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
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
heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n no_o unrighteous_a person_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o righteous_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n eternal_a and_o who_o be_v righteous_a he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o i_o will_v etc._n etc._n matth._n 7.24_o thus_o come_v to_o christ_n be_v sometime_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o have_v life_n by_o he_o and_o then_o by_o come_v to_o christ_n nothing_o can_v be_v mean_v but_o be_v his_o true_a disciple_n which_o in_o allusion_n to_o the_o jewish_a proselytism_n be_v call_v come_v to_o he_o i_o be_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o i._n e._n be_v my_o disciple_n shall_v never_o hunger_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o shall_v never_o thirst_v he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o now_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n plain_o in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n than_o that_o to_o be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n to_o believe_v in_o he_o so_o as_o to_o love_v he_o and_o obey_v his_o command_n be_v that_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o a_o man_n whereby_o he_o be_v and_o only_o be_v qualify_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a it_o follow_v by_o undeniable_a consequence_n that_o regeneration_n and_o all_o those_o other_o metaphor_n which_o express_v the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n qualify_v for_o eternal_a happiness_n do_v signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o his_o be_v such_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o love_v he_o and_o obey_v he_o for_o if_o regeneration_n signify_v any_o other_o state_n than_o first_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o obey_v his_o gospel_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a qualification_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n contrary_a to_o all_o those_o clear_a text_n now_o mention_v for_o beside_o this_o that_o other_o state_n suppose_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o regeneration_n will_v be_v necessary_a and_o then_o second_o which_o be_v equal_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n faith_n and_o obedience_n will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o salvation_n since_o that_o other_o state_n suppose_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o regeneration_n will_v be_v sufficient_a without_o they_o 2._o the_o state_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n be_v by_o st._n john_n explain_v to_o be_v that_o of_o be_v such_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v thus_o he_o tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 5.4_o 5._o whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcome_v the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n who_o be_v he_o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n here_o we_o have_v the_o full_a character_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n viz._n one_o who_o so_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o his_o faith_n prevail_v against_o all_o worldly_a temptation_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n and_o who_o therefore_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n not_o reckon_v they_o to_o be_v grievous_a for_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n give_v by_o st._n john_n why_o he_o that_o love_v god_n keep_v his_o commandment_n because_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcome_v the_o world_n thus_o also_o vers_fw-la 1._o whoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n with_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o imply_v obedience_n which_o be_v afterward_o express_o add_v in_o those_o term_n of_o keep_v god_n commandment_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n again_o chap._n 2.29_o if_o you_o know_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a you_o know_v that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o he_o and_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 9_o we_o find_v that_o every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o he_o do_v righteousness_n whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n i._n e._n such_o be_v the_o state_n and_o temper_n of_o his_o mind_n such_o be_v the_o disposition_n of_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n that_o he_o do_v not_o sin_n but_o his_o life_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o divine_a seed_n so_o call_v matth._n 13.19_o 1_o pet._n 1._o have_v wrought_v its_o due_a and_o proper_a effect_n upon_o his_o soul_n by_o its_o precept_n and_o motive_n for_o where_o this_o seed_n be_v receive_v into_o a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n it_o will_v grow_v into_o good_a fruit_n and_o be_v a_o effectual_a principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n add_v and_o he_o can_v sin_v i._n e._n it_o be_v not_o only_o true_a of_o he_o that_o he_o abstain_v from_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o the_o consideration_n of_o worldly_a interest_n it_o be_v not_o the_o want_n of_o temptation_n and_o opportunity_n that_o keep_v he_o at_o any_o time_n from_o offend_a god_n so_o much_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n his_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o conformity_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v be_v principle_n which_o will_v carry_v a_o man_n through_o the_o whole_a circle_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n thus_o we_o use_v to_o say_v of_o a_o meek-spirited_n man_n that_o he_o can_v be_v furious_a and_o of_o a_o honest_a man_n that_o he_o can_v deceive_v and_o of_o a_o generous_a man_n that_o he_o can_v do_v a_o base_a or_o unworthy_a action_n by_o which_o word_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o but_o moral_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o frame_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o his_o mind_n so_o to_o do_v and_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v well_o express_v in_o those_o word_n of_o joseph_n how_o can_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n he_o can_v sin_v i._n e._n the_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v not_o sin_n be_v because_o it_o be_v abominable_a to_o he_o so_o to_o do_v and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v holy_a and_o divine_a will_v therefore_o produce_v a_o correspondent_a i._n e._n a_o godly_a and_o virtuous_a life_n so_o apparent_o false_a be_v that_o doctrine_n that_o although_o a_o man_n who_o have_v be_v once_o regenerate_v fall_v into_o foul_a and_o abominable_a offence_n yet_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n and_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o true_a grace_n remain_v in_o he_o still_o for_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o because_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n how_o shall_v this_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o can_v sin_v viz._n that_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n remain_v in_o he_o that_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n if_o he_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o notorious_a and_o wilful_a sin_n and_o yet_o that_o seed_n remain_v and_o he_o be_v regenerate_v still_o thus_o have_v i_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o by_o a_o state_n of_o regeneration_n the_o scripture_n mean_v no_o more_o than_o be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n and_o follower_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n sect_n 6._o i_o must_v now_o tell_v dr._n owen_n that_o he_o have_v not_o do_v fair_o to_o represent_v the_o opinion_n of_o his_o adversary_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n as_o if_o they_o believe_v it_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o reformation_n of_o life_n exclude_v a_o real_a change_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o best_a artifice_n he_o have_v wherewith_o to_o delude_v his_o reader_n into_o a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o they_o viz._n to_o state_n their_o opinion_n false_o and_o then_o to_o fasten_v odious_a name_n upon_o they_o as_o he_o do_v frequent_o in_o his_o book_n thus_o he_o tell_v we_o we_o mean_v himself_o and_o his_o follower_n say_v and_o believe_v that_o regeneration_n do_v consist_v in_o spirituali_fw-la renovatione_fw-la naturae_fw-la a_o spiritual_a renovation_n of_o our_o nature_n our_o modern_a socinian_n that_o it_o do_v so_o in_o morali_fw-la
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
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
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
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
elect_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o while_o man_n impatient_a of_o contradiction_n ascribe_v their_o absurd_a interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o while_o man_n low_a and_o weak_a in_o their_o national_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n impute_v the_o vanity_n which_o they_o frequent_o utter_v in_o their_o prayer_n to_o the_o impulse_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o to_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o expectation_n of_o such_o gift_n from_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v nowhere_o promise_v that_o they_o may_v more_o zealous_o pursue_v after_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v indeed_o promise_v and_o without_o which_o they_o can_v be_v save_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o that_o part_n of_o my_o undertake_n which_o concern_v those_o effect_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v chap._n vi_o concern_v those_o to_o who_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v and_o give_v sect_n 1._o to_o speak_v clear_o to_o this_o matter_n we_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o observe_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v either_o 1._o such_o as_o prevent_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o our_o very_a first_o desire_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o this_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o depend_v not_o upon_o our_o believe_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o those_o disposition_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v preparatory_a and_o antecedent_o necessary_a to_o faith_n itself_o 2._o such_o as_o follow_v after_o to_o cherish_v and_o improve_v such_o good_a beginning_n in_o we_o and_o to_o endue_v we_o with_o all_o qualification_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n now_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o grace_n be_v conditional_a such_o be_v that_o promise_n in_o st._n luke_n 11.13_o and_o the_o condition_n be_v plain_o express_v god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o who_o be_v already_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o pray_v for_o divine_a assistance_n such_o also_o be_v that_o promise_n in_o 2_o cor._n 6._o that_o god_n will_v dwell_v in_o we_o which_o depend_v upon_o our_o be_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a promise_n of_o grace_n make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o former_a but_o on_o condition_n of_o our_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o own_v ourselves_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n nor_o to_o the_o latter_a if_o we_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v where_o the_o true_a difference_n lie_v between_o common_a and_o special_a grace_n which_o be_v a_o distinction_n i_o doubt_v often_o use_v than_o understand_v that_o special_a grace_n imply_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o favour_n towards_o they_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v bestow_v than_o be_v signify_v by_o common_a grace_n be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n understanding_n now_o there_o be_v indeed_o divers_a promise_n of_o such_o grace_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o will_v be_v in_o force_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o conditional_a and_o make_v with_o respect_n to_o some_o qualification_n without_o which_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o wherefore_o special_a grace_n be_v that_o which_o be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o condition_n and_o consequent_o that_o grace_n to_o which_o such_o a_o condition_n be_v not_o require_v beforehand_o be_v common_a but_o since_o there_o be_v several_a degree_n of_o grace_n proportionable_a to_o the_o several_a qualification_n of_o man_n for_o instance_n since_o more_o grace_n be_v promise_v to_o believer_n than_o to_o unbeliever_n and_o yet_o more_o to_o sincere_a christian_n than_o to_o mere_a professor_n the_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o latitude_n that_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v special_a in_o one_o respect_n may_v be_v common_a in_o another_o for_o that_o grace_n whereof_o faith_n be_v the_o condition_n be_v common_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o obedience_n qualify_v a_o believer_n to_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v special_a with_o regard_n to_o that_o which_o do_v not_o require_v the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o a_o unbeliever_n be_v capable_a of_o wherefore_o the_o distinction_n be_v not_o accurate_a enough_o to_o be_v nice_a withal_o for_o if_o it_o be_v strict_o hold_v to_o there_o be_v several_a instance_n of_o divine_a grace_n that_o will_v not_o fall_v under_o it_o because_o then_o only_a the_o first_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n prevent_v all_o good_a inclination_n in_o they_o will_v be_v common_a grace_n and_o those_o only_o which_o crown_n our_o obedience_n with_o perseverance_n special_a but_o admit_v the_o former_a latitude_n the_o distinction_n will_v reach_v every_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v common_a and_o that_o which_o be_v special_a may_v be_v so_o place_v as_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v one_o another_o when_o we_o use_v the_o distinction_n and_o then_o i_o offer_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n to_o place_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o this_o that_o common_a grace_n be_v that_o whereby_o we_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o include_v all_o those_o good_n desire_n that_o be_v excite_v and_o all_o those_o good_a disposition_n that_o be_v produce_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n before_o they_o believe_v and_o special_a grace_n that_o which_o be_v give_v to_o believer_n only_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o increase_n of_o their_o good_a desire_n and_o the_o enable_v of_o they_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o although_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o that_o grace_n to_o which_o faith_n be_v pre-required_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v antecedent_n to_o faith_n our_o saviour_n rule_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v hold_v equal_o in_o both_o case_n yet_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o st._n luke_n and_o all_o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o that_o nature_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v give_v only_o to_o believer_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o they_o but_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o condition_n require_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n now_o since_o there_o be_v peculiar_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o seem_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n to_o suppose_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o first_o condition_n of_o special_a grace_n and_o consequent_o that_o grace_n to_o be_v common_a which_o require_v not_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o condition_n undertake_v by_o we_o when_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o i_o shall_v understand_v the_o distinction_n because_o otherwise_o i_o think_v it_o will_v often_o prove_v a_o distinction_n without_o difference_n since_o in_o the_o strict_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n the_o same_o grace_n may_v be_v both_o common_a and_o special_a thus_o also_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o difference_n between_o prevent_v and_o cooperate_a grace_n and_o between_o prepare_v and_o perfect_a grace_n for_o these_o distinction_n express_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o other_o respect_n that_o be_v mean_v by_o common_a and_o special_a grace_n for_o that_o grace_n which_o we_o call_v common_a because_o it_o be_v give_v without_o that_o condition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o great_a grace_n be_v also_o say_v to_o be_v prevent_v grace_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o we_o and_o likewise_o prepare_v grace_n with_o regard_n to_o some_o further_a improvement_n that_o we_o be_v thereby_o make_v capable_a of_o attain_v and_o then_o cooperate_a and_o perfect_a grace_n be_v but_o other_o word_n express_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v mean_v by_o special_a grace_n with_o a_o like_a difference_n of_o respect_n so_o that_o these_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o the_o same_o latitude_n and_o use_v with_o the_o same_o caution_n that_o the_o former_a be_v if_o i_o be_o mistake_v in_o this_o they_o be_v more_o subtle_a and_o intricate_a than_o i_o be_v aware_a of_o but_o the_o accurate_a use_n of_o these_o distinction_n be_v not_o that_o which_o i_o contend_v for_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o if_o i_o can_v make_v my_o meaning_n to_o be_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
more_o sensible_o affect_v with_o those_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o increase_n the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o confirm_v he_o in_o every_o divine_a disposition_n 2._o this_o be_v further_a evident_a from_o those_o passage_n in_o holy_a writ_n where_o we_o be_v require_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n for_o these_o place_n and_o the_o like_a do_v strong_o imply_v that_o we_o can_v on_o a_o sudden_a arrive_n to_o any_o degree_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o fall_v great_o short_a of_o at_o present_a much_o less_o that_o we_o can_v present_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n wherefore_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o affect_v our_o mind_n when_o we_o begin_v the_o christian_a life_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o measure_n that_o he_o move_v we_o in_o after_o we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o or_o shall_v arrive_v to_o such_o a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o christianity_n as_o may_v answer_v that_o expression_n of_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n for_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o than_o we_o may_v become_v man_n in_o christ_n assoon_o as_o we_o be_v babe_n and_o come_v to_o the_o fullness_n of_o our_o stature_n without_o grow_v and_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n it_o be_v further_a observable_a that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v affirm_v to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o increase_n in_o holiness_n we_o must_v desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v grow_v thereby_o as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o and_o in_o col._n 1.9_o st._n paul_n instruct_v we_o that_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n make_v we_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n be_v by_o fill_v we_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n from_o whence_o i_o observe_v that_o our_o improvement_n in_o holiness_n be_v great_a or_o lesser_a according_a as_o we_o consider_v and_o meditate_v upon_o divine_a truth_n viz._n for_o this_o end_n of_o govern_v our_o life_n by_o they_o which_o be_v to_o know_v they_o in_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n now_o since_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o our_o mind_n be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n serious_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o we_o according_a to_o that_o measure_n wherein_o divine_a truth_n be_v consider_v by_o we_o therefore_o since_o our_o fruitfulness_n depend_v upon_o our_o increase_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o that_o spiritual_a understanding_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o work_v in_o we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o arrive_v to_o that_o state_n of_o walk_v 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