but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o can_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v this_o matter_n and_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v sufficient_o show_v that_o faith_n or_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a operation_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o the_o first_o preparation_n within_o we_o towards_o regeneration_n be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o semipelagian_a opinion_n introduce_v by_o the_o massilienses_n upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o pelagian_a controversy_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o prevent_a grace_n though_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v our_o faith_n fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n but_o that_o faith_n and_o the_o first_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v mere_o from_o ourselves_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n sect_n 2._o now_o when_o we_o be_v once_o persuade_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o which_o still_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o be_v to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n indeed_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o jesus_n we_o have_v entertain_v into_o our_o mind_n such_o forcible_a and_o prevail_a consideration_n as_o will_v not_o easy_o suffer_v we_o to_o disobey_v he_o in_o any_o thing_n and_o they_o have_v so_o much_o power_n to_o lead_v our_o affection_n after_o they_o and_o to_o govern_v our_o practice_n that_o i_o always_o think_v the_o semipelagian_o may_v with_o more_o appearance_n of_o reason_n have_v question_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v those_o divine_a operation_n by_o which_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v crown_v with_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n than_o concern_v those_o which_o be_v preparatory_a to_o faith_n itself_o for_o of_o the_o two_o he_o be_v a_o more_o unreasonable_a man_n who_o believe_v god_n word_n be_v yet_o so_o mad_a as_o to_o go_v on_o still_o in_o his_o sin_n than_o he_o who_o believe_v it_o not_o and_o since_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n make_v they_o so_o unwilling_a to_o attend_v to_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v against_o they_o we_o may_v think_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o keep_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n from_o enter_v into_o their_o heart_n than_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v once_o admit_v but_o now_o as_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o reason_n by_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v far_o from_o exclude_v all_o need_n of_o a_o divine_a influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o create_v a_o firm_a faith_n in_o we_o so_o neither_o do_v the_o power_n of_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o faith_n render_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n needless_a to_o move_v our_o will_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o upon_o good_a principle_n but_o still_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n without_o who_o grace_n the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o make_v we_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v the_o truth_n will_v always_o suppress_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o afterward_o thus_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o john_n 15.5_o but_o he_o do_v not_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v incapable_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o he_o too_o but_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o now_o that_o this_o power_n impart_v to_o they_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n to_o they_o be_v plain_a from_o hence_o that_o they_o already_o believe_v the_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v now_o you_o be_v clean_a through_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o vers_n 3._o and_o yet_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o without_o he_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o which_o must_v needs_o imply_v some_o grace_n distinct_a from_o the_o bare_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o they_o have_v already_o bear_v some_o fruit_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o bring_v forth_o more_o vers_n 2_o 3._o but_o that_o all_o those_o disposition_n and_o virtue_n wherein_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n do_v consist_v be_v as_o well_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v clear_o and_o full_o affirm_v in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 2.13_o it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v which_o be_v again_o speak_v to_o believer_n manifest_o suppose_v a_o divine_a operation_n distinct_a from_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v i._n e._n to_o perform_v that_o obedience_n from_o their_o very_a soul_n which_o will_v qualify_v they_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o this_o be_v the_o motive_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n encourage_v they_o to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n vers_fw-la 12._o by_o universal_a obedience_n as_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v now_o because_o the_o motive_n extend_v to_o engage_v we_o to_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n therefore_o god_n work_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v every_o way_n so_o dispose_v in_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o obedient_a in_o life_n as_o to_o become_v meet_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n wherefore_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n together_o with_o all_o christian_a virtue_n such_o as_o righteousness_n mercy_n patience_n love_n peace_n joy_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n and_o temperance_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherefore_o last_o our_o do_v that_o which_o god_n require_v and_o with_o that_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o he_o which_o he_o require_v too_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o operation_n in_o we_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v yet_o want_v to_o satisfy_v we_o full_o in_o this_o matter_n our_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v not_o enter_v into_o temptation_n and_o to_o pray_v always_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n will_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubt_v whether_o of_o ourselves_o we_o need_v or_o by_o promise_n have_v this_o great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n or_o not_o for_o these_o direction_n be_v unprofitable_a if_o we_o either_o need_v no_o strength_n from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n against_o our_o temptation_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v by_o our_o prayer_n much_o less_o will_v those_o prayer_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o other_o christian_n which_o we_o so_o often_o meet_v withal_o have_v signify_v any_o thing_n to_o their_o advantage_n or_o encouragement_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o divine_a grace_n obtainable_a by_o they_o for_o the_o produce_v of_o those_o effect_n which_o he_o so_o much_o desire_v to_o see_v in_o their_o conversation_n and_o these_o effect_n be_v no_o other_o than_o all_o kind_n of_o christian_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v by_o the_o follow_a place_n wherefore_o also_o we_o pray_v always_o for_o you_o that_o our_o god_n will_v count_v you_o worthy_a of_o this_o call_n and_o fulfil_v all_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n with_o power_n 2_o thess._n 1.11_o i_o e._n that_o god_n will_v make_v their_o faith_n fruitful_a of_o all_o good_a work_n acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o they_o as_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n again_o we_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o to_o desire_v that_o you_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 you_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 col._n 1.9_o 10._o thus_o in_o another_o place_n for_o this_o cause_n i_o bow_v my_o knee_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v you_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n now_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o in_o these_o and_o many_o like_a place_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o those_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v may_v attain_v all_o those_o qualification_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o believer_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o
they_o must_v be_v discern_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o discern_v they_o without_o that_o new_a light_n and_o now_o that_o i_o have_v take_v this_o pain_n to_o bring_v the_o doctor_n out_o of_o the_o cloud_n i_o challenge_v he_o to_o show_v that_o this_o paraphrase_n be_v not_o the_o just_a sum_n of_o his_o talk_n concern_v the_o text_n before_o we_o now_o although_o the_o naked_a representation_n of_o this_o paraphrase_n be_v enough_o to_o expose_v it_o yet_o because_o this_o be_v the_o text_n which_o these_o man_n perpetual_o rely_v upon_o when_o they_o set_v themselves_o to_o cant_v down_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n i_o shall_v brief_o let_v the_o doctor_n see_v that_o his_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v either_o groundless_a or_o absurd_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o incoherent_a with_o the_o context_n sect_n iv._o 1._o whereas_o he_o make_v the_o natural_a man_n to_o be_v one_o in_o who_o spiritual_a light_n be_v not_o create_v by_o the_o almightiness_n of_o god_n it_o be_v altogether_o groundless_a for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o of_o itself_o signify_v one_o who_o want_v that_o light_n nor_o do_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d denote_v any_o almighty_a act_n whereby_o a_o man_n come_v to_o be_v spiritual_o enlighten_v nor_o can_v the_o doctor_n show_v from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n any_o reason_n for_o this_o his_o notion_n for_o those_o word_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o do_v not_o infer_v that_o a_o man_n can_v know_v they_o without_o such_o a_o irresistible_a light_n as_o he_o suppose_v nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a context_n 38._o he_o tell_v we_o indeed_o that_o st._n paul_n plentiful_o show_v elsewhere_o that_o this_o light_n must_v be_v create_v in_o we_o by_o almightiness_n and_o he_o instance_v in_o 2_o cor._n 4.6_o i_o shall_v in_o due_a place_n prove_v that_o st._n paul_n show_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o that_o text_n but_o admit_v he_o do_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o present_o follow_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o this_o place_n mean_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n one_o in_o who_o this_o light_n be_v not_o create_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v not_o speak_v one_o word_n of_o it_o throughout_o the_o whole_a chapter_n wherefore_o the_o doctor_n ought_v at_o least_o to_o have_v prove_v by_o compare_v both_o these_o text_n that_o he_o design_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o he_o have_v not_o once_o attempt_v and_o yet_o this_o arbitrary_a supposal_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o whole_a comment_n upon_o this_o place_n 2._o his_o grant_v that_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o deny_v that_o he_o can_v discern_v their_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o their_o fitness_n to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v palpable_o absurd_a for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n who_o exercise_v his_o rational_a faculty_n about_o divine_a thing_n which_o he_o grant_v the_o natural_a man_n may_v do_v shall_v believe_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o yet_o see_v no_o consistency_n in_o they_o with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o no_o suitableness_n in_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o man_n good_a the_o doctor_n whatever_o he_o say_v about_o those_o improvement_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n mind_n which_o he_o allow_v to_o he_o seem_v rather_o to_o take_v he_o for_o a_o natural_a fool_n than_o a_o rational_a man_n a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o evidence_n upon_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o a_o mean_n conducible_a to_o the_o recovery_n of_o man_n and_o if_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n themselves_o be_v not_o more_o evident_a to_o a_o man_n that_o can_v consider_v than_o that_o they_o be_v so_o why_o may_v not_o a_o consider_a man_n who_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n believe_v this_o of_o they_o or_o how_o can_v he_o believe_v the_o former_a without_o believe_v the_o latter_a i_o know_v not_o which_o way_n the_o doctor_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v but_o by_o pretend_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o a_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n the_o true_a reason_n whereof_o he_o do_v not_o discern_v for_o example_n that_o a_o man_n may_v assent_v to_o the_o creed_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o not_o discern_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o those_o proposition_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o but_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v he_o for_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v by_o he_o grant_v to_o be_v one_o who_o may_v have_v a_o improve_a reason_n and_o may_v exercise_v it_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o of_o such_o a_o man_n viz._n who_o be_v thus_o improve_v and_o consider_v i_o say_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o affirm_v that_o he_o may_v assent_v to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v discern_v that_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o as_o dull_a and_o ignorant_a as_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v know_v and_o rational_a before_o since_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n etc._n etc._n as_o for_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o that_o mean_a motive_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o teacher_n though_o for_o want_v of_o consider_v they_o do_v not_o discern_v its_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n yet_o they_o do_v believe_v it_o it_o be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a but_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o proposition_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o believe_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n but_o man_n that_o can_v tolerable_o well_o use_v their_o understanding_n in_o divine_a thing_n as_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v do_v to_o abate_v the_o philosophical_a improvement_n which_o the_o doctor_n be_v willing_a to_o cast_v into_o the_o bargain_n may_v not_o only_o believe_v but_o discern_v this_o agreeableness_n and_o it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o suppose_v they_o have_v exercise_v their_o rational_a faculty_n as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o withal_o to_o affirm_v that_o they_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o can_v discern_v that_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o put_v this_o out_o of_o question_n i_o will_v instance_n in_o these_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n this_o a_o natural_a man_n according_a to_o the_o doctor_n may_v assent_v unto_o but_o i_o demand_v this_o proposition_n be_v reveal_v be_v it_o not_o very_o discernible_a that_o god_n give_v his_o son_n for_o mankind_n be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o his_o goodness_n and_o that_o his_o purpose_n of_o save_a mankind_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o son_n death_n be_v agreeable_a with_o his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o justice_n and_o that_o the_o demonstration_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n this_o way_n be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n 2._o that_o no_o unrighteous_a person_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o also_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v assent_v to_o but_o i_o demand_v be_v it_o not_o very_o discernible_a that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o discernable_o agreeable_a with_o his_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o then_o why_o may_v not_o the_o wise_a and_o know_a man_n that_o believe_v these_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a revelation_n discern_v they_o to_o be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o divine_a perfection_n take_v the_o same_o doctrine_n again_o and_o i_o demand_v concern_v they_o be_v they_o not_o manifest_o suitable_a to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o end_v the_o doctor_n say_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o deliverance_n from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n they_o plain_o tend_v to_o the_o promote_a thereof_o because_o they_o manifest_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v observe_v before_o as_o for_o our_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n be_v not_o that_o doctrine_n plain_o suit_v to_o that_o end_n which_o assure_v we_o there_o be_v room_n for_o repentance_n since_o god_n have_v give_v his_o only_a son_n etc._n etc._n and_o which_o acquaint_v we_o
can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o god_n reveal_v they_o to_o we_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o revelation_n by_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o such_o argument_n as_o he_o oppose_v to_o those_o natural_a demonstration_n and_o way_n of_o prove_v thing_n which_o the_o philosopher_n use_v and_o how_o just_o may_v they_o have_v deride_v the_o apostle_n for_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o because_o they_o reject_v reveal_v religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o be_v knowable_a by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n if_o after_o so_o long_a a_o flourish_n about_o a_o high_a and_o better_a way_n of_o demonstrate_v those_o divine_a truth_n he_o speak_v of_o than_o from_o natural_a principle_n he_o have_v conclude_v that_o no_o man_n can_v understand_v their_o truth_n and_o sense_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v till_o god_n make_v he_o to_o understand_v they_o by_o a_o irresistible_a work_n upon_o his_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o doctor_n be_v sense_n of_o those_o word_n that_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v i_o put_v it_o also_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o this_o follow_a paraphrase_n upon_o these_o word_n which_o the_o doctor_n carp_v at_o be_v as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o wrest_n of_o the_o scripture_n at_o pleasure_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n they_o that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n the_o learned_a philosopher_n etc._n etc._n do_v absolute_o despise_v and_o so_o harken_v not_o after_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o seem_v folly_n to_o they_o chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 28._o nor_o can_v they_o by_o any_o study_n of_o their_o own_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v by_o understand_v the_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n and_o other_o such_o mean_n which_o depend_v on_o divine_a revelation_n the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o paraphrase_n of_o the_o reverend_n dr._n hammond_n and_o it_o full_o express_v that_o sense_n which_o by_o the_o context_n i_o have_v prove_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o text._n our_o author_n bring_v it_o in_o at_o last_o to_o examine_v it_o by_o his_o own_o comment_n which_o since_o i_o have_v disprove_v i_o may_v spare_v myself_o any_o further_a trouble_n in_o defend_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o paraphrase_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o it_o 1._o he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o natural_a man_n intend_v not_o only_o the_o learned_a philosopher_n but_o every_o one_o of_o what_o sort_n and_o condition_n soever_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ._n to_o see_v what_o a_o man_n will_v say_v when_o he_o be_v set_v to_o wrangle_v dr._n owen_n himself_o more_o than_o once_o give_v his_o meaning_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n in_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o one_o which_o have_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o all_o his_o rational_a faculty_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o learned_a philosopher_n of_o old_a and_o the_o wise_a know_v and_o rational_a make_v the_o long_a opposition_n to_o they_o and_o he_o say_v himself_o in_o the_o very_a next_o exception_n the_o apostle_n give_v a_o account_n why_o so_o few_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n receive_v the_o gospel_n but_o if_o dr._n owen_n offence_n be_v take_v that_o they_o only_o be_v intend_v by_o dr._n hammond_n this_o offence_n be_v unreasonable_o take_v for_o the_o doctor_n intend_v as_o his_o word_n be_v very_o plain_a all_o those_o of_o whatsoever_o sort_n they_o be_v that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n i._n e._n who_o either_o want_n or_o reject_v revelation_n 2._o he_o dislike_v the_o paraphrase_v of_o he_o receive_v not_o by_o he_o absolute_o despise_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v sometime_o his_o own_o paraphrase_n as_o where_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o receive_v they_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n and_o that_o to_o cast_v a_o contempt_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n by_o who_o it_o be_v despise_v and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n he_o use_v the_o same_o liberty_n but_o his_o chief_a exception_n against_o this_o part_n of_o the_o paraphrase_n be_v because_o it_o do_v not_o express_v the_o reason_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o receive_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o reason_n be_v his_o disability_n to_o receive_v they_o i._n e._n because_o it_o do_v not_o express_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o possible_o intend_v for_o he_o that_o bare_o say_v that_o any_o one_o believe_v or_o receive_v not_o such_o a_o doctrine_n will_v not_o unless_o he_o be_v a_o fool_n pretend_v that_o by_o say_v so_o he_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v not_o but_o dr._n hammond_n give_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n where_o st._n paul_n give_v a_o reason_n who_o say_v he_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o because_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o and_o he_o can_v because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v his_o five_o objection_n be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n with_o this_o for_o he_o say_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o receive_v not_o be_v give_v in_o the_o ensue_a reason_n and_o explanation_n of_o it_o he_o can_v know_v they_o which_o be_v nonsense_n for_o not_o to_o know_v a_o doctrine_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o know_v it_o be_v another_o and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o the_o former_a nor_o do_v i_o understand_v how_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o proposition_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o for_o i_o always_o think_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o sentence_n must_v first_o be_v understand_v before_o the_o reason_n or_o truth_n of_o that_o meaning_n can_v be_v know_v it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o though_o dr._n owen_n take_v no_o care_n to_o speak_v truth_n he_o will_v yet_o make_v some_o conscience_n of_o speak_a sense_n 3._o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n treat_v not_o of_o what_o man_n can_v find_v out_o by_o any_o study_n of_o their_o own_o but_o of_o what_o they_o can_v not_o do_v they_o can_v not_o receive_v the_o spiritual_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o exception_n i_o be_o amaze_v at_o because_o neither_o dr._n hammond_n speak_v of_o what_o they_o can_v find_v out_o but_o of_o what_o they_o can_v not_o find_v out_o by_o any_o study_n of_o their_o own_o but_o say_v j.o._n they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v propose_v declare_v and_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o so_o the_o doctor_n suppose_v too_o and_o any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n must_v suppose_v it_o likewise_o for_o how_o else_o can_v they_o have_v call_v the_o gospel_n foolishness_n if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v know_v to_o they_o 4._o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o prophecy_n miracle_n and_o the_o like_a in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v what_o then_o why_o you_o may_v go_v look_n for_o he_o have_v only_o leave_v we_o to_o guess_v at_o the_o design_n of_o this_o exception_n but_o at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o five_o exception_n he_o say_v concern_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v spiritual_o discern_v to_o wrest_v this_o unto_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v direct_o design_v to_o express_v the_o internal_a manner_n of_o the_o mind_n reception_n of_o thing_n reveal_v be_v to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n at_o pleasure_n i_o answer_v 1._o if_o the_o word_n spiritual_o be_v design_v to_o express_v not_o the_o mean_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o receive_v gospel-mystery_n than_o dr._n h._n do_v wrest_v the_o scripture_n by_o make_v it_o to_o signify_v the_o outward_a mean_n of_o discern_v they_o viz._n miracle_n prophecy_n etc._n etc._n but_o then_o withal_o dr._n owen_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n too_o by_o make_v it_o to_o signify_v the_o inward_a mean_n of_o discern_v they_o viz._n the_o irresistible_a light_n by_o which_o he_o discern_v they_o for_o inward_a mean_n of_o do_v a_o thing_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o equal_o with_o outward_a mean_n and_o if_o dr._n owen_n say_v that_o the_o internal_a manner_n of_o the_o mind_n reception_n be_v express_v by_o his_o say_n that_o they_o be_v discern_v by_o irresistible_a light_n i_o ask_v he_o why_o i_o may_v not_o say_v too_o that_o the_o internal_a manner_n of_o the_o mind_n reception_n of_o they_o be_v express_v by_o dr._n hammond_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v discern_v by_o
be_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o more_o metaphor_n than_o he_o allow_v not_o as_o he_o pretend_v here_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o metaphor_n at_o all_o but_o since_o he_o will_v have_v it_o so_o he_o must_v not_o say_v hereafter_o that_o he_o intend_v only_o to_o prove_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o metaphorical_a since_o his_o argument_n conclude_v that_o they_o be_v all_o proper_a if_o it_o conclude_v any_o thing_n that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v proper_a we_o grant_v and_o it_o be_v well_o that_o it_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o be_v prove_v by_o he_o for_o his_o untoward_a way_n of_o prove_v will_v tempt_v a_o man_n to_o suspect_v the_o plain_a truth_n he_o meddle_v withal_o if_o he_o have_v not_o better_a reason_n of_o his_o own_o for_o second_o what_o consequence_n be_v there_o in_o this_o argue_n if_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n intend_v in_o the_o scripture_n then_o be_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v it_o plain_a and_o proper_a otherwise_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a for_o 1._o none_o of_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o may_v have_v be_v proper_a and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o plain_o and_o then_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o have_v be_v obscure_a in_o that_o thing_n for_o a_o figurative_a expression_n may_v be_v plain_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o a_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n sure_o our_o author_n will_v grant_v that_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v my_o body_n to_o be_v figurative_a and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v plain_a because_o it_o be_v figurative_a so_o that_o his_o argument_n by_o which_o he_o conclude_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v this_o mysterious_a work_n to_o be_v proper_a do_v not_o prove_v that_o any_o one_o be_v so_o 2._o if_o some_o of_o the_o expression_n be_v both_o plain_a and_o proper_a and_o other_o figurative_a some_o whereof_o be_v more_o and_o some_o less_o plain_a as_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o if_o those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o plain_a may_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o help_n of_o plain_a then_o may_v this_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n be_v sufficient_o understand_v by_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o scripture_n far_o from_o be_v the_o obscure_a book_n in_o the_o world_n because_o all_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v proper_o and_o literal_o but_o it_o seem_v our_o author_n have_v a_o opinion_n by_o himself_o that_o no_o writer_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o use_v the_o liberty_n of_o metaphorical_a expression_n three_o his_o way_n of_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mysterious_a work_n be_v a_o mere_a beg_n of_o the_o question_n this_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o consider_v what_o he_o must_v mean_v by_o a_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n viz._n such_o a_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v proper_o express_v by_o regenerate_v create_a quicken_a and_o draw_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n and_o this_o i_o grant_v to_o be_v a_o very_a mysterious_a work_n if_o these_o be_v all_o proper_a expression_n of_o it_o now_o he_o prove_v there_o be_v such_o a_o work_n by_o this_o argument_n that_o otherwise_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a why_o so_o because_o they_o be_v obscure_a if_o these_o be_v not_o proper_a expression_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o he_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o mysterious_a work_n i._n e._n a_o work_n proper_o express_v by_o regeneration_n creation_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o argument_n that_o these_o be_v proper_a expression_n of_o such_o a_o work_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v a_o thing_n by_o itself_o and_o he_o prove_v also_o that_o these_o be_v proper_a expression_n because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mysterious_a work_n that_o be_v a_o work_n proper_o express_v by_o they_o which_o be_v to_o beg_v the_o question_n so_o that_o if_o you_o will_v grant_v the_o doctor_n that_o they_o be_v proper_a expression_n he_o can_v then_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o a_o work_n proper_o express_v by_o they_o or_o if_o you_o will_v grant_v there_o be_v such_o a_o work_n he_o can_v prove_v those_o to_o be_v proper_a expression_n and_o now_o i_o understand_v the_o doctor_n when_o he_o say_v the_o difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n arise_v from_o their_o mysterious_a nature_n and_o not_o from_o any_o obscurity_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o and_o i_o be_o full_o of_o his_o mind_n for_o if_o any_o one_o tell_v i_o that_o a_o body_n may_v be_v great_a than_o itself_o and_o lesser_a than_o itself_o and_o that_o transubstantiation_n may_v be_v true_a doctrine_n or_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v proper_o regenerate_v create_v quicken_v draw_v and_o awaken_v all_o at_o once_o i_o grant_v he_o do_v not_o obscure_o declare_v his_o mind_n to_o i_o and_o that_o i_o find_v no_o difficulty_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n but_o the_o only_a difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n arise_v from_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n or_o rather_o the_o nonsense_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v under_o these_o plain_a expression_n for_o the_o more_o plain_a any_o nonsense_n be_v the_o more_o easy_o it_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v so_o this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o slender_a proof_n which_o the_o doctor_n bring_v for_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o party_n concern_v the_o propriety_n of_o these_o scripture-expression_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v how_o he_o represent_v the_o judgement_n of_o those_o other_o who_o he_o speak_v of_o for_o he_o say_v sect_n 4._o other_o think_v the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o to_o be_v mystical_a and_o figurative_a but_o the_o thing_n intend_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o every_o man_n so_o that_o if_o the_o doctor_n may_v be_v believe_v there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o express_v by_o any_o proper_a word_n at_o all_o in_o the_o scripture_n 183._o but_o as_o he_o say_v they_o turn_v all_o scripture-expression_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n into_o metaphor_n if_o any_o such_o senseless_a people_n there_o be_v they_o be_v i_o shall_v think_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v find_v among_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o many_o of_o their_o preacher_n if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o their_o sermon_n by_o their_o book_n do_v so_o train_v they_o up_o to_o metaphorical_a talk_n that_o some_o of_o they_o may_v possible_o believe_v the_o scripture_n afford_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o think_v the_o thing_n intend_v by_o these_o expression_n suppose_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o every_o man_n i_o never_o hear_v there_o be_v any_o such_o before_o if_o by_o obvious_a the_o doctor_n mean_v discoverable_a by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v by_o all_o grant_v to_o depend_v on_o divine_a revelation_n but_o be_v reveal_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o reason_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o withal_o beside_o our_o natural_a reason_n but_o if_o by_o ordinary_a and_o obvious_a he_o mean_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a by_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n i_o be_o one_o of_o those_o who_o think_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereof_o we_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o less_o but_o the_o more_o excellent_a for_o be_v so_o our_o author_n must_v grant_v unless_o he_o will_v revoke_v his_o argument_n that_o the_o expression_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o metaphorical_a take_v from_o hence_o that_o otherwise_o the_o gospel_n be_v dark_a and_o unintelligible_a so_o that_o we_o be_v both_o agree_v in_o word_n at_o least_o that_o perspicuity_n and_o intelligibleness_n be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v he_o and_o his_o party_n have_v a_o notion_n of_o intelligibleness_n and_o perspicuity_n by_o themselves_o as_o any_o one_o will_v guess_v by_o their_o write_n for_o example_n the_o doctor_n here_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o the_o gospel_n intend_v nothing_o but_o moral_a duty_n and_o their_o observance_n in_o its_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n than_o it_o be_v dark_a and_o unintelligible_a now_o this_o be_v very_o strange_a for_o â—f_n as_o it_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n moral_a duty_n be_v easy_o intelligible_a and_o if_o the_o scripture_n intend_v 〈◊〉_d more_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n than_o the_o performance_n of_o moral_a duty_n then_o be_v the_o scripture_n very_o intelligible_a in_o the_o point_n of_o
heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n no_o unrighteous_a person_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o righteous_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n eternal_a and_o who_o be_v righteous_a he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o i_o will_v etc._n etc._n matth._n 7.24_o thus_o come_v to_o christ_n be_v sometime_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o have_v life_n by_o he_o and_o then_o by_o come_v to_o christ_n nothing_o can_v be_v mean_v but_o be_v his_o true_a disciple_n which_o in_o allusion_n to_o the_o jewish_a proselytism_n be_v call_v come_v to_o he_o i_o be_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n say_v our_o saviour_n he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o i._n e._n be_v my_o disciple_n shall_v never_o hunger_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o shall_v never_o thirst_v he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o now_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n plain_o in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n than_o that_o to_o be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n to_o believe_v in_o he_o so_o as_o to_o love_v he_o and_o obey_v his_o command_n be_v that_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o a_o man_n whereby_o he_o be_v and_o only_o be_v qualify_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a it_o follow_v by_o undeniable_a consequence_n that_o regeneration_n and_o all_o those_o other_o metaphor_n which_o express_v the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n qualify_v for_o eternal_a happiness_n do_v signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o his_o be_v such_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o love_v he_o and_o obey_v he_o for_o if_o regeneration_n signify_v any_o other_o state_n than_o first_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o obey_v his_o gospel_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a qualification_n for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n contrary_a to_o all_o those_o clear_a text_n now_o mention_v for_o beside_o this_o that_o other_o state_n suppose_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o regeneration_n will_v be_v necessary_a and_o then_o second_o which_o be_v equal_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n faith_n and_o obedience_n will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o salvation_n since_o that_o other_o state_n suppose_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o regeneration_n will_v be_v sufficient_a without_o they_o 2._o the_o state_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n be_v by_o st._n john_n explain_v to_o be_v that_o of_o be_v such_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v thus_o he_o tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 5.4_o 5._o whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcome_v the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n who_o be_v he_o that_o overcome_v the_o world_n but_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n here_o we_o have_v the_o full_a character_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n viz._n one_o who_o so_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o his_o faith_n prevail_v against_o all_o worldly_a temptation_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n and_o who_o therefore_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n not_o reckon_v they_o to_o be_v grievous_a for_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n give_v by_o st._n john_n why_o he_o that_o love_v god_n keep_v his_o commandment_n because_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcome_v the_o world_n thus_o also_o vers_fw-la 1._o whoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n to_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n with_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o imply_v obedience_n which_o be_v afterward_o express_o add_v in_o those_o term_n of_o keep_v god_n commandment_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n again_o chap._n 2.29_o if_o you_o know_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a you_o know_v that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o he_o and_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n vers_fw-la 9_o we_o find_v that_o every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o he_o do_v righteousness_n whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n i._n e._n such_o be_v the_o state_n and_o temper_n of_o his_o mind_n such_o be_v the_o disposition_n of_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n that_o he_o do_v not_o sin_n but_o his_o life_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o divine_a seed_n so_o call_v matth._n 13.19_o 1_o pet._n 1._o have_v wrought_v its_o due_a and_o proper_a effect_n upon_o his_o soul_n by_o its_o precept_n and_o motive_n for_o where_o this_o seed_n be_v receive_v into_o a_o good_a and_o honest_a heart_n it_o will_v grow_v into_o good_a fruit_n and_o be_v a_o effectual_a principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n add_v and_o he_o can_v sin_v i._n e._n it_o be_v not_o only_o true_a of_o he_o that_o he_o abstain_v from_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o the_o consideration_n of_o worldly_a interest_n it_o be_v not_o the_o want_n of_o temptation_n and_o opportunity_n that_o keep_v he_o at_o any_o time_n from_o offend_a god_n so_o much_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n his_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o conformity_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v be_v principle_n which_o will_v carry_v a_o man_n through_o the_o whole_a circle_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n thus_o we_o use_v to_o say_v of_o a_o meek-spirited_n man_n that_o he_o can_v be_v furious_a and_o of_o a_o honest_a man_n that_o he_o can_v deceive_v and_o of_o a_o generous_a man_n that_o he_o can_v do_v a_o base_a or_o unworthy_a action_n by_o which_o word_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o but_o moral_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o frame_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o his_o mind_n so_o to_o do_v and_o such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v well_o express_v in_o those_o word_n of_o joseph_n how_o can_v i_o do_v this_o great_a wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n he_o can_v sin_v i._n e._n the_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v not_o sin_n be_v because_o it_o be_v abominable_a to_o he_o so_o to_o do_v and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v holy_a and_o divine_a will_v therefore_o produce_v a_o correspondent_a i._n e._n a_o godly_a and_o virtuous_a life_n so_o apparent_o false_a be_v that_o doctrine_n that_o although_o a_o man_n who_o have_v be_v once_o regenerate_v fall_v into_o foul_a and_o abominable_a offence_n yet_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n and_o the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o true_a grace_n remain_v in_o he_o still_o for_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o because_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n how_o shall_v this_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o can_v sin_v viz._n that_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n remain_v in_o he_o that_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n if_o he_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o notorious_a and_o wilful_a sin_n and_o yet_o that_o seed_n remain_v and_o he_o be_v regenerate_v still_o thus_o have_v i_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o by_o a_o state_n of_o regeneration_n the_o scripture_n mean_v no_o more_o than_o be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n and_o follower_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n sect_n 6._o i_o must_v now_o tell_v dr._n owen_n that_o he_o have_v not_o do_v fair_o to_o represent_v the_o opinion_n of_o his_o adversary_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n as_o if_o they_o believe_v it_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o reformation_n of_o life_n exclude_v a_o real_a change_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o best_a artifice_n he_o have_v wherewith_o to_o delude_v his_o reader_n into_o a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o they_o viz._n to_o state_n their_o opinion_n false_o and_o then_o to_o fasten_v odious_a name_n upon_o they_o as_o he_o do_v frequent_o in_o his_o book_n thus_o he_o tell_v we_o we_o mean_v himself_o and_o his_o follower_n say_v and_o believe_v that_o regeneration_n do_v consist_v in_o spirituali_fw-la renovatione_fw-la naturae_fw-la a_o spiritual_a renovation_n of_o our_o nature_n our_o modern_a socinian_n that_o it_o do_v so_o in_o morali_fw-la
in_o believe_v his_o gospel_n so_o as_o to_o yield_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n this_o be_v that_o regeneration_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o adult_v person_n as_o nicodemus_n be_v and_o as_o you_o may_v remember_v be_v one_o of_o those_o needful_a effect_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o in_o our_o mind_n god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o we_o if_o we_o ask_v he_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v what_o those_o qualification_n be_v for_o the_o effect_n of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v in_o st._n luke_n 11.13_o now_o though_o i_o have_v not_o pretend_v to_o prove_v from_o this_o place_n that_o god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o a_o good_a mind_n and_o good_a desire_n in_o we_o and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o since_o the_o spirit_n be_v here_o promise_v to_o believer_n and_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n yet_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o exclude_v they_o from_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o i_o shall_v immediate_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v for_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o those_o several_a grace_n be_v which_o the_o scripture_n particular_o ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o second_o way_n propound_v for_o the_o resolve_v of_o the_o first_o question_n and_o will_v not_o only_o confirm_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v for_o that_o end_n from_o st._n luke_n but_o full_o satisfy_v the_o question_n we_o be_v upon_o chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o several_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n sect_n i._o in_o the_o first_o place_n faith_n itself_o as_o that_o signify_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n be_v a_o effect_n in_o our_o mind_n which_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o be_v the_o first_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o i_o mention_v because_o a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n and_o i_o shall_v now_o show_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v give_v to_o prepare_v our_o mind_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v prepare_v that_o we_o may_v become_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ._n to_o speak_v clear_o to_o this_o matter_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o sufficient_a testimony_n that_o they_o be_v divine_o reveal_v be_v presuppose_v to_o our_o obligation_n of_o believe_v they_o and_o 2._o that_o teachableness_n and_o due_a attention_n be_v necessary_o require_v to_o faith_n or_o actual_a believe_v of_o those_o doctrine_n now_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o the_o teachableness_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o actual_a believe_v be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o i_o only_o say_v that_o faith_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o his_o operation_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v now_o reveal_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o man_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n or_o that_o he_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o truth_n by_o any_o immediate_a or_o any_o new_a testimony_n whatsoever_o that_o they_o may_v believe_v not_o the_o first_o because_o we_o have_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n themselves_o we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.10_o but_o not_o to_o we_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o they_o by_o inspiration_n to_o we_o by_o their_o write_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v full_o instruct_v in_o all_o necessary_a truth_n not_o the_o second_o because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v sufficient_o confirm_v already_o even_o by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n in_o the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o supernatural_a gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a believer_n have_v and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o i_o can_v find_v that_o god_n will_v give_v unto_o we_o any_o further_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o that_o which_o be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o first_o wherefore_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o look_v for_o any_o private_a illumination_n and_o conviction_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v abundant_o confirm_v to_o our_o hand_n by_o so_o many_o divine_a testimony_n already_o it_o be_v the_o same_o light_n and_o the_o same_o evidence_n by_o which_o we_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o those_o to_o who_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v discern_v it_o by_o i._n e._n the_o testimony_n by_o which_o they_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v they_o we_o know_v they_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o scripture_n our_o saviour_n say_v light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o man_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o reveal_v by_o he_o and_o he_o be_v clear_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o work_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o many_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o now_o this_o be_v that_o light_n which_o still_o continue_v in_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o testimony_n by_o which_o they_o be_v confirm_v for_o we_o have_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o evidence_n whereby_o man_n be_v at_o first_o convince_v of_o their_o truth_n therefore_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v faith_n in_o we_o by_o illuminate_v our_o mind_n with_o any_o new_a revelation_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o any_o new_a testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o for_o this_o be_v more_o than_o needs_o to_o be_v do_v and_o i_o conceive_v more_o than_o any_o body_n can_v prove_v but_o he_o do_v it_o by_o dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o attention_n and_o teachableness_n or_o to_o that_o temper_n which_o whosoever_o be_v of_o will_v believe_v truth_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o a_o understand_a man_n assent_n to_o a_o true_a proportion_n in_o philosophy_n than_o to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n and_o represent_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o to_o he_o intelligible_o and_o clear_o this_o ordinary_o be_v sufficient_a in_o that_o case_n but_o there_o be_v more_o assistance_n require_v towards_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o propound_v with_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o conclusion_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o other_o science_n that_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o worldly_a interest_n be_v thwart_v by_o those_o but_o not_o by_o these_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o rise_v up_o in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o latter_a as_o we_o be_v to_o the_o former_a though_o they_o may_v be_v both_o prove_v with_o equal_a evidence_n religion_n be_v to_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o bind_v we_o to_o deny_v the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o sin_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o god_n high_a displeasure_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n influence_n their_o judgement_n and_o blass_n their_o understanding_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o irreconcilable_a to_o a_o wicked_a life_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o only_o so_o often_o spoil_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n where_o it_o be_v but_o do_v also_o cause_v uncertainty_n and_o unbelief_n where_o faith_n be_v not_o but_o where_o in_o all_o reason_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o they_o make_v man_n unwilling_a to_o believe_v and_o this_o unwillingness_n do_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n hinder_v their_o attention_n to_o the_o force_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o prove_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o incline_v they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o lean_a to_o the_o weak_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v against_o it_o this_o be_v just_o the_o case_n of_o the_o great_a man_n among_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o that_o one_o instance_n in_o john_n 9_o among_o many_o for_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v
not_o able_a to_o please_v thou_o merciful_o grant_v that_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n may_v in_o all_o thing_n direct_v and_o rule_v our_o heart_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n the_o end_n the_o author_n distance_n from_o london_n have_v occasion_v these_o errata_n which_o the_o reader_n may_v correct_v page_n 33._o in_o the_o margin_n r._n p._n 260._o p._n 61._o line_n 12_o for_o these_o be_v the_o r._n there_o be_v other_o p._n 93._o l._n 18._o for_o end_n r._n kind_n p._n 105._o l._n 6._o for_o to_o his_o r._n to_o be_v p._n 163._o l._n 30._o for_o proportion_n r._n proposition_n p._n 191._o l._n 13._o for_o there_o be_v r._n there_o be_v say_v to_o be_v ibid._n l._n 22._o for_o inherent_a r._n immediate_a p._n 310._o l._n 28._o for_o have_v by_o r._n have_v p._n 322._o l._n 10._o for_o may_v r._n my_o p._n 44._o p._n 44._o p._n 52._o p._n 42._o p._n 46_o 47._o p._n 45._o p._n 44._o p._n 44._o philipp_n 2.12_o 13._o heb._n 10.29_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o discourse_n etc._n etc._n j.o._n page_n 254._o p._n 228._o p._n 164._o p._n 262._o p._n 206._o p._n 206._o p._n 209._o p._n 236._o p._n 334._o p._n 401._o p._n 421._o p._n 336._o p._n 187._o p._n 432._o p._n 433._o 1_o cor._n 2.14_o p._n 222_o 223._o p._n 217_o 218._o p._n 224._o sect._n 38._o p._n 218._o sect._n 26._o sect._n 29.30_o sect._n 27._o sect._n 26._o sect._n 28._o sect._n 42._o sect._n 38_o 39_o 40_o 41._o sect._n 31._o sect._n 33._o sect._n 38._o sect._n 38._o thus_o st._n chrysostome_n upon_o the_o place_n hom._n 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o happen_v not_o through_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o their_o disease_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v without_o do_v not_o only_o not_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o hinder_v they_o chrysost._n in_o loc_n hom._n 7._o but_o how_o it_o hinder_v they_o st._n chrysostome_n plain_o tell_v we_o in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o these_o great_a man_n who_o reject_v the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o pride_n hom._n 5._o sect._n 39_o sect._n 41._o 41._o this_o text_n our_o author_n produce_v in_o another_o place_n p._n only_o to_o show_v his_o dislike_n of_o the_o sense_n thereof_o give_v in_o the_o friendly_a debate_n as_o any_o one_o may_v see_v by_o the_o impertinence_n of_o it_o to_o his_o design_n there_o for_o this_o be_v all_o he_o say_v about_o it_o some_o of_o late_o have_v put_v in_o faint_a and_o weak_a exception_n against_o this_o latter_a clause_n this_o slanderer_n shall_v have_v say_v against_o his_o interpretation_n of_o this_o clause_n viz._n demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n as_o though_o not_o a_o evidence_n of_o the_o powerful_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v intend_v therein_o but_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o best_a expositor_n now_o unless_o the_o doctor_n suppose_v that_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n be_v not_o a_o evidence_n of_o the_o powerful_a presence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o etc._n etc._n his_o exception_n be_v nonsense_n but_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o doctor_n be_v second_o thought_n to_o consider_v with_o what_o modesty_n he_o can_v call_v that_o author_n apprehension_n of_o the_o demonstration_n etc._n etc._n faint_a and_o weak_a exception_n contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o consent_n of_o best_a expositor_n after_o that_o excellent_a person_n have_v vindicate_v they_o against_o his_o adversary_n by_o such_o clear_a and_o solid_a reason_n and_o such_o pregnant_a authority_n as_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o of_o his_o friend_n nor_o the_o doctor_n for_o they_o have_v be_v able_a to_o say_v a_o wise_a word_n to_o but_o what_o can_v that_o man_n want_v a_o forehead_n to_o say_v who_o have_v a_o face_n to_o pretend_v st._n chrysostome_n be_v for_o his_o turn_n in_o a_o interpretation_n of_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o he_o be_v clear_o contradict_v by_o st._n chrysostome_n in_o three_o or_o four_o homily_n together_o out_o of_o one_o of_o which_o too_o he_o transcribe_v a_o passage_n in_o favour_n of_o his_o own_o sense_n as_o he_o pretend_v now_o whether_o the_o doctor_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o this_o dishonesty_n i_o shall_v leave_v the_o reader_n and_o he_o too_o to_o judge_v by_o the_o follow_a marginal_a note_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrys._n in_o loc_n hom._n 4._o who_o of_o those_o that_o be_v busy_v in_o syllogism_n who_o of_o those_o that_o be_v skill_v in_o the_o jewish_a matter_n have_v save_v man_n and_o make_v know_v the_o truth_n to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ibid._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v a_o discourse_n not_o about_o any_o ordinary_a mean_a thing_n but_o concern_v god_n and_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o evangelical_n way_n of_o live_v and_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v have_v make_v all_o believer_n philosopher_n even_o rustic_n and_o private_a man_n themselves_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 6._o for_o a_o demonstration_n by_o miraculous_a work_n and_o sign_n be_v much_o more_o clear_a and_o convince_a than_o that_o by_o philosophical_a argument_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o worldly_n wisdom_n be_v excel_v not_o by_o foolishness_n but_o by_o a_o more_o perfect_a wisdom_n and_o that_o so_o much_o more_o perfect_a that_o it_o seem_v foolishness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ibid._n i_o hear_v that_o christ_n be_v crucify_v and_o thereupon_o i_o admire_v his_o love_n to_o mankind_n he_o that_o call_v this_o foolishness_n when_o he_o hear_v it_o think_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o his_o weakness_n and_o inability_n to_o save_v himself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 4._o the_o greek_n require_v of_o we_o oratory_n and_o philosophical_a argument_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o st._n chrysost._n call_v so_o often_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v without_o which_o prejudice_v the_o philosopher_n against_o the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 6._o for_o the_o apostle_n say_v i_o determine_v to_o know_v nothing_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v without_o i_o come_v not_o form_v syllogism_n and_o sophism_n nor_o say_v any_o thing_n in_o that_o way_n to_o you_o but_o only_o that_o christ_n be_v crucify_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o a_o mystery_n a_o reveal_v doctrine_n need_v no_o philosophical_a argumentation_n but_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o it_o be_v bare_o declare_v what_o it_o be_v hom._n 7._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 6._o what_o shall_v give_v man_n assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o this_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n for_o who_o i_o pray_v can_v see_v the_o dead_a raise_v and_o evil_a spirit_n cast_v out_o and_o not_o receive_v those_o doctrine_n that_o be_v confirm_v by_o these_o work_n that_o which_o the_o apostle_n confirm_v their_o preach_v withal_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sign_n and_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o old_a scripture_n ibid._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 4._o for_o if_o we_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v by_o natural_a reason_n how_o that_o god_n be_v make_v man_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o virgin_n womb_n instead_o of_o leave_v these_o reveal_v matter_n to_o faith_n i._n e._n instead_o of_o prove_v they_o by_o testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n they_o will_v laugh_v at_o we_o more_o than_o they_o do_v already_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o this_o honour_n have_v god_n do_v to_o we_o that_o by_o our_o mean_n other_o shall_v hear_v his_o mystery_n for_o to_o those_o who_o we_o make_v our_o friend_n we_o give_v this_o testimony_n of_o our_o friendship_n that_o we_o communicate_v our_o secret_n to_o they_o before_o to_o any_o else_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ibid._n if_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o these_o thing_n why_o say_v he_o ear_n have_v not_o hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n &_o c_o this_o be_v yet_o true_a for_o he_o speak_v concern_v humane_a nature_n for_o they_o do_v not_o hear_v as_o man_n but_o as_o prophet_n i_o e._n what_o they_o know_v of_o these_o matter_n they_o know_v by_o revelation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o when_o a_o spiritual_a doubt_n arise_v we_o bring_v testimony_n from_o spiritual_a thing_n for_o instance_n i_o say_v that_o christ_n arise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n then_o i_o produce_v these_o testimony_n type_n
do_v not_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n that_o he_o be_v infallible_a yet_o in_o that_o book_n which_o i_o have_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o consider_v he_o lay_v claim_v as_o you_o will_v see_v to_o such_o a_o illumination_n of_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o differ_v very_o little_a from_o that_o kind_n of_o inspiration_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v but_o this_o will_v not_o hinder_v you_o from_o try_v the_o doctor_n be_v spirit_n and_o way_n of_o teach_v if_o you_o consider_v what_o he_o very_o well_o observe_v in_o the_o forementioned_a book_n 44._o viz._n that_o the_o berean_o be_v high_o extol_v for_o search_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v our_o saviour_n preach_v by_o st._n paul_n be_v so_o or_o no_o for_o he_o must_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v believe_v more_o hasty_o than_o st._n paul_n do_v who_o we_o be_v sure_a speak_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n the_o more_o high_o any_o man_n pretend_v to_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o better_a testimony_n he_o have_v need_n to_o produce_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o pretence_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v light_o take_v up_o that_o belief_n of_o another_o which_o if_o he_o once_o give_v way_n to_o he_o must_v believe_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o the_o bright_a those_o illumination_n be_v which_o any_o teacher_n boast_v of_o the_o less_o reason_n you_o have_v to_o take_v his_o bare_a word_n for_o it_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a that_o you_o shall_v examine_v his_o doctrine_n he_o give_v you_o great_a cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o they_o will_v not_o abide_v the_o trial_n beside_o the_o doctor_n take_v notice_n that_o what_o be_v praise_v in_o the_o berean_o 44._o be_v commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n beloved_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a spirit_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o prophet_n then_o as_o he_o go_v on_o must_v be_v try_v before_o they_o be_v trust_v now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o hold_v still_o there_o be_v many_o false_a teacher_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n wherefore_o try_v every_o one_o try_v his_o spirit_n his_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o teach_v and_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o will_v only_o add_v that_o the_o reason_n hold_v more_o strong_o now_o for_o if_o false_a teacher_n pretend_v to_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n even_o whilst_o the_o apostle_n be_v alive_a to_o contradict_v they_o and_o discover_v they_o much_o more_o likely_a be_v they_o to_o do_v so_o now_o when_o they_o think_v they_o may_v do_v it_o more_o secure_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o use_v the_o more_o diligence_n in_o try_v those_o teacher_n that_o pretend_v lofty_o by_o that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v leave_v we_o in_o their_o write_n now_o if_o the_o doctor_n will_v have_v you_o to_o shut_v your_o own_o eye_n and_o then_o trust_v to_o that_o new_a save_a light_n by_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o explain_v gospel-truths_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v you_o suspect_v that_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v darkness_n or_o if_o he_o mean_v to_o except_v himself_o from_o be_v try_v when_o he_o bid_v you_o try_v the_o spirit_n for_o that_o reason_n he_o be_v least_o of_o all_o to_o be_v except_v i_o have_v obey_v the_o apostle_n advice_n and_o try_v he_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o follow_a book_n which_o i_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v public_a because_o those_o reason_n which_o satisfy_v i_o that_o he_o be_v very_o much_o out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o discourse_v upon_o spiritual_a thing_n after_o this_o manner_n may_v possible_o seem_v as_o clear_a to_o you_o as_o they_o do_v to_o myself_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sophistry_n in_o they_o or_o carnal_a reason_v or_o pervert_v of_o holy_a writ_n it_o be_v more_o than_o i_o know_v and_o i_o shall_v thank_v the_o doctor_n for_o make_v the_o discovery_n which_o i_o think_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v if_o he_o can_v not_o only_o for_o your_o sake_n but_o for_o i_o too_o for_o so_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v myself_o i_o be_o not_o less_o desirous_a to_o retract_v any_o error_n of_o my_o own_o than_o i_o be_o to_o convince_v you_o of_o he_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o be_v as_o willing_a as_o i_o be_o i_o shall_v in_o all_o probability_n hear_v further_o from_o he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o believe_v neither_o of_o we_o but_o to_o try_v we_o both_o if_o the_o doctor_n be_v friend_n shall_v be_v trouble_v to_o find_v he_o charge_v with_o nonsense_n in_o the_o follow_a book_n the_o author_n have_v this_o to_o say_v for_o himself_o that_o he_o know_v no_o other_o name_n so_o fit_a as_o nonsense_n to_o call_v nonsense_n by_o and_o he_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o say_v but_o prove_v also_o that_o the_o doctor_n be_v guilty_a of_o nonsense_n where_o he_o have_v charge_v he_o with_o it_o he_o hope_v also_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v offend_v with_o he_o for_o take_v occasion_n sometime_o to_o rebuke_v this_o man_n for_o those_o rude_a word_n and_o unjust_a reproach_n which_o he_o have_v pour_v forth_o for_o whole_a page_n together_o upon_o his_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o shall_v be_v teach_v at_o last_o to_o manage_v controversy_n in_o religion_n in_o a_o more_o christian_a manner_n than_o he_o have_v do_v hitherto_o and_o now_o the_o author_n will_v only_o say_v in_o behalf_n of_o himself_o that_o his_o design_n in_o this_o book_n be_v to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o question_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v to_o every_o ordinary_a understanding_n and_o thereby_o to_o promote_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o best_a thing_n he_o can_v say_v of_o the_o book_n itself_o be_v that_o it_o have_v be_v think_v by_o man_n of_o far_o better_a judgement_n than_o he_o can_v pretend_v to_o not_o to_o be_v altogether_o improper_a for_o that_o end_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o mistake_v may_v the_o alwise_a and_o good_a god_n prosper_v the_o design_n of_o it_o with_o his_o blessing_n the_o content_n of_o the_o introduction_n sect_n i._o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n a_o great_a motive_n to_o diligence_n in_o religion_n page_n 1_o that_o according_a to_o dr._n owen_n principle_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o p._n 3._o the_o author_n design_n p._n 4._o sect_n ii_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o doctor_n make_v by_o pretend_v that_o only_a the_o regenerate_v understand_v spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o p._n 5._o while_o he_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v regenerate_v by_o his_o spiritual_a understanding_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n p._n 6._o this_o artifice_n of_o his_o discover_v in_o some_o instance_n p._n 7._o that_o he_o allow_v only_o himself_o and_o his_o party_n to_o be_v competent_a judge_n of_o his_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n p._n 11._o sect_n iii_o his_o interpretation_n of_o 1_o cor._n 2.14_o explain_v p._n 15._o sect_n iv._o that_o his_o meaning_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v groundless_a p._n 20._o of_o his_o not_o receive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n absurd_a p._n 21._o and_o of_o their_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o blasphemous_a p._n 25._o the_o odd_a account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o his_o preface_n p._n 27._o other_o reflection_n upon_o his_o sense_n of_o the_o forementioned_a text_n p._n 30._o that_o the_o doctor_n be_v pretend_v gospel-mystery_n need_v his_o interpretation_n of_o that_o text_n but_o the_o real_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n need_v it_o not_o p._n 31._o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o his_o interpretation_n p._n 32._o sect_n v._o another_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n offer_v according_a to_o st._n chrysostome_n who_o authority_n the_o doctor_n pretend_v in_o favour_n of_o his_o own_o p._n 33._o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n large_o show_v p._n 34._o from_o whence_o it_o plain_o appear_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n p._n 40._o the_o scriptural_a notion_n of_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n p._n 42._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o their_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v p._n 43._o and_o by_o the_o spiritual_a man_n p._n 45._o the_o incoherence_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v sense_n with_o the_o context_n p._n 46._o dr._n hammond_n paraphrase_n upon_o the_o text_n vindicate_v from_o the_o exception_n of_o dr._n owen_n p._n 47._o and_o show_v to_o agree_v with_o those_o passage_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n which_o dr._n owen_n himself_o produce_v p._n 51._o that_o the_o follow_a book_n be_v not_o to_o be_v
there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o our_o enter_v into_o the_o etc._n etc._n if_o we_o be_v unrighteous_a as_o for_o the_o deliverance_n from_o misery_n be_v not_o those_o doctrine_n discernible_o suit_v to_o that_o end_n that_o be_v suit_v to_o deliver_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o be_v not_o all_o these_o thing_n so_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n who_o have_v a_o improve_a mind_n and_o consider_v they_o as_o a_o understand_a man_n may_v not_o to_o discern_v they_o much_o more_o if_o he_o have_v consider_v the_o proposition_n themselves_o so_o as_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o what_o agreeableness_n and_o suitableness_n be_v it_o which_o this_o doctor_n mean_n be_v he_o able_a to_o explain_v it_o by_o such_o like_a instance_n as_o i_o have_v use_v if_o he_o be_v he_o shall_v see_v that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v it_o if_o he_o be_v not_o he_o cant_v like_o a_o quaker_n and_o pretend_v to_o know_v thing_n which_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v sense_n of_o when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v they_o but_o may_v a_o natural_a man_n understand_v and_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n yes_o say_v the_o doctor_n he_o may_v for_o instance_n he_o may_v assent_v unto_o this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v crucify_v but_o now_o it_o be_v another_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o to_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v be_v to_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 7._o it_o be_v also_o another_o that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o they_o that_o be_v save_v be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 18._o now_o if_o he_o may_v understand_v and_o assent_v to_o these_o proposition_n he_o may_v believe_v the_o conformity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o its_o efficacy_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o salvation_n which_o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o can_v and_o thereby_o revoke_v his_o concession_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v proposition_n who_o sense_n and_o importance_n any_o rational_a man_n may_v understand_v and_o assent_v to_o their_o truth_n and_o so_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v they_o again_o if_o the_o doctor_n will_v take_v my_o word_n for_o it_o i_o assure_v he_o that_o i_o do_v assent_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o a_o apprehension_n of_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o suitableness_n to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v propose_v as_o the_o mean_n of_o accomplish_v if_o a_o natural_a man_n can_v do_v this_o than_o the_o doctor_n be_v something_o mistake_v to_o say_v that_o he_o can_v if_o he_o can_v than_o i_o be_o no_o natural_a man_n according_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o may_v i_o hope_v pretend_v to_o argue_v with_o he_o about_o spiritual_a thing_n 3._o he_o say_v that_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v foolishness_n unto_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o can_v receive_v they_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o mind_n now_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v perpetual_o the_o same_o but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n may_v apprehend_v they_o otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n disease_n as_o when_o they_o apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v foolishness_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o and_o this_o reason_n be_v not_o at_o all_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o from_o the_o mind_n mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o he_o in_o effect_n confess_v when_o he_o say_v that_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o he_o mean_v as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o his_o instance_n of_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a be_v this_o that_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o know_v any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o unready_a he_o be_v to_o embrace_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o say_v express_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n and_o morality_n of_o any_o worth_n be_v embrace_v soon_a by_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o know_v most_o but_o here_o thing_n fall_v out_o quite_o otherwise_o well_o suppose_v they_o do_v yet_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o philosopher_n reject_v the_o gospel_n be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o know_a man_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o revelation_n as_o such_o nor_o yield_v that_o to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v which_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v their_o great_a pride_n and_o folly_n so_o the_o pharisee_n reject_v our_o saviour_n 5._o not_o because_o they_o be_v learned_a and_o know_v man_n but_o because_o their_o lust_n and_o interest_n prejudice_v they_o against_o his_o doctrine_n as_o he_o frequent_o tell_v they_o so_o that_o neither_o those_o nor_o these_o oppose_v the_o gospel_n because_o it_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o rational_a principle_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o the_o doctor_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v but_o because_o it_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o their_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la and_o interest_n which_o sure_o be_v none_o of_o those_o principle_n the_o write_n of_o justin_n martyr_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o divers_a other_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v early_o receive_v by_o learned_a man_n and_o philosopher_n what_o wise_a man_n they_o be_v that_o reject_v it_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o doctor_n the_o principal_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n say_v he_o be_v by_o many_o look_v upon_o and_o reject_v as_o foolish_a because_o false_a and_o untrue_a though_o indeed_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o false_a but_o because_o they_o suppose_v they_o foolish_a now_o be_v not_o these_o excellent_a philosopher_n that_o reject_v a_o doctrine_n as_o foolish_a because_o it_o be_v false_a and_o then_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o think_v it_o false_a but_o because_o they_o suppose_v it_o foolish_a be_v not_o their_o reject_v the_o gospel_n a_o admirable_a instance_n whereby_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o be_v foolishness_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o know_v most_o if_o that_o which_o the_o doctor_n here_o say_v be_v true_a then_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n for_o he_o to_o improve_v his_o mind_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o reason_n since_o foolish_a and_o credulous_a person_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o give_v any_o entertainment_n to_o it_o which_o be_v the_o very_a charge_n of_o celsus_n and_o julian_n against_o christianity_n and_o if_o they_o can_v have_v make_v good_a this_o charge_n they_o and_o the_o doctor_n here_o have_v do_v very_o well_o to_o expose_v it_o to_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n as_o they_o and_o he_o have_v do_v by_o represent_v it_o to_o be_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o the_o more_o a_o man_n exercise_n his_o reason_n about_o it_o the_o further_o he_o be_v from_o believe_v it_o for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o doctor_n mean_v by_o say_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v foolishness_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o mind_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n such_o thing_n that_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o know_v a_o man_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a he_o be_v to_o despise_v and_o scorn_v they_o which_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o blasphemy_n i_o now_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v here_o i_o can_v but_o remember_v what_o the_o doctor_n premise_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o that_o i_o know_v of_o deny_v by_o any_o that_o christian_a religion_n be_v high_o reasonable_a i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v by_o any_o christian._n but_o now_o as_o he_o add_v present_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o what_o it_o be_v with_o relation_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o large_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o reason_n enlighten_v but_o foolishness_n i._n e._n unreasonable_a to_o the_o natural_a man_n who_o reason_n be_v unenlightn_v by_o the_o irresistible_a work_n say_v you_o so_o doctor_n how_o come_v it_o then_o about_o that_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o any_o that_o christian_a religion_n be_v high_o reasonable_a can_v they_o not_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v high_o reasonable_a and_o yet_o must_v they_o necessary_o esteem_v it_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a he_o say_v also_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o dispute_v with_o any_o about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o
the_o mind_n unprofitable_a to_o man_n and_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n but_o then_o withal_o i_o can_v find_v they_o any_o where_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o he_o fancy_n of_o a_o possibility_n to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v which_o be_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n etc._n etc._n i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o believe_v they_o nor_o do_v i_o see_v any_o likelihood_n that_o i_o ever_o shall_v unless_o some_o irresistible_a power_n make_v another_o thing_n of_o i_o than_o i_o find_v myself_o to_o be_v at_o present_a and_o if_o this_o will_v content_v the_o doctor_n i_o have_v no_o quarrel_n with_o he_o but_o then_o if_o he_o pretend_v that_o the_o real_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n gospel_n viz._n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v crucify_v for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o must_v be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o etc._n etc._n be_v as_o unintelligible_a and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o they_o as_o indiscernible_a as_o that_o of_o his_o new-fashioned_a principle_n i_o must_v beg_v his_o pardon_n if_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o neither_o but_o reckon_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o doctor_n have_v cast_v a_o horrible_a reproach_n upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n while_o he_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n that_o bend_v his_o mind_n to_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o never_o so_o attentive_o and_o use_v his_o reason_n never_o so_o modest_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o to_o assent_v to_o they_o as_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o man_n if_o that_o be_v true_a than_o this_o pernicious_a consequence_n be_v unavoidable_a that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o a_o man_n to_o use_v any_o mean_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o pretend_v to_o he_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o right_a believer_n he_o have_v no_o way_n but_o to_o sit_v down_o in_o a_o lazy_a expectation_n of_o that_o light_n which_o the_o doctor_n say_v must_v be_v create_v in_o his_o mind_n by_o a_o almighty_a act_n of_o god_n before_o he_o can_v know_v and_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o be_v and_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v this_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v interpretation_n of_o st._n paul_n text_n and_o let_v any_o man_n but_o himself_o judge_n whether_o it_o do_v not_o infinite_o disparage_v the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o whether_o it_o do_v not_o offer_v great_a wrong_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o betray_v they_o either_o into_o a_o contempt_n of_o christianity_n or_o at_o least_o into_o a_o sluggish_a neglect_n of_o all_o that_o consideration_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o understand_v and_o believe_v it_o upon_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v be_v so_o punctual_a in_o find_v out_o and_o so_o long_o in_o confute_v his_o notion_n of_o this_o text_n which_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v altogether_o as_o pernicious_a as_o they_o be_v false_a i_o shall_v have_v leave_v they_o to_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o nonsense_n sect_n v._o the_o incoherence_n of_o his_o interpretation_n with_o the_o scope_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o that_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n must_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o observe_v what_o st._n paul_n design_n be_v in_o they_o which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o inquire_v into_o and_o thereby_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o the_o text._n to_o allay_v those_o contention_n that_o be_v among_o the_o corinthian_n about_o their_o teacher_n who_o they_o shall_v follow_v chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 11._o st._n paul_n remind_v they_o how_o he_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o they_o and_o by_o what_o argument_n they_o have_v be_v win_v to_o receive_v it_o not_o with_o wisdom_n of_o word_n vers_fw-la 17._o and_o again_o not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 4._o but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n note_n i._n e._n not_o with_o rhetorical_a oration_n or_o philosophical_a discourse_n such_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o gentile_n make_v use_v of_o to_o put_v off_o their_o opinion_n to_o the_o people_n withal_o he_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n but_o as_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o the_o gospel_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v he_o prove_v it_o to_o they_o by_o a_o divine_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o viz._n that_o of_o supernatural_a gift_n bestow_v now_o upon_o believer_n of_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o apparent_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o such_o testimony_n of_o god_n own_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o revelation_n from_o he_o as_o these_o be_v the_o consequence_n whereof_o be_v that_o their_o faith_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n i._n e._n that_o their_o faith_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o eloquence_n or_o the_o subtle_a reason_n of_o man_n but_o upon_o the_o plain_a testimony_n of_o god_n declare_v by_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v clear_o a_o good_a consideration_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o contend_v about_o the_o person_n of_o their_o teacher_n who_o never_o go_v about_o to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o themselves_o as_o vers_n 13._o by_o the_o ostentation_n of_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n but_o to_o win_v they_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n but_o hereupon_o the_o apostle_n take_v occasion_n to_o show_v 1._o the_o offence_n which_o they_o who_o be_v most_o in_o vogue_n for_o wisdom_n take_v at_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o way_n of_o preach_v it_o and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o that_o way_n notwithstanding_o above_o all_o other_o method_n to_o make_v man_n wise_a and_o good_a and_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o chap._n 1._o from_o vers_n 18._o to_o the_o end_n 2._o to_o vindicate_v this_o way_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n against_o their_o pretence_n who_o reject_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o chap._n 2._o that_o the_o former_a be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n be_v plain_a from_o what_o he_o say_v vers_fw-la 18._o and_o so_o forward_o for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foolishness_n and_o who_o these_o be_v we_o learn_v from_o vers_fw-la 20._o where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o scribe_n etc._n etc._n i_o e._n let_v those_o man_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n crucify_v come_v and_o compare_v the_o religion_n they_o teach_v and_o the_o reason_n they_o bring_v for_o it_o argument_n and_o the_o good_a they_o do_v by_o it_o with_o our_o doctrine_n and_o the_o testimony_n we_o confirm_v it_o withal_o and_o the_o advantage_n which_o it_o bring_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o for_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v vers_fw-la 21._o and_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 25._o i._n e._n let_v it_o be_v consider_v and_o you_o will_v see_v a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o convince_a of_o man_n that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o the_o bring_n of_o they_o to_o salvation_n by_o it_o vers_n 24._o you_o will_v see_v also_o what_o a_o infinite_a disparegement_n this_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o god_n will_v do_v to_o all_o the_o method_n of_o human_a wisdom_n when_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o for_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n those_o way_n of_o instruct_v and_o save_v mankind_n which_o be_v so_o far_o above_o all_o the_o invention_n and_o above_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o they_o now_o general_o reckon_v they_o to_o be_v foolish_a to_o confound_v the_o wise_a to_o put_v down_o all_o that_o wisdom_n of_o they_o which_o they_o so_o much_o glory_n in_o and_o thereby_o to_o show_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a than_o man_n v_o 27._o that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v glory_v in_o his_o presence_n vers_fw-la 29._o but_o the_o particular_a reason_n gospel_n why_o so_o few_o of_o those_o person_n who_o wisdom_n be_v in_o this_o manner_n baffle_v do_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v call_v vers_fw-la 26._o
we_o find_v in_o vers_fw-la 22_o 23._o for_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n and_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n but_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n here_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o man_n concern_v who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o he_o show_v concern_v each_o of_o they_o why_o they_o reject_v the_o gospel_n 1._o the_o jew_n be_v offend_v at_o it_o because_o it_o require_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o crucify_a messiah_n but_o their_o pretence_n be_v that_o they_o want_v a_o sign_n i._n e._n some_o prodigy_n from_o heaven_n or_o some_o such_o amaze_a appearance_n as_o accompany_v the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n to_o moses_n upon_o mount_n sinai_n 2._o the_o greek_a philosopher_n of_o those_o day_n be_v offend_v at_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v who_o naked_o represent_v their_o doctrine_n without_o any_o such_o philosophical_a subtlety_n and_o reason_n as_o they_o use_v themselves_o for_o that_o which_o they_o seek_v after_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o want_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v wisdom_n or_o demonstration_n from_o natural_a principle_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o these_o peculiar_o say_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v foolishness_n unto_o they_o viz._n because_o they_o look_v for_o wisdom_n or_o discourse_n mere_o philosophical_a now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n chief_a design_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n be_v to_o vindicate_v his_o way_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n against_o the_o fault_n which_o the_o greek_n find_v with_o it_o for_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o begin_v direct_o thus_o and_o i_o brethren_n when_o i_o come_v to_o you_o ibid._n come_v not_o with_o excellency_n of_o speech_n or_o wisdom_n declare_v unto_o you_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n ay_o e._n i_o answer_v not_o their_o expectation_n who_o look_v for_o eloquence_n or_o philosophy_n for_o i_o determine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v v_o 2._o not_o to_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o any_o other_o doctrine_n but_o those_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o particular_o that_o the_o crucify_a jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n and_o these_o doctrine_n i_o prove_v by_o miracle_n and_o other_o divine_a testimony_n now_o this_o way_n of_o prove_v they_o the_o apostle_n justify_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v preach_v unto_o they_o show_v that_o they_o have_v depend_v altogether_o upon_o the_o free_a and_o sovereign_a will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v to_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v not_o immediate_o reveal_v otherwise_o than_o by_o sufficient_a testimony_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o other_o such_o as_o miracle_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v why_o he_o reject_v excellency_n of_o speech_n and_o wisdom_n already_o viz._n because_o it_o be_v a_o improper_a way_n of_o prove_v thing_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o thus_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n even_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n which_o god_n ordain_v before_o the_o world_n unto_o our_o glory_n v_o 7._o i._n e._n we_o declare_v those_o counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v conceal_v from_o former_a age_n and_o which_o god_n have_v now_o honour_v we_o with_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o revelation_n which_o none_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n know_v for_o have_v they_o but_o as_o it_o be_v write_v eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n what_o thing_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o i_o e._n if_o it_o can_v have_v be_v find_v out_o by_o natural_a sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n that_o god_n will_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n the_o chief_a man_n among_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o instead_o of_o crucify_a he_o they_o will_v have_v become_v his_o disciple_n themselves_o but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 10._o but_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o no_o man_n by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n can_v attain_v god_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o revelation_n of_o his_o spirit_n so_o that_o this_o contrivance_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v no_o long_o hide_v now_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o we_o may_v therefore_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v unto_o we_o for_o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 11._o i._n e._n what_o man_n know_v the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o another_o man_n till_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o discover_v they_o himself_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n i._n e._n his_o counsel_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n which_o depend_v mere_o upon_o his_o own_o will_n and_o choice_n none_o can_v know_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n mean_v be_v plain_a from_o the_o argument_n which_o he_o use_v here_o for_o those_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v common_a to_o humane_a nature_n one_o man_n may_v know_v concern_v another_o without_o be_v acquaint_v by_o he_o what_o they_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n without_o particular_a revelation_n a_o man_n may_v understand_v the_o natural_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o by_o the_o mere_a use_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v thence_o infer_v wherefore_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n here_o mean_v be_v those_o intention_n and_o design_n of_o god_n which_o by_o natural_a reason_n can_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n because_o they_o depend_v only_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o be_v therefore_o only_o to_o be_v know_v by_o revelation_n and_o this_o be_v further_a express_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 12_o vers_n we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v know_v which_o thing_n also_o we_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a i._n e._n there_o be_v then_o no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v offend_v that_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o prove_v these_o divine_a matter_n by_o philosophical_a argument_n but_o by_o such_o argument_n only_o as_o be_v proper_a to_o prove_v they_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o revelation_n we_o prove_v by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n vers_fw-la 4._o the_o sense_n of_o revelation_n we_o prove_v by_o compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a etc._n i._n e._n one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o new_a then_o the_o apostle_n add_v but_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o text_n to_o be_v explain_v now_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v consistent_o we_o be_v 1._o by_o the_o natural_a man_n to_o understand_v one_o who_o reject_v revelation_n do_v not_o exclude_v he_o that_o never_o have_v it_o offer_v to_o he_o but_o the_o former_a seem_v principal_o to_o be_v intend_v though_o upon_o the_o matter_n it_o come_v all_o to_o one_o viz._n he_o who_o reject_v the_o testimony_n whereby_o any_o thing_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v which_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o philosophical_a wisdom_n thus_o do_v the_o greek_a philosopher_n who_o count_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n foolishness_n as_o here_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v he_o to_o who_o the_o apostle_n offer_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n against_o the_o excellency_n of_o speech_n and_o wisdom_n wherefore_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v he_o against_o who_o st._n paul_n be_v prove_v the_o necessity_n
of_o revelation_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o reveal_v doctrine_n by_o testimony_n of_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v one_o who_o reject_v reveal_v doctrine_n though_o as_o i_o intimate_v before_o he_o may_v be_v so_o call_v that_o be_v fain_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o mere_a natural_a reason_n for_o want_v of_o revelation_n because_o it_o be_v never_o propose_v to_o he_o for_o whether_o a_o man_n never_o have_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o be_v offer_v he_o be_v equal_o force_v to_o trust_v to_o natural_a reason_n in_o his_o enquiry_n after_o divine_a truth_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o doctor_n by_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n which_o he_o make_v such_o a_o clutter_v about_o all_o over_o his_o book_n mean_v the_o state_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o scriptural_a notion_n thereof_o though_o we_o do_v not_o find_v this_o very_a phrase_n the_o state_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v this_o viz._n the_o state_n of_o a_o heathen_a man_n who_o either_o want_n or_o reject_v divine_a revelation_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v fit_o oppose_v to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n as_o that_o signify_v be_v a_o believer_n or_o a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o both_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o state_n of_o judaisme_n or_o be_v under_o the_o law_n for_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o reject_v all_o divine_a revelation_n believe_v that_o which_o come_v by_o moses_n and_o so_o be_v not_o in_o a_o mere_a state_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o heathen_n be_v but_o as_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v under_o the_o law_n but_o not_o under_o grace_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 3._o i._n e._n they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n not_o as_o the_o phrase_n be_v take_v now_o adays_o but_o as_o it_o signify_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o those_o jew_n who_o receive_v not_o be_v under_o the_o law_n those_o heathen_n who_o receive_v not_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o natural_a man_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o 2._o by_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o the_o natural_a man_n reject_v the_o apostle_n mean_v those_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v not_o discoverable_a by_o natural_a reason_n which_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 9_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n of_o god_n v_o 7._o but_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o revelation_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 10._o be_v they_o concern_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n that_o depend_v upon_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 11_o 12._o and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v only_o by_o divine_a testimony_n and_o argument_n by_o the_o demonstration_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 4._o in_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 13._o 3._o because_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o signify_v because_o they_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o wisdom_n which_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o by_o philosophical_a demonstration_n from_o natural_a principle_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 22._o 4._o by_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v be_v mean_v their_o be_v know_v and_o understand_v and_o judge_v of_o by_o the_o revelation_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o external_a to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o immediate_o inspire_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v which_o be_v clear_a from_o st._n paul_n former_a discourse_n for_o he_o propose_v this_o way_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n he_o also_o propose_v this_o way_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o viz._n by_o compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a that_o be_v believe_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o now_o this_o have_v be_v utter_o vain_a if_o those_o to_o who_o that_o evidence_n and_o this_o help_n be_v propose_v can_v not_o possible_o know_v spiritual_a thing_n without_o such_o a_o internal_a and_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v themselves_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n not_o immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n but_o by_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v leave_v we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o holy_a write_n they_o prove_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v reveal_v those_o doctrine_n by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o prove_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o by_o compare_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o and_o this_o way_n of_o conviction_n st._n paul_n clear_o oppose_v to_o philosophical_a demonstration_n which_o it_o have_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o mean_v a_o external_a mean_n of_o conviction_n by_o it_o i._n e._n a_o mean_n by_o which_o one_o man_n may_v convince_v another_o which_o the_o doctor_n irresistible_a light_n can_v with_o any_o face_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v wherefore_o to_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v do_v according_a to_o the_o clear_a scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n signify_v to_o be_v discern_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o external_a revelation_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o thing_n that_o be_v natural_o discern_v be_v thing_n discernible_a by_o sense_n revelation_n or_o mere_a natural_a reason_n so_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v be_v those_o which_o be_v discernible_a only_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n &_o his_o apostle_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o by_o compare_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n argument_n be_v this_o a_o natural_a man_n can_v understand_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o revelation_n from_o the_o spirit_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v i._n e._n because_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o know_v these_o thing_n but_o by_o revelation_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o reject_v now_o he_o who_o faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o this_o revelation_n the_o apostle_n call_v a_o spiritual_a man_n v_o 15._o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n and_o he_o say_v concern_v he_o that_o he_o judge_v all_o thing_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n i._n e._n either_o according_a to_o st._n chrysostome_n excellent_a note_n he_o judge_v both_o the_o doctrine_n that_o may_v be_v know_v by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n and_o those_o which_o can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n for_o he_o have_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n equal_o with_o the_o natural_a man_n we_o and_o moreover_o he_o have_v further_a knowledge_n by_o revelation_n which_o the_o other_o have_v not_o or_o he_o judge_v all_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n be_v speak_v viz._n gospel-mystery_n he_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n by_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v divine_o reveal_v and_o thereby_o to_o confute_v their_o pretence_n who_o reject_v they_o because_o they_o can_v be_v know_v by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n but_o no_o man_n can_v confute_v he_o who_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v ground_v upon_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v divine_o reveal_v for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v pretend_v to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n better_a than_o god_n himself_o do_v and_o yet_o those_o must_v do_v so_o reveal_v who_o contradict_v what_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o certain_a foundation_n of_o our_o knowledge_n which_o must_v stand_v when_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n shall_v perish_v that_o we_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v instruct_v by_o christ_n himself_o who_o come_v from_o god_n thus_o have_v i_o large_o show_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o two_o chapter_n and_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n in_o hand_n which_o make_v the_o apostle_n discourse_v clear_o consistent_a and_o now_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o unprejudiced_a reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o the_o doctor_n be_v interpretation_n of_o it_o which_o i_o have_v already_o show_v to_o be_v absurd_a in_o itself_o be_v not_o also_o utter_o impertinent_a to_o the_o apostle_n main_a design_n for_o suppose_v the_o natural_a man_n to_o be_v one_o in_o who_o spiritual_a light_n be_v not_o create_v by_o a_o almighty_a work_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o mind_n how_o strange_o must_v the_o apostle_n have_v wander_v from_o his_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o reveal_v truth_n
miracle_n prophecy_n etc._n etc._n the_o true_a difference_n between_o dr._n h._n and_o dr._n o._n in_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o manner_n or_o the_o mean_n of_o receive_v spiritual_a thing_n be_v signify_v by_o the_o word_n spiritual_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v design_v to_o express_v those_o mean_n which_o dr._n h._n affirm_v viz._n external_a testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n or_o those_o which_o dr._n o._n contend_v for_o viz._n the_o internal_a and_o irresistible_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o a_o man_n mind_n but_o 2._o i_o have_v show_v by_o the_o clear_a scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o outward_a mean_n be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v this_o i_o see_v be_v our_o author_n be_v great_a trouble_n that_o dr._n h._n suppose_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v because_o he_o will_v only_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o natural_a reason_n and_o will_v not_o attend_v to_o revelation_n and_o the_o outward_a mean_n whereby_o reveal_v doctrine_n may_v be_v prove_v whereas_o j._n owen_n meaning_n be_v that_o he_o can_v receive_v they_o because_o the_o new_a light_n be_v not_o yet_o create_v in_o his_o mind_n by_o a_o almighty_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o truth_n of_o dr._n hammond_n sense_n and_o the_o absurdity_n of_o dr._n owen_n i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o shall_v only_o add_v this_o to_o help_v our_o author_n understanding_n viz._n that_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o external_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n make_v equal_o to_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o gospel_n with_o they_o who_o receive_v it_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o they_o who_o reject_v it_o can_v not_o receive_v it_o because_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o enlighten_v by_o a_o omnipotent_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o another_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o they_o can_v not_o viz._n the_o apostle_n reason_n because_o they_o seek_v after_o man_n wisdom_n and_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o that_o for_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o philosophical_a discourse_n by_o the_o authority_n he_o bring_v to_o confirm_v his_o own_o exposition_n and_o to_o confront_v dr._n hammond_n we_o may_v guess_v how_o pertinent_a the_o rest_n be_v that_o his_o book_n be_v stuff_v withal_o he_o produce_v that_o say_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n a_o natural_a man_n be_v he_o who_o live_v by_o the_o flesh_n and_o have_v not_o his_o mind_n yet_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n but_o only_o have_v that_o connatural_a humane_a understanding_n which_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n have_v endue_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n withal_o this_o exposition_n which_o he_o call_v better_a than_o dr._n hammond_n be_v clear_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n with_o it_o for_o here_o be_v not_o a_o word_n about_o that_o irresistible_a light_n which_o j._n o._n contend_v for_o and_o to_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n which_o be_v dr._n hammond_n word_n be_v perfect_o the_o same_o with_o have_v only_o the_o connatural_a humane_a understanding_n etc._n etc._n the_o follow_a passage_n of_o chrysostome_n which_o he_o quote_v be_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o same_o writer_n which_o he_o bring_v in_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o exposition_n the_o natural_a man_n be_v one_o that_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o do_v not_o think_v that_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o aid_n from_o above_o which_o be_v madness_n for_o god_n have_v give_v the_o soul_n that_o it_o shall_v learn_v and_o receive_v what_o he_o bestow_v or_o what_o be_v from_o he_o and_o not_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o itself_o eye_n be_v beautiful_a and_o profitable_a but_o if_o they_o will_v see_v without_o light_n this_o beauty_n and_o power_n will_v not_o profit_v but_o hurt_v they_o and_o the_o mind_n if_o it_o will_v see_v without_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o do_v but_o entangle_v itself_o this_o be_v clear_o against_o he_o for_o that_o which_o god_n be_v here_o say_v to_o bestow_v be_v not_o that_o irresistible_a light_n the_o doctor_n speak_v of_o but_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n which_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o i._n e._n reveal_v truth_n which_o st._n chrysostome_n say_v the_o soul_n be_v to_o learn_v but_o to_o learn_v that_o light_n he_o talk_v of_o be_v nonsense_n st._n chrysostome_n be_v so_o far_o from_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o receive_v what_o revelation_n god_n bestow_v unless_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n necessitate_v he_o to_o do_v it_o that_o he_o say_v god_n have_v give_v the_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v receive_v they_o when_o they_o be_v bestow_v and_o he_o reckon_v it_o madness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o think_v he_o need_v no_o divine_a revelation_n and_o consequent_o to_o reject_v they_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v with_o sufficient_a evidence_n now_o the_o only_a reason_n according_a to_o j._n o._n why_o he_o reject_v they_o be_v because_o the_o almighty_a work_n have_v not_o be_v yet_o upon_o his_o mind_n if_o st._n chrysostome_n have_v think_v so_o too_o he_o have_v be_v a_o mad_a man_n himself_o for_o accuse_v they_o of_o madness_n that_o fail_v of_o do_v what_o no_o power_n less_o than_o almighty_a can_v enable_v they_o to_o do_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o accuse_v they_o of_o madness_n because_o they_o be_v not_o almighty_a themselves_o st._n chrysostome_n similitude_n be_v very_o pertinent_a for_o as_o light_n be_v to_o bodily_a eye_n so_o be_v revelation_n to_o the_o mind_n in_o respect_n of_o reveal_v truth_n which_o be_v such_o as_o none_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v discover_v and_o therefore_o whoever_o refuse_v to_o attend_v to_o his_o revelation_n of_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o and_o will_v find_v himself_o entangle_v in_o many_o difficulty_n which_o he_o may_v have_v understand_v by_o harken_v to_o revelation_n this_o similitude_n st._n chrysostome_n use_v elsewhere_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n for_o he_o say_v as_o no_o man_n with_o his_o naked_a eye_n can_v learn_v the_o appearance_n in_o the_o heaven_n so_o the_o soul_n alone_o can_v learn_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 7._o i._n e._n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o revelation_n i_o now_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v with_o what_o conscience_n this_o man_n can_v pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n to_o countenance_v his_o own_o exposition_n of_o this_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o doctor_n be_v authority_n which_o any_o one_o may_v see_v be_v as_o convince_a as_o his_o reason_n and_o now_o at_o length_n i_o desire_v he_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o he_o to_o reject_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v concern_v spiritual_a thing_n contrary_a to_o his_o notion_n of_o they_o under_o pretence_n that_o i_o be_o a_o natural_a man_n for_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o be_o a_o christian_n and_o so_o long_o as_o i_o have_v the_o scripture_n by_o i_o i_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o understanding_n what_o revelation_n god_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n for_o they_o contain_v those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n these_o doctrine_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v foolishness_n to_o i_o or_o reject_v by_o i_o because_o they_o be_v not_o knowable_a by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o inexcusable_a madness_n if_o i_o shall_v not_o surrender_v up_o my_o belief_n unto_o they_o though_o i_o can_v not_o possible_o find_v they_o out_o nor_o have_v know_v they_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v reveal_v yet_o be_v reveal_v i_o discern_v the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o in_o they_o still_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o depth_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o my_o understanding_n can_v reach_v into_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o revelation_n i_o learn_v principal_o from_o the_o testimony_n give_v to_o they_o and_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o not_o exclude_v other_o subordinate_a help_n by_o compare_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o and_o the_o doctor_n have_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o discern_a of_o these_o thing_n aright_o but_o that_o new_a light_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o but_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v never_o a_o word_n of_o and_o let_v he_o make_v his_o best_a advantage_n of_o it_o but_o if_o the_o doctor_n be_v resolve_v to_o cant_n on_o still_o in_o his_o own_o defence_n and_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
speak_v of_o we_o agree_v that_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o his_o revelation_n be_v mean_v but_o this_o by_o the_o by_o it_o be_v however_o clear_a that_o our_o saviour_n challenge_v the_o jew_n of_o unreasonable_a incredulity_n for_o disbelieve_v what_o be_v sufficient_o testify_v and_o prove_v to_o they_o 2._o christ_n assign_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o unbelief_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a vers_fw-la 19_o i._n e._n the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o i_o bring_v be_v so_o bright_a and_o clear_a that_o the_o cause_n why_o man_n believe_v it_o not_o be_v not_o because_o they_o want_v reason_n and_o argument_n to_o induce_v they_o thereunto_o or_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v himself_o by_o light_n it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o i_o be_o the_o son_n god_n that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o perceive_v it_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o mean_n of_o conviction_n but_o because_o your_o deed_n be_v evil_a because_o my_o doctrine_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o your_o lust_n and_o vice_n that_o you_o be_v not_o will_v it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o so_o you_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o therefore_o great_a shall_v be_v your_o condemnation_n every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v sincere_o dispose_v to_o do_v whatever_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v manifest_a be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o have_v his_o action_n prove_v that_o they_o be_v wrought_v of_o god_n whether_o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o not_o i_o think_v it_o be_v thus_o sufficient_o plain_a that_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o his_o discourse_n to_o nicodemus_n be_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o come_v to_o he_o or_o believe_v in_o he_o i._n e._n of_o be_v his_o disciple_n in_o order_n to_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o to_o convince_v those_o of_o unreasonable_a obstinacy_n and_o incredulity_n who_o will_v not_o be_v his_o disciple_n it_o be_v therefore_o plain_a that_o suppose_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o regenerate_v man_n than_o the_o beginning_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n be_v consonant_a to_o his_o plain_a design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v why_o we_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o how_o inexcusable_a we_o be_v if_o we_o be_v not_o but_o that_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o whole_a may_v be_v clear_o see_v i_o shall_v here_o subjoin_v a_o paraphrase_n of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o concern_v regeneration_n proceed_v upon_o our_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v probable_a as_o grotius_n observe_v that_o after_o nicodemus_n have_v acknowledge_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n he_o ask_v he_o what_o qualification_n a_o man_n must_v have_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o in_o his_o preach_n he_o have_v make_v so_o much_o mention_v of_o to_o which_o question_n our_o saviour_n answer_n be_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v no_o man_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n except_o he_o become_v my_o disciple_n which_o you_o seem_v unwilling_a to_o be_v because_o you_o come_v secret_o to_o i_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o you_o to_o acknowledge_v to_o i_o that_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n but_o withal_o you_o must_v become_v one_o of_o my_o disciple_n and_o own_o yourself_o so_o to_o be_v though_o you_o forfeit_v thereby_o the_o honour_n you_o have_v in_o the_o jewish_a state_n for_o you_o must_v forsake_v all_o to_o follow_v i_o nicodemus_n not_o understand_v this_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n reply_v as_o if_o it_o be_v require_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v bear_v again_o in_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v when_o he_o be_v old_a as_o i_o be_o can_v he_o etc._n etc._n jesus_n answer_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n q._n d._n it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o birth_n that_o i_o mean_v but_o that_o of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n you_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o water_n you_o must_v by_o baptism_n become_v a_o profess_a disciple_n of_o i_o who_o you_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o you_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n too_o it_o be_v equal_o necessary_a that_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o promise_n whereof_o be_v part_n of_o my_o doctrine_n you_o become_v obedient_a in_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o those_o law_n which_o i_o deliver_v which_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o divine_a that_o they_o be_v hate_v by_o they_o who_o deed_n be_v evil_a who_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n vers_fw-la 6._o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n as_o when_o a_o infant_n be_v bear_v of_o his_o mother_n be_v discernible_a to_o your_o eye_n and_o the_o change_n make_v thereby_o be_v evident_a to_o your_o grosser_n sense_n it_o be_v not_o this_o change_n which_o i_o mean_v but_o i_o say_v you_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a change_n that_o i_o mean_v thereby_o viz._n that_o of_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o life_n which_o change_n together_o with_o those_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o it_o be_v produce_v be_v not_o discernible_a the_o same_o way_n in_o which_o the_o natural_a birth_n be_v vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o marvel_v not_o that_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o you_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o lift_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o spirit_n by_o this_o it_o shall_v seem_v that_o which_o be_v most_o troublesome_a to_o nicodemus_n to_o understand_v be_v this_o viz._n how_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o he_o stick_v at_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o imperceptibleness_n of_o that_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o this_o change_n be_v produce_v for_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n know_v when_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v suppose_v our_o saviour_n answer_n to_o he_o remove_v the_o doubt_n for_o it_o show_v 1._o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o they_o be_v not_o perceptible_a to_o the_o sense_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v otherways_o know_v to_o this_o purpose_n he_o use_v a_o familiar_a similitude_n to_o explain_v himself_o by_o viz._n that_o of_o the_o wind_n which_o blow_v hither_o and_o thither_o but_o be_v not_o discernible_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o though_o we_o see_v it_o not_o yet_o we_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n because_o we_o hear_v it_o now_o as_o every_o body_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o its_o proper_a sense_n so_o be_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o its_o proper_a faculty_n and_o as_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o some_o body_n because_o they_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o one_o sense_n if_o they_o be_v evident_a to_o another_o so_o we_o be_v not_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o some_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o our_o sense_n if_o they_o be_v evident_a to_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v 2._o our_o saviour_n answer_n show_v that_o we_o may_v know_v a_o effect_n the_o immediate_a cause_n whereof_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o similitude_n of_o the_o wind_n the_o natural_a cause_n whereof_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o be_v yet_o sure_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v ignorant_a of_o now_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o may_v perceive_v or_o feel_v a_o effect_n in_o our_o mind_n viz._n that_o change_n which_o the_o spirit_n make_v there_o though_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v and_o in_o that_o sense_n do_v not_o know_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n themselves_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n
the_o jew_n will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o willing_a to_o be_v have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o outward_a appearance_n and_o his_o ignominious_a death_n afterward_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o probable_a interpretation_n of_o this_o difficult_a place_n but_o i_o do_v not_o think_v every_o body_n be_v bind_v present_o to_o believe_v it_o or_o to_o yield_v to_o it_o any_o further_a than_o he_o judge_v those_o reason_n to_o be_v of_o weight_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v for_o it_o and_o if_o dr._n owen_n or_o any_o other_o divine_a can_v show_v i_o a_o more_o probable_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n or_o of_o any_o difficult_a passage_n in_o this_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n than_o what_o i_o have_v propound_v i_o shall_v make_v no_o difficulty_n to_o forsake_v my_o own_o and_o come_v over_o to_o he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v safe_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n if_o i_o have_v prove_v to_o you_o by_o those_o miracle_n which_o you_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o the_o messiah_n and_o consequent_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v my_o disciple_n and_o yet_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o and_o become_v my_o disciple_n how_o much_o more_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o you_o will_v be_v so_o after_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o i_o who_o be_o your_o messiah_n must_v be_v lift_v up_o upon_o a_o cross_n and_o die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n this_o will_v go_v down_o more_o hardly_o with_o you_o than_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o hitherto_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o know_v and_o be_o come_v to_o tell_v you_o who_o have_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o be_o acquaint_v with_o these_o heavenly_a thing_n these_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n which_o so_o far_o transcend_v all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n and_o this_o be_v that_o too_o which_o be_v prefigure_v by_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n our_o saviour_n thereupon_o proceed_v show_v it_o to_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n to_o save_v mankind_n this_o way_n viz._n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v expect_v but_o by_o become_v his_o disciple_n and_o that_o they_o who_o will_v not_o be_v so_o be_v inexcusible_a as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o now_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o the_o paraphrase_n which_o i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n to_o nicodemus_n do_v not_o make_v the_o connexion_n between_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o very_o clear_a and_o also_o whether_o our_o understanding_n the_o regenerate_v man_n to_o be_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o notion_n this_o paraphrase_n do_v proceed_v upon_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n whole_a discourse_n in_o this_o place_n sect_n ii_o i_o come_v at_o last_o to_o answer_v the_o doctor_n be_v objection_n against_o our_o notion_n of_o regeneration_n which_o as_o he_o say_v we_o suppose_v to_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o reformation_n of_o life_n his_o objection_n be_v this_o nicodemus_n know_v the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n of_o life_n well_o enough_o if_o he_o have_v ever_o read_v moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n and_o to_o suppose_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n propose_v unto_o he_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v perfect_o well_o only_o under_o a_o new_a name_n or_o notion_n which_o he_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o so_o to_o take_v a_o advantage_n of_o charge_v he_o with_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o indeed_o he_o full_a well_o know_v and_o understand_v be_v a_o blasphemous_a imagination_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o reformation_n of_o life_n which_o we_o say_v our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o regeneration_n nicodemus_n do_v not_o understand_v so_o perfect_o well_o as_o our_o author_n imagine_v for_o though_o he_o understand_v well_o enough_o that_o reformation_n of_o life_n which_o be_v require_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n he_o do_v not_o yet_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o that_o reformation_n which_o be_v require_v by_o our_o saviour_n under_o which_o be_v suppose_v the_o believe_v of_o jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o become_a of_o his_o disciple_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o law_n which_o be_v better_o than_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n now_o as_o i_o have_v already_o tell_v the_o doctor_n none_o of_o those_o conformable_a divine_n who_o he_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v as_o odious_o as_o he_o can_v do_v mean_v any_o thing_n less_o by_o that_o reformation_n of_o life_n which_o they_o affirm_v regeneration_n to_o consist_v in_o than_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o suppose_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o a_o sincere_a change_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n this_o be_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o that_o reformation_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o those_o man_n who_o the_o doctor_n so_o tragical_o complain_v of_o that_o they_o mean_v nothing_o less_o by_o it_o and_o i_o be_o confident_a so_o well_o do_v i_o know_v they_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o who_o will_v not_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n forbear_v this_o use_n of_o that_o expression_n of_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n if_o they_o either_o think_v it_o dangerous_a or_o offensive_a which_o hitherto_o they_o have_v not_o because_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n be_v thus_o describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o be_v my_o brother_n etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v my_o first_o answer_n to_o the_o doctor_n that_o that_o reformation_n of_o life_n which_o his_o adversary_n mean_v which_o namely_o imply_v be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n nicodemus_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o but_o be_v that_o very_a thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n design_v to_o make_v he_o understand_v 2._o so_o mistake_v be_v the_o doctor_n every_o way_n this_o thing_n be_v propose_v unto_o nicodemus_n not_o under_o a_o new_a but_o under_o a_o old_a name_n or_o notion_n for_o 1._o the_o name_n and_o notion_n of_o be_v bear_v again_o be_v not_o new_a since_o the_o jew_n count_v their_o proselyte_n recens_fw-la nati_n newborn_a man_n and_o as_o such_o to_o have_v quit_v their_o relation_n to_o their_o former_a country_n kindred_n and_o parent_n and_o become_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n 2._o to_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n be_v no_o new_a notion_n neither_o since_o purify_n by_o water_n or_o baptism_n be_v one_o of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o this_o regeneration_n by_o proselytism_n 3._o neither_o be_v it_o a_o new_a notion_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n 174._o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o doctor_n himself_o find_v it_o there_o in_o those_o word_n where_o god_n promise_v to_o circumcise_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n to_o take_v away_o their_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n with_o his_o law_n write_v in_o it_o have_v nicodemus_n therefore_o talk_v like_o himself_o when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o he_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n than_o instead_o of_o ask_v that_o strange_a question_n can_v a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v old_a etc._n etc._n and_o afterward_o how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v he_o shall_v either_o have_v offer_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o proselyte_n or_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o divine_a law_n which_o he_o that_o observe_v be_v bear_v of_o god_n have_v a_o new_a heart_n etc._n etc._n or_o offer_v some_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o than_o i_o answer_v the_o doctor_n that_o suppose_v regeneration_n to_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o become_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n our_o saviour_n do_v not_o propose_v a_o old_a thing_n to_o nicodemus_n under_o a_o new_a name_n and_o notion_n to_o puzzle_v he_o as_o the_o doctor_n pretend_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o propose_v a_o new_a thing_n to_o he_o under_o old_a and_o familiar_a expression_n and_o thus_o though_o the_o doctor_n know_v not_o how_o we_o can_v do_v it_o i_o hope_v we_o have_v free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o that_o blasphemous_a imagination_n he_o will_v fain_o fasten_v upon_o we_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v this_o that_o regeneration_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n consist_v in_o be_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n
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
be_v in_o general_n promise_v by_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 11.13_o and_o prove_v also_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n several_o ascribe_v to_o his_o operation_n now_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n of_o this_o divine_a grace_n god_n have_v make_v we_o a_o very_a large_a and_o bountiful_a promise_n thereof_o and_o give_v thereby_o such_o a_o abundant_a demonstration_n of_o his_o goodwill_n towards_o we_o that_o indeed_o he_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o have_v rather_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v with_o our_o utmost_a thanks_o and_o praise_n but_o after_o all_o this_o it_o will_v be_v pretend_v by_o some_o man_n that_o if_o we_o say_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v limit_v to_o those_o effect_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o we_o confine_v the_o promise_n within_o too_o narrow_a a_o compass_n and_o do_v in_o effect_n deny_v several_a divine_a grace_n and_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n such_o as_o dart_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n into_o their_o mind_n suggest_v word_n and_o matter_n to_o they_o when_o they_o pray_v extempore_o and_o give_v they_o absolute_a assurance_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v at_o last_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o if_o we_o take_v the_o liberty_n of_o dissent_v from_o their_o sense_n of_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o next_o thing_n we_o hear_v be_v that_o we_o want_v the_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o all_o that_o we_o can_v say_v be_v at_o once_o turn_v off_o for_o carnal_a reason_n if_o we_o dare_v not_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o than_o a_o conditional_a assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n we_o be_v those_o that_o have_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o if_o we_o make_v use_v of_o pious_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n we_o do_v not_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o inquire_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o pretend_v to_o these_o spiritual_a gift_n but_o before_o i_o do_v so_o i_o shall_v premise_v by_o way_n of_o caution_n these_o follow_a thing_n 1._o that_o those_o disposition_n which_o qualify_v we_o for_o a_o profitable_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n such_o as_o teachableness_n humility_n attention_n and_o industry_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o that_o our_o success_n in_o endeavour_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n depend_v upon_o his_o blessing_n and_o grace_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o labour_v after_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o that_o this_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 3._o that_o those_o affection_n which_o make_v our_o prayer_n acceptable_a to_o god_n such_o as_o love_v to_o god_n trust_v in_o he_o hatred_n of_o sin_n zeal_n and_o fervency_n and_o the_o like_a be_v likewise_o the_o effect_n of_o divine_a grace_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o hearty_o acknowledge_v and_o they_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o what_o may_v be_v conclude_v easy_o from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n concern_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o that_o which_o i_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o question_n be_v this_o whether_o we_o can_v conclude_v that_o the_o spirit_n will_v convey_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o any_o man_n mind_n by_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o or_o that_o he_o will_v give_v to_o some_o man_n a_o absolute_a assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n while_o they_o live_v here_o upon_o their_o trial_n or_o that_o he_o suggest_v to_o they_o by_o inspiration_n what_o they_o say_v in_o their_o extemporary_a prayer_n for_o whatever_o he_o may_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o have_v promise_v any_o where_o so_o to_o do_v and_o i_o think_v we_o be_v not_o to_o promise_v to_o ourselves_o that_o divine_a grace_n which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o we_o and_o that_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v these_o thing_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o by_o compare_v the_o contrary_a pretence_n with_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o luke_n 11.13_o 2._o by_o consider_v what_o ground_n there_o be_v for_o it_o from_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n 1._o by_o compare_v the_o pretence_n with_o luke_n 11.13_o and_o here_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o whatever_o countenance_n it_o may_v have_v from_o other_o scripture_n it_o can_v have_v none_o from_o this_o which_o as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v contain_v a_o promise_n of_o such_o gift_n as_o be_v needful_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n 1._o as_o to_o that_o of_o come_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n by_o inherent_a revelation_n i_o say_v that_o such_o a_o revelation_n be_v not_o needful_a for_o we_o to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n because_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o need_v no_o infallible_a interpreter_n for_o all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v be_v plain_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o new_a revelation_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o text_n the_o sense_n whereof_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a there_o be_v indeed_o many_o passage_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n or_o of_o new_a revelation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v themselves_o necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v if_o you_o say_v that_o because_o all_o scripture_n be_v profitable_a the_o revelation_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o those_o text_n at_o least_o which_o have_v the_o great_a difficulty_n belong_v to_o they_o must_v be_v profitable_a also_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o do_v not_o follow_v in_o every_o particular_a that_o because_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v profitable_a therefore_o if_o i_o ask_v god_n will_v give_v it_o which_o you_o know_v be_v prove_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o st._n luke_n text_n chap._n 2._o sect._n 2._o wherefore_o if_o i_o pray_v only_o that_o god_n may_v prosper_v my_o industry_n in_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v such_o a_o difficult_a place_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o promise_n in_o st._n luke_n that_o god_n will_v grant_v my_o request_n in_o that_o particular_a for_o he_o may_v give_v i_o something_o as_o good_a or_o better_a instead_o of_o it_o as_o i_o may_v get_v advantage_n by_o understand_v that_o place_n so_o i_o may_v also_o get_v advantage_n by_o find_v that_o after_o all_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o which_o may_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v improve_v by_o i_o into_o a_o occasion_n of_o more_o humility_n modesty_n and_o charity_n which_o if_o st._n paul_n may_v be_v believe_v be_v better_a than_o knowledge_n as_o my_o try_v to_o understand_v do_v before_o excite_v i_o to_o prayer_n and_o industry_n but_o much_o less_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o god_n will_v grant_v my_o request_n if_o i_o pray_v yet_o more_o particular_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o difficult_a place_n may_v be_v reveal_v to_o i_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n for_o 2._o though_o that_o be_v profitable_a yet_o it_o be_v profitable_a also_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o study_n and_o the_o industrious_a use_n of_o mean_n common_a to_o learned_a man_n if_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n of_o other_o or_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o spiritual_a guide_n if_o i_o be_o mere_o a_o learner_n and_o if_o i_o come_v either_o of_o these_o way_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o difficult_a text_n god_n have_v not_o be_v less_o good_a to_o i_o for_o not_o communicate_v it_o to_o i_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v 3._o that_o if_o god_n give_v i_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o difficult_a place_n by_o blessing_n my_o industry_n in_o read_v hear_v confer_v with_o other_o meditate_v and_o compare_v place_n with_o place_n this_o will_n in_o all_o probability_n be_v more_o useful_a to_o other_o not_o to_o say_v to_o myself_o than_o if_o he_o give_v it_o to_o i_o by_o immediate_a illumination_n because_o the_o knowledge_n which_o be_v gain_v the_o former_a way_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o impart_v to_o another_o than_o that_o which_o may_v be_v obtain_v by_o the_o latter_a for_o i_o can_v lead_v another_o into_o my_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n which_o come_v by_o the_o way_n of_o industry_n and_o study_n by_o show_v he_o the_o reason_n that_o convince_v i_o and_o discover_v the_o method_n of_o my_o come_n to_o it_o now_o reason_v you_o know_v be_v a_o thing_n common_a to_o you_o and_o i_o
extemporary_a pray_n and_o to_o pass_v for_o one_o that_o have_v a_o double_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o they_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o ascribe_v all_o heat_n and_o eloquence_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o divine_a principle_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o to_o undervalue_v any_o man_n ability_n in_o this_o kind_n but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o they_o may_v be_v set_v too_o high_a as_o for_o they_o that_o do_v so_o they_o may_v undeceive_v themselves_o by_o observe_v the_o very_a prayer_n of_o those_o person_n who_o gift_n this_o way_n be_v most_o remarkable_a for_o although_o these_o man_n be_v sometime_o please_v to_o decry_v the_o use_n of_o form_n as_o not_o savour_v of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o that_o their_o own_o prayer_n as_o spiritual_a as_o they_o look_v may_v be_v as_o pure_o humane_a as_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o book_n be_v by_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o tie_v up_o themselves_o to_o those_o usual_a topic_n of_o prayer_n and_o head_n of_o devotion_n according_a to_o which_o book-prayer_n as_o they_o call_v they_o be_v frame_v they_o usual_o begin_v with_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o then_o they_o run_v through_o the_o common_a place_n of_o confession_n petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n that_o furnish_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n they_o confess_v the_o same_o sin_n they_o beg_v the_o same_o grace_n they_o praise_v god_n for_o the_o same_o blessing_n in_o all_o their_o prayer_n now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o suppose_v none_o of_o they_o will_v deny_v and_o then_o i_o think_v they_o must_v confess_v that_o their_o prayer_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v as_o formal_a as_o those_o of_o the_o liturgy_n but_o further_a as_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n be_v confine_v to_o certain_a head_n so_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o use_v the_o same_o expression_n only_o with_o this_o condition_n that_o they_o be_v lay_v in_o with_o such_o good_a store_n of_o they_o that_o they_o need_v not_o use_v they_o all_o at_o once_o but_o may_v keep_v some_o against_o another_o time_n and_o thus_o indeed_o they_o do_v not_o tie_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o form_n of_o word_n because_o they_o have_v as_o many_o form_n to_o use_v as_o may_v be_v make_v by_o the_o shift_a and_o transpose_n of_o those_o phrase_n which_o they_o have_v in_o stock_n and_o so_o many_o form_n they_o have_v more_o or_o few_o according_a as_o that_o stock_n increase_v more_o or_o less_o and_o thus_o as_o we_o pray_v out_o of_o our_o book_n so_o do_v they_o out_o of_o their_o memory_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o their_o way_n and_o we_o for_o i_o speak_v now_o of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o use_v to_o talk_v idle_o and_o extravagant_o in_o their_o extemporary_a prayer_n be_v this_o that_o we_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o safety_n and_o they_o of_o popularity_n and_o ostentation_n but_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o divine_v what_o that_o be_v in_o extemporary_a pray_v as_o that_o be_v distinguish_v from_o use_v a_o set_a form_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o immediate_a suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o matter_n of_o such_o prayer_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o considerable_a and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o we_o see_v may_v come_v another_o way_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o mind_n too_o of_o the_o late_a assembly_n who_o although_o they_o throw_v aside_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n to_o make_v way_n for_o extemporary_a performance_n yet_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v the_o minister_n a_o directory_n for_o the_o matter_n without_o leave_v he_o to_o be_v guide_v in_o that_o by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o make_v some_o man_n think_v they_o may_v even_o as_o well_o have_v prescribe_v a_o set_a form_n unless_o they_o intend_v to_o leave_v the_o mean_a office_n of_o supply_v he_o with_o word_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o may_v come_v from_o a_o more_o familiar_a principle_n and_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o that_o shift_a and_o change_v of_o place_n with_o they_o which_o make_v the_o great_a show_n of_o variety_n but_o this_o be_v so_o unworthy_a to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o divine_a principle_n that_o i_o may_v conclude_v extemporary_a prayer_n allow_v they_o to_o be_v never_o so_o useful_a and_o profitable_a need_v not_o to_o be_v dictate_v by_o inspiration_n and_o therefore_o no_o such_o inspiration_n be_v promise_v by_o our_o saviour_n when_o be_v promise_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o all_o his_o disciple_n thus_o have_v i_o show_v that_o neither_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n come_v under_o the_o promise_n in_o st._n luke_n 11.13_o for_o they_o be_v not_o gift_n of_o that_o kind_n which_o be_v there_o promise_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v the_o spirit_n and_o i_o add_v it_o may_v be_v strong_o presume_v that_o they_o be_v promise_v nowhere_o else_o since_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o this_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o comprehend_v all_o the_o rest_n but_o because_o there_o be_v some_o man_n so_o vehement_o persuade_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v for_o these_o purpose_n that_o they_o reckon_v it_o little_o better_a than_o blasphemy_n to_o gainsay_v it_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n upon_o which_o such_o mighty_a confidence_n be_v ground_v to_o see_v whether_o they_o afford_v any_o reason_n for_o it_o sect_n 4._o and_o first_o as_o to_o those_o testimony_n which_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n in_o favour_n of_o interpret_n or_o understand_v scripture_n by_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n whole_o to_o dr._n hammond_n postscript_n concern_v new_a light_n and_o divine_a illumination_n annex_v to_o his_o paraphrase_n etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o they_o be_v all_o consider_v and_o show_v to_o infer_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v desire_v to_o be_v conclude_v from_o they_o but_o if_o after_o all_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o he_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o interpretation_n which_o dr._n hammond_n have_v give_v of_o those_o text_n to_o be_v nothing_o better_o than_o carnal_a reason_v and_o come_v over_o with_o dr._n owen_n talk_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o understand_v the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o gospel-truth_n without_o the_o almighty_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o confess_v it_o will_v prove_v a_o matter_n of_o as_o great_a difficulty_n to_o reply_v to_o such_o a_o pretender_n as_o it_o be_v to_o find_v out_o a_o way_n to_o convince_v a_o quaker_n for_o what_o success_n can_v any_o man_n promise_v himself_o by_o reply_v to_o a_o confident_a enthusiast_n who_o perpetual_o appeal_v from_o the_o most_o evident_a reason_n the_o plain_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o most_o rational_a inference_n from_o they_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n however_o this_o i_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v impossible_a to_o understand_v these_o text_n without_o that_o new_a light_n which_o the_o papist_n call_v a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o dr._n owen_n and_o his_o party_n a_o almighty_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o in_o effect_n they_o be_v both_o the_o same_o thing_n than_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v withal_o that_o these_o text_n be_v impertinent_o produce_v to_o convince_v we_o who_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o this_o infallible_a spirit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n upon_o who_o god_n bestow_v that_o privilege_n for_o that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o we_o but_o by_o rational_a mean_n i._n e._n either_o by_o argue_v from_o the_o original_a word_n or_o the_o context_n or_o parallel_a place_n or_o the_o like_a or_o else_o by_o some_o clear_a divine_a testimony_n proper_a to_o convince_v we_o that_o they_o in_o particular_a be_v inspire_v such_o as_o real_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n this_o latter_a way_n be_v pretend_v to_o only_a by_o the_o papist_n and_o though_o the_o fraud_n they_o have_v be_v deprehend_v in_o sufficient_o show_v those_o among_o they_o that_o have_v raise_v the_o noise_n of_o their_o miracle_n to_o be_v impostor_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o pretend_v to_o offer_v a_o rational_a mean_n of_o conviction_n that_o their_o church_n interpret_v the_o scripture_n by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n which_o the_o man_n i_o be_o at_o present_a speak_v of_o do_v not_o offer_v in_o the_o least_o as_o for_o the_o former_a way_n of_o convince_a we_o by_o rational_a evidence_n from_o the_o text_n itself_o it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v
do_v so_o yes_o without_o question_n he_o may_v and_o if_o he_o please_v he_o may_v let_v it_o alone_o too_o our_o author_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n be_v promise_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o then_o fall_v upon_o that_o point_n of_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o may_v give_v direction_n in_o some_o inquiry_n which_o indeed_o deserve_v a_o large_a discussion_n if_o his_o present_a design_n will_v admit_v of_o it_o but_o he_o will_v instance_n only_o in_o one_o i_o e._n may_v a_o person_n who_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o know_v not_o his_o election_n etc._n etc._n but_o now_o there_o be_v another_o enquiry_n that_o deserve_v a_o large_a discussion_n than_o this_o viz._n whether_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n can_v avail_v any_o thing_n towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n whether_o he_o know_v his_o election_n or_o whether_o he_o know_v it_o not_o but_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n why_o this_o enquiry_n be_v not_o to_o be_v meddle_v withal_o namely_o because_o our_o author_n be_v present_a design_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o serve_v a_o hypothesis_n that_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o enquiry_n that_o he_o be_v well_o enough_o aware_a of_o it_o we_o may_v see_v by_o the_o last_o answer_n he_o bring_v to_o that_o one_o gentle_a question_n he_o take_v in_o hand_n may_v a_o unregenerate_a man_n pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n doubtless_o he_o may_v for_o person_n say_v he_o under_o such_o conviction_n as_o put_v they_o upon_o pray_v for_o regeneration_n have_v real_o sometime_o the_o seed_n of_o regeneration_n communicate_v unto_o they_o and_o then_o as_o they_o ought_v so_o they_o will_v continue_v in_o their_o supplication_n for_o the_o increase_n and_o manifestation_n of_o it_o now_o if_o the_o doctor_n have_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o meaning_n he_o may_v have_v express_v it_o plain_o and_o undisguise_o in_o this_o manner_n all_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o pray_v for_o regeneration_n for_o some_o i._n e._n the_o elect_n happen_v to_o be_v regenerate_v while_o they_o keep_v on_o pray_v and_o then_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o pray_v on_o still_o that_o they_o may_v know_v it_o this_o be_v the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o his_o final_a answer_n and_o it_o come_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n will_v do_v they_o no_o hurt_n but_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v see_v he_o have_v not_o yet_o satisfy_v we_o that_o they_o will_v do_v they_o any_o good_a which_o i_o shall_v have_v thank_v he_o to_o have_v show_v i_o according_a to_o his_o principle_n if_o his_o present_a design_n will_v have_v admit_v it_o but_o what_o if_o the_o scripture_n teach_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n be_v make_v only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v absolute_o elect_v to_o glory_n i_o answer_v if_o that_o can_v once_o be_v show_v i_o have_v do_v or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v but_o probable_a by_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v begin_v to_o suspect_v all_o my_o reason_n against_o it_o to_o be_v as_o carnal_a as_o the_o doctor_n can_v believe_v it_o for_o i_o hearty_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o all_o my_o reason_n shall_v submit_v to_o this_o one_o proposition_n whatever_o god_n have_v say_v that_o be_v true_a now_o the_o doctor_n have_v repeat_v the_o first_o proposition_n of_o the_o forementioned_a scheme_n viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n be_v promise_v only_o unto_o the_o elect_n 358._o tell_v we_o that_o the_o promise_n concern_v the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o this_o end_n have_v be_v before_o explain_v and_o vindicate_v these_o word_n i_o confess_v surprise_v i_o for_o they_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v elsewhere_o produce_v some_o promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n inconditional_o make_v to_o some_o certain_a person_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v regenerate_v or_o at_o least_o some_o text_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n be_v mean_v only_o to_o some_o man_n who_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n have_v absolute_o choose_v to_o glory_n now_o one_o will_v have_v think_v there_o have_v be_v a_o former_a chapter_n with_o this_o title_n the_o elect_n be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n however_o i_o have_v look_v backward_o and_o forward_o to_o find_v where_o he_o have_v explain_v and_o vindicate_v these_o promise_n he_o speak_v of_o but_o after_o a_o long_a search_n i_o be_v satisfy_v that_o my_o memory_n have_v not_o fail_v i_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o that_o i_o look_v for_o what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o three_o book_n 172._o where_o he_o dogmatical_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o god_n elect_n be_v the_o matter_n design_v of_o god_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o without_o offer_v one_o syllable_n of_o proof_n to_o make_v it_o good_a now_o to_o flip_v over_o the_o great_a difficulty_n when_o one_o come_v at_o it_o by_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v satisfy_v elsewhere_o without_o refer_v to_o the_o particular_a place_n be_v the_o artifice_n either_o of_o a_o bad_a writer_n or_o one_o that_o serve_v a_o bad_a cause_n and_o a_o man_n may_v fair_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n that_o write_v so_o large_o as_o the_o doctor_n do_v for_o it_o be_v hard_a if_o some_o of_o his_o reader_n be_v not_o so_o courteous_a as_o to_o distrust_v their_o own_o memory_n after_o they_o have_v go_v above_o half_a way_n through_o so_o great_a a_o book_n as_o he_o rather_o than_o to_o question_v his_o honesty_n but_o for_o his_o sake_n i_o shall_v be_v very_o sure_a of_o a_o author_n before_o i_o trust_v general_a reference_n again_o now_o till_o i_o see_v those_o promise_n produce_v that_o i_o have_v look_v for_o in_o vain_a viz._n that_o god_n will_v regenerate_v these_o elect_n i_o shall_v not_o only_o conclude_v that_o god_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o also_o that_o without_o these_o qualification_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o expect_v that_o special_a grace_n which_o be_v proper_a for_o that_o end_n that_o be_v to_o make_v we_o regenerate_v or_o holy_a person_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o god_n have_v absolute_o decree_v to_o save_v and_o who_o therefore_o he_o will_v take_v care_n to_o regenerate_a that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o doctor_n be_v notion_n of_o election_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o his_o scheme_n here_o in_o this_o place_n and_o from_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o his_o five_o book_n though_o he_o have_v disguise_v it_o there_o with_o many_o intricate_a say_n as_o his_o manner_n be_v i_o answer_v without_o assume_v the_o boldness_n to_o pronounce_v concern_v god_n secret_a decree_n that_o it_o be_v a_o monstrous_a vanity_n for_o any_o man_n that_o may_v become_v a_o regenerate_a person_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n by_o a_o method_n determine_v by_o that_o will_n of_o god_n which_o he_o know_v to_o trust_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v regenerate_v and_o save_v by_o force_n of_o a_o suppose_a will_n in_o god_n which_o he_o know_v not_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v tell_v we_o there_o be_v some_o person_n absolute_o elect_v to_o glory_n hereafter_o it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n to_o neglect_v the_o care_n of_o become_v a_o regenerate_a person_n trust_v to_o his_o particular_a election_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o regeneration_n unless_o withal_o the_o bible_n have_v give_v we_o the_o name_n of_o these_o special_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n and_o he_o have_v find_v his_o own_o among_o they_o but_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v mention_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o it_o be_v little_o better_a than_o madness_n to_o venture_v our_o regeneration_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o uncertainty_n and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v may_v be_v gather_v from_o dr._n owen_n where_o he_o say_v the_o expectation_n and_o hope_n of_o any_o man_n for_o life_n 521._o and_o immortality_n and_o glory_n without_o previous_a holiness_n can_v be_v build_v on_o no_o other_o foundation_n but_o this_o that_o god_n will_v rescind_v his_o eternal_a decree_n and_o change_v his_o purpose_n that_o be_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n mere_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o who_o know_v not_o what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o such_o a_o curse_a
son_n and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o i_o decree_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v holy_a now_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o probable_a that_o he_o shall_v so_o soon_o forget_v that_o he_o have_v solemn_o make_v eternal_a election_n to_o consist_v only_o in_o god_n purpose_n to_o regenerate_a all_o that_o be_v he_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n now_o that_o his_o design_n begin_v to_o be_v open_v all_o those_o that_o be_v absolute_o elect_v to_o glory_n only_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o put_v these_o plain_a word_n into_o the_o definion_n for_o then_o every_o ordinary_a reader_n will_v have_v discover_v there_o be_v another_o decree_n of_o election_n antecedent_n to_o that_o which_o the_o doctor_n have_v define_v and_o perhaps_o may_v be_v so_o uncivil_a as_o to_o expect_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o supposition_n but_o instead_o of_o these_o plain_a word_n it_o be_v more_o prudent_o do_v to_o put_v in_o those_o who_o be_v he_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n which_o be_v somewhat_o obscure_a word_n and_o those_o who_o he_o design_v to_o bring_v to_o blessedness_n which_o express_v but_o half_o his_o meaning_n for_o he_o suppose_v the_o design_n he_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v absolute_a this_o care_n be_v take_v that_o which_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o confirm_v brief_o as_o he_o say_v be_v this_o viz._n that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o personal_o holy_a we_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o that_o decree_n of_o god_n whereby_o any_o person_n be_v design_v unto_o glory_n which_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n but_o by_o the_o way_n most_o false_a according_a to_o his_o principle_n for_o while_o a_o person_n who_o be_v absolute_o elect_v remain_v unholy_a as_o he_o do_v till_o he_o be_v regenerate_v he_o have_v as_o full_a a_o interest_n in_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o glory_n as_o he_o can_v have_v after_o he_o be_v regenerate_v since_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o he_o who_o be_v elect_v upon_o no_o consideration_n of_o holiness_n can_v have_v the_o less_o interest_n in_o that_o election_n for_o not_o be_v holy_a but_o this_o i_o see_v that_o our_o author_n be_v unhappy_a way_n of_o express_v himself_o sometime_o make_v he_o hit_v upon_o a_o better_a say_n than_o he_o intend_v that_o which_o he_o mean_v to_o say_v as_o be_v plain_a from_o his_o definition_n be_v this_o that_o all_o who_o be_v elect_v to_o glory_n shall_v be_v make_v holy_a which_o while_o he_o be_v prove_v he_o do_v very_o careful_o drop_v in_o a_o word_n now_o and_o then_o as_o if_o he_o be_v prove_v absolute_a election_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o for_o a_o very_a good_a reason_n viz._n that_o he_o may_v by_o convenient_a degree_n slip_v into_o that_o notion_n of_o election_n against_o his_o turn_n come_v to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o motive_n unto_o holiness_n but_o such_o unintelligible_a work_n he_o have_v make_v by_o mingle_v these_o thing_n together_o in_o his_o three_o sect._n where_o his_o design_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o elect_n shall_v be_v make_v holy_a that_o any_o one_o may_v see_v how_o his_o thought_n be_v puddle_v while_o he_o be_v contrive_v to_o come_v off_o in_o this_o business_n and_o he_o come_v off_o very_o fair_o for_o thus_o he_o wind_v up_o that_o section_n the_o council_n of_o god_n therefore_o concern_v we_o i_o e._n his_o elect_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o our_o holiness_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v not_o conditional_a but_o absolute_a but_o upon_o our_o holiness_n our_o future_a happiness_n depend_v in_o the_o council_n of_o god_n which_o be_v say_v quite_o backward_o that_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a for_o to_o say_v that_o our_o future_a happiness_n depend_v upon_o our_o holiness_n in_o the_o council_n of_o god_n be_v in_o plain_a english_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o council_n concern_v we_o that_o our_o happiness_n shall_v depend_v on_o our_o holiness_n which_o can_v true_o be_v say_v if_o it_o depend_v upon_o a_o absolute_a decree_n therefore_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v conditional_a for_o if_o it_o be_v absolute_a then_o according_a to_o that_o decree_n a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o any_o holiness_n at_o all_o which_o the_o doctor_n deny_v and_o thus_o he_o come_v off_o with_o contradict_v himself_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o three_o line_n as_o you_o can_v but_o see_v unless_o you_o be_v so_o take_v with_o the_o chime_a of_o his_o word_n that_o you_o be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o examine_v the_o sense_n from_o all_o this_o it_o may_v i_o think_v be_v presume_v without_o any_o uncharitableness_n that_o the_o doctor_n do_v not_o write_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o satisfy_v his_o reader_n and_o what_o other_o end_n he_o propose_v to_o himself_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o his_o evasion_n when_o he_o be_v to_o prove_v the_o chief_a matter_n in_o question_n and_o his_o obscurity_n when_o it_o be_v inconvenient_a to_o speak_v plain_o can_v without_o a_o incredible_a reproach_n to_o his_o part_n and_o ability_n be_v look_v on_o otherwise_o than_o as_o study_v artifices_fw-la to_o serve_v his_o cause_n withal_o especial_o if_o you_o consider_v how_o seasonable_o he_o contradict_v himself_o when_o his_o design_n require_v it_o and_o of_o this_o i_o will_v give_v he_o one_o instance_n more_o out_o of_o his_o present_a discourse_n and_o then_o leave_v his_o friend_n to_o judge_v of_o his_o honesty_n as_o they_o please_v in_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n against_o his_o opinion_n that_o indeed_o it_o render_v holiness_n unnecessary_a among_o other_o thing_n he_o think_v good_a to_o say_v that_o as_o for_o a_o man_n own_o personal_a election_n 524._o he_o can_v believe_v it_o nor_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o any_o otherwise_o but_o as_o god_n reveal_v it_o by_o its_o effect_n i_o e._n in_o plain_a term_n no_o man_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o elect_n till_o he_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n for_o that_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o election_n now_o suppose_v this_o do_v something_o to_o satisfy_v the_o former_a objection_n yet_o the_o doctor_n see_v well_o enough_o that_o it_o will_v raise_v another_o viz._n that_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o no_o man_n personal_a election_n can_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o he_o to_o become_v a_o holy_a person_n because_o he_o can_v believe_v it_o till_o he_o be_v so_o already_o the_o doctor_n do_v not_o indeed_o propound_v this_o objection_n but_o he_o forestals_n it_o as_o you_o will_v see_v present_o what_o reason_n he_o have_v so_o to_o do_v by_o a_o downright_a contradiction_n to_o what_o he_o have_v immediate_o say_v before_o for_o he_o go_v on_o thus_o no_o man_n ought_v no_o man_n can_v just_o question_v his_o own_o election_n doubt_v of_o it_o or_o disbelieve_v it_o until_o he_o be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o effect_n of_o election_n shall_v ever_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o if_o such_o a_o condition_n there_o be_v in_o this_o world_n now_o this_o be_v very_o strange_a can_v a_o man_n believe_v his_o election_n till_o he_o see_v it_o in_o the_o effect_n and_o yet_o can_v he_o just_o doubt_v of_o it_o before_o those_o effect_n be_v wrought_v in_o he_o be_v he_o not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o till_o then_o and_o be_v it_o yet_o true_a that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o disbelieve_v it_o till_o it_o be_v impossible_a those_o effect_n shall_v be_v wrought_v and_o yet_o perhaps_o there_o be_v no_o such_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n i_o hope_v our_o author_n will_v not_o say_v that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o mystery_n which_o we_o can_v understand_v without_o his_o new_a light_n but_o rather_o confess_v against_o himself_o what_o he_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o accuse_v s._n p._n of_o 205._o viz._n that_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o one_o who_o seem_v not_o much_o to_o consider_v what_o he_o say_v so_o as_o that_o it_o may_v serve_v his_o present_a turn_n for_o he_o do_v not_o use_v to_o contradict_v himself_o for_o nothing_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a why_o it_o be_v necessary_a here_o in_o the_o next_o page_n he_o be_v to_o show_v that_o personal_a election_n be_v a_o motive_n to_o holiness_n in_o point_n of_o gratitude_n now_o that_o the_o motive_n may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v use_v upon_o every_o body_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o say_v that_o no_o body_n have_v cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o his_o election_n which_o part_n of_o the_o contradiction_n look_v forward_o to_o encounter_v a_o second_o objection_n as_o the_o
more_o sensible_o affect_v with_o those_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o increase_n the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o confirm_v he_o in_o every_o divine_a disposition_n 2._o this_o be_v further_a evident_a from_o those_o passage_n in_o holy_a writ_n where_o we_o be_v require_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n for_o these_o place_n and_o the_o like_a do_v strong_o imply_v that_o we_o can_v on_o a_o sudden_a arrive_n to_o any_o degree_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o fall_v great_o short_a of_o at_o present_a much_o less_o that_o we_o can_v present_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n wherefore_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o affect_v our_o mind_n when_o we_o begin_v the_o christian_a life_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o measure_n that_o he_o move_v we_o in_o after_o we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o or_o shall_v arrive_v to_o such_o a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o christianity_n as_o may_v answer_v that_o expression_n of_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n for_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o than_o we_o may_v become_v man_n in_o christ_n assoon_o as_o we_o be_v babe_n and_o come_v to_o the_o fullness_n of_o our_o stature_n without_o grow_v and_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n it_o be_v further_a observable_a that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v affirm_v to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o increase_n in_o holiness_n we_o must_v desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v grow_v thereby_o as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o and_o in_o col._n 1.9_o st._n paul_n instruct_v we_o that_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n make_v we_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n be_v by_o fill_v we_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n from_o whence_o i_o observe_v that_o our_o improvement_n in_o holiness_n be_v great_a or_o lesser_a according_a as_o we_o consider_v and_o meditate_v upon_o divine_a truth_n viz._n for_o this_o end_n of_o govern_v our_o life_n by_o they_o which_o be_v to_o know_v they_o in_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n now_o since_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o our_o mind_n be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n serious_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o we_o according_a to_o that_o measure_n wherein_o divine_a truth_n be_v consider_v by_o we_o therefore_o since_o our_o fruitfulness_n depend_v upon_o our_o increase_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o that_o spiritual_a understanding_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o work_v in_o we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o arrive_v to_o that_o state_n of_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o well-pleasing_a all_o at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n viz._n as_o we_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o daily_a meditation_n last_o since_o by_o the_o experience_n we_o have_v of_o humane_a nature_n we_o see_v that_o custom_n be_v not_o easy_o and_o present_o put_v off_o and_o that_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n can_v be_v make_v familiar_a to_o we_o but_o by_o use_n and_o practice_n more_o particular_o that_o they_o who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a can_v of_o a_o sudden_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o that_o ill_a habit_n be_v not_o waste_v but_o by_o degree_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n press_v most_o upon_o we_o when_o we_o first_o enter_v upon_o it_o and_o that_o they_o wear_v away_o insensible_o by_o continuance_n in_o well-doing_n likewise_o that_o virtue_n be_v improve_v by_o exercise_n and_o that_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v be_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n i_o say_v this_o be_v consider_v we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o produce_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n all_o at_o once_o but_o that_o he_o accommodate_v his_o operation_n to_o the_o state_n in_o which_o they_o be_v at_o present_a prompt_v they_o to_o that_o amendment_n which_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o capacity_n will_v admit_v and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o term_n consequence_n also_o of_o what_o the_o doctor_n so_o full_o grant_v viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n act_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n only_o as_o they_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v act_v according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n power_n and_o ability_n and_o according_a to_o their_o natural_a operation_n for_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v the_o constant_a experience_n of_o mankind_n both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a although_o a_o evil_a habit_n be_v soon_o contract_v than_o a_o good_a one_o yet_o none_o be_v gain_v without_o some_o use_n and_o exercise_n and_o ordinary_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o now_o if_o the_o spirit_n move_v we_o no_o otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n power_n and_o ability_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o by_o his_o grace_n we_o may_v leap_v out_o of_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n in_o a_o moment_n into_o the_o habit_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o he_o be_v in_o that_o manner_n present_a with_o we_o as_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v a_o good_a beginning_n and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o that_o by_o his_o more_o abundant_a grace_n we_o may_v proceed_v and_o so_o by_o degree_n come_v to_o a_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v in_o a_o instant_n change_v the_o most_o vicious_a man_n into_o a_o saint_n but_o we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o than_o that_o he_o shall_v work_v new_a miracle_n to_o convert_v we_o but_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v so_o for_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o special_a grace_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o qualify_v and_o prepare_v person_n or_o by_o the_o command_v of_o the_o scripture_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n or_o by_o the_o general_a experience_n of_o humane_a nature_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o a_o habitual_a sinner_n can_v become_v a_o good_a man_n in_o a_o instant_n he_o must_v first_o learn_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n angry_a justice_n he_o must_v be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n he_o must_v deep_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o must_v avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o fortify_v himself_o with_o vehement_a resolution_n to_o forsake_v his_o wicked_a course_n and_o he_o must_v make_v many_o earnest_a prayer_n before_o he_o can_v subdue_v his_o lust_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o yield_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n he_o can_v expect_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v make_v he_o a_o holy_a man_n but_o by_o the_o former_a mean_n and_o therefore_o by_o degree_n this_o consideration_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v omit_v because_o it_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o two_o very_a different_a sort_n of_o man_n 1._o to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n and_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o recover_v themselves_o although_o they_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o amendment_n before_o they_o for_o it_o happen_v sometime_o that_o such_o man_n wish_v they_o have_v take_v a_o early_a care_n to_o live_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n but_o they_o believe_v it_o be_v now_o in_o vain_a to_o strive_v against_o those_o fatal_a habit_n which_o be_v so_o deep_o root_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o they_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o carelessness_n and_o desperation_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v common_o this_o that_o when_o they_o attempt_v their_o own_o reformation_n and_o have_v purpose_v to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n they_o soon_o find_v themselves_o surprise_v again_o by_o their_o former_a temptation_n and_o carry_v away_o as_o strong_o by_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v before_o which_o make_v they_o conclude_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o take_v any_o more_o pain_n with_o themselves_o as_o if_o because_o their_o freedom_n from_o the_o servitude_n of_o sin_n can_v not_o be_v effect_v in_o a_o
be_v with_o i_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o but_o because_o they_o be_v our_o own_o free_a act_n therefore_o he_o be_v not_o the_o only_a cause_n of_o they_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o regenerate_v we_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o do_v all_o himself_o and_o leave_v nothing_o for_o we_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o regeneration_n but_o we_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o use_v all_o proper_a mean_n of_o regeneration_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a matter_n depend_v upon_o our_o single_a endeavour_n as_o i_o show_v sect._n 4._o and_o that_o which_o i_o say_v of_o regeneration_n be_v equal_o true_a of_o every_o particular_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v this_o supposition_n viz._n that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v aid_n and_o help_n to_o our_o natural_a faculty_n which_o make_v the_o ascribe_v of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n to_o his_o grace_n consistent_a with_o leave_v the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o those_o duty_n which_o depend_v thereupon_o necessary_a to_o the_o attainment_n of_o they_o which_o our_o author_n understand_v so_o well_o that_o in_o his_o preface_n where_o he_o complain_v so_o tragical_o of_o the_o reproach_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o those_o that_o dare_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o defend_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n o._n he_o pretend_v to_o plead_v for_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n very_o well_o know_v that_o they_o do_v not_o impugn_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n as_o his_o phrase_n be_v and_o withal_o that_o this_o objection_n be_v produce_v by_o his_o adversary_n against_o nothing_o but_o his_o opinion_n of_o the_o irresistible_a manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v operation_n which_o very_o wise_o he_o say_v not_o one_o word_n of_o through_o his_o whole_a preface_n the_o only_a inconvenience_n say_v he_o wherewith_o our_o doctrine_n be_v press_v be_v the_o pretend_a difficulty_n in_o reconcile_a the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o duty_n with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o wave_v the_o consideration_n of_o it_o as_o that_o i_o have_v embrace_v every_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v it_o in_o all_o particular_a instance_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v urge_v with_o most_o appearance_n of_o probability_n and_o it_o be_v i_o hope_v at_o length_n make_v to_o appear_v that_o not_o only_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o also_o that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n we_o can_v perform_v no_o duty_n to_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v without_o its_o aid_n and_o assistance_n nor_o have_v any_o encouragement_n to_o attempt_v a_o course_n of_o obedience_n without_o a_o just_a expectation_n thereof_o so_o on_o the_o other_o that_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n itself_o be_v no_o way_n effectual_a but_o in_o our_o compliance_n with_o it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n only_o with_o the_o leave_n of_o some_o person_n or_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o we_o give_v the_o preeminence_n in_o all_o unto_o grace_n and_o not_o unto_o ourselves_o and_o now_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o we_o who_o do_v not_o give_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o all_o unto_o grace_n nay_o and_o think_v that_o if_o we_o can_v perform_v our_o duty_n as_o we_o ought_v without_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o it_o be_v destroy_v and_o withal_o that_o this_o man_n have_v spend_v a_o folio_n of_o rail_v upon_o we_o because_o we_o deny_v the_o aid_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o internal_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n why_o any_o man_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v discourage_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o industry_n which_o god_n require_v of_o he_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v unto_o he_o i_o can_v understand_v no_o true_o nor_o i_o neither_o nor_o any_o man_n that_o have_v common_a sense_n for_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v discourage_v from_o industry_n because_o he_o be_v promise_v that_o help_n without_o which_o his_o industry_n will_v not_o prevail_v but_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o we_o hear_v nothing_o at_o all_o now_o but_o of_o aid_n and_o assistance_n when_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v mention_v do_v the_o doctor_n be_v adversary_n ever_o urge_v any_o objection_n against_o they_o be_v the_o inconvenience_n wherewith_o his_o doctrine_n of_o irresistible_a grace_n be_v press_v ever_o charge_v by_o they_o upon_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o and_o where_o do_v any_o of_o they_o with_o or_o without_o who_o leave_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o write_v his_o book_n pretend_v that_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o aid_n of_o grace_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o inconvenience_n he_o promise_v to_o remove_v or_o rather_o what_o can_v this_o man_n say_v to_o palliate_v so_o foul_a a_o imposture_n let_v other_o as_o he_o go_v on_o do_v what_o they_o please_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o apostle_n advice_n upon_o the_o enforcement_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o it_o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v etc._n etc._n by_o all_o mean_n sir_n endeavour_v it_o but_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o reason_n why_o you_o persecute_v we_o with_o bitter_a word_n be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v please_v with_o you_o for_o take_v the_o apostle_n reason_n to_o follow_v his_o advice_n or_o if_o you_o continue_v to_o insinuate_v this_o belief_n of_o we_o and_o to_o make_v folk_n think_v that_o the_o principal_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o your_o present_a undertake_n be_v the_o open_a and_o horrible_a opposition_n 21._o that_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n in_o the_o world_n since_o as_o you_o go_v on_o there_o be_v no_o concernment_n of_o he_o that_o be_v not_o by_o many_o deride_v explode_v and_o blaspheme_v and_o that_o your_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o you_o be_v so_o angry_a with_o for_o say_v that_o you_o make_v a_o buz_n and_o a_o noise_n and_o trouble_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o unintelligible_a notion_n be_v such_o scoffer_n that_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v plead_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o duty_n he_o shall_v hardly_o escape_v from_o be_v notable_o deride_v by_o they_o i_o say_v if_o you_o go_v on_o in_o this_o manner_n sure_o you_o must_v forget_v all_o the_o while_n that_o there_o be_v a_o day_n come_v when_o you_o must_v appear_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o great_a god_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o your_o write_n but_o as_o for_o ourselves_o to_o use_v your_o own_o word_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o about_o a_o accusation_n which_o be_v lade_v with_o as_o many_o conviction_n of_o forgery_n as_o there_o be_v person_n against_o who_o you_o level_v these_o your_o uncharitable_a and_o malicious_a suggestion_n let_v any_o indifferent_a man_n read_v your_o preface_n where_o you_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o summary_n account_v of_o your_o book_n and_o say_v if_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o possess_v your_o reader_n with_o a_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v our_o blaspheme_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o enkindle_v your_o zeal_n against_o we_o and_o that_o you_o have_v bestir_v yourself_o in_o the_o book_n principal_o to_o make_v it_o good_a against_o all_o our_o opposition_n that_o we_o can_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n without_o they_o but_o now_o if_o you_o light_n upon_o a_o reader_n so_o unfortunate_a to_o yourself_o as_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o compare_v you_o and_o yourself_o together_o your_o preface_n with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o your_o book_n he_o will_v soon_o find_v that_o your_o preface_n be_v but_o the_o copy_n of_o your_o countenance_n and_o not_o of_o your_o heart_n for_o when_o you_o come_v to_o give_v we_o your_o opinion_n concern_v the_o operation_n of_o grace_n in_o good_a earnest_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v you_o that_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v assistance_n and_o help_n and_o that_o your_o true_a quarrel_n against_o we_o be_v because_o we_o say_v they_o be_v assistance_n not_o the_o only_a cause_n of_o regeneration_n for_o you_o labour_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o further_o in_o the_o second_o part_n with_o abundance_n of_o word_n and_o with_o all_o your_o might_n to_o prove_v that_o mere_a assistance_n how_o great_a soever_o be_v utter_o insufficient_a to_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o that_o conversion_n be_v impossible_a to_o
diligence_n in_o use_v the_o external_a mean_n of_o grace_n his_o operation_n in_o we_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o recover_v ourselves_o by_o degree_n and_o all_o the_o while_n there_o be_v no_o sensible_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o natural_a operation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v his_o assistance_n and_o help_n in_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v and_o without_o it_o can_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o save_v purpose_n to_o affirm_v more_o particular_o what_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o we_o i_o dare_v not_o unless_o i_o have_v warrant_v which_o i_o think_v i_o have_v not_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o to_o do_v and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o which_o the_o scripture_n let_v we_o know_v concern_v it_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o no_o more_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o sect_n 7._o thus_o i_o have_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n finish_v the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o undertake_n and_o give_v you_o a_o plain_a account_n of_o that_o which_o i_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v those_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o i_o have_v swerve_v in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_n and_o i_o be_o the_o more_o persuade_v that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v so_o be_v very_o confident_a that_o i_o have_v not_o at_o all_o depart_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o judgement_n whereof_o i_o be_o prepare_v to_o leave_v to_o my_o superior_n i_o have_v observe_v that_o some_o late_a writer_n especial_o have_v represent_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n under_o such_o notion_n as_o be_v either_o intricate_a and_o unintelligible_a or_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o fatal_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n those_o of_o they_o that_o can_v be_v understand_v serve_v only_o to_o the_o multiply_a of_o idle_a question_n and_o frivolous_a dispute_n and_o those_o that_o be_v minister_a either_o to_o unreasonable_a presumption_n or_o incurable_a despair_n therefore_o when_o the_o stream_n be_v so_o muddy_a and_o impure_a i_o think_v it_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o go_v to_o that_o fountain_n of_o truth_n the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o guide_v all_o my_o thought_n of_o this_o matter_n by_o what_o i_o can_v discern_v there_o and_o true_o i_o find_v that_o although_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n as_o it_o have_v be_v tamper_v withal_o by_o man_n that_o serve_v a_o cause_n and_o as_o it_o have_v be_v debase_v by_o humane_a mixture_n and_o invention_n be_v at_o best_a a_o subject_n of_o unprofitable_a talk_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a to_o the_o understanding_n and_o likewise_o a_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o godliness_n how_o near_o i_o have_v keep_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o holy_a writ_n i_o must_v leave_v you_o to_o judge_v as_o for_o the_o reader_n who_o be_v yet_o in_o any_o thing_n otherwise_o persuade_v than_o i_o be_o if_o he_o have_v use_v diligence_n and_o sincerity_n in_o examine_v as_o i_o know_v myself_o to_o have_v do_v in_o consider_v all_o i_o have_v write_v where_o we_o do_v not_o agree_v i_o hope_v god_n will_v pardon_v the_o error_n on_o which_o side_n soever_o it_o lie_v i_o think_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o i_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n express_v my_o meaning_n plain_o easy_o natural_o which_o a_o man_n need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o do_v who_o believe_v that_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n i_o have_v neither_o pretend_v to_o explain_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o intelligible_a nor_o make_v any_o thing_n difficult_a to_o understand_v by_o affect_v obscurity_n of_o expression_n as_o for_o the_o profitableness_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o can_v be_v better_a judge_v of_o than_o by_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o write_n of_o this_o nature_n viz._n the_o promote_a of_o true_a godliness_n and_o certain_o if_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v here_o offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n it_o do_v apparent_o render_v all_o wicked_a man_n inexcusable_a that_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v high_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o religion_n this_o will_v appear_v by_o survey_v the_o three_o general_a head_n of_o this_o discourse_n for_o by_o so_o do_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o make_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o it_o have_v be_v explain_v the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n that_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n of_o this_o promise_n and_o of_o those_o effect_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o in_o we_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v for_o they_o be_v all_o christian_a virtue_n whatsoever_o all_o sort_n of_o qualification_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v to_o strive_v against_o that_o sin_n which_o do_v most_o easy_o beset_v we_o nor_o sit_v down_o in_o despair_n of_o obtain_v that_o grace_n or_o virtue_n which_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o our_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o custom_n for_o if_o god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o all_o needful_a purpose_n he_o will_v bestow_v a_o more_o plentiful_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o the_o subdue_a of_o that_o sin_n and_o the_o gain_n of_o that_o virtue_n because_o here_o his_o assistance_n be_v most_o needful_a and_o he_o that_o have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o answer_v all_o our_o need_n will_v not_o deny_v we_o when_o we_o ask_v he_o to_o supply_v the_o great_a of_o all_o 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o make_v it_o such_o a_o motive_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v because_o it_o be_v make_v to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o one_o i_o say_v under_o a_o possible_a condition_n so_o that_o none_o of_o we_o can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o fear_v that_o we_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o promise_n for_o i_o have_v show_v you_o it_o lie_v open_a to_o all_o and_o we_o can_v lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o but_o by_o exclude_v ourselves_o beside_o the_o condition_n of_o obtain_v special_a grace_n from_o god_n be_v that_o of_o importunate_a ask_n we_o be_v hereby_o move_v to_o earnest_n and_o frequent_a prayer_n which_o you_o know_v be_v one_o branch_n of_o pious_a endeavour_n and_o then_o the_o condition_n of_o more_o plentiful_a communication_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v a_o careful_a improvement_n of_o those_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o have_v now_o obtain_v this_o also_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o powerful_a motive_n to_o every_o christian_a that_o have_v proceed_v more_o or_o less_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v as_o fruitful_a as_o he_o can_v in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o to_o follow_v after_o holiness_n look_v diligent_o lest_o he_o fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 3._o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o this_o promise_n to_o make_v it_o a_o strong_a motive_n to_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o we_o which_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v will_v not_o be_v effectual_a without_o our_o own_o consideration_n and_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n because_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o assist_v our_o endeavour_n but_o not_o to_o make_v we_o good_a man_n without_o they_o and_o our_o recovery_n still_o depend_v as_o much_o upon_o our_o diligence_n in_o the_o event_n as_o if_o it_o depend_v upon_o nothing_o else_o wherefore_o in_o all_o respect_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o most_o prevalent_a motive_n to_o the_o study_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o since_o it_o be_v my_o design_n from_o the_o first_o to_o recover_v it_o to_o this_o use_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o man_n that_o have_v make_v it_o good_a for_o nothing_o i_o can_v not_o conclude_v better_o than_o with_o show_v you_o plain_o wherein_o the_o force_n of_o this_o promise_n lie_v to_o make_v we_o all_o careful_a to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n o_o god_n forasmuch_o as_o without_o thou_o we_o be_v
and_o demonstration_n viz._n ionas_n his_o tarry_v three_o day_n in_o the_o whale_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o always_o so_o signify_v for_o in_o st._n judas_n vers_fw-la 19_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sensual_a man_n man_n addict_v to_o their_o lust_n not_o those_o that_o reject_v revelation_n because_o they_o be_v there_o suppose_v to_o be_v professor_n and_o so_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o those_o who_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o 1_o cor._n 2._o who_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v chap._n 3._o who_o be_v meek_a peaceable_a christian_n they_o therefore_o in_o st._n judas_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n want_v those_o christian_a virtue_n of_o love_n meekness_n peaceableness_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v not_o unusual_a for_o the_o holy_a writer_n to_o use_v the_o same_o word_n under_o different_a signification_n and_o then_o the_o sense_n they_o intend_v by_o such_o a_o word_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o context_n now_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o st._n judas_n signify_v the_o sensual_a man_n who_o though_o a_o christian_n be_v yet_o want_v in_o christian_a temper_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o more_o clear_a from_o the_o context_n there_o than_o that_o here_o it_o signify_v one_o that_o be_v no_o christian_a at_o all_o or_o one_o that_o reject_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n here_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unfit_a once_o for_o all_o to_o observe_v a_o like_a variety_n in_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v by_o the_o apostle_n chap._n 2_o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o second_o chapter_n be_v oppose_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o signify_v one_o that_o admit_v of_o revelation_n and_o be_v thereby_o acquaint_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v he_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n say_v vers_fw-la 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o fit_a to_o do_v because_o he_o reject_v the_o only_a proper_a way_n whereby_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o be_v know_v but_o in_o the_o three_o chapt._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v oppose_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v vers_fw-la 1._o i_o can_v not_o speak_v unto_o you_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o consequent_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o unchristian_a temper_n be_v give_v to_o strife_n and_o debate_n can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v grow_v christian_n but_o be_v only_a babe_n in_o christ_n very_o imperfect_a christian_n wherefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o opposition_n to_o they_o signify_v not_o only_o one_o who_o have_v receive_v and_o believe_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o who_o mind_n also_o be_v thorough_o conform_v to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o so_o be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n 2._o vers._n 26._o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n among_o those_o improve_a christian_n who_o be_v by_o their_o good_a temper_n qualify_v to_o receive_v high_a knowledge_n concern_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v chap._n 3._o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v thus_o st._n chrys._n tell_v we_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v those_o who_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n hom._n 8._o who_o be_v of_o the_o low_a rank_n among_o the_o spiritual_a and_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o of_o their_o evil_a lust_n and_o of_o these_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o carnality_n permit_v they_o not_o to_o hear_v high_a doctrine_n moreover_o he_o say_v you_o can_v bear_v they_o be_v put_v for_o you_o will_v not_o for_o say_v he_o if_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a impossibility_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n will_v pardon_v they_o perhaps_o but_o since_o their_o inability_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o their_o own_o choice_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v bereave_v of_o all_o excuse_n and_o it_o be_v from_o their_o own_o choice_n because_o it_o proceed_v from_o their_o lust_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o a_o impure_a life_n be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o sublime_a knowledge_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o he_o excellent_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o ought_v to_o purify_v himself_o from_o all_o lust_n who_o intend_v to_o pursue_v after_o truth_n and_o to_o purge_v himself_o in_o particular_a from_o the_o lust_n of_o strife_n and_o contention_n and_o unpeaceableness_n since_o as_o st._n chrysostome_n well_o observe_v the_o apostle_n can_v have_v tell_v they_o they_o be_v carnal_a because_o of_o their_o fornication_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o choose_v to_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v so_o because_o of_o their_o schism_n and_o contention_n the_o lust_n whereof_o make_v man_n as_o unmeet_a to_o labour_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n as_o any_o other_o impure_a affection_n whatsoever_o which_o j._n o._n and_o his_o brethren_n as_o spiritual_a as_o they_o seem_v to_o themselves_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v a_o little_a better_o than_o i_o fear_v they_o do_v do_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v remember_v before_o that_o although_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v before_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v preach_v be_v hide_v till_o god_n reveal_v it_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n yet_o this_o wisdom_n have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o their_o prophecy_n be_v revelation_n of_o it_o how_o then_o be_v it_o hide_v it_o be_v hide_v in_o comparison_n to_o that_o revelation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v make_v when_o those_o prophecy_n be_v accomplish_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n contain_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o cover_v it_o but_o now_o when_o these_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v than_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v make_v plain_a the_o completion_n give_v light_a to_o the_o prophecy_n when_o the_o prophecy_n be_v make_v good_a by_o the_o completion_n and_o when_o those_o prophecy_n be_v clear_o fulfil_v and_o the_o wisdom_n hide_v in_o they_o be_v now_o manifest_v it_o be_v a_o very_a convince_a method_n which_o the_o apostle_n take_v to_o compare_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o that_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o that_o of_o the_o new_a in_o order_n to_o the_o demonstrate_v of_o their_o true_a meaning_n by_o their_o agreeableness_n to_o one_o another_o thus_o st._n chrysostome_n clear_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o the_o future_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o such_o resemblance_n and_o description_n as_o it_o be_v shadow_v 〈◊〉_d that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v they_o may_v be_v believe_v this_o be_v exact_o according_a to_o st._n chrysost._n note_v upon_o the_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v i._n e._n because_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n must_v necessary_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n and_o because_o they_o can_v be_v assent_v to_o from_o mere_a reason_n or_o because_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o philosophical_a discourse_n if_o they_o be_v assent_v to_o at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a revelation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o we_o know_v both_o our_o own_o thing_n and_o all_o those_o of_o unbeliever_n but_o they_o know_v not_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o we_o know_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n viz._n whatever_o it_o be_v his_o will_n we_o shall_v know_v and_o which_o he_o have_v reveal_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o 7._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 6._o 1_o cor._n and_o neither_o do_v we_o now_o persuade_v by_o syllogism_n but_o we_o prove_v what_o we_o say_v from_o the_o divine_a scripture_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v at_o first_o and_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v not_o only_o by_o sign_n but_o discourse_v also_o i._n e._n they_o reason_v and_o argue_v from_o those_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o st._n chrysost._n so_o often_o reject_v be_v not_o simple_o all_o reason_n and_o syllogism_n but_o such_o only_a as_o admit_v not_o of_o revelation_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o these_o be_v altogether_o improper_a when_o reveal_v doctrine_n be_v inquire_v into_o 1_o joh._n 4.13_o p._n 87._o ibid._n p._n 80._o p._n 85._o p._n 86._o p._n 15._o chap._n 4._o b._n 1._o ibid._n ch._n 1._o b._n 2._o p._n 116_o 117._o ch._n 34._o b._n 2._o p._n 10._o p._n 166._o 1_o cor._n 12.11_o p._n 157._o p._n 158._o p._n 158._o p._n 118._o p._n 184._o sect._n 21._o pag._n 183._o pag._n 173._o ibid._n p._n 175._o p._n 183._o p._n 175._o p._n 183._o p._n 181._o pag._n 183._o pag._n 181._o p._n 181._o p._n 183._o august_n lib._n de_fw-fr gratia_n christi_fw-la c._n 41._o hierom._n ep._n ad_fw-la ctesiph_n de_fw-fr pecc_fw-la orig._n c._n 17_o 18_o etc._n etc._n vid._n dr._n hammond_n in_o loc_n &_o resol_n of_o 6_o query_n treat_n of_o conu._n p._n 8._o pag._n 177._o the_o opinion_n of_o grotius_n that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o similitude_n of_o the_o natural_a birth_n and_o the_o wind_n which_o our_o saviour_n use_v and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d divine_a thing_n speak_v without_o this_o condescension_n by_o the_o use_n of_o metaphor_n etc._n etc._n want_v not_o its_o probability_n nor_o that_o of_o dr._n hammond_n who_o suppose_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v thing_n ordinary_a in_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o notion_n seem_v to_o be_v countenance_v by_o vers_n 31._o but_o then_o by_o believe_v they_o be_v both_o force_v to_o mean_a understanding_n whereas_o this_o notion_n do_v not_o only_o equal_o if_o not_o better_o agree_v with_o the_o context_n but_o may_v without_o use_v that_o liberty_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o word_n p._n 174._o p._n 529._o p._n 530._o p._n 529._o p._n 349._o vid._n knowl_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 389._o p._n 385._o p._n 349._o p._n 349_o 385._o chrys._n in_o rom._n 8._o hom._n 14._o august_n ep._n ad_fw-la probam_fw-la 121._o c._n 14._o ad_fw-la probam_fw-la c._n 15._o de_fw-fr anim._n etc._n etc._n orig._n lib._n 4._o hierom_n in_o locum_fw-la ambrose_n com._n in_o râ—m_n theod._n in_o rom._n orig._n in_o ep._n ad_fw-la rom._n lib._n 7._o between_o v_o 19_o and_o v_o 24_o there_o be_v some_o difficult_a passage_n viz._n the_o creature_n be_v subject_a to_o vanity_n and_o the_o groan_a of_o the_o creation_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v make_v very_o clear_a and_o plain_a in_o dr._n hammond_n be_v annotation_n where_o that_o which_o i_o have_v here_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o general_a meaning_n of_o the_o whole_a period_n be_v particular_o explain_v and_o therefore_o because_o i_o be_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o solution_n of_o difficulty_n somewhat_o remote_a from_o my_o main_a design_n i_o refer_v he_o thither_o see_v dr._n ham._n an._n p._n 182._o p._n 86._o p._n 358._o p._n 357._o p._n 361._o p._n 361._o p._n 358._o p._n 172._o p._n 521._o p._n 580._o p._n 525._o p._n 522._o p._n 525._o p._n 526._o p._n 522._o p._n 523_o 524._o p._n 520._o p._n 526._o p._n 521._o p._n 524._o p._n 205._o p._n 270._o p._n 287._o p._n 287._o p._n 262._o p._n 261._o p._n 254._o p._n 269_o etc._n etc._n p._n 261._o p._n 268._o p._n 270._o p._n 268._o p._n 268._o p._n 270_o 271._o p._n 271._o p._n 470._o 470._o if_o i_o forget_v not_o he_o acknowledge_v it_o somewhere_o in_o express_a term_n p._n 272._o pres._n j._n o._n p._n 21._o p._n 266._o p._n 470._o p._n 166._o p._n 167._o