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
persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n to_o bring_v a_o few_o man_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o rest_n to_o unavoidable_a ruin_n he_o can_v no_o more_o hope_n to_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o please_v he_o than_o to_o reverse_v the_o decree_n of_o heaven_n wherefore_o if_o he_o understand_v his_o own_o principle_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v under_o a_o great_a agony_n till_o he_o become_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o that_o happy_a number_n who_o nothing_o no_o not_o sin_n itself_o can_v separate_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o if_o we_o entertain_v honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n as_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o do_v if_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o serious_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o repent_v and_o will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v save_v and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o supply_v we_o with_o grace_n sufficient_a 2_o cor._n 12.9_o then_o upon_o our_o care_n to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n we_o shall_v never_o want_v so_o much_o comfort_n as_o we_o need_v i._n e._n the_o joy_n of_o well-doing_n which_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n wherefore_o since_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v needful_a neither_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o salvation_n nor_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o holiness_n nor_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o comfort_n i_o may_v conclude_v also_o that_o neither_o be_v this_o one_o of_o those_o grace_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o god_n will_v give_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o sect_n 3._o last_o that_o promise_n give_v we_o no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v dictate_v extemporary_a prayer_n to_o we_o for_o 1._o such_o prayer_n themselves_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o obtain_n of_o our_o request_n for_o have_v that_o be_v so_o then_o certain_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v admonish_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o pray_v extempore_o as_o they_o call_v it_o as_o well_o as_o to_o pray_v at_o all_o and_o to_o beware_v of_o book-prayer_n and_o the_o use_n of_o form_n as_o much_o as_o of_o neglect_v the_o duty_n altogether_o or_o perform_v it_o in_o a_o careless_a slothful_a manner_n and_o this_o the_o rather_o because_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v use_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o because_o also_o the_o modesty_n of_o many_o good_a christian_n and_o the_o inability_n of_o many_o more_o will_v natural_o prompt_v they_o to_o the_o use_n of_o so_o ready_a a_o help_n to_o devotion_n as_o pious_a and_o useful_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v but_o so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o find_v any_o command_n in_o scripture_n to_o pray_v upon_o sudden_a invention_n that_o we_o find_v no_o preference_n give_v to_o this_o way_n above_o the_o use_n of_o form_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a for_o when_o our_o saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v he_o enjoin_v they_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n luke_n 11._o but_o 2._o not_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o usefulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n above_o leave_v the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o extemporary_a effusion_n but_o admit_v the_o advantage_n lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o latter_a as_o some_o man_n persuade_v themselves_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o conception_n or_o utterance_n of_o such_o prayer_n for_o first_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o dictate_v what_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v abundant_o supply_v we_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o therefore_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o dr._n owen_n shall_v say_v with_o so_o much_o anger_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n let_v the_o proud_a carnal_a world_n despise_v it_o whilst_o they_o please_v and_o at_o their_o peril_n do_v gracious_o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o believer_n carry_v out_o and_o act_v their_o soul_n and_o mind_n in_o desire_n and_o request_n which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v far_o above_o their_o natural_a contrivance_n and_o invention_n this_o be_v somewhat_o obscure_a but_o i_o will_v know_v what_o request_v those_o be_v which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v above_o your_o natural_a contrivance_n and_o invention_n if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o i_o suppose_v you_o will_v say_v they_o be_v then_o either_o you_o know_v they_o to_o be_v so_o before_o you_o pray_v or_o you_o know_v it_o not_o if_o you_o do_v you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o these_o request_n be_v above_o your_o natural_a contrivance_n and_o invention_n if_o you_o mean_v thereby_o as_o i_o think_v you_o do_v that_o when_o you_o be_v pray_v you_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v think_v of_o those_o request_n without_o a_o supernatural_a suggestion_n for_o you_o confess_v that_o you_o know_v well_o enough_o before_o that_o you_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o then_o come_v to_o your_o mind_n but_o if_o you_o know_v they_o not_o then_o either_o you_o pray_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o do_v not_o then_o know_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n or_o else_o you_o must_v suppose_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o then_o give_v you_o the_o first_o notice_n of_o they_o do_v immediate_o reveal_v to_o you_o that_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o you_o say_v just_a before_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n work_v supplication_n in_o we_o by_o a_o immediate_a supernatural_a divine_a afflatus_fw-la so_o as_o he_o inspire_v the_o prophet_n of_o old_a who_o ofttimes_o understand_v not_o the_o thing_n utter_v by_o themselves_o now_o that_o revelation_n be_v as_o immediate_a and_o supernatural_a as_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v and_o to_o make_v all_o even_o you_o say_v elsewhere_o that_o let_v profane_a and_o ignorant_a person_n whilst_o they_o please_v deride_v what_o they_o understand_v not_o nor_o be_v able_a to_o disprove_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v guide_v believer_n in_o and_o by_o the_o work_n and_o experience_n of_o faith_n to_o pray_v for_o those_o thing_n the_o depth_n of_o who_o mystery_n they_o can_v comprehend_v so_o that_o if_o you_o neither_o know_v they_o before_o nor_o understand_v they_o afterward_o i_o think_v you_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o the_o afflatus_fw-la of_o the_o old_a prophet_n upon_o a_o double_a title_n by_o your_o own_o account_n now_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o deride_v your_o pretence_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o disprove_v it_o but_o only_o tell_v you_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v you_o to_o be_v inspire_a man_n unless_o you_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o some_o evident_a divine_a testimony_n for_o want_v of_o which_o 349._o you_o again_o appeal_v to_o your_o experience_n and_o let_v we_o know_v withal_o that_o he_o who_o have_v not_o experience_n hereof_o i._n e._n of_o have_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o prayer_n suggest_v to_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o great_a stranger_n to_o these_o thing_n than_o will_v at_o length_n be_v unto_o his_o advantage_n which_o any_o man_n may_v say_v who_o speak_v more_o than_o he_o understand_v all_o that_o i_o contend_v for_o be_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n need_v not_o to_o be_v dictate_v by_o inspiration_n and_o that_o because_o the_o spirit_n teach_v we_o by_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n what_o we_o may_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o nor_o 2._o the_o word_n in_o which_o we_o pray_v for_o a_o ready_a use_n of_o our_o mother-tongue_n will_v serve_v we_o with_o they_o free_o enough_o so_o that_o a_o competent_a understanding_n of_o the_o chief_a head_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o retain_v in_o memory_n of_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o scripture-phrase_n and_o passage_n of_o holy_a writ_n proper_a to_o be_v convert_v into_o petition_n together_o with_o a_o tolerable_a readiness_n of_o utter_v one_o thought_n in_o proper_a word_n will_v in_o some_o measure_n furnish_v a_o man_n with_o this_o gift_n and_o be_v thus_o qualify_v he_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o have_v the_o matter_n or_o the_o word_n of_o his_o prayer_n dictate_v to_o he_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n any_o more_o than_o of_o a_o ordinary_a discourse_n with_o his_o neighbour_n upon_o a_o subject_n which_o he_o be_v use_v to_o speak_v of_o but_o if_o he_o have_v over_o and_o above_o a_o warm_a invention_n and_o a_o voluble_a tongue_n and_o a_o good_a share_n of_o assurance_n in_o himself_o especial_o if_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v heat_v with_o his_o own_o thought_n and_o expression_n he_o be_v then_o qualify_v to_o excel_v in_o the_o way_n of_o
consecrate_v to_o a_o life_n of_o obedience_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o for_o than_o they_o will_v find_v little_a excuse_n and_o a_o great_a punishment_n for_o their_o unchristian_a practice_n if_o be_v so_o great_o oblige_v they_o shall_v prove_v unthankful_a and_o disobedient_a the_o second_o place_n be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.16_o but_o 1._o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n 389._o be_v that_o public_a testimony_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o true_a christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n show_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o freewoman_n as_o he_o express_v it_o gal._n 4.28_o whereas_o the_o jew_n those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n answer_v the_o condition_n of_o ishmael_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o son_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n to_o who_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o a_o inheritance_n now_o that_o none_o but_o true_a christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_a inheritance_n be_v that_o which_o be_v testify_v against_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o miracle_n and_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a believer_n i._n e._n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o this_o text_n be_v very_o far_o from_o intend_v any_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n and_o yet_o 2._o all_o that_o be_v here_o affirm_v regard_v only_o our_o present_a state_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o if_o we_o be_v it_o be_v certain_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o nay_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n without_o our_o own_o fault_n since_o we_o have_v so_o plain_a a_o rule_n to_o try_v ourselves_o by_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n now_o our_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n be_v that_o which_o our_o own_o spirit_n or_o conscience_n must_v witness_v and_o then_o upon_o this_o condition_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o to_o be_v sure_a be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o our_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o forfeit_v our_o inheritance_n by_o any_o future_a miscarriage_n and_o therefore_o from_o this_o place_n it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o such_o assurance_n be_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n sect_n 6._o 3._o for_o the_o pretence_n of_o utter_v the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o extemporary_a prayer_n i_o know_v likewise_o but_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n common_o urge_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o the_o former_a be_v st._n paul_n saying_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o 1_o cor._n 14.15_o which_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o text_n that_o i_o never_o hear_v produce_v for_o this_o pretence_n but_o by_o those_o that_o have_v nothing_o but_o mere_a zeal_n to_o defend_v their_o opinion_n withal_o i_o mean_v some_o of_o the_o people_n that_o follow_v dr._n owen_n and_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o after_o they_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v they_o to_o word_n or_o sense_n or_o both_o in_o their_o prayer_n they_o conceit_n this_o text_n to_o be_v a_o proof_n for_o their_o purpose_n for_o the_o word_n sound_v that_o way_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v what_o they_o do_v about_o extemporary_a prayer_n beforehand_o but_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o they_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v their_o guide_n who_o pretend_v to_o learning_n and_o if_o they_o mind_v the_o text_n at_o all_o can_v hardly_o be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n there_o mean_v be_v use_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o pray_n by_o the_o understanding_n be_v pray_v in_o a_o language_n understand_v by_o the_o people_n that_o they_o i_o say_v shall_v suffer_v their_o people_n to_o run_v away_o so_o long_o together_o with_o a_o belief_n that_o this_o text_n give_v they_o authority_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v take_v care_n they_o shall_v speak_v good_a sense_n in_o their_o extemporary_a prayer_n this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o can_v but_o admire_v i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o be_v all_o so_o dishonest_a but_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v and_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o i_o suppose_v unless_o they_o grant_v that_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o talk_n of_o their_o follower_n better_a than_o they_o themselves_o be_v but_o dismiss_v this_o place_n which_o be_v so_o very_o wide_o from_o the_o purpose_n which_o it_o be_v produce_v for_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o which_o indeed_o carry_v a_o more_o likely_a appearance_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o dr._n owen_n contain_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n carry_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o believer_n in_o request_n which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v far_o above_o their_o natural_a contrivance_n and_o invention_n i._n e._n that_o when_o believer_n venture_v to_o pray_v extempore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n prompt_v they_o as_o they_o go_v along_o to_o pray_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v come_v to_o their_o mind_n for_o his_o word_n signify_v thus_o much_o at_o least_o if_o not_o that_o the_o very_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v communicate_v to_o they_o at_o that_o very_a instant_n before_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o that_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n the_o place_n be_v this_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v and_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o he_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.26_o 27._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n whether_o the_o foresay_a opinion_n of_o the_o doctor_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o they_o his_o other_o thought_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v not_o pretend_v to_o confute_v because_o i_o do_v not_o so_o well_o comprehend_v what_o he_o mean_v viz._n when_o he_o tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o subject_n of_o prayer_n the_o sanctify_a heart_n that_o by_o the_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v be_v mean_v 385._o that_o bend_v frame_n inclination_n and_o act_v of_o the_o inward_a man_n in_o prayer_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o themselves_o in_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v do_v not_o fathom_v nor_o reach_v the_o depth_n of_o unless_o he_o mean_v that_o a_o man_n may_v desire_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o inexpressible_a vehemence_n and_o yet_o not_o understand_v that_o he_o do_v so_o if_o he_o intend_v this_o i_o need_v only_o to_o tell_v he_o that_o because_o these_o groan_n be_v unutterable_a it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o be_v unintelligible_a if_o he_o intend_v it_o not_o i_o do_v not_o fathom_v nor_o reach_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o meaning_n again_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o object_n of_o prayer_n that_o the_o mysterious_a thing_n which_o believer_n pray_v for_o be_v now_o make_v nigh_o now_o realize_v unto_o they_o i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v whether_o he_o mean_v now_o at_o their_o prayer_n or_o now_o at_o some_o other_o time_n before_o if_o when_o they_o be_v pray_v it_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o spirit_n represent_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n as_o he_o say_v if_o at_o some_o other_o time_n before_o then_o certain_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v represent_v before_o too_o and_o they_o know_v they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o these_o thing_n and_o than_o it_o be_v above_o my_o apprehension_n how_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n shall_v be_v far_o above_o
their_o natural_a contrivance_n and_o invention_n 349._o either_o just_a before_o or_o while_o they_o be_v pray_v it_o seem_v strange_a likewise_o that_o by_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n low_a and_o weak_a in_o their_o notional_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n we_o may_v see_v they_o lead_v into_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a mystery_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o experience_n of_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n for_o what_o have_v we_o to_o see_v this_o by_o but_o their_o word_n and_o gesture_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v pass_v my_o reach_n how_o by_o these_o help_v we_o can_v see_v that_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o before_o god_n only_o see_v viz._n the_o fervent_a work_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n when_o act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o supplication_n and_o to_o do_v he_o right_o he_o seem_v not_o to_o ascribe_v the_o extemporary_a utterance_n but_o only_o the_o present_a conception_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o spirit_n other_o observation_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v make_v which_o i_o shall_v not_o clog_v the_o reader_n withal_o but_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n rom._n 8.26_o 27._o seem_v to_o i_o much_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v than_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o say_v with_o relation_n to_o it_o and_o unless_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o explain_v himself_o further_o one_o may_v soon_o i_o think_v understand_v st._n paul_n than_o he_o though_o there_o be_v considerable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o text_n which_o need_v a_o interpreter_n therefore_o i_o shall_v 1._o consult_v the_o sense_n of_o good_a author_n and_o such_o as_o the_o doctor_n i_o hope_v will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o say_v be_v proud_a carnal_a ignorant_a 385._o and_o profane_a person_n word_n which_o he_o throw_v so_o fierce_o about_o he_o whilst_o he_o be_v discourse_v of_o prayer_n the_o very_a mention_n of_o which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v have_v teach_v he_o more_o meekness_n 2._o i_o shall_v compare_v what_o they_o say_v with_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o design_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o forego_n and_o follow_v verse_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o good_a way_n both_o to_o understand_v the_o text_n and_o to_o avoid_v the_o doctor_n be_v displeasure_n if_o we_o shall_v not_o altogether_o agree_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o at_o last_o st._n chrysostom_n say_v that_o in_o those_o word_n 14._o likewise_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o etc._n etc._n st._n paul_n instruct_v we_o not_o always_o to_o judge_v those_o thing_n profitable_a which_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o mere_a natural_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o they_o who_o suffer_v so_o many_o evil_n wish_v a_o relaxation_n ask_v it_o as_o a_o grace_n from_o god_n but_o say_v he_o do_v not_o think_v that_o will_v be_v best_a which_o present_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n we_o need_v divine_a assistance_n for_o man_n know_v little_a or_o nothing_o what_o be_v for_o his_o welfare_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o know_v not_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o he_o show_v this_o be_v st._n paul_n case_n too_o when_o he_o pray_v that_o the_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n may_v be_v remove_v 2_o cor._n 12._o but_o obtain_v it_o not_o for_o he_o prove_v that_o this_o thorn_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o danger_n and_o persecution_n he_o lie_v under_o 14._o in_o like_a manner_n st._n austin_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o st._n paul_n or_o those_o to_o who_o he_o speak_v know_v not_o the_o lord_n prayer_n why_o shall_v he_o therefore_o say_v we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o because_o temporal_a affliction_n be_v most_o profitable_a either_o to_o cure_v we_o of_o the_o swell_a of_o pride_n or_o etc._n etc._n but_o we_o not_o consider_v this_o desire_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o they_o from_o which_o ignorance_n the_o apostle_n show_v himself_o not_o to_o have_v be_v free_a when_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v by_o the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v give_v to_o he_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n a_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o and_o he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o he_o herein_o not_o know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o he_o ought_v therefore_o in_o these_o tribulation_n which_o may_v be_v either_o profitable_a or_o hurtful_a we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o i._n e._n whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v they_o remove_v or_o not_o and_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v bear_v we_o do_v as_o man_n altogether_o desire_v to_o have_v they_o remove_v and_o not_o long_o after_o he_o say_v 4._o the_o spirit_n cause_v the_o saint_n to_o intercede_v with_o unutterable_a groan_n inspire_v they_o with_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o thing_n yet_o unknown_a which_o they_o patient_o expect_v for_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 not_o know_v locum_fw-la to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n hierom_n say_v the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o desire_v earthly_a but_o heavenly_a thing_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o be_v common_o hurtful_a thing_n which_o we_o think_v profit_v we_o and_o therefore_o our_o desire_n be_v not_o grant_v as_o he_o say_v himself_o elsewhere_o for_o this_o thing_n i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o i_o he_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n here_o say_v he_o st._n paul_n by_o the_o spirit_n mean_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n intercede_v because_o he_o make_v we_o to_o pray_v with_o unutterable_a groan_n as_o god_n be_v say_v to_o try_v we_o that_o he_o may_v know_v we_o that_o be_v that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o know_v ourselves_o and_o to_o intercede_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o desire_v holy_a and_o not_o secular_a thing_n thus_o st._n ambrose_n if_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o commentary_n we_o know_v not_o râ—m_n etc._n etc._n for_o we_o be_v deceive_v think_v those_o thing_n will_v profit_v we_o which_o we_o desire_v when_o they_o be_v not_o profitable_a and_o here_o he_o use_v the_o same_o instance_n likewise_o of_o st._n paul_n desire_v that_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n may_v depart_v from_o he_o to_o which_o he_o add_v that_o of_o james_n and_o john_n desire_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n who_o ask_v they_o know_v not_o what_o but_o withal_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v proper_o intercede_v with_o god_n in_o our_o behalf_n that_o we_o may_v have_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v profitable_a for_o we_o theodoret_n say_v rom._n the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n pray_v not_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o trouble_n for_o you_o know_v not_o what_o be_v profitable_a for_o you_o as_o god_n do_v who_o govern_v all_o resign_v up_o yourselves_o to_o he_o that_o hold_v the_o helm_n of_o the_o vniâ—â—â—se_n etc._n etc._n but_o say_v he_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v mean_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v for_o be_v thereby_o stir_v up_o we_o pray_v more_o earnest_o etc._n etc._n and_o he_o add_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o what_o he_o have_v suffer_v refer_v probable_o to_o that_o passage_n concern_v the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n so_o often_o already_o mention_v to_o mention_v no_o more_o 7._o origen_n thus_o paraphrase_v upon_o the_o text_n sometime_o through_o infirmity_n we_o desire_v thing_n contrary_a to_o our_o welfare_n as_o a_o sick_a man_n will_v have_v the_o physician_n prescribe_v he_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o present_a appetite_n instead_o of_o that_o which_o be_v for_o his_o health_n so_o in_o this_o infirm_a state_n of_o we_o we_o ask_v sometime_o what_o be_v not_o expedient_a for_o we_o and_o i_o paul_n who_o have_v the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n give_v i_o thrice_o ask_v etc._n etc._n not_o know_v what_o i_o ask_v and_o receive_v this_o answer_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v our_o spirit_n strive_v against_o the_o flesh_n he_o reach_v out_o his_o help_n now_o say_v he_o if_o any_o one_o can_v find_v out_o a_o more_o sublime_a sense_n than_o this_o let_v he_o enjoy_v it_o to_o himself_o but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v who_o desire_n of_o god_n the_o prosperity_n etc._n etc._n of_o this_o life_n because_o in_o these_o respect_v they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o
they_o he_o also_o glorify_v vers_fw-la 29_o 30._o i_o e._n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o true_a that_o god_n will_v convert_v these_o suffering_n which_o now_o befall_v we_o into_o a_o mean_n of_o our_o inestimable_a advantage_n but_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v also_o that_o those_o who_o god_n fore-knew_a or_o fore-approved_n for_o his_o child_n be_v fore-appointed_n to_o suffering_n that_o in_o this_o respect_n also_o we_o may_v be_v like_o our_o elder_a brother_n christ_n jesus_n who_o have_v show_v we_o this_o way_n of_o come_v to_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o wherefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o we_o be_v call_v to_o actual_a suffering_n now_o upon_o our_o undergo_n of_o which_o with_o faith_n and_o patience_n god_n will_v justify_v and_o own_v we_o for_o sincere_a person_n and_o reward_v we_o eternal_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o to_o these_o thing_n if_o god_n be_v for_o we_o who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o vers_fw-la 31._o etc._n etc._n who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n as_o it_o be_v write_v for_o thy_o sake_n be_v we_o kill_v etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 35._o nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o through_o the_o divine_a disposition_n tend_v to_o our_o good_a we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n vers_fw-la 37._o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o second_o argument_n use_v by_o the_o apostle_n viz._n the_o profitableness_n of_o affliction_n themselves_o to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n which_o be_v full_o express_v vers_fw-la 28._o and_o vehement_o urge_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n but_o the_o apostle_n make_v way_n for_o this_o argument_n by_o what_o he_o say_v vers_fw-la 26_o 27._o likewise_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o those_o word_n likewise_o also_o that_o he_o be_v now_o offer_v to_o they_o a_o further_a consideration_n have_v just_a before_o conclude_v that_o motive_n to_o patience_n from_o the_o deliverance_n and_o glory_n which_o they_o hope_v for_o and_o that_o which_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v be_v the_o mistake_n of_o think_v that_o it_o be_v at_o least_o better_a for_o the_o present_a to_o be_v exempt_v from_o these_o suffering_n since_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v have_v what_o be_v best_a and_o than_o if_o suffering_n befall_v we_o we_o know_v they_o be_v most_o profitable_a for_o we_o and_o consequent_o that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a etc._n etc._n now_o by_o this_o time_n i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o supposition_n upon_o which_o the_o father_n go_v 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 present_a affliction_n be_v not_o only_o coherent_a with_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n but_o that_o the_o context_n do_v indeed_o require_v it_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o the_o word_n themselves_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v proper_o signify_v the_o spirit_n relieve_v we_o under_o our_o affliction_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o translate_v infirmity_n an._n be_v very_o frequent_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o signify_v misery_n and_o distress_n to_o conclude_v therefore_o if_o with_o origen_n st._n ambrose_n and_o dr._n hammond_n you_o suppose_v the_o intercession_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o proper_a sense_n the_o text_n may_v be_v thus_o paraphrase_a the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n afford_v we_o this_o relief_n against_o impatience_n under_o affliction_n that_o whereas_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o affliction_n or_o deliverance_n and_o ease_n be_v best_a for_o we_o at_o present_a and_o consequent_o as_o to_o these_o respect_n know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o in_o particular_a the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n himself_o intercede_v for_o we_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unuttered_a groan_n i._n e._n earnest_o and_o powerful_o for_o by_o a_o inexpressible_a desire_n we_o common_o understand_v one_o that_o be_v vehement_a and_o god_n who_o search_v our_o heart_n and_o understand_v that_o we_o do_v sometime_o desire_v such_o thing_n as_o tend_v not_o to_o our_o advantage_n know_v also_o what_o the_o spirit_n intercede_v for_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o request_v in_o our_o behalf_n better_a thing_n for_o we_o than_o we_o do_v for_o ourselves_o for_o we_o be_v ever_o ready_a to_o desire_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o thing_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o man_n but_o he_o ask_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o god_n know_v to_o be_v best_a for_o we_o but_o if_o with_o st._n austin_n and_o the_o rest_n we_o understand_v by_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o spirit_n his_o make_v we_o to_o intercede_v for_o ourselves_o as_o we_o may_v without_o swerve_v in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o text_n or_o exclude_v the_o former_a sense_n then_o the_o word_n admit_v of_o this_o paraphrase_n whereas_o when_o we_o pray_v for_o deliverance_n from_o affliction_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o to_o have_v our_o desire_n grant_v the_o holy_a spirit_n incline_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a submission_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o together_o with_o our_o most_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o that_o kind_n there_o be_v all_o along_o mingle_v that_o secret_a and_o more_o vehement_a desire_n of_o what_o god_n see_v best_a for_o we_o which_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o the_o forwardness_n of_o our_o appetite_n after_o the_o ease_n and_o comfort_n of_o this_o world_n be_v correct_v and_o govern_v now_o though_o this_o earnest_a request_n be_v not_o utter_v the_o particular_a matter_n of_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o know_v since_o we_o be_v ignorant_a what_o will_v be_v most_o profitable_a for_o we_o yet_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n understand_v it_o perfect_o and_o know_v that_o we_o vehement_o desire_v not_o so_o much_o that_o deliverance_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o utter_v groan_n and_o prayer_n as_o that_o good_a which_o the_o spirit_n move_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o and_o which_o we_o can_v particular_o utter_v that_o namely_o which_o god_n see_v best_a for_o we_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o divine_a cause_n and_o god_n be_v so_o please_v with_o it_o that_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o grant_v it_o so_o that_o if_o affliction_n continue_v we_o know_v they_o shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o the_o holy_a spirit_n relieve_v we_o under_o our_o infirmity_n and_o distress_n by_o bring_v all_o our_o worldly_a appetite_n under_o submission_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n which_o i_o have_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a in_o consider_v because_o it_o be_v perpetual_o produce_v to_o justify_v the_o pretence_n of_o those_o man_n that_o ascribe_v their_o extemporary_a invention_n and_o contrivance_n in_o prayer_n to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o little_o less_o than_o blasphemy_n for_o any_o man_n to_o contradict_v they_o i_o have_v by_o good_a authority_n and_o by_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o by_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n themselves_o clear_o show_v that_o it_o belong_v to_o another_o very_a distinct_a matter_n and_o be_v consequent_o incapable_a of_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o their_o purpose_n and_o now_o whether_o he_o that_o use_v pious_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o that_o relief_n from_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v here_o mention_v â—_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o sober_a reader_n to_o judge_v but_o will_v not_o so_o far_o question_v his_o understanding_n or_o presume_v upon_o his_o patience_n as_o to_o help_v he_o any_o further_a to_o do_v it_o thus_o have_v i_o at_o last_o consider_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v common_o allege_v in_o favour_n of_o those_o three_o pretend_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o i_o show_v before_o be_v not_o contain_v under_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n luke_n 11.13_o among_o many_o other_o reason_n induce_v i_o to_o this_o work_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o these_o two_o 1._o to_o vindicate_v the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o those_o dishonour_n that_o be_v daily_o do_v to_o he_o either_o while_n wicked_a and_o unrighteous_a man_n attribute_v their_o confidence_n that_o they_o be_v personal_o
other_o part_n of_o it_o look_v backward_o to_o keep_v off_o the_o first_o and_o at_o this_o rate_n a_o child_n may_v confute_v all_o the_o argument_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n have_v thus_o discover_v our_o author_n fallacious_a way_n of_o proceed_v upon_o this_o head_n and_o his_o art_n in_o decline_v the_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o so_o bold_o affirm_v concern_v personal_a election_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n be_v make_v to_o his_o elect_n it_o may_v not_o now_o be_v unnecessary_a to_o put_v the_o reader_n in_o mind_n that_o i_o have_v not_o be_v wander_v all_o this_o while_n from_o the_o design_n of_o this_o section_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v god_n special_a grace_n such_o as_o that_o be_v whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o be_v not_o on_o our_o part_n qualify_v to_o receive_v it_o now_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o this_o can_v be_v admit_v for_o a_o certain_a truth_n on_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v any_o absolute_a promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n make_v to_o some_o particular_a man_n that_o god_n will_v regenerate_v they_o or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a person_n who_o without_o consideration_n of_o any_o quality_n in_o they_o god_n decree_v to_o save_v but_o if_o these_o be_v groundless_a supposition_n themselves_o i_o understand_v not_o which_o way_n any_o man_n shall_v think_v to_o obtain_v the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n but_o by_o perform_v the_o condition_n on_o which_o it_o be_v promise_v and_o then_o i_o say_v with_o dr._n owen_n that_o believer_n be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o sanctification_n and_o subject_n of_o gospel-holiness_n not_o mean_v by_o believer_n as_o he_o do_v holy_a person_n though_o the_o word_n be_v and_o may_v be_v so_o use_v but_o those_o mere_o that_o be_v persuade_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ._n i_o only_o add_v that_o these_o believer_n must_v visible_o own_v themselves_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o must_v use_v earnest_a prayer_n for_o that_o divine_a grace_n which_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n for_o both_o these_o condition_n be_v suppose_v in_o that_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n make_v to_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o luke_n 11.13_o wherefore_o if_o believer_n themselves_o do_v not_o perform_v these_o condition_n they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o special_a grace_n which_o be_v there_o promise_v final_o since_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v promise_v to_o dwell_v in_o good_a man_n only_o if_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o improve_v that_o grace_n which_o they_o obtain_v by_o their_o prayer_n to_o actual_a amendment_n and_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a presumption_n in_o they_o to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v communicate_v those_o full_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v thus_o unreformed_a which_o be_v signify_v by_o his_o dwell_n in_o we_o sect_n 3._o have_v thus_o show_v you_o who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o special_a grace_n i_o proceed_v to_o a_o three_o conclusion_n which_o be_v prove_v nothing_o else_o seem_v necessary_a for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o this_o question_n to_o who_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v wherefore_o i_o add_v 3._o that_o common_a grace_n or_o that_o which_o be_v not_o suspend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o condition_n require_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v give_v to_o all_o those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n my_o meaning_n be_v they_o be_v all_o prevent_v with_o that_o grace_n which_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o begin_v well_o i._n e._n to_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n way_n with_o a_o purpose_n of_o walk_v in_o they_o when_o they_o be_v know_v and_o then_o to_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o use_n of_o those_o external_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v this_o grace_n always_o bestow_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o some_o of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v speak_v may_v put_v it_o away_o from_o themselves_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v and_o be_v at_o length_n forsake_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o leave_v under_o a_o obstinate_a and_o unteachable_a mind_n as_o they_o be_v much_o less_o shall_v i_o venture_v to_o say_v how_o long_o the_o divine_a spirit_n move_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o make_v they_o teachable_a and_o willing_a to_o learn_v the_o truth_n before_o he_o give_v they_o over_o for_o god_n have_v reserve_v this_o matter_n to_o his_o own_o sovereign_a pleasure_n and_o therefore_o we_o neither_o aught_o to_o set_v limit_n to_o his_o patience_n nor_o to_o presume_v upon_o the_o length_n of_o it_o but_o all_o i_o say_v be_v this_o that_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o prevent_v our_o first_o good_a inclination_n and_o desire_n and_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o learn_v the_o truth_n be_v give_v to_o as_o many_o as_o have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o so_o that_o until_o by_o their_o obstinacy_n they_o have_v utter_o forfeit_v the_o divine_a grace_n and_o blessing_n it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o lay_v aside_o prejudice_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n out_o of_o many_o argument_n which_o the_o scripture_n afford_v to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v choose_v but_o one_o have_v already_o draw_v out_o this_o part_n into_o a_o great_a length_n than_o i_o expect_v but_o that_o conclude_v strong_o enough_o to_o spare_v i_o the_o labour_n of_o produce_v any_o more_o the_o argument_n i_o mean_v be_v found_v upon_o those_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o those_o to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v make_v know_v be_v threaten_v with_o eternal_a damnation_n if_o they_o believe_v it_o not_o and_o with_o more_o grievous_a punishment_n than_o have_v be_v inflict_v on_o they_o if_o the_o gospel_n have_v never_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o thus_o say_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o apostle_n go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n 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 mark_v 16.15_o 16._o if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v not_o but_o reject_v i_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o in_o the_o last_o day_n john_n 12.47_o 48._o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n john_n 3.18_o further_o the_o severity_n of_o that_o punishment_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o who_o believe_v not_o be_v intimate_v plain_o in_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o fault_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v accuse_v of_o this_o particular_a sin_n of_o not_o believe_v in_o i_o and_o that_o will_v have_v mitigate_v their_o other_o fault_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v every_o way_n inexcusable_a and_o therefore_o the_o more_o punishable_a john_n 15.22_o but_o it_o be_v full_o express_v in_o matth._n 11.20_o where_o we_o find_v our_o saviour_n upbraid_v the_o city_n that_o reject_v he_o and_o declare_v it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n and_o sodom_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o they_o vers_n 22_o 23._o these_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v premise_v i_o argue_v thus_o if_o all_o that_o prevent_a grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v be_v not_o sometime_o give_v to_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n than_o it_o will_v be_v always_o impossible_a for_o some_o that_o hear_v to_o believe_v and_o that_o without_o their_o fault_n but_o it_o be_v not_o always_o thus_o impossible_a for_o any_o therefore_o such_o grace_n be_v sometime_o give_v to_o all_o the_o former_a proposition_n be_v evident_a for_o as_o long_o as_o i_o want_v that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n so_o long_o be_v that_o thing_n impossible_a to_o i_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o my_o fault_n that_o i_o want_v the_o former_a neither_o be_v the_o impossibility_n imputable_a to_o i_o as_o a_o fault_n final_o it_o be_v not_o my_o fault_n that_o i_o want_v it_o if_o i_o can_v never_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o procure_v it_o and_o it_o be_v
unquaint_v withal_o and_o by_o this_o he_o show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o despise_v his_o opinion_n concern_v grace_n have_v not_o be_v take_v up_o of_o late_a now_o i_o will_v not_o say_v how_o old_a the_o practice_n have_v be_v of_o make_v every_o quarrel_n a_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o equal_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o godly_a man_n who_o suffering_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o it_o be_v at_o lest_o as_o old_a as_o that_o faction_n which_o our_o author_n have_v espouse_v and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o one_o branch_n of_o a_o proud_a inclination_n let_v sober_a man_n judge_v it_o have_v be_v often_o observe_v of_o these_o man_n how_o dear_a they_o and_o their_o opinion_n be_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o doctor_n have_v here_o give_v you_o a_o good_a ordinary_a instance_n of_o it_o for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v bewitch_v with_o self-conceit_n he_o have_v never_o make_v this_o absurd_a parallel_n for_o what_o have_v abel_n or_o isaac_n to_o do_v with_o his_o cause_n if_o he_o have_v only_o call_v we_o the_o seed_n of_o cain_n and_o ishmael_n without_o say_v why_o who_o will_v have_v think_v the_o reason_n have_v be_v our_o question_n whether_o man_n be_v snatch_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v his_o great_a quarrel_n against_o we_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o conversion_n which_o here_o he_o pretend_v to_o explain_v i_o know_v he_o do_v more_o than_o insinuate_v and_o that_o more_o than_o once_o that_o we_o disow_v the_o very_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o i_o shall_v convince_v you_o in_o a_o fit_a place_n but_o this_o you_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o his_o rage_n which_o make_v he_o foam_v out_o calumny_n against_o we_o without_o any_o discretion_n for_o he_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o his_o adversary_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o too_o from_o his_o own_o word_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n be_v not_o the_o representative_a of_o such_o shameless_a writer_n as_o he_o be_v a_o example_n of_o as_o to_o what_o he_o say_v 287._o that_o such_o a_o work_n of_o god_n upon_o man_n as_o he_o contend_v for_o be_v expose_v to_o derision_n if_o upon_o that_o account_n he_o compare_v his_o adversary_n to_o scoff_a ishmael_n i_o think_v he_o do_v they_o great_a wrong_n for_o let_v he_o if_o he_o can_v name_v any_o of_o his_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n who_o have_v debate_v the_o point_n with_o any_o appearance_n of_o modesty_n and_o sobriety_n and_o be_v answer_v with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o contempt_n but_o as_o for_o those_o of_o who_o dr._n owen_n be_v one_o that_o instead_o of_o answer_v the_o argument_n of_o their_o adversary_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o do_v themselves_o fall_v upon_o they_o with_o the_o foul_a reproach_n as_o upon_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v sometime_o good_a to_o take_v down_o their_o haughty_a spirit_n and_o to_o render_v their_o arrogance_n contemptible_a lest_o other_o be_v encourage_v to_o hope_v that_o any_o cause_n may_v be_v carry_v by_o vapour_a in_o my_o opinion_n it_o be_v a_o difficult_a undertake_n to_o define_v in_o particular_a what_o be_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n because_o i_o think_v the_o scripture_n have_v not_o particular_o acquaint_v we_o what_o it_o be_v let_v other_o who_o have_v better_o consider_v the_o thing_n enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o think_v otherwise_o and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o shall_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n submit_v to_o further_a instruction_n but_o as_o for_o dr._n owen_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o favour_v his_o determination_n of_o the_o question_n which_o i_o shall_v the_o rather_o endeavour_v because_o i_o conceive_v this_o opinion_n that_o the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n especial_o as_o he_o have_v advance_v it_o to_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o proposition_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o will_v i_o think_v be_v easy_o grant_v by_o all_o sober_a christian_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v in_o general_n conclude_v what_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o power_n not_o that_o i_o think_v even_o this_o be_v needful_a if_o our_o author_n and_o those_o of_o his_o way_n have_v not_o fall_v into_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n by_o venture_v too_o far_o for_o that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o say_v seem_v to_o i_o to_o afford_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o godliness_n and_o comfort_n if_o all_o be_v not_o subvert_v again_o by_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o we_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n now_o i_o think_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o those_o general_a proposition_n wherein_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n on_o our_o mind_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o particular_a definition_n of_o it_o and_o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v this_o that_o 1._o faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o conversion_n to_o god_n together_o with_o perseverance_n in_o holiness_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o such_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o produce_v these_o qualification_n in_o our_o mind_n that_o it_o hinder_v they_o not_o from_o be_v the_o genuine_a effect_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o ought_v still_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o whereby_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n of_o work_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mindâ—_n of_o man_n now_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o produce_v these_o effect_n consist_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n in_o the_o authority_n and_o excellency_n of_o its_o law_n and_o in_o the_o weightiness_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o other_o motive_n to_o obedience_n wherefore_o if_o conversion_n be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o god_n word_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v 1._o only_o cooperate_v to_o the_o produce_v of_o that_o effect_n and_o 2._o in_o that_o manner_n as_o it_o may_v true_o be_v affirm_v to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o those_o consideration_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o supposition_n be_v manifest_a from_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n as_o for_o faith_n st._n paul_n plain_o tell_v we_o it_o come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10.17_o thus_o upon_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o unbeliever_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v mighty_o and_o prevail_v act_v 19.20_o i_o e._n the_o testimony_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n convince_v many_o that_o be_v in_o all_o appearance_n most_o likely_a to_o oppose_v it_o hence_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o have_v beget_v they_o through_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v first_o bring_v they_o over_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n furthermore_o our_o obedience_n be_v by_o st._n peter_n ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n where_o he_o say_v that_o we_o have_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n give_v to_o we_o that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o work_v effectual_o in_o those_o that_o believe_v 1_o thess._n 2.13_o i_o e._n by_o the_o force_n of_o those_o promise_n mention_v by_o st._n peter_n and_o other_o weighty_a consideration_n move_v to_o holiness_n final_o our_o regeneration_n be_v express_o ascribe_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o we_o be_v say_v to_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 1_o pet._n 1.23_o and_o our_o spiritual_a improvement_n be_v attribute_v not_o long_o after_o to_o the_o same_o cause_n as_o newborn_a babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o thus_o the_o increase_n of_o