_o have_v a_o wife_n another_o a_o farm_n and_o another_o oxen._n these_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o love_v mind_a and_o so_o great_o delight_v in_o these_o thing_n lay_v so_o near_o their_o heart_n as_o that_o they_o will_v not_o can_v not_o come_v nor_o can_v the_o most_o love_a invitation_n persuade_v they_o their_o worldly_a lust_n be_v so_o strong_a this_o make_v they_o reject_v that_o grace_n that_o be_v so_o free_o and_o earnest_o proffer_v they_o so_o covetousness_n cause_v the_o young_a mâ—â—_n to_o reject_v christ_n grace_n and_o heaven_n luke_n 18.22_o 23_o and_o make_v he_o resolve_v to_o lose_v all_o rather_o than_o forgo_v that_o bosom_n lust_n he_o stand_v it_o out_o stout_o and_o will_v not_o bow_v or_o yield_v a_o inch_n to_o christ_n although_o his_o life_n and_o soul_n lie_v at_o stake_n for_o it_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o read_v in_o luk._n 19.27_o of_o some_o who_o be_v so_o wed_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o interest_n as_o that_o they_o peremptory_o reject_v christ_n yoke_n they_o prefer_v the_o service_n of_o sin_n before_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o have_v their_o lust_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o than_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o nature_n man_n be_v such_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o godliness_n i_o mean_v the_o power_n of_o it_o as_o that_o they_o hate_v the_o light_n that_o will_v show_v they_o their_o error_n acquaint_v they_o with_o god_n and_o bring_v to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o true_a happiness_n joh._n 3.19_o 20._o and_o they_o be_v say_v to_o abhor_v god_n zach._n 11.8_o and_o likewise_o the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o god_n levit._n 26.15_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v religious_a man_n and_o know_v more_o than_o other_o do_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o they_o stiff_o oppose_v the_o grace_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o for_o their_o regeneration_n if_o they_o will_v accept_v it_o yea_o they_o hate_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o proffer_v his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o they_o and_o publish_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n joh._n 15.24_o 25._o and_o how_o desperate_o do_v the_o jew_n set_v themselves_o against_o the_o apostle_n preach_v christ_n and_o grace_n unto_o they_o what_o exceed_v great_a enmity_n malignity_n malice_n and_o hatred_n do_v they_o express_v all_o along_o to_o and_o against_o their_o preach_v and_o tender_v christ_n and_o his_o grace_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o acts._n the_o language_n of_o we_o all_o by_o nature_n be_v we_o have_v love_v stranger_n and_o after_o they_o we_o will_v go_v jer._n 2.25_o and_o therefore_o as_o for_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v we_o will_v not_o do_v it_o jer._n 44.16_o 17._o moreover_o pride_n be_v a_o strong_a and_o hostile_a enemy_n to_o regeneration_n man_n be_v a_o very_a proud_a creature_n and_o as_o full_a of_o diabolical_a and_o carnal_a pride_n as_o a_o toad_n be_v of_o poison_n this_o be_v the_o lust_n that_o make_v man_n scorn_v to_o come_v up_o to_o christ_n term_n or_o bow_v to_o his_o proposal_n they_o disdain_v to_o be_v behold_v to_o free_a grace_n for_o any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o any_o of_o christ_n offer_n pride_n set_v man_n in_o battle-array_n against_o christ_n to_o dispute_v and_o sight_n it_o out_o with_o he_o it_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o fort_n such_o a_o impregnable_a castle_n as_o that_o no_o strength_n can_v take_v and_o subdue_v it_o but_o omnipotency_n that_o can_v do_v it_o but_o none_o else_o can_v eph._n 1.19_o 20._o psal_n 110.3_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5._o this_o be_v the_o lust_n that_o make_v man_n so_o bold_o and_o audacious_o set_v their_o mouth_n against_o the_o heaven_n psal_n 73.9_o and_o so_o pertinacious_o contend_v with_o god_n it_o cause_v man_n to_o think_v high_o of_o themselves_o and_o vile_o of_o christ_n grace_n and_o a_o new_a state_n it_o make_v they_o desperate_a and_o resolute_a in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o the_o lord_n call_v and_o admonition_n it_o cause_v they_o to_o trample_v on_o the_o gospel_n christ_n and_o his_o blood_n and_o righteousness_n and_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o all_o reproof_n and_o instruction_n all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n or_o
against_o god_n for_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o persuade_v he_o that_o be_v at_o enmity_n with_o he_o to_o some_o reasonable_a term_n of_o accommodation_n by_o his_o great_a condescension_n and_o bow_v to_o he_o by_o sweet_a and_o affable_a carriage_n by_o the_o entreaty_n and_o persuasion_n of_o friend_n and_o by_o proffer_v to_o serve_v he_o and_o give_v he_o all_o he_o have_v but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o between_o man_n and_o god_n for_o although_o god_n condescend_v and_o as_o it_o be_v bow_n down_o to_o we_o and_o that_o infinite_o more_o than_o man_n can_v do_v though_o he_o carry_v himself_o most_o sweet_o and_o affable_o to_o we_o proffer_v friendship_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o we_o entreat_v and_o persuade_v we_o by_o his_o minister_n promise_n and_o proffer_n to_o wait_v on_o we_o protect_v and_o guard_v we_o yea_o give_v all_o he_o have_v to_o enrich_v we_o honour_n and_o exalt_v we_o with_o all_o his_o son_n fullness_n and_o possess_v we_o of_o all_o his_o heavenly_a treasure_n if_o we_o will_v yield_v and_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o but_o all_o these_o endeavour_n be_v in_o vain_a none_o of_o they_o will_v work_v on_o enmity_n to_o persuade_v and_o bow_v it_o to_o the_o will_n and_o design_n of_o god_n yea_o these_o mean_n be_v all_o contemn_a and_o be_v improve_v to_o heighten_v and_o strengthen_v the_o enmity_n by_o we_o enmity_n cause_v man_n to_o bid_v defiance_n to_o such_o act_n and_o overture_n of_o god_n for_o the_o win_n and_o bring_v we_o over_o to_o himself_o they_o make_v we_o more_o obstinate_a implacable_a and_o irreconcilable_a the_o jew_n give_v we_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o this_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o what_o be_v daily_o find_v among_o we_o for_o who_o show_v great_a enmity_n against_o christ_n his_o grace_n and_o gospel_n than_o such_o to_o who_o he_o daily_o hold_v forth_o the_o golden_a sceptre_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o beseech_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o stout_a enemy_n of_o our_o regeneration_n which_o be_v breed_v in_o our_o own_o bosom_n and_o strong_o arm_v and_o fortify_v our_o soul_n against_o christ_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o goliah_n that_o rebel_v against_o the_o authority_n and_o command_n of_o god_n and_o that_o hold_v fast_o the_o castle_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o keep_v they_o shut_v against_o he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o assault_v and_o subdue_v they_o and_o so_o make_v our_o regeneration_n very_o hard_a and_o difficult_a i_o can_v have_v instance_a in_o several_a other_o internal_a opposition_n but_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o second_o without_o and_o within_o we_o too_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o external_a and_o internal_a adversary_n to_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n he_o be_v a_o implacable_a and_o active_a enemy_n to_o and_o against_o our_o new_a state_n for_o he_o hate_v christ_n and_o his_o grace_n in_o man_n and_o can_v endure_v to_o see_v a_o holy_a job_n or_o gracious_a paul_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o make_v and_o keep_v all_o man_n like_o himself_o and_o leave_v no_o mean_n unattempted_a to_o effect_v it_o but_o go_v about_o night_n and_o day_n seek_v who_o he_o may_v devour_v 1_o pet._n 5.8_o there_o be_v a_o everlasting_a enmity_n put_v between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n gen._n 3._o and_o much_o more_o between_o the_o devil_n and_o grace_n and_o as_o the_o devil_n hate_v christ_n and_o his_o grace_n in_o man_n so_o likewise_o the_o happy_a and_o bless_a state_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n put_v they_o into_o he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o miserable_a creature_n himself_o be_v condemn_v and_o put_v into_o chain_n of_o darkness_n to_o everlasting_a fire_n judas_n 6._o matth._n 25.41_o and_o therefore_o he_o great_o envy_v and_o malign_v the_o happiness_n of_o good_a man_n it_o cut_v he_o to_o the_o heart_n to_o see_v any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n restore_v to_o a_o state_n of_o blessedness_n to_o see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o they_o in_o friendship_n with_o god_n for_o no_o soon_o have_v god_n make_v man_n in_o his_o own_o image_n gen._n 1.26_o 27._o set_v they_o in_o paradise_n and_o give_v they_o a_o positive_a law_n to_o obey_v but_o by_o and_o by_o he_o set_v on_o they_o to_o debauch_v and_o spoil_v they_o and_o use_v all_o possible_a subtlety_n and_o diligence_n to_o effect_v it_o gen._n 3._o which_o succeed_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n for_o a_o time_n so_o when_o he_o see_v job_n walk_v upright_o and_o in_o high_a favour_n with_o god_n how_o do_v he_o labour_n to_o corrupt_v he_o and_o turn_v he_o from_o his_o integrity_n in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o chapter_n of_o job_n and_o as_o the_o devil_n envy_v the_o happiness_n of_o good_a man_n and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o hinder_v their_o regeneration_n so_o likewise_o his_o loathness_n to_o loose_v his_o subject_n the_o devil_n be_v the_o god_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o world_n 2_o cor._n 4.4_o eph._n 2.2_o and_o have_v many_o willing_a and_o obedient_a subject_n rom._n 6._o we_o be_v all_o by_o nature_n the_o devil_n subject_n and_o servant_n he_o have_v the_o first_o possession_n of_o and_o service_n from_o we_o and_o when_o god_n regenerate_v a_o man_n he_o take_v he_o out_o of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n and_o call_v he_o out_o of_o his_o subjection_n and_o service_n and_o put_v he_o into_o his_o kingdom_n and_o service_n col._n 1.13_o rom._n 6._o now_o this_o be_v so_o grievous_a to_o he_o as_o that_o he_o can_v quiet_o bear_v it_o but_o do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o hinder_v and_o obstruct_v it_o and_o that_o by_o all_o possible_a way_n and_o mean_n he_o be_v in_o possession_n and_o rule_n in_o the_o heart_n luk._n 11.20_o 21_o 22._o and_o will_v not_o 〈◊〉_d his_o subject_n go_v until_o a_o strong_a than_o he_o foâ—ces_v he_o to_o yield_v but_o as_o pharaoh_n a_o shadâ—â—_n of_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o let_v israel_n go_v out_o 〈◊〉_d his_o kingdom_n to_o serve_v god_n so_o will_v not_o thâ—_n devil_n let_v man_n soul_n go_v to_o serve_v christ_n unâ—â—_n he_o bring_v they_o out_o with_o a_o strong_a hand_n 〈◊〉_d so_o christ_n get_v all_o his_o subject_n out_o of_o satâ—â—_n hand_n and_o put_v they_o into_o his_o own_o kingdoâ—_n in_o regeneration_n christ_n lead_v captivity_n captiâ—â—_n eph._n 4.8_o take_v the_o spoil_n out_o of_o his_o hanâ—_n and_o break_v his_o jaw_n job_n 29.17_o christ_n bind_v 〈◊〉_d strong_a man_n or_o devil_n and_o take_v away_o his_o goodâ—_n he_o turn_v the_o devil_n out_o of_o office_n and_o out_o 〈◊〉_d the_o possession_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o enter_v 〈◊〉_d himself_o take_v on_o he_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o they_o and_o make_v they_o his_o willâ—_n and_o obedient_a subject_n translate_v they_o iâ—_n his_o kingdom_n and_o that_o by_o their_o own_o voluâ—tary_a resignation_n of_o themselves_o to_o he_o noâ—_n this_o the_o devil_n can_v but_o great_o oppose_v aâ—_n fight_v against_o and_o will_v never_o yield_v nor_o submit_v but_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n come_v to_o 〈◊〉_d his_o own_o which_o he_o have_v buy_v with_o his_o blâ—â—_n 1_o cor._n 6.19_o and_o begin_v to_o awaken_v and_o euven_n they_o o_o how_o do_v the_o devil_n rage_n 〈◊〉_d storm_n fight_n and_o oppose_v to_o keep_v his_o subject_n in_o subjection_n to_o he_o o_o how_o do_v he_o drâ—_n up_o all_o his_o force_n and_o make_v head_n again_o christ_n to_o keep_v man_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n sometime_o by_o flattery_n and_o sometime_o by_o threâ—_n ning_n now_o he_o labour_v to_o hold_v they_o faâ—_n by_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o be_v in_o peaâ—â—_n and_o in_o a_o good_a condition_n that_o they_o be_v under_o delusion_n and_o sinister_a mistake_n that_o if_o they_o continue_v as_o they_o be_v they_o shall_v have_v peace_n and_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o their_o salvation_n and_o that_o those_o trouble_n they_o be_v under_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o miss-judging_a of_o their_o state_n he_o flatter_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o mind_v their_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n and_o not_o trouble_v or_o concern_v themselves_o about_o religion_n for_o that_o will_v but_o distract_v and_o perplex_v they_o and_o no_o way_n advantage_v they_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o in_o their_o present_a state_n they_o may_v have_v their_o heart_n desire_v but_o so_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v in_o the_o singular_a and_o melancholy_a way_n of_o religion_n which_o now_o they_o begin_v to_o concern_v themselves_o withal_o and_o that_o if_o they_o once_o engage_v themselves_o in_o those_o matter_n they_o shall_v never_o find_v any_o good_a or_o satisfaction_n in_o they_o comparable_a to_o that_o which_o they_o must_v forgo_v and_o part_v withal_o and_o which_o hitherto_o they_o have_v
condition_n state_n and_o way_n and_o imagine_v that_o all_o other_o shall_v have_v the_o same_o opinion_n of_o they_o that_o we_o ourselves_o have_v and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o such_o as_o think_v and_o speak_v otherwise_o of_o they_o be_v too_o uncharitable_a and_o censorious_a this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o regeneration_n and_o cause_n many_o to_o tune_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o all_o convince_a and_o regenerate_a truth_n that_o be_v hand_v out_o unto_o they_o beside_o the_o vain_a groundless_a hope_n they_o have_v form_v to_o themselves_o and_o be_v great_o in_o love_n withal_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o good_a and_o safe_a condition_n although_o they_o be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v whatever_o man_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a of_o or_o against_o they_o the_o jew_n give_v we_o many_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o for_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n preach_v to_o and_o discourse_v with_o they_o about_o their_o state_n to_o convince_v and_o regenerate_v they_o oh_o how_o do_v they_o labour_v to_o fence_v off_o all_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n speak_v to_o they_o how_o do_v they_o strive_v dispute_n and_o set_v themselves_o against_o the_o gospel_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o ground_n before_o mention_v yea_o those_o very_a person_n which_o sometime_o be_v convince_v in_o their_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v sinner_n joh._n 8.9_o i_o say_v even_o these_o man_n do_v ordinary_o harden_v themselves_o against_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n upon_o their_o vain_a hope_n high_a privilege_n proud_a and_o high_a conceit_n they_o have_v of_o themselves_o joh._n 8.33.39_o 48._o ult_n joh._n 9_o joh._n 10._o math._n 9_o read_v these_o chapter_n throughout_o and_o you_o will_v find_v what_o i_o have_v say_v abundant_o confirm_v and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o they_o so_o i_o be_o afraid_a it_o be_v with_o many_o of_o you_o do_v not_o you_o conceit_n and_o stout_o persuade_v yourselves_o that_o you_o be_v in_o a_o safe_a and_o happy_a state_n and_o condition_n before_o god_n that_o you_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v notwithstanding_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n minister_n of_o christ_n yea_o and_o sometime_o your_o own_o conscience_n testify_v the_o contrary_a also_o and_o tell_v you_o plain_o that_o you_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n do_v not_o you_o encourage_v and_o support_v yourselves_o fortify_v and_o arm_v yourselves_o under_o and_o against_o all_o conviction_n with_o many_o vain_a and_o groundless_a hope_n and_o delusive_a conceit_n of_o your_o bless_a state_n or_o that_o you_o be_v in_o a_o happy_a case_n and_o condition_n although_o you_o never_o experience_v any_o real_a change_n in_o your_o heart_n nor_o any_o special_a grace_n of_o christ_n in_o your_o poor_a delude_v perish_v soul_n but_o yet_o i_o say_v unregenerate_a person_n may_v know_v and_o have_v a_o shrewd_a guess_n that_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o unregenerate_v but_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o under_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n simon_n magat_n be_v so_o act_v 8.24_o pharaoh_n exod._n 9.27_o unregenerate_a man_n have_v three_o mean_n if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o to_o help_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o bad_a condition_n first_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v but_o especial_o preach_v and_o so_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o conviction_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o ordinance_n appoint_v and_o design_v thereunto_o by_o the_o great_a god_n act._n 26.18_o 2_o their_o own_o natural_a conscience_n and_o principle_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v in_o all_o man_n not_o fear_v which_o be_v subject_n capable_a of_o impression_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n namely_o of_o its_o light_n and_o convince_a power_n and_o also_o natural_a reason_n help_v by_o the_o word_n so_o that_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o certain_a character_n of_o unregenerate_a person_n lay_v down_o from_o god_n word_n they_o may_v reflect_v on_o themselves_o and_o apply_v they_o to_o themselves_o if_o they_o will_n they_o may_v reason_v thus_o why_o if_o these_o be_v certain_a character_n or_o sign_n of_o a_o evil_a or_o unregenerate_a man_n or_o state_n as_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v they_o be_v then_o be_o i_o in_o such_o a_o state_n for_o i_o find_v they_o in_o and_o upon_o i_o i_o can_v deny_v it_o as_o thus_o be_v gross_a ignorance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n sin_n and_o duty_n a_o certain_a sign_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a person_n sure_o than_o i_o be_o a_o unregenerate_a person_n for_o i_o be_o gross_o ignorant_a of_o these_o thing_n so_o when_o they_o hear_v character_n or_o sign_n lay_v down_o of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n then_o to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o reason_n thus_o why_o i_o find_v not_o any_o of_o these_o in_o myself_o which_o i_o shall_v if_o i_o be_v regenerate_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n and_o condition_n much_o may_v be_v do_v this_o way_n by_o unregenerate_a man_n towards_o their_o conviction_n and_o knowledge_n i_o mean_v not_o save_v knowledge_n of_o their_o state_n will_v such_o man_n practise_v it_o but_o that_o they_o will_v not_o no_o because_o they_o love_v their_o carnal_a ease_n and_o peace_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a of_o their_o unregenerate_a state_n and_o as_o they_o have_v these_o mean_n or_o help_v to_o know_v their_o evil_a state_n so_o 3_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o stir_v up_o conscience_n in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n the_o spirit_n speak_v sometime_o to_o they_o not_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n but_o of_o bondage_n who_o voice_n be_v loud_a quick_a and_o pierce_v further_a unto_o and_o into_o their_o conscience_n than_o the_o word_n of_o its_o self_n can_v do_v and_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o damnable_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o shall_v assure_o perish_v for_o ever_o except_o they_o be_v regenerate_v here_o gen._n 6.3_o this_o awaken_v and_o affright_v they_o this_o humble_v and_o abase_v they_o and_o make_v they_o cry_v out_o undo_v undo_v we_o be_v lose_v oh_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v act_n 2.37_o and_o here_o i_o may_v add_v that_o not_o only_o these_o say_a mean_n may_v help_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o state_n but_o also_o the_o discourse_n carriage_n and_o conversation_n of_o some_o regenerate_v person_n that_o they_o be_v concern_v withal_o and_o may_v make_v observation_n of_o and_o compare_v themselves_o with_o they_o and_o they_o with_o themselves_o and_o conclude_v clear_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o such_o and_o themselves_o the_o state_n of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o and_o if_o these_o be_v regenerate_v person_n and_o regenerate_v person_n be_v indeed_o such_o and_o so_o and_o so_o qualify_v grace_v and_o spirit_v as_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v then_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v undoubted_o in_o a_o unregenerate_a condition_n for_o that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o person_n neither_o have_v any_o of_o their_o qualification_n or_o any_o like_o they_o matth._n 5.16_o now_o if_o unregenerate_a man_n will_v improve_v and_o rational_o use_v these_o mean_n or_o help_v towards_o the_o knowledge_n and_o conviction_n of_o their_o state_n they_o may_v undoubted_o know_v they_o better_o than_o they_o do_v but_o there_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o truth_n namely_o that_o unregenerate_a person_n may_v know_v they_o be_v in_o a_o bad_a condition_n than_o the_o gripe_v and_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n their_o fear_n tremble_a and_o consternation_n in_o and_o under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n together_o with_o their_o wish_n protestation_n resolution_n and_o promise_n on_o their_o deathbed_n these_o do_v all_o proclaim_v this_o truth_n q._n may_v not_o god_n people_n such_o as_o be_v regenerate_v know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v of_o their_o regeneration_n a._n they_o may_v for_o first_o god_n have_v promise_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o unto_o they_o in_o their_o obedient_a and_o holy_a walking_n with_o god_n in_o that_o state_n hosea_n 6.3_o then_o shall_v we_o know_v if_o we_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n isa_n 32.17_o prov._n 2.1_o â—7_n so_o the_o spirit_n witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.16_o 2._o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v have_v certain_a and_o clear_a assurance_n or_o a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o their_o regenerate_v state_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v record_v it_o for_o our_o learning_n and_o encouragement_n enoch_n have_v it_o heb._n 11.5_o and_o the_o apostle_n john_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o believer_n or_o regenerate_v person_n say_v we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v of_o