but_o according_a to_o a_o candid_a construction_n very_o true_a but_o this_o i_o think_v may_v at_o least_o be_v infer_v from_o they_o that_o without_o revelation_n we_o can_v not_o have_v know_v that_o the_o spirit_n operate_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o regeneration_n and_o consequent_o that_o his_o operation_n be_v imperceptible_a by_o we_o now_o for_o if_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n move_v we_o we_o may_v argue_v from_o our_o own_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o from_o revelation_n that_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o we_o wherefore_o the_o best_a rule_n we_o can_v have_v to_o know_v when_o we_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n must_v be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o his_o operation_n when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o incline_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a when_o we_o be_v bend_v upon_o the_o do_n of_o god_n will_n when_o we_o perform_v our_o duty_n and_o govern_v our_o action_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o we_o be_v act_v by_o a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o have_v occasion_n give_v we_o of_o humble_a and_o thankful_a praise_n but_o if_o we_o forsake_v the_o steady_a rule_n of_o our_o duty_n write_v upon_o our_o heart_n in_o our_o creation_n or_o in_o the_o bible_n by_o the_o inspire_a messenger_n of_o god_n and_o take_v every_o violent_a impulse_n that_o we_o feel_v within_o we_o for_o a_o suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n we_o may_v easy_o mistake_v a_o brutish_a inclination_n or_o a_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o divine_a direction_n since_o no_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v act_v with_o a_o more_o sensible_a and_o impetuous_a zeal_n than_o they_o that_o be_v strong_o lead_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o corrupt_a affection_n therefore_o unless_o we_o will_v expose_v ourselves_o to_o fanatical_a and_o diabolical_a delusion_n we_o must_v keep_v close_o to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o try_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o impulse_n and_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o they_o we_o must_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o spirit_n incit_v we_o to_o such_o a_o action_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o themselves_o imperceptible_a but_o we_o must_v first_o see_v what_o the_o scripture_n will_v have_v we_o do_v and_o then_o if_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v move_v we_o to_o it_o for_o the_o spirit_n incline_v we_o only_o to_o what_o be_v good_a and_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o steady_a and_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o that_o these_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o evident_a truth_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v hardly_o say_v too_o much_o to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o they_o since_o we_o can_v remember_v what_o infinite_a dishonour_n have_v be_v do_v to_o god_n in_o the_o late_a time_n by_o man_n profess_v godliness_n and_o pretend_v to_o the_o special_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o they_o ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n whether_o they_o shall_v commit_v murder_n and_o treason_n rebellion_n and_o sacrilege_n how_o they_o think_v to_o justify_v the_o most_o execrable_a parricide_n as_o the_o doctor_n know_v who_o do_v that_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o how_o blasphemous_o they_o pretend_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v put_v these_o thing_n into_o their_o heart_n god_n do_v not_o now_o give_v the_o spirit_n to_o justify_v the_o action_n of_o man_n but_o to_o assist_v they_o in_o those_o that_o be_v good_a and_o he_o have_v show_v we_o what_o be_v good_a partly_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o complete_o by_o the_o public_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n wherefore_o since_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v imperceptible_a by_o we_o and_o mere_o a_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o by_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o word_n spirit_n do_v sometime_o signify_v the_o gospel_n as_o several_a divine_n have_v prove_v and_o particular_o when_o st._n paul_n do_v oppose_v the_o spirit_n to_o the_o flesh_n as_o in_o gal._n 3.3_o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n we_o be_v the_o true_a child_n of_o abraham_n who_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n place_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o moses_n law_n and_o in_o gal._n 5.16_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n walk_v according_a to_o that_o law_n of_o love_n vers_n 14._o which_o the_o gospel_n so_o strict_o prescribe_v and_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o inclination_n of_o revenge_n hatred_n variance_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 20._o but_o at_o least_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a place_n it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o by_o the_o word_n spirit_n you_o understand_v the_o gospel_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n because_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n thus_o when_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8._o so_o often_o note_v the_o difference_n between_o those_o that_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o those_o that_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v easy_o see_v that_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n may_v indifferent_o be_v interpret_v either_o by_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o by_o follow_v the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o well-instructed_n mind_n or_o conscience_n or_o by_o obey_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n for_o to_o do_v one_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o do_v they_o all_o since_o they_o be_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o and_o it_o be_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v move_v and_o incite_v we_o we_o may_v observe_v also_o that_o in_o this_o chapter_n these_o follow_a expression_n be_v equivalent_a viz._n to_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n v_o 1._o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n v_o 2._o to_o mind_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n v_o 5._o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v v_o 6._o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n v_o 7._o to_o please_v god_n v_o 8._o to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n v_o 9_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o v_o 10._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o v_o 11._o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n by_o the_o spirit_n v_o 13._o and_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n v_o 14._o these_o several_a phrase_n i_o say_v do_v all_o express_v the_o same_o state_n viz._n our_o be_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n only_o they_o conspire_v to_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n under_o different_a respect_n that_o of_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n respect_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n as_o that_o of_o mind_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n regard_v that_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o dispose_v we_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n note_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o former_a condition_n not_o to_o be_v carnal_o but_o spiritual_o mind_v not_o to_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n but_o to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n the_o spirit_n be_v expression_n that_o principal_o regard_v the_o prevalency_n of_o our_o conscience_n over_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o that_o constant_a readiness_n in_o good_a man_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v cherish_v in_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o our_o have_a 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n seem_v principal_o to_o regard_v that_o likeness_n to_o he_o which_o we_o gain_v by_o become_v such_o person_n final_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n or_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v phrase_n which_o seem_v to_o take_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n indifferent_o now_o because_o it_o be_v real_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_n and_o disposition_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o these_o phrase_n there_o can_v be_v no_o dangerous_a mistake_n incur_v if_o a_o man_n shall_v understand_v any_o one_o of_o they_o under_o a_o respect_n which_o perhaps_o be_v not_o principal_o intend_v as_o for_o instance_n if_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o he_o shall_v
isai._n 42.1_o where_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v give_v my_o spirit_n upon_o he_o which_o be_v almost_o the_o same_o expression_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o st._n john_n only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d upon_o he_o make_v the_o former_a to_o allude_v to_o the_o descent_n of_o that_o visible_a glory_n upon_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o be_v consecrate_v to_o his_o office_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o doctor_n have_v meet_v with_o a_o unexpected_a secret_n in_o the_o phrase_n of_o put_v on_o for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o god_n be_v say_v to_o put_v upon_o man_n but_o he_o think_v something_o more_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o than_o by_o give_v the_o spirit_n he_o say_v 85._o god_n do_v not_o only_o give_v and_o send_v his_o spirit_n unto_o they_o to_o who_o he_o design_v so_o great_a a_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n but_o he_o actual_o collate_n and_o bestow_v he_o upon_o they_o he_o do_v not_o send_v he_o unto_o they_o and_o leave_v it_o in_o their_o will_n and_o power_n whether_o they_o will_v receive_v he_o or_o no_o but_o he_o so_o effectual_o collate_n and_o put_v he_o in_o they_o or_o upon_o they_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v actual_o make_v partaker_n of_o he_o and_o again_o 86._o as_o to_o some_o gift_n and_o grace_n god_n do_v bestow_v his_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v some_o preparation_n and_o cooperation_n on_o our_o part_n but_o wherever_o he_o design_v to_o put_v or_o place_v he_o he_o do_v it_o effectual_o this_o be_v too_o serious_a a_o subject_n to_o be_v pleasant_a withal_o otherwise_o here_o will_v be_v occasion_n enough_o the_o doctor_n it_o seem_v have_v discover_v that_o the_o person_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v bestow_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o that_o their_o conversion_n be_v by_o a_o irresistible_a work_n and_o all_o this_o in_o the_o phrase_n of_o put_v the_o spirit_n upon_o a_o man_n or_o in_o he_o now_o what_o a_o goodly_a argument_n be_v here_o lose_v if_o this_o phrase_n shall_v signify_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o that_o of_o give_v the_o spirit_n as_o i_o have_v show_v that_o it_o do_v unless_o our_o author_n be_v subtle_a enough_o to_o show_v some_o real_a difference_n between_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o phrase_n in_o matth._n 12.18_o and_o john_n 3.34_o where_o they_o be_v use_v concern_v christ._n but_o perhaps_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n lie_v in_o the_o only_a word_n put_v and_o therefore_o he_o produce_v that_o text_n 15._o isai._n 63.11_o where_o indeed_o the_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v make_v use_n of_o which_o proper_o signify_v to_o put._n the_o word_n be_v where_o be_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o put_v his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o i._o e._n who_o spirit_n be_v present_a with_o the_o israelite_n to_o save_v they_o from_o their_o enemy_n for_o the_o context_n plain_o show_v this_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n where_o be_v he_o that_o bring_v they_o up_o out_o of_o the_o sea_n where_o be_v he_o that_o put_v etc._n etc._n that_o lead_v they_o by_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o moses_n &_o c._n vers_fw-la 12._o now_o certain_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o save_v the_o israelite_n from_o the_o egyptian_n do_v not_o imply_v that_o the_o very_a person_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v put_v upon_o they_o and_o without_o all_o question_n it_o be_v of_o a_o very_a foreign_a nature_n from_o that_o work_n for_o which_o as_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v from_o this_o place_n the_o spirit_n be_v irresistible_o put_v upon_o man_n and_o therefore_o this_o text_n be_v every_o way_n impertinent_a to_o his_o purpose_n to_o conclude_v the_o reason_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n may_v be_v easy_o understand_v by_o compare_v they_o with_o that_o plain_a text_n of_o st_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 12.4_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n for_o to_o one_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o etc._n etc._n all_o these_o work_v that_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o one_o several_o as_o he_o will_v vers_fw-la 11._o for_o because_o it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o bestow_v these_o several_a gift_n therefore_o by_o a_o usual_a metonymy_n they_o who_o receive_v these_o gift_n be_v say_v to_o receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v and_o send_v and_o pour_v forth_o and_o administer_v and_o put_v upon_o those_o in_o who_o his_o operation_n be_v and_o upon_o who_o his_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n his_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v bestow_v these_o be_v 〈◊〉_d signification_n of_o this_o word_n spirit_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o i_o have_v not_o note_v as_o be_v too_o â—â—â—rain_n to_o my_o present_a purpose_n of_o state_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o which_o i_o now_o proceed_v sect_n 2._o first_o of_o all_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o understand_v those_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v the_o object_n of_o and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o form_n of_o his_o body_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o in_o indue_a he_o with_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a ability_n much_o less_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n which_o dr._n owen_n have_v take_v great_a pain_n about_o but_o i_o can_v think_v this_o needful_a to_o the_o design_n which_o i_o have_v 1._o of_o discourse_v about_o the_o action_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n for_o they_o be_v hereby_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v create_v and_o to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v thus_o the_o first_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n spirit_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o object_n about_o which_o those_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o i_o mean_v be_v conversant_a second_o i_o intend_v those_o action_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o cause_v certain_a quality_n in_o they_o whereof_o they_o be_v capable_a subject_n for_o instance_n such_o as_o be_v contain_v under_o the_o second_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n spirit_n viz._n faith_n and_o charity_n and_o meekness_n and_o the_o like_a but_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v nor_o be_v it_o requisite_a for_o i_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o our_o mind_n or_o any_o other_o create_v being_n be_v sustain_v in_o their_o nature_n especial_o because_o the_o doctor_n have_v take_v care_n not_o to_o omit_v that_o subject_a ibid._n three_o i_o mean_v those_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n only_o the_o promise_n whereof_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o which_o limitation_n of_o the_o subject_a you_o see_v i_o be_o not_o like_a to_o trouble_v you_o with_o any_o enquiry_n concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n before_o the_o fall_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v to_o fall_v creature_n and_o what_o his_o operation_n upon_o our_o mind_n be_v since_o the_o fall_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n because_o it_o depend_v altogether_o upon_o god_n free_a will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o bestow_v the_o spirit_n upon_o we_o neither_o shall_v i_o discourse_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v communicate_v before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n nor_o shall_v i_o at_o present_a examine_v our_o author_n learning_n in_o that_o point_n because_o i_o intend_v to_o confine_v myself_o to_o those_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o may_v be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o shall_v altogether_o omit_v to_o take_v notice_n how_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n man_n grow_v skilful_a politician_n in_o which_o matter_n if_o any_o one_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v inform_v 117._o he_o may_v consult_v dr._n owen_n nor_o last_o do_v i_o think_v myself_o concern_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o and_o upon_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o doctor_n have_v likewise_o spend_v above_o a_o long_a chapter_n upon_o 2._o for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o we_o and_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o other_o knowledge_n of_o than_o by_o his_o word_n i._n e._n by_o
but_o so_o troublesome_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o writer_n that_o play_v fast_o and_o loose_a i_o must_v yet_o go_v further_o about_o to_o come_v to_o the_o business_n and_o begin_v with_o make_v good_a my_o charge_n against_o our_o author_n that_o he_o contend_v for_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o these_o word_n for_o some_o passage_n he_o have_v himself_o that_o look_v another_o way_n and_o may_v persuade_v a_o man_n that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v those_o scripture-expression_n literal_o and_o proper_o but_o figurative_o thus_o he_o tell_v we_o 184._o this_o new_a creature_n therefore_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o new_a course_n of_o action_n but_o in_o renew_a faculty_n with_o new_a disposition_n power_n and_o ability_n to_o they_o and_o for_o they_o these_o disposition_n he_o say_v be_v the_o divine_a nature_n speak_v of_o by_o st._n peter_n a_o divine_a principle_n of_o operation_n and_o hereunto_o say_v he_o st._n paul_n exhort_v in_o these_o word_n be_v you_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n if_o now_o the_o new_a creature_n the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n consist_v in_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o faculty_n our_o will_n and_o understanding_n that_o be_v in_o furnish_v they_o with_o new_a disposition_n power_n and_o ability_n for_o a_o new_a course_n of_o action_n than_o it_o be_v not_o literal_o true_a of_o that_o man_n who_o be_v thus_o fit_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n but_o only_o figurative_o i._n e._n that_o he_o be_v the_o old_a creature_n still_o only_o better_v have_v the_o same_o will_v and_o understanding_n that_o he_o have_v before_o but_o these_o renew_v and_o make_v better_a than_o they_o be_v before_o and_o that_o god_n do_v not_o proper_o give_v a_o man_n another_o understanding_n or_o another_o heart_n which_o he_o have_v not_o before_o when_o he_o be_v say_v to_o regenerate_v he_o but_o that_o he_o reform_v the_o old_a furnish_v they_o with_o new_a ability_n and_o disposition_n again_o he_o say_v in_o the_o same_o section_n that_o the_o new_a creature_n consist_v in_o the_o universal_a change_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n as_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a action_n if_o that_o be_v true_a then_o here_o be_v the_o same_o soul_n there_o be_v before_o only_o it_o be_v change_v from_o bad_a to_o good_a and_o whereas_o it_o be_v hitherto_o dispose_v to_o evil_a action_n it_o be_v now_o bias_v by_o better_a principle_n than_o it_o be_v before_o and_o dispose_v to_o those_o action_n that_o be_v good_a and_o please_v to_o god_n consequently_n it_o be_v not_o true_a in_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o that_o man_n who_o be_v fit_a to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o have_v a_o new_a heart_n will_n and_o understanding_n now_o these_o and_o other_o such_o passage_n in_o the_o doctor_n be_v book_n be_v either_o insert_v by_o he_o that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o fair_o retreat_n in_o case_n he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o quit_v the_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n or_o else_o which_o sometime_o happen_v he_o speak_v the_o truth_n against_o his_o will_n for_o whatever_o he_o have_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n he_o earnest_o contend_v that_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o regeneration_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o their_o proper_a sense_n and_o even_o in_o this_o very_a section_n he_o tell_v we_o 21._o it_o be_v call_v the_o new_a man_n because_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n create_v power_n and_o that_o in_o a_o way_n of_o a_o new_a creation_n now_o the_o object_n of_o a_o create_a act_n be_v a_o instantaneous_a production_n whatever_o preparation_n there_o may_v be_v for_o it_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o a_o new_a form_n and_o be_v by_o creation_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n which_o word_n plain_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o new_a be_v proper_o create_v in_o man_n when_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o to_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o creation_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o man_n be_v make_v a_o new_a creature_n in_o a_o instant_n for_o the_o object_n of_o a_o create_a power_n be_v a_o instantaneous_a production_n 183._o again_o he_o say_v the_o new_a creature_n be_v produce_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o a_o create_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o it_o be_v not_o a_o creature_n and_o it_o be_v superinduce_v into_o the_o essential_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n or_o it_o be_v not_o a_o new_a creature_n for_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o power_n disposition_n and_o ability_n or_o inclination_n unto_o god_n or_o for_o any_o moral_a action_n by_o nature_n it_o belong_v unto_o the_o old_a creation_n it_o be_v no_o new_a creature_n and_o it_o must_v be_v something_o that_o have_v a_o be_v and_o subsistence_n of_o its_o own_o in_o the_o soul_n or_o it_o can_v be_v neither_o new_a nor_o a_o creature_n this_o passage_n be_v strange_o perplex_v for_o by_o what_o our_o author_n say_v concern_v the_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n one_o will_v guess_v he_o be_v for_o the_o metaphorical_a sense_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n carry_v it_o clear_o for_o the_o literal_a but_o that_o we_o may_v know_v his_o meaning_n he_o fall_v foul_a upon_o they_o that_o say_v the_o expression_n be_v metaphorical_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v a_o moral_a man_n that_o have_v change_v his_o course_n and_o way_n and_o in_o a_o triumphant_a manner_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v good_a gospel_n at_o once_o overthrow_v original_a sin_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n i_o may_v in_o time_n convince_v the_o reader_n that_o he_o be_v neither_o to_o trust_v this_o author_n what_o those_o doctrine_n be_v which_o overthrow_n these_o thing_n nor_o what_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o conformable_a divine_n be_v in_o these_o matter_n at_o present_v my_o business_n be_v to_o fix_v this_o man_n to_o a_o certain_a sense_n and_o to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o what_o i_o charge_v he_o with_o be_v his_o opinion_n he_o say_v plain_o that_o the_o new_a creature_n have_v a_o be_v and_o subsistence_n of_o its_o own_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v superinduce_v into_o the_o essential_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v new_a nor_o a_o creature_n that_o be_v literal_o and_o proper_o so_o for_o it_o may_v figurative_o so_o that_o beside_o the_o heart_n which_o the_o sinner_n have_v before_o he_o have_v now_o another_o and_o then_o i_o grant_v the_o expression_n be_v not_o metaphorical_a 173._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o new_a spiritual_a be_v creature_n nature_n life_n as_o shall_v be_v declare_v now_o he_o declare_v what_o his_o meaning_n be_v by_o these_o expression_n very_o solemn_o ibid._n where_o he_o renounce_v at_o large_a that_o opinion_n which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v metaphorical_a and_o have_v these_o remarkable_a word_n among_o the_o rest_n so_o long_o as_o we_o can_v obtain_v a_o acknowledgement_n from_o man_n that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a and_o in_o any_o sense_n the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o evince_v that_o the_o thing_n intend_v in_o they_o i._n e._n the_o thing_n signify_v by_o regeneration_n new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n be_v proper_o express_v i._n e._n by_o those_o phrase_n so_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v which_o no_o body_n deny_v and_o so_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o be_v express_v i._n e._n if_o he_o be_v consistent_a to_o himself_o that_o they_o can_v be_v express_v more_o proper_o again_o some_o mean_v himself_o and_o his_o party_n judge_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v deep_a and_o mysterious_a the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o to_o be_v plain_a and_o proper_a other_o mean_v his_o adversary_n think_v the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o to_o be_v mystical_a and_o figurative_a but_o the_o thing_n intend_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a by_o all_o which_o and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o he_o must_v stand_v to_o as_o his_o opinion_n that_o the_o forementioned_a expression_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v metaphorical_o but_o literal_o and_o proper_o and_o now_o my_o next_o work_n be_v plain_a which_o be_v this_o 1._o to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o he_o say_v they_o be_v 2._o to_o answer_v those_o argument_n which_o be_v produce_v by_o he_o to_o the_o contrary_n sect_n 2._o i_o shall_v first_o prove_v that_o these_o expression_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v
reformatione_fw-la vitæ_fw-la a_o moral_a reformation_n of_o life_n what_o other_o socinian_o our_o author_n have_v find_v out_o beside_o the_o modern_a i_o know_v not_o but_o here_o he_o calumniate_v we_o and_o the_o socinian_o too_o though_o the_o socinian_o deserve_v rebuke_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o to_o have_v lie_v tell_v of_o they_o for_o not_o only_o we_o who_o be_v no_o socinian_n but_o those_o that_o be_v do_v acknowledge_v the_o state_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o spiritual_a renovation_n of_o his_o nature_n whereas_o therefore_o he_o tell_v we_o if_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o this_o moral_a reformation_n of_o life_n do_v proceed_v from_o a_o spiritual_a renovation_n of_o our_o nature_n this_o difference_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n i_o answer_v he_o that_o this_o difference_n be_v at_o a_o end_n before_o it_o be_v begin_v for_o we_o have_v always_o grant_v it_o and_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v he_o present_o he_o know_v it_o too_o only_o our_o author_n be_v willing_a to_o impose_v the_o fallacy_n of_o non_fw-la causa_fw-la pro_fw-la causâ_fw-la upon_o his_o reader_n and_o to_o gain_v the_o better_a opinion_n of_o his_o endeavour_n in_o this_o chapter_n he_o will_v make_v they_o believe_v that_o his_o design_n be_v indeed_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o change_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o life_n in_o a_o regenerate_a man_n now_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v to_o prove_v against_o we_o however_o he_o shift_v the_o question_n here_o that_o to_o use_v his_o own_o word_n he_o may_v take_v a_o opportunity_n to_o rail_v at_o other_o for_o want_n of_o better_a advantage_n his_o business_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o regeneration_n and_o the_o new_a creation_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v proper_o and_o as_o he_o know_v a_o foundation_n be_v hereby_o to_o be_v lay_v of_o affirm_v that_o we_o can_v be_v regenerate_v without_o the_o interposal_n of_o a_o irresistible_a power_n like_v to_o that_o whereby_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v raise_v here_o lie_v the_o difference_n between_o he_o and_o we_o not_o whether_o regeneration_n imply_v a_o change_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o life_n and_o this_o he_o confess_v himself_o in_o the_o very_a next_o page_n sect._n 20_o where_o he_o say_v some_o say_v a_o new_a creature_n be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o change_a man_n it_o be_v true_a but_o then_o this_o change_n be_v internal_a also_o yes_o in_o the_o purpose_n design_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o be_v it_o by_o a_o real_a infusion_n of_o a_o new_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o holiness_n no_o it_o denote_v no_o more_o but_o a_o new_a course_n of_o conversation_n only_o the_o expression_n be_v metaphorical_a a_o new_a creature_n be_v a_o moral_a man_n that_o have_v change_v his_o course_n or_o way_n now_o under_o that_o new_a course_n of_o conversation_n which_o he_o say_v some_o mean_n by_o regeneration_n either_o he_o include_v a_o internal_a change_n as_o their_o meaning_n too_o or_o not_o if_o he_o do_v than_o he_o confess_v their_o true_a meaning_n and_o the_o difference_n be_v at_o a_o end_n if_o not_o than_o he_o either_o want_v a_o good_a conscience_n or_o a_o good_a memory_n for_o he_o grant_v before_o that_o they_o confess_v a_o internal_a change_n also_o as_o to_o what_o he_o add_v that_o they_o deny_v the_o real_a infusion_n of_o a_o new_a principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o holiness_n i_o say_v they_o do_v not_o deny_v a_o new_a principle_n of_o holiness_n to_o be_v in_o the_o regenerate_v for_o they_o confess_v the_o seed_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v in_o they_o the_o precept_n and_o motive_n whereof_o prevail_v in_o their_o mind_n be_v proper_o a_o principle_n of_o holiness_n of_o life_n in_o they_o now_o whether_o this_o principle_n be_v real_o infuse_v into_o they_o or_o not_o belong_v not_o to_o this_o place_n to_o consider_v where_o we_o be_v treat_v about_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n and_o not_o the_o manner_n whereby_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v regenerate_v we_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o the_o new_a creature_n according_a to_o they_o be_v a_o moral_a man_n that_o have_v change_v his_o course_n or_o way_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o blame_v they_o for_o it_o since_o the_o change_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v suppose_v in_o that_o of_o the_o life_n he_o know_v there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o tree_n than_o by_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o mind_n than_o by_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o the_o life_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v conclude_v it_o be_v a_o very_a honest_a account_n which_o they_o give_v of_o the_o new_a creature_n because_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o reckon_v himself_o regenerate_v who_o do_v not_o sincere_o amend_v his_o life_n according_a to_o god_n holy_a word_n which_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o keep_v hypocrite_n from_o pretend_v too_o fast_o to_o regeneration_n who_o may_v else_o be_v comfort_v themselves_o that_o their_o heart_n be_v good_a while_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n be_v naught_o i_o be_o sure_a their_o description_n of_o the_o regenerate_a state_n be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o st._n john_n say_v of_o it_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n but_o after_o all_o i_o thus_o far_o differ_v from_o he_o that_o i_o look_v upon_o his_o distinction_n between_o spiritual_a and_o moral_a to_o be_v vain_a and_o useless_a in_o the_o description_n of_o a_o regenerate_a state_n or_o of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v his_o own_o phrase_n as_o passive_o consider_v for_o as_o the_o moral_a reformation_n of_o life_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o be_v spiritual_a so_o the_o spiritual_a renovation_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v moral_a for_o as_o the_o state_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n in_o both_o respect_n may_v be_v call_v spiritual_a as_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n so_o in_o both_o it_o may_v be_v call_v moral_n as_o consist_v in_o the_o purity_n both_o of_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o action_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n for_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v grant_v that_o all_o sin_n i._n e._n all_o unbelief_n of_o god_n word_n and_o all_o disobedience_n to_o god_n command_n whether_o moral_a or_o positive_a be_v immorality_n therefore_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n be_v morality_n or_o moral_a goodness_n i._n e._n they_o be_v thing_n good_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n eternal_o and_o unalterable_o so_o 181._o this_o man_n charge_v his_o adversary_n here_o with_o confuse_a notion_n and_o sophistical_a expression_n about_o morality_n where_o he_o do_v not_o tell_v the_o reader_n one_o of_o their_o notion_n or_o expression_n about_o it_o and_o therein_o he_o have_v do_v more_o like_o a_o sophister_n himself_o than_o a_o doctor_n it_o be_v in_o this_o latitude_n which_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o they_o understand_v moral_a righteousness_n and_o virtue_n who_o affirm_v that_o the_o state_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n do_v consist_v therein_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o grace_n and_o virtue_n between_o spiritual_a and_o moral_a suppose_v that_o by_o grace_n and_o spiritual_n you_o express_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n if_o dr._n owen_n do_v not_o take_v they_o in_o this_o sense_n he_o misunderstand_v they_o and_o make_v a_o wrong_a report_n of_o their_o judgement_n concern_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o moral_a righteousness_n to_o qualify_v man_n for_o heaven_n if_o he_o do_v thus_o understand_v they_o and_o yet_o be_v angry_a because_o they_o make_v no_o distinction_n between_o grace_n and_o virtue_n a_o spiritual_a and_o moral_a state_n as_o i_o find_v he_o be_v sect._n 19_o sure_a it_o must_v be_v because_o he_o think_v all_o be_v not_o moral_a virtue_n which_o they_o say_v be_v viz._n faith_n in_o god_n 183._o and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o then_o the_o contention_n between_o we_o be_v a_o mere_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o strife_n about_o word_n in_o which_o i_o suppose_v he_o have_v the_o hard_a part_n unless_o he_o can_v show_v that_o to_o disbelieve_v any_o of_o the_o revelation_n and_o to_o disobey_v any_o of_o the_o command_v of_o god_n be_v not_o immorality_n or_o else_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o displeasure_n must_v be_v because_o he_o think_v a_o regenerate_a state_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o if_o i_o understand_v he_o be_v his_o opinion_n and_o it_o be_v our_o affirm_v the_o contrary_n which_o have_v make_v he_o so_o fierce_a against_o we_o as_o i_o observe_v he_o to_o be_v sect._n 17._o where_o he_o have_v these_o strange_a word_n 181._o regeneration_n do_v
the_o jew_n will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o willing_a to_o be_v have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o outward_a appearance_n and_o his_o ignominious_a death_n afterward_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o probable_a interpretation_n of_o this_o difficult_a place_n but_o i_o do_v not_o think_v every_o body_n be_v bind_v present_o to_o believe_v it_o or_o to_o yield_v to_o it_o any_o further_a than_o he_o judge_v those_o reason_n to_o be_v of_o weight_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v for_o it_o and_o if_o dr._n owen_n or_o any_o other_o divine_a can_v show_v i_o a_o more_o probable_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n or_o of_o any_o difficult_a passage_n in_o this_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n than_o what_o i_o have_v propound_v i_o shall_v make_v no_o difficulty_n to_o forsake_v my_o own_o and_o come_v over_o to_o he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v safe_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n if_o i_o have_v prove_v to_o you_o by_o those_o miracle_n which_o you_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o the_o messiah_n and_o consequent_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v my_o disciple_n and_o yet_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o and_o become_v my_o disciple_n how_o much_o more_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o you_o will_v be_v so_o after_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o i_o who_o be_o your_o messiah_n must_v be_v lift_v up_o upon_o a_o cross_n and_o die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n this_o will_v go_v down_o more_o hardly_o with_o you_o than_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o hitherto_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o know_v and_o be_o come_v to_o tell_v you_o who_o have_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o be_o acquaint_v with_o these_o heavenly_a thing_n these_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n which_o so_o far_o transcend_v all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n and_o this_o be_v that_o too_o which_o be_v prefigure_v by_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n our_o saviour_n thereupon_o proceed_v show_v it_o to_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n to_o save_v mankind_n this_o way_n viz._n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o be_v expect_v but_o by_o become_v his_o disciple_n and_o that_o they_o who_o will_v not_o be_v so_o be_v inexcusible_a as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v and_o now_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o the_o paraphrase_n which_o i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n to_o nicodemus_n do_v not_o make_v the_o connexion_n between_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o very_o clear_a and_o also_o whether_o our_o understanding_n the_o regenerate_v man_n to_o be_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o notion_n this_o paraphrase_n do_v proceed_v upon_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n whole_a discourse_n in_o this_o place_n sect_n ii_o i_o come_v at_o last_o to_o answer_v the_o doctor_n be_v objection_n against_o our_o notion_n of_o regeneration_n which_o as_o he_o say_v we_o suppose_v to_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o reformation_n of_o life_n his_o objection_n be_v this_o nicodemus_n know_v the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n of_o life_n well_o enough_o if_o he_o have_v ever_o read_v moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n and_o to_o suppose_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n propose_v unto_o he_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v perfect_o well_o only_o under_o a_o new_a name_n or_o notion_n which_o he_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o so_o to_o take_v a_o advantage_n of_o charge_v he_o with_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o indeed_o he_o full_a well_o know_v and_o understand_v be_v a_o blasphemous_a imagination_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o reformation_n of_o life_n which_o we_o say_v our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o regeneration_n nicodemus_n do_v not_o understand_v so_o perfect_o well_o as_o our_o author_n imagine_v for_o though_o he_o understand_v well_o enough_o that_o reformation_n of_o life_n which_o be_v require_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n he_o do_v not_o yet_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o that_o reformation_n which_o be_v require_v by_o our_o saviour_n under_o which_o be_v suppose_v the_o believe_v of_o jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o become_a of_o his_o disciple_n and_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o law_n which_o be_v better_o than_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n now_o as_o i_o have_v already_o tell_v the_o doctor_n none_o of_o those_o conformable_a divine_n who_o he_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v as_o odious_o as_o he_o can_v do_v mean_v any_o thing_n less_o by_o that_o reformation_n of_o life_n which_o they_o affirm_v regeneration_n to_o consist_v in_o than_o such_o a_o reformation_n as_o suppose_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o a_o sincere_a change_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n this_o be_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o that_o reformation_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o those_o man_n who_o the_o doctor_n so_o tragical_o complain_v of_o that_o they_o mean_v nothing_o less_o by_o it_o and_o i_o be_o confident_a so_o well_o do_v i_o know_v they_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o who_o will_v not_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n forbear_v this_o use_n of_o that_o expression_n of_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n if_o they_o either_o think_v it_o dangerous_a or_o offensive_a which_o hitherto_o they_o have_v not_o because_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n be_v thus_o describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o be_v my_o brother_n etc._n etc._n now_o this_o be_v my_o first_o answer_n to_o the_o doctor_n that_o that_o reformation_n of_o life_n which_o his_o adversary_n mean_v which_o namely_o imply_v be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n nicodemus_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o but_o be_v that_o very_a thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n design_v to_o make_v he_o understand_v 2._o so_o mistake_v be_v the_o doctor_n every_o way_n this_o thing_n be_v propose_v unto_o nicodemus_n not_o under_o a_o new_a but_o under_o a_o old_a name_n or_o notion_n for_o 1._o the_o name_n and_o notion_n of_o be_v bear_v again_o be_v not_o new_a since_o the_o jew_n count_v their_o proselyte_n recens_fw-la nati_n newborn_a man_n and_o as_o such_o to_o have_v quit_v their_o relation_n to_o their_o former_a country_n kindred_n and_o parent_n and_o become_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n 2._o to_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n be_v no_o new_a notion_n neither_o since_o purify_n by_o water_n or_o baptism_n be_v one_o of_o the_o ceremony_n of_o this_o regeneration_n by_o proselytism_n 3._o neither_o be_v it_o a_o new_a notion_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n 174._o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o doctor_n himself_o find_v it_o there_o in_o those_o word_n where_o god_n promise_v to_o circumcise_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n to_o take_v away_o their_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n with_o his_o law_n write_v in_o it_o have_v nicodemus_n therefore_o talk_v like_o himself_o when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o he_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n than_o instead_o of_o ask_v that_o strange_a question_n can_v a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v old_a etc._n etc._n and_o afterward_o how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v he_o shall_v either_o have_v offer_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o proselyte_n or_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o divine_a law_n which_o he_o that_o observe_v be_v bear_v of_o god_n have_v a_o new_a heart_n etc._n etc._n or_o offer_v some_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o than_o i_o answer_v the_o doctor_n that_o suppose_v regeneration_n to_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o become_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n our_o saviour_n do_v not_o propose_v a_o old_a thing_n to_o nicodemus_n under_o a_o new_a name_n and_o notion_n to_o puzzle_v he_o as_o the_o doctor_n pretend_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o propose_v a_o new_a thing_n to_o he_o under_o old_a and_o familiar_a expression_n and_o thus_o though_o the_o doctor_n know_v not_o how_o we_o can_v do_v it_o i_o hope_v we_o have_v free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o that_o blasphemous_a imagination_n he_o will_v fain_o fasten_v upon_o we_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v this_o that_o regeneration_n which_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n consist_v in_o be_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n
christian_a virtue_n be_v ascribe_v both_o to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o prayer_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o the_o colossian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o full_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n col._n 1.9_o 10._o and_o the_o co-operation_n of_o both_o these_o cause_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o the_o same_o effect_n be_v yet_o more_o plain_o express_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n for_o his_o disciple_n sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n where_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o this_o that_o the_o holiness_n of_o believer_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o truth_n upon_o their_o mind_n viz._n that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n see_v then_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o only_o in_o itself_o a_o proper_a mean_n of_o convert_v the_o unbeliever_n and_o the_o disobedient_a of_o confirm_v and_o improve_n the_o sincere_a convert_n but_o as_o you_o see_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v those_o effect_n also_o which_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o ascribe_v to_o the_o weightiness_n of_o those_o reason_n and_o consideration_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o our_o understanding_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o define_v the_o manner_n whereby_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o produce_v these_o grace_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a effect_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v do_v by_o assign_v such_o a_o manner_n of_o operation_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o must_v needs_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o ascribe_v conversion_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o truth_n wherefore_o it_o be_v too_o bold_o do_v of_o dr._n owen_n and_o his_o party_n to_o affirm_v that_o conversion_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n as_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v convert_v and_o withal_o that_o conversion_n be_v impossible_a without_o such_o a_o irresistible_a operation_n for_o 1._o if_o a_o man_n must_v necessary_o resist_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o god_n word_n till_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v in_o he_o by_o a_o irresistible_a action_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o these_o man_n teach_v then_o it_o be_v plain_o absurd_a to_o make_v conversion_n to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n for_o upon_o this_o hypothesis_n it_o contribute_v no_o more_o to_o a_o man_n conversion_n than_o the_o hurl_v of_o a_o pibble_n do_v to_o the_o throw_v down_o of_o a_o mighty_a wall_n that_o be_v fall_v by_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o cannon_n if_o as_o the_o doctor_n say_v 262._o the_o will_n can_v make_v use_n of_o that_o grace_n for_o conversion_n which_o it_o can_v refuse_v if_o also_o it_o can_v resist_v all_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n reason_n argument_n and_o motive_n 261._o as_o he_o himself_o suppose_v and_o by_o consequence_n that_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o conversion_n be_v cause_v be_v irresistible_a what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o conversion_n must_v upon_o these_o term_n be_v only_o and_o whole_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o say_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n produce_v their_o effect_n irresistible_o because_o they_o be_v join_v with_o the_o word_n be_v to_o ascribe_v a_o irresistible_a operation_n to_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o spirit_n or_o rather_o to_o make_v the_o irresistibleness_n to_o arise_v from_o the_o concurrence_n of_o both_o those_o cause_n now_o beside_o that_o upon_o this_o hypothesis_n all_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v will_v be_v convert_v see_v we_o have_v prove_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o beside_o this_o i_o say_v these_o man_n do_v not_o place_v the_o irresistible_a force_n by_o which_o conversion_n as_o they_o say_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n but_o in_o the_o sole_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o that_o conversion_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n which_o as_o they_o say_v a_o man_n can_v but_o resist_v till_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o of_o such_o a_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n too_o as_o be_v altogether_o irresistible_a be_v to_o i_o as_o unintelligible_a as_o transubstantiation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o resist_v the_o operation_n of_o truth_n and_o withal_o grant_v that_o conversion_n must_v as_o well_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n as_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operate_n in_o our_o mind_n it_o will_v plain_o follow_v that_o his_o operation_n be_v resistible_a the_o reason_n be_v because_o where_o a_o effect_n depend_v upon_o the_o concurrence_n of_o two_o cause_n he_o that_o have_v it_o always_o in_o his_o power_n to_o resist_v the_o force_n of_o one_o be_v at_o any_o time_n able_a to_o frustrate_v the_o other_o and_o consequent_o to_o hinder_v the_o effect_n now_o they_o themselves_o grant_v and_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o daily_a experience_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v resist_v and_o hear_v in_o vain_a as_o it_o be_v even_o when_o preach_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n wherefore_o when_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n conspire_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n to_o convert_v a_o sinner_n if_o he_o can_v be_v obstinate_a against_o the_o latter_a he_o may_v also_o quench_v the_o former_a and_o then_o they_o be_v not_o irresistible_a furthermore_o it_o may_v be_v say_v if_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v irresistible_o by_o the_o sole_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n then_o the_o word_n which_o may_v be_v resist_v be_v unnecessary_a but_o if_o the_o word_n can_v but_o be_v resist_v till_o the_o effect_n be_v wrought_v by_o another_o power_n that_o be_v invincible_a viz._n that_o of_o the_o spirit_n then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o effect_n be_v owe_v only_o to_o that_o power_n which_o be_v to_o render_v the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n utter_o vain_a and_o useless_a and_o to_o contradict_v all_o those_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o attribute_n our_o conversion_n to_o the_o force_n of_o divine_a truth_n but_o 2._o it_o be_v further_a evident_a from_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o explain_v this_o irresistible_a operation_n that_o they_o exclude_v all_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n word_n from_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o conversion_n 254._o dr._n owen_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o immediate_a author_n and_o cause_n of_o regeneration_n and_o he_o be_v often_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v convert_v by_o a_o immediate_a physical_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v for_o many_o page_n together_o now_o a_o physical_a operation_n he_o oppose_v to_o moral_a and_o thereby_o exclude_v from_o it_o all_o use_n of_o any_o reason_n argument_n and_o motive_n whatsoever_o as_o he_o do_v industrious_o more_o than_o once_o 261._o now_o what_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o to_o ascribe_v conversion_n to_o such_o a_o operation_n as_o this_o be_v whole_o to_o exclude_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o be_v any_o way_n subordinate_a to_o that_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v convert_v for_o although_o the_o doctor_n tell_v we_o sometime_o that_o he_o grant_v a_o moral_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o he_o only_o deny_v the_o concurrence_n of_o that_o with_o the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o total_a cause_n of_o conversion_n yet_o by_o his_o leave_n 268._o he_o do_v not_o make_v it_o so_o much_o as_o a_o partial_a cause_n for_o if_o this_o physical_a operation_n only_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o can_v remove_v all_o obstacle_n and_o overcome_v all_o opposition_n and_o infallible_o produce_v the_o effect_n intend_v as_o he_o speak_v 270._o if_o this_o operation_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o use_n of_o any_o motive_n whatsoever_o contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n final_o if_o this_o operation_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n if_o nothing_o intervene_v between_o this_o operation_n and_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v then_o plain_a i_o conceive_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o conversion_n for_o neither_o be_v the_o use_n of_o any_o
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 whether_o we_o be_v now_o sanctify_v by_o another_o sort_n of_o operation_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n pray_v for_o now_o to_o say_v in_o express_a term_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n will_v sound_v so_o horrid_o in_o any_o sober_a christian_n ear_n that_o the_o doctor_n himself_o have_v not_o venture_v upon_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o be_v often_o persuade_v his_o reader_n that_o he_o attribute_n as_o much_o to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n as_o any_o of_o they_o all_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o 268._o whereas_o some_o contend_v that_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o effectual_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n they_o do_v not_o ascribe_v a_o great_a power_n unto_o the_o word_n than_o we_o do_v by_o who_o this_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o total_a cause_n of_o conversion_n for_o we_o assign_v the_o same_o power_n to_o the_o word_n as_o they_o do_v and_o more_o also_o only_o we_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o effect_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o this_o work_n which_o all_o this_o power_n if_o alone_o be_v insufficient_a for_o after_o a_o few_o such_o say_n as_o these_o a_o man_n need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n for_o 1._o they_o who_o contend_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o spirit_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o mind_n be_v insufficient_a to_o cause_v conversion_n and_o that_o there_o be_v another_o action_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherein_o no_o use_n be_v make_v of_o the_o word_n at_o all_o necessary_a to_o conversion_n do_v not_o attribute_v so_o much_o power_n to_o the_o word_n as_o they_o do_v who_o say_v the_o former_a be_v sufficient_a 2._o much_o less_o do_v they_o so_o if_o withal_o they_o pretend_v that_o this_o other_o operation_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n whereby_o the_o word_n be_v exclude_v from_o intervening_a as_o a_o mean_n 3._o and_o yet_o much_o less_o if_o they_o say_v this_o operation_n produce_v the_o effect_n irresistible_o and_o till_o this_o irresistible_a act_n have_v take_v place_n the_o word_n be_v utter_o ineffectual_a 4._o lest_o of_o all_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o assign_v more_o power_n to_o the_o word_n than_o their_o adversary_n do_v i_o wonder_v at_o this_o man_n confidence_n to_o venture_v such_o open_a falsehood_n abroad_o as_o these_o be_v it_o have_v be_v enough_o in_o conscience_n for_o a_o modest_a man_n to_o say_v that_o those_o of_o our_o author_n opinion_n ascribe_v as_o much_o power_n to_o the_o word_n as_o we_o do_v but_o to_o say_v they_o assign_v more_o to_o it_o be_v too_o much_o in_o all_o reason_n to_o go_v for_o a_o mere_a mistake_n and_o therefore_o one_o may_v well_o think_v he_o see_v clear_o enough_o that_o he_o defer_v not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o word_n as_o we_o and_o that_o because_o he_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a he_o resolve_v to_o put_v on_o a_o face_n for_o something_o and_o say_v withal_o that_o he_o ascribe_v more_o for_o true_o he_o may_v even_o say_v that_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o for_o this_o passage_n of_o he_o be_v but_o the_o next_o page_n before_o he_o assert_n and_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v for_o a_o great_a while_n together_o that_o till_o the_o soul_n be_v change_v by_o his_o physical_a operation_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v no_o more_o power_n to_o make_v a_o due_a impression_n on_o it_o no_o though_o the_o motive_n thereof_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o internal_a persuasion_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o you_o have_v to_o stir_v a_o rock_n by_o speak_v to_o it_o or_o to_o raise_v a_o dead_a body_n from_o the_o grave_a by_o a_o syllogiâ—â—â—_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o maâ—_n that_o just_a before_o will_v make_v you_o believe_v how_o he_o yield_v as_o much_o nay_o 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