to_o ourselves_o as_o concur_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o this_o work_n hence_o we_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v and_o repent_v to_o turn_v from_o our_o evil_a way_n and_o to_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n to_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v our_o self_n hence_o likewise_o be_v those_o frequent_a command_n in_o scripture_n to_o amend_v our_o way_n and_o do_n to_o wash_v our_o heart_n from_o wickedness_n to_o repent_v and_o turn_v ourselves_o and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n so_o that_o all_o these_o cause_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n his_o minister_n his_o word_n and_o we_o ourselves_o do_v all_o some_o way_n or_o other_o concur_v and_o contribute_v to_o this_o effect_n god_n indeed_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o hand_n in_o this_o work_n from_o beginning_n to_o end_n that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n and_o we_o do_v well_o to_o ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o whole_a glory_n of_o it_o that_o no_o flesh_n may_v glory_v in_o his_o sight_n but_o nevertheless_o in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n sufficient_o warrant_v by_o scripture_n the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o we_o ourselves_o do_v all_o cooperate_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n and_o by_o ascribe_v to_o any_o of_o these_o such_o part_n as_o they_o true_o have_v in_o this_o work_n god_n be_v not_o rob_v of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n much_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a much_o less_o be_v it_o the_o ascribe_v it_o all_o to_o ourselves_o who_o we_o affirm_v to_o have_v the_o least_o part_n in_o it_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v mention_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n towards_o we_o and_o yet_o unless_o we_o do_v something_o what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o make_v ourselves_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n be_v it_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v passive_a to_o the_o irresistible_a operation_n of_o god_n grace_n that_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o hinder_v what_o we_o can_v neither_o hinder_v nor_o promote_v that_o we_o shall_v so_o demean_v ourselves_o as_o of_o necessity_n we_o must_v whether_o we_o will_v or_o no._n so_o then_o to_o make_v ourselves_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n be_v to_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o towards_o the_o hindrance_n or_o furtherance_n of_o this_o work_n and_o if_o this_o be_v thâ—_n meaning_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n just_a as_o fit_v for_o stone_n as_o for_o man_n that_o be_v very_o improper_a for_o either_o 2._o objection_n but_o however_o we_o do_v extenuate_v and_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 on_o our_o part_n towards_o this_o change_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o three_o thing_n deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o it_o be_v very_o well_o worthy_a our_o consideration_n that_o they_o who_o make_v this_o objection_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o pretend_v that_o they_o do_v not_o dâ—minish_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o confine_v it_o to_o a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o comparison_n nay_o they_o will_v needs_o face_v we_o down_o that_o by_o this_o very_a thing_n they_o do_v very_o much_o exalt_v and_o magnify_v it_o and_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a by_o how_o much_o the_o few_o they_o be_v that_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o but_o i_o hope_v they_o only_o mean_v that_o the_o grace_n be_v great_a to_o themselves_o in_o which_o conceit_n there_o be_v common_o as_o much_o of_o envy_n as_o gratitude_n but_o sure_o they_o can_v mean_v that_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v limit_v to_o a_o few_o be_v great_a in_o itself_o and_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n than_o that_o which_o be_v extend_v to_o a_o great_a many_o it_o be_v a_o downright_a contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v magnify_v by_o be_v confine_v for_o at_o this_o rate_n of_o reason_v the_o lesser_a it_o be_v the_o great_a it_o must_v be_v and_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n will_v be_v great_a of_o all_o if_o it_o be_v none_o at_o all_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v extenuate_v in_o favour_n of_o ourselves_o but_o when_o we_o do_v so_o we_o must_v say_v we_o magnify_v it_o second_o but_o to_o come_v close_o to_o the_o objection_n though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o god_n grace_n in_o our_o conversion_n do_v not_o do_v all_o it_o do_v not_o do_v so_o much_o as_o if_o it_o do_v all_o yet_o this_o be_v real_o no_o injury_n or_o dishonour_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o though_o in_o some_o sense_n it_o do_v extenuate_v it_o it_o do_v not_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n take_v off_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o my_o opinion_n the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o a_o prince_n be_v not_o the_o less_o in_o offer_v a_o pardon_n to_o a_o traitor_n who_o put_v forth_o his_o hand_n and_o glad_o receive_v it_o than_o if_o he_o force_v it_o upon_o he_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o no._n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o case_n much_o fit_a to_o give_v it_o and_o he_o on_o who_o it_o be_v confer_v much_o better_o qualify_v to_o receive_v it_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o a_o prince_n favour_n that_o it_o be_v bestow_v on_o one_o who_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n qualify_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o in_o one_o case_n than_o the_o other_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o both_o case_n the_o man_n owe_v his_o life_n to_o the_o great_a grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o lessen_v the_o grace_n that_o the_o miserable_a object_n of_o it_o the_o guilty_a and_o condemn_a person_n be_v either_o by_o his_o humble_a submission_n or_o thankful_a acceptance_n of_o it_o in_o some_o degree_n better_o qualify_v to_o receive_v such_o a_o favour_n than_o a_o obstinate_a refuser_n of_o it_o three_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a consideration_n of_o all_o we_o must_v take_v great_a heed_n that_o while_o we_o endeavour_v to_o make_v god_n to_o do_v all_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n we_o do_v not_o by_o this_o mean_n charge_v upon_o he_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o impenitent_a sinner_n which_o i_o doubt_v we_o shall_v do_v if_o we_o make_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o impenitency_n and_o ruin_n their_o utter_a impotency_n and_o disability_n to_o repent_v and_o we_o certain_o make_v this_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o impenitency_n and_o ruin_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n but_o this_o between_o penitent_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n namely_o that_o in_o the_o one_o god_n work_v repentance_n by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o his_o power_n so_o that_o he_o can_v but_o repent_v and_o deny_v this_o grace_n to_o the_o other_o without_o which_o he_o can_v possible_o repent_v but_o the_o scripture_n charge_v the_o destruction_n of_o man_n upon_o themselves_o and_o lay_v their_o impenitency_n at_o their_o own_o door_n oh_o israel_n thou_o have_v destroy_v thyself_o but_o in_o i_o be_v thy_o help_n hosea_n 13._o 9_o but_o where_o be_v the_o help_n when_o the_o grace_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o repentance_n be_v deny_v and_o how_o be_v their_o destruction_n of_o themselves_o if_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a let_v they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v isa_n 5._o 3_o 4._o god_n appeal_v to_o his_o people_n israel_n that_o nothing_o be_v want_v on_o his_o part_n that_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v that_o they_o may_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n and_o better_a obedience_n and_o now_o o_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o man_n of_o judah_n judge_n i_o pray_v you_o between_o i_o and_o my_o vineyard_n what_o can_v have_v be_v do_v more_o to_o my_o vineyard_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v in_o it_o wherefore_o when_o i_o look_v that_o it_o shall_v bring_v forth_o grape_n bring_v it_o forth_o wild_a grape_n be_v it_o true_a that_o god_n have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n then_o if_o irresistible_a grace_n be_v necessary_a he_o afford_v they_o that_o but_o that_o be_v not_o afford_v they_o because_o than_o they_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v repent_v and_o there_o have_v be_v no_o cause_n for_o this_o complaint_n if_o he_o do_v not_o afford_v it_o but_o only_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o repentance_n without_o the_o inward_a grace_n as_o some_o say_v then_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v why_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v because_o they_o can_v not_o and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o cause_n either_o of_o wonder_n or_o complaint_n beside_o that_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o justify_v that_o say_v what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v more_o
that_o of_o st._n james_n chap._n 2._o 22._o by_o work_n be_v faith_n make_v perfect_a sometime_o and_o that_o also_o very_o frequent_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v express_v by_o word_n which_o import_n and_o signify_v the_o change_n of_o our_o state_n as_o by_o repentance_n conversion_n regeneration_n renovation_n sanctification_n the_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o new_a man_n which_o expression_n be_v all_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o refer_v to_o particular_a text_n sometime_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v express_v by_o the_o visible_a and_o sensible_a effect_n of_o this_o inward_a change_n in_o our_o outward_a liâ—e_z and_o action_n as_o namely_o by_o obedience_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n so_o heb._n 5._o 9_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o where_o obedience_n be_v plain_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o performance_n whereof_o entitle_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n now_o that_o by_o these_o various_a expression_n one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v certain_o intend_v and_o mean_v viz._n the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o which_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o full_a and_o perfect_a justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o denial_n by_o compare_v the_o three_o different_a way_n whereby_o st._n paul_n do_v express_v the_o same_o proposition_n for_o sense_n and_o substance_n in_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v that_o will_v avail_v to_o our_o justification_n under_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v neither_o here_o nor_o there_o that_o it_o signify_v nothing_o whether_o a_o man_n be_v circumcise_a or_o not_o but_o that_o we_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o the_o gospel_n require_v that_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v promise_v be_v find_v in_o we_o and_o there_o be_v three_o text_n wherein_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v plain_o intend_v in_o three_o very_a different_a expression_n gal._n 5._o 6._o in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o be_v consummate_v or_o make_v perfect_a by_o charity_n gal._n 6._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 1_o cor._n 7._o 19_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o these_o three_o text_n the_o apostle_n design_n to_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o consequent_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v perfect_a by_o charity_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o keep_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o in_o sense_n and_o substance_n viz._n the_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a by_o god_n assistance_n handle_v the_o second_o of_o these_o text_n 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 and_o here_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v express_v to_o we_o by_o the_o change_n of_o our_o state_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v our_o regeneration_n or_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o new_a men._n circumcision_n be_v but_o a_o outward_a sign_n and_o mark_v upon_o the_o body_n and_o the_o flesh_n though_o it_o do_v indeed_o prefigure_v and_o typify_v the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o give_v of_o man_n new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n under_o the_o more_o perfect_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o now_o in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o presence_n or_o the_o want_n of_o this_o outward_a mark_n will_v avail_v nothing_o to_o our_o justification_n but_o that_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n our_o become_a new_a creature_n be_v now_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n the_o false_a apostle_n indeed_o do_v lay_v great_a stress_n upon_o the_o business_n of_o circumcision_n not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o zeal_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o to_o avoid_v persecution_n ver_fw-la 12._o they_o constrain_v you_o to_o be_v circumcise_a only_o leave_v they_o shall_v suffer_v persecution_n for_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n for_o at_o that_o time_n though_o the_o christian_n be_v persecute_v yet_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o roman_a edict_n have_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o glory_v in_o this_o external_a mark_n of_o circumcision_n because_o it_o exempt_v they_o from_o suffer_v but_o st._n paul_n glory_v in_o his_o suffering_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o mark_n of_o that_o upon_o his_o body_n ver_fw-la 14._o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_n save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o v_o 17._o i_o bear_v in_o my_o body_n the_o mark_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n he_o tell_v they_o what_o necessity_n soever_o they_o may_v pretend_v of_o circumcision_n either_o for_o their_o justification_n or_o salvation_n the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o be_v to_o save_v themselves_o from_o temporal_a suffering_n and_o that_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n whether_o they_o be_v circumcise_a or_o not_o nothing_o will_v be_v available_a to_o this_o purpose_n but_o the_o renovation_n and_o change_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n 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 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o new_a creation_n to_o intimate_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o change_n which_o christianity_n thorough_o entertain_v make_v in_o men._n have_v thus_o clear_v the_o occasion_n and_o meaâ—ing_n of_o these_o word_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o particular_n contain_v in_o they_o namely_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n second_o that_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_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 uncircision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v now_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n there_o be_v never_o any_o general_a obligation_n upon_o mankind_n to_o this_o rite_n of_o circumcision_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n but_o yet_o upon_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n many_o of_o the_o jewish_a christian_n will_v have_v bring_v the_o gentile_n under_o this_o yoke_n pretend_v that_o christianity_n be_v but_o a_o superstructure_n upon_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o together_o with_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o there_o be_v some_o colour_n for_o this_o because_o our_o saviour_n himself_o submit_v to_o this_o rite_n and_o be_v circumcise_a which_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o 4_o the_o chap._n of_o this_o epist_n ver_fw-la 4._o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n that_o be_v circumcise_a and_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v circumcise_a but_o not_o to_o signify_v to_o we_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o under_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o for_o a_o quite_o different_a end_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o his_o obedience_n to_o that_o law_n which_o though_o afterward_o it_o be_v to_o expire_v yet_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v whilst_o it_o be_v in_o force_n by_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v under_o it_o he_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n and_o it_o become_v he_o who_o come_v to_o teach_v mankind_n obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n himself_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n where_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n give_v this_o reason_n of_o it_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o â—itter_a to_o free_v those_o who_o be_v under_o it_o from_o the_o servitude_n of_o it_o he_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n that_o
inconvenience_n in_o it_o first_o that_o this_o supposition_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n as_o to_o any_o real_a effect_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n because_o not_o one_o person_n more_o be_v save_v notwithstanding_o this_o universal_a sufficient_a grace_n which_o they_o say_v be_v afford_v to_o all_o for_o they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v it_o be_v never_o effectual_a and_o then_o it_o seem_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o a_o mean_v sufficient_a to_o its_o end_n shall_v universal_o prove_v ineffectual_a nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v next_o to_o a_o demonstration_n against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o mean_n if_o perpetual_o and_o in_o all_o instance_n it_o fail_v of_o its_o end_n this_o will_v tempt_v any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o sure_o there_o be_v some_o defect_n in_o it_o or_o something_o that_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o if_o be_v perpetual_o and_o general_o afford_v it_o do_v perpetual_o and_o universal_o miscarry_v without_o so_o much_o as_o one_o instance_n among_o so_o many_o million_o to_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o this_o opinion_n seem_v rather_o to_o be_v contrive_v for_o a_o colour_n and_o shelter_v against_o some_o absurdity_n which_o man_n know_v not_o how_o to_o avoid_v otherwise_o than_o to_o sâ—rve_v any_o good_a purpose_n or_o to_o be_v embrace_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o probability_n of_o it_o the_o other_o middle_a opinion_n be_v that_o some_o be_v convert_v in_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n when_o god_n please_v and_o who_o he_o design_n to_o be_v extraordinary_a example_n and_o instrument_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o that_o sufficient_a grace_n be_v afford_v to_o other_o which_o be_v effectual_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o many_o and_o reject_v by_o a_o great_a many_o and_o this_o avoid_v all_o the_o inconveniency_n of_o the_o other_o opinion_n and_o be_v evident_o most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o best_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v concern_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o give_v great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o endeavour_n of_o men._n it_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n that_o god_n be_v not_o want_v on_o his_o part_n to_o afford_v man_n sufficient_a mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n that_o he_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v from_o his_o wickedness_n and_o live_v that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n that_o man_n destruction_n be_v of_o themselves_o and_o this_o make_v all_o the_o exhortation_n and_o motive_n of_o scripture_n to_o repentance_n to_o be_v of_o some_o force_n and_o significancy_n and_o give_v encouragement_n to_o the_o resolution_n and_o endeavour_n of_o man_n to_o become_v better_o this_o clear_o acquit_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o six_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o ruin_n upon_o their_o own_o choice_n this_o perfect_o reconcile_v the_o operation_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n in_o our_o sanctification_n and_o perseverance_n in_o a_o good_a course_n with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n and_o make_v those_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n have_v some_o sense_n and_o significancy_n in_o they_o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o all_o your_o evil_a way_n make_v you_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n these_o be_v more_o than_o a_o thousand_o metaphor_n to_o convince_v a_o man_n that_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v something_o towards_o our_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v sure_a that_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o work_n than_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o these_o text_n signify_v nothing_o final_o these_o text_n which_o speak_v most_o clear_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o our_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_o good_a do_v suppose_v something_o to_o be_v do_v on_o our_o part_n that_o of_o our_o saviour_n without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o imply_v that_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n we_o can_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o imply_v that_o what_o we_o do_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n be_v true_o our_o own_o act_n i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n and_o this_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o prejudice_n nor_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n st._n paul_n it_o seem_v know_v very_o well_o how_o to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o and_o to_o give_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n its_o due_a without_o reject_v all_o concurrence_n of_o our_o own_o industry_n and_o endeavour_n 1_o corin._n 15._o 10._o but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o and_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o i_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a not_o because_o it_o be_v irresistible_a and_o he_o mere_o passive_a in_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o but_o because_o he_o do_v concur_v and_o cooperate_v with_o it_o so_o he_o tell_v we_o his_o grace_n that_o be_v bestow_v upon_o i_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a but_o i_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o they_o all_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o so_o that_o our_o concurrence_n and_o endeavour_n in_o the_o do_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a do_v not_o derogate_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n provide_v that_o we_o ascribe_v the_o good_a which_o we_o do_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o which_o it_o be_v incomparable_o more_o due_a than_o to_o our_o own_o activity_n and_o endeavour_n and_o so_o st._n paul_n do_v i_o labour_v abundant_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n may_v be_v advance_v to_o its_o due_a pitch_n without_o assert_v that_o we_o be_v mere_o passive_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o it_o god_n grace_n may_v be_v abundant_o bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o may_v labour_v abundant_o god_n may_v work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v and_o yet_o we_o may_v work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o doctrine_n ground_v upon_o this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n sermon_n viii_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 in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n that_o which_o i_o be_v last_o upon_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n do_v not_o import_v what_o some_o will_v extend_v it_o to_o and_o that_o so_o as_o to_o find_v doctrine_n of_o great_a consequence_n upon_o the_o single_a strength_n of_o this_o and_o other_o like_a metaphor_n viz._n such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o three_o first_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 the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n second_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 thereto_o no_o more_o do_v we_o to_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n three_o that_o as_o the_o creation_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n only_o by_o the_o powerful_a word_n of_o god_n 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 two_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o and_o show_v that_o as_o they_o have_v no_o necessary_a foundation_n in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a metaphor_n of_o scripture_n so_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o experience_n and_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o three_o doctrine_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o this_o metaphor_n namely_o that_o as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o several_a rank_n and_o order_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 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 step_n and_o degree_n and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o far_a pursuit_n of_o the_o metaphor_n and_o admit_v the_o two_o former_a doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a and_o well_o ground_v upon_o this_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
worship_n of_o god_n signify_v nothing_o you_o see_v in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o sake_n viz._n the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o that_o all_o institute_v religion_n that_o do_v not_o promote_v and_o further_o these_o or_o be_v destitute_a of_o they_o be_v abominable_a to_o god_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n prefer_v a_o moral_a duty_n before_o any_o gift_n we_o can_v offer_v to_o god_n and_o will_v have_v it_o to_o take_v place_n mat._n 5._o 23_o 24._o if_o thou_o bring_v thy_o gift_n unto_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v that_o thy_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o thou_o leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v thy_o way_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n but_o it_o shall_v seem_v by_o this_o and_o what_o haâ—h_v be_v say_v before_o that_o god_n prefer_v goodness_n and_o righteousness_n to_o man_n before_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o second_o table_n before_o obedience_n to_o those_o of_o the_o first_o but_o this_o do_v but_o seem_v so_o all_o that_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o this_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v already_o say_v be_v only_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n prefer_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o moral_a duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n before_o any_o institute_v worship_n such_o as_o sacrifice_n be_v and_o before_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v mere_o positive_a though_o they_o do_v immediate_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o if_o we_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n of_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o first_o nor_o of_o any_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v this_o our_o saviour_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n intimate_v that_o so_o long_o as_o we_o bear_v a_o revengeful_a mind_n towards_o our_o brethren_n god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o any_o gift_n or_o sacrifice_n that_o we_o can_v offer_v to_o he_o or_o indeed_o of_o any_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o we_o can_v perform_v three_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o restore_v and_o reinforce_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o of_o moral_a duty_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n begin_v his_o first_o sermon_n by_o promise_a blessedness_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n of_o purity_n and_o meekness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o peaceableness_n and_o mercifulness_n and_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n under_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o tell_v we_o as_o i_o show_v before_o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o release_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n but_o to_o oblige_v they_o thereto_o more_o effectual_o and_o that_o as_o these_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v the_o main_a duty_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n so_o be_v they_o much_o more_o to_o be_v so_o of_o the_o christian_n this_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v every_o where_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o these_o duty_n and_o to_o engage_v we_o effectual_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o that_o know_a and_o excellent_a text_n tit._n 2._o 11_o 12â—_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o and_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldy_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_o in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o herein_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v consist_v jam._n 1._o 27._o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n and_o chap._n 3._o 17._o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o that_o be_v that_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a knowledge_n reveal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n have_v these_o property_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v these_o effect_n it_o be_v first_o pure_a and_o then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o of_o good_a fruit_n and_o the_o plant_n of_o these_o disposition_n in_o we_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n eph._n 4._o 20_o etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n speak_v there_o of_o the_o vice_n and_o lust_n wherein_o the_o gentile_n live_v tell_v christian_n that_o they_o be_v otherwise_o instruct_v by_o the_o gospel_n but_o you_o have_v not_o so_o learned_a christ_n if_o so_o be_v that_o you_o have_v hear_v he_o and_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n that_o you_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 deceitful_a lust_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o that_o you_o put_v on_o the_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 or_o as_o the_o word_n perhaps_o may_v better_o be_v render_v in_o the_o holiness_n of_o truth_n for_o it_o immediate_o follow_v wherefore_o put_v away_o lie_v speak_v every_o man_n truth_n with_o his_o neighbour_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n elsewhere_o make_v to_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n 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 gal._n 6._o 15._o which_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o chapter_n before_o express_v thus_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v or_o be_v inspire_v by_o charity_n and_o yet_o more_o express_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 19_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n by_o the_o compare_v of_o which_o text_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o main_a thing_n in_o christianity_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o this_o be_v the_o new_a creature_n and_o this_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o produce_v these_o virtue_n in_o we_o and_o indeed_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o give_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o we_o of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o justification_n in_o his_o blood_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o assistance_n therein_o promise_v be_v to_o engage_v and_o encourage_v and_o enable_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o moraâ—_n duty_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o that_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o institute_v and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n do_v suppose_v it_o and_o build_v upon_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o namely_o that_o no_o reveal_v and_o institute_v religion_n be_v ever_o design_v to_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o natural_a duty_n but_o be_v intend_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o and_o this_o also_o will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o all_o reveal_v religion_n call_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o natural_a duty_n thus_o the_o jewish_a religion_n do_v the_o first_o law_n which_o god_n give_v they_o and_o which_o hâ—_n distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n by_o write_v they_o in_o table_n of_o stone_n with_o his_o own_o finger_n be_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o the_o great_a business_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o among_o they_o from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v to_o reprove_v not_o so_o much_o their_o defect_n in_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o institute_v worship_n as_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n by_o their_o vice_n and_o immorality_n and_o to_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o reform_v and_o amend_v these_o fault_n and_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o preceptive_a part_n of_o it_o be_v almost_o whole_o make_v up_o of_o moral_a
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
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
and_o virtue_n be_v able_a to_o withstand_v but_o where_o man_n be_v sincere_o good_a and_o honest_o resolve_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v ward_n off_o these_o fierce_a blow_n and_o put_v by_o these_o violent_a thrust_n and_o by_o a_o secret_a disposal_n of_o thing_n keep_v they_o from_o be_v assault_v by_o these_o irresistible_a kind_n of_o temptation_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o be_v sincere_o good_a so_o likewise_o a_o great_a argument_n for_o a_o continual_a dependence_n upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o confidence_n in_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o this_o use_v the_o apostle_n make_v of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 12._o wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v that_o be_v confident_a that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o shake_v he_o or_o throw_v he_o down_o take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v there_o have_v no_o temptation_n take_v you_o but_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o what_o be_v humane_a nothing_o but_o what_o a_o humane_a strength_n assist_v by_o a_o ordinary_a grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v able_a to_o resist_v and_o conquer_v but_o there_o be_v great_a and_o more_o violent_a temptation_n than_o these_o which_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v try_v with_o and_o when_o those_o happen_v we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o god_n for_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o way_n i_o mention_v whereby_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v secure_a good_a man_n in_o case_n of_o extraordinary_a temptation_n which_o no_o humane_a strength_n can_v probable_o resist_v and_o this_o the_o same_o apostle_n assure_v we_o of_o in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n god_n be_v faithful_a who_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o that_o be_v in_o case_n of_o great_a and_o violent_a temptation_n such_o as_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o height_n of_o their_o persecution_n be_v expose_v to_o god_n will_v secret_o minister_v strength_n and_o support_v equal_a to_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o the_o temptation_n and_o this_o god_n do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o the_o christian_a martyr_n and_o that_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o make_v they_o joyful_o to_o embrace_v their_o suffering_n and_o with_o the_o great_a cheerfulness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o endure_v those_o torment_n which_o no_o humane_a patience_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o where_o god_n do_v thus_o secure_a man_n against_o temptation_n or_o support_v they_o under_o they_o it_o be_v no_o reflection_n at_o all_o upon_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v thus_o tempt_v second_o god_n permit_v other_o to_o be_v thus_o tempt_v by_o way_n of_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n for_o some_o former_a great_a sin_n and_o provocation_n which_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o thus_o many_o time_n god_n punish_v great_a and_o notorious_a offender_n by_o permit_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o great_a temptation_n which_o meet_v with_o a_o vicious_a disposition_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o they_o especial_o consider_v how_o by_o a_o long_a habit_n of_o wickedness_n and_o wilful_a commission_n of_o great_a and_o notorious_a sin_n they_o have_v make_v themselves_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o every_o temptation_n and_o have_v drive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o they_o and_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o thoâ—e_a aid_n and_o restraint_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o he_o ordinary_o afford_v not_o only_o to_o good_a man_n but_o likewise_o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o very_o bad_a and_o thus_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v harden_v pharaoh_n by_o those_o plague_n and_o judgement_n which_o he_o send_v upon_o he_o and_o his_o kingdom_n but_o if_o we_o careful_o read_v the_o story_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o first_o harden_v himself_o and_o then_o that_o god_n harden_v he_o that_o be_v he_o be_v harden_v under_o the_o first_o judgement_n of_o god_n god_n send_v more_o which_o meet_v with_o his_o obstinacy_n have_v this_o unnatural_a effect_n upon_o he_o to_o harden_v he_o yet_o more_o not_o that_o god_n do_v infuse_v any_o wickedness_n or_o obstinacy_n into_o he_o but_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n send_v more_o plague_n upon_o he_o which_o harden_v he_o yet_o more_o and_o which_o be_v likely_a to_o have_v that_o effect_n upon_o he_o consider_v the_o ill_a temper_n of_o the_o man._n and_o it_o be_v just_a by_o way_n of_o punishment_n that_o they_o shall_v and_o so_o likewise_o joshua_n 11._o 19_o 20._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o city_n of_o the_o canaanite_n do_v not_o make_v peace_n with_o joshua_n because_o it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v come_v against_o israel_n in_o battle_n that_o he_o may_v destroy_v they_o utter_o that_o be_v for_o their_o former_a iniquity_n the_o measure_n whereof_o be_v now_o full_a the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v just_o bring_v they_o into_o and_o leave_v they_o under_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v they_o obstinate_a against_o all_o term_n of_o peace_n and_o this_o prove_v fatal_a to_o they_o and_o in_o the_o like_a sense_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v several_a other_o expression_n in_o scripture_n which_o likewise_o may_v seem_v very_o harsh_a as_o isaiah_n 6._o 10._o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a and_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o shut_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v all_o which_o expression_n signify_v no_o more_o but_o that_o god_n for_o the_o former_a provocation_n and_o impenitency_n of_o that_o people_n do_v leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o hardness_n and_o blindness_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o understand_v and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n so_o likewise_o rom._n 1._o 24._o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v give_v up_o the_o idolatrous_a heathen_a to_o uncleanness_n to_o vile_a and_o unnatural_a lust_n and_o ver._n 28._o to_o a_o reprobate_n and_o injudicious_a mind_n that_o be_v as_o a_o punishment_n of_o their_o idolatry_n he_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o those_o temptation_n which_o betray_v they_o to_o the_o vile_a lust_n and_o to_o mention_v but_o one_o text_n more_o 2_o thes_n 2._o 11._o the_o apostle_n threaten_v those_o that_o reject_v the_o truth_n that_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n will_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n the_o efficacy_n of_o error_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n that_o be_v as_o a_o just_a punishment_n for_o their_o renounce_v the_o truth_n god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n their_o error_n have_v its_o full_a scope_n at_o they_o to_o tempt_v they_o with_o all_o its_o colour_n and_o pretence_n but_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o all_o these_o place_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v god_n be_v say_v to_o give_v man_n up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n as_o a_o punishment_n of_o some_o former_a great_a crime_n and_o provocation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o unjust_a with_o god_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o man_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n when_o they_o have_v first_o wilful_o forsake_v he_o and_o in_o this_o case_n god_n do_v not_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o to_o be_v tempt_v by_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o if_o they_o yield_v and_o be_v conquer_a it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n because_o they_o have_v neglect_v god_n grace_n whereby_o they_o may_v have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v resist_v those_o temptation_n and_o have_v force_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o they_o and_o to_o leave_v they_o open_a and_o naked_a to_o those_o assault_n of_o temptation_n against_o which_o they_o may_v otherwise_o have_v be_v sufficient_o arm_v three_o the_o last_o end_n of_o temptation_n which_o i_o mention_v be_v to_o try_v man_n with_o a_o direct_a purpose_n and_o intention_n to_o seduce_v man_n to_o sin_n thus_o wicked_a man_n tempt_v other_o and_o thus_o the_o devil_n tempt_v men._n thus_o he_o tempt_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o seduce_v they_o from_o their_o obedience_n and_o allegiance_n to_o god_n thus_o he_o tempt_v job_n by_o bring_v he_o into_o those_o circumstance_n which_o be_v very_o likely_a to_o have_v force_v he_o into_o impatience_n and_o discontent_n and_o thus_o he_o tempt_v our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o find_v