open_v the_o eye_n of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o pharisee_n will_v believe_v never_o the_o more_o that_o he_o be_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o pretence_n they_o can_v find_v against_o he_o be_v because_o this_o cure_n be_v wrought_v on_o the_o sabbath-day_n vers_fw-la 16._o for_o when_o they_o have_v strict_o examine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o the_o heal_v person_n in_o conclusion_n talk_v such_o unanswerable_a reason_n against_o they_o herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o whence_o he_o be_v etc._n etc._n since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v it_o not_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o i._n e._n he_o can_v do_v no_o such_o work_n as_o these_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o give_v he_o the_o hear_n no_o long_o but_o first_o bitter_o reproach_v he_o and_o then_o cast_v he_o out_o now_o our_o saviour_n frequent_o tell_v these_o man_n that_o their_o prejudice_n against_o he_o arise_v from_o their_o lust_n how_o say_v he_o can_v you_o believe_v who_o receive_v honour_n from_o one_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n only_o john_n 5.44_o i_o e._n so_o long_o as_o your_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n which_o if_o you_o can_v compass_v you_o care_v not_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n whether_o god_n approve_v of_o you_o or_o not_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o you_o reject_v my_o doctrine_n who_o come_v not_o to_o answer_v your_o ambitious_a and_o worldly_a expectation_n although_o i_o come_v with_o testimony_n from_o god_n and_o the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o vers_fw-la 36._o thus_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4.4_o where_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a reason_n give_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n why_o some_o believe_v not_o who_o have_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v about_o they_o i._n e._n who_o have_v it_o preach_v to_o they_o with_o its_o proper_a evidence_n viz._n because_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v their_o mind_n i._n e._n because_o they_o be_v blind_v with_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o prevail_a lust_n and_o passion_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n rule_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n wherefore_o as_o faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o that_o more_o perfect_a victory_n over_o our_o lust_n which_o include_v the_o universal_a do_v of_o god_n will_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n our_o mind_n must_v in_o some_o degree_n be_v disengage_v from_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lust_n before_o we_o can_v hearty_o believe_v viz._n so_o far_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n how_o contrary_a sooner_o it_o prove_v to_o our_o sensual_a and_o worldly_a affection_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o hinder_v our_o attention_n and_o consideration_n when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v offer_v to_o be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o of_o this_o teachable_a disposition_n we_o have_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o act_n 16.14_o the_o lord_n open_v lydia_n be_v heart_n that_o she_o attend_v unto_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o paul_n where_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o her_o be_v qualify_v to_o hear_v which_o be_v here_o express_v by_o the_o open_n of_o her_o heart_n be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o divine_a operation_n which_o prevent_v even_o her_o attention_n to_o what_o she_o hear_v 2._o that_o the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o the_o lord_n open_v her_o heart_n be_v not_o her_o believe_v but_o her_o attend_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o paul_n i._n e._n she_o hear_v he_o diligent_o without_o prejudice_n and_o passion_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o whoever_o be_v thus_o dispose_v will_v believe_v the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o because_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v all_o that_o our_o saviour_n desire_v to_o find_v among_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o convince_a of_o they_o that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a prophet_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o joh._n 7.17_o i_o e._n if_o a_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o do_v whatsoever_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v not_o prejudice_v against_o the_o truth_n by_o his_o lust_n such_o a_o one_o will_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o my_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n and_o because_o this_o temper_n come_v from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n therefore_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v exact_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n what_o our_o saviour_n say_v john_n 8.47_o he_o that_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v god_n word_n you_o therefore_o hear_v they_o not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n he_o make_v to_o that_o question_n of_o his_o own_o if_o i_o say_v the_o truth_n why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v i_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n himself_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v plain_a from_o vers_n 44._o you_o be_v of_o your_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o your_o father_n you_o will_v do_v he_o be_v a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o to_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o be_v wed_v to_o our_o lust_n and_o enrage_v against_o the_o truth_n that_o contradict_v they_o and_o therefore_o the_o contrary_a state_n or_o temper_n to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v plain_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o perform_v all_o duty_n and_o to_o believe_v all_o truth_n and_o whoever_o be_v thus_o dispose_v will_v hear_v god_n word_n and_o believe_v they_o vers_n 47._o thus_o after_o our_o saviour_n have_v appeal_v to_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v before_o his_o enemy_n joh._n 10.25_o he_o tell_v they_o but_o you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o my_o sheep_n where_o by_o sheep_n can_v be_v mean_v actual_a disciple_n for_o then_o the_o sense_n be_v you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o believe_v not_o but_o such_o as_o be_v by_o a_o teachable_a spirit_n dispose_v to_o be_v so_o and_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n for_o such_o as_o these_o will_v follow_v he_o assoon_o as_o he_o call_v they_o because_o he_o be_v the_o true_a shepherd_n now_o that_o this_o preparedness_n of_o mind_n to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v clear_o imply_v in_o vers_fw-la 29._o my_o father_n who_o give_v they_o i_o i._n e._n who_o have_v thus_o dispose_v and_o qualify_v they_o to_o hear_v my_o voice_n be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o none_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o father_n hand_n to_o defeat_v they_o of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v v_o 28._o all_o these_o place_n be_v compare_v with_o john_n 6.37_o give_v a_o clear_a light_n to_o the_o true_a interpretation_n thereof_o all_o that_o the_o father_n give_v i_o shall_v come_v unto_o i_o i._n e._n will_v believe_v in_o i_o and_o become_v my_o disciple_n and_o then_o to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n joh._n 7.17_o and_o be_v of_o god_n joh._n 8.47_o and_o be_v christ_n sheep_n joh._n 10.26_o all_o which_o phrase_n signify_v that_o humility_n and_o teachableness_n of_o mind_n whereby_o man_n be_v prepare_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n only_o the_o father_n give_v such_o person_n to_o christ_n be_v a_o expression_n note_v that_o divine_a grace_n whereby_o their_o mind_n be_v thus_o dispose_v for_o which_o reason_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o temper_n be_v call_v vers_fw-la 44._o be_v draw_v by_o the_o father_n no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o except_o the_o father_n who_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o i._n e._n unless_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v so_o far_o prevail_v over_o his_o affection_n as_o to_o endue_v he_o with_o a_o impartial_a love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v thereby_o open_v to_o attend_v to_o god_n word_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v use_v those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v upon_o another_o occasion_n no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n
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
depend_v upon_o that_o force_n only_o which_o the_o bare_a revelation_n of_o the_o motive_n to_o obedience_n have_v to_o persuade_v we_o for_o if_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v no_o other_o power_n to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o to_o practice_v all_o christian_a virtue_n than_o what_o arise_v mere_o from_o such_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o other_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n represent_v to_o we_o therein_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o excite_v in_o ourselves_o and_o to_o bring_v one_o another_o to_o then_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o vain_a spend_v those_o his_o solemn_a prayer_n in_o behalf_n of_o other_o and_o in_o vain_a be_v they_o require_v to_o pray_v for_o themselves_o in_o like_a manner_n and_o it_o will_v be_v lose_v labour_n to_o call_v now_o upon_o god_n to_o help_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n after_o he_o have_v reveal_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o we_o and_o settle_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n see_v therefore_o that_o the_o attainment_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o qualification_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o subject_n of_o our_o prayer_n see_v these_o prayer_n can_v be_v profitable_a unless_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a grace_n and_o that_o distinct_a from_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n obtainable_a thereby_o for_o the_o produce_v of_o those_o qualification_n in_o we_o since_o prayer_n also_o be_v one_o necessary_a mean_n prescribe_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o they_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o christian_a virtue_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o operation_n in_o we_o wherefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v with_o st._n james_n if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v james_z 1.5_o 17._o who_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o his_o promise_n but_o give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o sect_n 3._o by_o the_o same_o argument_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o good_a man_n that_o they_o may_v yet_o further_o improve_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o grow_v in_o grace_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v every_o branch_n that_o bear_v fruit_n he_o purge_v it_o that_o it_o may_v bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n joh._n 15.2_o for_o thus_o also_o the_o apostle_n say_v and_o this_o i_o pray_v that_o your_o love_n may_v abound_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n that_o you_o may_v still_o be_v more_o powerful_o prompt_v to_o charity_n and_o all_o christian_a work_n by_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o their_o goodness_n that_o you_o may_v approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a that_o you_o may_v apprehend_v all_o christian_a virtue_n to_o be_v as_o excellent_a as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n that_o you_o may_v be_v sincere_a and_o without_o offence_n till_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v thus_o strong_o dispose_v to_o all_o righteousness_n you_o may_v constant_o and_o universal_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n phil._n 1.9_o 10._o and_o this_o progress_n in_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o in_o their_o behalf_n together_o with_o that_o perseverance_n which_o it_o will_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o he_o do_v not_o only_o by_o his_o prayer_n suppose_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a operation_n but_o he_o express_o ascribe_v it_o thereunto_o vers_fw-la 6._o where_o he_o tell_v they_o how_o strong_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n who_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o they_o will_v perfect_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o christ._n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o prayer_n the_o god_n of_o peace_n make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n heb._n 13.21_o but_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v more_o plentiful_o communicate_v to_o man_n when_o they_o become_v holy_a and_o good_a than_o they_o be_v before_o and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v clear_o affirm_v in_o those_o passage_n wherein_o god_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o because_o this_o consideration_n can_v but_o strong_o move_v we_o to_o follow_v the_o study_n of_o piety_n i_o shall_v distinct_o show_v 1._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o god_n dwelling_n in_o man_n and_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a man_n only_o in_o who_o god_n dwell_v as_o to_o the_o former_a it_o be_v observable_a that_o god_n dwelling_n in_o christian_n be_v sometime_o join_v with_o the_o mention_n of_o their_o be_v his_o temple_n as_o you_o may_v see_v 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o eph._n 2.21_o 22._o now_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o gather_v that_o these_o phrase_n allude_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o god_n dwelling_n in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o before_o that_o in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o will_v be_v more_o easy_o explain_v by_o observe_v the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o to_o this_o way_n we_o be_v plain_o direct_v in_o the_o new_a as_o you_o will_v see_v by_o consult_v 2_o cor._n 6.16_o where_o the_o apostle_n cite_v a_o place_n out_o of_o the_o old_a contain_v god_n promise_n to_o dwell_v among_o the_o israelite_n first_o of_o all_o the_o sheckinah_n or_o habitation_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n within_o the_o veil_n where_o god_n say_v he_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o incense_n leu._n 16.2_o and_o where_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n be_v and_o hence_o the_o place_n of_o the_o ark_n be_v call_v his_o dwelling_n as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o compare_v david_n intimation_n of_o his_o purpose_n to_o build_v a_o house_n for_o god_n with_o god_n message_n to_o he_o upon_o that_o occasion_n i_o dwell_v say_v david_n in_o a_o house_n of_o cedar_n and_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n dwell_v within_o curtain_n 2_o sam._n 7.2_o but_o the_o prophet_n word_n to_o he_o be_v these_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n shall_v thou_o build_v i_o a_o house_n for_o i_o to_o dwell_v in_o or_o for_o my_o ark_n whereas_o to_o this_o day_n i_o have_v walk_v in_o a_o tabernacle_n vers_fw-la 5._o thus_o the_o place_n within_o the_o veil_n where_o the_o ark_n be_v while_o the_o tabernacle_n stand_v and_o the_o oracle_n into_o which_o it_o be_v carry_v after_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v call_v the_o most_o holy_a place_n the_o place_n where_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o be_v present_a in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n the_o symbol_n of_o his_o presence_n there_o be_v the_o cherubim_n or_o angel_n under_o which_o the_o ark_n be_v place_v and_o thus_o we_o find_v in_o jacob_n vision_n that_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n be_v signify_v by_o a_o appearance_n of_o angel_n gen._n 28.12_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o angel_n to_o the_o shepherd_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v round_o about_o they_o luke_n 2.9_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o often_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o he_o that_o dwell_v between_o the_o cherubim_n who_o be_v please_v thereby_o to_o signify_v his_o presence_n in_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n but_o that_o which_o i_o chief_o aim_v at_o be_v this_o that_o god_n dwelling_n in_o this_o place_n be_v a_o testimony_n of_o his_o peculiar_a mercy_n and_o kindness_n towards_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o he_o will_v bless_v and_o prosper_v they_o if_o they_o will_v keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o ark_n be_v call_v the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o for_o first_o the_o table_n of_o the_o commandment_n which_o they_o be_v to_o keep_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o ark_n and_o then_o the_o blessing_n which_o god_n will_v bestow_v upon_o they_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o ark_n stand_v under_o the_o mercy-seat_n which_o be_v cover_v with_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o cherubim_n between_o which_o god_n be_v so_o often_o say_v to_o dwell_v so_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n be_v there_o exhibit_v as_o it_o be_v sit_v upon_o a_o throne_n of_o mercy_n to_o dispense_v his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o this_o
purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o god_n dwell_n thus_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n be_v call_v his_o dwell_n among_o the_o israelite_n thus_o when_o he_o command_v the_o build_n of_o the_o ark_n let_v they_o say_v he_o make_v i_o a_o sanctuary_n that_o i_o may_v dwell_v among_o they_o exod._n 25.8_o and_o after_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o sanctify_v the_o tabernacle_n with_o his_o glory_n he_o tell_v moses_n and_o i_o will_v dwell_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n exod._n 29.45_o now_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o favour_n towards_o they_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o promise_n appear_v by_o the_o follow_a word_n and_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n that_o bring_v they_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n i._n e._n he_o will_v so_o manifest_v his_o power_n in_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o from_o all_o their_o enemy_n that_o they_o shall_v know_v he_o have_v the_o same_o care_n of_o they_o which_o he_o show_v in_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o egyptian_a bondage_n but_o this_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_o signify_v by_o those_o word_n in_o all_o place_n where_o i_o record_v my_o name_n i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o and_o bless_v thou_o exod._n 20.24_o for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o we_o find_v in_o 2_o sam._n 6.2_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n that_o dwell_v between_o the_o cherubim_n and_o this_o be_v that_o account_n which_o the_o psalmist_n give_v of_o god_n dwelling_n in_o zion_n where_o the_o ark_n of_o his_o presence_n be_v the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n he_o have_v desire_v it_o for_o his_o habitation_n this_o be_v my_o rest_n for_o ever_o here_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o i_o have_v desire_v it_o i_o will_v abundant_o satisfy_v her_o poor_a with_o bread_n i_o will_v clothe_v her_o priest_n with_o salvation_n and_o her_o saint_n shall_v shout_v aloud_o for_o joy_n psal._n 132.13_o thus_o in_o time_n of_o distress_n and_o danger_n they_o begin_v their_o prayer_n for_o deliverance_n by_o invoke_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n that_o dwell_v between_o the_o cherubim_n 2_o king_n 19.15_o and_o psal._n 80.1_o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n dwell_v there_o signify_v the_o peculiar_a favour_n which_o he_o have_v towards_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n before_o all_o other_o people_n and_o according_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v use_v to_o express_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n among_o they_o when_o they_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o sin_n not_o by_o dwell_v with_o they_o but_o by_o visit_v they_o which_o you_o know_v be_v a_o word_n that_o do_v not_o imply_v continuance_n and_o long_a abode_n as_o the_o other_o do_v and_o be_v therefore_o much_o fit_a than_o that_o to_o express_v the_o presence_n of_o his_o angry_a justice_n who_o delight_v not_o in_o vengeance_n but_o in_o mercy_n and_o who_o be_v more_o easy_o prevail_v with_o to_o withdraw_v his_o displeasure_n than_o his_o favour_n and_o kindness_n thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o i_o dwell_v with_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n which_o that_o it_o signify_v the_o last_a presence_n of_o his_o favour_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o follow_a word_n for_o i_o will_v not_o contend_v for_o ever_o neither_o will_v i_o be_v always_o wroth_a for_o the_o spirit_n shall_v fail_v before_o i_o and_o the_o soul_n which_o i_o have_v make_v isa._n 57.15_o 16._o although_o god_n be_v say_v to_o visit_v man_n both_o when_o he_o be_v present_a to_o punish_v they_o as_o in_o exod._n 32.34_o psal._n 89.36_o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o he_o be_v present_a to_o deliver_v and_o bless_v they_o as_o in_o exod._n 3.16_o psal._n 106.4_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o latter_a only_o that_o he_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v among_o they_o now_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o the_o apostle_n cite_v that_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o the_o israelite_n that_o he_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o you_o may_v see_v 2_o cor._n 6.16_o wherefore_o god_n dwelling_n in_o man_n as_o this_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n signify_v also_o his_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o favour_n towards_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n himself_o explain_v it_o by_o subjoyn_v that_o other_o place_n thereto_o and_o i_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n almighty_n and_o this_o be_v that_o testimony_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o hereof_o that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n 1.14_o by_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v god_n blessing_n and_o favour_n and_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n more_o free_o than_o the_o israelite_n ever_o do_v by_o the_o dwell_n of_o the_o ark_n among_o they_o they_o pray_v towards_o their_o most_o holy_a place_n where_o god_n be_v extraordinary_o present_a that_o he_o will_v stir_v up_o his_o strength_n and_o come_v and_o save_v they_o but_o we_o look_v up_o to_o the_o more_o holy_a mercy-seat_n where_o god_n be_v more_o glorious_o present_a than_o he_o be_v between_o the_o cherubim_n even_o to_o jesus_n who_o all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o in_o who_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a that_o through_o he_o we_o may_v have_v help_n and_o salvation_n the_o name_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v now_o record_v among_o we_o be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o this_o name_n we_o invoke_v he_o that_o he_o will_v come_v unto_o we_o and_o bless_v we_o and_o there_o be_v as_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o blessing_n that_o god_n come_v to_o we_o and_o dwell_v among_o we_o imply_v and_o those_o which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o israelite_n as_o between_o the_o testimony_n themselves_o of_o god_n presence_n among_o they_o and_o among_o we_o they_o be_v temporal_a favour_n and_o deliverance_n which_o they_o promise_v to_o themselves_o from_o god_n presence_n in_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n but_o we_o look_v for_o a_o salvation_n incomparable_o more_o excellent_a god_n have_v bless_v we_o through_o christ_n with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o thing_n that_o concern_v heaven_n eph._n 1.3_o the_o enemy_n we_o be_v to_o subdue_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n be_v those_o which_o will_v hinder_v we_o of_o our_o heavenly_a canaan_n viz._n our_o sensual_a lust_n and_o earthly_a affection_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n for_o we_o wrestle_v not_o against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o against_o principality_n against_o power_n against_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n eph._n 6.12_o against_o all_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n whether_o to_o more_o gross_a and_o sensual_a or_o to_o more_o refine_a and_o spiritual_a vice_n and_o they_o be_v enemy_n so_o much_o more_o dangerous_a than_o those_o which_o the_o israelite_n have_v to_o deal_v withal_o that_o they_o do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v principality_n etc._n etc._n when_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o here_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n thus_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o twice_o mention_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 8.9_o 11._o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o presence_n of_o his_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v constant_o enable_v to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n vers_fw-la 13._o for_o than_o our_o body_n shall_v have_v a_o bless_a resurrection_n vers_fw-la 11._o and_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n because_o of_o righteousness_n vers_fw-la 10._o our_o soul_n shall_v then_o be_v qualify_v for_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n now_o this_o be_v certain_a to_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o which_o be_v signify_v thereby_o be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n which_o if_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v die_v and_o enable_v to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n to_o subdue_v our_o spiritual_a enemy_n more_o perfect_o and_o to_o prevail_v final_o against_o they_o that_o we_o may_v live_v vers_fw-la 13._o therefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n as_o god_n dwelling_n among_o the_o israelite_n signify_v his_o peculiar_a favour_n to_o they_o in_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o blessing_n they_o with_o plenty_n and_o increase_n etc._n etc._n so_o be_v the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o his_o grace_n
christian_a virtue_n be_v ascribe_v both_o to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o prayer_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o the_o colossian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o they_o may_v 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 etc._n etc._n that_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o full_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n col._n 1.9_o 10._o and_o the_o co-operation_n of_o both_o these_o cause_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o the_o same_o effect_n be_v yet_o more_o plain_o express_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n for_o his_o disciple_n sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n where_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o this_o that_o the_o holiness_n of_o believer_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o truth_n upon_o their_o mind_n viz._n that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n see_v then_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o only_o in_o itself_o a_o proper_a mean_n of_o convert_v the_o unbeliever_n and_o the_o disobedient_a of_o confirm_v and_o improve_n the_o sincere_a convert_n but_o as_o you_o see_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v those_o effect_n also_o which_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o ascribe_v to_o the_o weightiness_n of_o those_o reason_n and_o consideration_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o our_o understanding_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o define_v the_o manner_n whereby_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o produce_v these_o grace_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a effect_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v do_v by_o assign_v such_o a_o manner_n of_o operation_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o must_v needs_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o ascribe_v conversion_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o truth_n wherefore_o it_o be_v too_o bold_o do_v of_o dr._n owen_n and_o his_o party_n to_o affirm_v that_o conversion_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n as_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v convert_v and_o withal_o that_o conversion_n be_v impossible_a without_o such_o a_o irresistible_a operation_n for_o 1._o if_o a_o man_n must_v necessary_o resist_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o god_n word_n till_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v in_o he_o by_o a_o irresistible_a action_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o these_o man_n teach_v then_o it_o be_v plain_o absurd_a to_o make_v conversion_n to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n for_o upon_o this_o hypothesis_n it_o contribute_v no_o more_o to_o a_o man_n conversion_n than_o the_o hurl_v of_o a_o pibble_n do_v to_o the_o throw_v down_o of_o a_o mighty_a wall_n that_o be_v fall_v by_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o cannon_n if_o as_o the_o doctor_n say_v 262._o the_o will_n can_v make_v use_n of_o that_o grace_n for_o conversion_n which_o it_o can_v refuse_v if_o also_o it_o can_v resist_v all_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n reason_n argument_n and_o motive_n 261._o as_o he_o himself_o suppose_v and_o by_o consequence_n that_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o conversion_n be_v cause_v be_v irresistible_a what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o conversion_n must_v upon_o these_o term_n be_v only_o and_o whole_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o say_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n produce_v their_o effect_n irresistible_o because_o they_o be_v join_v with_o the_o word_n be_v to_o ascribe_v a_o irresistible_a operation_n to_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o spirit_n or_o rather_o to_o make_v the_o irresistibleness_n to_o arise_v from_o the_o concurrence_n of_o both_o those_o cause_n now_o beside_o that_o upon_o this_o hypothesis_n all_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v will_v be_v convert_v see_v we_o have_v prove_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o beside_o this_o i_o say_v these_o man_n do_v not_o place_v the_o irresistible_a force_n by_o which_o conversion_n as_o they_o say_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n but_o in_o the_o sole_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o that_o conversion_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n which_o as_o they_o say_v a_o man_n can_v but_o resist_v till_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o of_o such_o a_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n too_o as_o be_v altogether_o irresistible_a be_v to_o i_o as_o unintelligible_a as_o transubstantiation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o resist_v the_o operation_n of_o truth_n and_o withal_o grant_v that_o conversion_n must_v as_o well_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n as_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operate_n in_o our_o mind_n it_o will_v plain_o follow_v that_o his_o operation_n be_v resistible_a the_o reason_n be_v because_o where_o a_o effect_n depend_v upon_o the_o concurrence_n of_o two_o cause_n he_o that_o have_v it_o always_o in_o his_o power_n to_o resist_v the_o force_n of_o one_o be_v at_o any_o time_n able_a to_o frustrate_v the_o other_o and_o consequent_o to_o hinder_v the_o effect_n now_o they_o themselves_o grant_v and_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o daily_a experience_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v resist_v and_o hear_v in_o vain_a as_o it_o be_v even_o when_o preach_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n wherefore_o when_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n conspire_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n to_o convert_v a_o sinner_n if_o he_o can_v be_v obstinate_a against_o the_o latter_a he_o may_v also_o quench_v the_o former_a and_o then_o they_o be_v not_o irresistible_a furthermore_o it_o may_v be_v say_v if_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v irresistible_o by_o the_o sole_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n then_o the_o word_n which_o may_v be_v resist_v be_v unnecessary_a but_o if_o the_o word_n can_v but_o be_v resist_v till_o the_o effect_n be_v wrought_v by_o another_o power_n that_o be_v invincible_a viz._n that_o of_o the_o spirit_n then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o effect_n be_v owe_v only_o to_o that_o power_n which_o be_v to_o render_v the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n utter_o vain_a and_o useless_a and_o to_o contradict_v all_o those_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o attribute_n our_o conversion_n to_o the_o force_n of_o divine_a truth_n but_o 2._o it_o be_v further_a evident_a from_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o explain_v this_o irresistible_a operation_n that_o they_o exclude_v all_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n word_n from_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o conversion_n 254._o dr._n owen_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o immediate_a author_n and_o cause_n of_o regeneration_n and_o he_o be_v often_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v convert_v by_o a_o immediate_a physical_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v for_o many_o page_n together_o now_o a_o physical_a operation_n he_o oppose_v to_o moral_a and_o thereby_o exclude_v from_o it_o all_o use_n of_o any_o reason_n argument_n and_o motive_n whatsoever_o as_o he_o do_v industrious_o more_o than_o once_o 261._o now_o what_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o to_o ascribe_v conversion_n to_o such_o a_o operation_n as_o this_o be_v whole_o to_o exclude_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o be_v any_o way_n subordinate_a to_o that_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v convert_v for_o although_o the_o doctor_n tell_v we_o sometime_o that_o he_o grant_v a_o moral_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o he_o only_o deny_v the_o concurrence_n of_o that_o with_o the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o total_a cause_n of_o conversion_n yet_o by_o his_o leave_n 268._o he_o do_v not_o make_v it_o so_o much_o as_o a_o partial_a cause_n for_o if_o this_o physical_a operation_n only_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o can_v remove_v all_o obstacle_n and_o overcome_v all_o opposition_n and_o infallible_o produce_v the_o effect_n intend_v as_o he_o speak_v 270._o if_o this_o operation_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o use_n of_o any_o motive_n whatsoever_o contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n final_o if_o this_o operation_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n if_o nothing_o intervene_v between_o this_o operation_n and_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v then_o plain_a i_o conceive_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o conversion_n for_o neither_o be_v the_o use_n of_o any_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 before_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o well-pleasing_a all_o at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n viz._n as_o we_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o daily_a meditation_n last_o since_o by_o the_o experience_n we_o have_v of_o humane_a nature_n we_o see_v that_o custom_n be_v not_o easy_o and_o present_o put_v off_o and_o that_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n can_v be_v make_v familiar_a to_o we_o but_o by_o use_n and_o practice_n more_o particular_o that_o they_o who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a can_v of_o a_o sudden_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o that_o ill_a habit_n be_v not_o waste_v but_o by_o degree_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n press_v most_o upon_o we_o when_o we_o first_o enter_v upon_o it_o and_o that_o they_o wear_v away_o insensible_o by_o continuance_n in_o well-doing_n likewise_o that_o virtue_n be_v improve_v by_o exercise_n and_o that_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v be_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n i_o say_v this_o be_v consider_v we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o produce_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n all_o at_o once_o but_o that_o he_o accommodate_v his_o operation_n to_o the_o state_n in_o which_o they_o be_v at_o present_a prompt_v they_o to_o that_o amendment_n which_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o capacity_n will_v admit_v and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o term_n consequence_n also_o of_o what_o the_o doctor_n so_o full_o grant_v viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n act_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n only_o as_o they_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v act_v according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n power_n and_o ability_n and_o according_a to_o their_o natural_a operation_n for_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v the_o constant_a experience_n of_o mankind_n both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a although_o a_o evil_a habit_n be_v soon_o contract_v than_o a_o good_a one_o yet_o none_o be_v gain_v without_o some_o use_n and_o exercise_n and_o ordinary_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o now_o if_o the_o spirit_n move_v we_o no_o otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n power_n and_o ability_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o by_o his_o grace_n we_o may_v leap_v out_o of_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n in_o a_o moment_n into_o the_o habit_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o he_o be_v in_o that_o manner_n present_a with_o we_o as_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v a_o good_a beginning_n and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o that_o by_o his_o more_o abundant_a grace_n we_o may_v proceed_v and_o so_o by_o degree_n come_v to_o a_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v in_o a_o instant_n change_v the_o most_o vicious_a man_n into_o a_o saint_n but_o we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o than_o that_o he_o shall_v work_v new_a miracle_n to_o convert_v we_o but_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v so_o for_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o special_a grace_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o qualify_v and_o prepare_v person_n or_o by_o the_o command_v of_o the_o scripture_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n or_o by_o the_o general_a experience_n of_o humane_a nature_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o a_o habitual_a sinner_n can_v become_v a_o good_a man_n in_o a_o instant_n he_o must_v first_o learn_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n angry_a justice_n he_o must_v be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n he_o must_v deep_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o must_v avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o fortify_v himself_o with_o vehement_a resolution_n to_o forsake_v his_o wicked_a course_n and_o he_o must_v make_v many_o earnest_a prayer_n before_o he_o can_v subdue_v his_o lust_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o yield_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n he_o can_v expect_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v make_v he_o a_o holy_a man_n but_o by_o the_o former_a mean_n and_o therefore_o by_o degree_n this_o consideration_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v omit_v because_o it_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o two_o very_a different_a sort_n of_o man_n 1._o to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n and_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o recover_v themselves_o although_o they_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o amendment_n before_o they_o for_o it_o happen_v sometime_o that_o such_o man_n wish_v they_o have_v take_v a_o early_a care_n to_o live_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n but_o they_o believe_v it_o be_v now_o in_o vain_a to_o strive_v against_o those_o fatal_a habit_n which_o be_v so_o deep_o root_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o they_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o carelessness_n and_o desperation_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v common_o this_o that_o when_o they_o attempt_v their_o own_o reformation_n and_o have_v purpose_v to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n they_o soon_o find_v themselves_o surprise_v again_o by_o their_o former_a temptation_n and_o carry_v away_o as_o strong_o by_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v before_o which_o make_v they_o conclude_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o take_v any_o more_o pain_n with_o themselves_o as_o if_o because_o their_o freedom_n from_o the_o servitude_n of_o sin_n can_v not_o be_v effect_v in_o a_o