your_o thought_n in_o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o this_o righteousness_n of_o christ._n i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o say_v as_o too_o too_o many_o do_v and_o may_v be_v they_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o they_o say_v if_o so_o they_o do_v not_o say_v all_o the_o truth_n how_o many_o real_a believer_n have_v i_o hear_v say_v christ_n will_v cover_v the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n and_o so_o think_v they_o speak_v all_o the_o truth_n but_o they_o must_v mean_v something_o beyond_o all_o this_o or_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v right_a for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n do_v not_o only_o cover_v all_o the_o defect_n of_o your_o own_o righteousness_n but_o cover_v your_o very_a righteousness_n itself_o which_o must_v never_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o argument_n why_o god_n shall_v justify_v you_o must_v not_o be_v find_v in_o your_o own_o righteousness_n not_o have_v my_o own_o righteousness_n say_v paul_n phil._n 3._o 9_o that_o be_v not_o have_v it_o on_o faith_n in_o christ_n do_v strip_v a_o man_n of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n do_v not_o only_o speak_v comfortable_o as_o to_o the_o pardon_n of_o all_o the_o defect_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n but_o take_v it_o in_o its_o best_a state_n and_o high_a degree_n as_o far_o as_o our_o righteousness_n can_v reach_v it_o must_v be_v cover_v when_o we_o come_v to_o god_n for_o justification_n there_o be_v two_o season_n when_o christ_n present_v we_o to_o the_o father_n the_o one_o for_o justification_n the_o other_o for_o glorification_n when_o he_o do_v the_o first_o he_o present_v we_o sinner_n lie_v in_o our_o blood_n as_o have_v no_o righteousness_n of_o our_o own_o but_o what_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o by_o god_n and_o then_o for_o glorification_n he_o present_v we_o perfect_o holy_a inherent_o holy_a without_o any_o spot_n or_o blemish_n upon_o we_o and_o this_o he_o do_v with_o exceed_v great_a joy_n so_o that_o when_o you_o will_v make_v use_n of_o christ_n for_o justification_n remember_v to_o cover_v all_o your_o own_o righteousness_n and_o put_v it_o quite_o off_o as_o to_o any_o trust_n or_o confidence_n in_o it_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o do_v righteousness_n and_o not_o to_o be_v proud_a of_o it_o conceive_v we_o merit_v something_o by_o it_o you_o must_v be_v worker_n of_o righteousness_n but_o not_o wearer_n of_o your_o own_o righteousness_n when_o you_o stand_v before_o god_n for_o justification_n take_v heed_n of_o have_v it_o or_o be_v find_v in_o it_o nothing_o can_v make_v a_o man_n see_v the_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o his_o own_o performance_n but_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o faith_n that_o humble_v he_o and_o empty_v he_o send_v he_o strip_v and_o naked_a unto_o christ_n to_o cover_v he_o with_o the_o unspotted_a robe_n of_o his_o perfect_a righteousness_n last_o the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o regeneration_n be_v adoption_n you_o see_v i_o have_v be_v compare_v regeneration_n with_o other_o great_a gospel_n truth_n that_o i_o may_v find_v out_o the_o proper_a place_n for_o it_o and_o see_v what_o relation_n it_o stand_v in_o to_o all_o the_o other_o part_n and_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o divinity_n i_o say_v therefore_o the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o regeneration_n be_v adoption_n be_v bear_v of_o man_n we_o become_v the_o child_n of_o man_n so_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n we_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n adoption_n and_o birth_n go_v together_o here_o he_o that_o beget_v adopt_v those_o who_o he_o have_v beget_v it_o be_v not_o so_o among_o man_n for_o this_o be_v another_o peculiar_a property_n of_o regeneration_n they_o who_o have_v power_n to_o become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n they_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n adopt_v and_o yet_o bear_v bear_v and_o yet_o adopt_v so_o that_o it_o please_v god_n the_o father_n by_o all_o the_o way_n of_o nature_n of_o art_n of_o civil_a custom_n among_o man_n to_o set_v forth_o his_o love_n by_o a_o natural_a generation_n or_o be_v bear_v it_o be_v a_o natural_a thing_n among_o man_n to_o be_v bear_v but_o adoption_n be_v a_o civil_a institute_v thing_n a_o thing_n of_o prudence_n and_o custom_n among_o man_n it_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o man_n you_o know_v how_o fond_a man_n be_v of_o those_o they_o have_v adopt_a it_o be_v next_o to_o the_o natural_a affection_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o child_n of_o their_o own_o body_n so_o that_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v much_o of_o mystery_n in_o this_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n almost_o but_o live_v in_o some_o hope_n of_o go_v to_o heaven_n when_o he_o die_v yet_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n carry_v themselves_o so_o as_o if_o they_o will_v only_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v they_o shall_v be_v save_v not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v under_o any_o real_a hope_n or_o expectation_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n nothing_o of_o this_o appear_v by_o any_o serious_a preparation_n they_o make_v for_o heaven_n or_o glory_n but_o let_v their_o hope_n be_v what_o they_o will_v except_o a_o man_n he_o bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god._n thus_o much_o in_o general_n i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o particular_n and_o cast_v all_o i_o have_v further_o to_o say_v upon_o this_o text_n under_o these_o follow_a head_n viz._n 1._o the_o author_n of_o regeneration_n 2._o the_o subject_n of_o regeneration_n 3._o the_o mean_n of_o regeneration_n 4._o the_o manner_n of_o regeneration_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v and_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o soul._n 5._o the_o time_n of_o regeneration_n 6._o the_o end_n of_o regeneration_n 7._o the_o scripture-mark_n and_o sign_n of_o regeneration_n 8._o the_o application_n of_o the_o whole_a 1._o the_o author_n of_o regeneration_n viz._n god._n 1_o joh._n 5._o 18._o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v beget_v of_o god_n bear_v of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v sometime_o ascribe_v to_o the_o father_n sometime_o to_o god_n the_o son_n sometime_o to_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n be_v concern_v in_o man_n regeneration_n god_n the_o father_n be_v say_v to_o beget_v we_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 3_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n eph._n 2._o 10._o to_o be_v in_o he_o even_o in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 20._o to_o be_v bear_v os_fw-la the_o spirit_n joh._n 3._o 5._o all_o the_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n have_v a_o joint_a agency_n in_o this_o work_n of_o our_o regeneration_n etc._n etc._n page_n 1_o and_o great_a be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o three_o such_o concur_v total_a cause_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n this_o be_v above_o all_o our_o logic_n and_o philosophy_n which_o own_v no_o such_o cause_n god_n be_v wonderful_a in_o counsel_n and_o excellent_a in_o work_v isa._n 28._o 29._o we_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n as_o clay_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o potter_n jer._n 18_o 6._o he_o can_v make_v we_o vessel_n of_o honour_n if_o he_o please_v and_o this_o honour_n have_v all_o his_o saint_n his_o excellent_a one_o in_o who_o he_o delight_v the_o move_a cause_n be_v god_n mere_a good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n james_n 1._o 18._o his_o abundant_a mercy_n and_o love_a kindness_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 3_o tit._n 3._o 4_o 5._o ephes._n 2._o 4_o 5._o we_o shall_v be_v much_o affect_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o regeneration_n god_n stand_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o father_n to_o all_o who_o be_v beget_v by_o he_o 1._o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n psal._n 2._o 7._o who_o generation_n be_v eternal_a who_o can_v declare_v it_o isa._n 53._o 8._o it_o be_v the_o profound_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n ground_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n 2._o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n who_o be_v spiritual_o bear_v of_o his_o will_n at_o the_o time_n appoint_v of_o the_o father_n for_o their_o effectual_a call_v it_o be_v term_v a_o call_v because_o they_o be_v beget_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o their_o heart_n by_o it_o and_o so_o turn_v they_o to_o himself_o god_n be_v the_o father_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o father_n of_o believer_n john_n 20._o 17._o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n upon_o these_o account_n it_o be_v that_o god_n glory_v so_o much_o in_o his_o own_o paternity_n not_o only_o in_o relation_n to_o christ_n his_o eternal_a son_n who_o be_v god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n but_o also_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o saint_n who_o be_v his_o trueborn_a child_n through_o christ._n see_v a_o instance_n of_o both_o 1._o in_o reference_n to_o christ_n heb._n 1_o 5._o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o let_v all_o the_o angel_n of_o
god_n worship_v he_o thy_o throne_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o sit_v on_o my_o right_a hand_n until_o i_o make_v thy_o enemy_n thy_o footstool_n so_o psal._n 2._o 6_o 7_o 8._o thus_o be_v this_o great_a man_n this_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a bring_v into_o heaven_n in_o state_n and_o triumph_n at_o his_o resurrection_n 2._o in_o reference_n to_o the_o saint_n jer._n 31_o 9_o i_o be_o a_o father_n to_o israel_n and_o ephraim_n be_v my_o first-born_a so_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 18._o i_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n almighty_n though_o god_n do_v great_o delight_v in_o his_o belove_a son_n love_v to_o see_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n shine_v out_o in_o christ_n the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n yet_o next_o to_o his_o own_o image_n in_o christ_n he_o love_v to_o behold_v the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n in_o the_o saint_n and_o therefore_o have_v predestinate_v they_o to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n rom._n 8._o 29._o christ_n indeed_o be_v the_o first-born_a but_o many_o brethren_n be_v to_o follow_v rom._n 8._o 29._o to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o phrase_n be_v act_v 5._o 14._o god_n love_v to_o see_v the_o number_n of_o his_o child_n increase_n to_o see_v his_o family_n enlarge_v under_o this_o consideration_n paul_n bow_v his_o knee_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n of_o who_o the_o whole_a family_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v name_v ephes._n 3._o 14_o 15._o with_o what_o reverence_n do_v paul_n draw_v nigh_o to_o this_o great_a father_n i_o tell_v you_o but_o now_o that_o god_n glory_n in_o christ_n his_o first_o beget_v son_n you_o hear_v in_o what_o triumph_n the_o great_a man_n jesus_n christ_n be_v bring_v into_o heaven_n how_o god_n welcome_v he_o to_o glory_n so_o there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n at_o the_o regeneration_n of_o a_o sinner_n angel_n rejoice_v god_n rejoice_v this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v such_o and_o such_o oh_o that_o there_o may_v be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n upon_o this_o account_n this_o day_n that_o it_o may_v be_v note_v down_o above_o that_o this_o and_o that_o man_n be_v bear_v here_o i_o will_v show_v you_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o glory_v of_o this_o great_a satisfaction_n that_o god_n have_v in_o his_o child_n though_o christ_n be_v anoint_v above_o his_o fellow_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o anoint_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o saint_n the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v in_o none_o but_o christ_n yet_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n be_v in_o all_o the_o saint_n ephes._n 3._o 19_o they_o be_v not_o shut_v out_o from_o any_o of_o the_o communicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n but_o have_v their_o share_n of_o all_o that_o be_v in_o he_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n as_o creature_n cast_v a_o empty_a barrel_n into_o the_o sea_n all_o the_o sea_n be_v not_o in_o the_o barrel_n but_o the_o barrel_n be_v in_o all_o the_o sea_n the_o sea_n run_v under_o it_o over_o it_o on_o every_o side_n of_o it_o thus_o be_v we_o swallow_v up_o in_o god._n he_o comprehend_v we_o though_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v he_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o infinite_a capacity_n and_o therefore_o be_v perfect_o justify_v by_o the_o infinite_a merit_n of_o his_o perfect_a righteousness_n impute_v to_o we_o but_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o according_a to_o our_o finite_a weak_a capacity_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v but_o imperfect_o sanctify_v we_o have_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v and_o no_o more_o at_o present_a till_o our_o heart_n be_v far_o enlarge_v thus_o you_o see_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n how_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o god_n glory_n in_o this_o and_o have_v not_o the_o saint_n reason_n to_o glory_n in_o it_o also_o but_o alas_o how_o do_v man_n please_v themselves_o with_o their_o rich_a relation_n great_a family_n they_o be_v noble_o descend_v but_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o all_o nation_n be_v of_o one_o blood_n and_o that_o be_v taint_v too_o we_o be_v a_o seed_n of_o evil-doer_n there_o be_v no_o noble_a blood_n run_v in_o your_o vein_n till_o you_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n it_o be_v regeneration_n only_o that_o make_v you_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o the_o most_o high_a than_o you_o be_v high_a bear_v indeed_o to_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o a_o holy_a ambition_n after_o this_o new_a birth_n do_v but_o consider_v the_o father_n of_o the_o family_n the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n bless_v for_o ever_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n consider_v christ_n the_o elder_a brother_n of_o the_o family_n rom._n 9_o 5._o he_o be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o his_o name_n be_v wonderful_a counsellor_n the_o mighty_a god_n the_o everlasting_a father_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n isa._n 9_o 6_o 7._o you_o see_v how_o the_o dignity_n and_o majesty_n of_o his_o person_n be_v describe_v 3._o consider_v the_o many_o privilege_n that_o be_v entail_v upon_o newborn_a soul_n heir_n of_o god_n joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n you_o be_v bear_v to_o nothing_o but_o woe_n and_o misery_n till_o you_o be_v bear_v again_o how_o shall_v we_o long_o to_o be_v relate_v to_o such_o a_o father_n to_o such_o a_o brother_n to_o such_o a_o inheritance_n i_o insist_v the_o more_o upon_o this_o because_o i_o be_o persuade_v discourse_n of_o your_o heavenly_a father_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o please_v to_o you_o who_o be_v his_o child_n who_o shall_v child_n hear_v of_o with_o more_o delight_n than_o of_o their_o father_n that_o beget_v they_o be_v not_o cast_v down_o at_o any_o thing_n that_o offend_v you_o here_o below_o you_o have_v a_o father_n in_o heaven_n who_o take_v care_n of_o you_o numbers_z the_o hair_n of_o your_o head_n will_v interest_n himself_o in_o your_o small_a concern_v and_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o you_o we_o may_v notional_o and_o according_a to_o the_o letter_n speak_v what_o we_o read_v and_o hear_v of_o regeneration_n and_o be_v little_o affect_v but_o when_o once_o the_o new_a nature_n begin_v to_o stir_v when_o a_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n begin_v to_o breathe_v in_o we_o it_o will_v carry_v we_o out_o by_o a_o secret_a instinct_n to_o god_n as_o to_o a_o father_n nature_n work_v powerful_o we_o say_v love_n descend_v more_o strong_o than_o it_o ascend_v so_o it_o be_v here_o god_n love_v his_o child_n better_a than_o they_o can_v love_v he_o this_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a strength_n in_o the_o natural_a affection_n of_o ingenuous_a child_n towards_o their_o parent_n the_o truth_n be_v nothing_o do_v more_o ennoble_v our_o mind_n raise_v our_o spirit_n to_o a_o true_a christian_a magnanimity_n nothing_o do_v more_o uphold_a and_o encourage_v we_o in_o our_o way_n more_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o prayer_n than_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o god_n as_o our_o father_n in_o christ_n jesus_n see_v how_o christ_n hang_v upon_o this_o word_n father_n in_o his_o prayer_n john_n 17._o father_n father_n oh_o father_n holy_a father_n oh_o righteous_a father_n we_o shall_v eye_v nothing_o more_o in_o prayer_n than_o our_o relation_n to_o god_n as_o a_o father_n how_o can_v a_o unregenerate_a man_n say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n alas_o thou_o have_v never_o a_o father_n in_o heaven_n thou_o be_v a_o child_n of_o wrath_n a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n though_o some_o unregenerate_a person_n may_v be_v within_o the_o election_n of_o god_n yet_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o they_o according_a to_o their_o present_a state_n call_v they_o alien_n stranger_n foreigner_n can_v we_o conceive_v aright_o of_o our_o covenant-relation_n to_o god_n and_o keep_v our_o thought_n work_v upon_o it_o it_o will_v afford_v a_o argument_n to_o we_o where_o all_o other_o argument_n fail_v as_o isa._n 63._o 16._o doubtless_o thou_o be_v our_o father_n it_o can_v be_v that_o our_o heavenly_a father_n shall_v forget_v we_o a_o mother_n may_v forget_v her_o child_n but_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o full_a of_o compassion_n psal._n 145._o 8._o there_o be_v a_o great_a fullness_n of_o compassion_n in_o our_o heavenly_a father_n than_o in_o our_o natural_a parent_n they_o can_v do_v and_o will_v do_v what_o god_n can_v do_v because_o he_o will_v not_o since_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v so_o great_a how_o shall_v we_o long_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o spirit_n joh._n 3._o 6._o to_o be_v a_o new_a lump_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 7._o
among_o grow_v person_n if_o you_o take_v the_o day_n of_o conversion_n more_o large_o as_o the_o scripture_n often_o do_v for_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n for_o the_o day_n of_o their_o outward_a calling_n general_o term_v the_o day_n of_o grace_n i._n e._n of_o outward_a grace_n so_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o conversion_n they_o be_v bring_v home_o to_o christ_n within_o that_o time_n or_o never_o though_o they_o do_v not_o all_o come_v in_o at_o the_o same_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n but_o more_o of_o this_o by_o and_o by_o when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o our_o regeneration_n which_o to_o avoid_v all_o coincidence_n of_o matter_n i_o shall_v comprehend_v under_o this_o head_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o regeneration_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o some_o light_n into_o we_o may_v know_v something_o of_o it_o the_o manner_n of_o regeneration_n one_a that_o a_o marvellous_a work_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o upon_o we_o we_o see_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o what_o we_o now_o be_v and_o what_o we_o former_o be_v even_o in_o our_o own_o remembrance_n 25._o whereas_o i_o be_v blind_a now_o i_o see_v 11._o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v remember_v that_o you_o be_v in_o time_n pass_v gentile_n in_o the_o flesh_n 3_o but_o now_o in_o christ_n jesus_n 9_o call_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n this_o be_v something_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o regeneration_n which_o all_o saint_n have_v some_o experience_n of_o the_o change_n be_v so_o great_a so_o universal_a in_o every_o part_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n 17._o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a that_o it_o can_v be_v altogether_o hide_v from_o a_o consider_v christian_a he_o can_v resolve_v the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o into_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v his_o do_n wonderful_a in_o our_o eye_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n know_v and_o love_v he_o that_o beget_v he_o 15._o do_v natural_o cry_v abba_n father_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n receive_v in_o regeneration_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n he_o breathe_v and_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n ever_o after_o his_o heart_n be_v instruct_v and_o quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o call_v god_n father_n 16._o 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 two_o regeneration_n do_v not_o only_o show_v the_o wide_a difference_n between_o the_o two_o state_n the_o regenerate_v and_o unregenerate_v but_o it_o come_v in_o a_o different_a manner_n upon_o the_o regenerate_v themselves_o i_o say_v a_o different_a manner_n for_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n essence_n and_o principle_n in_o all_o who_o be_v regenerate_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n attend_v regeneration_n sometime_o wherein_o one_o regenerate_v person_n may_v great_o differ_v from_o another_o even_o in_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o regeneration_n e._n g._n some_o may_v be_v regenerate_v and_o convert_v into_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o their_o conversion_n than_o some_o other_o though_o as_o true_o regenerate_v as_o they_o may_v attain_v to_o all_o their_o day_n all_o in_o regeneration_n do_v receive_v one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o grace_n but_o not_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n paul_n be_v convert_v into_o a_o eminency_n in_o grace_n he_o be_v never_o a_o babe_n in_o christ_n but_o be_v bear_v a_o strong_a man_n in_o christ_n the_o very_a first_o moment_n of_o his_o conversion_n god_n have_v present_a use_n of_o paul_n he_o have_v design_v he_o for_o eminent_a service_n which_o he_o be_v immediate_o to_o enter_v upon_o and_o therefore_o god_n furnish_v he_o according_o let_v not_o weak_a saint_n question_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o regeneration_n because_o they_o be_v not_o present_o raise_v up_o to_o such_o degree_n of_o actual_a grace_n as_o they_o see_v in_o other_o another_o reason_n i_o conceive_v of_o this_o difference_n between_o saint_n and_o saint_n in_o their_o first_o conversion_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o different_a circumstance_n grace_n find_v they_o under_o in_o respect_n 1._o of_o their_o year_n 2._o of_o their_o temptation_n 3._o of_o their_o employment_n and_o calling_n one_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o year_n some_o may_v be_v regenerate_v in_o their_o infancy_n as_o be_v at_o first_o grant_v they_o be_v capable_a only_o of_o habitual_a faith_n of_o the_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o grace_n a_o man_n be_v no_o further_o capable_a of_o grace_n than_o he_o be_v of_o reason_n it_o be_v reason_n that_o make_v a_o man_n a_o subject_n natural_o capable_a of_o grace_n and_o grace_n usual_o come_v in_o in_o a_o degree_n proportionable_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n where_o there_o be_v but_o a_o principle_n of_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v a_o principle_n of_o grace_n bring_v into_o that_o soul_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o actual_a understanding_n there_o may_v be_v actual_a faith_n proportionable_a to_o our_o actual_a understanding_n i_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o infant_n who_o be_v but_o habitual_o rational_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v but_o habitual_o gracious_a but_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o those_o who_o be_v next_o to_o infant_n new_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n some_o be_v more_o early_o convert_v than_o other_o mr._n cotton_n in_o his_o exposition_n of_o 1_o john_n 2._o 13._o say_v that_o child_n may_v act_v grace_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o act_n reason_n may_v be_v make_v to_o know_v their_o heavenly_a father_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o do_v their_o natural_a parent_n this_o be_v early_o indeed_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o so_o it_o may_v be_v only_o let_v i_o put_v in_o this_o observation_n by_o the_o way_n viz._n observe_v the_o near_a our_o second_o birth_n lie_v to_o our_o first_o the_o more_o undisernable_a it_o be_v in_o its_o first_o rise_n and_o original_n here_o grace_n seem_v to_o grow_v up_o with_o nature_n howbeit_o that_o be_v not_o first_o which_o be_v spiritual_a 46._o but_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o afterward_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a the_o apostle_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o i_o may_v as_o fit_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o spiritual_a resurrection_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o regeneration_n so_o that_o you_o see_v the_o new_a creature_n be_v still_o the_o young_a man_n if_o compare_v to_o the_o old_a man._n the_o new_a creature_n be_v of_o a_o late_a extraction_n a_o after_o birth_n or_o a_o second_o birth_n but_o every_o man_n in_o his_o own_o order_n 23._o shall_v grace_n come_v in_o with_o our_o first_o be_v the_o first_o introduction_n of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v call_v regeneration_n god_n do_v proportion_v his_o gift_n of_o actual_a and_o efficacious_a grace_n according_a to_o the_o strength_n and_o ripeness_n of_o our_o active_a faculty_n though_o all_o convert_v have_v the_o same_o principle_n of_o grace_n yet_o the_o young_a sort_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o act_v so_o distinct_o as_o other_o may_v who_o be_v of_o full_a age_n and_o have_v their_o sense_n better_o exercise_v by_o reason_n of_o use_n it_o be_v say_v of_o john_n 8._o that_o the_o child_n grow_v and_o wax_v strong_a in_o spirit_n 52._o so_o of_o christ_n himself_o though_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o internal_a habitual_a grace_n at_o his_o first_o conception_n yet_o proportionable_o to_o his_o age_n his_o grace_n do_v actual_o and_o more_o powerful_o manifest_v itself_o so_o it_o be_v with_o all_o young_a christian_n grace_n in_o the_o active_a part_n of_o it_o keep_v peace_n with_o nature_n and_o do_v not_o offer_v violence_n to_o it_o grace_n may_v elevate_v and_o quicken_v our_o rational_a faculty_n and_o bring_v they_o soon_o to_o maturity_n but_o it_o always_o take_v our_o understanding_n and_o will_v along_o with_o it_o in_o every_o act_n we_o put_v forth_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a grace_n a_o understand_a grace_n a_o wise_a grace_n there_o be_v much_o of_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o man_n rational_a soul_n go_v out_o in_o every_o act_n of_o faith._n though_o faith_n be_v above_o reason_n yet_o faith_n can_v give_v a_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v thing_n above_o reason_n and_o so_o one_o way_n or_o other_o faith_n do_v deal_v with_o man_n reason_n even_o when_o it_o lift_v up_o man_n above_o reason_n this_o may_v be_v one_o ground_n of_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o actual_a grace_n among_o some_o at_o their_o first_o conversion_n i_o say_v actual_a grace_n because_o that_o only_o be_v capable_a of_o degree_n a_o principle_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o but_o various_o
thou_o require_v of_o i_o so_o paul_n oh_o that_o god_n will_v so_o manifest_v himself_o to_o every_o one_o of_o your_o heart_n this_o day_n that_o he_o will_v show_v himself_o come_v up_o close_o to_o you_o look_v you_o in_o the_o face_n and_o say_v i_o be_o jesus_n you_o can_v not_o withstand_v this_o mighty_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n o_o speak_v lord_n it_o be_v but_o thy_o say_n to_o each_o of_o we_o i_o be_o jesus_n and_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v make_v to_o know_v the_o lord_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a i_o hope_v the_o quicken_a voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v now_o sound_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o your_o faith_n while_o i_o be_o speak_v to_o you_o and_o that_o you_o do_v receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n in_o every_o one_o of_o your_o heart_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n eph._n 4._o 21._o be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o ink_n and_o paper_n be_v another_o they_o be_v the_o same_o truth_n but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o lie_v in_o the_o dead_a letter_n as_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n they_o be_v see_v in_o their_o live_a root_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o spring_v mere_a scriptural_a knowledge_n be_v but_o historical_a we_o look_v upon_o the_o thing_n we_o read_v and_o hear_v rather_o as_o notion_n than_o reality_n till_o god_n fill_v up_o all_o expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v himself_o with_o a_o divine_a presence_n answerable_a thereunto_o we_o believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v say_v of_o he_o but_o such_o a_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n captivate_v our_o heart_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o we_o must_v believe_v he_o to_o be_v such_o a_o god_n as_o the_o word_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v before_o we_o shall_v count_v all_o his_o say_n true_a we_o must_v fetch_v strength_n from_o the_o name_n of_o god_n rev._n 2._o 13._o to_o support_v our_o faith_n in_o all_o its_o act_n upon_o any_o part_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o we_o never_o deny_v any_o truth_n plain_o reveal_v but_o we_o deny_v his_o name_n rev._n 3._o 8._o and_o question_v his_o attribute_n some_o truth_n bare_a more_o upon_o one_o attribute_n some_o more_o upon_o another_o but_o all_o be_v found_v in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n from_o whence_o they_o have_v their_o verification_n and_o accomplishment_n so_o that_o till_o god_n appear_v and_o show_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o we_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o unknown_a god_n affect_v we_o not_o because_o it_o want_v that_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o its_o credibility_n no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 3._o he_o can_v say_v so_o and_o think_v so_o he_o can_v say_v so_o and_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v till_o the_o father_n reveal_v his_o son_n in_o he_o paul_n by_o the_o light_n of_o that_o revelation_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o know_v all_o gospel_n mystery_n and_o without_o such_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o our_o soul_n give_v we_o a_o sight_n of_o he_o who_o be_v invisible_a it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o divinity_n spring_v from_o god_n lead_v to_o he_o nay_o it_o look_v he_o direct_o in_o the_o face_n and_o can_v be_v consider_v apart_o from_o he_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o faith_n god_n must_v be_v in_o the_o view_n of_o our_o faith_n whensoever_o we_o real_o act_v it_o neither_o can_v we_o have_v that_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n convince_a we_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o this_o special_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n while_o we_o be_v hear_v the_o word_n god_n have_v invisible_a way_n of_o access_n to_o our_o heart_n he_o convey_v himself_o through_o his_o truth_n to_o our_o soul_n his_o divinity_n lead_v the_o way_n without_o some_o appearance_n of_o this_o the_o content_n of_o the_o word_n will_v have_v no_o place_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o come_v with_o so_o great_a a_o presence_n in_o so_o great_a a_o name_n and_o with_o so_o strong_a a_o impression_n god_n himself_o write_v they_o upon_o the_o heart_n we_o can_v but_o receive_v his_o testimony_n the_o word_n come_v into_o our_o heart_n sudden_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a and_o seize_v they_o for_o god_n we_o can_v but_o think_v speak_v act_n and_o judge_v as_o god_n do_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o soul_n so_o far_o as_o the_o word_n be_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o read_v it_o without_o the_o least_o variation_n the_o copy_n answer_v the_o original_a hence_o arise_v that_o habitual_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n to_o believe_v god_n create_v this_o new_a heart_n i_o say_v this_o infuse_a habit_n or_o principle_n of_o faith_n be_v antecedent_n to_o all_o act_n of_o faith_n put_v forth_o by_o we_o and_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o sole_a act_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o in_o our_o first_o conversion_n it_o be_v from_o this_o supernatural_a principle_n thus_o infuse_v that_o the_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n viz._n the_o understanding_n and_o the_o will_n be_v enable_v to_o take_v in_o thing_n pure_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a nature_n never_o act_v above_o its_o sphere_n those_o inbred_a common_a notion_n that_o be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o natural_a truth_n in_o all_o their_o consequence_n will_v never_o lead_v we_o to_o grant_v or_o admit_v that_o which_o be_v supernatural_a when_o we_o do_v this_o it_o be_v always_o from_o some_o high_a principle_n when_o we_o see_v man_n act_v above_o themselves_o we_o may_v conclude_v they_o be_v act_v by_o something_o high_a than_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o they_o this_o special_a appearance_n of_o god_n with_o those_o inward_a effect_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o soul_n which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o may_v be_v know_v to_o believer_n they_o discern_v it_o in_o other_o act_v 11._o 17_o 18._o and_o do_v when_o they_o give_v a_o true_a reason_n of_o their_o faith_n see_v it_o in_o themselves_o that_o all_o spring_n from_o the_o father_n reveal_v his_o son_n in_o they_o they_o can_v give_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o they_o believe_v in_o jesus_n it_o be_v god_n that_o open_v the_o door_n of_o faith_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a act_v 14._o 27._o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v take_v with_o any_o appearance_n of_o man_n in_o a_o sermon_n this_o we_o look_v after_o what_o word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n how_o man_n acquit_v himself_o in_o reason_v of_o this_o or_o that_o point_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o skill_n require_v in_o plant_v and_o water_v but_o all_o the_o increase_n come_v from_o god_n your_o faith_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n if_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o appear_v as_o a_o witness_n to_o his_o own_o truth_n as_o the_o great_a undertaker_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v what_o we_o say_v will_v prevail_v little_a your_o faith_n must_v terminate_v in_o god_n himself_o and_o in_o that_o ability_n that_o be_v in_o he_o to_o perform_v his_o word_n this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o abraham_n faith_n paul_n know_v he_o who_o he_o believe_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 12._o and_o so_o must_v you_o if_o ever_o you_o believe_v to_o the_o save_n of_o your_o soul_n do_v you_o go_v out_o of_o the_o congregation_n after_o every_o sermon_n you_o hear_v under_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o this_o appearance_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n speak_v to_o you_o from_o heaven_n and_o show_v himself_o to_o your_o soul_n in_o some_o spiritual_a resemblance_n suit_v and_o adapt_v to_o that_o word_n you_o be_v hear_v how_o can_v you_o reject_v such_o a_o word_n so_o full_a of_o god_n so_o exact_o correspond_v to_o what_o you_o see_v in_o god_n himself_o you_o must_v yield_v and_o cry_v out_o each_o of_o you_o who_o be_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v withstand_v god_n this_o be_v the_o first_o way_n that_o god_n take_v to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o by_o our_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v to_o we_o second_o faith_n be_v wrought_v by_o open_v the_o heart_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o persuade_v the_o will_n to_o a_o through_o closure_n with_o christ_n upon_o gospel_n term_n
thus_o viz._n that_o the_o first_o step_n in_o regeneration_n be_v from_o a_o sinful_a state_n and_o nature_n to_o christ._n or_o thus_o regeneration_n be_v the_o implantation_n of_o the_o soul_n into_o christ._n or_o thus_o save_v conversion_n in_o the_o right_a gospel-notion_n of_o it_o be_v conversion_n to_o christ_n it_o be_v true_a a_o turn_n from_o sin_n to_o holiness_n be_v the_o effect_n or_o consequent_a of_o regeneration_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o tree_n must_v be_v make_v good_a before_o it_o can_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n 32._o so_o that_o regeneration_n lie_v chief_o in_o our_o incorporation_n into_o christ_n till_o we_o be_v join_v to_o the_o second_o adam_n we_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v act_v by_o that_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o we_o derive_v from_o the_o first_o adam_n there_o be_v but_o two_o public_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o man_n do_v take_v after_o one_o or_o other_o of_o they_o either_o after_o the_o first_o adam_n or_o after_o the_o second_o adam_n they_o be_v the_o two_o great_a standard_n i_o will_v show_v that_o this_o be_v the_o right_n scriptural_a notion_n of_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n to_o this_o end_n be_v christ_n preach_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 23_o 24._o no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n by_o which_o we_o can_v be_v save_v act_v 4._o 12._o this_o name_n must_v be_v publish_v act_v 9_o 15._o regeneration_n or_o our_o first_o conversion_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o reveal_n christ_n in_o we_o gal._n 1._o 16._o draw_v unto_o christ_n john_n 6._o 44._o receive_v christ_n john_n 1._o 11._o follow_v christ_n matt._n 9_o 9_o it_o be_v christ_n they_o come_v over_o to_o in_o conversion_n hence_o those_o phrase_n of_o our_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o live_v in_o we_o gal._n 2._o 20._o form_v in_o we_o gal._n 4._o 19_o put_v on_o by_o we_o gal._n 3._o 27._o rom._n 13._o 4._o thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o new_a creature_n or_o the_o regenerate_v person_n have_v his_o life_n be_v and_o whole_a subsistence_n in_o and_o from_o christ._n if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n 17._o he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n we_o be_v take_v up_o so_o much_o with_o duty_n of_o evangelical_n obedience_n that_o we_o commit_v a_o great_a error_n in_o our_o first_o step_n do_v not_o go_v over_o to_o christ_n and_o begin_v there_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o saint_n be_v call_v christian_n because_o their_o original_a be_v from_o christ_n 4._o they_o bear_v his_o image_n be_v act_v by_o his_o spirit_n partake_v of_o his_o nature_n if_o this_o new_a life_n be_v from_o christ_n what_o be_v the_o way_n of_o its_o derivation_n from_o christ_n unto_o we_o or_o how_o come_v this_o virtue_n from_o christ_n into_o our_o soul_n that_o both_o our_o state_n and_o nature_n shall_v be_v thus_o change_v in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o in_o order_n to_o newness_n of_o life_n in_o our_o after_o conversation_n you_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v often_o to_o put_v question_n why_o and_o how_o and_o which_o way_n because_o i_o be_o now_o inquire_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o regeneration_n if_o you_o ask_v how_o life_n come_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o christ_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o dead_a sinner_n answer_v i_o say_v this_o be_v effect_v by_o our_o vital_a union_n to_o christ._n we_o need_v not_o wonder_v that_o such_o a_o change_n be_v wrought_v in_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n we_o can_v come_v so_o near_o to_o eternal_a life_n itself_o and_o not_o be_v quicken_v by_o it_o we_o can_v remain_v dead_a when_o we_o thus_o enter_v into_o life_n itself_o the_o main_a query_n be_v how_o this_o union_n be_v bring_v about_o between_o christ_n and_o our_o soul_n answer_v the_o spirit_n take_v hold_v of_o we_o 17._o and_o join_v we_o to_o christ_n work_v faith_n in_o we_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n 96._o by_o which_o we_o take_v hold_v of_o christ_n improve_n the_o grace_n of_o union_n to_o a_o real_a communion_n with_o christ_n we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o it_o be_v union_n to_o christ_n that_o give_v life_n at_o first_o and_o maintain_v it_o ever_o after_o in_o our_o soul_n we_o have_v our_o first_o quicken_n from_o this_o union_n and_o all_o after_o increase_v of_o spiritual_a life_n be_v but_o so_o many_o fresh_a emanation_n from_o christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o life_n flow_v into_o our_o soul_n thus_o we_o have_v life_n and_o have_v it_o more_o abundant_o from_o christ._n i_o shall_v prove_v this_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o it_o be_v productive_a of_o life_n itself_o in_o its_o first_o vital_a principle_n and_o also_o as_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o after-growth_n in_o grace_n proceed_v from_o the_o high_o and_o more_o vigorous_a operation_n of_o this_o life_n raise_v and_o kindle_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o enliven_a influence_n of_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n in_o both_o these_o respect_n as_o it_o cause_v and_o continue_v life_n in_o the_o saint_n be_v this_o mystical_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o glory_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o i_o have_v give_v they_o 24._o that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o even_o as_o we_o be_v one_o the_o glory_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o man_n christ_n do_v all_o spring_n from_o the_o union_n of_o the_o human_a nature_n to_o the_o divine_a next_o to_o this_o be_v the_o mystical_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n 13._o the_o enliven_a influence_n of_o this_o union_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o a_o incorporation_n 24._o by_o a_o ingrafture_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o outward_a mean_n of_o bring_v this_o union_n about_o 2._o make_v a_o tender_a of_o christ_n to_o we_o and_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o receive_v he_o minister_n be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o this_o near_a conjunction_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n they_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n 29._o who_o give_v the_o saint_n in_o marriage_n unto_o christ._n 2._o i_o have_v espouse_v you_o to_o one_o husband_n 4._o you_o see_v how_o the_o scripture_n various_o set_v forth_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n regeneration_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o this_o new_a life_n and_o nature_n in_o the_o saint_n which_o show_v itself_o more_o or_o less_o after_o a_o inward_a effectual_a call_n 45._o we_o know_v it_o be_v god_n the_o father_n voice_n who_o so_o call_v we_o because_o a_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n accompany_v it_o powerful_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n by_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n we_o stand_v in_o a_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o he_o as_o his_o brethren_n spouse_n and_o member_n and_o this_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o he_o give_v we_o a_o right_a to_o all_o that_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o we_o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n etc._n etc._n 12._o we_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o his_o righteousness_n it_o be_v we_o by_o imputation_n we_o be_v his_o his_o righteousness_n become_v we_o 3._o we_o can_v have_v christ_n without_o his_o righteousness_n which_o in_o the_o infinite_a merit_n of_o it_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o believer_n rom._n 3._o 22._o thus_o we_o be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 5._o 21._o christ_n take_v hold_v of_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o by_o so_o do_v enable_v we_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o he_o by_o faith_n of_o his_o own_o operation_n in_o we_o such_o a_o regeneration_n such_o a_o conversion_n as_o this_o derive_v from_o he_o a_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n by_o which_o we_o be_v carry_v out_o to_o all_o good_a work_n ephes._n 2._o 10._o i_o shall_v further_o explain_v the_o manner_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n christ_n take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o without_o the_o sin_n that_o cleave_v to_o it_o in_o we_o this_o be_v do_v by_o a_o miraculous_a conception_n when_o christ_n take_v our_o nature_n his_o eye_n be_v upon_o the_o person_n of_o the_o elect_a the_o hypostatical_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o spiritual_a union_n of_o our_o person_n to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n christ_n take_v our_o nature_n abstract_v from_o our_o person_n and_o consequent_o without_o sin_n superinduced_a upon_o it_o by_o adam_n fall_n the_o person_n corrupt_v the_o nature_n in_o the_o first_o adam_n not_o the_o nature_n the_o person_n as_o now_o it_o do_v though_o christ_n have_v take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o without_o sin_n quest._n yet_o how_o can_v we_o maintain_v this_o union_n and_o communion_n between_o christ_n and_o our_o person_n in_o who_o there_o be_v so_o much_o
with_o many_o temptation_n a_o regenerate_a soul_n be_v aware_a of_o this_o and_o fear_n always_o but_o before_o we_o enter_v into_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a temptation_n that_o we_o see_v come_v towards_o we_o or_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v from_o the_o present_a circumstance_n we_o be_v under_o here_o a_o regenerate_a person_n watch_n and_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v not_o enter_v into_o that_o temptation_n that_o god_n will_v some_o way_n or_o other_o divert_v the_o temptation_n or_o fortify_v our_o heart_n against_o it_o that_o we_o may_v repel_v it_o a_o temptation_n may_v enter_v into_o we_o when_o we_o do_v enter_v into_o it_o than_o it_o go_v as_o it_o come_v and_o make_v little_a or_o no_o impression_n upon_o we_o when_o a_o temptation_n show_v itself_o to_o we_o at_o some_o distance_n the_o seed_n of_o god_n in_o a_o regenerate_a soul_n present_o take_v the_o alarm_n put_v on_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god._n second_o under_o the_o temptation_n when_o the_o flesh_n have_v betray_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o temptation_n have_v be_v tamper_n with_o it_o then_o do_v grace_n struggle_v and_o fight_v and_o cry_v out_o unto_o god_n for_o help_v all_o this_o show_v the_o activity_n of_o grace_n in_o a_o way_n of_o righteousness_n how_o loath_a it_o be_v to_o be_v overcome_v of_o evil_a three_o after_o the_o temptation_n when_o it_o be_v end_v or_o finish_v than_o it_o issue_v either_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o sin_n or_o conquest_n over_o the_o temptation_n grace_n show_v itself_o both_o way_n first_o after_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n what_o repentance_n what_o godly_a sorrow_n what_o shame_n what_o indignation_n what_o revenge_n second_o after_o the_o conquest_n over_o the_o temptation_n what_o rejoice_v what_o thanksgiving_n what_o triumph_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o you_o see_v here_o lie_v the_o manifest_a difference_n between_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n a_o unregenerate_a man_n can_v do_v righteousness_n his_o skill_n lie_v not_o that_o way_n he_o be_v wise_a indeed_o to_o do_v evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a no_o knowledge_n he_o be_v a_o mere_a bungler_n at_o a_o good_a work_n his_o hand_n be_v always_o out_o because_o his_o heart_n be_v never_o right_a with_o god._n he_o may_v do_v what_o be_v materal_o good_a but_o always_o fail_v in_o the_o manner_n those_o spiritual_a ingredient_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v to_o a_o work_n true_o holy_a be_v want_v three_o 1._o whosoever_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god._n 2._o and_o every_o spirit_n that_o confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v of_o god._n they_o prove_v each_o other_o be_v inseparable_a the_o go_v forth_o of_o the_o soul_n by_o faith_n obseru._n unto_o christ_n as_o the_o anoint_a of_o the_o lord_n send_v and_o seal_v by_o the_o father_n to_o undertake_v the_o great_a work_n of_o man_n redemption_n be_v a_o sure_a evidence_n of_o regeneration_n all_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v stranger_n to_o christ_n they_o know_v he_o not_o they_o desire_v he_o not_o they_o think_v they_o can_v shift_v well_o enough_o without_o he_o none_o know_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god._n when_o the_o spirit_n come_v into_o we_o than_o we_o confess_v that_o christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n christ_n convey_v himself_o through_o our_o nature_n to_o our_o person_n the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n must_v be_v first_o unite_v before_o our_o person_n can_v be_v admit_v to_o any_o communion_n with_o he_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n our_o access_n to_o god_n be_v through_o the_o veil_n of_o his_o flesh_n 20._o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n we_o stand_v relate_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v we_o brethren_n we_o can_v then_o call_v god_n our_o father_n as_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o christ_n our_o elder_a brother_n god_n be_v the_o father_n of_o christ_n before_o his_o incarnation_n and_o continue_v still_o to_o be_v so_o after_o his_o incarnation_n not_o only_o to_o he_o but_o to_o all_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o his_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o he_o who_o be_v god_n and_o man_n know_v how_o to_o raise_v up_o a_o seed_n of_o godly_a man_n and_o woman_n the_o infinite_a eternal_a spirit_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v pour_v out_o without_o measure_n upon_o the_o man_n jesus_n christ_n operate_v through_o both_o his_o nature_n hypostatical_o unite_v in_o his_o divine_a person_n in_o who_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a without_o any_o diminution_n of_o its_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o divine_a property_n from_o the_o assumption_n of_o our_o finite_a humane_a nature_n so_o the_o same_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o we_o in_o a_o low_a way_n of_o union_n to_o our_o person_n do_v act_n indeed_o divine_o but_o yet_o according_a to_o our_o finite_a capacity_n all_o intellectual_a act_n be_v finite_a or_o infinite_a as_o the_o person_n be_v that_o do_v they_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v infinite_a so_o be_v his_o spiritual_a act_n notwithstanding_o his_o finite_a nature_n as_o man_n so_o the_o act_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o saint_n be_v finite_a because_o their_o person_n be_v so_o actiones_fw-la sunt_fw-la suppositorum_fw-la action_n be_v personal_a of_o great_a or_o lesser_a degree_n of_o efficacy_n and_o power_n as_o the_o person_n be_v that_o do_v they_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o regeneration_n the_o design_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o through_o he_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n wherein_o consist_v our_o true_a happiness_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o etc._n etc._n faith_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o eternal_a life_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o convey_v this_o eternal_a life_n from_o god_n unto_o our_o soul_n be_v call_v regeneration_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o he_o that_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god._n the_o next_o inquiry_n will_v be_v how_o faith_n do_v this_o or_o how_o believe_v in_o christ_n do_v work_v that_o universal_a change_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o gospel_n call_v regeneration_n though_o the_o beginning_n or_o rather_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o regeneration_n be_v find_v in_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o faith_n create_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o but_o by_o those_o lively_a operation_n of_o this_o faith_n put_v forth_o by_o we_o we_o have_v a_o inward_a feel_n of_o these_o operation_n the_o sense_n of_o which_o do_v lead_v we_o to_o some_o discern_v of_o that_o spirit_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v it_o be_v actual_a faith_n john_n mean_v in_o this_o epistle_n therefore_o he_o join_v it_o with_o confession_n he_o lay_v the_o mark_n upon_o actual_a faith_n for_o that_o only_o fall_v under_o our_o discern_v god_n indeed_o see_v the_o first_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o grace_n but_o they_o be_v know_v to_o we_o only_o by_o the_o sense_n we_o have_v of_o their_o powerful_a act_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o regenerate_a power_n of_o actual_a faith_n and_o show_v how_o it_o do_v discover_v that_o new_a birth_n that_o come_v in_o with_o a_o principle_n of_o faith_n at_o first_o the_o regenerate_a power_n of_o faith_n both_o in_o the_o principle_n and_o in_o the_o act_n be_v very_o great_a it_o make_v a_o marvellous_a change_n in_o we_o so_o strong_a be_v the_o impression_n of_o faith_n about_o christ_n and_o our_o everlasting_a concernment_n in_o he_o that_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o affect_v with_o the_o discovery_n which_o lie_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o a_o convict_a knowledge_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o misery_n by_o nature_n 2._o in_o a_o astonish_a discovery_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o we_o in_o christ._n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n demonstrate_v both_o unto_o we_o with_o such_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n that_o we_o can_v but_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o our_o own_o case_n and_o be_v so_o persuade_v we_o must_v be_v concern_v about_o they_o faith_n draw_v in_o the_o attention_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o those_o thing_n we_o believe_v in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o they_o dwell_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o evade_n the_o serious_a thought_n of_o faith_n no_o get_v they_o out_o of_o
our_o head_n nor_o out_o of_o our_o heart_n they_o lie_v close_o they_o lie_v next_o we_o always_o in_o our_o view_n my_o sin_n be_v ever_o before_o i_o christ_n dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n we_o have_v the_o whole_a state_n of_o our_o soul_n before_o we_o from_o first_o to_o last_o faith_n show_v we_o where_o our_o true_a interest_n lie_v what_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n we_o see_v all_o this_o in_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n and_o man_n make_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o 21._o in_o christ_n we_o see_v how_o matter_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o man_n we_o see_v all_o that_o pass_v between_o god_n and_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o recovery_n the_o whole_a method_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o restauration_n from_o first_o to_o last_o we_o see_v the_o wage_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n we_o see_v the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n both_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n god_n infinite_a justice_n and_o mercy_n high_o exalt_v and_o glorify_v in_o he_o it_o be_v a_o please_a ravish_a sight_n to_o behold_v god_n in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n unto_o himself_o to_o observe_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o manifold_a hide_a wisdom_n in_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a work_n of_o man_n redemption_n all_o this_o faith_n discover_v to_o we_o in_o some_o measure_n fill_v we_o with_o a_o holy_a admiration_n of_o god_n unspeakable_a kindness_n and_o love_n to_o we_o provoke_v we_o to_o pursue_v after_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o busy_a be_v the_o soul_n how_o full_a of_o discourse_n with_o itself_o what_o secret_a inference_n do_v a_o enlighten_v conscience_n draw_v from_o what_o it_o believe_v this_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ_n take_v in_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o office_n take_v in_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n all_o his_o precept_n all_o his_o promise_n apply_v all_o to_o the_o soul_n thou_o be_v the_o man_n speak_v of_o and_o speak_v to_o in_o the_o gospel_n hear_v and_o thy_o soul_n shall_v live_v now_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n faith_n admit_v of_o no_o delay_n will_v give_v we_o one_o day_n respite_n from_o the_o work_n it_o have_v cut_v out_o for_o we_o so_o faith_n wrought_v in_o paul_n when_o christ_n be_v reveal_v in_o he_o immediate_o he_o consult_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n faith_n change_v our_o counsel_n alter_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o man_n be_v a_o new_a man_n bear_v again_o into_o a_o new_a world_n into_o a_o new_a nature_n quite_o of_o another_o spirit_n this_o be_v the_o regenerate_a power_n of_o faith._n let_v we_o then_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o great_a change_n that_o it_o always_o make_v in_o those_o who_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o this_o marvellous_a light_n shall_v we_o ask_v some_o professor_n what_o effect_n their_o faith_n have_v upon_o they_o whether_o upon_o their_o believe_v in_o christ_n they_o find_v themselves_o bear_v again_o make_v new_a creature_n it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v say_v they_o hope_v they_o be_v the_o better_a for_o believe_v that_o their_o faith_n have_v not_o be_v without_o some_o good_a effect_n alas_o what_o a_o slender_a account_n be_v this_o how_o short_a of_o a_o new_a birth_n you_o may_v be_v the_o same_o man_n that_o ever_o you_o be_v for_o all_o this_o in_o the_o same_o state_n in_o which_o you_o be_v first_o bear_v be_v thou_o bear_v again_o bear_v of_o god_n speak_v to_o this_o some_o outward_a reformation_n there_o may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o inward_a regeneration_n have_v thou_o a_o new_a heart_n do_v thou_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n be_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o thy_o life_n change_v be_v all_o thing_n become_v new_a within_o and_o without_o faith_n in_o christ_n change_v we_o into_o the_o same_o image_n transform_v we_o into_o his_o likeness_n le_fw-fr we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n further_a and_o further_o into_o the_o soul_n till_o we_o be_v so_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o there_o will_v be_v at_o last_o no_o room_n for_o a_o worldly_a spirit_n to_o breathe_v in_o we_o it_o will_v be_v quite_o extinct_a and_o die_v away_o the_o more_o we_o see_v of_o this_o newness_n of_o spirit_n in_o any_o the_o more_o of_o the_o new_a creature_n appear_v in_o they_o when_o the_o apostle_n will_v take_v off_o the_o ephesian_n from_o a_o vain_a 20._o worldly_a course_n of_o life_n he_o show_v the_o inconsistency_n of_o such_o a_o course_n with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ._n you_o have_v not_o so_o learned_a christ_n you_o have_v be_v teach_v better_a thing_n by_o he_o than_o to_o walk_v as_o the_o gentile_n do_v in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n faith_n in_o christ_n work_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n and_o in_o our_o outward_a conversation_n too_o that_o a_o true_a believer_n may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o from_o the_o newness_n of_o life_n that_o appear_v in_o he_o and_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n from_o the_o holiness_n spirituality_n and_o heavenly_a nature_n of_o that_o life_n which_o he_o now_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god._n till_o the_o regenerate_a power_n of_o faith_n do_v thus_o appear_v in_o we_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v we_o be_v bear_v again_o 4._o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 4._o overcome_v the_o world_n etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d omne_fw-la quod_fw-la ex_fw-la deo_fw-la genitum_fw-la est_fw-la he_o use_v the_o neuter_a gender_n to_o comprehend_v all_o sort_n state_n and_o degree_n of_o mankind_n he_o do_v not_o say_v he_o or_o she_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n but_o whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n every_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n rich_a or_o poor_a bond_n or_o free_a whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n have_v power_n and_o strength_n from_o christ_n to_o overcome_v the_o world_n they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o victory_n at_o their_o first_o set_v out_o because_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o they_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world._n they_o know_v they_o be_v of_o the_o strong_a side_n christ_n have_v overcome_v the_o world_n already_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o conquer_v it_o in_o and_o by_o the_o saint_n 44._o he_o will_v appear_v so_o great_a in_o they_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v before_o they_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n and_o you_o in_o i_o have_v overcome_v it_o 33._o and_o by_o i_o you_o shall_v personal_o overcome_v it_o yourselves_o i_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o regeneration_n thus_o that_o which_o overcome_v the_o world_n must_v be_v of_o a_o high_a extraction_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a descent_n than_o the_o world_n itself_o in_o its_o present_a corrupt_a state_n it_o must_v be_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n and_o above_o it_o whatever_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v but_o flesh_n fall_v in_o with_o the_o world_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v and_o of_o which_o it_o be_v a_o part_n but_o god_n have_v choose_v some_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o call_v they_o to_o a_o heavenly_a life_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v they_o a_o heavenly_a nature_n to_o beget_v they_o again_o unto_o himself_o to_o put_v his_o own_o spirit_n into_o they_o that_o they_o may_v walk_v as_o new_a creature_n who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n though_o they_o live_v in_o it_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v bear_v his_o image_n their_o heart_n be_v mould_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o word_n they_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o every_o thing_n for_o the_o truth_n these_o be_v they_o who_o overcome_v the_o world_n the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n the_o spirit_n &_o principle_n of_o the_o world_n the_o fear_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v dead_a to_o all_o these_o not_o move_v by_o they_o but_o do_v steer_v their_o course_n by_o a_o high_a light_n let_v down_o from_o heaven_n into_o their_o heart_n and_o this_o be_v their_o victory_n even_o their_o faith_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o oppose_v against_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o may_v disquiet_v and_o discompose_v their_o spirit_n but_o their_o faith_n and_o by_o believe_v 3._o they_o enter_v into_o rest_n all_o who_o