speak_v of_o we_o agree_v that_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o his_o revelation_n be_v mean_v but_o this_o by_o the_o by_o it_o be_v however_o clear_a that_o our_o saviour_n challenge_v the_o jew_n of_o unreasonable_a incredulity_n for_o disbelieve_v what_o be_v sufficient_o testify_v and_o prove_v to_o they_o 2._o christ_n assign_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o unbelief_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a vers_fw-la 19_o i._n e._n the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o i_o bring_v be_v so_o bright_a and_o clear_a that_o the_o cause_n why_o man_n believe_v it_o not_o be_v not_o because_o they_o want_v reason_n and_o argument_n to_o induce_v they_o thereunto_o or_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v himself_o by_o light_n it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o i_o be_o the_o son_n god_n that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o perceive_v it_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o mean_n of_o conviction_n but_o because_o your_o deed_n be_v evil_a because_o my_o doctrine_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o your_o lust_n and_o vice_n that_o you_o be_v not_o will_v it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o so_o you_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o therefore_o great_a shall_v be_v your_o condemnation_n every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v sincere_o dispose_v to_o do_v whatever_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v manifest_a be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o have_v his_o action_n prove_v that_o they_o be_v wrought_v of_o god_n whether_o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o not_o i_o think_v it_o be_v thus_o sufficient_o plain_a that_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o his_o discourse_n to_o nicodemus_n be_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o come_v to_o he_o or_o believe_v in_o he_o i._n e._n of_o be_v his_o disciple_n in_o order_n to_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o to_o convince_v those_o of_o unreasonable_a obstinacy_n and_o incredulity_n who_o will_v not_o be_v his_o disciple_n it_o be_v therefore_o plain_a that_o suppose_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o regenerate_v man_n than_o the_o beginning_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n be_v consonant_a to_o his_o plain_a design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v why_o we_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o how_o inexcusable_a we_o be_v if_o we_o be_v not_o but_o that_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o whole_a may_v be_v clear_o see_v i_o shall_v here_o subjoin_v a_o paraphrase_n of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o concern_v regeneration_n proceed_v upon_o our_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v probable_a as_o grotius_n observe_v that_o after_o nicodemus_n have_v acknowledge_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n he_o ask_v he_o what_o qualification_n a_o man_n must_v have_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o in_o his_o preach_n he_o have_v make_v so_o much_o mention_v of_o to_o which_o question_n our_o saviour_n answer_n be_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v no_o man_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n except_o he_o become_v my_o disciple_n which_o you_o seem_v unwilling_a to_o be_v because_o you_o come_v secret_o to_o i_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o you_o to_o acknowledge_v to_o i_o that_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n but_o withal_o you_o must_v become_v one_o of_o my_o disciple_n and_o own_o yourself_o so_o to_o be_v though_o you_o forfeit_v thereby_o the_o honour_n you_o have_v in_o the_o jewish_a state_n for_o you_o must_v forsake_v all_o to_o follow_v i_o nicodemus_n not_o understand_v this_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n reply_v as_o if_o it_o be_v require_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v bear_v again_o in_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v when_o he_o be_v old_a as_o i_o be_o can_v he_o etc._n etc._n jesus_n answer_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n q._n d._n it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o birth_n that_o i_o mean_v but_o that_o of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n you_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o water_n you_o must_v by_o baptism_n become_v a_o profess_a disciple_n of_o i_o who_o you_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o you_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n too_o it_o be_v equal_o necessary_a that_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o promise_n whereof_o be_v part_n of_o my_o doctrine_n you_o become_v obedient_a in_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o those_o law_n which_o i_o deliver_v which_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o divine_a that_o they_o be_v hate_v by_o they_o who_o deed_n be_v evil_a who_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n vers_fw-la 6._o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n as_o when_o a_o infant_n be_v bear_v of_o his_o mother_n be_v discernible_a to_o your_o eye_n and_o the_o change_n make_v thereby_o be_v evident_a to_o your_o grosser_n sense_n it_o be_v not_o this_o change_n which_o i_o mean_v but_o i_o say_v you_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a change_n that_o i_o mean_v thereby_o viz._n that_o of_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o life_n which_o change_n together_o with_o those_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o it_o be_v produce_v be_v not_o discernible_a the_o same_o way_n in_o which_o the_o natural_a birth_n be_v vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o marvel_v not_o that_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o you_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o lift_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o spirit_n by_o this_o it_o shall_v seem_v that_o which_o be_v most_o troublesome_a to_o nicodemus_n to_o understand_v be_v this_o viz._n how_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o he_o stick_v at_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o imperceptibleness_n of_o that_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o this_o change_n be_v produce_v for_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n know_v when_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v suppose_v our_o saviour_n answer_n to_o he_o remove_v the_o doubt_n for_o it_o show_v 1._o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o they_o be_v not_o perceptible_a to_o the_o sense_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v otherways_o know_v to_o this_o purpose_n he_o use_v a_o familiar_a similitude_n to_o explain_v himself_o by_o viz._n that_o of_o the_o wind_n which_o blow_v hither_o and_o thither_o but_o be_v not_o discernible_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o though_o we_o see_v it_o not_o yet_o we_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n because_o we_o hear_v it_o now_o as_o every_o body_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o its_o proper_a sense_n so_o be_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o its_o proper_a faculty_n and_o as_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o some_o body_n because_o they_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o one_o sense_n if_o they_o be_v evident_a to_o another_o so_o we_o be_v not_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o some_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o our_o sense_n if_o they_o be_v evident_a to_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v 2._o our_o saviour_n answer_n show_v that_o we_o may_v know_v a_o effect_n the_o immediate_a cause_n whereof_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o similitude_n of_o the_o wind_n the_o natural_a cause_n whereof_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o be_v yet_o sure_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v ignorant_a of_o now_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o may_v perceive_v or_o feel_v a_o effect_n in_o our_o mind_n viz._n that_o change_n which_o the_o spirit_n make_v there_o though_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v and_o in_o that_o sense_n do_v not_o know_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n themselves_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n
god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o ask_v they_o so_o particular_o or_o if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o absolute_o as_o the_o former_a i_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o in_o general_a and_o particular_o for_o those_o degree_n of_o they_o which_o be_v proper_a for_o my_o condition_n if_o i_o govern_v a_o family_n for_o so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o may_v well_o serve_v i_o to_o bring_v up_o those_o that_o be_v under_o i_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n or_o if_o i_o be_o a_o minister_n for_o that_o underderstanding_n in_o religion_n which_o may_v best_o fit_v i_o to_o discharge_v that_o duty_n i_o owe_v to_o god_n of_o guide_v those_o soul_n to_o heaven_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o my_o trust_n but_o if_o i_o pray_v more_o particular_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o such_o a_o difficult_a point_n in_o religion_n which_o i_o will_v satisfy_v myself_o or_o other_o about_o i_o must_v not_o do_v it_o absolute_o but_o with_o submission_n to_o god_n wisdom_n and_o pleasure_n thus_o have_v i_o endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o qualification_n of_o mind_n we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o under_o this_o notion_n of_o their_o be_v needful_a to_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o believer_n in_o luke_n 11.13_o dr._n owen_n indeed_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a change_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n from_o any_o that_o i_o have_v name_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o he_o make_v to_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v long_o before_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v what_o reason_n he_o have_v for_o it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v what_o conclusion_n may_v be_v make_v from_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o we_o have_v begin_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o and_o the_o first_o be_v sect_n 3._o 1._o that_o we_o ask_v the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n which_o as_o it_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o form_n in_o general_a so_o more_o particular_o from_o the_o coherence_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n in_o this_o place_n upon_o occasion_n of_o that_o request_n make_v by_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n that_o he_o will_v teach_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o to_o satisfy_v the_o request_n full_o he_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o he_o teach_v they_o what_o thing_n to_o pray_v for_o by_o prescribe_v to_o they_o the_o use_n of_o this_o form_n our_o father_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n 2._o he_o teach_v they_o in_o what_o manner_n to_o pray_v for_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v they_o viz._n to_o pray_v importunate_o and_o fervent_o for_o they_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o vers_n 9_o compare_v with_o vers_n 8._o and_o one_o reason_n give_v by_o he_o upon_o which_o they_o may_v conclude_v god_n will_v grant_v their_o request_n be_v this_o that_o they_o ask_v only_o needful_a thing_n now_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v have_v leave_v out_o so_o needful_a a_o request_n as_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o that_o prayer_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o for_o than_o he_o do_v not_o instruct_v they_o so_o full_o what_o needful_a thing_n to_o pray_v for_o by_o prescribe_v that_o form_n as_o he_o do_v in_o what_o manner_n they_o shall_v pray_v for_o those_o thing_n by_o the_o follow_a direction_n but_o much_o more_o improbable_a be_v it_o that_o he_o leave_v that_o request_n out_o of_o this_o form_n consider_v that_o he_o choose_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o a_o instance_n of_o what_o may_v be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n so_o soon_o after_o he_o have_v command_v his_o disciple_n to_o use_v the_o form_n of_o his_o prescribe_v for_o this_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o great_a blessing_n that_o be_v now_o to_o be_v obtain_v under_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o he_o shall_v immediate_o as_o it_o be_v tax_v his_o own_o form_n of_o so_o much_o imperfection_n as_o the_o want_n of_o that_o request_n must_v suppose_v in_o it_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v let_v his_o disciple_n know_v there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o obtain_v the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o by_o ask_v though_o he_o have_v not_o before_o teach_v they_o to_o ask_v it_o in_o the_o prayer_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o but_o last_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o infer_v this_o conclusion_n from_o the_o coherence_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n since_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n comprehend_v the_o gift_n of_o all_o those_o heavenly_a grace_n which_o we_o ask_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o therefore_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o be_v this_o god_n will_v give_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n such_o needful_a grace_n as_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o to_o ask_v in_o that_o excellent_a form_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o this_o indeed_o make_v the_o coherence_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n most_o clear_a and_o accurate_a for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n you_o see_v that_o he_o do_v at_o last_o instance_n in_o such_o a_o request_n viz._n that_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v a_o brief_a summary_n of_o all_o the_o most_o considerable_a matter_n that_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o before_o wherefore_o observe_v that_o 2._o we_o pray_v for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o we_o pray_v for_o any_o grace_n or_o virtue_n or_o for_o any_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v needful_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ask_v the_o petition_n be_v not_o formal_o express_v but_o contain_v under_o other_o word_n for_o instance_n under_o these_o among_o other_o thy_o will_v be_v do_v as_o in_o heaven_n so_o in_o earth_n for_o in_o this_o petition_n we_o pray_v that_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o perfect_a heavenly_a state_n we_o may_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v dispose_v to_o such_o a_o submissive_a and_o cheerful_a performance_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n as_o may_v bear_v some_o resemblance_n and_o carry_v some_o proportion_n to_o that_o absolute_a readiness_n of_o mind_n wherewith_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o wherewith_o we_o ourselves_o do_v hope_n ere_o long_o to_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i_o say_v although_o in_o that_o petition_n we_o do_v not_o express_o ask_v the_o holy_a spirit_n yet_o in_o effect_n we_o do_v because_o we_o pray_v for_o such_o a_o temper_n of_o mind_n as_o may_v qualify_v we_o for_o the_o heavenly_a life_n hereafter_o and_o to_o ask_v of_o god_n so_o needful_a a_o grace_n as_o this_o be_v be_v as_o i_o 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collect_v be_v prayer_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i._n e._n for_o the_o several_a grace_n of_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v express_o ascribe_v to_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v grant_v to_o we_o his_o spirit_n to_o think_v and_o to_o do_v always_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v rightful_a that_o we_o who_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a without_o he_o may_v by_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o live_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o this_o i_o have_v by_o the_o way_n observe_v that_o you_o may_v see_v how_o full_o our_o public_a prayer_n agree_v to_o that_o rule_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o viz._n that_o we_o
of_o that_o change_n and_o as_o that_o original_a or_o cause_n of_o that_o change_n be_v not_o perceive_v by_o we_o as_o we_o know_v not_o whence_o the_o wind_n come_v so_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v not_o perceive_v by_o we_o neither_o for_o that_o be_v eternal_a life_n which_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o see_v as_o we_o know_v not_o whither_o the_o wind_n go_v but_o only_o believe_v 3._o our_o saviour_n similitude_n likewise_o show_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v discoverable_a only_o by_o its_o effect_n as_o the_o wind_n be_v by_o the_o noise_n it_o make_v and_o other_o effect_n thereof_o so_o likewise_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o perceivable_a by_o we_o yet_o in_o their_o effect_n they_o be_v for_o if_o christian_a virtue_n and_o piety_n can_v be_v attain_v or_o preserve_v without_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n then_o where_o there_o be_v this_o change_n in_o a_o man_n state_n there_o we_o be_v sure_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o cause_n itself_o yet_o he_o discover_v it_o in_o its_o effect_n 177._o dr._n owen_n indeed_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o work_n itself_o be_v discoverable_a in_o its_o cause_n and_o bring_v this_o very_a text_n to_o prove_v his_o say_n which_o prove_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v true_a we_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o change_n but_o how_o not_o by_o the_o work_n itself_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n who_o withal_o have_v inform_v we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o discern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o we_o but_o by_o their_o effect_n i._n e._n those_o alteration_n that_o be_v thereby_o produce_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n thus_o than_o we_o may_v understand_v our_o saviour_n word_n let_v not_o this_o startle_v you_o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o you_o must_v be_v change_v and_o as_o it_o be_v bear_v again_o be_v not_o discernible_a and_o sensible_a for_o though_o you_o can_v feel_v they_o yet_o you_o may_v understand_v they_o by_o the_o effect_n and_o alteration_n in_o you_o that_o be_v cause_v by_o they_o now_o whereas_o nicodemus_n answer_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v i_o suppose_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o hesitation_n be_v either_o 1._o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v this_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n or_o 2._o that_o he_o think_v as_o dr._n owen_n do_v that_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o be_v too_o hyperbolical_a a_o expression_n of_o that_o which_o he_o now_o perceive_v our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o it_o i_o can_v positive_o say_v which_o it_o be_v but_o suppose_v whether_o you_o will_v our_o saviour_n reply_n to_o he_o rebuke_v his_o ignorance_n either_o way_n be_v thou_o a_o master_n of_o israel_n and_o know_v not_o these_o thing_n vers_fw-la 10._o q._n d._n be_v thou_o one_o of_o the_o great_a council_n a_o learned_a jew_n and_o yet_o ignorant_a of_o these_o matter_n do_v you_o not_o perceive_v that_o i_o speak_v to_o you_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o become_v my_o disciple_n in_o such_o language_n as_o any_o man_n who_o be_v verse_v in_o your_o custom_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n may_v easy_o understand_v be_v not_o be_v bear_v again_o that_o very_a phrase_n whereby_o you_o express_v the_o make_n of_o a_o proselyte_n be_v not_o wash_v one_o of_o the_o ceremony_n whereby_o a_o proselyte_n be_v make_v among_o you_o and_o therefore_o when_o i_o tell_v you_o a_o man_n must_v be_v bear_v of_o water_n what_o shall_v you_o think_v i_o mean_v but_o that_o he_o must_v become_v my_o disciple_n by_o baptism_n i_o have_v also_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n too_o and_o can_v you_o be_v ignorant_a that_o those_o prophecy_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n do_v mention_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v liberal_o bestow_v upon_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o make_v they_o good_a and_o holy_a person_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v circumcise_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n that_o he_o will_v take_v away_o their_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_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 that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o prophet_n to_o who_o you_o be_v to_o hearken_v in_o all_o thing_n i_o say_v unto_o thou_o we_o speak_v that_o we_o do_v know_v and_o testify_v that_o we_o have_v see_v and_o you_o receive_v not_o our_o testimony_n vers_fw-la 11._o now_o i_o be_o that_o prophet_n but_o how_o credible_a soever_o that_o testimony_n be_v which_o be_v give_v hereof_o you_o regard_v it_o not_o if_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o earthly_a thing_n and_o you_o believe_v not_o how_o shall_v you_o believe_v if_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o heavenly_a thing_n vers_fw-la 12._o this_o last_o be_v a_o place_n of_o some_o difficulty_n for_o although_o by_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v mean_v doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n yet_o by_o those_o earthly_a thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v nicodemus_n already_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v truth_n mere_o natural_a for_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o become_v his_o disciple_n by_o baptism_n and_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o none_o but_o his_o disciple_n can_v be_v these_o be_v heavenly_a doctrine_n too_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o revelation_n wherefore_o i_o conceive_v that_o by_o heavenly_a thing_n here_o may_v probable_o be_v mean_v such_o reveal_v doctrine_n as_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o the_o worldly_a and_o sensual_a expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v long_o cherish_v in_o themselves_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o messiah_n who_o shall_v fight_v their_o battle_n for_o they_o as_o their_o other_o saviour_n and_o deliverer_n have_v do_v and_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o roman_a power_n now_o these_o doctrine_n be_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o be_v crucify_a for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n that_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n divers_a consideration_n make_v it_o probable_a that_o these_o be_v the_o heavenly_a thing_n mean_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o place_n for_o 1._o after_o he_o have_v make_v way_n for_o it_o by_o tell_v nicodemus_n that_o he_o only_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n i._n e._n know_v the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n he_o fall_v upon_o the_o mention_n of_o that_o death_n which_o he_o be_v to_o undergo_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o jew_n most_o of_o all_o offend_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v still_o pretend_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ._n it_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n word_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v probable_a this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o jew_n will_v hardly_o believe_v viz._n that_o god_n will_v save_v mankind_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n 3._o when_o st._n peter_n rebuke_v our_o saviour_n foretell_v his_o own_o passion_n he_o say_v unto_o peter_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n for_o thou_o savory_a not_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n or_o heavenly_a thing_n i._n e._n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n way_n to_o save_v the_o world_n but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o man_n thou_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v be_v of_o this_o world_n lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o it_o will_v appear_v probable_a that_o by_o those_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n intimate_v will_v be_v more_o difficulty_n believe_v by_o the_o jew_n than_o those_o which_o he_o have_v already_o mention_v to_o nicodemus_n be_v mean_v his_o suffering_n and_o death_n by_o which_o believer_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o which_o he_o discourse_v to_o nicodemus_n of_o present_o after_o and_o then_o by_o the_o earthly_a thing_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v indeed_o divine_o reveal_v but_o be_v not_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o worldly_a expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o other_o viz._n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o that_o all_o man_n be_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n which_o
call_v this_o exposition_n of_o st._n paul_n text_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v carnal_a reason_v and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o perhaps_o he_o will_v find_v little_a else_o to_o say_v against_o it_o there_o will_v be_v small_a hope_n leave_v of_o do_v any_o good_a upon_o he_o nor_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v with_o he_o but_o to_o turn_v he_o over_o to_o the_o quaker_n and_o with_o they_o at_o present_a i_o leave_v he_o part_n 1._o a_o account_n of_o what_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n i._n the_o general_n subject_a of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n state_v §_o 1._o through_o the_o assistance_n of_o that_o holy_a spirit_n who_o operation_n i_o intend_v to_o treat_v of_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v the_o performance_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o lay_v down_o as_o clear_o and_o methodical_o as_o i_o can_v what_o i_o find_v the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v teach_v we_o concern_v his_o operation_n and_o as_o i_o go_v along_o to_o remove_v those_o erroneous_a and_o as_o i_o be_o yet_o persuade_v dangerous_a opinion_n of_o dr._n owen_n and_o his_o brethren_n concern_v this_o matter_n which_o may_v seem_v needful_a to_o be_v debate_v in_o order_n to_o the_o present_a clear_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o first_o part._n second_o to_o confute_v some_o other_o pernicious_a doctrine_n of_o he_o relate_v to_o the_o same_o subject_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o may_v be_v fit_o enough_o reserve_v till_o we_o have_v conclude_v what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n affirm_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o will_v be_v my_o design_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v begin_v the_o first_o part_n with_o state_v the_o general_a subject_n of_o my_o intend_a discourse_n as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v among_o other_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n spirit_n that_o may_v be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o present_a design_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o that_o follow_v 1._o it_o be_v sometime_o use_v to_o signify_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o in_o joh._n 4.24_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n be_v to_o worship_v he_o with_o our_o soul_n and_o in_o gal._n 6.18_o and_o col._n 2.5_o and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o it_o need_v only_o to_o be_v mention_v for_o where_o the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o that_o sense_n the_o context_n do_v easy_o lead_v a_o man_n to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o 2._o it_o sometime_o signify_v the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o spirit_n of_o faith_n mention_v by_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 4.13_o which_o the_o christian_n and_o god_n servant_n also_o in_o former_a time_n have_v viz._n the_o same_o pious_a temper_n of_o mind_n in_o bear_v affliction_n for_o god_n sake_n and_o look_v for_o deliverance_n and_o reward_n from_o he_o so_o likewise_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n but_o of_o power_n of_o love_n etc._n etc._n 2_o tim._n 1.7_o contrary_n to_o that_o timorous_a cowardly_a temper_n of_o be_v afraid_a to_o endure_v persecution_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n hereby_o say_v st._n john_n we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o 4.13_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o what_o that_o spirit_n be_v we_o see_v plain_o by_o the_o former_a word_n chap._n 4._o vers_fw-la 12._o if_o we_o love_v one_o another_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o it_o be_v that_o spirit_n of_o love_n that_o benignity_n and_o charitableness_n of_o mind_n whereby_o we_o become_v like_a unto_o god_n 3._o by_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v frequent_o to_o understand_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n as_o in_o 1_o joh._n 5.7_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o spirit_n so_o also_o when_o st._n paul_n say_v there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12.4_o we_o be_v by_o spirit_n to_o understand_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o vers_n 6._o he_o say_v it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n which_o work_v all_o in_o all_o which_o compare_v with_o vers_n 11._o but_o all_o these_o work_v that_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a that_o by_o the_o spirit_n here_o st._n paul_n understand_v god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n wherein_o i_o understand_v the_o word_n spirit_n when_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o i_o mean_v the_o person_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o we_o must_v observe_v 4._o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v frequent_o use_v to_o signify_v his_o operation_n or_o those_o effect_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o his_o operation_n thus_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o spirit_n mention_v act_n 2._o plain_o signify_v his_o bestow_n supernatural_a gift_n in_o great_a measure_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ._n so_o receive_v you_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n gal._n 3.2_o thus_o also_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n of_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n joh._n 14.26_o for_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n mention_v act_n 1.4_o which_o be_v foretell_v in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o of_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n act_v 2.16_o 17._o must_v needs_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o spirit_n which_o phrase_n 87._o as_o dr._n owen_n true_o note_n have_v respect_n unto_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n so_o likewise_o the_o phrase_n of_o give_v the_o spirit_n luke_n 11.13_o be_v explain_v in_o matth._n by_o give_v good_a thing_n i._n e._n such_o good_a thing_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o to_o believer_n indeed_o nothing_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v to_o we_o but_o what_o be_v capable_a of_o become_v our_o own_o therefore_o when_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v some_o spiritual_a good_a or_o benefit_n be_v mean_v which_o accrue_v to_o we_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n ibid._n but_o the_o doctor_n tell_v we_o that_o where_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v he_o be_v give_v absolute_o and_o as_o to_o himself_o not_o more_o or_o less_o but_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n may_v be_v more_o plentiful_o and_o abundant_o give_v at_o one_o time_n than_o at_o another_o to_o some_o person_n than_o to_o other_o so_o that_o he_o make_v two_o different_a thing_n of_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v to_o we_o and_o our_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n for_o according_a to_o he_o a_o man_n may_v have_v these_o limited_o that_o he_o must_v have_v absolute_o these_o more_o or_o less_o that_o not_o so_o and_o this_o be_v a_o mystery_n which_o he_o have_v find_v out_o in_o that_o expression_n of_o give_v the_o spirit_n whatever_o he_o intend_v by_o this_o conceit_n it_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o use_n of_o that_o phrase_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o john_n 3.34_o it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o saviour_n that_o god_n give_v not_o the_o spirit_n by_o measure_n unto_o he_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v give_v in_o measure_n wherefore_o this_o phrase_n do_v not_o necessary_o imply_v that_o the_o person_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v proper_o give_v 80._o as_o the_o doctor_n pretend_v for_o he_o confess_v that_o as_o to_o himself_o he_o be_v not_o give_v more_o or_o less_o nay_o those_o word_n of_o st._n john_n baptist_n imply_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o all_o other_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n in_o measure_n and_o consequent_o the_o give_v of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o man_n can_v signify_v the_o give_v of_o his_o person_n or_o the_o give_n of_o he_o absolute_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o for_o he_o be_v always_o give_v to_o they_o in_o measure_n i._n e._n in_o the_o same_o measure_n wherein_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v communicate_v to_o they_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v otherwise_o express_v matth._n 12.18_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n upon_o he_o which_o be_v speak_v concern_v our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v parallel_n to_o god_n give_v the_o spirit_n to_o he_o mention_v john_n 3.34_o indeed_o there_o be_v little_a difference_n in_o the_o expression_n if_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o passage_n in_o st_n matthew_n be_v cite_v out_o of_o
what_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o declare_v concern_v it_o by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n last_o i_o mean_v those_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n the_o continuance_n whereof_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n remove_v those_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o enquiry_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o first_o i_o e._n such_o as_o show_v themselves_o in_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o believer_n of_o that_o time_n who_o be_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n by_o supernatural_a effect_n evident_a to_o sense_n and_o such_o testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v once_o full_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o god_n shall_v appear_v in_o every_o age_n to_o own_o it_o by_o new_a testimony_n of_o revelation_n because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o that_o be_v give_v thereunto_o at_o first_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v then_o give_v now_o miracle_n and_o such_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v cease_v but_o the_o scripture_n mention_v such_o a_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o will_v never_o be_v out-dated_n while_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n last_v and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o promise_n make_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o argue_v the_o constant_a bounty_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n towards_o we_o now_o they_o be_v these_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n viz._n which_o be_v continue_v through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v confine_v my_o thought_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a inference_n that_o since_o these_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n differ_v clear_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o end_n from_o those_o which_o be_v peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o those_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o only_o concern_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o gift_n extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a be_v not_o to_o be_v produce_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o any_o opinion_n concern_v his_o ordinary_a and_o constant_a operation_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v affirm_v concern_v those_o must_v not_o present_o be_v affirm_v of_o these_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v by_o some_o clear_a text_n or_o other_o good_a reason_n that_o what_o be_v so_o affirm_v be_v common_a to_o they_o both_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_a some_o care_n must_v be_v have_v not_o to_o mistake_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o some_o believer_n for_o text_n which_o mention_v those_o operation_n and_o grace_n that_o be_v common_a to_o all_o but_o as_o obvious_a as_o the_o difference_n between_o these_o thing_n be_v i_o find_v dr._n owen_n frequent_o confound_v they_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n to_o be_v put_v between_o they_o thus_o after_o he_o have_v recite_v those_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o i_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v and_o he_o shall_v show_v you_o thing_n to_o come_v he_o suppose_v that_o these_o be_v instance_n of_o that_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n 10._o which_o belong_v unto_o all_o believer_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_o false_a as_o be_v plain_a from_o our_o saviour_n word_n themselves_o he_o shall_v bring_v to_o your_o remembrance_n whatever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o he_o shall_v show_v you_o thing_n to_o come_v which_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n no_o sober_a man_n can_v apply_v to_o believer_n now_o and_o this_o the_o doctor_n himself_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o that_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v bestow_v on_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o for_o especial_a end_n now_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v of_o he_o what_o other_o end_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o foresay_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v produce_v against_o he_o be_v it_o not_o for_o waste_v of_o time_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o specimen_fw-la how_o he_o argue_v from_o those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n he_o tell_v we_o 166._o that_o in_o some_o the_o spirit_n work_v conviction_n and_o illumination_n without_o intend_v to_o work_v save_v grace_n in_o they_o which_o therefore_o shall_v never_o be_v effect_v and_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o believer_n be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o other_o be_v because_o the_o spirit_n carry_v on_o the_o work_n to_o a_o great_a inequality_n and_o this_o doctrine_n he_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o countenance_n by_o say_v that_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o all_o these_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n aim_v at_o that_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n where_o he_o faith_n the_o spirit_n work_v all_o these_o thing_n 12.11_o divide_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_n now_o i_o think_v we_o have_v as_o good_a as_o his_o own_o confession_n present_o after_o that_o this_o place_n belong_v to_o another_o â—â—tter_n viz._n the_o distribution_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o thus_o he_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n mind_v the_o corinthian_n of_o to_o take_v away_o all_o emulation_n and_o envy_n about_o spiritual_a gift_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v orderly_o make_v use_n of_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v to_o the_o profit_n and_o edification_n of_o other_o now_o either_o the_o doctor_n allege_v this_o place_n to_o no_o purpose_n or_o he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o argue_v in_o this_o manner_n because_o the_o spirit_n distribute_v extraordinary_a gift_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n therefore_o it_o be_v sometime_o the_o will_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o enlighten_v and_o convince_v those_o man_n in_o who_o he_o intend_v not_o to_o work_v save_v grace_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v always_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o wisdom_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o we_o may_v well_o question_v whether_o in_o bestow_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o every_o believer_n he_o work_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o method_n as_o he_o do_v in_o confer_v extraordinary_a gift_n that_o be_v none_o of_o they_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o particular_a person_n on_o who_o they_o be_v bestow_v and_o therefore_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o these_o work_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n can_v be_v no_o proof_n of_o the_o affirmative_a and_o the_o doctor_n may_v have_v observe_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o refer_v to_o this_o text_n in_o favour_n of_o his_o opinion_n from_o what_o he_o himself_o conclude_v so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n for_o any_o to_o contend_v about_o they_o i._n e._n about_o those_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o if_o what_o be_v affirm_v true_o of_o the_o distribution_n of_o they_o be_v true_a also_o of_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v also_o a_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o contend_v about_o any_o of_o they_o i._n e._n it_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a for_o the_o doctor_n to_o reprove_v any_o man_n because_o he_o be_v not_o convert_v or_o because_o he_o have_v no_o more_o grace_n than_o he_o have_v as_o it_o will_v have_v be_v for_o he_o that_o can_v speak_v with_o tongue_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o his_o christian_a brother_n to_o who_o that_o gift_n be_v not_o impart_v again_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n concern_v the_o spirit_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o wait_v for_o act_v 1.4_o and_o the_o power_n which_o they_o receive_v after_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v upon_o they_o
use_v the_o mean_n of_o arrive_v to_o such_o needful_a knowledge_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o not_o to_o miss_v of_o it_o 3._o all_o those_o virtue_n and_o grace_n which_o make_v up_o practical_a christianity_n and_o consist_v in_o have_v our_o mind_n set_v free_a from_o the_o dominion_n of_o all_o sensual_a and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o in_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n so_o that_o we_o make_v it_o our_o great_a care_n to_o keep_v every_o one_o of_o his_o law_n endeavour_v to_o grow_v better_o in_o some_o proportion_n to_o those_o mean_n which_o we_o enjoy_v by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n what_o these_o virtue_n be_v in_o particular_a we_o may_v know_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o principal_o by_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n from_o the_o mount_n where_o he_o direct_v his_o disciple_n in_o the_o way_n to_o everlasting_a blessedness_n oblige_v all_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o all_o his_o disciple_n whatsoever_o to_o do_v the_o very_a lest_o of_o his_o commandment_n upon_o pain_n of_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n all_o those_o disposition_n of_o mind_n therefore_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o the_o keep_n of_o these_o his_o commandment_n be_v effect_n necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o such_o as_o we_o be_v to_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v produce_v in_o we_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o look_v whatever_o virtue_n or_o qualification_n of_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o gospel_n lay_v so_o great_a a_o stress_n upon_o that_o if_o we_o want_v it_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o in_o that_o state_n to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v a_o effect_n so_o needful_a to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a our_o heavenly_a father_n such_o be_v his_o compassion_n towards_o we_o will_v no_o more_o deny_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o that_o end_n if_o we_o importunate_o ask_v he_o than_o we_o can_v refuse_v to_o give_v our_o most_o belove_a child_n bread_n or_o any_o other_o good_a thing_n as_o necessary_a for_o they_o as_o that_o 4._o after_o we_o be_v bring_v into_o this_o state_n and_o thus_o become_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v equal_o necessary_a to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o we_o persevere_v therein_o for_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o we_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o we_o have_v know_v it_o so_o as_o to_o escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o we_o 2_o pet._n 2.20_o 21._o and_o therefore_o constancy_n and_o unweariedness_n in_o well-doing_n be_v also_o a_o grace_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o which_o we_o be_v encourage_v by_o our_o saviour_n promise_n to_o ask_v the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n i_o know_v not_o any_o effect_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o plain_o imply_v and_o ready_o deducible_a from_o some_o of_o these_o and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o needful_a grace_n viz._n such_o as_o without_o which_o salvation_n can_v be_v attain_v at_o all_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a thereunto_o second_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v profitable_a to_o salvation_n and_o these_o be_v such_o as_o regard_v our_o improvement_n either_o in_o goodness_n or_o in_o knowledge_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v those_o degree_n of_o goodness_n according_a to_o which_o sincere_a christian_n who_o be_v all_o careful_a to_o avoid_v wilful_a sin_n and_o endeavour_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n do_v yet_o excel_v one_o another_o these_o degree_n consist_v in_o be_v more_o or_o less_o free_a from_o sin_n of_o mere_a infirmity_n a_o absolute_a freedom_n from_o which_o be_v that_o which_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n can_v admit_v of_o but_o every_o degree_n towards_o perfection_n which_o we_o attain_v unto_o in_o this_o kind_n must_v needs_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o profitable_a by_o how_o much_o great_a it_o be_v we_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o conclude_v certain_o of_o our_o good_a estate_n towards_o god_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a advantage_n in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n whereas_o a_o man_n may_v be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o so_o many_o of_o these_o sin_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n for_o himself_o or_o any_o body_n else_o to_o pronounce_v certain_o concern_v his_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o therefore_o the_o only_a good_a advice_n that_o can_v be_v give_v he_o in_o that_o case_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o doubt_n by_o use_v more_o effectual_a endeavour_n after_o a_o further_a amendment_n beside_o the_o near_o we_o come_v to_o perfection_n the_o further_o off_o be_v we_o from_o apostasy_n and_o the_o less_o in_o danger_n of_o backslide_n into_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n we_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v in_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o more_o likely_a to_o persevere_v therein_o to_o the_o end_n final_o the_o degree_n towards_o perfection_n wherein_o some_o good_a man_n excel_v other_o be_v profitable_a because_o they_o will_v increase_v their_o reward_n in_o heaven_n for_o god_n will_v judge_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o have_v do_v better_a shall_v have_v a_o better_a reward_n they_o that_o have_v do_v worse_o than_o other_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o more_o stripe_n and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o a_o proportionable_a difference_n in_o reward_n when_o st._n peter_n exhort_v we_o that_o christian_a virtue_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o we_o only_o but_o abound_v he_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o the_o exhortation_n viz._n that_o a_o entrance_n may_v be_v minister_v unto_o we_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n 2_o pet._n 1.11_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n those_o degree_n towards_o perfection_n which_o consist_v in_o prevail_v against_o sin_n of_o mere_a infirmity_n be_v high_o profitable_a in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o latter_a sort_n of_o profitable_a thing_n be_v such_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o divine_a matter_n as_o be_v not_o simple_o necessary_a for_o salvation_n the_o more_o knowledge_n a_o christian_n have_v the_o better_a able_a he_o be_v to_o avoid_v all_o error_n that_o be_v dangerour_n and_o thus_o that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a may_v be_v profitable_a to_o himself_o likewise_o the_o more_o a_o man_n understand_v in_o religion_n the_o more_o useful_a he_o may_v be_v to_o other_o in_o promote_a their_o salvation_n by_o rescue_v they_o from_o dangerous_a error_n and_o remove_v doubt_n and_o many_o other_o way_n if_o it_o now_o be_v demand_v whether_o we_o can_v conclude_v from_o our_o saviour_n promise_n that_o if_o we_o ask_v the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o needful_a grace_n of_o this_o sort_n god_n will_v grant_v our_o request_n i_o answer_v 1._o it_o follow_v in_o general_a from_o our_o saviour_n promise_n that_o god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o only_o for_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o also_o for_o what_o be_v profitable_a and_o advantageous_a to_o we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n for_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n in_o bestow_v his_o holy_a spirit_n will_v use_v we_o with_o the_o kindness_n and_o bounty_n of_o a_o father_n now_o we_o know_v that_o although_o the_o affection_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a parent_n towards_o their_o child_n will_v not_o carry_v they_o to_o gratify_v their_o wanton_a and_o unreasonable_a desire_n yet_o neither_o will_v they_o deal_v so_o strait_o and_o narrow_o with_o they_o as_o to_o give_v they_o what_o be_v but_o bare_o needful_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o perish_v to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o two_o of_o the_o good_a thing_n mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n viz._n the_o egg_n and_o the_o fish_n which_o parent_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o deny_v their_o child_n be_v instance_n of_o that_o food_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a but_o convenient_a and_o of_o ordinary_a use_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n now_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v much_o more_o than_o that_o of_o earthly_a parent_n it_o may_v strong_o be_v conclude_v in_o the_o general_n that_o god_n will_v not_o deny_v we_o what_o be_v profitable_a any_o more_o than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o 2._o it_o do_v not_o follow_v in_o every_o particular_a that_o be_v i_o have_v no_o reason_n thus_o to_o conclude_v this_o be_v useful_a therefore_o if_o i_o ask_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v i_o for_o you_o must_v observe_v that_o our_o
be_v to_o ask_v of_o god_n to_o give_v we_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v do_v both_o when_o we_o use_v the_o formal_a petition_n and_o when_o we_o pray_v for_o any_o divine_a grace_n or_o christian_a virtue_n and_o when_o our_o soul_n breath_n after_o true_a goodness_n when_o they_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n when_o they_o zealous_o strive_v against_o every_o evil_a desire_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n that_o we_o may_v perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n then_o do_v we_o importunate_o ask_v the_o holy_a spirit_n we_o do_v effectual_o invoke_v he_o and_o attract_v those_o divine_a aid_n to_o ourselves_o which_o will_v make_v we_o what_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v the_o true_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 3._o and_o by_o consequence_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v suppose_v in_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o give_v or_o work_v any_o grace_n or_o good_a disposition_n in_o our_o mind_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o ask_v any_o such_o grace_n and_o to_o ask_v the_o holy_a spirit_n than_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v mean_v by_o god_n give_v the_o one_o and_o his_o give_v the_o other_o i._n e._n as_o dr._n owen_n very_o often_o and_o very_o true_o note_n when_o god_n bestow_v any_o blessing_n of_o this_o nature_n he_o do_v it_o by_o his_o spirit_n so_o that_o all_o those_o text_n which_o ascribe_v christian_a virtue_n to_o a_o divine_a operation_n and_o consequent_o those_o prayer_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o god_n will_v make_v they_o eminent_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o goodness_n be_v place_n pertinent_a to_o this_o subject_n and_o proper_a to_o inform_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v those_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o i_o be_o now_o discourse_v of_o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o necessary_a of_o all_o to_o observe_v be_v this_o 4._o that_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v equal_o regard_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o those_o effect_n which_o his_o operation_n be_v here_o promise_v to_o produce_v be_v needful_a for_o all_o christian_n and_o not_o only_o for_o those_o to_o who_o christ_n speak_v in_o person_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o be_v this_o that_o they_o need_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o and_o because_o god_n be_v their_o father_n it_o follow_v that_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o condition_n we_o shall_v obtain_v the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o god_n be_v our_o father_n too_o and_o those_o thing_n we_o ask_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n be_v as_o needful_a for_o we_o and_o for_o all_o believer_n as_o they_o can_v be_v for_o they_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v at_o first_o therefore_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o promise_v do_v not_o determine_v with_o the_o age_n of_o miracle_n last_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o as_o by_o the_o latter_a similitude_n where_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o child_n obtain_v of_o their_o parent_n thing_n needful_a for_o themselves_o our_o saviour_n do_v encourage_v every_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o ask_v the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o his_o own_o behalf_n so_o by_o the_o former_a similitude_n where_o the_o man_n be_v say_v to_o prevail_v who_o request_v of_o his_o neighbour_n what_o be_v needful_a for_o his_o friend_n we_o be_v encourage_v to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o that_o god_n will_v give_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o convert_v we_o from_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o increase_v his_o grace_n in_o we_o this_o i_o conceive_v may_v be_v one_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o similitude_n viz._n to_o excite_v we_o to_o this_o â—…nd_n of_o charity_n by_o let_v we_o know_v that_o we_o fare_v the_o better_a for_o the_o earnest_a prayer_n we_o make_v in_o each_o other_o behalf_n and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o probable_a because_o he_o use_v that_o similitude_n immediate_o after_o he_o have_v teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o by_o prescribe_v to_o they_o a_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o use_n of_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v otherwise_o these_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v clear_o imply_v in_o that_o place_n of_o st._n luke_n which_o we_o have_v be_v consider_v and_o not_o improper_a to_o be_v observe_v and_o now_o i_o shall_v forthwith_o proceed_v to_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o express_o mention_v the_o several_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o show_v that_o those_o needful_a effect_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v here_o in_o general_n promise_v to_o believer_n be_v in_o several_a of_o they_o particular_o ascribe_v to_o his_o operation_n but_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o i_o shall_v then_o leave_v behind_o i_o a_o great_a objection_n against_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v viz._n that_o i_o have_v give_v a_o very_a lame_a account_n of_o those_o qualification_n which_o be_v needful_a to_o salvation_n for_o dr._n owen_n come_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o qualification_n of_o quite_o another_o kind_n than_o any_o i_o have_v name_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o you_o must_v know_v be_v regeneration_n now_o indeed_o our_o saviour_n say_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n john_n 3.3_o and_o this_o regeneration_n our_o saviour_n likewise_o ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v &c._n &c._n vers_fw-la 5._o wherefore_o god_n forbid_v that_o any_o christian_n shall_v deny_v regeneration_n to_o be_v needful_a even_o in_o the_o degree_n of_o necessity_n to_o qualify_v we_o for_o eternal_a life_n or_o to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n wherever_o it_o be_v but_o i_o can_v think_v it_o to_o be_v so_o unintelligible_a a_o thing_n as_o our_o author_n represent_v it_o who_o make_v it_o to_o be_v somewhat_o distinct_a from_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n wherefore_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n particular_o inquire_v into_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o regeneration_n and_o because_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n but_o the_o great_a outcry_n which_o have_v be_v long_o raise_v by_o the_o doctor_n and_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n against_o the_o present_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o orthodox_n in_o the_o point_n of_o regeneration_n i_o shall_v thorough_o consider_v what_o the_o doctor_n have_v write_v pro_n and_o con_fw-la in_o this_o book_n of_o his_o concern_v it_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n sect_n i._o that_o we_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o thereby_o qualify_v for_o eternal_a life_n be_v agree_v between_o we_o but_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n grant_v our_o author_n notion_n of_o regeneration_n to_o be_v true_a and_o i_o think_v his_o mistake_n in_o that_o may_v have_v lead_v he_o into_o divers_a other_o to_o proceed_v therefore_o with_o the_o more_o clearness_n i_o come_v to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v regenerate_v or_o bear_v again_o and_o here_o i_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o consider_v the_o doctor_n notion_n of_o regeneration_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v it_o because_o if_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o he_o go_v in_o state_v his_o notion_n be_v true_a it_o fundamental_o overthrow_v that_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a scriptural_a notion_n thereof_o for_o he_o contend_v that_o these_o expression_n to_o be_v bear_v again_o to_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o to_o have_v a_o new_a heart_n and_o the_o like_a do_v proper_o and_o literal_o signify_v that_o which_o be_v intend_v by_o they_o i_o say_v they_o signify_v it_o figurative_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v debate_v in_o the_o first_o place_n whether_o they_o be_v proper_a or_o metaphorical_a expression_n before_o we_o can_v settle_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o inquire_v whether_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o to_o have_v a_o new_a heart_n and_o to_o be_v create_v anew_o can_v proper_o be_v affirm_v of_o those_o that_o be_v qualify_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o not_o we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v what_o figurative_a sense_n it_o be_v in_o which_o these_o expression_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o determine_v which_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o regeneration_n
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
way_n clear_o contradict_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v concern_v the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o be_o concern_v to_o prove_v for_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n to_o consist_v in_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o stone_n take_v away_o as_o well_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o flesh_n give_v in_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n as_o well_o as_o in_o put_v on_o the_o new_a and_o when_o st._n paul_n say_v he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o be_v the_o old_a creature_n too_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o all_o old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a now_o thus_o i_o argue_v if_o these_o expression_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v literal_o than_o it_o be_v literal_o true_a that_o the_o old_a man_n the_o old_a creature_n be_v put_v off_o etc._n etc._n as_o well_o as_o the_o new_a man_n put_v on_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n to_o affirm_v regeneration_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n literal_o understand_v to_o the_o old_a last_o since_o the_o scripture_n do_v express_v the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n by_o phrase_n which_o literal_o and_o proper_o take_v do_v some_o of_o they_o signify_v the_o addition_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n to_o the_o old_a and_o other_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o old_a nature_n with_o a_o substitution_n of_o the_o new_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n shall_v be_v intend_v thus_o i_o have_v prove_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o these_o expression_n to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v before_o prove_v the_o absurd_a consequence_n which_o understand_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n be_v chargeable_a with_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v the_o consequence_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v clear_a that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o and_o proper_o then_o be_v they_o to_o be_v understand_v figurative_o and_o metaphorical_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v reasonable_o desire_v for_o the_o far_o clear_n of_o this_o point_n but_o to_o answer_v our_o author_n argument_n against_o it_o which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n propose_v sect_n 3._o all_o that_o he_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a which_o can_v pretend_v to_o 〈◊〉_d argue_v 175._o we_o have_v sect._n 7._o where_o his_o argument_n against_o the_o metaphorical_a use_n of_o these_o expression_n be_v two_o though_o they_o be_v there_o jumble_v together_o by_o he_o without_o any_o distinction_n whereof_o one_o lie_n against_o affirm_v regeneration_n to_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n or_o rather_o such_o a_o expression_n of_o what_o he_o say_v his_o adversary_n understand_v by_o it_o the_o other_o lie_v against_o the_o supposition_n of_o any_o metaphorical_a expression_n whatsoever_o whereby_o the_o scripture_n be_v say_v to_o represent_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o former_a argument_n be_v to_o this_o purpose_n if_o regeneration_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o our_o saviour_n propose_v unto_o nicodemus_n a_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v perfect_o well_o before_o only_o under_o a_o new_a name_n and_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 of_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o indeed_o he_o full_a well_o know_v and_o understand_v but_o this_o he_o say_v be_v a_o blasphemous_a imagination_n therefore_o regeneration_n be_v no_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o etc._n etc._n the_o latter_a argument_n if_o you_o will_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o call_v it_o a_o argument_n be_v design_v against_o the_o opinion_n that_o the_o scripture_n use_v any_o metaphor_n at_o all_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o thus_o he_o conclude_v some_o judge_n 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 think_v the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o to_o be_v mystical_a and_o figurative_a but_o the_o thing_n intend_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o every_o man_n now_o that_o which_o he_o think_v be_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v mysterious_a and_o the_o word_n proper_a his_o argument_n to_o prove_v this_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o passage_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n intend_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v obscure_a beyond_o those_o of_o any_o other_o writer_n whatsoever_o if_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o thing_n intend_v in_o they_o be_v clear_o and_o proper_o express_v the_o difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o they_o arise_v from_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v in_o they_o and_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o apprehend_v such_o thing_n and_o not_o from_o any_o obscurity_n or_o intricacy_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o therefore_o some_o do_v well_o to_o judge_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v deep_a and_o mysterious_a and_o the_o word_n of_o it_o to_o be_v plain_a and_o proper_a if_o there_o be_v any_o coherence_n in_o this_o argue_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v this_o if_o there_o be_v a_o mysterious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n intend_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v it_o be_v plain_a and_o proper_a and_o such_o a_o mysterious_a work_n there_o be_v otherwise_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a beyond_o all_o other_o write_n because_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v proper_a expression_n of_o such_o a_o mysterious_a work_n i_o begin_v with_o this_o latter_a argument_n first_o of_o all_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o doctor_n be_v conclusion_n that_o we_o may_v afterward_o see_v whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o premise_n if_o he_o conclude_v any_o thing_n against_o his_o adversary_n he_o conclude_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v use_v no_o metaphorical_a expression_n at_o all_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o he_o say_v herein_o indeed_o consist_v the_o main_a controversy_n whereunto_o thing_n with_o the_o most_o be_v reduce_v viz._n that_o he_o and_o his_o friend_n judge_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v mysterious_a and_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n proper_a that_o be_v all_z the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o for_o if_o he_o conclude_v only_o that_o some_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v proper_a and_o not_o figurative_a expression_n he_o conclude_v what_o none_o of_o his_o adversary_n deny_v and_o unless_o he_o conclude_v universal_o he_o prove_v nothing_o now_o by_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v convince_v our_o author_n that_o he_o have_v conclude_v amiss_o for_o himself_o by_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n that_o he_o elsewhere_o acknowledge_v that_o very_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o debate_n to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n metaphorical_o express_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v express_v there_o by_o quicken_a from_o death_n to_o life_n it_o be_v also_o express_v by_o turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n now_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a our_o author_n word_n be_v these_o the_o term_n of_o darkness_n in_o this_o case_n be_v metaphorical_a and_o borrow_v from_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a as_o to_o the_o former_a these_o there_o in_o be_v man_n a_o spiritual_a death_n call_v so_o metaphorical_o from_o the_o analogy_n and_o proportion_n that_o it_o bear_v to_o death_n natural_a let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o doctor_n be_v argument_n will_v not_o vnmetaphor_n these_o expression_n again_o if_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n intend_v in_o these_o expression_n than_o they_o be_v not_o metaphorical_a if_o no_o such_o work_n be_v intend_v by_o they_o then_o be_v the_o scripture_n obscure_a beyond_o all_o other_o writer_n if_o he_o can_v answer_v his_o argument_n for_o himself_o he_o can_v answer_v it_o for_o we_o too_o and_o then_o regeneration_n in_o particular_a will_v prove_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n for_o if_o death_n be_v so_o then_o life_n be_v so_o too_o and_o be_v bear_v into_o that_o life_n will_v unavoidable_o be_v so_o likewise_o some_o of_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v these_o matter_n the_o doctor_n allow_v to_o be_v metaphorical_a so_o that_o the_o controversy_n we_o have_v with_o he_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v
that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o doctrine_n here_o by_o he_o maintain_v viz._n that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v righteousness_n without_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o without_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o then_o he_o must_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n which_o be_v one_o of_o those_o argument_n whereby_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o a_o state_n of_o regeneration_n be_v a_o state_n of_o inherent_a personal_a righteousness_n and_o which_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v produce_v do_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v regenerate_v as_o it_o signify_v the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o to_o be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v sect_n 8._o 2._o if_o we_o consider_v regeneration_n as_o a_o effect_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o that_o state_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v regeneration_n to_o be_v these_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v to_o be_v water_n and_o the_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 5._o viz._n when_o he_o repeat_v his_o doctrine_n to_o nicodemus_n concern_v which_o grotius_n well_o note_n exponit_fw-la jam_fw-la qualem_fw-la nativitatem_fw-la intelligat_fw-la nè_fw-la nicodemus_n diutius_fw-la allegoricae_fw-la locutionis_fw-la ignorantiâ_fw-la fallatur_fw-la our_o saviour_n now_o explain_v what_o birth_n he_o understand_v that_o nicodemus_n may_v no_o long_o be_v deceive_v by_o his_o ignorance_n that_o christ_n speak_v figurative_o for_o after_o it_o be_v tell_v he_o that_o this_o birth_n be_v effect_v by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v not_o dream_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v be_v bear_v again_o in_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n as_o he_o conceive_v at_o first_o when_o it_o be_v only_o tell_v he_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o be_v can_v etc._n etc._n now_o whether_o one_o cause_n of_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n or_o more_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o general_o agree_v upon_o there_o be_v some_o whereof_o grotius_n himself_o be_v one_o who_o conceive_v that_o by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o word_n signify_v the_o sanctify_a or_o cleanse_v spirit_n of_o god_n non_fw-la loquor_fw-la de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la say_v grotius_n but_o withal_o he_o say_v sed_fw-la locutiones_fw-la sunt_fw-la alludentes_fw-la ad_fw-la baptismum_fw-la our_o saviour_n allude_v to_o baptism_n as_o he_o suppose_v he_o to_o allude_v to_o the_o eucharist_n in_o those_o word_n except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n etc._n etc._n but_o by_o the_o leave_n of_o so_o great_a a_o man_n i_o think_v the_o other_o opinion_n more_o general_o receive_v and_o in_o particular_a maintain_v by_o dr._n hammond_n viz._n that_o by_o water_n baptism_n be_v here_o mean_v to_o be_v to_o say_v no_o more_o far_o more_o probable_a than_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o baptism_n be_v that_o ceremony_n of_o proselytism_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o our_o saviour_n borrow_v from_o they_o query_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n be_v no_o new_a name_n or_o notion_n as_o dr._n owen_n pretend_v for_o the_o jew_n call_v their_o proselyte_n recens_fw-la nati_fw-la as_o grotius_n himself_o observe_v new_a bear_v man_n and_o as_o such_o count_v they_o to_o have_v quit_v their_o relation_n to_o their_o former_a country_n parent_n and_o kindred_n and_o since_o the_o jewish_a proselyte_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o baptize_v person_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o immersion_n in_o water_n be_v one_o of_o the_o indispensible_a ceremony_n of_o his_o proselytism_n or_o regeneration_n we_o may_v well_o conceive_v that_o by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n our_o saviour_n mean_v become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o his_o church_n by_o baptism_n as_o by_o baptism_n the_o jew_n admit_v proselyte_n to_o they_o for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o strange_a that_o nicodemus_n a_o master_n of_o israel_n shall_v not_o understand_v what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n 2._o st._n paul_n do_v express_o call_v baptism_n the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n which_o what_o it_o signify_v but_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v or_o become_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v understand_v and_o then_o that_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n now_o where_o there_o be_v not_o only_o no_o necessity_n to_o find_v a_o figure_n in_o scripture-phrase_n but_o the_o proper_a sense_n also_o contain_v a_o truth_n very_o pertinent_a to_o the_o subject_a speak_v of_o in_o all_o reason_n there_o the_o proper_a sense_n and_o consequent_o here_o of_o the_o word_n water_n ought_v to_o be_v follow_v and_o then_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n signify_v our_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o engage_v to_o be_v so_o for_o the_o future_a by_o baptism_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v make_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o baptism_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o concern_v they_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o show_v therefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o they_o in_o this_o place_n but_o only_o add_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o our_o regeneration_n or_o become_v good_a christian_n but_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v those_o other_o cause_n viz._n those_o mean_n which_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v our_o regeneration_n unto_o to_o be_v include_v under_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o effect_n without_o who_o operation_n those_o mean_n can_v be_v effectual_a to_o their_o end_n and_o these_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o pet._n 1.23_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o but_o this_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o consider_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o be_v bear_v again_o both_o as_o it_o signify_v a_o state_n and_o as_o a_o effect_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v require_v we_o to_o become_v his_o sincere_a follower_n and_o disciple_n if_o we_o hope_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n sect_n 9_o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o become_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v express_v by_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o i_o shall_v likewise_o show_v how_o fit_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v express_v by_o the_o other_o metaphor_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o this_o because_o our_o author_n seem_v unable_a to_o conceive_v how_o so_o mean_v a_o thing_n as_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v intend_v by_o such_o grand_a and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n as_o those_o of_o the_o new_a birth_n the_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v first_o observe_v the_o similitude_n between_o our_o become_a true_a christian_n and_o be_v born_n first_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o alteration_n which_o be_v make_v in_o a_o man_n state_n by_o his_o become_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v one_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o state_n of_o such_o a_o disciple_n be_v express_v by_o this_o metaphor_n for_o it_o express_v a_o very_a great_a change_n thus_o mr._n baxter_n tell_v we_o very_o well_o that_o regeneration_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a term_n 8._o take_v from_o our_o natural_a generation_n because_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o change_n that_o a_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v another_o man_n if_o we_o consider_v how_o great_a this_o change_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o so_o to_o be_v there_o be_v first_o of_o all_o a_o intrinsic_a change_n peculiar_a to_o the_o state_n of_o adult_n christian_n their_o understanding_n be_v inform_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o truth_n concern_v god_n and_o themselves_o and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v which_o they_o be_v most_o of_o all_o concern_v to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ._n hereby_o also_o be_v produce_v a_o proportionable_a change_n in_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v wrought_v such_o effect_n upon_o that_o
from_o be_v addict_v to_o sensuality_n and_o worldliness_n they_o be_v come_v to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n this_o likewise_o produce_v a_o suitable_a change_n in_o their_o life_n which_o now_o be_v lead_v not_o according_a to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o example_n of_o evil_a man_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ._n and_o thus_o we_o come_v to_o the_o true_a use_n of_o all_o our_o faculty_n as_o a_o infant_n after_o it_o be_v bear_v fall_n into_o those_o natural_a motion_n which_o be_v hinder_v by_o its_o imprisonment_n in_o the_o womb._n now_o when_o our_o mind_n be_v thus_o purify_v from_o sin_n when_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o and_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v become_v the_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n there_o follow_v a_o relative_n change_v in_o our_o state_n as_o considerable_a as_o the_o other_o for_o then_o be_v we_o the_o son_n of_o god_n heir_n with_o christ_n brethren_n to_o god_n child_n in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n we_o be_v of_o kin_n to_o the_o family_n of_o god_n we_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n and_o have_v a_o actual_a right_n to_o that_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v even_o eternal_a life_n lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o nothing_o will_v be_v more_o evident_a to_o you_o than_o this_o that_o so_o great_a a_o change_n of_o our_o state_n be_v imply_v in_o our_o be_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v as_o it_o be_v other_o man_n by_o be_v so_o and_o so_o may_v fit_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o when_o we_o become_v such_o person_n but_o that_o intrinsic_a alteration_n which_o seem_v to_o afford_v the_o clear_a similitude_n regard_v that_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o a_o true_a christian._n we_o know_v that_o all_o live_a creature_n have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o thing_n hurtful_a and_o destructive_a to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v thereby_o general_o prompt_v to_o avoid_v they_o it_o be_v thus_o i_o say_v in_o the_o natural_a life_n that_o we_o ready_o apprehend_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o run_v into_o the_o fire_n nor_o venture_v down_o precipice_n because_o these_o thing_n be_v contrary_a and_o destructive_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a fit_a emblem_n of_o the_o state_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a for_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o divine_a temper_n of_o soul_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o have_v such_o a_o like_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n with_o regard_n to_o his_o mind_n and_o conscience_n as_o all_o live_a creature_n have_v with_o respect_n to_o their_o nature_n he_o therefore_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n i._n e._n who_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o to_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n for_o he_o have_v a_o new_a sense_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o before_o he_o have_v other_o apprehension_n of_o sin_n than_o sensual_a and_o worldly_a man_n have_v he_o look_v not_o upon_o any_o immorality_n as_o a_o harmless_a thing_n but_o apprehend_v all_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v pernicious_a and_o detestable_a which_o be_v the_o reason_n as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v of_o what_o st._n john_n say_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o which_o in_o the_o relative_n change_n seem_v to_o be_v most_o visible_o intend_v by_o this_o metaphor_n be_v our_o be_v qualify_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n for_o by_o become_v his_o disciple_n we_o be_v as_o it_o be_v bear_v to_o this_o inheritance_n we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o son_n than_o heir_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o now_o if_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n make_v man_n so_o much_o better_o and_o more_o excellent_a person_n than_o they_o be_v before_o and_o qualify_v they_o also_o for_o a_o everlasting_a reward_n then_o here_o be_v another_o visible_a reason_n for_o the_o choice_n of_o this_o metaphor_n to_o express_v the_o state_n of_o a_o good_a christian_n by_o viz._n the_o great_a advantage_n they_o gain_v by_o it_o we_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a be_v give_v unto_o we_o when_o we_o true_o believe_v in_o jesus_n and_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n we_o be_v so_o much_o alter_v for_o the_o better_a as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o live_v till_o then_o and_o we_o have_v infinite_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v of_o this_o alteration_n in_o our_o state_n than_o to_o remember_v the_o day_n of_o our_o birth_n with_o joy_n and_o gladness_n hence_o we_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o represent_v the_o advantage_n we_o gain_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n under_o metaphor_n take_v from_o thing_n most_o grateful_a to_o our_o natural_a appetite_n as_o liberty_n life_n and_o light_n but_o withal_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o good_a imply_v in_o those_o thing_n do_v in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n belong_v to_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o any_o body_n else_o as_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v joh._n 8.36_o if_o the_o son_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a then_o be_v you_o free_a indeed_o now_o what_o this_o freedom_n be_v we_o be_v tell_v vers_fw-la 32._o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a and_o vers_n 34._o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o this_o freedom_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v that_o very_a state_n that_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o call_v light_n and_o life_n and_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n last_o since_o it_o be_v by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o that_o we_o become_v true_a believer_n and_o good_a man_n it_o be_v visible_a that_o our_o be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v fit_o express_v the_o concurrence_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n whereby_o this_o change_n be_v effect_v in_o we_o there_o be_v other_o metaphor_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n express_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o none_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o full_a of_o signification_n as_o this_o although_o the_o use_n and_o meaning_n of_o all_o of_o they_o be_v easy_o discernible_a those_o expression_n of_o create_v and_o draw_v seem_v principal_o to_o respect_v that_o divine_a grace_n by_o which_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v to_o god_n convert_v or_o turn_v peculiarly_a note_n that_o alteration_n that_o be_v hereby_o make_v in_o our_o state_n take_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n express_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o chief_o with_o regard_n to_o what_o we_o be_v before_o as_o give_v the_o heart_n of_o flesh_n also_o do_v with_o respect_n to_o what_o we_o become_v afterward_o make_v a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n signify_v that_o change_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o cause_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o god_n statute_n note_n the_o reformation_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o life_n purify_n cleanse_v and_o purge_v be_v metaphor_n that_o express_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o change_n and_o how_o much_o our_o nature_n be_v better_v by_o it_o but_o quicken_a and_o make_v free_a and_o turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n do_v express_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o we_o gain_v by_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o they_o be_v inherent_a or_o relative_n and_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v in_o what_o divers_a respect_v these_o metaphor_n conspire_v to_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o metaphor_n of_o regeneration_n or_o the_o new_a birth_n contain_v all_o those_o similitude_n to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a which_o be_v several_o discernible_a in_o the_o rest_n and_o this_o probable_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v more_o frequent_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o rest_n be_v as_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n i_o suppose_v why_o it_o have_v obtain_v among_o christian_a writer_n to_o treat_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n more_o frequent_o under_o the_o name_n of_o regeneration_n than_o under_o any_o other_o phrase_n whereby_o they_o be_v metaphorical_o express_v and_o possible_o this_o common_a use_n of_o the_o word_n may_v have_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o some_o unwary_a christian_n of_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o
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
but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o can_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v this_o matter_n and_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v sufficient_o show_v that_o faith_n or_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a operation_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o the_o first_o preparation_n within_o we_o towards_o regeneration_n be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o semipelagian_a opinion_n introduce_v by_o the_o massilienses_n upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o pelagian_a controversy_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o prevent_a grace_n though_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v our_o faith_n fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n but_o that_o faith_n and_o the_o first_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v mere_o from_o ourselves_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n sect_n 2._o now_o when_o we_o be_v once_o persuade_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o which_o still_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o be_v to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n indeed_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o jesus_n we_o have_v entertain_v into_o our_o mind_n such_o forcible_a and_o prevail_a consideration_n as_o will_v not_o easy_o suffer_v we_o to_o disobey_v he_o in_o any_o thing_n and_o they_o have_v so_o much_o power_n to_o lead_v our_o affection_n after_o they_o and_o to_o govern_v our_o practice_n that_o i_o always_o think_v the_o semipelagian_o may_v with_o more_o appearance_n of_o reason_n have_v question_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v those_o divine_a operation_n by_o which_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v crown_v with_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n than_o concern_v those_o which_o be_v preparatory_a to_o faith_n itself_o for_o of_o the_o two_o he_o be_v a_o more_o unreasonable_a man_n who_o believe_v god_n word_n be_v yet_o so_o mad_a as_o to_o go_v on_o still_o in_o his_o sin_n than_o he_o who_o believe_v it_o not_o and_o since_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n make_v they_o so_o unwilling_a to_o attend_v to_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v against_o they_o we_o may_v think_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o keep_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n from_o enter_v into_o their_o heart_n than_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v once_o admit_v but_o now_o as_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o reason_n by_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v far_o from_o exclude_v all_o need_n of_o a_o divine_a influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o create_v a_o firm_a faith_n in_o we_o so_o neither_o do_v the_o power_n of_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o faith_n render_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n needless_a to_o move_v our_o will_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o upon_o good_a principle_n but_o still_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n without_o who_o grace_n the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o make_v we_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v the_o truth_n will_v always_o suppress_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o afterward_o thus_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o john_n 15.5_o but_o he_o do_v not_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v incapable_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o he_o too_o but_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o now_o that_o this_o power_n impart_v to_o they_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n to_o they_o be_v plain_a from_o hence_o that_o they_o already_o believe_v the_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v now_o you_o be_v clean_a through_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o vers_n 3._o and_o yet_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o without_o he_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o which_o must_v needs_o imply_v some_o grace_n distinct_a from_o the_o bare_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o they_o have_v already_o bear_v some_o fruit_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o bring_v forth_o more_o vers_n 2_o 3._o but_o that_o all_o those_o disposition_n and_o virtue_n wherein_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n do_v consist_v be_v as_o well_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v clear_o and_o full_o affirm_v in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 2.13_o it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v which_o be_v again_o speak_v to_o believer_n manifest_o suppose_v a_o divine_a operation_n distinct_a from_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v i._n e._n to_o perform_v that_o obedience_n from_o their_o very_a soul_n which_o will_v qualify_v they_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o this_o be_v the_o motive_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n encourage_v they_o to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n vers_fw-la 12._o by_o universal_a obedience_n as_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v now_o because_o the_o motive_n extend_v to_o engage_v we_o to_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n therefore_o god_n work_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v every_o way_n so_o dispose_v in_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o obedient_a in_o life_n as_o to_o become_v meet_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n wherefore_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n together_o with_o all_o christian_a virtue_n such_o as_o righteousness_n mercy_n patience_n love_n peace_n joy_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n and_o temperance_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherefore_o last_o our_o do_v that_o which_o god_n require_v and_o with_o that_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o he_o which_o he_o require_v too_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o operation_n in_o we_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v yet_o want_v to_o satisfy_v we_o full_o in_o this_o matter_n our_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v not_o enter_v into_o temptation_n and_o to_o pray_v always_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n will_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubt_v whether_o of_o ourselves_o we_o need_v or_o by_o promise_n have_v this_o great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n or_o not_o for_o these_o direction_n be_v unprofitable_a if_o we_o either_o need_v no_o strength_n from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n against_o our_o temptation_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v by_o our_o prayer_n much_o less_o will_v those_o prayer_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o other_o christian_n which_o we_o so_o often_o meet_v withal_o have_v signify_v any_o thing_n to_o their_o advantage_n or_o encouragement_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o divine_a grace_n obtainable_a by_o they_o for_o the_o produce_v of_o those_o effect_n which_o he_o so_o much_o desire_v to_o see_v in_o their_o conversation_n and_o these_o effect_n be_v no_o other_o than_o all_o kind_n of_o christian_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v by_o the_o follow_a place_n wherefore_o also_o we_o pray_v always_o for_o you_o that_o our_o god_n will_v count_v you_o worthy_a of_o this_o call_n and_o fulfil_v all_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n with_o power_n 2_o thess._n 1.11_o i_o e._n that_o god_n will_v make_v their_o faith_n fruitful_a of_o all_o good_a work_n acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o they_o as_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n again_o we_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o to_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n col._n 1.9_o 10._o thus_o in_o another_o place_n for_o this_o cause_n i_o bow_v my_o knee_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v you_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n now_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o in_o these_o and_o many_o like_a place_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o those_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v may_v attain_v all_o those_o qualification_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o believer_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o
ready_a to_o submit_v to_o and_o then_o i_o desire_v dr._n hammond_n interpretation_n may_v be_v consider_v but_o if_o they_o neither_o use_v this_o way_n nor_o the_o other_o nor_o any_o like_o it_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o produce_v those_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n at_o all_o to_o convince_v we_o by_o they_o because_o upon_o these_o term_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a they_o shall_v convince_v we_o till_o we_o have_v receive_v that_o new_a light_n which_o they_o themselves_o pretend_v to_o and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v hope_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o viz._n to_o confess_v their_o own_o impertinency_n in_o offer_v any_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o justify_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o the_o spirit_n tell_v they_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n without_o enable_v they_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o any_o body_n else_o and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o let_v they_o go_v either_o for_o errant_a hypocrite_n or_o rank_a enthusiast_n who_o the_o state_n have_v reason_n to_o be_v jealous_a of_o lest_o they_o shall_v have_v some_o dangerous_a design_n against_o the_o government_n or_o be_v prompt_v to_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n by_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o by_o a_o enthusiast_n may_v be_v so_o easy_o mistake_v for_o the_o impulse_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o last_o of_o all_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o although_o god_n have_v not_o promise_v this_o inspiration_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o yet_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v he_o may_v do_v more_o than_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o reveal_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o what_o passage_n in_o scripture_n he_o please_v to_o who_o he_o please_v i_o answer_v that_o as_o i_o be_o no_o way_n oblige_v to_o contradict_v this_o supposition_n so_o withal_o i_o must_v add_v 1._o that_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v thus_o inspire_v he_o can_v prove_v to_o another_o that_o he_o be_v so_o otherwise_o than_o by_o miracle_n which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o neither_o can_v he_o just_o expect_v to_o convince_v another_o that_o the_o sense_n reveal_v to_o he_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n otherwise_o than_o by_o such_o rational_a mean_n as_o he_o must_v have_v use_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v reveal_v and_o 2._o that_o therefore_o if_o one_o man_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v in_o conclusion_n for_o his_o interpretation_n of_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o the_o spirit_n lead_v he_o to_o it_o and_o that_o to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n upon_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o carnal_a reason_n and_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o a_o sign_n of_o vnregeneracy_n and_o the_o state_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n that_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o dr._n owen_n last_o refuge_n and_o another_o plain_o show_v either_o by_o the_o word_n themselves_o or_o by_o the_o design_n of_o the_o discourse_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v or_o by_o some_o other_o way_n apt_a to_o convince_v a_o rational_a man_n that_o the_o foresay_a meaning_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o they_o but_o one_o that_o be_v different_a from_o it_o in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v the_o former_a be_v convince_v to_o pretend_v false_o to_o inspiration_n and_o in_o plain_a english_a he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a fool_n that_o will_v prefer_v his_o interpretation_n before_o the_o other_o and_o so_o much_o for_o that_o matter_n sect_n 5._o 2._o the_o principal_a passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o imply_v assurance_n to_o be_v a_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o regenerate_a by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v two_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v mention_v be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o ephesian_n grieve_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o you_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 4.30_o now_o by_o the_o believer_n be_v seal_v etc._n etc._n some_o have_v think_v that_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v absolute_o assure_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v must_v needs_o be_v mean_v but_o first_o the_o word_n be_v fair_o capable_a of_o another_o meaning_n viz._n that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bestow_v upon_o believer_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o god_n be_v now_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n since_o upon_o their_o believe_v he_o have_v blessed_v they_o with_o so_o many_o advantage_n in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o have_v now_o a_o peculiar_a right_n to_o their_o obedience_n for_o this_o we_o know_v be_v one_o use_n of_o seal_v to_o distinguish_v that_o which_o of_o right_n belong_v to_o ourselves_o from_o what_o be_v common_a thus_o be_v all_o believer_n mark_v out_o for_o god_n portion_n and_o peculiar_a by_o the_o eminent_a advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v make_v they_o partaker_n of_o and_o therefore_o be_v they_o say_v to_o be_v seal_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n because_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n thus_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v seal_v christ_n john_n 6.27_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o he_o he_o own_v he_o to_o be_v his_o son_n that_o great_a prophet_n who_o be_v to_o declare_v the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o man_n in_o like_a manner_n god_n give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v as_o st._n chrisostome_n speak_v excellent_o upon_o this_o place_n his_o mark_v they_o out_o to_o be_v a_o royal_a flock_n it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o their_o peculiar_a designation_n to_o the_o service_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n and_o a_o pledge_n of_o that_o inheritance_n 2_o cor._n 1.22_o they_o shall_v be_v reward_v with_o if_o they_o walk_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n but_o all_o this_o be_v very_o far_o from_o infer_v a_o absolute_a assurance_n in_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o mark_v out_o for_o god_n people_n that_o they_o shall_v infallible_o persevere_v in_o that_o duty_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o the_o performance_n whereof_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o receive_v the_o inheritance_n and_o therefore_o such_o assurance_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o this_o place_n but_o 2._o the_o word_n be_v not_o only_o capable_a of_o that_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v but_o their_o coherence_n with_o the_o forego_n and_o follow_v verse_n and_o the_o force_n and_o reason_n of_o st._n paul_n exhortation_n require_v it_o let_v he_o say_v he_o that_o steal_v steal_v no_o more_o and_o let_v no_o corrupt_a communication_n proceed_v out_o of_o your_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n let_v all_o bitterness_n and_o wrath_n etc._n etc._n be_v put_v away_o the_o argument_n wherewith_o he_o enforce_v these_o exhortation_n be_v this_o that_o otherwise_o they_o will_v grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v seal_v etc._n etc._n i._n e._n they_o will_v plain_o contradict_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v bestow_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o mark_v out_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o child_n this_o will_v be_v to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n i._n e._n to_o bereave_v themselves_o of_o his_o gracious_a presence_n and_o to_o come_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v exclude_v for_o ever_o out_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o who_o god_n be_v grieve_v forty_o year_n and_o he_o swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n heb._n 3_o and_o the_o note_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v thereupon_o be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o hold_v the_o begin_n of_o our_o confidence_n steadfast_a unto_o the_o end_n vers_n 14._o i._n e._n if_o we_o hold_v on_o resolve_o and_o patient_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n it_o be_v the_o like_a argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v more_o concise_o to_o the_o ephesian_n when_o he_o dissuade_v they_o from_o impure_a and_o evil_a course_n lest_o they_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n never_o enter_v into_o that_o rest_n god_n have_v design_v for_o they_o but_o this_o consideration_n can_v have_v be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o if_o they_o have_v be_v absolute_o sure_a of_o their_o inheritance_n as_o some_o from_o these_o word_n have_v pretend_v they_o be_v whereas_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v very_o prevail_v on_o supposition_n that_o by_o seal_v be_v here_o mean_v their_o be_v as_o it_o be_v
consecrate_v to_o a_o life_n of_o obedience_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o for_o than_o they_o will_v find_v little_a excuse_n and_o a_o great_a punishment_n for_o their_o unchristian_a practice_n if_o be_v so_o great_o oblige_v they_o shall_v prove_v unthankful_a and_o disobedient_a the_o second_o place_n be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.16_o but_o 1._o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n 389._o be_v that_o public_a testimony_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o true_a christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n show_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o freewoman_n as_o he_o express_v it_o gal._n 4.28_o whereas_o the_o jew_n those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n answer_v the_o condition_n of_o ishmael_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o son_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n to_o who_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o a_o inheritance_n now_o that_o none_o but_o true_a christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_a inheritance_n be_v that_o which_o be_v testify_v against_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o miracle_n and_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a believer_n i._n e._n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o this_o text_n be_v very_o far_o from_o intend_v any_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n and_o yet_o 2._o all_o that_o be_v here_o affirm_v regard_v only_o our_o present_a state_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o if_o we_o be_v it_o be_v certain_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o nay_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n without_o our_o own_o fault_n since_o we_o have_v so_o plain_a a_o rule_n to_o try_v ourselves_o by_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n now_o our_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n be_v that_o which_o our_o own_o spirit_n or_o conscience_n must_v witness_v and_o then_o upon_o this_o condition_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o to_o be_v sure_a be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o our_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o forfeit_v our_o inheritance_n by_o any_o future_a miscarriage_n and_o therefore_o from_o this_o place_n it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o such_o assurance_n be_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n sect_n 6._o 3._o for_o the_o pretence_n of_o utter_v the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o extemporary_a prayer_n i_o know_v likewise_o but_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n common_o urge_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o the_o former_a be_v st._n paul_n saying_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o 1_o cor._n 14.15_o which_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o text_n that_o i_o never_o hear_v produce_v for_o this_o pretence_n but_o by_o those_o that_o have_v nothing_o but_o mere_a zeal_n to_o defend_v their_o opinion_n withal_o i_o mean_v some_o of_o the_o people_n that_o follow_v dr._n owen_n and_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o after_o they_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v they_o to_o word_n or_o sense_n or_o both_o in_o their_o prayer_n they_o conceit_n this_o text_n to_o be_v a_o proof_n for_o their_o purpose_n for_o the_o word_n sound_v that_o way_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v what_o they_o do_v about_o extemporary_a prayer_n beforehand_o but_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o they_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v their_o guide_n who_o pretend_v to_o learning_n and_o if_o they_o mind_v the_o text_n at_o all_o can_v hardly_o be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n there_o mean_v be_v use_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o pray_n by_o the_o understanding_n be_v pray_v in_o a_o language_n understand_v by_o the_o people_n that_o they_o i_o say_v shall_v suffer_v their_o people_n to_o run_v away_o so_o long_o together_o with_o a_o belief_n that_o this_o text_n give_v they_o authority_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v take_v care_n they_o shall_v speak_v good_a sense_n in_o their_o extemporary_a prayer_n this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o can_v but_o admire_v i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o be_v all_o so_o dishonest_a but_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v and_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o i_o suppose_v unless_o they_o grant_v that_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o talk_n of_o their_o follower_n better_a than_o they_o themselves_o be_v but_o dismiss_v this_o place_n which_o be_v so_o very_o wide_o from_o the_o purpose_n which_o it_o be_v produce_v for_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o which_o indeed_o carry_v a_o more_o likely_a appearance_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o dr._n owen_n contain_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n carry_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o believer_n in_o request_n which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v far_o above_o their_o natural_a contrivance_n and_o invention_n i._n e._n that_o when_o believer_n venture_v to_o pray_v extempore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n prompt_v they_o as_o they_o go_v along_o to_o pray_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v come_v to_o their_o mind_n for_o his_o word_n signify_v thus_o much_o at_o least_o if_o not_o that_o the_o very_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v communicate_v to_o they_o at_o that_o very_a instant_n before_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o that_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n the_o place_n be_v this_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v and_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o he_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.26_o 27._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n whether_o the_o foresay_a opinion_n of_o the_o doctor_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o they_o his_o other_o thought_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v not_o pretend_v to_o confute_v because_o i_o do_v not_o so_o well_o comprehend_v what_o he_o mean_v viz._n when_o he_o tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o subject_n of_o prayer_n the_o sanctify_a heart_n that_o by_o the_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v be_v mean_v 385._o that_o bend_v frame_n inclination_n and_o act_v of_o the_o inward_a man_n in_o prayer_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o themselves_o in_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v do_v not_o fathom_v nor_o reach_v the_o depth_n of_o unless_o he_o mean_v that_o a_o man_n may_v desire_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o inexpressible_a vehemence_n and_o yet_o not_o understand_v that_o he_o do_v so_o if_o he_o intend_v this_o i_o need_v only_o to_o tell_v he_o that_o because_o these_o groan_n be_v unutterable_a it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o be_v unintelligible_a if_o he_o intend_v it_o not_o i_o do_v not_o fathom_v nor_o reach_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o meaning_n again_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o object_n of_o prayer_n that_o the_o mysterious_a thing_n which_o believer_n pray_v for_o be_v now_o make_v nigh_o now_o realize_v unto_o they_o i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v whether_o he_o mean_v now_o at_o their_o prayer_n or_o now_o at_o some_o other_o time_n before_o if_o when_o they_o be_v pray_v it_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o spirit_n represent_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n as_o he_o say_v if_o at_o some_o other_o time_n before_o then_o certain_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v represent_v before_o too_o and_o they_o know_v they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o these_o thing_n and_o than_o it_o be_v above_o my_o apprehension_n how_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n shall_v be_v far_o above_o
their_o natural_a contrivance_n and_o invention_n 349._o either_o just_a before_o or_o while_o they_o be_v pray_v it_o seem_v strange_a likewise_o that_o by_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n low_a and_o weak_a in_o their_o notional_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n we_o may_v see_v they_o lead_v into_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a mystery_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o experience_n of_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n for_o what_o have_v we_o to_o see_v this_o by_o but_o their_o word_n and_o gesture_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v pass_v my_o reach_n how_o by_o these_o help_v we_o can_v see_v that_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o before_o god_n only_o see_v viz._n the_o fervent_a work_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n when_o act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o supplication_n and_o to_o do_v he_o right_o he_o seem_v not_o to_o ascribe_v the_o extemporary_a utterance_n but_o only_o the_o present_a conception_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o spirit_n other_o observation_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v make_v which_o i_o shall_v not_o clog_v the_o reader_n withal_o but_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n rom._n 8.26_o 27._o seem_v to_o i_o much_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v than_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o say_v with_o relation_n to_o it_o and_o unless_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o explain_v himself_o further_o one_o may_v soon_o i_o think_v understand_v st._n paul_n than_o he_o though_o there_o be_v considerable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o text_n which_o need_v a_o interpreter_n therefore_o i_o shall_v 1._o consult_v the_o sense_n of_o good_a author_n and_o such_o as_o the_o doctor_n i_o hope_v will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o say_v be_v proud_a carnal_a ignorant_a 385._o and_o profane_a person_n word_n which_o he_o throw_v so_o fierce_o about_o he_o whilst_o he_o be_v discourse_v of_o prayer_n the_o very_a mention_n of_o which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v have_v teach_v he_o more_o meekness_n 2._o i_o shall_v compare_v what_o they_o say_v with_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o design_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o forego_n and_o follow_v verse_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o good_a way_n both_o to_o understand_v the_o text_n and_o to_o avoid_v the_o doctor_n be_v displeasure_n if_o we_o shall_v not_o altogether_o agree_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o at_o last_o st._n chrysostom_n say_v that_o in_o those_o word_n 14._o likewise_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o etc._n etc._n st._n paul_n instruct_v we_o not_o always_o to_o judge_v those_o thing_n profitable_a which_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o mere_a natural_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o they_o who_o suffer_v so_o many_o evil_n wish_v a_o relaxation_n ask_v it_o as_o a_o grace_n from_o god_n but_o say_v he_o do_v not_o think_v that_o will_v be_v best_a which_o present_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n we_o need_v divine_a assistance_n for_o man_n know_v little_a or_o nothing_o what_o be_v for_o his_o welfare_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o know_v not_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o he_o show_v this_o be_v st._n paul_n case_n too_o when_o he_o pray_v that_o the_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n may_v be_v remove_v 2_o cor._n 12._o but_o obtain_v it_o not_o for_o he_o prove_v that_o this_o thorn_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o danger_n and_o persecution_n he_o lie_v under_o 14._o in_o like_a manner_n st._n austin_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o st._n paul_n or_o those_o to_o who_o he_o speak_v know_v not_o the_o lord_n prayer_n why_o shall_v he_o therefore_o say_v we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o because_o temporal_a affliction_n be_v most_o profitable_a either_o to_o cure_v we_o of_o the_o swell_a of_o pride_n or_o etc._n etc._n but_o we_o not_o consider_v this_o desire_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o they_o from_o which_o ignorance_n the_o apostle_n show_v himself_o not_o to_o have_v be_v free_a when_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v by_o the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v give_v to_o he_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n a_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o and_o he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o he_o herein_o not_o know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o he_o ought_v therefore_o in_o these_o tribulation_n which_o may_v be_v either_o profitable_a or_o hurtful_a we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o i._n e._n whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v they_o remove_v or_o not_o and_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v bear_v we_o do_v as_o man_n altogether_o desire_v to_o have_v they_o remove_v and_o not_o long_o after_o he_o say_v 4._o the_o spirit_n cause_v the_o saint_n to_o intercede_v with_o unutterable_a groan_n inspire_v they_o with_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o thing_n yet_o unknown_a which_o they_o patient_o expect_v for_o how_o shall_v that_o which_o be_v desire_v be_v utter_v when_o it_o be_v yet_o not_o know_v locum_fw-la to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n hierom_n say_v the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o desire_v earthly_a but_o heavenly_a thing_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o be_v common_o hurtful_a thing_n which_o we_o think_v profit_v we_o and_o therefore_o our_o desire_n be_v not_o grant_v as_o he_o say_v himself_o elsewhere_o for_o this_o thing_n i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o i_o he_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n here_o say_v he_o st._n paul_n by_o the_o spirit_n mean_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n intercede_v because_o he_o make_v we_o to_o pray_v with_o unutterable_a groan_n as_o god_n be_v say_v to_o try_v we_o that_o he_o may_v know_v we_o that_o be_v that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o know_v ourselves_o and_o to_o intercede_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o desire_v holy_a and_o not_o secular_a thing_n thus_o st._n ambrose_n if_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o commentary_n we_o know_v not_o râ—m_n etc._n etc._n for_o we_o be_v deceive_v think_v those_o thing_n will_v profit_v we_o which_o we_o desire_v when_o they_o be_v not_o profitable_a and_o here_o he_o use_v the_o same_o instance_n likewise_o of_o st._n paul_n desire_v that_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n may_v depart_v from_o he_o to_o which_o he_o add_v that_o of_o james_n and_o john_n desire_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n who_o ask_v they_o know_v not_o what_o but_o withal_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v proper_o intercede_v with_o god_n in_o our_o behalf_n that_o we_o may_v have_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v profitable_a for_o we_o theodoret_n say_v rom._n the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n pray_v not_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o trouble_n for_o you_o know_v not_o what_o be_v profitable_a for_o you_o as_o god_n do_v who_o govern_v all_o resign_v up_o yourselves_o to_o he_o that_o hold_v the_o helm_n of_o the_o vniâ—â—â—se_n etc._n etc._n but_o say_v he_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v mean_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v for_o be_v thereby_o stir_v up_o we_o pray_v more_o earnest_o etc._n etc._n and_o he_o add_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o what_o he_o have_v suffer_v refer_v probable_o to_o that_o passage_n concern_v the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n so_o often_o already_o mention_v to_o mention_v no_o more_o 7._o origen_n thus_o paraphrase_v upon_o the_o text_n sometime_o through_o infirmity_n we_o desire_v thing_n contrary_a to_o our_o welfare_n as_o a_o sick_a man_n will_v have_v the_o physician_n prescribe_v he_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o present_a appetite_n instead_o of_o that_o which_o be_v for_o his_o health_n so_o in_o this_o infirm_a state_n of_o we_o we_o ask_v sometime_o what_o be_v not_o expedient_a for_o we_o and_o i_o paul_n who_o have_v the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n give_v i_o thrice_o ask_v etc._n etc._n not_o know_v what_o i_o ask_v and_o receive_v this_o answer_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v our_o spirit_n strive_v against_o the_o flesh_n he_o reach_v out_o his_o help_n now_o say_v he_o if_o any_o one_o can_v find_v out_o a_o more_o sublime_a sense_n than_o this_o let_v he_o enjoy_v it_o to_o himself_o but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v who_o desire_n of_o god_n the_o prosperity_n etc._n etc._n of_o this_o life_n because_o in_o these_o respect_v they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o
do_v so_o yes_o without_o question_n he_o may_v and_o if_o he_o please_v he_o may_v let_v it_o alone_o too_o our_o author_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n be_v promise_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o then_o fall_v upon_o that_o point_n of_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o may_v give_v direction_n in_o some_o inquiry_n which_o indeed_o deserve_v a_o large_a discussion_n if_o his_o present_a design_n will_v admit_v of_o it_o but_o he_o will_v instance_n only_o in_o one_o i_o e._n may_v a_o person_n who_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o know_v not_o his_o election_n etc._n etc._n but_o now_o there_o be_v another_o enquiry_n that_o deserve_v a_o large_a discussion_n than_o this_o viz._n whether_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n can_v avail_v any_o thing_n towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n whether_o he_o know_v his_o election_n or_o whether_o he_o know_v it_o not_o but_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n why_o this_o enquiry_n be_v not_o to_o be_v meddle_v withal_o namely_o because_o our_o author_n be_v present_a design_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o serve_v a_o hypothesis_n that_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o enquiry_n that_o he_o be_v well_o enough_o aware_a of_o it_o we_o may_v see_v by_o the_o last_o answer_n he_o bring_v to_o that_o one_o gentle_a question_n he_o take_v in_o hand_n may_v a_o unregenerate_a man_n pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n doubtless_o he_o may_v for_o person_n say_v he_o under_o such_o conviction_n as_o put_v they_o upon_o pray_v for_o regeneration_n have_v real_o sometime_o the_o seed_n of_o regeneration_n communicate_v unto_o they_o and_o then_o as_o they_o ought_v so_o they_o will_v continue_v in_o their_o supplication_n for_o the_o increase_n and_o manifestation_n of_o it_o now_o if_o the_o doctor_n have_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o meaning_n he_o may_v have_v express_v it_o plain_o and_o undisguise_o in_o this_o manner_n all_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o pray_v for_o regeneration_n for_o some_o i._n e._n the_o elect_n happen_v to_o be_v regenerate_v while_o they_o keep_v on_o pray_v and_o then_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o pray_v on_o still_o that_o they_o may_v know_v it_o this_o be_v the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o his_o final_a answer_n and_o it_o come_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n will_v do_v they_o no_o hurt_n but_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v see_v he_o have_v not_o yet_o satisfy_v we_o that_o they_o will_v do_v they_o any_o good_a which_o i_o shall_v have_v thank_v he_o to_o have_v show_v i_o according_a to_o his_o principle_n if_o his_o present_a design_n will_v have_v admit_v it_o but_o what_o if_o the_o scripture_n teach_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n be_v make_v only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v absolute_o elect_v to_o glory_n i_o answer_v if_o that_o can_v once_o be_v show_v i_o have_v do_v or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v but_o probable_a by_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v begin_v to_o suspect_v all_o my_o reason_n against_o it_o to_o be_v as_o carnal_a as_o the_o doctor_n can_v believe_v it_o for_o i_o hearty_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o all_o my_o reason_n shall_v submit_v to_o this_o one_o proposition_n whatever_o god_n have_v say_v that_o be_v true_a now_o the_o doctor_n have_v repeat_v the_o first_o proposition_n of_o the_o forementioned_a scheme_n viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n be_v promise_v only_o unto_o the_o elect_n 358._o tell_v we_o that_o the_o promise_n concern_v the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o this_o end_n have_v be_v before_o explain_v and_o vindicate_v these_o word_n i_o confess_v surprise_v i_o for_o they_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v elsewhere_o produce_v some_o promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n inconditional_o make_v to_o some_o certain_a person_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v regenerate_v or_o at_o least_o some_o text_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n be_v mean_v only_o to_o some_o man_n who_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n have_v absolute_o choose_v to_o glory_n now_o one_o will_v have_v think_v there_o have_v be_v a_o former_a chapter_n with_o this_o title_n the_o elect_n be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n however_o i_o have_v look_v backward_o and_o forward_o to_o find_v where_o he_o have_v explain_v and_o vindicate_v these_o promise_n he_o speak_v of_o but_o after_o a_o long_a search_n i_o be_v satisfy_v that_o my_o memory_n have_v not_o fail_v i_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o that_o i_o look_v for_o what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o three_o book_n 172._o where_o he_o dogmatical_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o god_n elect_n be_v the_o matter_n design_v of_o god_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o without_o offer_v one_o syllable_n of_o proof_n to_o make_v it_o good_a now_o to_o flip_v over_o the_o great_a difficulty_n when_o one_o come_v at_o it_o by_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v satisfy_v elsewhere_o without_o refer_v to_o the_o particular_a place_n be_v the_o artifice_n either_o of_o a_o bad_a writer_n or_o one_o that_o serve_v a_o bad_a cause_n and_o a_o man_n may_v fair_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n that_o write_v so_o large_o as_o the_o doctor_n do_v for_o it_o be_v hard_a if_o some_o of_o his_o reader_n be_v not_o so_o courteous_a as_o to_o distrust_v their_o own_o memory_n after_o they_o have_v go_v above_o half_a way_n through_o so_o great_a a_o book_n as_o he_o rather_o than_o to_o question_v his_o honesty_n but_o for_o his_o sake_n i_o shall_v be_v very_o sure_a of_o a_o author_n before_o i_o trust_v general_a reference_n again_o now_o till_o i_o see_v those_o promise_n produce_v that_o i_o have_v look_v for_o in_o vain_a viz._n that_o god_n will_v regenerate_v these_o elect_n i_o shall_v not_o only_o conclude_v that_o god_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o also_o that_o without_o these_o qualification_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o expect_v that_o special_a grace_n which_o be_v proper_a for_o that_o end_n that_o be_v to_o make_v we_o regenerate_v or_o holy_a person_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o god_n have_v absolute_o decree_v to_o save_v and_o who_o therefore_o he_o will_v take_v care_n to_o regenerate_a that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o doctor_n be_v notion_n of_o election_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o his_o scheme_n here_o in_o this_o place_n and_o from_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o his_o five_o book_n though_o he_o have_v disguise_v it_o there_o with_o many_o intricate_a say_n as_o his_o manner_n be_v i_o answer_v without_o assume_v the_o boldness_n to_o pronounce_v concern_v god_n secret_a decree_n that_o it_o be_v a_o monstrous_a vanity_n for_o any_o man_n that_o may_v become_v a_o regenerate_a person_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n by_o a_o method_n determine_v by_o that_o will_n of_o god_n which_o he_o know_v to_o trust_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v regenerate_v and_o save_v by_o force_n of_o a_o suppose_a will_n in_o god_n which_o he_o know_v not_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v tell_v we_o there_o be_v some_o person_n absolute_o elect_v to_o glory_n hereafter_o it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n to_o neglect_v the_o care_n of_o become_v a_o regenerate_a person_n trust_v to_o his_o particular_a election_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o regeneration_n unless_o withal_o the_o bible_n have_v give_v we_o the_o name_n of_o these_o special_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n and_o he_o have_v find_v his_o own_o among_o they_o but_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v mention_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o it_o be_v little_o better_a than_o madness_n to_o venture_v our_o regeneration_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o uncertainty_n and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v may_v be_v gather_v from_o dr._n owen_n where_o he_o say_v the_o expectation_n and_o hope_n of_o any_o man_n for_o life_n 521._o and_o immortality_n and_o glory_n without_o previous_a holiness_n can_v be_v build_v on_o no_o other_o foundation_n but_o this_o that_o god_n will_v rescind_v his_o eternal_a decree_n and_o change_v his_o purpose_n that_o be_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n mere_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o who_o know_v not_o what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o such_o a_o curse_a
or_o intellectual_a operation_n whatsoever_o and_o whether_o the_o power_n of_o his_o physical_a operation_n be_v not_o such_o a_o power_n again_o if_o conversion_n be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o this_o physical_a operation_n be_v it_o not_o plain_a that_o the_o mind_n be_v mere_o a_o passive_a instrument_n in_o its_o conversion_n and_o yet_o further_o if_o till_o the_o effect_n be_v irresistible_o wrought_v by_o this_o physical_a work_n the_o mind_n be_v unperswadable_a by_o any_o reason_n and_o argument_n do_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o violence_n and_o compulsion_n be_v in_o the_o high_a manner_n offer_v to_o the_o will_n that_o be_v for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o he_o shall_v mean_v else_o by_o it_o that_o conversion_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n but_o that_o a_o man_n be_v convert_v without_o his_o will_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o his_o act_n but_o god_n only_a can_v our_o author_n tell_v i_o what_o it_o be_v to_o work_v upon_o a_o rational_a intellectual_a be_v in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n but_o to_o work_v upon_o it_o in_o a_o intellectual_a way_n i._n e._n by_o convince_a by_o persuade_v by_o prevail_v by_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n but_o that_o irresistible_a power_n which_o he_o make_v to_o be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n work_v not_o this_o way_n at_o all_o but_o be_v contradistinguish_v to_o all_o use_n of_o reason_n whatsoever_o and_o produce_v its_o effect_n by_o natural_a necessity_n so_o that_o you_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o a_o clock_n strike_v and_o the_o clapper_n make_v the_o bell_n sound_n in_o a_o intellectual_a manner_n as_o that_o such_o a_o power_n convert_v in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o mankind_n if_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v convert_v be_v physical_a as_o our_o author_n will_v have_v it_o and_o carry_v no_o force_n of_o reason_n with_o it_o the_o soul_n be_v then_o move_v just_a as_o if_o it_o 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