he_o may_v redeem_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o condition_n of_o servant_n before_o may_v be_v set_v at_o liberty_n and_o receive_v the_o adoption_n of_o son_n but_o how_o do_v his_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n qualify_v he_o to_o redeem_v those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n thus_o by_o submit_v to_o it_o himself_o he_o show_v that_o he_o own_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o malice_n or_o enmity_n against_o it_o or_o as_o he_o himself_o express_v it_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o and_o be_v fulfil_v and_o have_v serve_v the_o time_n and_o end_n for_o which_o god_n intend_v it_o it_o expire_v of_o itself_o like_o a_o law_n which_o be_v not_o make_v for_o perpetuity_n but_o limit_v to_o a_o certain_a period_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o come_v with_o great_a authority_n than_o moses_n and_o give_v great_a testimony_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n have_v sufficient_a power_n to_o declare_v the_o expiration_n of_o it_o and_o by_o commission_v his_o disciple_n before_o and_o after_o his_o death_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n he_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o particular_a law_n and_o dispensation_n which_o only_o concern_v the_o jewish_a nation_n by_o give_v a_o general_a law_n to_o all_o mankind_n so_o that_o from_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n upon_o which_o follow_v the_o general_a publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n cease_v and_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n express_a appointment_n proselyte_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n only_o by_o baptism_n and_o not_o by_o circumcision_n and_o â—f_a circumcision_n which_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o that_o covenant_n be_v lay_v aside_o than_o the_o whole_a obligation_n of_o that_o law_n and_o covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o the_o jew_n be_v also_o cease_v it_o be_v once_o indeed_o the_o mark_n of_o god_n choose_v and_o peculiar_a people_n but_o now_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o his_o son_n and_o offers_z salvation_n to_o all_o mankind_n gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n the_o wall_n of_o separation_n be_v break_v down_o and_o circumcision_n which_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o distinction_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v take_v away_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v make_v peace_n by_o his_o cross_n and_o to_o have_v blot_v out_o and_o take_v away_o the_o hand-writing_n of_o ordinance_n nail_v it_o to_o his_o cross_n that_o be_v from_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n to_o have_v take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n though_o it_o be_v a_o good_a while_n after_o before_o the_o jew_n be_v whole_o wean_v from_o the_o veneration_n and_o use_n of_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v some_o time_n before_o the_o apostle_n be_v clear_o convince_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o truth_n which_o our_o saviour_n promise_v after_o his_o departure_n his_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v they_o into_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o and_o then_o they_o be_v full_o instruct_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v expire_v and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o long_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v circumcise_a and_o keep_v that_o law_n and_o though_o it_o be_v once_o enjoin_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o acceptance_n with_o god_n yet_o now_o by_o christ_n jesus_n god_n have_v offer_v salvation_n to_o man_n upon_o other_o term_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v circumcise_a or_o not_o be_v of_o no_o moment_n to_o their_o justification_n or_o salvation_n one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o provide_v they_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v all_o alike_o capable_a of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o acceptance_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o that_o which_o i_o main_o intend_v to_o prosecute_v from_o these_o word_n and_o that_o be_v the_o second_o particular_a in_o the_o text_n namely_o that_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n nothing_o will_v avail_v to_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n but_o the_o real_a renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o show_v what_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o phrase_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n second_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n with_o faith_n perfect_v by_o charity_n and_o with_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n three_o that_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o 1._o what_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o phrase_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n it_o be_v plain_a at_o first_o sight_n that_o it_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o that_o great_a and_o thorough_a change_n which_o be_v make_v in_o man_n by_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o to_o we_o this_o change_n by_o great_a variety_n of_o expression_n by_o conversion_n and_o turn_v from_o our_o iniquity_n unto_o god_n by_o repentance_n which_o signify_v a_o change_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o resolution_n and_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o repentance_n unto_o life_n by_o regeneration_n or_o be_v bear_v again_o by_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o rise_v to_o newness_n of_o life_n by_o sanctification_n and_o be_v wash_v and_o cleanse_v from_o all_o filthiness_n and_o impurity_n which_o three_o last_a metaphor_n be_v imply_v in_o baptism_n which_o be_v call_v regeneration_n tit._n 3._o 5._o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o renew_v of_o the_o â—oly_a ghost_n and_o our_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n john_n 3._o 3._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o etc._n etc._n and_o ver_fw-la 5._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o purify_n of_o our_o conscience_n heb._n 10._o 22._o have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o our_o body_n wash_v with_o pure_a water_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o baptism_n do_v now_o save_v we_o not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o final_o our_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n rom._n 6._o 3_o 4._o know_v you_o not_o that_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v baptise_a into_o jesus_n christ_n be_v baptise_a into_o his_o death_n therefore_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o by_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o last_o this_o change_n be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o by_o renovation_n and_o our_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n and_o new_a man_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 17._o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n that_o be_v profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a and_o so_o likewise_o ephes_n 4._o 22_o 23_o 24._o this_o great_a change_n be_v express_v by_o put_v off_o concern_v the_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o the_o lust_n of_o deceit_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o put_v on_o that_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n the_o expression_n be_v very_o emphatical_a renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o be_v in_o our_o very_a mind_n and_o spirit_n to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o inward_a and_o thorough_a change_n reach_v to_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o colos_n 3._o 9_o 10_o 11_o verse_n it_o be_v represent_v much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n see_v you_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o where_o there_o be_v neither_o greek_a nor_o jew_n circumcision_n nor_o
and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o who_o say_v we_o can_v of_o ourselves_o do_v this_o beside_o the_o pelagian_n we_o affirm_v the_o necessity_n of_o god_n grace_n hereto_o and_o withal_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o cooperate_a with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n we_o say_v that_o without_o the_o powerful_a excitation_n and_o aid_n of_o god_n grace_n no_o man_n can_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n but_o we_o say_v likewise_o that_o god_n can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o aid_n and_o assist_v those_o who_o do_v nothing_o themselves_o but_o man_n can_v do_v more_o than_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o be_v just_o condemn_v not_o in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n sure_a if_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o they_o can_v do_v more_o by_o way_n of_o preparation_n towards_o it_o suppose_v they_o do_v all_o they_o can_v towards_o it_o will_v this_o save_v they_o or_o will_v god_n upon_o this_o irresistible_o work_v their_o conversion_n no_o they_o say_v notwithstanding_o any_o preparatory_a work_n that_o we_o can_v do_v conversion_n may_v not_o follow_v how_o then_o do_v this_o mend_v the_o matter_n but_o still_o they_o say_v the_o fault_n be_v in_o man_n want_n of_o will_n and_o not_o of_o power_n you_o will_v not_o come_v unto_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n but_o can_v they_o will_v to_o come_v no_o that_o they_o can_v neither_o why_o then_o it_o be_v still_o want_v of_o power_n that_o hinder_v they_o the_o offer_n of_o life_n be_v a_o very_a gracious_a offer_n to_o they_o that_o be_v guilty_a and_o liable_a to_o death_n as_o we_o all_o be_v but_o not_o if_o the_o condition_n be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o we_o though_o the_o impossibility_n spring_v from_o our_o own_o fault_n as_o i_o will_v plain_o show_v by_o a_o fair_a instance_n a_o prince_n offer_v a_o pardon_n to_o a_o traitor_n fast_o lock_v in_o chain_n if_o he_o will_v come_v to_o he_o and_o submit_v himself_o but_o if_o he_o be_v still_o detain_v in_o chain_n and_o the_o prince_n do_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o help_v he_o to_o his_o liberty_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o favour_n to_o offer_v he_o a_o pardon_n upon_o these_o term_n that_o it_o be_v a_o cruel_a derision_n of_o his_o misery_n to_o say_v to_o he_o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v be_v pardon_v and_o this_o notwithstanding_o that_o his_o be_v cast_v into_o chain_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o own_o crime_n and_o fault_n the_o application_n be_v obvious_a i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o answer_v a_o objection_n or_o two_o and_o then_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a state_n of_o this_o matter_n so_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v reserve_v for_o another_o discourse_n sermon_n vii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n and_o its_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o justification_n and_o salvation_n galat._n vi_o 15._o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n the_o point_n which_o i_o be_o upon_o from_o these_o word_n be_v that_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n nothing_o will_v avail_v to_o our_o justification_n but_o the_o real_a renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o i_o propound_v to_o show_v first_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n second_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n three_o that_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n in_o speak_v to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v show_v 1_o st_z what_o this_o metaphor_n do_v certain_o import_v and_o 2_o dly_a that_o it_o do_v not_o import_v what_o some_o will_v extend_v it_o to_o whereon_o to_o found_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o first_o that_o as_o the_o creation_n be_v a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n so_o be_v this_o new_a creation_n or_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n second_o as_o creature_n be_v mere_o passive_a in_o their_o be_v make_v and_o contribute_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o it_o no_o more_o do_v we_o in_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n three_o that_o as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o several_a kind_n and_o rank_n of_o creature_n be_v effect_v in_o a_o instant_n by_o the_o powerful_a word_n of_o god_n say_v let_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n be_v and_o immediate_o they_o be_v so_o this_o new_a creation_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o admit_v of_o no_o degree_n the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v consider_v and_o enter_v upon_o the_o second_o namely_o that_o as_o the_o creature_n be_v mere_o passive_a in_o their_o be_v make_v and_o contribute_v nothing_o at_o all_o thereto_o no_o more_o do_v we_o in_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n this_o i_o tell_v you_o do_v plain_o make_v void_a all_o the_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n and_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o scripture_n to_o argue_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n that_o which_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v upon_o this_o argument_n be_v first_o to_o answer_v a_o objection_n or_o two_o which_o be_v common_o urge_v by_o the_o assertor_n of_o this_o doctrine_n that_o we_o be_v mere_o passive_a in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n second_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a state_n of_o this_o matter_n so_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o the_o objection_n be_v these_o three_o 1._o that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o mere_o passive_a in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n we_o ascribe_v the_o whole_a glory_n of_o this_o work_n to_o ourselves_o and_o not_o to_o god_n or_o 2_o dly_a we_o do_v however_o extenuate_v or_o lessen_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o there_o be_v any_o active_a concurrence_n and_o endeavour_n of_o our_o own_o towards_o this_o change_n 3_o dly_z they_o ask_v st._n paul_n question_n who_o make_v thou_o to_o differ_v and_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v answer_v if_o the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o depend_v upon_o our_o concurrence_n and_o compliance_n with_o it_o these_o be_v all_o the_o material_a objection_n i_o know_v to_o every_o one_o of_o which_o i_o hope_v to_o give_v a_o very_a clear_a and_o sufficient_a answer_n 1._o objection_n if_o we_o be_v not_o mere_o passive_a in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n we_o ascribe_v the_o whole_a glory_n of_o this_o work_n to_o ourselves_o and_o not_o to_o god_n but_o that_o i_o certain_o know_v this_o objection_n be_v common_o make_v and_o have_v see_v it_o in_o very_o considerable_a author_n i_o can_v not_o believe_v that_o man_n of_o so_o good_a sense_n can_v make_v it_o for_o this_o be_v to_o say_v that_o if_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o work_n though_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o what_o we_o do_v in_o it_o we_o do_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n we_o ascribe_v it_o whole_o to_o ourselves_o and_o rob_v god_n altogether_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n or_o in_o plain_a term_n it_o be_v to_o say_v that_o though_o we_o say_v god_n do_v never_o so_o much_o and_o we_o but_o very_o little_a in_o this_o work_n yet_o if_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o god_n do_v all_o and_o we_o nothing_o at_o all_o we_o take_v the_o whole_a work_n to_o ourselves_o and_o say_v god_n do_v nothing_o at_o all_o which_o let_v any_o one_o that_o consider_v what_o we_o â—ay_v judge_v whether_o we_o say_v so_o or_o no._n the_o scripture_n which_o never_o rob_v god_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n do_v i'm_n sure_o ascribe_v our_o conversion_n and_o repentance_n our_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n to_o several_a cause_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n to_o his_o minister_n to_o his_o word_n and_o to_o ourselves_o to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n as_o the_o principal_a author_n and_o efficient_a hence_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n as_o the_o instrument_n of_o our_o conversion_n hence_o they_o be_v say_v to_o turn_v man_n to_o righteousness_n to_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o way_n to_o save_v soul_n from_o death_n to_o save_v themselves_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v they_o to_o be_v our_o spiritual_a father_n and_o to_o beget_v we_o in_o christ_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o subordinate_a mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o our_o conversion_n hence_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v beget_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o truth_n and_o last_o
metaphor_n this_o three_o doctrine_n follow_v well_o enough_o from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v agreeable_a enough_o that_o that_o which_o be_v effect_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o omnipotence_n without_o any_o concurrence_n or_o operation_n on_o our_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o all_o at_o once_o not_o that_o this_o be_v necessary_a but_o that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o why_o shall_v omnipotence_n use_v delay_n and_o take_v time_n and_o proceed_v by_o degree_n in_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o with_o the_o same_o ease_n it_o can_v do_v at_o once_o and_o in_o a_o instant_n especial_o consider_v how_o well_o this_o suit_n with_o the_o other_o metaphor_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o with_o this_o of_o a_o new_a creation_n viz._n the_o metaphor_n of_o regeneration_n and_o resurrection_n a_o child_n be_v bear_v at_o once_o and_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v raise_v in_o a_o moment_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o plausible_a appearance_n and_o conspiracy_n of_o metaphor_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v effect_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o all_o at_o once_o be_v not_o well_o ground_v either_o upon_o scripture_n or_o experience_n not_o but_o that_o god_n can_v do_v so_o if_o he_o please_v and_o work_v this_o change_n in_o some_o much_o soon_o and_o quick_a than_o in_o other_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o scripture_n or_o experience_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a much_o less_o the_o constant_a and_o unalterable_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o bring_v it_o about_o in_o a_o instant_n without_o any_o sensible_a step_n and_o degree_n but_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v upon_o what_o mistake_a ground_n and_o principle_n this_o doctrine_n rely_v beside_o the_o metaphor_n already_o mention_v which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o prove_v the_o thing_n second_o i_o shall_v plain_o show_v what_o regeneration_n be_v by_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o effect_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o at_o once_o but_o admit_v of_o degree_n three_o that_o it_o be_v evident_o so_o in_o experience_n of_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n both_o in_o those_o who_o be_v regenerate_v by_o a_o pious_a and_o religious_a education_n and_o in_o those_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n four_o that_o all_o this_o be_v very_a consonant_n and_o agreeable_a to_o what_o the_o scripture_n plain_o and_o constant_o declare_v concern_v it_o first_o i_o shall_v discover_v several_a mistake_v upon_o which_o this_o doctrine_n be_v ground_v beside_o the_o metaphor_n already_o mention_v and_o which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o prove_v the_o thing_n viz._n that_o regeneration_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o admit_v of_o no_o degree_n as_o 1._o that_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v not_o only_o different_a expression_n but_o do_v signify_v two_o thing_n real_o different_a but_o this_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n for_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v but_o different_a expression_n of_o the_o self_n self_n same_o thing_n for_o regeneration_n be_v a_o metaphor_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o express_v our_o translation_n and_o change_n from_o one_o state_n to_o another_o from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n as_o if_o we_o be_v bear_v over_o again_o and_o be_v the_o child_n of_o another_o father_n and_o from_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n do_v become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o sanctification_n be_v our_o be_v make_v holy_a our_o be_v purify_v and_o cleanse_v from_o sin_n and_o impurity_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o same_o cause_n principal_a and_o instrumental_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o they_o as_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o if_o sanctification_n be_v the_o make_n of_o we_o holy_a and_o regeneration_n make_v we_o holy_a then_o regeneration_n be_v sanctification_n 2._o it_o be_v say_v that_o regeneration_n only_o signify_v our_o first_o entrance_n into_o this_o state_n and_o sanctification_n our_o progress_n and_o continuance_n in_o it_o but_o this_o likewise_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o regeneration_n do_v signify_v our_o first_o entrance_n into_o this_o state_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o it_o only_o signify_v that_o for_o it_o be_v use_v likewise_o in_o scripture_n to_o signify_v our_o continuance_n in_o that_o state_n for_o christian_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o regenerate_a state_n not_o only_o in_o the_o instant_n of_o this_o change_n but_o during_o their_o continuance_n in_o it_o beside_o that_o our_o first_o change_n be_v as_o well_o call_v our_o sanctification_n as_o our_o progress_n and_o continuance_n in_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n so_o that_o neither_o in_o this_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n they_o do_v both_o of_o they_o signify_v both_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o a_o holy_a state_n and_o our_o continuance_n and_o progress_n in_o it_o '_o thou_o regeneration_n do_v more_o frequent_o denote_v the_o make_n of_o this_o change_n and_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o one_o of_o the_o main_a difference_n between_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v this_o that_o regeneration_n be_v incapable_a of_o degree_n and_o all_o that_o be_v regenerate_v be_v equal_o so_o and_o one_o regenerate_v person_n be_v not_o more_o or_o less_o regenerate_v than_o another_o whereas_o sanctification_n be_v a_o gradual_a progress_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o holiness_n to_o another_o and_o of_o â—hem_n that_o be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o holy_a one_o may_v be_v more_o sanctify_a and_o more_o holy_a than_o another_o but_o this_o likewise_o be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n without_o any_o real_a ground_n for_o as_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n do_v plain_o admit_v of_o degree_n so_o likewise_o do_v the_o regenerate_a and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n admit_v of_o degree_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o some_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v more_o wicked_a than_o other_o and_o thereby_o more_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o devil_n than_o other_o which_o be_v the_o scripture_n expression_n concern_v the_o degree_n of_o man_n wickedness_n and_o impiety_n in_o like_a manner_n they_o that_o be_v more_o holy_a and_o more_o like_a god_n be_v more_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v more_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v sure_o to_o be_v more_o regenerate_v that_o be_v more_o renew_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o consist_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a precarious_a assertion_n and_o evident_o false_a to_o affirm_v that_o regeneration_n do_v not_o admit_v of_o degree_n and_o that_o one_o be_v not_o more_o regenerate_v than_o another_o 4_o thly_a and_o last_o they_o ground_n this_o conceit_n upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n which_o teach_v that_o in_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n all_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v infuse_v simul_fw-la &_o semel_fw-la together_o and_o at_o once_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o regard_n much_o less_o a_o veneration_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n where_o it_o differ_v from_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o say_v not_o one_o word_n of_o infuse_a habit_n which_o yet_o be_v much_o talk_v of_o in_o divinity_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n these_o word_n serve_v only_o to_o obscure_v the_o thing_n for_o to_o say_v that_o in_o conversion_n the_o habit_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v infuse_v together_o and_o at_o once_o be_v to_o say_v that_o in_o a_o instant_a man_n that_o be_v vicious_a before_o in_o several_a kind_n be_v by_o a_o omnipotent_a act_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o by_o a_o new_a principle_n infuse_v into_o they_o endue_v with_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o contraâ—y_a grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o be_v as_o chaste_a and_o temperate_a and_o just_o and_o meek_a and_o humble_a as_o if_o by_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n they_o have_v become_v so_o that_o
and_o confirmation_n from_o plain_a text_n such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o three_o 1._o that_o as_o the_o creation_n be_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n so_o be_v this_o new_a creation_n or_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n 2._o that_o as_o creature_n be_v mere_o passive_a in_o their_o be_v make_v and_o contribute_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o it_o no_o more_o do_v we_o to_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n 3._o that_o as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o several_a rank_n and_o kind_n of_o creature_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o effect_v by_o the_o powerful_a word_n of_o god_n only_o say_v let_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n be_v and_o immediate_o they_o be_v so_o this_o new_a creation_n or_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o admit_v of_o no_o degree_n concern_v these_o three_o doctrine_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n in_o divinity_n i_o shall_v show_v with_o all_o the_o clearness_n and_o brevity_n i_o can_v that_o they_o be_v build_v sole_o â—pon_n metaphor_n of_o scriptuâ—e_n â—orâ—â—â—ed_a aâ—d_n strain_v too_o far_o without_o any_o real_a ground_n and_o foundation_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n nay_o contrary_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o other_o nay_o indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a experience_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o their_o conversion_n first_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o as_o the_o creation_n be_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n so_o be_v the_o new_a creation_n or_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o this_o be_v sole_o argue_v from_o the_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v conversion_n such_o as_o be_v call_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o light_n allude_v to_o that_o powerful_a word_n of_o god_n which_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n be_v quicken_v and_o raise_v to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o from_o this_o metaphor_n here_o in_o the_o text_n of_o a_o new_a creation_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n in_o divinity_n to_o build_v doctrine_n upon_o metaphor_n especial_o if_o we_o strain_v they_o to_o all_o the_o similitude_n which_o a_o quick_a and_o lively_a imagination_n can_v find_v out_o whereas_o some_o one_o obvious_a thing_n be_v common_o intend_v in_o the_o metaphor_n and_o the_o meaning_n be_v absolve_v and_o acquit_v in_o that_o and_o it_o be_v folly_n to_o pursue_v it_o into_o all_o those_o similitude_n which_o a_o good_a fancy_n may_v suggest_v when_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o he_o will_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n it_o be_v plain_a what_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v surprise_v the_o careless_a world_n when_o they_o least_o look_v for_o it_o that_o he_o will_v come_v at_o a_o hour_n when_o they_o be_v not_o aware_a and_o though_o he_o resemble_v his_o come_n to_o that_o of_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n yet_o here_o be_v nothing_o of_o robbery_n in_o the_o case_n so_o here_o when_o the_o change_n which_o christianity_n make_v in_o man_n be_v call_v a_o new_a creation_n this_o only_a import_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o change_n which_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v make_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o metaphor_n be_v sufficient_o absolve_v in_o this_o plain_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o literal_a expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v this_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o this_o change_n shall_v in_o all_o other_o respect_v answer_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v effect_v in_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n or_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v altogether_o passive_a in_o this_o change_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v no_o way_n concur_v to_o it_o by_o any_o act_n of_o our_o own_o or_o that_o this_o work_n shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o admit_v of_o no_o step_n and_o degree_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o this_o change_n shall_v be_v effect_v in_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n god_n may_v do_v so_o when_o he_o please_v without_o any_o injury_n to_o his_o creature_n for_o it_o be_v certain_o no_o wrong_a to_o any_o man_n to_o be_v make_v good_a and_o happy_a against_o his_o will_n and_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o god_n sometime_o do_v so_o the_o call_v of_o the_o disciple_n to_o follow_v christ_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o very_a sudden_a and_o forcible_a impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n without_o any_o appear_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a for_o any_o man_n to_o leave_v his_o call_v and_o follow_v every_o one_o that_o bid_v he_o do_v so_o the_o conversion_n of_o saul_n from_o a_o persecutor_n of_o christianity_n to_o a_o zealous_a preacher_n of_o it_o be_v certain_o effect_v if_o not_o in_o a_o irresistible_a yet_o in_o a_o very_a forcible_a and_o violent_a manner_n the_o conversion_n of_o three_o thousand_o at_o one_o sermon_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v in_o a_o visible_a manner_n upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v certain_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o mighty_a and_o overpower_v degree_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o sudden_a conversion_n of_o so_o many_o person_n from_o heathenism_n and_o great_a wickedness_n and_o impiety_n of_o life_n to_o the_o sincere_a profession_n of_o christianity_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n afterward_o but_o that_o this_o be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n nor_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o so_o overpower_v much_o less_o in_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n can_v be_v both_o from_o experience_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o find_v that_o many_o perhaps_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a be_v make_v so_o by_o the_o insensible_a step_n and_o degree_n of_o a_o religious_a education_n and_o have_v be_v never_o vicious_a can_v give_v no_o great_a account_n of_o any_o sensible_a change_n only_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n they_o consider_v thing_n more_o and_o the_o principle_n that_o be_v instill_a into_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n do_v put_v forth_o themselves_o more_o vigorous_o at_o that_o time_n as_o seed_n sprout_v out_o of_o the_o ground_n after_o they_o have_v a_o good_a while_n be_v bury_v and_o lie_v hide_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n to_o make_v a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o divine_a power_n necessary_a to_o our_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n because_o this_o necessary_o involve_v in_o it_o two_o thing_n which_o seem_v very_o unreasonable_a first_o that_o no_o man_n repent_v upon_o consideration_n and_o choice_n but_o upon_o mere_a force_n and_o violent_a necessity_n which_o quite_o take_v away_o the_o virtue_n of_o repentance_n whatever_o virtue_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o consequent_a act_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n second_o it_o imply_v that_o the_o conversion_n and_o repentance_n of_o those_o upon_o who_o god_n do_v not_o work_v irresistible_o be_v impossible_a which_o be_v the_o utmost_a can_v be_v say_v to_o excuse_v the_o impenitency_n of_o man_n by_o take_v it_o off_o from_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o lay_v it_o upon_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o a_o utter_a disability_n in_o they_o to_o choose_v and_o do_v otherwise_o and_o it_o be_v likewise_o contrary_a to_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o suppose_v that_o man_n do_v very_o frequent_o resist_v the_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o pharisee_n by_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 7._o 30._o that_o they_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o that_o be_v the_o merciful_a design_n of_o god_n for_o their_o salvation_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n act_n 7._o 51._o that_o they_o always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o some_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n be_v resistible_a and_o such_o as_o if_o man_n do_v not_o resist_v they_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n else_o why_o be_v the_o pharisee_n say_v to_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o that_o be_v to_o their_o own_o ruin_n imply_v that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o reject_v it_o they_o may_v have_v be_v save_v and_o if_o they_o have_v it_o have_v be_v without_o irresistible_a grace_n for_o that_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o be_v actual_o resist_v by_o they_o other_o text_n plain_o show_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n be_v not_o
the_o grace_n of_o contentment_n by_o great_a consideration_n and_o diligent_a care_n of_o himself_o in_o several_a condition_n not_o as_o if_o the_o habit_n of_o this_o grace_n have_v be_v infuse_v into_o he_o at_o once_o phil._n 4._o 11_o 12._o i_o have_v learn_v in_o whatsoever_o state_n i_o be_o therewith_o to_o be_v content_a i_o know_v both_o how_o to_o be_v abase_v and_o i_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n i_o be_o instruct_v both_o to_o be_v full_a and_o to_o be_v hungry_a both_o to_o abound_v and_o to_o suffer_v need_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o consider_v namely_o the_o true_a and_o just_a importance_n of_o this_o metaphor_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n the_o two_o particular_n which_o remain_v i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n finish_v in_o my_o next_o discourse_n sermon_n ix_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n and_o its_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o justification_n and_o salvation_n galat._n vi_o 15._o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n the_o observation_n i_o be_o still_o upon_o from_o these_o word_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n nothing_o will_v avail_v to_o our_o justification_n but_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n express_v here_o by_o a_o new_a creature_n in_o treat_v of_o which_o i_o propose_v the_o do_v of_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v the_o â—rue_a import_n of_o this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n second_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a condition_n of_o oâ—â—_n justification_n and_o three_o that_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o in_o treat_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o particular_n i_o have_v consider_v some_o doctrine_n as_o found_v upon_o this_o metaphor_n which_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a not_o only_o to_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n or_o experience_n but_o also_o to_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n whether_o by_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n or_o in_o those_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o notorious_a wicked_a course_n of_o life_n and_o that_o i_o have_v so_o long_o insist_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o handle_v it_o in_o a_o more_o contentious_a way_n than_o be_v usual_a with_o i_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o love_n to_o controversy_n which_o i_o be_o less_o fond_a of_o every_o day_n than_o other_o but_o from_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o these_o controversy_n and_o quarrelling_n in_o the_o dark_a by_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o clear_a state_n and_o plain_a issue_n and_o likewise_o to_o undeceive_v good_a man_n concern_v some_o current_a notion_n and_o doctrine_n which_o i_o do_v real_o believe_v to_o be_v dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o cause_n of_o great_a perplexity_n and_o discomfort_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o a_o real_a discouragement_n to_o the_o resolution_n and_o endeavour_n of_o become_v better_o upon_o which_o consideration_n i_o be_v strong_o urgent_a to_o search_v these_o doctrine_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o to_o contribute_v what_o in_o i_o lay_v to_o the_o rescue_v of_o good_a man_n from_o the_o disquiet_n and_o entanglement_n of_o they_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o matter_n with_o a_o few_o caution_n not_o unworthy_a to_o be_v remember_v by_o we_o that_o we_o will_v be_v careful_a so_o to_o ascribe_v all_o good_a to_o god_n that_o we_o be_v sure_a we_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o he_o that_o be_v evil_a or_o any_o way_n unworthy_a of_o he_o that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v he_o the_o sole_a author_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o will_v unavoidable_o charge_v upon_o he_o the_o final_a impenitency_n and_o ruin_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n that_o we_o do_v not_o so_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o to_o make_v his_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n signify_v nothing_o such_o as_o these_o make_v you_o new_a heâ—â—ts_n and_o new_a spirit_n strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n where_o if_o by_o the_o strait_a gate_n be_v mean_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n that_o be_v of_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n i_o can_v imagine_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o reconcile_v our_o be_v mere_o passive_a in_o this_o work_n and_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o it_o with_o our_o saviour_n precept_n of_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n unless_o to_o be_v very_o active_a and_o to_o be_v mere_o passive_a about_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v all_o one_o and_o a_o earnest_a contention_n and_o endeavour_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o do_v nothing_o again_o that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v the_o utmost_a degeneracy_n and_o depravation_n which_o man_n ever_o arrive_v at_o by_o the_o great_a abuse_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o wicked_a practice_n the_o standard_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n and_o of_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n and_o last_o that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v some_o particular_a instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o the_o strange_a and_o sudden_a conversion_n of_o some_o person_n as_o namely_o of_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o jailor_n in_o the_o act_n the_o common_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o every_o man_n conversion_n so_o that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v strike_v down_o by_o a_o light_n and_o power_n from_o heaven_n and_o take_v with_o a_o fit_a of_o tremble_a and_o fright_v almost_o out_o of_o his_o wit_n or_o find_v in_o himself_o something_o equal_a to_o this_o he_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o his_o conversion_n whereas_o a_o much_o sure_a judgement_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o man_n conversion_n by_o the_o real_a effect_n of_o this_o change_n than_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o by_o that_o apt_a resemblance_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o wind_n of_o the_o original_a cause_n whereof_o and_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o its_o cease_n or_o continuance_n and_o why_o it_o blow_v strong_a or_o gentle_a this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n we_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a but_o that_o it_o be_v we_o be_v sensible_a from_o the_o sound_n of_o it_o john_n 3._o 8._o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o it_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n be_v sensible_a though_o the_o manner_n and_o degree_n of_o his_o operation_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v so_o various_a that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o they_o by_o which_o one_o will_v think_v our_o saviour_n have_v sufficient_o caution_v we_o not_o to_o reduce_v the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n to_o any_o certain_a rule_n or_o standard_n but_o chief_o to_o regard_v the_o sensible_a effect_n of_o this_o secret_a work_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n and_o after_o all_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o contend_v by_o any_o argument_n against_o clear_a and_o certain_a experience_n if_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o many_o be_v insensible_o change_v and_o make_v good_a by_o pious_a education_n in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o somâ—_n who_o have_v long_o live_v in_o a_o profane_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n be_v by_o the_o secret_a power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o calm_a consideration_n without_o any_o great_a terror_n and_o amazement_n visible_o change_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o better_a mind_n and_o course_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o these_o case_n to_o pretend_v that_o this_o change_n be_v not_o real_a because_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v not_o answerable_a to_o some_o instance_n which_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n or_o which_o we_o have_v observe_v in_o our_o experience_n and_o because_o these_o person_n can_v give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o these_o instance_n which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o i_o shall_v meet_v a_o man_n beyond_o sea_n who_o i_o have_v know_v in_o england_n and_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v cross_v the_o sea_n because_o he_o say_v he_o have_v a_o smooth_a and_o easy_a
that_o our_o own_o age_n do_v not_o afford_v we_o too_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o such_o forward_a and_o expert_a sinner_n as_o need_v no_o tempter_n either_o to_o instruct_v or_o excite_v they_o to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a now_o in_o this_o case_n the_o devil_n betake_v himself_o to_o other_o person_n and_o remove_v his_o snare_n and_o bait_n where_o he_o think_v there_o be_v more_o need_n and_o occasion_n for_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n commit_v in_o the_o world_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v no_o immediate_a hand_n in_o though_o he_o always_o rejoice_v in_o it_o when_o it_o be_v do_v and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o reason_n to_o attribute_v all_o good_a to_o the_o motion_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o to_o ascribe_v all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o devil_n because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v more_o powerful_a and_o be_v always_o every_o where_o and_o be_v more_o intent_n upon_o his_o design_n and_o as_o forward_o to_o promote_v it_o as_o the_o devil_n can_v be_v to_o carry_v on_o his_o work_n nay_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o be_v more_o active_a to_o excite_v man_n to_o good_a than_o the_o devil_n can_v be_v to_o tempt_v they_o to_o evil._n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o good_a man_n do_v many_o good_a action_n of_o their_o own_o inclination_n without_o any_o special_a and_o immediate_a motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n they_o be_v indeed_o at_o first_o regenerate_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v continual_o afterward_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o new_a nature_n it_o be_v of_o itself_o inclinable_a to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o will_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o do_v action_n answerable_a much_o less_o do_v i_o think_v that_o the_o devil_n tempt_v every_o man_n to_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o do_v or_o the_o great_a part_n when_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n and_o the_o habit_n of_o vice_n be_v grow_v strong_a and_o confirm_v the_o devil_n may_v spare_v his_o temptation_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n for_o after_o wicked_a man_n be_v wind_v up_o to_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o impiety_n they_o will_v go_v a_o great_a while_n of_o themselves_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o observation_n that_o as_o the_o apostle_n acquit_v god_n from_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o tempt_a man_n to_o sin_n so_o neither_o do_v he_o ascribe_v the_o efficacy_n and_o prevalency_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o devil_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o observation_n that_o he_o ascribe_v the_o efficacy_n and_o success_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n which_o seduce_v they_o to_o a_o consent_n and_o compliance_n with_o the_o temptation_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v aside_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v we_o have_v many_o powerful_a enemy_n but_o we_o be_v much_o more_o in_o danger_n of_o treachery_n from_o within_o than_o of_o assault_n from_o without_o all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o enemy_n can_v not_o destroy_v we_o if_o we_o be_v but_o true_a to_o ourselves_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o ascribe_v the_o efficacy_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o irregular_a desire_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o man_n rather_o than_o to_o those_o temptation_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n permit_v they_o to_o be_v assault_v with_o and_o consequent_o to_o lay_v the_o blame_n of_o man_n sin_n chief_o upon_o themselves_o and_o that_o chief_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n first_o because_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n voluntary_a second_o god_n have_v put_v it_o in_o our_o power_n to_o resist_v these_o temptation_n and_o overcome_v they_o now_o so_o far_o as_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n be_v voluntary_a it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n that_o they_o be_v seduce_v by_o they_o and_o if_o god_n have_v put_v it_o in_o our_o power_n to_o resist_v and_o overcome_v temptation_n we_o may_v blame_v ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v overcome_v and_o foil_v by_o they_o first_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n voluntary_a by_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v their_o irregular_a desire_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v very_o much_o corrupt_v and_o degenerate_v from_o its_o primitive_a integrity_n and_o perfectionâ—_n but_o we_o who_o be_v christian_n have_v receive_v that_o grace_n in_o baptism_n whereby_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o far_o heal_v as_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o and_o do_v not_o neglect_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o we_o we_o may_v mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o live_v a_o new_a life_n so_o that_o if_o our_o lust_n remain_v unmortified_a we_o ourselves_o be_v in_o fault_n much_o more_o if_o they_o gain_v new_a strength_n and_o proceed_v to_o habit_n for_o this_o can_v not_o be_v if_o we_o do_v not_o after_o we_o come_v to_o age_n and_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v between_o and_o to_o choose_v good_a and_o evil_n voluntary_o consent_v to_o iniquity_n and_o by_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a practice_n of_o know_a sin_n improve_v the_o evil_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n into_o vicious_a habit_n but_o if_o instead_o of_o mortify_v and_o subdue_a the_o evil_a propension_n of_o our_o nature_n which_o be_v no_o very_o difficult_a work_n to_o most_o person_n if_o they_o begin_v it_o betimes_o we_o will_v cherish_v and_o give_v new_a life_n and_o power_n to_o they_o we_o forfeit_v the_o grace_n which_o we_o receive_v in_o baptism_n and_o bring_v ourselves_o again_o under_o the_o power_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o our_o lust_n seduce_v we_o and_o make_v we_o ready_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n nay_o and_o after_o this_o it_o be_v still_o our_o own_o fault_n if_o we_o do_v not_o mortify_v our_o lust_n for_o if_o we_o will_v hearken_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o obey_v his_o call_n to_o repentance_n and_o sincere_o beg_v his_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v yet_o recover_v ourselves_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n mortify_v the_o lâ—sts_n of_o the_o flesh_n for_o though_o we_o have_v leave_v god_n he_o have_v not_o quite_o forsake_v we_o but_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v his_o grace_n again_o to_o we_o though_o we_o have_v neglect_v and_o abuse_v it_o and_o to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o though_o they_o have_v forfeit_v it_o so_o that_o though_o our_o lust_n spring_n from_o something_o which_o be_v natural_a yet_o that_o they_o live_v and_o have_v dominion_n over_o we_o be_v voluntary_a because_o we_o â—ight_a remedy_n it_o if_o we_o will_v and_o make_v use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n offer_v to_o we_o second_o god_n have_v put_v it_o in_o our_o power_n to_o resist_v these_o temptation_n and_o overcome_v they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o we_o yield_v to_o they_o and_o be_v overcome_v by_o they_o it_o be_v natural_o in_o our_o power_n to_o resist_v maâ—y_v sort_n of_o temptation_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o we_o do_v not_o neglect_v it_o and_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ouâ—_n self_n put_v it_o into_o our_o power_n to_o resist_v any_o temptation_n that_o may_v happen_v to_o we_o first_o it_o be_v natural_o in_o our_o power_n to_o resist_v many_o sort_n of_o temptation_n if_o we_o do_v but_o make_v use_n of_o our_o natural_a reason_n and_o those_o consideration_n which_o be_v common_a and_o obvious_a to_o man_n we_o may_v easy_o resist_v the_o temptation_n to_o a_o great_a many_o sin_n some_o sin_n be_v so_o horrid_a in_o their_o nature_n that_o when_o we_o have_v the_o strong_a temptatioâ—s_n to_o they_o we_o can_v but_o have_v a_o natural_a aversion_n from_o they_o as_o deliberate_a murder_n the_o danger_n and_o guilt_n whereof_o be_v both_o so_o great_a as_o make_v it_o easy_a for_o any_o considerate_a man_n to_o resist_v the_o strong_a temptation_n to_o it_o even_o that_o of_o revenge_n a_o plain_a act_n of_o injustice_n whether_o by_o great_a fraud_n or_o by_o down_o right_a oppression_n be_v so_o base_a and_o disgraceful_a so_o odious_a and_o abhor_a by_o humane_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o a_o man_n that_o have_v but_o a_o common_a understanding_n and_o common_a inclination_n to_o be_v honest_a to_o overcome_v the_o great_a temptation_n of_o gain_n and_o advantage_n nay_o he_o must_v offer_v
so_o with_o other_o nation_n neither_o have_v the_o heathen_a such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n law_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v very_o short_a and_o defective_a very_o weak_a and_o infectual_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o to_o raise_v man_n to_o that_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n of_o which_o humane_a nature_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v capable_a and_o therefore_o there_o want_v a_o more_o perfect_a institution_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n and_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n even_o of_o that_o divine_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o real_o to_o effect_v and_o accomplish_v that_o which_o the_o jewish_a religion_n attempt_v and_o aim_v at_o and_o be_v but_o as_o i_o may_v say_v rude_o begin_v under_o that_o imperfect_a institution_n and_o this_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n reveal_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n have_v full_o effect_v as_o will_v evident_o appear_v by_o a_o particular_a survey_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o main_a defect_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o i_o shall_v show_v to_o be_v all_o perfect_o make_v up_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n in_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o it_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n that_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o be_v mere_o external_a concern_v the_o purification_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o only_o figurative_a of_o that_o inward_a purity_n and_o real_a righteousness_n which_o render_v man_n true_o good_a and_o like_a to_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o jewish_a institution_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o law_n of_o a_o carnal_a commandment_n heb._n 7._o 16_o and_o ch._n 9_o 10_o be_v say_v to_o consist_v only_o that_o be_v chief_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o divers_a wash_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n impose_v on_o they_o until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n that_o be_v till_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o give_v such_o law_n as_o shall_v real_o tend_v to_o reform_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o these_o law_n and_o ordinance_n be_v call_v poor_a pitiful_a element_n and_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n fit_v rather_o for_o child_n in_o understanding_n and_o goodness_n than_o to_o bring_v man_n to_o any_o maturity_n and_o perfection_n in_o goodness_n all_o their_o rite_n of_o purification_n do_v only_o sanctify_v to_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o do_v not_o purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n speak_v ch._n 9_o 13_o 14._o they_o can_v not_o make_v those_o that_o perform_v and_o observe_v they_o perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n v_o 9_o that_o be_v these_o law_n have_v no_o effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o make_v they_o real_o better_a to_o cure_v they_o of_o their_o moral_a defect_n and_o impurity_n their_o sin_n and_o vice_n but_o the_o christian_a institution_n do_v perfect_o supply_v this_o defect_n by_o take_v we_o off_o from_o those_o carnal_a and_o external_n observance_n and_o principal_o require_v that_o we_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n by_o give_v we_o such_o law_n as_o whole_o tend_v to_o advance_v real_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n such_o as_o main_o tend_v to_o reform_v the_o mind_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o to_o make_v we_o like_a to_o that_o holy_a and_o perfect_a be_v who_o we_o worship_v and_o beside_o a_o external_a humble_a and_o reverend_a demeanour_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o natural_a religion_n do_v likewise_o direct_a christianity_n have_v only_o institute_v two_o solemn_a external_n rite_n viz._n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o we_o solemn_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n i_o say_v only_o these_o two_o that_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o external_a observance_n christian_n may_v not_o be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o real_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v extreme_o abate_v and_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o christianity_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n by_o amuse_v they_o with_o external_n rite_n which_o they_o have_v multiply_v to_o that_o excessive_a degree_n as_o to_o make_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n real_o heavy_a than_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o more_o external_a and_o carnal_a commandment_n than_o that_o of_o the_o law_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n have_v divert_v and_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o the_o main_a design_n of_o christianity_n insomuch_o that_o they_o be_v so_o employ_v and_o take_v up_o with_o matter_n of_o external_a ceremony_n that_o they_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o think_v of_o be_v good_a man_n and_o to_o mind_v the_o great_a and_o substantial_a duty_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n so_o that_o they_o have_v spoil_v the_o christian_a religion_n of_o one_o of_o its_o chief_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n i_o mean_v the_o simplicity_n of_o its_o worship_n which_o they_o have_v now_o encumber_a with_o so_o many_o foolish_a and_o frivolous_a rite_n and_o observance_n as_o do_v not_o only_o render_v it_o more_o burdensome_a but_o less_o apt_a to_o make_v man_n inward_o and_o substantial_o good_a than_o even_o judaisme_n itself_o this_o be_v so_o true_a and_o so_o visible_a that_o the_o wise_a and_o better_a sort_n of_o they_o have_v complain_v of_o it_o for_o several_a age_n and_o still_o do_v as_o much_o as_o they_o dare_v for_o fear_v of_o the_o inquisition_n or_o some_o other_o censure_n second_o another_o defect_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v encouragement_n enough_o to_o repentance_n by_o declare_v and_o assure_v to_o we_o any_o certain_a way_n and_o method_n for_o the_o expiation_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n this_o the_o rite_n of_o all_o religion_n aim_v at_o and_o pretend_v to_o but_o be_v very_o ineffectual_a to_o that_o end_n the_o heathen_a sacrifice_n and_o all_o the_o cruel_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n belong_v to_o they_o do_v all_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o many_o way_n of_o appease_v the_o offend_a deity_n and_o of_o make_v atonement_n and_o expiation_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o make_v a_o external_a and_o legal_a expiation_n and_o to_o be_v type_n and_o shadow_n of_o a_o better_a and_o more_o perfect_a sacrifice_n which_o shall_v real_o expiate_v sin_n but_o even_o this_o be_v very_o dark_o and_o imperfect_o discover_v to_o they_o beside_o that_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o law_n do_v only_o extend_v to_o the_o least_o sort_n of_o sin_n those_o of_o ignorance_n and_o inadvertency_n but_o not_o at_o all_o to_o presumptuous_a sin_n and_o such_o as_o be_v commit_v with_o a_o high_a hand_n not_o to_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n except_o in_o some_o very_a few_o and_o rare_a case_n particular_o mention_v in_o the_o law_n so_o that_o though_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o religious_a rite_n both_o of_o the_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a religion_n aim_v at_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n yet_o be_v they_o real_o ineffectual_a to_o that_o end_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n mankind_n though_o they_o conceive_v good_a hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n in_o case_n of_o repentance_n who_o can_v tell_v if_o god_n will_v turn_v and_o repent_v and_o turn_v away_o from_o his_o anger_n yet_o they_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o any_o certain_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o that_o purpose_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o this_o great_a blessing_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v never_o sufficient_o declare_v and_o assure_v to_o mankind_n but_o through_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n so_o st._n paul_n express_o assert_n act_n 13._o 38_o 39_o be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o therefore_o man_n and_o brethren_n that_o through_o this_o man_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o you_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o gospel_n have_v provide_v a_o expiation_n for_o all_o sin_n in_o general_a and_o that_o by_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o inestimable_a value_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o repentance_n and_o one_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o their_o sin_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v indemnify_v for_o what_o be_v past_a and_o this_o the_o apostle_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v gal._n 3._o 13._o that_o
christ_n have_v redeem_v we_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o we_o that_o be_v whereas_o the_o law_n leave_v sinner_n as_o to_o those_o sin_n which_o stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o pardon_n under_o a_o curse_n have_v provide_v no_o expiation_n for_o they_o christ_n have_v redeem_v they_o from_o that_o curse_n by_o make_v a_o general_a expiation_n for_o sin_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v ch._n 9_o 15._o that_o christ_n die_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o transgression_n that_o be_v under_o the_o first_o covenant_n that_o be_v for_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n have_v provide_v no_o way_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o therefore_o st._n john_n say_v emphatical_o 1_o joh._n 1._o 7._o that_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n three_o the_o law_n do_v not_o afford_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o certain_a rule_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n as_o the_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n grow_v worse_a so_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n wax_v dimmer_v and_o dimmer_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v more_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a and_o that_o in_o very_o considerable_a instance_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o even_o to_o they_o who_o only_o have_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o give_v clear_a and_o perfect_a light_n and_o direction_n as_o to_o moral_a duty_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a reason_n and_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n explain_v it_o to_o a_o great_a perfection_n than_o it_o be_v understand_v to_o have_v among_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o intend_v and_o have_v not_o only_o forbid_v several_a thing_n permit_v by_o that_o law_n as_o divorce_n and_o retaliation_n of_o injury_n but_o have_v heighten_v our_o duty_n in_o several_a instance_n of_o it_o require_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o to_o forgive_v the_o great_a injury_n and_o provocation_n though_o never_o so_o often_o repeat_v and_o not_o only_o not_o to_o revenge_v they_o but_o to_o requite_v they_o with_o good_a turn_n which_o be_v not_o understand_v by_o mankind_n to_o be_v law_n before_o but_o yet_o when_o due_o consider_v be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o bâ—st_a men._n so_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n â—ath_v not_o only_o fix_v and_o determine_v our_o duty_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o great_a certainty_n but_o have_v raise_v it_o to_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o render_v it_o every_o way_n fit_a to_o bring_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o more_o divine_a temper_n and_o a_o more_o reasonable_a and_o perfect_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n than_o ever_o the_o world_n be_v instruct_v in_o before_o four_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n be_v only_o of_o temporal_a good_a and_o evil_a thing_n which_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o endless_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o very_o languid_a and_o faint_a motive_n to_o obedience_n not_o but_o that_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n have_v such_o apprehension_n of_o their_o own_o immortality_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n after_o this_o life_n as_o natural_a light_n suggest_v to_o they_o which_o be_v in_o most_o but_o a_o waver_a and_o uncertain_a persuasion_n and_o consequent_o of_o small_a efficacy_n to_o engage_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n but_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n add_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o clearness_n of_o those_o natural_a notion_n concern_v a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o strengthen_n of_o this_o persuasion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o do_v rather_o suppose_v it_o than_o give_v any_o new_a force_n and_o life_n to_o it_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n more_o particular_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n be_v but_o weak_a to_o make_v man_n good_a because_o it_o do_v not_o work_v strong_o enough_o upon_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n by_o the_o weight_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o its_o threaten_n and_o that_o for_o this_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o it_o it_o be_v remove_v and_o a_o more_o powerful_a and_o awaken_n dispensation_n bring_v in_o in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o heb._n 7._o 18_o 19_o for_o there_o be_v very_o a_o disannul_n of_o the_o commandment_n that_o be_v before_o that_o be_v of_o the_o jewish_a law_n for_o the_o weakness_n and_o unprofitableness_n thereof_o for_o the_o law_n make_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o better_a hope_n do_v that_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o promise_v eternal_a life_n and_o ch._n 8._o 6._o for_o this_o reason_n more_o especial_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o christ_n have_v obtain_v a_o more_o excellent_a ministry_n be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n which_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n and_o rom._n 1._o 16_o 18._o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n because_o therein_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o men._n the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o gospel_n so_o proper_a and_o so_o powerful_a a_o instrument_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o men._n the_o great_a impiety_n of_o mankind_n and_o their_o impenitency_n in_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o before_o while_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n ignorant_a of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v say_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o overlook_v it_o but_o now_o he_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a act_v 17._o 30_o 31._o the_o clear_a discovery_n and_o perfect_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n call_v loud_o upon_o all_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n five_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n have_v no_o spiritual_a promise_n contain_v in_o it_o of_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o mortify_n of_o sin_n and_o enable_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n and_o support_v they_o under_o suffering_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o clear_a and_o express_v promise_n to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o luke_n 11._o 13._o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v actual_o confer_v upon_o all_o true_a christian_n those_o who_o do_v sincere_o embrace_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n rom._n 8._o 9_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o hence_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n v_o 2d_o of_o that_o chap._n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o in_o the_o next_o word_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o herein_o manifest_o appear_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o law_n that_o it_o leave_v man_n destitute_a of_o this_o mighty_a help_n and_o advantage_n at_o least_o as_o to_o any_o special_a promise_n of_o it_o what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v in_o that_o it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n and_o by_o make_v he_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n condemn_a sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v that_o that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o law_n aim_v at_o and_o signify_v but_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o effect_v may_v be_v real_o accomplish_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v who_o be_v act_v and_o assist_v by_o a_o high_a and_o better_a principle_n than_o man_n either_o have_v in_o nature_n or_o the_o carnal_a dispesnation_n of_o the_o law_n do_v endow_v man_n withal_o and_o because_o of_o this_o great_a defect_n the_o law_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o bondage_n and_o servitude_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a
the_o gospel_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o mighty_a advantage_n be_v call_v a_o state_n of_o adoption_n and_o liberty_n ver_fw-la 15._o for_o you_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n father_n and_o 2_o cor._n 3._o 17._o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v there_o be_v liberty_n and_o to_o this_o very_a thing_n st._n paul_n appeal_v as_o that_o whereby_o man_n may_v judge_v whether_o the_o law_n or_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o more_o excellent_a and_o powerful_a dispensation_n gal._n 3._o 2._o this_o only_a will_v i_o learn_v of_o you_o receive_v you_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 as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v let_v this_o one_o thing_n determine_v that_o whole_a matter_n be_v you_o make_v partaker_n of_o this_o great_a privilege_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o spirit_n while_o you_o be_v of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n or_o since_o you_o become_v christian_n and_o ver_fw-la 14._o he_o call_v it_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n that_o be_v the_o blessing_n promise_v to_o all_o nation_n by_o abraham_n seed_n namely_o the_o mâ—ssias_n that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n may_v come_v on_o the_o gentile_n through_o jesus_n christâ—_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o faith_n and_o then_o for_o the_o support_v we_o under_o affliction_n the_o gospel_n promise_v a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o godâ—s_n holy_a spirit_n to_o we_o 1_o pet._n 4._o 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n re_v upon_o you_o but_o be_v theâ—e_n no_o good_a man_n undeâ—_n the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n yes_o certain_o there_o be_v and_o they_o be_v so_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n but_o â—hen_o this_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n but_o not_o of_o any_o special_a promise_n contain_v in_o that_o covenant_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o be_v confer_v on_o all_o those_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o but_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o the_o law_n be_v callâ—d_v a_o dead_a letter_n the_o oldness_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o letter_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n lay_v special_a weight_n upon_o as_o a_o main_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o covenant_n that_o the_o first_o give_v a_o external_a law_n but_o the_o new_a covenant_n offer_v inward_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v man_n to_o obedience_n and_o have_v a_o inward_a and_o powerful_a efficacy_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n accompany_v the_o ministration_n of_o it_o heb._n 8._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o for_o if_o that_o first_o covenant_n have_v be_v faultless_a then_o shall_v no_o place_n have_v be_v seek_v for_o the_o second_o for_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o he_o say_v behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n when_o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o with_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o i_o make_v with_o their_o father_n etc._n etc._n for_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n which_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o of_o this_o inward_a grace_n and_o assistance_n we_o be_v further_o secure_v by_o the_o powerful_a and_o prevalent_a and_o perpetual_a intercession_n of_o our_o highpriest_n for_o sinner_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n not_o like_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n who_o be_v sinner_n themselves_o be_v less_o fit_a to_o intercede_v for_o other_o but_o we_o have_v a_o highpriest_n that_o be_v holy_a harmless_a undefiled_a and_o separate_v from_o sinner_n who_o by_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o without_o spot_n to_o god_n to_o purchase_v for_o we_o those_o blessing_n which_o he_o intercede_v for_o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n be_v intercessor_n upon_o earth_n but_o christ_n be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n itself_o now_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o heb._n 9_o 24._o the_o priest_n under_o the_o law_n be_v remove_v from_o this_o office_n by_o death_n but_o christ_n because_o he_o continue_v for_o ever_o have_v a_o unchangeable_a priesthood_n and_o be_v a_o everlasting_a advocate_n and_o intercessor_n for_o we_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o most_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n continual_o present_v to_o his_o father_n where_o he_o be_v always_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n to_o present_v our_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o to_o obtain_v pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n and_o by_o his_o intercession_n in_o heaven_n to_o procure_v all_o those_o blessing_n to_o be_v actual_o confer_v upon_o we_o which_o he_o purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n upon_o earth_n wherefore_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o utmost_a all_o those_o that_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o see_v he_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 7._o 25._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o as_o well_o i_o can_v show_v how_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v supply_v all_o the_o weakness_n and_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o consequent_o do_v in_o no_o wise_n contradict_v or_o interfeer_v with_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o have_v perfect_v and_o make_v up_o whatever_o be_v weak_a or_o want_v in_o that_o institution_n to_o make_v man_n true_o good_a or_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n to_o bring_v in_o everlasting_a righteousness_n that_o be_v to_o clear_v and_o confirm_v those_o law_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o indispensible_a and_o eternal_a obligation_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_v and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v every_o way_n fit_v to_o advance_v righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o to_o make_v we_o as_o excellent_o good_a as_o this_o imperfect_a state_n of_o mortality_n will_v admit_v since_o it_o have_v many_o advantage_n incomparable_o beyond_o any_o religion_n or_o institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o law_n and_o the_o force_n of_o its_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o encouragement_n which_o it_o give_v and_o the_o example_n which_o it_o set_v before_o we_o and_o the_o powerful_a assistance_n which_o it_o offer_v to_o we_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o cleanâ—e_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n what_o a_o shame_n be_v this_o to_o we_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o excellent_a institution_n if_o the_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o tenor_n of_o our_o conversation_n be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n answerable_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a help_n and_o advantage_n we_o have_v of_o be_v good_a the_o great_a thing_n may_v just_o be_v expect_v from_o we_o for_o to_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v christianity_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n by_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n by_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o by_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n fidelity_n meekness_n and_o temperance_n the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o barren_a and_o ineffectual_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o mere_a embrace_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o and_o rely_v upon_o christ_n for_o salvation_n in_o a_o faith_n without_o work_n which_o be_v dead_a but_o in_o a_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n in_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o in_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n speak_v on_o this_o wise_a this_o be_v his_o commandment_n that_o we_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o name_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o love_v one_o another_o as_o he_o give_v we_o commandment_n 1_o john_n 3._o 23._o and_o this_o commandment_n have_v we_o from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o 1_o john_n 4._o 21._o that_o we_o approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v