sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o george_n stanhope_n d.d._n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n never_o before_o publish_v london_n print_v for_o dan._n midwinter_n and_o tho._n leigh_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n ri._n wilkin_n at_o the_o king_n head_n and_o rob._n knaplock_n at_o the_o angel_n and_o crown_n all_o in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcc_o to_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n thomas_n by_o divine_a providence_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n primate_n of_o all_o england_n and_o metropolitan_a and_o one_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n may_v it_o please_v your_o grace_n that_o the_o few_o follow_a discourse_n may_v have_v the_o privilege_n of_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o honour_n of_o your_o grace_n protection_n of_o which_o how_o undeserving_a soever_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o performance_n may_v be_v yet_o the_o design_n i_o assure_v myself_o be_v every_o way_n worthy_a a_o patron_n of_o your_o grace_n goodness_n and_o character_n for_o this_o be_v pure_o to_o enforce_v a_o serious_a and_o active_a application_n of_o mind_n to_o those_o practical_a duty_n of_o religion_n wherein_o the_o very_a life_n and_o true_a excellence_n of_o christianity_n consist_v in_o order_n hereunto_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o remove_v some_o of_o those_o false_a pretence_n whereby_o man_n olther_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v divert_v from_o the_o most_o necessary_a and_o useful_a part_n of_o religion_n or_o be_v support_v in_o a_o wicked_a course_n or_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v discourage_v in_o a_o good_a one._n and_o i_o hope_v these_o matterâ—_n be_v i_o be_o sure_a i_o intend_v they_o shall_v be_v state_v in_o perfect_a agreement_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o church_n which_o your_o grace_n while_o in_o a_o inferior_a station_n do_v adorn_v with_o so_o conspicuous_a a_o piety_n vigilance_n and_o every_o pastoral_a virtue_n and_o whereof_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v now_o so_o deserve_o advance_v you_o to_o be_v the_o common_a spiritual_a father_n but_o beside_o the_o right_a your_o grace_n have_v to_o the_o work_n itself_o you_o have_v also_o a_o very_a particular_a one_o to_o the_o author_n who_o labour_n have_v be_v all_o along_o favour_v with_o your_o countenance_n and_o encouragement_n and_o who_o ever_o since_o your_o promotion_n to_o the_o episcopal_a order_n have_v have_v the_o happiness_n to_o live_v under_o your_o grace_n inspection_n former_o in_o your_o diocesan_n and_o now_o in_o your_o metropolitical_a capacity_n these_o my_o lord_n be_v sufficient_a inducement_n for_o my_o offering_n this_o tribute_n of_o gratitude_n and_o filial_a obedience_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o doubt_v the_o favourable_a acceptance_n of_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n upon_o so_o many_o account_v your_o due_a in_o which_o i_o shall_v detain_v your_o grace_n no_o long_o than_o while_o i_o beg_v you_o to_o believe_v that_o i_o esteem_v myself_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n oblige_v not_o only_o by_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n for_o his_o constant_a blessing_n and_o extraordinary_a assistance_n upon_o all_o your_o grace_n design_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n commit_v to_o your_o charge_n but_o by_o every_o instance_n of_o reverence_n and_o duty_n in_o my_o power_n to_o approve_v myself_o my_o lord_n your_o grace_n most_o obedient_a son_n and_o servant_n geo._n stanhope_n preface_n my_o reader_n have_v be_v spare_v the_o trouble_n of_o a_o preface_n be_v it_o not_o that_o i_o think_v he_o may_v receive_v some_o advantage_n towards_o profit_v by_o the_o follow_a sermon_n from_o have_v a_o short_a scheme_n lay_v before_o he_o of_o my_o general_a design_n and_o of_o that_o dependence_n which_o these_o discourse_n though_o compose_v at_o several_a time_n and_o upon_o very_o different_a occasion_n yet_o as_o now_o connect_v in_o one_o volume_n have_v upon_o each_o other_o the_o end_n i_o propose_v to_o myself_o be_v the_o the_o persuade_a man_n to_o the_o diligent_a and_o constant_a practice_n of_o religion_n by_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o such_o course_n and_o opinion_n as_o seem_v more_o especial_o to_o obstruct_v or_o discourage_v it_o i._n serm._n i._n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o step_v i_o make_v be_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o attend_v to_o the_o plain_a preceptive_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o wrangle_a and_o speculative_a humour_n so_o predominant_a in_o this_o age_n as_o if_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n be_v to_o be_v place_v only_o in_o exalt_a notion_n deep_a inquiry_n and_o skill_n in_o dark_a and_o controvert_v point_n which_o indeed_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o attend_v to_o they_o the_o better_a that_o one_o will_v almost_o be_v tempt_v to_o think_v by_o the_o modern_a way_n of_o manage_v these_o matter_n they_o scarce_o leave_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o christian_n ii_o serm._n ii_o hence_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o sermon_n to_o explain_v the_o measure_n of_o that_o purity_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o every_o one_o who_o will_v abandon_v a_o wicked_a course_n in_o good_a earnest_n iii_o serm._n iii_o for_o a_o encouragement_n to_o which_o difficult_a undertake_n my_o three_o treat_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o distribute_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n as_o our_o lord_n have_v represent_v they_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o those_o labourer_n who_o be_v hire_v into_o the_o vineyard_n at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n iu._n serm._n iu._n but_o be_v well_o aware_a withal_o how_o perverse_a a_o use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o that_o parable_n i_o esteem_v it_o my_o duty_n from_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o lay_v open_a those_o cheat_n man_n too_o frequent_o put_v upon_o themselves_o by_o a_o false_a application_n of_o such_o encouragement_n as_o the_o scripture_n be_v suppose_v to_o allow_v a_o late_a or_o deathbed_n repentance_n hope_v that_o these_o consideration_n may_v be_v effectual_a for_o bring_v my_o reader_n to_o a_o sight_n and_o serious_a sense_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o speedy_a reformation_n vi_o ser._n v._o vi_o i_o think_v the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o a_o account_n of_o those_o ingredient_n which_o make_v up_o a_o true_a repentance_n may_v follow_v very_o seasonable_o which_o st._n peter_n fall_n and_o recovery_n may_v serve_v for_o a_o convenient_a illustration_n of_o moreover_o in_o regard_n the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o a_o very_a remarkable_a change_n effect_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o agent_n and_o operation_n be_v invisible_a have_v be_v by_o some_o explode_a and_o deny_v as_o a_o fanciful_a notion_n by_o other_o misinterpret_v to_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o soul_n for_o a_o almighty_a necessary_a and_o instantaneous_a act_n viii_o serm._n vii_o viii_o the_o next_o thing_n that_o seem_v requisite_a be_v to_o maintain_v the_o certainty_n to_o illustrate_v the_o manner_n and_o to_o show_v the_o privilege_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o spiritual_a regeneration_n in_o all_o which_o argument_n the_o truth_n owe_v so_o much_o to_o the_o accurate_a labour_n of_o a_o late_a learned_a and_o excellent_a person_n of_o our_o own_o church_n spirit_n dr._n clag_n operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o any_o man_n who_o treat_v of_o this_o subject_a after_o he_o not_o to_o tread_v more_o close_o in_o his_o step_n than_o such_o as_o read_v more_o for_o entertainment_n than_o edification_n be_v like_a to_o be_v very_o well_o content_v with_o have_v thus_o lead_v my_o reader_n gradual_o to_o the_o change_n from_o a_o unregenerate_a to_o the_o true_o christian_a state_n i_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o consider_v some_o of_o those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v check_v his_o vigorous_a advances_n in_o it_o x._o ser._n ix_o x._o among_o these_o the_o first_o be_v those_o erroneous_a principle_n which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o refute_v by_o show_v the_o true_a importance_n of_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o marriage_n feast_n and_o what_o inference_n may_v fair_o be_v draw_v from_o thence_o for_o set_v the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o a_o christian_n call_v and_o election_n in_o their_o true_a light_n xi_o serm._n xi_o and_o then_o from_o another_o passage_n of_o the_o like_a parable_n in_o st._n luke_n i_o proceed_v to_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o strict_a and_o constant_a regard_n to_o it_o upon_o the_o man_n who_o plead_v worldly_a business_n and_o lawful_a care_n in_o excuse_n for_o their_o neglect_n of_o spiritual_a duty_n but_o some_o there_o be_v of_o a_o complexion_n so_o different_a from_o those_o last_o mention_v that_o they_o think_v they_o
sense_n so_o they_o import_v that_o no_o faculty_n of_o our_o own_o no_o desire_n of_o sense_n no_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o morality_n can_v rise_v so_o high_a there_o must_v be_v divine_a grace_n or_o there_o can_v be_v no_o child_n of_o god_n the_o thing_n be_v true_a in_o both_o interpretation_n and_o all_o the_o enlargement_n i_o shall_v make_v upon_o it_o be_v only_o to_o set_v before_o you_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o regeneration_n or_o a_o second_o birth_n and_o then_o to_o describe_v the_o manner_n of_o its_o be_v bring_v about_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v instruct_v we_o in_o it_o by_o natural_a birth_n and_o generation_n it_o be_v plain_a we_o come_v to_o have_v a_o life_n which_o we_o have_v not_o before_o we_o have_v a_o principle_n of_o motion_n impart_v to_o we_o and_o from_o dead_a senseless_a matter_n be_v enable_v to_o perform_v all_o the_o function_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o humane_a nature_n another_o creature_n be_v produce_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o those_o from_o whence_o it_o spring_v and_o grow_v up_o by_o degree_n to_o the_o same_o use_n of_o sense_n the_o same_o reason_n the_o same_o understanding_n the_o same_o desire_n of_o what_o be_v not_o convenient_a and_o the_o same_o aversion_n and_o fear_n of_o what_o be_v hurtful_a and_o destructive_a to_o it_o and_o in_o all_o these_o circumstance_n man_n be_v very_o proper_o say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o upon_o their_o conversion_n to_o and_o believe_v in_o christ_n the_o condition_n they_o be_v in_o before_o be_v a_o state_n of_o utter_a inactivity_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o find_v they_o style_v 1._o style_v ephes_n ii_o 1._o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o say_v to_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v imprison_v and_o confine_v and_o the_o utmost_a effort_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v be_v but_o like_o the_o faint_a struggle_v of_o a_o embryo_n in_o the_o womb._n but_o this_o come_n to_o the_o birth_n give_v they_o liberty_n to_o exert_v themselves_o and_o let_v they_o into_o a_o new_a and_o different_a scene_n of_o action_n it_o produce_v a_o new_a creature_n as_o the_o scripture_n term_v it_o that_o be_v such_o a_o newness_n as_o a_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o new_a notion_n and_o disposition_n and_o consequent_a to_o these_o a_o new_a conversation_n proceed_v from_o they_o so_o that_o every_o such_o person_n be_v quite_o another_o man_n from_o what_o he_o be_v before_o and_o this_o alteration_n conform_v we_o to_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o beget_v we_o every_o thing_n be_v pure_a and_o godlike_a and_o express_v a_o resemblance_n to_o his_o essential_a holiness_n it_o give_v a_o fresh_a turn_n to_o our_o thought_n and_o affection_n so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o act_v as_o before_o by_o the_o same_o carnal_a apprehension_n nor_o the_o same_o sensual_a inclination_n it_o imprint_n a_o new_a character_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o give_v we_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o it_o put_v a_o quite_o different_a bend_v upon_o our_o will_n such_o as_o dispose_v we_o to_o love_v what_o be_v true_o good_a and_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a and_o to_o despise_v and_o detest_v what_o be_v worldly_a and_o wicked_a this_o be_v that_o likeness_n of_o species_n which_o justify_v the_o metaphor_n the_o great_a that_o can_v possible_o happen_v to_o a_o soul_n the_o great_a that_o a_o moral_a principle_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o so_o great_a as_o to_o render_v it_o very_o significant_a and_o proper_a to_o say_v of_o every_o such_o person_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v again_o but_o we_o know_v that_o by_o be_v bear_v man_n become_v part_n of_o a_o family_n and_o have_v a_o right_n to_o a_o child_n share_n in_o the_o division_n of_o the_o estate_n and_o this_o be_v another_o good_a reason_n for_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n because_o by_o that_o mean_n they_o be_v let_v into_o new_a relation_n and_o acquire_v new_a title_n thus_o st._n paul_n tell_v christian_n that_o iu._n that_o gal._n iu._n they_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o by_o it_o have_v a_o right_a to_o call_v god_n father_n that_o they_o be_v son_n and_o not_o only_a son_n but_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o coheir_n with_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v from_o thenceforth_o ally_v to_o the_o whole_a family_n that_o be_v name_v of_o god_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o from_o alien_n and_o stranger_n and_o enemy_n come_v not_o only_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o a_o strict_a alliance_n with_o but_o to_o obtain_v the_o most_o honourable_a and_o most_o advantageous_a post_n in_o the_o household_n and_o since_o these_o prerogative_n among_o man_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o birth_n and_o blood_n the_o same_o confer_v with_o regard_n to_o our_o spiritual_a kindred_n and_o divine_a inheritance_n be_v very_o fit_o represent_v by_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n for_o as_o foreigner_n though_o the_o dear_a friend_n be_v not_o legal_o qualify_v for_o they_o in_o settlement_n of_o this_o world_n except_o in_o default_n of_o issue_n and_o where_o the_o race_n be_v extinct_a so_o here_o none_o who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o family_n can_v inherit_v and_o they_o who_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o it_o be_v first_o make_v capable_a of_o it_o by_o become_a child_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o this_o title_n be_v so_o often_o make_v use_n of_o and_o so_o high_o extol_v in_o scripture_n because_o whatever_o privilege_n the_o rest_n may_v imply_v yet_o none_o can_v minister_v that_o comfort_n and_o confidence_n none_o can_v assure_v our_o inheritance_n or_o give_v we_o a_o pretence_n to_o the_o glory_n and_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o this_o of_o son_n only_o now_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o work_v this_o change_n in_o we_o which_o be_v the_o other_o consideration_n propound_v under_o this_o head_n that_o also_o carry_v so_o great_a a_o similitude_n to_o a_o natural_a birth_n that_o no_o figure_n in_o the_o world_n can_v give_v we_o a_o clear_a idea_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o act_n of_o generation_n and_o birth_n give_v be_v once_o for_o all_o and_z at_o the_o instant_n of_o come_v into_o the_o world_n the_o child_n the_o heir_n be_v bear_v to_o all_o the_o right_n of_o his_o quality_n and_o family_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n confer_v upon_o we_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o principle_n of_o new_a life_n to_o we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n it_o instate_v we_o in_o all_o the_o privilege_n that_o can_v belong_v to_o child_n of_o such_o a_o father_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n our_o church_n immediate_o after_o the_o covenant_n be_v strike_v give_v thanks_o to_o almighty_a god_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o a_o most_o merciful_a father_n for_o that_o it_o have_v please_v he_o to_o regenerate_a the_o person_n then_o new_o baptize_v with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o receive_v they_o for_o his_o own_o child_n by_o adoption_n and_o to_o incorporate_v they_o into_o his_o holy_a church_n as_o also_o she_o most_o wise_o and_o true_o declare_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o her_o excellent_a catechism_n that_o in_o baptism_n we_o be_v make_v member_n of_o christ_n child_n of_o god_n and_o inheritor_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o a_o member_n must_v be_v cut_v off_o if_o it_o be_v mortify_v child_n may_v provoke_v their_o parent_n to_o put_v they_o by_o their_o birthright_n and_o a_o heir_n under_o age_n be_v such_o in_o reversion_n and_o hope_v only_o the_o natural_a parent_n give_v a_o principle_n of_o life_n but_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v soon_o perish_v and_o go_v out_o again_o if_o due_a care_n be_v not_o take_v to_o preserve_v it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n quicken_v we_o upon_o his_o first_o infusion_n but_o we_o be_v to_o cherish_v the_o kindly_a warmth_n god_n be_v our_o father_n in_o the_o sustain_n and_o nourish_v as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o enliven_a part_n he_o know_v the_o life_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v subject_a to_o perpetual_a decay_n and_o therefore_o the_o same_o natural_a affection_n that_o occasion_v our_o be_v bear_v his_o do_v likewise_o engage_v and_o assure_v we_o of_o all_o necessary_a supply_n to_o continue_v his_o provide_v we_o use_v what_o he_o give_v and_o employ_v that_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a self-preservation_n grace_n therefore_o though_o it_o be_v give_v at_o first_o yet_o be_v not_o give_v all_o at_o first_o there_o be_v that_o proportion_n give_v which_o make_v we_o child_n but_o we_o be_v command_v 2._o command_v 1_o pet._n ii_o 2._o to_o feed_v upon_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o
not_o visible_a to_o we_o yet_o the_o fruit_n be_v and_o since_o those_o practice_n be_v the_o genuine_a product_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o can_v be_v produce_v from_o any_o other_o principle_n to_o attribute_v they_o to_o nature_n or_o to_o any_o thing_n beside_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o grape_n may_v be_v gather_v of_o thorn_n and_o fig_n of_o thistle_n for_o it_o be_v this_o good_a tree_n alone_o that_o can_v bring_v forth_o those_o good_a fruit_n and_o if_o by_o the_o fruit_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o to_o be_v know_v our_o saviour_n will_v never_o have_v confirm_v nor_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n have_v agree_v in_o make_v good_a and_o evil_a action_n a_o infallible_a character_n whereby_o to_o distinguish_v the_o spirit_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v and_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o this_o particular_a be_v that_o if_o such_o good_a practice_n where_o they_o be_v conspicuous_a declare_v that_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o god_n have_v renew_v that_o man_n and_o do_v and_o do_v still_o act_n and_o dwell_v in_o he_o then_o it_o be_v no_o less_o certain_a that_o where_o the_o contrary_a vice_n and_o disposition_n be_v predominant_a those_o man_n be_v not_o regenerate_v nor_o do_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_n in_o they_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n 10._o apostle_n 1_o john_n iii_o 10._o whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n neither_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n man_n may_v delude_v themselves_o and_o their_o ignorant_a follower_n with_o boast_v pretence_n they_o may_v have_v the_o impiety_n even_o to_o sanctify_v their_o black_a crime_n by_o father_v they_o upon_o divine_a impulse_n and_o inspiration_n but_o while_o we_o see_v they_o turbulent_a and_o factious_a proud_a and_o disobedient_a censorious_a and_o bitter_a unjust_a and_o uncharitable_a can_v we_o think_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o or_o dwell_v with_o these_o froward_a disposition_n it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o religion_n to_o suppose_v so_o and_o however_o they_o may_v be_v exalt_v by_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n yet_o alas_o they_o know_v not_o themselves_o nor_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o 4._o there_o be_v yet_o a_o four_o consideration_n easy_a to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o similitude_n before_o we_o which_o be_v that_o when_o once_o we_o know_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a for_o our_o purpose_n we_o ought_v to_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o that_o and_o not_o raise_v mist_n and_o perplex_v our_o mind_n and_o neglect_v our_o duty_n by_o indulge_v unprofitable_a inquiry_n after_o what_o we_o can_v or_o need_v not_o know_v the_o end_n of_o all_o knowledge_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v be_v not_o curiosity_n but_o use_v and_o while_o we_o want_v no_o degree_n that_o may_v be_v serviceable_a it_o be_v not_o only_a folly_n but_o impiety_n to_o dwell_v upon_o nicety_n and_o mere_a speculation_n let_v we_o put_v the_o case_n that_o a_o pilot_n or_o a_o husbandman_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o dark_a cavern_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o see_v vapour_n there_o engender_v into_o wind_n what_o benefit_n will_v humane_a life_n receive_v from_o any_o intelligence_n he_o can_v bring_v from_o thence_o can_v such_o a_o one_o swell_v his_o sail_n or_o make_v more_o way_n with_o a_o convenient_a gale_n can_v he_o bid_v the_o tempest_n be_v still_o or_o smooth_v the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a for_o be_v let_v into_o this_o secret_n can_v the_o farmer_n secure_v his_o fruit_n from_o a_o blast_n any_o more_o than_o he_o can_v now_o the_o same_o method_n will_v still_o obtain_v in_o each_o profession_n and_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o efficacy_n they_o will_v have_v why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v so_o in_o religion_n too_o the_o cause_n when_o see_v will_v be_v the_o same_o they_o be_v now_o our_o knowledge_n can_v not_o add_v new_a force_n and_o vigour_n but_o they_o must_v act_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o they_o do_v unseen_a can_v we_o distinct_o feel_v and_o see_v and_o make_v reflection_n upon_o our_o second_o birth_n this_o will_v profit_v we_o no_o more_o the_o want_n of_o it_o can_v prejudice_v we_o no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v in_o the_o natural_a the_o infant_n be_v perfect_o in_o the_o dark_a while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o womb_n he_o know_v not_o what_o be_v do_v when_o the_o embryo_n be_v form_v and_o nourish_v there_o he_o come_v to_o maturity_n and_o struggle_v for_o freedom_n and_o force_n his_o passage_n into_o the_o world_n without_o be_v sensible_a why_o or_o how_o this_o be_v do_v when_o he_o arrive_v at_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n he_o have_v not_o the_o least_o remembrance_n of_o this_o kind_n yet_o nature_n keep_v her_o course_n and_o perform_v her_o charge_n faithful_o and_o with_o great_a exactness_n and_o all_o he_o can_v collect_v be_v that_o he_o be_v bear_v a_o man_n and_o this_o he_o be_v infallible_o sure_a of_o because_o he_o live_v and_o move_v and_o act_n as_o a_o man._n in_o like_a manner_n the_o child_n of_o god_n know_v they_o be_v bear_v of_o he_o because_o they_o govern_v themselves_o by_o a_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a principle_n and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o one_o whit_n the_o less_o notwithstanding_o they_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o method_n of_o this_o birth_n the_o efficient_a cause_n they_o know_v be_v the_o spirit_n and_o can_v be_v none_o else_o and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n be_v the_o consideration_n which_o must_v deter_v they_o from_o resist_v his_o motion_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o his_o grace_n and_o quench_v that_o life_n he_o have_v give_v they_o they_o can_v show_v all_o the_o sign_n of_o such_o a_o birth_n the_o meek_a and_o dovelike_a disposition_n the_o pious_a and_o heavenly_a conversation_n which_o none_o but_o they_o who_o be_v of_o god_n can_v have_v and_o the_o advantage_n at_o last_o will_v be_v the_o same_o too_o for_o as_o the_o husbandman_n gather_v in_o that_o corn_n which_o though_o of_o his_o own_o sow_v come_v up_o he_o know_v not_o how_o so_o they_o who_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a 8._o galat._n vi_o 8._o though_o they_o understand_v not_o all_o the_o mysterious_a way_n by_o which_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o put_v forth_o the_o precious_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n well_o be_v it_o if_o these_o few_o consideration_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o discreet_o observe_v they_o will_v restrain_v that_o bold_a and_o busy_a temper_n that_o insolent_a licentious_a argue_v which_o under_o colour_n of_o reason_n and_o free_a think_v bring_v holy_a mystery_n into_o contempt_n and_o shipwreck_n number_n of_o unwary_a soul_n those_o divine_a truth_n above_o our_o comprehension_n will_v then_o be_v receive_v with_o meekness_n or_o at_o least_o dispute_v with_o modesty_n for_o though_o we_o can_v fathom_v this_o abyss_n yet_o it_o come_v to_o we_o confirm_v with_o proper_a testimony_n and_o such_o as_o how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o no_o mean_n confute_v or_o weaken_v this_o nicodemus_n urge_v to_o christ_n against_o a_o spiritual_a and_o second_a birth_n and_o yet_o our_o lord_n do_v not_o allow_v the_o objection_n nay_o even_o this_o birth_n itself_o have_v suffer_v too_o and_o be_v ill_o represent_v by_o dare_a attempt_n of_o man_n who_o have_v undertake_v to_o show_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o speak_v very_o positive_o where_o god_n be_v silent_a in_o opposition_n to_o who_o dangerous_a error_n i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o my_o ii_o second_o head_n and_o from_o the_o application_n will_v consider_v how_o far_o the_o property_n of_o the_o wind_n mention_v in_o this_o similitude_n will_v give_v we_o any_o just_a ground_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v working_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o application_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o verse_n so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n carry_v great_a resemblance_n to_o what_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o wind_n for_o as_o there_o we_o gather_v its_o blow_v from_o the_o sound_n and_o other_o effect_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v the_o blast_n nor_o its_o rise_n and_o passage_n nor_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o cause_n that_o set_v it_o on_o so_o may_v a_o child_n of_o god_n know_v he_o be_v such_o by_o the_o effect_n and_o character_n of_o that_o relation_n though_o he_o do_v not_o see_v the_o spirit_n that_o renew_v he_o though_o the_o operation_n by_o which_o he_o be_v renew_v be_v such_o as_o fall_v not_o under_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o outward_a sense_n nor_o be_v perhaps_o his_o own_o mind_n conscious_a to_o many_o thing_n by_o
ourselves_o all_o that_o protection_n and_o tender_a care_n all_o that_o compassion_n and_o kind_n concern_v all_o that_o indulgence_n and_o favourable_a allowance_n for_o our_o fail_n all_o that_o ready_a relief_n in_o our_o necessity_n all_o that_o ample_a provision_n for_o our_o prosperity_n and_o well_o be_v which_o nature_n inspire_v affectionate_a father_n with_o and_o give_v dutiful_a child_n a_o right_a to_o expect_v how_o much_o this_o be_v i_o pretend_v not_o to_o describe_v for_o word_n can_v do_v it_o i_o refer_v myself_o to_o parent_n for_o parent_n only_o know_v and_o what_o they_o know_v in_o this_o respect_n be_v much_o easy_o feel_v than_o express_v but_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v that_o when_o the_o best_a good-natured_a man_n have_v summon_v all_o the_o soft_a resentment_n together_o that_o either_o the_o bowel_n of_o a_o father_n or_o the_o most_o win_a endearment_n of_o a_o child_n can_v engage_v he_o to_o this_o and_o much_o more_o be_v derive_v down_o upon_o every_o christian_a by_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o god_n who_o love_n be_v infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a ground_v upon_o better_a and_o more_o substantial_a motive_n who_o as_o he_o be_v not_o move_v by_o the_o same_o spring_n of_o passion_n with_o mortal_a man_n so_o he_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o their_o inconstancy_n and_o picque_n and_o unaccountable_a disgust_n his_o affection_n be_v steady_a and_o permanent_a he_o always_o love_v when_o we_o deserve_v it_o and_o always_o pity_v and_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v reconcile_v when_o we_o do_v not_o of_o god_n who_o power_n be_v as_o immense_a as_o his_o love_n so_o that_o this_o do_v not_o spend_v itself_o in_o sad_a complaint_n and_o melancholy_a reflection_n and_o unprofitable_a wish_n as_o that_o of_o earthly_a parent_n often_o do_v who_o see_v with_o ache_a and_o with_o bleed_a heart_n their_o child_n want_n and_o even_o die_v under_o those_o misery_n they_o can_v help_v but_o this_o father_n understand_v all_o our_o occasion_n can_v supply_v all_o our_o necessity_n can_v redress_v all_o our_o wrong_n remove_v all_o our_o misfortune_n and_o be_v not_o more_o willing_a than_o he_o be_v able_a to_o assist_v we_o of_o god_n i_o say_v who_o provision_n be_v not_o like_o what_o we_o be_v so_o immoderate_o solicitous_a to_o procure_v for_o our_o child_n here_o upon_o earth_n the_o prey_n of_o usurp_a greatness_n or_o treacherous_a falsehood_n or_o crafty_a forgery_n the_o booty_n of_o invasion_n and_o violence_n and_o theft_n the_o sport_n of_o fire_n and_o water_n and_o wind_n and_o every_o element_n nay_o even_o the_o food_n of_o rust_n and_o moth_n or_o if_o spare_v by_o all_o these_o yet_o at_o the_o best_a such_o as_o must_v waste_v and_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n but_o a_o inheritance_n large_a and_o eternal_a as_o the_o bounteous_a giver_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o casualty_n and_o oulast_v even_o time_n itself_o of_o god_n last_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o all_o lord_n one_o who_o exalt_v we_o to_o a_o dignity_n infinite_o above_o what_o any_o earthly_a prince_n or_o potentate_n can_v pretend_v to_o the_o place_n of_o honour_n in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n and_o without_o the_o melancholy_a ceremony_n of_o death_n and_o succession_n give_v to_o each_o son_n a_o crown_n a_o crown_n of_o life_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n incorruptible_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o for_o ever_o these_o be_v but_o faint_a and_o feeble_a representation_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n that_o accrue_v to_o we_o by_o be_v thus_o relate_v but_o who_o can_v hear_v even_o these_o without_o break_v out_o again_o into_o st._n john_n rapturous_a reflection_n behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v on_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o but_o i_o observe_v second_o that_o this_o manner_n of_o the_o evangelist_n express_v himself_n as_o it_o speak_v the_o greatness_n so_o do_v it_o also_o imply_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o gift_n the_o very_a nature_n of_o a_o privilege_n seem_v to_o carry_v something_o of_o indulgence_n and_o grace_n in_o it_o something_o which_o though_o grant_v upon_o good_a consideration_n yet_o can_v not_o in_o strict_a right_n have_v be_v challenge_v and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v in_o no_o condition_n of_o merit_v this_o mighty_a favour_n much_o otherwise_o indeed_o their_o circumstance_n be_v poor_a and_o low_a and_o miserable_a for_o what_o can_v possible_o be_v more_o so_o than_o man_n corrupt_v by_o sin_n a_o most_o lose_v most_o pollute_a object_n the_o servant_n the_o slave_n the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n bewilder_v in_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n captivate_v and_o bind_v up_o in_o chain_n of_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o past_o the_o extent_n of_o any_o natural_a power_n to_o enlighten_v or_o to_o release_v he_o omnipotence_n only_o can_v do_v it_o nay_o even_o omnipotence_n without_o love_n have_v not_o do_v it_o to_o perfection_n but_o by_o a_o happy_a conjunction_n of_o these_o two_o we_o be_v set_v free_a set_v free_a the_o noble_a way_n not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n and_o fear_n remain_v but_o be_v so_o make_v the_o servant_n as_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o attain_v the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n not_o such_o by_o nature_n it_o be_v true_a but_o adopt_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o he_o who_o be_v so_o by_o nature_n and_o who_o in_o wonderful_a condescension_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v we_o brethren_n my_o former_a particular_a take_v notice_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o make_v good_a this_o adoption_n but_o these_o be_v appoint_v only_o as_o instrument_n as_o sign_n and_o seal_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o pass_v as_o record_v and_o testify_v the_o act_n and_o insure_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o to_o we_o as_o the_o write_n of_o indenture_n do_v not_o convey_v a_o estate_n for_o the_o person_n be_v seal_v and_o deliver_v do_v that_o but_o be_v only_o call_v a_o deed_n because_o it_o testify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o party_n and_o as_o such_o testimony_n secure_v the_o possession_n to_o he_o for_o who_o use_n it_o be_v do_v so_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o receive_v with_o faith_n and_o all_o necessary_a qualification_n be_v only_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n of_o derive_v this_o sonship_n upon_o we_o seal_n and_o evidence_n of_o what_o god_n do_v there_o but_o still_o it_o be_v not_o the_o sacrament_n but_o god_n in_o and_o by_o the_o sacrament_n that_o make_v we_o child_n there_o be_v no_o such_o merit_n in_o the_o virtue_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o partake_v of_o they_o no_o such_o inherent_a power_n in_o the_o matter_n or_o the_o form_n the_o word_n or_o the_o element_n as_o can_v by_o any_o efficacy_n of_o their_o own_o work_n this_o mighty_a change_n all_o be_v the_o act_n the_o free_a gift_n the_o peculiar_a blessing_n of_o the_o most_o high_a exalt_v these_o thing_n into_o effect_n mysterious_a and_o above_o their_o natural_a faculty_n and_o as_o the_o water_n though_o of_o all_o element_n most_o fruitful_a have_v produce_v nothing_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v not_o brood_a upon_o it_o so_o in_o the_o second_o birth_n it_o be_v that_o spirit_n alone_o that_o sanctify_v water_n to_o the_o wash_n away_o of_o sin_n and_o enable_v it_o to_o bring_v forth_o a_o child_n of_o god_n but_o though_o such_o similitude_n as_o these_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o give_v we_o some_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n that_o fall_v not_o direct_o under_o sense_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v this_o shall_v hold_v in_o every_o circumstance_n for_o between_o this_o and_o common_a birth_n there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n as_o st._n john_n plain_o declare_v and_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o my_o three_o particular_a to_o observe_v which_o take_v notice_n iii_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o sonship_n be_v confer_v from_o those_o word_n of_o my_o text_n who_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o seem_v in_o short_a to_o be_v thus_o much_o that_o we_o be_v not_o conceive_v of_o this_o as_o of_o usual_a and_o natural_a birth_n as_o if_o it_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o material_a principle_n or_o promote_v by_o sensual_a inclination_n but_o all_o here_o be_v spiritual_a and_o sublime_a it_o be_v god_n that_o beget_v we_o of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n as_o st._n james_n observe_v ch._n i._n v._n 18._o or_o if_o you_o please_v to_o take_v these_o expression_n as_o some_o have_v do_v in_o a_o metaphorical_a