the_o proper_a sense_n but_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o so_o learned_a a_o man_n as_o dr._n owen_n can_v excuse_v himself_o from_o dishonesty_n for_o make_v this_o construction_n of_o it_o which_o must_v appear_v ridiculous_a to_o any_o consider_a man_n however_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o have_v give_v a_o plain_a and_o reasonable_a account_n of_o the_o use_n of_o these_o metaphor_n by_o show_v wherein_o the_o similitude_n lie_v between_o the_o proper_a and_o figurative_a signification_n of_o they_o and_o hereby_o i_o may_v have_v help_v our_o author_n to_o conceive_v it_o a_o very_a possible_a thing_n that_o the_o scripture_n mean_v nothing_o more_o by_o those_o grand_a and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n as_o he_o call_v they_o of_o be_v regenerate_v etc._n etc._n then_o become_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o adversary_n notion_n of_o a_o regenerate_v man_n thus_o also_o i_o have_v show_v how_o far_o we_o may_v argue_v from_o these_o scripture_n metaphor_n if_o any_o man_n can_v go_v further_o and_o find_v out_o more_o similitude_n between_o the_o metaphor_n and_o that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v his_o adversary_n provide_v he_o keep_v himself_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o proper_a signification_n of_o any_o one_o or_o all_o these_o metaphor_n to_o conclude_v something_o parallel_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o believer_n to_o every_o thing_n which_o can_v proper_o be_v affirm_v of_o they_o be_v to_o run_v upon_o such_o wild_a and_o absurd_a consequence_n as_o any_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o and_o any_o good_a man_n will_v be_v afraid_a to_o fasten_v upon_o the_o scripture_n how_o our_o author_n argue_v from_o they_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o as_o to_o state_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o regeneration_n sect_n 10._o though_o i_o have_v as_o i_o conceive_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o be_v to_o become_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n yet_o for_o further_a confirmation_n and_o because_o it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o the_o ordinary_a reader_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o plain_a that_o this_o notion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n to_o nicodemus_n joh._n 3._o which_o be_v the_o most_o famous_a place_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n where_o this_o phrase_n be_v use_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a way_n of_o interpret_n any_o difficult_a passage_n in_o divine_a or_o humane_a author_n to_o observe_v the_o design_n of_o that_o whole_a discourse_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v and_o then_o to_o fix_v such_o a_o meaning_n upon_o that_o passage_n as_o be_v apparent_o suitable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o author_n if_o the_o word_n will_v bear_v that_o meaning_n that_o the_o phrase_n of_o be_v regenerate_v will_v bear_v that_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v assign_v to_o it_o i_o have_v show_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o clear_a argument_n from_o other_o scripture_n wherefore_o if_o i_o show_v also_o that_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o phrase_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o plain_a scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o discourse_n where_o he_o make_v the_o first_o mention_n of_o it_o that_o we_o read_v of_o nothing_o can_v be_v further_o desire_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n may_v easy_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o plain_a passage_n of_o it_o and_o then_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v this_o 1._o to_o show_v that_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n 2._o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o the_o former_a we_o find_v vers_fw-la 16._o for_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n i._n e._n this_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o save_v mankind_n viz._n by_o faith_n in_o his_o son_n who_o be_v to_o be_v lift_v up_o upon_o the_o cross_n as_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n a_o rude_a savage_a place_n and_o so_o fit_a to_o be_v the_o figure_n of_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o christ_n come_v to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 14_o 15._o now_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o man_n thus_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o no_o man_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v refuse_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o sacrifice_n for_o though_o indeed_o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v vers_fw-la 17._o yet_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o vers_fw-la 18._o be_v in_o a_o state_n to_o which_o condemnation_n belong_v and_o that_o a_o more_o severe_a one_o for_o refuse_v so_o gracious_a a_o opportunity_n of_o salvation_n as_o be_v now_o offer_v 2._o our_o saviour_n show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o man_n that_o believe_v not_o and_o that_o by_o note_v 1._o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o disbelieved_a 2._o the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o unbelief_n the_o former_a he_o admonish_v nicodemus_n of_o in_o these_o word_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o we_o speak_v that_o we_o do_v know_v and_o testify_v that_o we_o have_v see_v and_o you_o receive_v not_o our_o testimony_n vers_fw-la 11._o i._n e._n you_o believe_v not_o my_o doctrine_n concern_v that_o only_a way_n by_o which_o you_o must_v come_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n although_o it_o be_v evident_o true_a for_o this_o be_v that_o very_a message_n which_o i_o bring_v you_o from_o god_n this_o be_v that_o counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n which_o i_o come_v from_o he_o to_o testify_v unto_o you_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o that_o now_o this_o you_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v those_o miracle_n that_o i_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o v._n 2._o how_o strange_o incredulous_a therefore_o be_v you_o that_o yet_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o deliver_v that_o doctrine_n which_o by_o these_o testimony_n of_o my_o come_n from_o god_n i_o confirm_v for_o i_o prove_v that_o i_o have_v see_v and_o know_v what_o i_o testify_v i_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o say_v by_o those_o argument_n that_o convince_v you_o that_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n hence_o we_o may_v probable_o gather_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n and_o no_o man_n have_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n vers_n 13._o to_o be_v this_o no_o man_n have_v know_v the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o save_a mankind_n viz._n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n no_o man_n have_v thus_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o be_v come_v from_o heaven_n who_o god_n have_v send_v to_o reveal_v this_o to_o you_o even_o he_o who_o now_o speak_v to_o you_o who_o be_o in_o heaven_n who_o know_v the_o purpose_n and_o intention_n of_o my_o father_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o more_o probable_a interpretation_n of_o this_o difficult_a place_n than_o that_o which_o suppose_v our_o saviour_n to_o speak_v here_o of_o his_o local_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n afterward_o because_o 1._o the_o word_n themselves_o seem_v not_o well_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o future_a ascension_n 2._o as_o grotius_n have_v well_o show_v the_o phrase_n of_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n be_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n viz._n of_o gain_v knowledge_n from_o god_n as_o in_o prov._n 30.3_o 4._o and_o 3._o if_o thus_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n than_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v here_o have_v a_o clear_a connexion_n with_o vers_fw-la 11._o where_o he_o rebuke_v the_o jew_n for_o not_o believe_v his_o revelation_n tax_v they_o of_o unreasonableness_n for_o it_o since_o he_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o have_v see_v and_o know_v from_o god_n and_o also_o with_o the_o precedent_a verse_n where_o by_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n our_o saviour_n
they_o must_v be_v discern_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o discern_v they_o without_o that_o new_a light_n and_o now_o that_o i_o have_v take_v this_o pain_n to_o bring_v the_o doctor_n out_o of_o the_o cloud_n i_o challenge_v he_o to_o show_v that_o this_o paraphrase_n be_v not_o the_o just_a sum_n of_o his_o talk_n concern_v the_o text_n before_o we_o now_o although_o the_o naked_a representation_n of_o this_o paraphrase_n be_v enough_o to_o expose_v it_o yet_o because_o this_o be_v the_o text_n which_o these_o man_n perpetual_o rely_v upon_o when_o they_o set_v themselves_o to_o cant_v down_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n i_o shall_v brief_o let_v the_o doctor_n see_v that_o his_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v either_o groundless_a or_o absurd_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o incoherent_a with_o the_o context_n sect_n iv._o 1._o whereas_o he_o make_v the_o natural_a man_n to_o be_v one_o in_o who_o spiritual_a light_n be_v not_o create_v by_o the_o almightiness_n of_o god_n it_o be_v altogether_o groundless_a for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o of_o itself_o signify_v one_o who_o want_v that_o light_n nor_o do_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d denote_v any_o almighty_a act_n whereby_o a_o man_n come_v to_o be_v spiritual_o enlighten_v nor_o can_v the_o doctor_n show_v from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n any_o reason_n for_o this_o his_o notion_n for_o those_o word_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o do_v not_o infer_v that_o a_o man_n can_v know_v they_o without_o such_o a_o irresistible_a light_n as_o he_o suppose_v nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a context_n 38._o he_o tell_v we_o indeed_o that_o st._n paul_n plentiful_o show_v elsewhere_o that_o this_o light_n must_v be_v create_v in_o we_o by_o almightiness_n and_o he_o instance_v in_o 2_o cor._n 4.6_o i_o shall_v in_o due_a place_n prove_v that_o st._n paul_n show_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o that_o text_n but_o admit_v he_o do_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o present_o follow_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o this_o place_n mean_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n one_o in_o who_o this_o light_n be_v not_o create_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v not_o speak_v one_o word_n of_o it_o throughout_o the_o whole_a chapter_n wherefore_o the_o doctor_n ought_v at_o least_o to_o have_v prove_v by_o compare_v both_o these_o text_n that_o he_o design_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o he_o have_v not_o once_o attempt_v and_o yet_o this_o arbitrary_a supposal_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o whole_a comment_n upon_o this_o place_n 2._o his_o grant_v that_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o deny_v that_o he_o can_v discern_v their_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o their_o fitness_n to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v palpable_o absurd_a for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n who_o exercise_v his_o rational_a faculty_n about_o divine_a thing_n which_o he_o grant_v the_o natural_a man_n may_v do_v shall_v believe_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o yet_o see_v no_o consistency_n in_o they_o with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o no_o suitableness_n in_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o man_n good_a the_o doctor_n whatever_o he_o say_v about_o those_o improvement_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n mind_n which_o he_o allow_v to_o he_o seem_v rather_o to_o take_v he_o for_o a_o natural_a fool_n than_o a_o rational_a man_n a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o evidence_n upon_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o a_o mean_n conducible_a to_o the_o recovery_n of_o man_n and_o if_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n themselves_o be_v not_o more_o evident_a to_o a_o man_n that_o can_v consider_v than_o that_o they_o be_v so_o why_o may_v not_o a_o consider_a man_n who_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n believe_v this_o of_o they_o or_o how_o can_v he_o believe_v the_o former_a without_o believe_v the_o latter_a i_o know_v not_o which_o way_n the_o doctor_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v but_o by_o pretend_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o a_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n the_o true_a reason_n whereof_o he_o do_v not_o discern_v for_o example_n that_o a_o man_n may_v assent_v to_o the_o creed_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o not_o discern_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o those_o proposition_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o but_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v he_o for_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v by_o he_o grant_v to_o be_v one_o who_o may_v have_v a_o improve_a reason_n and_o may_v exercise_v it_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o of_o such_o a_o man_n viz._n who_o be_v thus_o improve_v and_o consider_v i_o say_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o affirm_v that_o he_o may_v assent_v to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v discern_v that_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o as_o dull_a and_o ignorant_a as_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v know_v and_o rational_a before_o since_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n etc._n etc._n as_o for_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o that_o mean_a motive_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o teacher_n though_o for_o want_v of_o consider_v they_o do_v not_o discern_v its_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n yet_o they_o do_v believe_v it_o it_o be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a but_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o proposition_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o believe_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n but_o man_n that_o can_v tolerable_o well_o use_v their_o understanding_n in_o divine_a thing_n as_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v do_v to_o abate_v the_o philosophical_a improvement_n which_o the_o doctor_n be_v willing_a to_o cast_v into_o the_o bargain_n may_v not_o only_o believe_v but_o discern_v this_o agreeableness_n and_o it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o suppose_v they_o have_v exercise_v their_o rational_a faculty_n as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o withal_o to_o affirm_v that_o they_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o can_v discern_v that_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o put_v this_o out_o of_o question_n i_o will_v instance_n in_o these_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n this_o a_o natural_a man_n according_a to_o the_o doctor_n may_v assent_v unto_o but_o i_o demand_v this_o proposition_n be_v reveal_v be_v it_o not_o very_o discernible_a that_o god_n give_v his_o son_n for_o mankind_n be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o his_o goodness_n and_o that_o his_o purpose_n of_o save_a mankind_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o son_n death_n be_v agreeable_a with_o his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o justice_n and_o that_o the_o demonstration_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n this_o way_n be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n 2._o that_o no_o unrighteous_a person_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o also_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v assent_v to_o but_o i_o demand_v be_v it_o not_o very_o discernible_a that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o discernable_o agreeable_a with_o his_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o then_o why_o may_v not_o the_o wise_a and_o know_a man_n that_o believe_v these_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a revelation_n discern_v they_o to_o be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o divine_a perfection_n take_v the_o same_o doctrine_n again_o and_o i_o demand_v concern_v they_o be_v they_o not_o manifest_o suitable_a to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o end_v the_o doctor_n say_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o deliverance_n from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n they_o plain_o tend_v to_o the_o promote_a thereof_o because_o they_o manifest_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v observe_v before_o as_o for_o our_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n be_v not_o that_o doctrine_n plain_o suit_v to_o that_o end_n which_o assure_v we_o there_o be_v room_n for_o repentance_n since_o god_n have_v give_v his_o only_a son_n etc._n etc._n and_o which_o acquaint_v we_o
we_o find_v in_o vers_fw-la 22_o 23._o for_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n and_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n but_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n here_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o man_n concern_v who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o he_o show_v concern_v each_o of_o they_o why_o they_o reject_v the_o gospel_n 1._o the_o jew_n be_v offend_v at_o it_o because_o it_o require_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o crucify_a messiah_n but_o their_o pretence_n be_v that_o they_o want_v a_o sign_n i._n e._n some_o prodigy_n from_o heaven_n or_o some_o such_o amaze_a appearance_n as_o accompany_v the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n to_o moses_n upon_o mount_n sinai_n 2._o the_o greek_a philosopher_n of_o those_o day_n be_v offend_v at_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v who_o naked_o represent_v their_o doctrine_n without_o any_o such_o philosophical_a subtlety_n and_o reason_n as_o they_o use_v themselves_o for_o that_o which_o they_o seek_v after_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o want_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v wisdom_n or_o demonstration_n from_o natural_a principle_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o these_o peculiar_o say_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v foolishness_n unto_o they_o viz._n because_o they_o look_v for_o wisdom_n or_o discourse_n mere_o philosophical_a now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n chief_a design_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n be_v to_o vindicate_v his_o way_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n against_o the_o fault_n which_o the_o greek_n find_v with_o it_o for_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o begin_v direct_o thus_o and_o i_o brethren_n when_o i_o come_v to_o you_o ibid._n come_v not_o with_o excellency_n of_o speech_n or_o wisdom_n declare_v unto_o you_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n ay_o e._n i_o answer_v not_o their_o expectation_n who_o look_v for_o eloquence_n or_o philosophy_n for_o i_o determine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v v_o 2._o not_o to_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o any_o other_o doctrine_n but_o those_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o particular_o that_o the_o crucify_a jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n and_o these_o doctrine_n i_o prove_v by_o miracle_n and_o other_o divine_a testimony_n now_o this_o way_n of_o prove_v they_o the_o apostle_n justify_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v preach_v unto_o they_o show_v that_o they_o have_v depend_v altogether_o upon_o the_o free_a and_o sovereign_a will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v to_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v not_o immediate_o reveal_v otherwise_o than_o by_o sufficient_a testimony_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o other_o such_o as_o miracle_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v why_o he_o reject_v excellency_n of_o speech_n and_o wisdom_n already_o viz._n because_o it_o be_v a_o improper_a way_n of_o prove_v thing_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o thus_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n even_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n which_o god_n ordain_v before_o the_o world_n unto_o our_o glory_n v_o 7._o i._n e._n we_o declare_v those_o counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v conceal_v from_o former_a age_n and_o which_o god_n have_v now_o honour_v we_o with_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o revelation_n which_o none_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n know_v for_o have_v they_o but_o as_o it_o be_v write_v eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n what_o thing_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o i_o e._n if_o it_o can_v have_v be_v find_v out_o by_o natural_a sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n that_o god_n will_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n the_o chief_a man_n among_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o instead_o of_o crucify_a he_o they_o will_v have_v become_v his_o disciple_n themselves_o but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 10._o but_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o no_o man_n by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n can_v attain_v god_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o revelation_n of_o his_o spirit_n so_o that_o this_o contrivance_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v no_o long_o hide_v now_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o we_o may_v therefore_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v unto_o we_o for_o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 11._o i._n e._n what_o man_n know_v the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o another_o man_n till_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o discover_v they_o himself_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n i._n e._n his_o counsel_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n which_o depend_v mere_o upon_o his_o own_o will_n and_o choice_n none_o can_v know_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n mean_v be_v plain_a from_o the_o argument_n which_o he_o use_v here_o for_o those_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v common_a to_o humane_a nature_n one_o man_n may_v know_v concern_v another_o without_o be_v acquaint_v by_o he_o what_o they_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n without_o particular_a revelation_n a_o man_n may_v understand_v the_o natural_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o by_o the_o mere_a use_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v thence_o infer_v wherefore_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n here_o mean_v be_v those_o intention_n and_o design_n of_o god_n which_o by_o natural_a reason_n can_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n because_o they_o depend_v only_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o be_v therefore_o only_o to_o be_v know_v by_o revelation_n and_o this_o be_v further_a express_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 12_o vers_n we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v know_v which_o thing_n also_o we_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a i._n e._n there_o be_v then_o no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v offend_v that_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o prove_v these_o divine_a matter_n by_o philosophical_a argument_n but_o by_o such_o argument_n only_o as_o be_v proper_a to_o prove_v they_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o revelation_n we_o prove_v by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n vers_fw-la 4._o the_o sense_n of_o revelation_n we_o prove_v by_o compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a etc._n i._n e._n one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o new_a then_o the_o apostle_n add_v but_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o text_n to_o be_v explain_v now_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v consistent_o we_o be_v 1._o by_o the_o natural_a man_n to_o understand_v one_o who_o reject_v revelation_n do_v not_o exclude_v he_o that_o never_o have_v it_o offer_v to_o he_o but_o the_o former_a seem_v principal_o to_o be_v intend_v though_o upon_o the_o matter_n it_o come_v all_o to_o one_o viz._n he_o who_o reject_v the_o testimony_n whereby_o any_o thing_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v which_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o philosophical_a wisdom_n thus_o do_v the_o greek_a philosopher_n who_o count_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n foolishness_n as_o here_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v he_o to_o who_o the_o apostle_n offer_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n against_o the_o excellency_n of_o speech_n and_o wisdom_n wherefore_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v he_o against_o who_o st._n paul_n be_v prove_v the_o necessity_n
show_v what_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v these_o thing_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n who_o have_v not_o so_o well_o consider_v they_o may_v gain_v a_o profitable_a knowledge_n of_o this_o part_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o that_o be_v a_o profitable_a knowledge_n of_o it_o which_o will_v incite_v he_o to_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n for_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o encourage_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o the_o principal_a end_n which_o i_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o undertake_n be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v what_o great_a reason_n they_o have_v to_o endeavour_v earnest_o after_o true_a goodness_n since_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n ii_o concern_v those_o effect_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v to_o believer_n sect_n i._o doctor_n o._n say_v well_o that_o when_o we_o treat_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n we_o be_v exercise_v in_o such_o a_o subject_a as_o wherein_o we_o have_v no_o rule_n nor_o guide_n nor_o any_o thing_n to_o give_v we_o assistance_n but_o pure_a revelation_n for_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v by_o these_o word_n that_o all_o our_o knowledge_n concern_v this_o matter_n depend_v upon_o revelation_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n therefore_o our_o knowledge_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o revelation_n of_o it_o and_o by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o govern_v myself_o by_o that_o rule_n while_o i_o be_o debate_v those_o question_n i_o have_v propound_v concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v to_o man_n and_o this_o i_o the_o rather_o begin_v withal_o because_o the_o end_n of_o his_o operation_n be_v well_o understand_v we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o text_n which_o tell_v we_o who_o they_o be_v to_o who_o the_o spirit_n be_v promise_v and_o what_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n what_o the_o effect_n themselves_o be_v for_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v may_v be_v know_v 1._o in_o great_a part_n from_o that_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n luke_n 11.13_o 2._o they_o may_v be_v full_o know_v from_o those_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o mention_n the_o several_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o promise_n in_o st._n luke_n whereby_o we_o may_v understand_v for_o what_o purpose_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o christ._n the_o text_n be_v this_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o these_o word_n deserve_v our_o attention_n the_o more_o because_o they_o be_v the_o first_o wherein_o we_o find_v our_o saviour_n mention_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v their_o connexion_n with_o the_o precedent_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n to_o come_v by_o that_o mean_n to_o their_o true_a meaning_n and_o hereby_o also_o we_o shall_v plain_o see_v what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o this_o place_n we_o find_v vers_fw-la 1._o that_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n say_v unto_o he_o lord_n teach_v we_o to_o pray_v whereupon_o he_o teach_v they_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n our_o father_n etc._n etc._n have_v thus_o answer_v their_o desire_n he_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o require_v they_o to_o pray_v fervent_o and_o importunate_o urge_v his_o command_n with_o this_o argument_n that_o if_o they_o do_v so_o they_o shall_v certain_o be_v hear_v and_o their_o request_n shall_v be_v grant_v for_o thus_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o vers_n 9_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v etc._n etc._n this_o argument_n be_v enforce_v by_o two_o similitude_n whereof_o the_o former_a make_v way_n for_o the_o latter_a to_o proceed_v with_o more_o strength_n towards_o the_o prove_v of_o this_o thing_n that_o god_n will_v hear_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o a_o man_n that_o go_v to_o his_o friend_n at_o midnight_n to_o beg_v three_o loaf_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o another_o friend_n of_o he_o vers_fw-la 5_o 6._o now_o it_o be_v here_o observe_v that_o the_o request_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o unseasonable_a vers_fw-la 7._o trouble_v i_o not_o the_o door_n be_v now_o shut_v and_o my_o child_n be_v with_o i_o in_o bed_n and_o withal_o the_o trouble_n be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o bare_a friendship_n that_o be_v between_o they_o will_v not_o have_v prevail_v vers_fw-la 8._o he_o will_v not_o rise_v and_o give_v he_o because_o he_o be_v his_o friend_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v observe_v that_o two_o consideration_n prevail_v with_o he_o viz._n that_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o that_o of_o the_o importunity_n of_o his_o friend_n yet_o because_o of_o his_o importunity_n he_o will_v rise_v and_o give_v he_o as_o many_o as_o he_o need_v now_o from_o hence_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v vers_fw-la 9_o that_n if_o we_o ask_v we_o shall_v have_v i._n e._n god_n will_v give_v we_o whatsoever_o thing_n we_o ask_v of_o he_o importunate_o if_o those_o thing_n be_v needful_a for_o we_o and_o this_o with_o great_a reason_n for_o 1._o god_n be_v our_o best_a friend_n and_o great_a benefactor_n 2._o we_o be_v never_o unseasonable_a to_o he_o and_o the_o give_v of_o what_o we_o ask_v be_v never_o uneasy_a to_o himself_o wherefore_o if_o a_o man_n will_v grant_v to_o his_o friend_n what_o he_o be_v importunate_a with_o he_o for_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o he_o though_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n to_o himself_o much_o more_o will_v god_n who_o love_v we_o more_o than_o a_o man_n can_v do_v his_o friend_n bestow_v such_o thing_n upon_o we_o as_o be_v needful_a if_o we_o earnest_o desire_v he_o since_o he_o can_v without_o any_o trouble_n to_o himself_o grant_v our_o request_n in_o the_o next_o similitude_n the_o argument_n be_v improve_v if_o a_o son_n shall_v ask_v bread_n of_o any_o of_o you_o that_o be_v a_o father_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o ask_v a_o fish_n will_v he_o for_o a_o fish_n give_v he_o a_o serpent_n or_o if_o he_o shall_v ask_v a_o egg_n will_v he_o offer_v he_o a_o scorpion_n vers_fw-la 11_o 12._o now_o here_o 1._o the_o son_n ask_v of_o the_o father_n where_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o natural_a affection_n be_v great_a between_o a_o father_n and_o his_o son_n and_o on_o the_o other_o the_o dependence_n great_a in_o the_o son_n upon_o his_o father_n than_o in_o one_o friend_n upon_o another_o 2._o the_o son_n request_v food_n necessary_a to_o sustain_v himself_o not_o for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o another_o as_o in_o the_o former_a similitude_n wherefore_o see_v here_o be_v great_a love_n on_o his_o part_n that_o be_v ask_v great_a dependence_n and_o necessity_n on_o his_o that_o ask_v our_o saviour_n conclude_v he_o will_v prevail_v so_o that_o the_o father_n instead_o of_o give_v that_o which_o be_v necessary_a will_v not_o give_v that_o which_o be_v unprofitable_a as_o a_o stone_n instead_o of_o bread_n much_o less_o will_v he_o instead_o of_o that_o which_o be_v profitable_a give_v that_o which_o be_v hurtful_a as_o a_o serpent_n for_o a_o fish_n and_o a_o scorpion_n for_o a_o egg._n from_o hence_o our_o saviour_n argue_v if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o argument_n proceed_v à _fw-la minori_fw-la and_o the_o force_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o earthly_a parent_n who_o may_v be_v tenacious_a towards_o other_o and_o envy_v what_o they_o enjoy_v for_o in_o that_o sense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v be_v thy_o eye_n evil_a because_o i_o be_v good_a will_v not_o yet_o be_v so_o towards_o their_o child_n when_o they_o ask_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o need_v much_o less_o will_v god_n who_o be_v in_o this_o similitude_n affirm_v to_o be_v our_o father_n as_o in_o the_o former_a he_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v our_o friend_n and_o who_o
saviour_n argue_v from_o the_o fatherly_a goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v our_o request_n now_o we_o can_v argue_v against_o that_o goodness_n of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v not_o grant_v every_o particular_a request_n of_o this_o kind_n 1._o because_o he_o may_v grant_v i_o the_o effect_n of_o my_o request_n which_o be_v to_o obtain_v something_o profitable_a for_o salvation_n though_o he_o do_v not_o give_v i_o that_o particular_a which_o i_o ask_v for_o he_o may_v give_v i_o another_o thing_n more_o profitable_a than_o that_o instead_o of_o it_o and_o then_o he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v less_o good_a for_o so_o do_v as_o if_o a_o child_n ask_v his_o parent_n for_o such_o a_o fish_n and_o he_o give_v he_o a_o better_a or_o another_o sort_n of_o food_n more_o proper_a for_o he_o he_o be_v not_o the_o less_o bountiful_a and_o though_o perhaps_o he_o do_v not_o please_v he_o so_o well_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v he_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o request_n thus_o i_o may_v 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can_v think_v of_o or_o which_o i_o see_v another_o of_o my_o own_o rank_n in_o other_o respect_n favour_v withal_o wherefore_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v if_o i_o see_v another_o man_n wise_a than_o his_o teacher_n while_o i_o need_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o they_o or_o if_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n to_o see_v myself_o so_o far_o excel_v by_o those_o of_o my_o own_o profession_n that_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o i_o to_o be_v a_o learner_n under_o they_o for_o these_o reason_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v in_o every_o particular_a that_o if_o i_o ask_v something_o that_o be_v profitable_a god_n will_v grant_v it_o yet_o 3._o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o a_o great_a difference_n be_v to_o be_v put_v between_o thing_n profitable_a viz._n between_o degree_n of_o improvement_n in_o goodness_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o in_o knowledge_n on_o the_o other_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o they_o that_o the_o former_a do_v of_o themselves_o recommend_v we_o to_o the_o great_a love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o latter_a not_o so_o but_o only_o as_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o sincere_a love_n and_o study_v of_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o righteousness_n and_o accompany_v with_o a_o upright_a care_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n more_o perfect_o therefore_o let_v a_o sincere_a christian_a pray_v for_o any_o degree_n of_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n which_o his_o imperfect_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n will_v admit_v of_o though_o he_o can_v conclude_v that_o god_n will_v grant_v that_o particular_a request_n mere_o because_o he_o ask_v something_o that_o be_v profitable_a for_o so_o be_v every_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n too_o yet_o he_o have_v this_o reason_n to_o conclude_v which_o be_v not_o common_a to_o pray_v for_o profitable_a knowledge_n that_o he_o pray_v for_o something_o which_o god_n love_v for_o itself_o and_o which_o he_o will_v be_v the_o more_o please_v with_o he_o for_o obtain_v that_o delight_n which_o god_n take_v in_o the_o person_n of_o man_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o the_o mere_a improvement_n of_o their_o understanding_n but_o upon_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o obedience_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v often_o witness_v to_o we_o in_o such_o place_n as_o these_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n his_o countenance_n do_v behold_v the_o upright_a psal._n 11.7_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o upright_o be_v his_o delight_n prov._n 15.8_o the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n but_o he_o love_v he_o that_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n vers_fw-la 9_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o more_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n the_o more_o god_n love_v we_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o increase_v all_o christian_a virtue_n in_o we_o to_o such_o degree_n towards_o perfection_n as_o be_v proportionable_a to_o our_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n in_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n from_o which_o we_o may_v see_v what_o encouragement_n we_o have_v to_o study_v the_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n of_o our_o will_n as_o particular_o as_o we_o can_v and_o to_o observe_v the_o several_a irregularity_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o affection_n with_o our_o best_a attention_n since_o by_o this_o mean_n we_o may_v employ_v our_o care_n and_o prayer_n against_o they_o more_o effectual_o for_o the_o more_o particular_a and_o importunate_a we_o be_v in_o so_o do_v the_o more_o be_v god_n please_v with_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o answer_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o intention_n with_o a_o proportionable_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o as_o for_o other_o sort_n of_o profitable_a thing_n such_o as_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o do_v not_o of_o themselves_o recommend_v we_o to_o
think_v may_v take_v sanctuary_n in_o that_o ignorance_n which_o will_v i_o hope_v make_v some_o abatement_n for_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o people_n but_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v those_o dreadful_a word_n of_o our_o lord_n luke_n 17.1_o 2._o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o offence_n will_v come_v but_o woe_n unto_o he_o through_o who_o they_o come_v it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o he_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o sect_n 5._o i_o shall_v come_v next_o to_o consider_v that_o argument_n of_o the_o doctor_n which_o lie_v particular_o against_o the_o supposal_n of_o regeneration_n to_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o reformation_n of_o life_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v his_o adversary_n notion_n of_o regeneration_n but_o it_o be_v fit_a their_o notion_n shall_v be_v better_o understand_v than_o as_o it_o be_v lame_o represent_v by_o he_o wherefore_o my_o next_o business_n shall_v be_v to_o state_n what_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v do_v i_o promise_v the_o doctor_n not_o to_o forget_v his_o objection_n against_o it_o the_o meaning_n of_o be_v regenerate_v or_o bear_v again_o will_v be_v full_o know_v if_o we_o know_v what_o it_o signify_v as_o a_o state_n and_o what_o as_o a_o effect_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o be_v regenerate_v as_o that_o phrase_n imply_v the_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o that_o man_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v offer_v those_o reason_n which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o that_o meaning_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v express_v by_o this_o metaphor_n 1._o as_o regeneration_n denote_v a_o state_n i_o affirm_v that_o to_o be_v regenerate_v or_o bear_v again_o signify_v in_o its_o utmost_a meaning_n to_o become_v a_o sincere_a proselyte_n or_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n i_o shall_v first_o brief_o show_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ._n second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o a_o regenerate_a state_n to_o be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n consist_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o be_v baptize_v as_o our_o saviour_n require_v 2._o in_o make_v good_a the_o profession_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o obey_v his_o command_n this_o be_v clear_o answerable_a to_o that_o rule_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o make_v man_n his_o disciple_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o e._n admit_v they_o by_o baptism_n into_o the_o church_n and_o thereby_o engage_v they_o to_o believe_v and_o to_o profess_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o that_o doctrine_n to_o which_o they_o have_v bear_v record_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o i._n e._n and_o by_o the_o same_o baptism_n engage_v they_o to_o obey_v all_o my_o command_n that_o therefore_o which_o make_v we_o sincere_a disciple_n be_v thus_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v as_o we_o be_v by_o baptism_n engage_v to_o do_v now_o because_o to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n whatever_o we_o lose_v or_o suffer_v by_o it_o be_v the_o clear_a proof_n we_o can_v give_v to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o that_o we_o own_v he_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o that_o we_o do_v hearty_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o find_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o this_o obedience_n to_o he_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n in_o which_o our_o be_v his_o true_a disciple_n do_v consist_v thus_o john_n 15.8_o herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n that_o you_o be_v fruitful_a in_o piety_n and_o good_a work_n so_o shall_v you_o be_v my_o disciple_n the_o same_o thing_n be_v affirm_v of_o obedience_n to_o one_o but_o that_o a_o very_a remarkable_a precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 13.34_o a_o new_a commandment_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o i_o e._n such_o love_n as_o christ_n have_v to_o we_o now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o this_o last_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v that_o one_o instance_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o or_o that_o the_o former_a concern_v obedience_n in_o general_n do_v exclude_v either_o the_o one_o obedience_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o law_n or_o the_o other_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v we_o his_o true_a disciple_n but_o that_o by_o such_o a_o high_a act_n of_o virtue_n as_o to_o love_v the_o brethren_n as_o christ_n love_v we_o it_o may_v strong_o be_v conclude_v that_o we_o will_v not_o stick_v at_o any_o thing_n he_o require_v of_o we_o and_o that_o our_o yield_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n do_v clear_o suppose_v that_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o all_o his_o promise_n to_o be_v true_a hence_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o admit_v that_o we_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n if_o we_o do_v not_o entire_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o he_o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o his_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n i._n e._n unless_o he_o love_v god_n and_o truth_n and_o goodness_n so_o much_o more_o than_o all_o his_o worldly_a interest_n even_o his_o life_n itself_o that_o he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o hate_v these_o thing_n when_o his_o love_n to_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o his_o love_n to_o christ_n he_o can_v be_v a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n he_o can_v be_v so_o if_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o all_o earthly_a thing_n in_o obedience_n to_o christ._n the_o meaning_n be_v he_o can_v be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n he_o can_v answer_v the_o profession_n of_o baptism_n while_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o he_o thus_o be_v we_o teach_v to_o interpret_v those_o word_n by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o in_o another_o place_n if_o you_o continue_v in_o my_o word_n to_o do_v according_a to_o it_o whatever_o betide_v you_o for_o so_o do_v in_o this_o world_n then_o be_v you_o my_o disciple_n indeed_o st._n john_n 8.31_o so_o that_o the_o best_a notion_n we_o can_v frame_v of_o a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o to_o which_o we_o be_v guide_v by_o christ_n himself_o be_v this_o that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o do_v so_o firm_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o all_o his_o promise_n be_v true_a as_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o yield_v a_o hearty_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n now_o second_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n mean_v no_o more_o than_o to_o become_v such_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v and_o my_o first_o argument_n be_v this_o 1._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o unless_o we_o be_v regenerate_v we_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o withal_o that_o if_o we_o be_v regenerate_v we_o have_v thereby_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o his_o kingdom_n it_o be_v i_o think_v likewise_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v equal_o necessary_a and_o sufficient_a for_o that_o end_n that_o we_o be_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ._n let_v these_o thing_n be_v grant_v and_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o to_o be_v regenerate_v and_o to_o be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n if_o the_o latter_a be_v not_o ready_o grant_v it_o be_v clear_o prove_v from_o all_o those_o scripture_n which_o suppose_v faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o be_v necessary_a and_o sufficient_a qualification_n for_o eternal_a happiness_n such_o as_o these_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o on_o the_o son_n shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o
purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o god_n dwell_n thus_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n be_v call_v his_o dwell_n among_o the_o israelite_n thus_o when_o he_o command_v the_o build_n of_o the_o ark_n let_v they_o say_v he_o make_v i_o a_o sanctuary_n that_o i_o may_v dwell_v among_o they_o exod._n 25.8_o and_o after_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o sanctify_v the_o tabernacle_n with_o his_o glory_n he_o tell_v moses_n and_o i_o will_v dwell_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n exod._n 29.45_o now_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o favour_n towards_o they_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o promise_n appear_v by_o the_o follow_a word_n and_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n that_o bring_v they_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n i._n e._n he_o will_v so_o manifest_v his_o power_n in_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o from_o all_o their_o enemy_n that_o they_o shall_v know_v he_o have_v the_o same_o care_n of_o they_o which_o he_o show_v in_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o egyptian_a bondage_n but_o this_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_o signify_v by_o those_o word_n in_o all_o place_n where_o i_o record_v my_o name_n i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o and_o bless_v thou_o exod._n 20.24_o for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o we_o find_v in_o 2_o sam._n 6.2_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n that_o dwell_v between_o the_o cherubim_n and_o this_o be_v that_o account_n which_o the_o psalmist_n give_v of_o god_n dwelling_n in_o zion_n where_o the_o ark_n of_o his_o presence_n be_v the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n he_o have_v desire_v it_o for_o his_o habitation_n this_o be_v my_o rest_n for_o ever_o here_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o i_o have_v desire_v it_o i_o will_v abundant_o satisfy_v her_o poor_a with_o bread_n i_o will_v clothe_v her_o priest_n with_o salvation_n and_o her_o saint_n shall_v shout_v aloud_o for_o joy_n psal._n 132.13_o thus_o in_o time_n of_o distress_n and_o danger_n they_o begin_v their_o prayer_n for_o deliverance_n by_o invoke_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n that_o dwell_v between_o the_o cherubim_n 2_o king_n 19.15_o and_o psal._n 80.1_o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n dwell_v there_o signify_v the_o peculiar_a favour_n which_o he_o have_v towards_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n before_o all_o other_o people_n and_o according_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v use_v to_o express_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n among_o they_o when_o they_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o sin_n not_o by_o dwell_v with_o they_o but_o by_o visit_v they_o which_o you_o know_v be_v a_o word_n that_o do_v not_o imply_v continuance_n and_o long_a abode_n as_o the_o other_o do_v and_o be_v therefore_o much_o fit_a than_o that_o to_o express_v the_o presence_n of_o his_o angry_a justice_n who_o delight_v not_o in_o vengeance_n but_o in_o mercy_n and_o who_o be_v more_o easy_o prevail_v with_o to_o withdraw_v his_o displeasure_n than_o his_o favour_n and_o kindness_n thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o i_o dwell_v with_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n which_o that_o it_o signify_v the_o last_a presence_n of_o his_o favour_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o follow_a word_n for_o i_o will_v not_o contend_v for_o ever_o neither_o will_v i_o be_v always_o wroth_a for_o the_o spirit_n shall_v fail_v before_o i_o and_o the_o soul_n which_o i_o have_v make_v isa._n 57.15_o 16._o although_o god_n be_v say_v to_o visit_v man_n both_o when_o he_o be_v present_a to_o punish_v they_o as_o in_o exod._n 32.34_o psal._n 89.36_o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o he_o be_v present_a to_o deliver_v and_o bless_v they_o as_o in_o exod._n 3.16_o psal._n 106.4_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o latter_a only_o that_o he_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v among_o they_o now_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o the_o apostle_n cite_v that_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o the_o israelite_n that_o he_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o you_o may_v see_v 2_o cor._n 6.16_o wherefore_o god_n dwelling_n in_o man_n as_o this_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n signify_v also_o his_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o favour_n towards_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n himself_o explain_v it_o by_o subjoyn_v that_o other_o place_n thereto_o and_o i_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n almighty_n and_o this_o be_v that_o testimony_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o hereof_o that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n 1.14_o by_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v god_n blessing_n and_o favour_n and_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n more_o free_o than_o the_o israelite_n ever_o do_v by_o the_o dwell_n of_o the_o ark_n among_o they_o they_o pray_v towards_o their_o most_o holy_a place_n where_o god_n be_v extraordinary_o present_a that_o he_o will_v stir_v up_o his_o strength_n and_o come_v and_o save_v they_o but_o we_o look_v up_o to_o the_o more_o holy_a mercy-seat_n where_o god_n be_v more_o glorious_o present_a than_o he_o be_v between_o the_o cherubim_n even_o to_o jesus_n who_o all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o in_o who_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a that_o through_o he_o we_o may_v have_v help_n and_o salvation_n the_o name_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v now_o record_v among_o we_o be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o this_o name_n we_o invoke_v he_o that_o he_o will_v come_v unto_o we_o and_o bless_v we_o and_o there_o be_v as_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o blessing_n that_o god_n come_v to_o we_o and_o dwell_v among_o we_o imply_v and_o those_o which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o israelite_n as_o between_o the_o testimony_n themselves_o of_o god_n presence_n among_o they_o and_o among_o we_o they_o be_v temporal_a favour_n and_o deliverance_n which_o they_o promise_v to_o themselves_o from_o god_n presence_n in_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n but_o we_o look_v for_o a_o salvation_n incomparable_o more_o excellent_a god_n have_v bless_v we_o through_o christ_n with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o thing_n that_o concern_v heaven_n eph._n 1.3_o the_o enemy_n we_o be_v to_o subdue_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n be_v those_o which_o will_v hinder_v we_o of_o our_o heavenly_a canaan_n viz._n our_o sensual_a lust_n and_o earthly_a affection_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n for_o we_o wrestle_v not_o against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o against_o principality_n against_o power_n against_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n eph._n 6.12_o against_o all_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n whether_o to_o more_o gross_a and_o sensual_a or_o to_o more_o refine_a and_o spiritual_a vice_n and_o they_o be_v enemy_n so_o much_o more_o dangerous_a than_o those_o which_o the_o israelite_n have_v to_o deal_v withal_o that_o they_o do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v principality_n etc._n etc._n when_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o here_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n thus_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o twice_o mention_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 8.9_o 11._o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o presence_n of_o his_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v constant_o enable_v to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n vers_fw-la 13._o for_o than_o our_o body_n shall_v have_v a_o bless_a resurrection_n vers_fw-la 11._o and_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n because_o of_o righteousness_n vers_fw-la 10._o our_o soul_n shall_v then_o be_v qualify_v for_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n now_o this_o be_v certain_a to_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o which_o be_v signify_v thereby_o be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n which_o if_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v die_v and_o enable_v to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n to_o subdue_v our_o spiritual_a enemy_n more_o perfect_o and_o to_o prevail_v final_o against_o they_o that_o we_o may_v live_v vers_fw-la 13._o therefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n as_o god_n dwelling_n among_o the_o israelite_n signify_v his_o peculiar_a favour_n to_o they_o in_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o blessing_n they_o with_o plenty_n and_o increase_n etc._n etc._n so_o be_v the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o his_o grace_n
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 and_o bring_v a_o more_o dreadful_a punishment_n upon_o we_o last_o since_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o begin_v but_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o that_o too_o in_o consideration_n of_o those_o promise_n whereby_o we_o be_v encourage_v to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o all_o this_o make_v i_o wonder_v at_o your_o presumption_n in_o say_v that_o by_o the_o want_n of_o your_o absolute_a assurance_n duty_n be_v discourage_v spiritual_a endeavour_n and_o diligence_n be_v impair_v delight_n in_o god_n weaken_v and_o love_v cool_v when_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_o against_o you_o and_o for_o your_o say_n that_o we_o bewray_v our_o ignorance_n while_o we_o make_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n threaten_n lest_o they_o fall_v upon_o we_o needful_a to_o quicken_v our_o industry_n in_o all_o duty_n of_o obedience_n may_v we_o not_o requite_v you_o by_o say_v more_o just_o that_o you_o do_v but_o bewray_v your_o confidence_n in_o make_v yourself_o wise_a than_o christ_n who_o think_v we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o this_o argument_n and_o will_v have_v it_o take_v impression_n in_o our_o mind_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o it_o be_v you_o say_v very_o sad_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v so_o far_o proclaim_v his_o inexperience_n and_o unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o gospel-grace_n the_o genius_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o be_v able_a thus_o to_o argue_v viz._n that_o the_o â—â—â—â—rance_n you_o speak_v of_o tend_v to_o carelessness_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v more_o sad_a that_o man_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o great_a acquaintance_n with_o gospel-grace_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o undermine_v the_o usefulness_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n threaten_n now_o as_o to_o that_o experience_n you_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o gospel-grace_n and_o of_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o which_o make_v you_o so_o confident_a i_o have_v a_o good_a while_n consider_v what_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o can_v find_v a_o more_o probable_a sense_n of_o your_o word_n than_o this_o that_o you_o find_v yourselves_o make_v new_a creature_n and_o put_v on_o to_o good_a work_n by_o a_o irresistible_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o darling_n opinion_n you_o contend_v so_o fierce_o for_o in_o your_o book_n and_o if_o that_o be_v your_o meaning_n and_o your_o meaning_n be_v true_a than_o i_o confess_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o argument_n of_o fear_n to_o constrain_v such_o as_o you_o and_o i_o will_v add_v also_o neither_o can_v there_o be_v any_o need_n of_o any_o motive_n whatsoever_o to_o make_v you_o as_o good_a as_o you_o say_v and_o as_o we_o hope_v some_o of_o you_o be_v 3._o neither_o be_v this_o assurance_n needful_a to_o encourage_v and_o comfort_v we_o while_o we_o be_v perform_v our_o duty_n nor_o must_v the_o want_n of_o it_o need_v cast_v we_o into_o perplexity_n discouragement_n and_o despondency_n as_o the_o doctor_n will_v have_v it_o 529._o for_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v that_o the_o conditional_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o comfort_n while_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o comfort_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o st._n john_n say_v we_o declare_v the_o gospel_n unto_o you_o that_o you_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n and_o these_o thing_n write_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n 1_o john_n 1.3_o 4_o 6._o now_o that_o joy_n which_o be_v full_a be_v encouragement_n enough_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o yield_v sufficient_a comfort_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o apostle_n this_o fullness_n of_o joy_n may_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o conditional_a term_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n if_o we_o obey_v the_o gospel_n god_n will_v love_v we_o and_o if_o we_o persevere_v therein_o he_o will_v save_v we_o eternal_o wherefore_o it_o may_v be_v have_v without_o absolute_a assurance_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o gospel_n will_v afford_v we_o no_o other_o comfort_n than_o that_o which_o depend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o see_v it_o have_v give_v we_o abundant_a encouragement_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o our_o duty_n it_o have_v also_o abundant_o provide_v for_o our_o comfort_n but_o it_o be_v a_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o pretend_v that_o we_o can_v begin_v to_o serve_v god_n with_o any_o comfort_n till_o we_o have_v a_o comfortable_a assurance_n as_o the_o doctor_n very_o true_o call_v it_o that_o we_o be_v personal_o elect_v and_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o miscarry_v for_o this_o be_v a_o comfort_n proper_a only_o for_o they_o that_o have_v finish_v their_o course_n and_o be_v now_o ready_a to_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n suppose_v a_o good_a man_n shall_v employ_v his_o servant_n in_o a_o business_n of_o some_o difficulty_n promise_v he_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o and_o for_o his_o reward_n a_o considerable_a inheritance_n in_o his_o family_n if_o after_o he_o have_v take_v the_o charge_n and_o before_o he_o have_v well_o begin_v it_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o his_o master_n and_o fall_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n entreat_v he_o to_o settle_v that_o inheri-upon_a he_o beforehand_o and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o absolute_a estate_n in_o it_o promise_v upon_o his_o ingenuity_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v the_o less_o careful_a of_o his_o work_n but_o think_v himself_o rather_o the_o more_o oblige_v to_o perform_v it_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n sure_o his_o master_n will_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o desire_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n since_o he_o have_v never_o find_v he_o worse_o than_o his_o word_n and_o there_o be_v some_o reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o his_o impatience_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o no_o honest_a intention_n in_o he_o but_o that_o for_o his_o own_o part_n he_o will_v give_v he_o no_o better_o assurance_n of_o his_o reward_n than_o upon_o condition_n lest_o afterward_o he_o must_v get_v somebody_o else_o to_o do_v his_o work_n now_o if_o for_o all_o this_o the_o loiter_a servant_n shall_v lie_v grovel_v upon_o the_o ground_n wring_v his_o hand_n and_o beat_v his_o breast_n protest_v that_o he_o can_v go_v about_o his_o work_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o it_o with_o any_o joy_n till_o he_o have_v full_a assurance_n that_o fair_a estate_n he_o be_v so_o enamour_a withal_o shall_v be_v he_o whether_o he_o do_v his_o service_n require_v of_o he_o or_o whether_o he_o do_v it_o not_o that_o nothing_o will_v comfort_v he_o and_o keep_v up_o his_o heart_n from_o sink_v within_o he_o but_o such_o a_o comfortable_a assurance_n that_o he_o be_v all_o over_o lame_a and_o stiff_a and_o can_v stir_v a_o foot_n nor_o move_v a_o hand_n in_o his_o master_n service_n as_o long_o as_o he_o have_v any_o the_o least_o fear_n of_o miss_v that_o reward_n by_o this_o time_n we_o may_v suppose_v the_o good_a man_n to_o have_v a_o better_a opinion_n of_o his_o servant_n than_o to_o think_v he_o a_o knave_n but_o he_o will_v certain_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v not_o very_o wise_a the_o parallel_n be_v so_o easy_a that_o i_o need_v not_o make_v it_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n be_v
ready_a to_o submit_v to_o and_o then_o i_o desire_v dr._n hammond_n interpretation_n may_v be_v consider_v but_o if_o they_o neither_o use_v this_o way_n nor_o the_o other_o nor_o any_o like_o it_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o produce_v those_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n at_o all_o to_o convince_v we_o by_o they_o because_o upon_o these_o term_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a they_o shall_v convince_v we_o till_o we_o have_v receive_v that_o new_a light_n which_o they_o themselves_o pretend_v to_o and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v hope_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o viz._n to_o confess_v their_o own_o impertinency_n in_o offer_v any_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o justify_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o the_o spirit_n tell_v they_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n without_o enable_v they_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o any_o body_n else_o and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o let_v they_o go_v either_o for_o errant_a hypocrite_n or_o rank_a enthusiast_n who_o the_o state_n have_v reason_n to_o be_v jealous_a of_o lest_o they_o shall_v have_v some_o dangerous_a design_n against_o the_o government_n or_o be_v prompt_v to_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n by_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o by_o a_o enthusiast_n may_v be_v so_o easy_o mistake_v for_o the_o impulse_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o last_o of_o all_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o although_o god_n have_v not_o promise_v this_o inspiration_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o yet_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v he_o may_v do_v more_o than_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o reveal_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o what_o passage_n in_o scripture_n he_o please_v to_o who_o he_o please_v i_o answer_v that_o as_o i_o be_o no_o way_n oblige_v to_o contradict_v this_o supposition_n so_o withal_o i_o must_v add_v 1._o that_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v thus_o inspire_v he_o can_v prove_v to_o another_o that_o he_o be_v so_o otherwise_o than_o by_o miracle_n which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o neither_o can_v he_o just_o expect_v to_o convince_v another_o that_o the_o sense_n reveal_v to_o he_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n otherwise_o than_o by_o such_o rational_a mean_n as_o he_o must_v have_v use_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v reveal_v and_o 2._o that_o therefore_o if_o one_o man_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v in_o conclusion_n for_o his_o interpretation_n of_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o the_o spirit_n lead_v he_o to_o it_o and_o that_o to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n upon_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o carnal_a reason_n and_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o a_o sign_n of_o vnregeneracy_n and_o the_o state_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n that_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o dr._n owen_n last_o refuge_n and_o another_o plain_o show_v either_o by_o the_o word_n themselves_o or_o by_o the_o design_n of_o the_o discourse_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v or_o by_o some_o other_o way_n apt_a to_o convince_v a_o rational_a man_n that_o the_o foresay_a meaning_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o they_o but_o one_o that_o be_v different_a from_o it_o in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v the_o former_a be_v convince_v to_o pretend_v false_o to_o inspiration_n and_o in_o plain_a english_a he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a fool_n that_o will_v prefer_v his_o interpretation_n before_o the_o other_o and_o so_o much_o for_o that_o matter_n sect_n 5._o 2._o the_o principal_a passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o imply_v assurance_n to_o be_v a_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o regenerate_a by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v two_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v mention_v be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o ephesian_n grieve_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o you_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 4.30_o now_o by_o the_o believer_n be_v seal_v etc._n etc._n some_o have_v think_v that_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v absolute_o assure_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v must_v needs_o be_v mean_v but_o first_o the_o word_n be_v fair_o capable_a of_o another_o meaning_n viz._n that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bestow_v upon_o believer_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o god_n be_v now_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n since_o upon_o their_o believe_v he_o have_v blessed_v they_o with_o so_o many_o advantage_n in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o have_v now_o a_o peculiar_a right_n to_o their_o obedience_n for_o this_o we_o know_v be_v one_o use_n of_o seal_v to_o distinguish_v that_o which_o of_o right_n belong_v to_o ourselves_o from_o what_o be_v common_a thus_o be_v all_o believer_n mark_v out_o for_o god_n portion_n and_o peculiar_a by_o the_o eminent_a advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v make_v they_o partaker_n of_o and_o therefore_o be_v they_o say_v to_o be_v seal_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n because_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n thus_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v seal_v christ_n john_n 6.27_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o he_o he_o own_v he_o to_o be_v his_o son_n that_o great_a prophet_n who_o be_v to_o declare_v the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o man_n in_o like_a manner_n god_n give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v as_o st._n chrisostome_n speak_v excellent_o upon_o this_o place_n his_o mark_v they_o out_o to_o be_v a_o royal_a flock_n it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o their_o peculiar_a designation_n to_o the_o service_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n and_o a_o pledge_n of_o that_o inheritance_n 2_o cor._n 1.22_o they_o shall_v be_v reward_v with_o if_o they_o walk_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n but_o all_o this_o be_v very_o far_o from_o infer_v a_o absolute_a assurance_n in_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o mark_v out_o for_o god_n people_n that_o they_o shall_v infallible_o persevere_v in_o that_o duty_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o the_o performance_n whereof_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o receive_v the_o inheritance_n and_o therefore_o such_o assurance_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o this_o place_n but_o 2._o the_o word_n be_v not_o only_o capable_a of_o that_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v but_o their_o coherence_n with_o the_o forego_n and_o follow_v verse_n and_o the_o force_n and_o reason_n of_o st._n paul_n exhortation_n require_v it_o let_v he_o say_v he_o that_o steal_v steal_v no_o more_o and_o let_v no_o corrupt_a communication_n proceed_v out_o of_o your_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n let_v all_o bitterness_n and_o wrath_n etc._n etc._n be_v put_v away_o the_o argument_n wherewith_o he_o enforce_v these_o exhortation_n be_v this_o that_o otherwise_o they_o will_v grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v seal_v etc._n etc._n i._n e._n they_o will_v plain_o contradict_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v bestow_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o mark_v out_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o child_n this_o will_v be_v to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n i._n e._n to_o bereave_v themselves_o of_o his_o gracious_a presence_n and_o to_o come_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v exclude_v for_o ever_o out_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o who_o god_n be_v grieve_v forty_o year_n and_o he_o swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n heb._n 3_o and_o the_o note_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v thereupon_o be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o hold_v the_o begin_n of_o our_o confidence_n steadfast_a unto_o the_o end_n vers_n 14._o i._n e._n if_o we_o hold_v on_o resolve_o and_o patient_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n it_o be_v the_o like_a argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v more_o concise_o to_o the_o ephesian_n when_o he_o dissuade_v they_o from_o impure_a and_o evil_a course_n lest_o they_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n never_o enter_v into_o that_o rest_n god_n have_v design_v for_o they_o but_o this_o consideration_n can_v have_v be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o if_o they_o have_v be_v absolute_o sure_a of_o their_o inheritance_n as_o some_o from_o these_o word_n have_v pretend_v they_o be_v whereas_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v very_o prevail_v on_o supposition_n that_o by_o seal_v be_v here_o mean_v their_o be_v as_o it_o be_v