be_v good_a to_o all_o his_o creature_n who_o envy_v no_o man_n happiness_n who_o give_v to_o all_o liberal_o and_o upbraid_v none_o much_o less_o i_o say_v will_v he_o deny_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n if_o we_o ask_v he_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o sayiour_n in_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o persuade_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v fervent_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v indeed_o needful_a for_o they_o and_o that_o by_o this_o argument_n that_o god_n will_v grant_v such_o request_n as_o these_o be_v it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v with_o this_o argument_n in_o these_o word_n god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o wherefore_o i_o conceive_v we_o have_v gain_v one_o note_n of_o those_o spiritual_a effect_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o work_v in_o our_o mind_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v indeed_o needful_a for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o both_o 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to_o this_o and_o consequent_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n must_v needs_o be_v so_o wherefore_o in_o that_o promise_n of_o his_o operation_n to_o produce_v all_o needful_a effect_n in_o our_o mind_n those_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v such_o which_o be_v needful_a for_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n now_o 2._o we_o must_v consider_v what_o effect_n be_v needful_a to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o for_o that_o end_n the_o needfulness_n of_o any_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n consist_v either_o in_o this_o that_o the_o end_n can_v be_v attain_v without_o they_o at_o all_o or_o not_o so_o well_o without_o they_o that_o which_o be_v needful_a in_o the_o former_a sense_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o which_o be_v needful_a in_o the_o latter_a be_v only_o profitable_a let_v we_o therefore_o first_o consider_v what_o effect_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n what_o these_o be_v we_o be_v plain_o tell_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o they_o may_v be_v comprise_v under_o these_o head_n 1._o faith_n in_o jesus_n or_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o so_o one_o upon_o who_o authority_n we_o may_v safe_o rely_v as_o to_o whatever_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o god_n will_n the_o necessity_n of_o which_o faith_n our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o in_o those_o word_n if_o you_o believe_v not_o that_o i_o be_o he_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n though_o indeed_o the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v promise_v in_o this_o place_n of_o st._n luke_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o faith_n in_o this_o notion_n it_o be_v apparent_o suppose_v that_o whatever_o be_v here_o promise_v be_v promise_v to_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n who_o do_v already_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ._n 2._o so_o much_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v faith_n in_o another_o notion_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o and_o encourage_v we_o to_o that_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n when_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n our_o next_o care_n must_v be_v to_o know_v what_o his_o will_n be_v and_o to_o possess_v our_o mind_n with_o those_o principle_n of_o obedience_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n for_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v equal_o necessary_a to_o understand_v his_o revelation_n his_o law_n and_o promise_n in_o that_o measure_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o do_v of_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o a_o believer_n be_v encourage_v by_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o ask_v the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o he_o may_v
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 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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
elect_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o while_o man_n impatient_a of_o contradiction_n ascribe_v their_o absurd_a interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o while_o man_n low_a and_o weak_a in_o their_o national_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n impute_v the_o vanity_n which_o they_o frequent_o utter_v in_o their_o prayer_n to_o the_o impulse_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n 2._o to_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n from_o the_o expectation_n of_o such_o gift_n from_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v nowhere_o promise_v that_o they_o may_v more_o zealous_o pursue_v after_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v indeed_o promise_v and_o without_o which_o they_o can_v be_v save_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o that_o part_n of_o my_o undertake_n which_o concern_v those_o effect_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v chap._n vi_o concern_v those_o to_o who_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v and_o give_v sect_n 1._o to_o speak_v clear_o to_o this_o matter_n we_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o observe_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v either_o 1._o such_o as_o prevent_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o our_o very_a first_o desire_n to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o this_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o depend_v not_o upon_o our_o believe_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o those_o disposition_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v preparatory_a and_o antecedent_o necessary_a to_o faith_n itself_o 2._o such_o as_o follow_v after_o to_o cherish_v and_o improve_v such_o good_a beginning_n in_o we_o and_o to_o endue_v we_o with_o all_o qualification_n necessary_a to_o eternal_a life_n now_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o grace_n be_v conditional_a such_o be_v that_o promise_n in_o st._n luke_n 11.13_o and_o the_o condition_n be_v plain_o express_v god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o who_o be_v already_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o pray_v for_o divine_a assistance_n such_o also_o be_v that_o promise_n in_o 2_o cor._n 6._o that_o god_n will_v dwell_v in_o we_o which_o depend_v upon_o our_o be_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a promise_n of_o grace_n make_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o former_a but_o on_o condition_n of_o our_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o own_v ourselves_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n nor_o to_o the_o latter_a if_o we_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v learn_v where_o the_o true_a difference_n lie_v between_o common_a and_o special_a grace_n which_o be_v a_o distinction_n i_o doubt_v often_o use_v than_o understand_v that_o special_a grace_n imply_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o favour_n towards_o they_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v bestow_v than_o be_v signify_v by_o common_a grace_n be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n understanding_n now_o there_o be_v indeed_o divers_a promise_n of_o such_o grace_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o will_v be_v in_o force_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o conditional_a and_o make_v with_o respect_n to_o some_o qualification_n without_o which_o they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o wherefore_o special_a grace_n be_v that_o which_o be_v suspend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o condition_n and_o consequent_o that_o grace_n to_o which_o such_o a_o condition_n be_v not_o require_v beforehand_o be_v common_a but_o since_o there_o be_v several_a degree_n of_o grace_n proportionable_a to_o the_o several_a qualification_n of_o man_n for_o instance_n since_o more_o grace_n be_v promise_v to_o believer_n than_o to_o unbeliever_n and_o yet_o more_o to_o sincere_a christian_n than_o to_o mere_a professor_n the_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o latitude_n that_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v special_a in_o one_o respect_n may_v be_v common_a in_o another_o for_o that_o grace_n whereof_o faith_n be_v the_o condition_n be_v common_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o obedience_n qualify_v a_o believer_n to_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v special_a with_o regard_n to_o that_o which_o do_v not_o require_v the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o a_o unbeliever_n be_v capable_a of_o wherefore_o the_o distinction_n be_v not_o accurate_a enough_o to_o be_v nice_a withal_o for_o if_o it_o be_v strict_o hold_v to_o there_o be_v several_a instance_n of_o divine_a grace_n that_o will_v not_o fall_v under_o it_o because_o then_o only_a the_o first_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n prevent_v all_o good_a inclination_n in_o they_o will_v be_v common_a grace_n and_o those_o only_o which_o crown_n our_o obedience_n with_o perseverance_n special_a but_o admit_v the_o former_a latitude_n the_o distinction_n will_v reach_v every_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v common_a and_o that_o which_o be_v special_a may_v be_v so_o place_v as_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v one_o another_o when_o we_o use_v the_o distinction_n and_o then_o i_o offer_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n to_o place_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o this_o that_o common_a grace_n be_v that_o whereby_o we_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o include_v all_o those_o good_n desire_n that_o be_v excite_v and_o all_o those_o good_a disposition_n that_o be_v produce_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n before_o they_o believe_v and_o special_a grace_n that_o which_o be_v give_v to_o believer_n only_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o increase_n of_o their_o good_a desire_n and_o the_o enable_v of_o they_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n for_o although_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o that_o grace_n to_o which_o faith_n be_v pre-required_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v antecedent_n to_o faith_n our_o saviour_n rule_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v hold_v equal_o in_o both_o case_n yet_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o st._n luke_n and_o all_o the_o particular_a promise_n of_o that_o nature_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v give_v only_o to_o believer_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o right_n to_o they_o but_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o condition_n require_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n now_o since_o there_o be_v peculiar_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o seem_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n to_o suppose_v faith_n to_o be_v the_o first_o condition_n of_o special_a grace_n and_o consequent_o that_o grace_n to_o be_v common_a which_o require_v not_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o condition_n undertake_v by_o we_o when_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o i_o shall_v understand_v the_o distinction_n because_o otherwise_o i_o think_v it_o will_v often_o prove_v a_o distinction_n without_o difference_n since_o in_o the_o strict_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n the_o same_o grace_n may_v be_v both_o common_a and_o special_a thus_o also_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o difference_n between_o prevent_v and_o cooperate_a grace_n and_o between_o prepare_v and_o perfect_a grace_n for_o these_o distinction_n express_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o other_o respect_n that_o be_v mean_v by_o common_a and_o special_a grace_n for_o that_o grace_n which_o we_o call_v common_a because_o it_o be_v give_v without_o that_o condition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o great_a grace_n be_v also_o say_v to_o be_v prevent_v grace_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o we_o and_o likewise_o prepare_v grace_n with_o regard_n to_o some_o further_a improvement_n that_o we_o be_v thereby_o make_v capable_a of_o attain_v and_o then_o cooperate_a and_o perfect_a grace_n be_v but_o other_o word_n express_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o be_v mean_v by_o special_a grace_n with_o a_o like_a difference_n of_o respect_n so_o that_o these_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o the_o same_o latitude_n and_o use_v with_o the_o same_o caution_n that_o the_o former_a be_v if_o i_o be_o mistake_v in_o this_o they_o be_v more_o subtle_a and_o intricate_a than_o i_o be_v aware_a of_o but_o the_o accurate_a use_n of_o these_o distinction_n be_v not_o that_o which_o i_o contend_v for_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o if_o i_o can_v make_v my_o meaning_n to_o be_v
understand_v our_o be_v strong_o and_o deep_o affect_v with_o divine_a truth_n for_o where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v rich_o there_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v too_o nay_o i_o may_v add_v further_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o be_v curious_a to_o mark_v what_o respect_n be_v principal_o aim_v at_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o phrase_n throughout_o rom._n 8._o and_o likewise_o gal._n 5._o and_o other_o place_n and_o that_o because_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v curious_a in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o himself_o nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o so_o to_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v good_a of_o that_o conclusion_n against_o the_o jew_n which_o he_o aim_v at_o viz._n that_o justification_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n by_o be_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lusts._n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n his_o use_n of_o those_o phrase_n of_o be_v lead_v by_o and_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n indifferent_o for_o live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o his_o design_n of_o show_v that_o justification_n be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v obtain_v but_o by_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a for_o since_o mortify_v of_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o that_o degree_n which_o christianity_n now_o require_v be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n the_o jew_n who_o reject_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v under_o condemnation_n because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o guidance_n and_o incitation_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o subdue_a of_o sin_n be_v give_v for_o that_o purpose_n to_o none_o that_o reject_v christianity_n wherefore_o as_o long_a as_o the_o jew_n will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n i._n e._n to_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o profession_n whereof_o the_o special_a promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v make_v he_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o death_n of_o sin_n because_o he_o refuse_v the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o subdue_a the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n viz._n the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o refuse_v the_o incitation_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o death_n because_o if_o we_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v die_v this_o observation_n i_o think_v may_v not_o prove_v altogether_o unuseful_a to_o well-meaning_a person_n that_o have_v not_o hit_v on_o it_o before_o for_o a_o man_n may_v well_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o mistake_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o this_o and_o other_o place_n where_o the_o forementioned_a phrase_n be_v promiscuous_o use_v if_o he_o expect_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a mystery_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o a_o sense_n quite_o different_a from_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o that_o which_o i_o chief_o intend_v be_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o those_o phrase_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v extreme_o agreeable_a to_o that_o familiar_a way_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n move_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o if_o we_o be_v so_o move_v by_o he_o that_o we_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o any_o operation_n in_o our_o mind_n but_o that_o of_o divine_a truth_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o thereupon_o embrace_v by_o our_o understanding_n then_o we_o can_v better_o express_v our_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n than_o by_o say_v that_o we_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v a_o further_a reason_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a and_o indifferent_a use_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a phrase_n and_o that_o take_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n as_o the_o former_a be_v from_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o point_n with_o infer_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v it_o that_o we_o resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n many_o time_n when_o we_o think_v of_o nothing_o less_o and_o we_o do_v not_o think_v of_o it_o because_o we_o do_v not_o feel_v that_o supernatural_a impression_n which_o be_v make_v upon_o we_o and_o can_v discern_v it_o from_o the_o free_a and_o natural_a operation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o thus_o we_o quench_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n very_o often_o when_o we_o imagine_v that_o we_o only_o quarrel_v with_o our_o own_o thought_n or_o reject_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o a_o friend_n or_o the_o exhortation_n of_o a_o minister_n or_o the_o rebuke_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n now_o if_o we_o can_v hear_v or_o apprehend_v the_o holy_a spirit_n dissuade_v we_o from_o any_o wickedness_n as_o sensible_o as_o when_o a_o good_a man_n speak_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o dare_v sure_o to_o entertain_v one_o thought_n more_o of_o go_v forward_o a_o temptation_n can_v no_o more_o prevail_v against_o we_o if_o we_o be_v thus_o admonish_v than_o if_o god_n shall_v speak_v to_o we_o from_o heaven_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n in_o these_o word_n o_o do_v not_o that_o wicked_a thing_n which_o i_o hate_v but_o god_n do_v not_o use_v this_o method_n upon_o we_o because_o we_o be_v here_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n because_o he_o will_v prove_v we_o whether_o we_o believe_v his_o word_n or_o not_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o when_o we_o be_v sin_v against_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o our_o duty_n when_o we_o be_v baffle_v any_o good_a exhortation_n and_o counsel_n and_o our_o own_o hope_n of_o heaven_n or_o our_o fear_n of_o hell_n or_o the_o force_n of_o any_o seasonable_a good_a thought_n tend_v to_o repentance_n we_o do_v then_o as_o real_o contradict_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n as_o if_o we_o hear_v his_o voice_n sound_v in_o our_o ear_n shall_v we_o not_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a to_o do_v the_o former_a as_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o do_v the_o latter_a for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v admit_v in_o our_o excuse_n that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v of_o rebel_a against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o our_o not_o think_v of_o it_o be_v another_o fault_n since_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o every_o sin_n we_o commit_v against_o the_o check_n of_o conscience_n have_v that_o aggravation_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o one_o fault_n will_v excuse_v another_o wherefore_o if_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o do_v of_o despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n must_v needs_o add_v a_o heavy_a weight_n to_o every_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v presumptuous_o and_o to_o every_o neglect_n of_o improve_n a_o inclination_n to_o repentance_n methinks_v we_o shall_v tremble_v to_o do_v the_o one_o or_o to_o delay_v the_o other_o final_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o matter_n if_o we_o 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one_o that_o want_v the_o special_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o upon_o these_o term_n whoever_o go_v about_o to_o write_v against_o he_o must_v do_v it_o at_o the_o peril_n of_o be_v reckon_v a_o unregenerate_a man_n and_o then_o the_o doctor_n be_v secure_a for_o we_o have_v often_o see_v as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o he_o that_o such_o a_o man_n because_o he_o want_v special_a illumination_n can_v understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n spiritual_o and_o then_o he_o can_v discourse_v of_o they_o spiritual_o and_o then_o i_o think_v he_o may_v as_o well_o hold_v his_o tongue_n for_o any_o good_a he_o be_v likely_a to_o do_v with_o his_o carnal_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v that_o prejudice_n which_o i_o be_o in_o danger_n of_o lie_v under_o with_o the_o doctor_n be_v party_n while_o i_o treat_v concern_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o he_o use_v the_o same_o artifice_n to_o support_v his_o notion_n in_o this_o matter_n thus_o he_o tell_v we_o 336._o a_o command_n they_o suppose_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o a_o promise_n at_o least_o such_o a_o promise_n as_o wherein_o god_n shall_v take_v upon_o himself_o to_o work_v in_o we_o what_o the_o command_n require_v of_o we_o and_o a_o promise_v they_o think_v take_v off_o all_o the_o influence_a authority_n of_o the_o command_n if_o holiness_n be_v our_o duty_n there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o grace_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o duty_n but_o all_o these_o arguing_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n now_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o in_o these_o word_n he_o belie_v those_o who_o he_o write_v against_o for_o they_o suppose_v no_o such_o matter_n as_o he_o talk_v of_o but_o the_o doctor_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v do_v in_o other_o place_n mean_v by_o grace_n a_o irresistible_a force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n though_o he_o conceal_v it_o here_o dishonest_o to_o slander_v his_o adversary_n now_o that_o such_o a_o grace_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o command_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n may_v be_v so_o evident_o argue_v that_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o it_o but_o to_o call_v such_o argue_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o be_v his_o perpetual_a refuge_n but_o to_o be_v short_a he_o express_o tell_v we_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v rational_o to_o be_v account_v for_o by_o and_o unto_o they_o who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n 187._o that_o i_o like_v very_o well_o and_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n but_o there_o we_o be_v all_o spoil_v again_o for_o we_o know_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n viz._n be_v
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
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 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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
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 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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 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show_v what_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v these_o thing_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n who_o have_v not_o so_o well_o consider_v they_o may_v gain_v a_o profitable_a knowledge_n of_o this_o part_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o that_o be_v a_o profitable_a knowledge_n of_o it_o which_o will_v incite_v he_o to_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n for_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o encourage_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o the_o principal_a end_n which_o i_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o undertake_n be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v what_o great_a reason_n they_o have_v to_o endeavour_v earnest_o after_o true_a goodness_n since_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n ii_o concern_v those_o effect_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v to_o believer_n sect_n i._o doctor_n o._n say_v well_o that_o when_o we_o treat_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n we_o be_v exercise_v in_o such_o a_o subject_a as_o wherein_o we_o have_v no_o rule_n nor_o guide_n nor_o any_o thing_n to_o give_v we_o assistance_n but_o pure_a revelation_n for_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v by_o these_o word_n that_o all_o our_o knowledge_n concern_v this_o matter_n depend_v upon_o revelation_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n therefore_o our_o knowledge_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o revelation_n of_o it_o and_o by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o govern_v myself_o by_o that_o rule_n while_o i_o be_o debate_v those_o question_n i_o have_v propound_v concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v to_o man_n and_o this_o i_o the_o rather_o begin_v withal_o because_o the_o end_n of_o his_o operation_n be_v well_o understand_v we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o text_n which_o tell_v we_o who_o they_o be_v to_o who_o the_o spirit_n be_v promise_v and_o what_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n what_o the_o effect_n themselves_o be_v for_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v may_v be_v know_v 1._o in_o great_a part_n from_o that_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n luke_n 11.13_o 2._o they_o may_v be_v full_o know_v from_o those_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o mention_n the_o several_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o promise_n in_o st._n luke_n whereby_o we_o may_v understand_v for_o what_o purpose_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o christ._n the_o text_n be_v this_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o these_o word_n deserve_v our_o attention_n the_o more_o because_o they_o be_v the_o first_o wherein_o we_o find_v our_o saviour_n mention_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v their_o connexion_n with_o the_o precedent_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n to_o come_v by_o that_o mean_n to_o their_o true_a meaning_n and_o hereby_o also_o we_o shall_v plain_o see_v what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o this_o place_n we_o find_v vers_fw-la 1._o that_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n say_v unto_o he_o lord_n teach_v we_o to_o pray_v whereupon_o he_o teach_v they_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n our_o father_n etc._n etc._n have_v thus_o answer_v their_o desire_n he_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o require_v they_o to_o pray_v fervent_o and_o importunate_o urge_v his_o command_n with_o this_o argument_n that_o if_o they_o do_v so_o they_o shall_v certain_o be_v hear_v and_o their_o request_n shall_v be_v grant_v for_o thus_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o vers_n 9_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v etc._n etc._n this_o argument_n be_v enforce_v by_o two_o similitude_n whereof_o the_o former_a make_v way_n for_o the_o latter_a to_o proceed_v with_o more_o strength_n towards_o the_o prove_v of_o this_o thing_n that_o god_n will_v hear_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o a_o man_n that_o go_v to_o his_o friend_n at_o midnight_n to_o beg_v three_o loaf_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o another_o friend_n of_o he_o vers_fw-la 5_o 6._o now_o it_o be_v here_o observe_v that_o the_o request_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o unseasonable_a vers_fw-la 7._o trouble_v i_o not_o the_o door_n be_v now_o shut_v and_o my_o child_n be_v with_o i_o in_o bed_n and_o withal_o the_o trouble_n be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o bare_a friendship_n that_o be_v between_o they_o will_v not_o have_v prevail_v vers_fw-la 8._o he_o will_v not_o rise_v and_o give_v he_o because_o he_o be_v his_o friend_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v observe_v that_o two_o consideration_n prevail_v with_o he_o viz._n that_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o that_o of_o the_o importunity_n of_o his_o friend_n yet_o because_o of_o his_o importunity_n he_o will_v rise_v and_o give_v he_o as_o many_o as_o he_o need_v now_o from_o hence_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v vers_fw-la 9_o that_n if_o we_o ask_v we_o shall_v have_v i._n e._n god_n will_v give_v we_o whatsoever_o thing_n we_o ask_v of_o he_o importunate_o if_o those_o thing_n be_v needful_a for_o we_o and_o this_o with_o great_a reason_n for_o 1._o god_n be_v our_o best_a friend_n and_o great_a benefactor_n 2._o we_o be_v never_o unseasonable_a to_o he_o and_o the_o give_v of_o what_o we_o ask_v be_v never_o 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give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o argument_n proceed_v à _fw-la minori_fw-la and_o the_o force_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o earthly_a parent_n who_o may_v be_v tenacious_a towards_o other_o and_o envy_v what_o they_o enjoy_v for_o in_o that_o sense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v be_v thy_o eye_n evil_a because_o i_o be_v good_a will_v not_o yet_o be_v so_o towards_o their_o child_n when_o they_o ask_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o need_v much_o less_o will_v god_n who_o be_v in_o this_o similitude_n affirm_v to_o be_v our_o father_n as_o in_o the_o former_a he_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v our_o friend_n and_o who_o
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 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regeneration_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o meaning_n and_o intendment_n of_o the_o scripture_n therein_o which_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n be_v at_o present_a suppose_a to_o be_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a therefore_o i_o say_v the_o gospel_n in_o this_o matter_n must_v be_v so_o too_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o man_n but_o those_o who_o have_v be_v so_o long_o use_v to_o nonsense_n that_o they_o reckon_v nothing_o intelligible_a but_o what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o nothing_o unintelligible_a but_o what_o they_o do_v possible_o the_o doctor_n will_v grant_v that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o gospel_n be_v intelligible_a to_o those_o who_o do_v understand_v this_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o regeneration_n but_o he_o will_v pretend_v that_o it_o be_v unintelligible_a how_o these_o expression_n of_o be_v regenerate_v and_o create_v etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v metaphorical_a expression_n of_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a christian_n some_o such_o thing_n he_o intimate_v within_o a_o few_o line_n after_o in_o these_o word_n other_o judge_v that_o under_o a_o grandeur_n of_o word_n and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n thing_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o low_a sense_n be_v intend_v and_o to_o be_v understand_v so_o that_o our_o author_n seem_v unable_a to_o understand_v how_o such_o grand_a and_o lofty_a phrase_n as_o be_v regenerate_v create_v and_o quicken_v from_o death_n shall_v come_v to_o signify_v such_o a_o creep_a attainment_n as_o that_o of_o be_v true_o good_a and_o virtuous_a alas_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o the_o gospel_n upright_o and_o universal_o these_o be_v but_o thing_n of_o a_o mean_a and_o low_a sense_n and_o it_o be_v unintelligible_a how_o they_o shall_v be_v intend_v by_o the_o grandeur_n of_o such_o hyperbolical_a 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inexpressible_a grandeur_n in_o many_o of_o they_o beyond_o our_o comprehension_n now_o if_o the_o mystery_n of_o that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o our_o heart_n whereby_o we_o be_v fit_v for_o heaven_n be_v so_o express_v by_o these_o phrase_n then_o let_v he_o mark_v what_o follow_v viz._n 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o require_v to_o understand_v these_o phrase_n in_o their_o proper_a meaning_n for_o as_o i_o have_v show_v it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o understand_v with_o the_o least_o congruity_n therefore_o if_o the_o scripture_n in_o any_o measure_n condescend_v to_o our_o capacity_n in_o use_v those_o expression_n the_o literal_a sense_n of_o they_o be_v not_o intend_v 2._o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v say_v to_o condescend_v to_o our_o capacity_n it_o be_v always_o by_o the_o use_n of_o metaphor_n thus_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v hand_n and_o eye_n and_o this_o with_o condescension_n to_o our_o capacity_n but_o sure_o you_o will_v not_o say_v that_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v these_o expression_n proper_o but_o that_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v his_o power_n and_o by_o his_o eye_n his_o knowledge_n now_o if_o the_o scripture_n condescend_v to_o our_o capacity_n in_o represent_v the_o mention_a effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n by_o regeneration_n creation_n etc._n etc._n then_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n these_o be_v metaphorical_a expression_n too_o by_o the_o use_n of_o which_o for_o the_o express_v of_o those_o effect_n the_o scripture_n condescend_v to_o our_o capacity_n last_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v still_o in_o these_o thing_n a_o inexpressible_a grandeur_n beyond_o our_o comprehension_n if_o the_o grandeur_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v express_v by_o a_o grandeur_n of_o word_n proper_a to_o the_o thing_n the_o grandeur_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o inexpressible_a as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v the_o proper_a meaning_n also_o of_o be_v bear_v and_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o clear_o comprehend_v i_o suppose_v how_o happen_v it_o then_o that_o the_o thing_n proper_o mean_v by_o these_o word_n be_v beyond_o his_o comprehension_n that_o it_o be_v beyond_o his_o comprehension_n or_o any_o man_n else_o that_o the_o same_o person_n shall_v in_o the_o proper_a sense_n be_v bear_v create_v and_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a all_o at_o once_o i_o do_v not_o question_v since_o it_o be_v sufficient_o incomprehensible_a that_o contradiction_n may_v be_v true_a but_o then_o they_o be_v the_o contradiction_n imply_v in_o the_o proper_a acceptation_n of_o these_o phrase_n in_o our_o present_a case_n which_o make_v the_o thing_n incomprehensible_a for_o set_v the_o contradiction_n aside_o and_o you_o can_v deny_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o those_o word_n to_o be_v beyond_o your_o comprehension_n i._n e._n you_o can_v as_o well_o comprehend_v what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o man_n to_o be_v proper_o bear_v create_v quicken_v awaken_v by_o the_o same_o numerical_a act_n as_o what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o man_n to_o be_v first_o create_v then_o bear_v then_o quicken_v and_o the_o like_a so_o that_o if_o our_o author_n have_v mark_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o he_o may_v lawful_o affirm_v the_o thing_n suppose_v to_o be_v proper_o express_v by_o these_o phrase_n to_o be_v beyond_o his_o comprehension_n he_o will_v have_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v the_o contradiction_n imply_v in_o the_o supposition_n that_o those_o phrase_n do_v proper_o express_v it_o have_v he_o therefore_o consider_v his_o own_o word_n he_o have_v present_o see_v that_o his_o sublime_a nonsense_n be_v none_o of_o those_o lofty_a thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o regeneration_n i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o in_o confute_v this_o pretence_n of_o these_o man_n that_o these_o scripture-phrase_n be_v proper_o to_o be_v understand_v because_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o those_o wild_a doctrine_n concern_v grace_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o conversion_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o holiness_n which_o they_o have_v introduce_v into_o divinity_n be_v it_o not_o for_o their_o amuse_v the_o people_n with_o such_o discourse_n about_o regeneration_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n as_o if_o they_o be_v literal_o to_o be_v understand_v it_o be_v as_o unlikely_a for_o they_o to_o persuade_v the_o mean_a of_o their_o hearer_n that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v convert_v till_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o hinder_v it_o that_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v in_o a_o moment_n that_o before_o that_o moment_n come_v the_o very_o best_a action_n of_o man_n be_v sin_n as_o it_o will_v be_v that_o the_o romanist_n shall_v cheat_v so_o many_o ignorant_a soul_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n have_v they_o not_o a_o weak_a pretence_n for_o that_o doctrine_n from_o the_o sound_n of_o those_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o they_o contend_v be_v literal_o and_o not_o figurative_o to_o be_v understand_v the_o people_n of_o both_o these_o party_n be_v to_o be_v pity_v since_o they_o equal_o surrender_v up_o their_o understanding_n to_o their_o guide_n and_o receive_v their_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n without_o examine_v they_o and_o then_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o say_v this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o create_v and_o quicken_v etc._n etc._n they_o come_v to_o believe_v nonsense_n i._n e._n that_o these_o expression_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o their_o proper_a sense_n as_o their_o master_n teach_v they_o but_o how_o they_o themselves_o can_v be_v excuse_v since_o i_o fear_v they_o can_v but_o be_v aware_a of_o the_o dishonour_n that_o be_v do_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o mischief_n which_o may_v happen_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o such_o a_o absurd_a use_n of_o scripture-metaphor_n as_o that_o i_o can_v understand_v some_o of_o they_o i_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
trust_v and_o his_o sovereign_a dominion_n own_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o it_o which_o be_v incomparable_o more_o effectual_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n than_o whole_a burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n for_o this_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v be_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n such_o a_o temple_n as_o this_o god_n be_v so_o delight_v in_o that_o in_o comparison_n therewith_o he_o disregard_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n with_o all_o the_o external_a service_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o for_o that_o god_n dwell_v in_o pious_a mind_n be_v not_o unknown_a to_o the_o jew_n where_o be_v the_o house_n that_o you_o build_v unto_o i_o and_o where_o be_v the_o place_n of_o my_o rest_n to_o he_o will_v i_o look_v say_v the_o lord_n even_o to_o he_o that_o be_v poor_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a heart_n and_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n isa._n 66.2_o 3._o thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o holy_a one_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n who_o name_n be_v holy_a i_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n with_o he_o also_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o contrite_a one_o isa._n 57.15_o let_v we_o now_o lay_v these_o thing_n together_o and_o the_o conclusion_n will_v be_v that_o god_n dwelling_n in_o man_n imply_v a_o plentiful_a communication_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v they_o in_o all_o goodness_n which_o be_v what_o i_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o show_v under_o this_o head_n for_o since_o this_o expression_n of_o god_n dwelling_n in_o man_n denote_v the_o presence_n of_o a_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o favour_n to_o those_o in_o who_o he_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v which_o be_v not_o afford_v to_o other_o since_o the_o dwell_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o believer_n be_v to_o enable_v they_o to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n and_o to_o prevail_v final_o against_o all_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n since_o also_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n dwell_v in_o good_a and_o righteous_a but_o not_o in_o impure_a and_o unholy_a person_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o after_o we_o be_v regenerate_v it_o be_v still_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o proceed_v in_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n and_o to_o persevere_v therein_o to_o the_o end_n for_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n by_o the_o spirit_n second_o it_o follow_v also_o that_o there_o be_v a_o more_o abundant_a measure_n of_o divine_a grace_n communicate_v to_o holy_a person_n than_o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o for_o god_n dwelling_n imply_v the_o presence_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a grace_n and_o thus_o our_o saviour_n also_o have_v plain_o tell_v we_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundant_o final_o this_o doctrine_n be_v very_o well_o consistent_a with_o that_o of_o attribute_v the_o beginning_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o goodness_n in_o we_o to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o although_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v only_o in_o good_a man_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o his_o operation_n that_o any_o be_v make_v so_o at_o first_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v we_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n eph._n 2.22_o but_o his_o dwell_n in_o we_o afterward_o signify_v as_o we_o have_v show_v the_o more_o abundant_a grace_n we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o and_o thus_o although_o the_o blessing_n which_o all_o the_o world_n enjoy_v while_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n stand_v flow_v to_o mankind_n from_o the_o divine_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n yet_o god_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v only_o among_o the_o israelite_n because_o he_o have_v a_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o that_o people_n 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the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o former_a can_v be_v without_o the_o latter_a 3._o wherefore_o also_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o make_v our_o believe_a and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o our_o have_v true_a grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o distinct_a mark_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n for_o if_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o we_o if_o they_o be_v grace_n as_o that_o signify_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n as_o that_o signify_v divine_a assistance_n then_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o mark_n of_o regeneration_n distinct_a from_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n because_o this_o be_v grace_n itself_o in_o the_o former_a and_o be_v itself_o the_o only_a mark_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n i._n e._n of_o our_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o 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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 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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 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and_o all_o mankind_n but_o i_o can_v go_v about_o to_o convince_v another_o of_o that_o truth_n which_o i_o know_v only_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n unless_o i_o can_v add_v the_o demonstration_n of_o power_n by_o do_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v my_o doctrine_n or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v myself_o as_o ridiculous_a as_o those_o champion_n of_o the_o roman_a fraternity_n make_v themselves_o who_o say_v their_o church_n be_v infallible_a in_o the_o conclusion_n though_o she_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o premise_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v sure_a their_o church_n be_v always_o in_o the_o right_n though_o sometime_o it_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v prove_v this_o may_v be_v say_v for_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o difficult_a place_n by_o study_n the_o use_n of_o which_o way_n be_v principal_o the_o duty_n of_o spiritual_a guide_n now_o the_o advantage_n thereof_o be_v this_o that_o they_o may_v easy_o communicate_v their_o 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saviour_n think_v it_o be_v needful_a for_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o because_o we_o be_v afraid_a to_o provoke_v his_o angry_a justice_n nor_o disregard_n our_o care_n to_o do_v his_o will_n ever_o the_o more_o because_o we_o be_v move_v thereunto_o by_o fear_n since_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o he_o himself_o persuade_v we_o withal_o especial_o since_o the_o scripture_n make_v those_o divine_a benefit_n which_o challenge_v our_o utmost_a gratitude_n and_o that_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o which_o be_v so_o powerful_a a_o argument_n to_o make_v we_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n a_o reason_n also_o why_o we_o shall_v fear_v he_o for_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o psalmist_n we_o be_v to_o fear_n god_n because_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o he_o psal._n 130.4_o i_o e._n because_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o mercy_n will_v yet_o more_o provoke_v his_o displeasure_n 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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 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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
as_o profitable_a for_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o these_o present_a advantage_n etc._n etc._n tend_v to_o the_o harm_n of_o the_o soul._n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v by_o we_o which_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n thy_o will_v be_v do_v as_o to_o that_o clause_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n he_o say_v it_o show_v that_o god_n regard_v the_o mind_n more_o than_o the_o word_n wherewith_o we_o pray_v as_o to_o the_o unutterable_a groan_n he_o say_v how_o can_v that_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o god_n be_v utter_v by_o we_o when_o sometime_o that_o which_o our_o own_o spirit_n feel_v and_o understand_v can_v be_v express_v by_o we_o in_o word_n now_o i_o believe_v we_o shall_v not_o ready_o meet_v with_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n contain_v any_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n whereof_o the_o father_n do_v more_o unanimous_o conspire_v than_o they_o do_v in_o their_o sense_n of_o this_o i_o can_v easy_o have_v add_v more_o authority_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n if_o i_o have_v please_v but_o i_o hope_v these_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v any_o sober_a person_n that_o that_o interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n which_o i_o prefer_v before_o dr._n owen_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v call_v present_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n for_o i_o shall_v offer_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o christian_a writer_n who_o may_v with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o little_a charity_n i_o think_v pass_v for_o regenerate_a man_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o say_v towards_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o text_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o we_o ought_v in_o the_o general_a to_o pray_v for_o what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o 2._o that_o in_o some_o case_n we_o know_v not_o what_o be_v best_a and_o they_o be_v those_o which_o concern_v our_o present_a state_n in_o this_o world_n with_o regard_n to_o affliction_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o ease_n and_o prosperity_n on_o the_o other_o and_o thus_o st._n austin_n prevent_v that_o objection_n of_o the_o christian_n know_v the_o lord_n prayer_n by_o restrain_v the_o ignorance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o temporal_a affliction_n 3._o that_o our_o infirmity_n here_o mention_v consist_v in_o this_o ignorance_n together_o with_o our_o proness_n to_o desire_v health_n riches_n and_o ease_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o natural_a aversation_n we_o have_v to_o pain_n and_o trouble_v when_o as_o yet_o god_n may_v see_v that_o the_o former_a will_v be_v hurtful_a the_o latter_a profitable_a for_o we_o 4._o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v make_v intercession_n for_o we_o they_o all_o understand_v his_o exciting_a we_o to_o pray_v for_o ourselves_o except_v st._n ambrose_n who_o suppose_v the_o spirit_n to_o intercede_v proper_o for_o we_o that_o god_n will_v bestow_v better_a thing_n on_o we_o than_o we_o sometime_o ask_v for_o ourselves_o and_o origen_n seem_v to_o understand_v both_o 5._o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v help_v our_o infirmity_n be_v his_o incite_n of_o we_o to_o pray_v for_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o not_o for_o earthly_a as_o st._n hierom_n say_v which_o be_v to_o pray_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o pray_v at_o all_o for_o any_o temporal_a blessing_n but_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v content_a if_o we_o be_v deny_v because_o those_o thing_n viz._n deliverance_n from_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o think_v will_v profit_v may_v hurt_v we_o as_o he_o observe_v and_o therefore_o all_o our_o desire_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v by_o that_o petition_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v teach_v we_o thy_o will_v be_v do_v as_o origen_n note_v in_o short_a by_o the_o scope_n of_o what_o they_o all_o say_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v their_o meaning_n that_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n by_o increase_v our_o desire_n after_o heavenly_a thing_n by_o make_v we_o more_o indifferent_a about_o earthly_a matter_n and_o content_a with_o affliction_n if_o god_n see_v they_o good_a for_o we_o see_v his_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o as_o he_o tell_v st._n paul_n when_o he_o so_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n which_o be_v the_o instance_n they_o all_o use_n 6._o by_o the_o unutterable_a groan_n some_o of_o they_o understand_v that_o inexpressible_a fervency_n of_o mind_n enkindle_v in_o good_a man_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wherewith_o they_o desire_v heavenly_a thing_n and_o which_o wherever_o it_o be_v will_v certain_o abate_v our_o desire_n of_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o make_v we_o less_o weary_a of_o affliction_n other_o of_o they_o suppose_v the_o proper_a intercession_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o and_o st._n austin_n in_o particular_a suppose_v that_o by_o the_o unutterable_a groan_n be_v mean_v the_o desire_n of_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v best_a for_o we_o for_o say_v he_o how_o shall_v that_o which_o be_v desire_v be_v utter_v when_o it_o be_v yet_o unknown_a i._o e._n when_o under_o a_o affliction_n we_o pray_v for_o what_o god_n see_v best_a for_o we_o not_o know_v whether_o that_o may_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o continuance_n or_o removal_n of_o it_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a about_o this_o matter_n the_o interpretation_n of_o origen_n himself_o who_o can_v not_o learn_v it_o from_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n fall_v in_o with_o they_o and_o yet_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o find_v as_o many_o mystery_n in_o the_o bible_n as_o another_o man_n but_o he_o leave_v they_o that_o can_v light_v upon_o a_o more_o sublime_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n to_o enjoy_v their_o opinion_n by_o themselves_o now_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o supposition_n upon_o which_o they_o go_v in_o interpret_n the_o text_n this_o way_n be_v this_o that_o our_o not_o know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o belong_v to_o the_o case_n of_o present_a affliction_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v may_v be_v more_o profitable_a for_o we_o than_o to_o be_v exempt_v or_o rescue_v from_o they_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o show_v that_o this_o supposition_n and_o the_o interpretation_n build_v upon_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n wherewith_o this_o text_n have_v a_o plain_a coherence_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n propound_v in_o the_o 17_o verse_n st._n paul_n begin_v to_o comfort_v the_o christian_n under_o their_o affliction_n show_v they_o that_o they_o who_o suffer_v with_o christ_n shall_v be_v also_o glorify_v together_o this_o consideration_n afford_v two_o argument_n of_o patience_n which_o he_o distinct_o note_n the_o former_a be_v the_o transcendent_a greatness_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o they_o hope_v for_o the_o latter_a the_o profitableness_n of_o their_o present_a suffering_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o that_o glory_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o glory_n itself_o for_o i_o reckon_v say_v he_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o v_o 18._o thither_o from_o which_o verse_n to_o the_o 24_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o as_o in_o god_n good_a time_n the_o heathen_n will_v be_v rescue_v from_o their_o idolatry_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o glory_n so_o the_o christian_n shall_v be_v rescue_v from_o their_o suffering_n also_o under_o which_o they_o now_o groan_v wherefore_o at_o present_a he_o will_v have_v they_o take_v comfort_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o deliverance_n and_o glory_n which_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v for_o say_v he_o we_o be_v save_v by_o hope_n etc._n etc._n v._n 24._o but_o if_o we_o hope_v for_o that_o we_o see_v not_o then_o do_v we_o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o it_o v_o 25._o 2._o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o patience_n yet_o further_o by_o the_o profitableness_n of_o their_o present_a suffering_n we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n to_o they_o who_o be_v the_o call_v according_a to_o purpose_n vers_fw-la 28._o that_o be_v who_o with_o full_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n adhere_v to_o the_o profession_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v notwithstanding_o all_o these_o suffering_n for_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o first-born_a among_o many_o brethren_n moreover_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o also_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o also_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v
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
plain_a that_o no_o body_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o procure_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v at_o first_o necessary_a to_o put_v he_o into_o the_o way_n of_o well-doing_n the_o latter_a proposition_n be_v clear_a thus_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o eternal_a punishment_n much_o less_o to_o such_o punishment_n in_o a_o more_o intolerable_a degree_n for_o not_o believe_v what_o be_v always_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v and_o that_o without_o his_o own_o fault_n but_o every_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o eternal_a punishment_n if_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o and_o to_o a_o sore_a punishment_n for_o not_o believe_v it_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o always_o thus_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o believe_v the_o second_o proposition_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o forementioned_a passage_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o first_o be_v from_o the_o unchangeable_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o to_o say_v that_o god_n require_v impossible_a thing_n of_o any_o man_n and_o so_o take_v advantage_n against_o he_o to_o cast_v he_o into_o fierce_a flame_n where_o he_o must_v burn_v for_o ever_o be_v to_o blaspheme_v all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o those_o which_o make_v he_o great_a and_o powerful_a it_o be_v to_o rob_v he_o of_o all_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o which_o he_o have_v express_v so_o much_o delight_n for_o not_o to_o say_v that_o this_o fasten_v the_o reproach_n of_o insincerity_n and_o foul_a dissimulation_n upon_o the_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v to_o charge_v the_o creator_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n with_o tyranny_n and_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n with_o injustice_n god_n be_v please_v to_o expostulate_v with_o man_n because_o of_o their_o disobedience_n from_o that_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v to_o he_o as_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n say_v the_o lord_n mal._n 1.6_o now_o can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o have_v give_v any_o man_n cause_n to_o retort_v that_o expostulation_n in_o this_o manner_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v thy_o bowel_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v thy_o justice_n for_o kindness_n belong_v as_o necessary_o to_o the_o character_n of_o a_o good_a father_n and_o justice_n to_o that_o of_o a_o good_a master_n as_o obedience_n and_o fear_n can_v to_o that_o of_o a_o good_a child_n or_o servant_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o forget_v that_o god_n have_v appeal_v to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n impress_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o justification_n of_o the_o equity_n and_o mercy_n of_o his_o proceed_n towards_o they_o the_o latter_a in_o isa._n 1.18_o come_v now_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n the_o former_a in_o ezekel_n 18.25_o be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a but_o to_o inflict_v a_o more_o grievous_a punishment_n and_o that_o eternal_a for_o not_o perform_v a_o impossible_a condition_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n cruel_a and_o unjust_a and_o therefore_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o father_n nor_o with_o the_o justice_n of_o a_o master_n nor_o with_o god_n plead_v with_o obstinate_a evil_a man_n from_o these_o relation_n and_o the_o appeal_v he_o make_v to_o their_o own_o mind_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o which_o upon_o these_o term_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o acknowledge_v unless_o they_o lie_v aside_o the_o bright_a principle_n of_o their_o reason_n if_o some_o thing_n be_v so_o evil_a that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v good_a than_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o can_v never_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n without_o blasphemy_n now_o if_o the_o inflict_a of_o eternal_a torment_n upon_o man_n for_o what_o they_o can_v never_o help_v be_v not_o one_o of_o those_o thing_n i_o desire_v any_o man_n to_o tell_v i_o what_o be_v beside_o be_v it_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v lie_v but_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o he_o that_o die_v but_o have_v rather_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v and_o what_o shadow_n of_o truth_n can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o say_n if_o he_o first_o prescribe_v impossible_a term_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o then_o damn_v the_o sinner_n with_o more_o severity_n for_o not_o perform_v they_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o debate_v this_o matter_n with_o dr._n owen_n in_o another_o place_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v he_o please_v to_o contrive_v some_o undeniable_a instance_n of_o barbarous_a injustice_n which_o without_o question_n he_o can_v easy_o do_v and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v we_o his_o idea_n of_o it_o i_o will_v undertake_v to_o reconcile_v the_o fasten_n it_o upon_o god_n with_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o attribute_n as_o easy_o as_o he_o can_v secure_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n while_o he_o make_v god_n to_o oblige_v man_n to_o impossibility_n under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o right_n and_o wrong_n if_o we_o know_v nothing_o so_o good_a or_o so_o evil_a but_o it_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v so_o then_o the_o divine_a perfection_n may_v cease_v too_o and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v mutable_a and_o so_o farewell_n to_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o last_o result_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o make_v believe_v and_o consequent_o obey_v the_o gospel_n impossible_a from_o the_o very_a first_o to_o they_o that_o will_v be_v damn_v for_o not_o do_v so_o i_o leave_v indifferent_a man_n to_o consider_v the_o conclusion_n be_v that_o believe_v be_v possible_a to_o all_o that_o hear_v now_o the_o possibility_n thereof_o must_v consist_v either_o in_o this_o that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v able_a to_o dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o that_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o that_o teachableness_n and_o attention_n which_o will_v cause_v actual_a believe_v assoon_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v plain_o and_o evident_o make_v know_v or_o else_o in_o this_o that_o by_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n we_o may_v be_v thus_o dispose_v and_o consequent_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n the_o former_a be_v the_o semipelagian_a doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n chap._n 4._o sect._n 1._o therefore_o the_o latter_a remain_v to_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v possible_a for_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n to_o believe_v and_o by_o force_n of_o the_o former_a argument_n it_o follow_v that_o common_a grace_n or_o that_o which_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o begin_v well_o and_o by_o believe_v to_o perform_v the_o first_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o i_o do_v not_o indeed_o find_v any_o such_o express_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n will_v give_v every_o man_n that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n grace_n to_o believe_v it_o as_o there_o be_v that_o he_o will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o believer_n and_o good_a man_n and_o this_o may_v be_v say_v why_o there_o be_v no_o such_o promise_n make_v express_o viz._n because_o it_o will_v have_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n either_o to_o those_o that_o believe_v already_o because_o they_o need_v not_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o beget_v faith_n at_o first_o but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o confirm_v and_o increase_v it_o or_o to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v for_o of_o whatsoever_o use_v such_o a_o promise_n can_v be_v to_o any_o man_n it_o must_v suppose_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o which_o he_o will_v want_v who_o do_v not_o yet_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o common_a grace_n express_o make_v to_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o implicit_a promise_n thereof_o contain_v partly_o under_o that_o obligation_n which_o the_o gospel_n lay_v upon_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o to_o believe_v and_o partly_o under_o those_o passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o suppose_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o we_o for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v just_o oblige_v to_o impossible_a term_n of_o forgiveness_n under_o pain_n of_o a_o more_o grievous_a punishment_n therefore_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n god_n will_v give_v his_o spirit_n in_o such_o measure_n
motive_n include_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o operation_n nor_o do_v the_o spirit_n use_v any_o motive_n when_o he_o thus_o operate_v for_o as_o these_o man_n say_v this_o physical_a operation_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n tell_v i_o in_o what_o capacity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v stand_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o author_n if_o you_o will_v believe_v he_o pay_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o do_v not_o only_o render_v thus_o useless_a in_o general_n but_o many_o plain_a testimony_n whereof_o he_o contradict_v in_o particular_a and_o for_o instance_n that_o passage_n in_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n i_o desire_v he_o at_o his_o leisure_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o grace_n which_o our_o saviour_n pray_v for_o in_o his_o disciple_n behalf_n be_v a_o immediate_a physical_a operation_n if_o not_o 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more_o efficacy_n to_o the_o word_n than_o we_o who_o say_v that_o mankind_n be_v not_o so_o incapable_a of_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o word_n but_o that_o when_o it_o be_v bless_v and_o use_v as_o he_o well_o enough_o express_v it_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 268._o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convert_v a_o man_n without_o any_o such_o physical_a operation_n as_o they_o talk_v of_o but_o you_o see_v this_o man_n make_v it_o to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o dead_a letter_n even_o when_o it_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n too_o and_o after_o all_o his_o flourish_v resolve_v conversion_n into_o a_o irresistible_a operation_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o the_o word_n at_o all_o and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v you_o what_o a_o irreverent_a opinion_n he_o have_v of_o it_o whatever_o he_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o proposition_n sect_n 2._o 2._o the_o manner_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o ratioâ—nal_a nature_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o full_o express_v and_o liberal_o grant_v by_o dr._n owen_n that_o i_o shall_v need_v to_o say_v the_o less_o of_o it_o 271._o for_o he_o say_v the_o power_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n put_v forth_o in_o our_o regeneration_n be_v such_o in_o its_o act_n or_o exercise_n as_o 〈◊〉_d mind_n will_n and_o affection_n be_v suit_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o to_o be_v affect_v by_o it_o according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o natural_a operation_n again_o he_o do_v not_o act_n in_o they_o otherwise_o than_o they_o themselves_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 he_o draw_v we_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n and_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o work_n itself_o be_v express_v by_o persuade_v and_o allure_a and_o that_o it_o carry_v no_o more_o repugnancy_n to_o our_o faculty_n than_o a_o prevalent_a persuasion_n do_v again_o that_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o mere_o passive_a instrument_n as_o former_o in_o prophetical_a inspiration_n move_v above_o their_o own_o natural_a capacity_n and_o activity_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o operation_n but_o he_o work_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o and_o by_o their_o own_o natural_a act_n through_o a_o immediate_a influence_n and_o impression_n of_o his_o power_n last_o that_o he_o offer_v no_o violence_n or_o compulsion_n to_o the_o will_n this_o he_o say_v that_o faculty_n be_v not_o natural_o capable_a to_o give_v admission_n unto_o if_o it_o be_v compel_v it_o be_v destroy_v these_o be_v very_o fair_a concession_n and_o â—â—less_v you_o have_v give_v over_o wonder_v at_o our_o author_n way_n of_o writing_n you_o will_v hardly_o believe_v they_o shall_v drop_v from_o his_o pen._n but_o they_o be_v his_o own_o word_n i_o assure_v you_o though_o light_n and_o darkness_n may_v be_v assoon_o reconcile_v as_o they_o can_v be_v to_o that_o opinion_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n which_o he_o so_o eager_o contend_v for_o for_o if_o a_o physical_a operation_n immediate_o and_o irresistible_o produce_v faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v utter_o unsuitable_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o natural_a faculty_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o which_o those_o effect_n be_v wrought_v then_o be_v it_o most_o evident_a that_o those_o concession_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o conversion_n by_o that_o physical_a work_n now_o let_v he_o tell_v i_o whether_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v according_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o natural_a operation_n suit_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o such_o a_o power_n as_o make_v not_o the_o least_o use_n of_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o least_o thought_n
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 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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 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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