show_v what_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v these_o thing_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n who_o have_v not_o so_o well_o consider_v they_o may_v gain_v a_o profitable_a knowledge_n of_o this_o part_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o that_o be_v a_o profitable_a knowledge_n of_o it_o which_o will_v incite_v he_o to_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n for_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o encourage_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o the_o principal_a end_n which_o i_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o undertake_n be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v what_o great_a reason_n they_o have_v to_o endeavour_v earnest_o after_o true_a goodness_n since_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n ii_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 give_v to_o believer_n sect_n i._o doctor_n o._n say_v well_o that_o when_o we_o treat_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n we_o be_v exercise_v in_o such_o a_o subject_a as_o wherein_o we_o have_v no_o rule_n nor_o guide_n nor_o any_o thing_n to_o give_v we_o assistance_n but_o pure_a revelation_n for_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v by_o these_o word_n that_o all_o our_o knowledge_n concern_v this_o matter_n depend_v upon_o revelation_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n therefore_o our_o knowledge_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o revelation_n of_o it_o and_o by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o govern_v myself_o by_o that_o rule_n while_o i_o be_o debate_v those_o question_n i_o have_v propound_v concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v to_o man_n and_o this_o i_o the_o rather_o begin_v withal_o because_o the_o end_n of_o his_o operation_n be_v well_o understand_v we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o text_n which_o tell_v we_o who_o they_o be_v to_o who_o the_o spirit_n be_v promise_v and_o what_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n what_o the_o effect_n themselves_o be_v for_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v may_v be_v know_v 1._o in_o great_a part_n from_o that_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n luke_n 11.13_o 2._o they_o may_v be_v full_o know_v from_o those_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o mention_n the_o several_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o promise_n in_o st._n luke_n whereby_o we_o may_v understand_v for_o what_o purpose_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o christ._n the_o text_n be_v this_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o these_o word_n deserve_v our_o attention_n the_o more_o because_o they_o be_v the_o first_o wherein_o we_o find_v our_o saviour_n mention_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v their_o connexion_n with_o the_o precedent_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n to_o come_v by_o that_o mean_n to_o their_o true_a meaning_n and_o hereby_o also_o we_o shall_v plain_o see_v what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o this_o place_n we_o find_v vers_fw-la 1._o that_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n say_v unto_o he_o lord_n teach_v we_o to_o pray_v whereupon_o he_o teach_v they_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n our_o father_n etc._n etc._n have_v thus_o answer_v their_o desire_n he_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o require_v they_o to_o pray_v fervent_o and_o importunate_o urge_v his_o command_n with_o this_o argument_n that_o if_o they_o do_v so_o they_o shall_v certain_o be_v hear_v and_o their_o request_n shall_v be_v grant_v for_o thus_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o vers_n 9_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v etc._n etc._n this_o argument_n be_v enforce_v by_o two_o similitude_n whereof_o the_o former_a make_v way_n for_o the_o latter_a to_o proceed_v with_o more_o strength_n towards_o the_o prove_v of_o this_o thing_n that_o god_n will_v hear_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o a_o man_n that_o go_v to_o his_o friend_n at_o midnight_n to_o beg_v three_o loaf_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o another_o friend_n of_o he_o vers_fw-la 5_o 6._o now_o it_o be_v here_o observe_v that_o the_o request_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o unseasonable_a vers_fw-la 7._o trouble_v i_o not_o the_o door_n be_v now_o shut_v and_o my_o child_n be_v with_o i_o in_o bed_n and_o withal_o the_o trouble_n be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o bare_a friendship_n that_o be_v between_o they_o will_v not_o have_v prevail_v vers_fw-la 8._o he_o will_v not_o rise_v and_o give_v he_o because_o he_o be_v his_o friend_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v observe_v that_o two_o consideration_n prevail_v with_o he_o viz._n that_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o that_o of_o the_o importunity_n of_o his_o friend_n yet_o because_o of_o his_o importunity_n he_o will_v rise_v and_o give_v he_o as_o many_o as_o he_o need_v now_o from_o hence_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v vers_fw-la 9_o that_n if_o we_o ask_v we_o shall_v have_v i._n e._n god_n will_v give_v we_o whatsoever_o thing_n we_o ask_v of_o he_o importunate_o if_o those_o thing_n be_v needful_a for_o we_o and_o this_o with_o great_a reason_n for_o 1._o god_n be_v our_o best_a friend_n and_o great_a benefactor_n 2._o we_o be_v never_o unseasonable_a to_o he_o and_o the_o give_v of_o what_o we_o ask_v be_v never_o uneasy_a to_o himself_o wherefore_o if_o a_o man_n will_v grant_v to_o his_o friend_n what_o he_o be_v importunate_a with_o he_o for_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o he_o though_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n to_o himself_o much_o more_o will_v god_n who_o love_v we_o more_o than_o a_o man_n can_v do_v his_o friend_n bestow_v such_o thing_n upon_o we_o as_o be_v needful_a if_o we_o earnest_o desire_v he_o since_o he_o can_v without_o any_o trouble_n to_o himself_o grant_v our_o request_n in_o the_o next_o similitude_n the_o argument_n be_v improve_v if_o a_o son_n shall_v ask_v bread_n of_o any_o of_o you_o that_o be_v a_o father_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o ask_v a_o fish_n will_v he_o for_o a_o fish_n give_v he_o a_o serpent_n or_o if_o he_o shall_v ask_v a_o egg_n will_v he_o offer_v he_o a_o scorpion_n vers_fw-la 11_o 12._o now_o here_o 1._o the_o son_n ask_v of_o the_o father_n where_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o natural_a affection_n be_v great_a between_o a_o father_n and_o his_o son_n and_o on_o the_o other_o the_o dependence_n great_a in_o the_o son_n upon_o his_o father_n than_o in_o one_o friend_n upon_o another_o 2._o the_o son_n request_v food_n necessary_a to_o sustain_v himself_o not_o for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o another_o as_o in_o the_o former_a similitude_n wherefore_o see_v here_o be_v great_a love_n on_o his_o part_n that_o be_v ask_v great_a dependence_n and_o necessity_n on_o his_o that_o ask_v our_o saviour_n conclude_v he_o will_v prevail_v so_o that_o the_o father_n instead_o of_o give_v that_o which_o be_v necessary_a will_v not_o give_v that_o which_o be_v unprofitable_a as_o a_o stone_n instead_o of_o bread_n much_o less_o will_v he_o instead_o of_o that_o which_o be_v profitable_a give_v that_o which_o be_v hurtful_a as_o a_o serpent_n for_o a_o fish_n and_o a_o scorpion_n for_o a_o egg._n from_o hence_o our_o saviour_n argue_v if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o argument_n proceed_v à _fw-la minori_fw-la and_o the_o force_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o earthly_a parent_n who_o may_v be_v tenacious_a towards_o other_o and_o envy_v what_o they_o enjoy_v for_o in_o that_o sense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v be_v thy_o eye_n evil_a because_o i_o be_v good_a will_v not_o yet_o be_v so_o towards_o their_o child_n when_o they_o ask_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o need_v much_o less_o will_v god_n who_o be_v in_o this_o similitude_n affirm_v to_o be_v our_o father_n as_o in_o the_o former_a he_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v our_o friend_n and_o who_o
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
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
as_o profitable_a for_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o these_o present_a advantage_n etc._n etc._n tend_v to_o the_o harm_n of_o the_o soul._n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v by_o we_o which_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n thy_o will_v be_v do_v as_o to_o that_o clause_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n he_o say_v it_o show_v that_o god_n regard_v the_o mind_n more_o than_o the_o word_n wherewith_o we_o pray_v as_o to_o the_o unutterable_a groan_n he_o say_v how_o can_v that_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o god_n be_v utter_v by_o we_o when_o sometime_o that_o which_o our_o own_o spirit_n feel_v and_o understand_v can_v be_v express_v by_o we_o in_o word_n now_o i_o believe_v we_o shall_v not_o ready_o meet_v with_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n contain_v any_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n whereof_o the_o father_n do_v more_o unanimous_o conspire_v than_o they_o do_v in_o their_o sense_n of_o this_o i_o can_v easy_o have_v add_v more_o authority_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n if_o i_o have_v please_v but_o i_o hope_v these_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v any_o sober_a person_n that_o that_o interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n which_o i_o prefer_v before_o dr._n owen_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v call_v present_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n for_o i_o shall_v offer_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o christian_a writer_n who_o may_v with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o little_a charity_n i_o think_v pass_v for_o regenerate_a man_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o say_v towards_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o text_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o we_o ought_v in_o the_o general_a to_o pray_v for_o what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o 2._o that_o in_o some_o case_n we_o know_v not_o what_o be_v best_a and_o they_o be_v those_o which_o concern_v our_o present_a state_n in_o this_o world_n with_o regard_n to_o affliction_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o ease_n and_o prosperity_n on_o the_o other_o and_o thus_o st._n austin_n prevent_v that_o objection_n of_o the_o christian_n know_v the_o lord_n prayer_n by_o restrain_v the_o ignorance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o temporal_a affliction_n 3._o that_o our_o infirmity_n here_o mention_v consist_v in_o this_o ignorance_n together_o with_o our_o proness_n to_o desire_v health_n riches_n and_o ease_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o natural_a aversation_n we_o have_v to_o pain_n and_o trouble_v when_o as_o yet_o god_n may_v see_v that_o the_o former_a will_v be_v hurtful_a the_o latter_a profitable_a for_o we_o 4._o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v make_v intercession_n for_o we_o they_o all_o understand_v his_o exciting_a we_o to_o pray_v for_o ourselves_o except_v st._n ambrose_n who_o suppose_v the_o spirit_n to_o intercede_v proper_o for_o we_o that_o god_n will_v bestow_v better_a thing_n on_o we_o than_o we_o sometime_o ask_v for_o ourselves_o and_o origen_n seem_v to_o understand_v both_o 5._o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v help_v our_o infirmity_n be_v his_o incite_n of_o we_o to_o pray_v for_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o not_o for_o earthly_a as_o st._n hierom_n say_v which_o be_v to_o pray_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o pray_v at_o all_o for_o any_o temporal_a blessing_n but_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v content_a if_o we_o be_v deny_v because_o those_o thing_n viz._n deliverance_n from_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o think_v will_v profit_v may_v hurt_v we_o as_o he_o observe_v and_o therefore_o all_o our_o desire_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v by_o that_o petition_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v teach_v we_o thy_o will_v be_v do_v as_o origen_n note_v in_o short_a by_o the_o scope_n of_o what_o they_o all_o say_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v their_o meaning_n that_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n by_o increase_v our_o desire_n after_o heavenly_a thing_n by_o make_v we_o more_o indifferent_a about_o earthly_a matter_n and_o content_a with_o affliction_n if_o god_n see_v they_o good_a for_o we_o see_v his_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o as_o he_o tell_v st._n paul_n when_o he_o so_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n which_o be_v the_o instance_n they_o all_o use_n 6._o by_o the_o unutterable_a groan_n some_o of_o they_o understand_v that_o inexpressible_a fervency_n of_o mind_n enkindle_v in_o good_a man_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wherewith_o they_o desire_v heavenly_a thing_n and_o which_o wherever_o it_o be_v will_v certain_o abate_v our_o desire_n of_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o make_v we_o less_o weary_a of_o affliction_n other_o of_o they_o suppose_v the_o proper_a intercession_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o and_o st._n austin_n in_o particular_a suppose_v that_o by_o the_o unutterable_a groan_n be_v mean_v the_o desire_n of_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v best_a for_o we_o for_o say_v he_o how_o shall_v that_o which_o be_v desire_v be_v utter_v when_o it_o be_v yet_o unknown_a i._o e._n when_o under_o a_o affliction_n we_o pray_v for_o what_o god_n see_v best_a for_o we_o not_o know_v whether_o that_o may_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o continuance_n or_o removal_n of_o it_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a about_o this_o matter_n the_o interpretation_n of_o origen_n himself_o who_o can_v not_o learn_v it_o from_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n fall_v in_o with_o they_o and_o yet_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o find_v as_o many_o mystery_n in_o the_o bible_n as_o another_o man_n but_o he_o leave_v they_o that_o can_v light_v upon_o a_o more_o sublime_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n to_o enjoy_v their_o opinion_n by_o themselves_o now_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o supposition_n upon_o which_o they_o go_v in_o interpret_n the_o text_n this_o way_n be_v this_o that_o our_o not_o know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o belong_v to_o the_o case_n of_o present_a affliction_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v may_v be_v more_o profitable_a for_o we_o than_o to_o be_v exempt_v or_o rescue_v from_o they_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o show_v that_o this_o supposition_n and_o the_o interpretation_n build_v upon_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n wherewith_o this_o text_n have_v a_o plain_a coherence_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n propound_v in_o the_o 17_o verse_n st._n paul_n begin_v to_o comfort_v the_o christian_n under_o their_o affliction_n show_v they_o that_o they_o who_o suffer_v with_o christ_n shall_v be_v also_o glorify_v together_o this_o consideration_n afford_v two_o argument_n of_o patience_n which_o he_o distinct_o note_n the_o former_a be_v the_o transcendent_a greatness_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o they_o hope_v for_o the_o latter_a the_o profitableness_n of_o their_o present_a suffering_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o that_o glory_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o glory_n itself_o for_o i_o reckon_v say_v he_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o v_o 18._o thither_o from_o which_o verse_n to_o the_o 24_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o as_o in_o god_n good_a time_n the_o heathen_n will_v be_v rescue_v from_o their_o idolatry_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o glory_n so_o the_o christian_n shall_v be_v rescue_v from_o their_o suffering_n also_o under_o which_o they_o now_o groan_v wherefore_o at_o present_a he_o will_v have_v they_o take_v comfort_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o deliverance_n and_o glory_n which_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v for_o say_v he_o we_o be_v save_v by_o hope_n etc._n etc._n v._n 24._o but_o if_o we_o hope_v for_o that_o we_o see_v not_o then_o do_v we_o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o it_o v_o 25._o 2._o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o patience_n yet_o further_o by_o the_o profitableness_n of_o their_o present_a suffering_n we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n to_o they_o who_o be_v the_o call_v according_a to_o purpose_n vers_fw-la 28._o that_o be_v who_o with_o full_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n adhere_v to_o the_o profession_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v notwithstanding_o all_o these_o suffering_n for_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o first-born_a among_o many_o brethren_n moreover_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o also_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o also_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v
that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o doctrine_n here_o by_o he_o maintain_v viz._n that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v righteousness_n without_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o without_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o then_o he_o must_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n which_o be_v one_o of_o those_o argument_n whereby_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o a_o state_n of_o regeneration_n be_v a_o state_n of_o inherent_a personal_a righteousness_n and_o which_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v produce_v do_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v regenerate_v as_o it_o signify_v the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o to_o be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v sect_n 8._o 2._o if_o we_o consider_v regeneration_n as_o a_o effect_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o that_o state_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v regeneration_n to_o be_v these_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v to_o be_v water_n and_o the_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 5._o viz._n when_o he_o repeat_v his_o doctrine_n to_o nicodemus_n concern_v which_o grotius_n well_o note_n exponit_fw-la jam_fw-la qualem_fw-la nativitatem_fw-la intelligat_fw-la nè_fw-la nicodemus_n diutius_fw-la allegoricae_fw-la locutionis_fw-la ignorantiâ_fw-la fallatur_fw-la our_o saviour_n now_o explain_v what_o birth_n he_o understand_v that_o nicodemus_n may_v no_o long_o be_v deceive_v by_o his_o ignorance_n that_o christ_n speak_v figurative_o for_o after_o it_o be_v tell_v he_o that_o this_o birth_n be_v effect_v by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v not_o dream_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v be_v bear_v again_o in_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n as_o he_o conceive_v at_o first_o when_o it_o be_v only_o tell_v he_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o be_v can_v etc._n etc._n now_o whether_o one_o cause_n of_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n or_o more_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o general_o agree_v upon_o there_o be_v some_o whereof_o grotius_n himself_o be_v one_o who_o conceive_v that_o by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o word_n signify_v the_o sanctify_a or_o cleanse_v spirit_n of_o god_n non_fw-la loquor_fw-la de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la say_v grotius_n but_o withal_o he_o say_v sed_fw-la locutiones_fw-la sunt_fw-la alludentes_fw-la ad_fw-la baptismum_fw-la our_o saviour_n allude_v to_o baptism_n as_o he_o suppose_v he_o to_o allude_v to_o the_o eucharist_n in_o those_o word_n except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n etc._n etc._n but_o by_o the_o leave_n of_o so_o great_a a_o man_n i_o think_v the_o other_o opinion_n more_o general_o receive_v and_o in_o particular_a maintain_v by_o dr._n hammond_n viz._n that_o by_o water_n baptism_n be_v here_o mean_v to_o be_v to_o say_v no_o more_o far_o more_o probable_a than_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o baptism_n be_v that_o ceremony_n of_o proselytism_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o our_o saviour_n borrow_v from_o they_o query_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n be_v no_o new_a name_n or_o notion_n as_o dr._n owen_n pretend_v for_o the_o jew_n call_v their_o proselyte_n recens_fw-la nati_fw-la as_o grotius_n himself_o observe_v new_a bear_v man_n and_o as_o such_o count_v they_o to_o have_v quit_v their_o relation_n to_o their_o former_a country_n parent_n and_o kindred_n and_o since_o the_o jewish_a proselyte_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o baptize_v person_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o immersion_n in_o water_n be_v one_o of_o the_o indispensible_a ceremony_n of_o his_o proselytism_n or_o regeneration_n we_o may_v well_o conceive_v that_o by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n our_o saviour_n mean_v become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o his_o church_n by_o baptism_n as_o by_o baptism_n the_o jew_n admit_v proselyte_n to_o they_o for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o strange_a that_o nicodemus_n a_o master_n of_o israel_n shall_v not_o understand_v what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n 2._o st._n paul_n do_v express_o call_v baptism_n the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n which_o what_o it_o signify_v but_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v or_o become_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v understand_v and_o then_o that_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n now_o where_o there_o be_v not_o only_o no_o necessity_n to_o find_v a_o figure_n in_o scripture-phrase_n but_o the_o proper_a sense_n also_o contain_v a_o truth_n very_o pertinent_a to_o the_o subject_a speak_v of_o in_o all_o reason_n there_o the_o proper_a sense_n and_o consequent_o here_o of_o the_o word_n water_n ought_v to_o be_v follow_v and_o then_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n signify_v our_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o engage_v to_o be_v so_o for_o the_o future_a by_o baptism_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v make_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o baptism_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o concern_v they_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o show_v therefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o they_o in_o this_o place_n but_o only_o add_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o our_o regeneration_n or_o become_v good_a christian_n but_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v those_o other_o cause_n viz._n those_o mean_n which_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v our_o regeneration_n unto_o to_o be_v include_v under_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o effect_n without_o who_o operation_n those_o mean_n can_v be_v effectual_a to_o their_o end_n and_o these_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o pet._n 1.23_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o but_o this_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o consider_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o be_v bear_v again_o both_o as_o it_o signify_v a_o state_n and_o as_o a_o effect_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v require_v we_o to_o become_v his_o sincere_a follower_n and_o disciple_n if_o we_o hope_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n sect_n 9_o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o become_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v express_v by_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o i_o shall_v likewise_o show_v how_o fit_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v express_v by_o the_o other_o metaphor_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o this_o because_o our_o author_n seem_v unable_a to_o conceive_v how_o so_o mean_v a_o thing_n as_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v intend_v by_o such_o grand_a and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n as_o those_o of_o the_o new_a birth_n the_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v first_o observe_v the_o similitude_n between_o our_o become_a true_a christian_n and_o be_v born_n first_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o alteration_n which_o be_v make_v in_o a_o man_n state_n by_o his_o become_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v one_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o state_n of_o such_o a_o disciple_n be_v express_v by_o this_o metaphor_n for_o it_o express_v a_o very_a great_a change_n thus_o mr._n baxter_n tell_v we_o very_o well_o that_o regeneration_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a term_n 8._o take_v from_o our_o natural_a generation_n because_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o change_n that_o a_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v another_o man_n if_o we_o consider_v how_o great_a this_o change_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o so_o to_o be_v there_o be_v first_o of_o all_o a_o intrinsic_a change_n peculiar_a to_o the_o state_n of_o adult_n christian_n their_o understanding_n be_v inform_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o truth_n concern_v god_n and_o themselves_o and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v which_o they_o be_v most_o of_o all_o concern_v to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ._n hereby_o also_o be_v produce_v a_o proportionable_a change_n in_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v wrought_v such_o effect_n upon_o that_o
from_o be_v addict_v to_o sensuality_n and_o worldliness_n they_o be_v come_v to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n this_o likewise_o produce_v a_o suitable_a change_n in_o their_o life_n which_o now_o be_v lead_v not_o according_a to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o example_n of_o evil_a man_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ._n and_o thus_o we_o come_v to_o the_o true_a use_n of_o all_o our_o faculty_n as_o a_o infant_n after_o it_o be_v bear_v fall_n into_o those_o natural_a motion_n which_o be_v hinder_v by_o its_o imprisonment_n in_o the_o womb._n now_o when_o our_o mind_n be_v thus_o purify_v from_o sin_n when_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o and_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v become_v the_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n there_o follow_v a_o relative_n change_v in_o our_o state_n as_o considerable_a as_o the_o other_o for_o then_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n heir_n with_o christ_n brethren_n to_o god_n child_n in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n we_o be_v of_o kin_n to_o the_o family_n of_o god_n we_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n and_o have_v a_o actual_a right_n to_o that_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v even_o eternal_a life_n lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o nothing_o will_v be_v more_o evident_a to_o you_o than_o this_o that_o so_o great_a a_o change_n of_o our_o state_n be_v imply_v in_o our_o be_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v as_o it_o be_v other_o man_n by_o be_v so_o and_o so_o may_v fit_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o when_o we_o become_v such_o person_n but_o that_o intrinsic_a alteration_n which_o seem_v to_o afford_v the_o clear_a similitude_n regard_v that_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o a_o true_a christian._n we_o know_v that_o all_o live_a creature_n have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o thing_n hurtful_a and_o destructive_a to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v thereby_o general_o prompt_v to_o avoid_v they_o it_o be_v thus_o i_o say_v in_o the_o natural_a life_n that_o we_o ready_o apprehend_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o run_v into_o the_o fire_n nor_o venture_v down_o precipice_n because_o these_o thing_n be_v contrary_a and_o destructive_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a fit_a emblem_n of_o the_o state_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a for_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o divine_a temper_n of_o soul_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o have_v such_o a_o like_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n with_o regard_n to_o his_o mind_n and_o conscience_n as_o all_o live_a creature_n have_v with_o respect_n to_o their_o nature_n he_o therefore_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n i._n e._n who_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o to_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n for_o he_o have_v a_o new_a sense_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o before_o he_o have_v other_o apprehension_n of_o sin_n than_o sensual_a and_o worldly_a man_n have_v he_o look_v not_o upon_o any_o immorality_n as_o a_o harmless_a thing_n but_o apprehend_v all_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v pernicious_a and_o detestable_a which_o be_v the_o reason_n as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v of_o what_o st._n john_n say_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o which_o in_o the_o relative_n change_n seem_v to_o be_v most_o visible_o intend_v by_o this_o metaphor_n be_v our_o be_v qualify_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n for_o by_o become_v his_o disciple_n we_o be_v as_o it_o be_v bear_v to_o this_o inheritance_n we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o son_n than_o heir_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o now_o if_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n make_v man_n so_o much_o better_o and_o more_o excellent_a person_n than_o they_o be_v before_o and_o qualify_v they_o also_o for_o a_o everlasting_a reward_n then_o here_o be_v another_o visible_a reason_n for_o the_o choice_n of_o this_o metaphor_n to_o express_v the_o state_n of_o a_o good_a christian_n by_o viz._n the_o great_a advantage_n they_o gain_v by_o it_o we_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a be_v give_v unto_o we_o when_o we_o true_o believe_v in_o jesus_n and_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n we_o be_v so_o much_o alter_v for_o the_o better_a as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o live_v till_o then_o and_o we_o have_v infinite_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v of_o this_o alteration_n in_o our_o state_n than_o to_o remember_v the_o day_n of_o our_o birth_n with_o joy_n and_o gladness_n hence_o we_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o represent_v the_o advantage_n we_o gain_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n under_o metaphor_n take_v from_o thing_n most_o grateful_a to_o our_o natural_a appetite_n as_o liberty_n life_n and_o light_n but_o withal_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o good_a imply_v in_o those_o thing_n do_v in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n belong_v to_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o any_o body_n else_o as_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v joh._n 8.36_o if_o the_o son_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a then_o be_v you_o free_a indeed_o now_o what_o this_o freedom_n be_v we_o be_v tell_v vers_fw-la 32._o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a and_o vers_n 34._o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o this_o freedom_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v that_o very_a state_n that_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o call_v light_n and_o life_n and_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n last_o since_o it_o be_v by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o that_o we_o become_v true_a believer_n and_o good_a man_n it_o be_v visible_a that_o our_o be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v fit_o express_v the_o concurrence_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n whereby_o this_o change_n be_v effect_v in_o we_o there_o be_v other_o metaphor_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n express_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o none_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o full_a of_o signification_n as_o this_o although_o the_o use_n and_o meaning_n of_o all_o of_o they_o be_v easy_o discernible_a those_o expression_n of_o create_v and_o draw_v seem_v principal_o to_o respect_v that_o divine_a grace_n by_o which_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v to_o god_n convert_v or_o turn_v peculiarly_a note_n that_o alteration_n that_o be_v hereby_o make_v in_o our_o state_n take_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n express_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o chief_o with_o regard_n to_o what_o we_o be_v before_o as_o give_v the_o heart_n of_o flesh_n also_o do_v with_o respect_n to_o what_o we_o become_v afterward_o make_v a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n signify_v that_o change_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o cause_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o god_n statute_n note_n the_o reformation_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o life_n purify_n cleanse_v and_o purge_v be_v metaphor_n that_o express_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o change_n and_o how_o much_o our_o nature_n be_v better_v by_o it_o but_o quicken_a and_o make_v free_a and_o turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n do_v express_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o we_o gain_v by_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o they_o be_v inherent_a or_o relative_n and_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v in_o what_o divers_a respect_v these_o metaphor_n conspire_v to_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o metaphor_n of_o regeneration_n or_o the_o new_a birth_n contain_v all_o those_o similitude_n to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a which_o be_v several_o discernible_a in_o the_o rest_n and_o this_o probable_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v more_o frequent_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o rest_n be_v as_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n i_o suppose_v why_o it_o have_v obtain_v among_o christian_a writer_n to_o treat_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n more_o frequent_o under_o the_o name_n of_o regeneration_n than_o under_o any_o other_o phrase_n whereby_o they_o be_v metaphorical_o express_v and_o possible_o this_o common_a use_n of_o the_o word_n may_v have_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o some_o unwary_a christian_n of_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o