christian_a virtue_n be_v ascribe_v both_o to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o prayer_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o the_o colossian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o full_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n col._n 1.9_o 10._o and_o the_o co-operation_n of_o both_o these_o cause_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o the_o same_o effect_n be_v yet_o more_o plain_o express_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n for_o his_o disciple_n sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n where_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o this_o that_o the_o holiness_n of_o believer_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o truth_n upon_o their_o mind_n viz._n that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n see_v then_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o only_o in_o itself_o a_o proper_a mean_n of_o convert_v the_o unbeliever_n and_o the_o disobedient_a of_o confirm_v and_o improve_n the_o sincere_a convert_n but_o as_o you_o see_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v those_o effect_n also_o which_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o ascribe_v to_o the_o weightiness_n of_o those_o reason_n and_o consideration_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o our_o understanding_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o define_v the_o manner_n whereby_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o produce_v these_o grace_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a effect_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v do_v by_o assign_v such_o a_o manner_n of_o operation_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o must_v needs_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o ascribe_v conversion_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o truth_n wherefore_o it_o be_v too_o bold_o do_v of_o dr._n owen_n and_o his_o party_n to_o affirm_v that_o conversion_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n as_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v convert_v and_o withal_o that_o conversion_n be_v impossible_a without_o such_o a_o irresistible_a operation_n for_o 1._o if_o a_o man_n must_v necessary_o resist_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o god_n word_n till_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v in_o he_o by_o a_o irresistible_a action_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o these_o man_n teach_v then_o it_o be_v plain_o absurd_a to_o make_v conversion_n to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n for_o upon_o this_o hypothesis_n it_o contribute_v no_o more_o to_o a_o man_n conversion_n than_o the_o hurl_v of_o a_o pibble_n do_v to_o the_o throw_v down_o of_o a_o mighty_a wall_n that_o be_v fall_v by_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o cannon_n if_o as_o the_o doctor_n say_v 262._o the_o will_n can_v make_v use_n of_o that_o grace_n for_o conversion_n which_o it_o can_v refuse_v if_o also_o it_o can_v resist_v all_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n reason_n argument_n and_o motive_n 261._o as_o he_o himself_o suppose_v and_o by_o consequence_n that_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o conversion_n be_v cause_v be_v irresistible_a what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o conversion_n must_v upon_o these_o term_n be_v only_o and_o whole_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o say_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n produce_v their_o effect_n irresistible_o because_o they_o be_v join_v with_o the_o word_n be_v to_o ascribe_v a_o irresistible_a operation_n to_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o spirit_n or_o rather_o to_o make_v the_o irresistibleness_n to_o arise_v from_o the_o concurrence_n of_o both_o those_o cause_n now_o beside_o that_o upon_o this_o hypothesis_n all_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v will_v be_v convert_v see_v we_o have_v prove_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o beside_o this_o i_o say_v these_o man_n do_v not_o place_v the_o irresistible_a force_n by_o which_o conversion_n as_o they_o say_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n but_o in_o the_o sole_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o that_o conversion_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n which_o as_o they_o say_v a_o man_n can_v but_o resist_v till_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o of_o such_o a_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n too_o as_o be_v altogether_o irresistible_a be_v to_o i_o as_o unintelligible_a as_o transubstantiation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o resist_v the_o operation_n of_o truth_n and_o withal_o grant_v that_o conversion_n must_v as_o well_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n as_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operate_n in_o our_o mind_n it_o will_v plain_o follow_v that_o his_o operation_n be_v resistible_a the_o reason_n be_v because_o where_o a_o effect_n depend_v upon_o the_o concurrence_n of_o two_o cause_n he_o that_o have_v it_o always_o in_o his_o power_n to_o resist_v the_o force_n of_o one_o be_v at_o any_o time_n able_a to_o frustrate_v the_o other_o and_o consequent_o to_o hinder_v the_o effect_n now_o they_o themselves_o grant_v and_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o daily_a experience_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v resist_v and_o hear_v in_o vain_a as_o it_o be_v even_o when_o preach_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n wherefore_o when_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n conspire_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n to_o convert_v a_o sinner_n if_o he_o can_v be_v obstinate_a against_o the_o latter_a he_o may_v also_o quench_v the_o former_a and_o then_o they_o be_v not_o irresistible_a furthermore_o it_o may_v be_v say_v if_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v irresistible_o by_o the_o sole_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n then_o the_o word_n which_o may_v be_v resist_v be_v unnecessary_a but_o if_o the_o word_n can_v but_o be_v resist_v till_o the_o effect_n be_v wrought_v by_o another_o power_n that_o be_v invincible_a viz._n that_o of_o the_o spirit_n then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o effect_n be_v owe_v only_o to_o that_o power_n which_o be_v to_o render_v the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n utter_o vain_a and_o useless_a and_o to_o contradict_v all_o those_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o attribute_n our_o conversion_n to_o the_o force_n of_o divine_a truth_n but_o 2._o it_o be_v further_a evident_a from_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o explain_v this_o irresistible_a operation_n that_o they_o exclude_v all_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n word_n from_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o conversion_n 254._o dr._n owen_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o immediate_a author_n and_o cause_n of_o regeneration_n and_o he_o be_v often_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v convert_v by_o a_o immediate_a physical_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v for_o many_o page_n together_o now_o a_o physical_a operation_n he_o oppose_v to_o moral_a and_o thereby_o exclude_v from_o it_o all_o use_n of_o any_o reason_n argument_n and_o motive_n whatsoever_o as_o he_o do_v industrious_o more_o than_o once_o 261._o now_o what_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o to_o ascribe_v conversion_n to_o such_o a_o operation_n as_o this_o be_v whole_o to_o exclude_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o be_v any_o way_n subordinate_a to_o that_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v convert_v for_o although_o the_o doctor_n tell_v we_o sometime_o that_o he_o grant_v a_o moral_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o he_o only_o deny_v the_o concurrence_n of_o that_o with_o the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o total_a cause_n of_o conversion_n yet_o by_o his_o leave_n 268._o he_o do_v not_o make_v it_o so_o much_o as_o a_o partial_a cause_n for_o if_o this_o physical_a operation_n only_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o can_v remove_v all_o obstacle_n and_o overcome_v all_o opposition_n and_o infallible_o produce_v the_o effect_n intend_v as_o he_o speak_v 270._o if_o this_o operation_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o use_n of_o any_o motive_n whatsoever_o contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n final_o if_o this_o operation_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n if_o nothing_o intervene_v between_o this_o operation_n and_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v then_o plain_a i_o conceive_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o conversion_n for_o neither_o be_v the_o use_n of_o any_o
more_o sensible_o affect_v with_o those_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o increase_n the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o confirm_v he_o in_o every_o divine_a disposition_n 2._o this_o be_v further_a evident_a from_o those_o passage_n in_o holy_a writ_n where_o we_o be_v require_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n for_o these_o place_n and_o the_o like_a do_v strong_o imply_v that_o we_o can_v on_o a_o sudden_a arrive_n to_o any_o degree_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o fall_v great_o short_a of_o at_o present_a much_o less_o that_o we_o can_v present_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n wherefore_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o affect_v our_o mind_n when_o we_o begin_v the_o christian_a life_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o measure_n that_o he_o move_v we_o in_o after_o we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o or_o shall_v arrive_v to_o such_o a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o christianity_n as_o may_v answer_v that_o expression_n of_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n for_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o than_o we_o may_v become_v man_n in_o christ_n assoon_o as_o we_o be_v babe_n and_o come_v to_o the_o fullness_n of_o our_o stature_n without_o grow_v and_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n it_o be_v further_a observable_a that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v affirm_v to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o increase_n in_o holiness_n we_o must_v desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v grow_v thereby_o as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o and_o in_o col._n 1.9_o st._n paul_n instruct_v we_o that_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n make_v we_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n be_v by_o fill_v we_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n from_o whence_o i_o observe_v that_o our_o improvement_n in_o holiness_n be_v great_a or_o lesser_a according_a as_o we_o consider_v and_o meditate_v upon_o divine_a truth_n viz._n for_o this_o end_n of_o govern_v our_o life_n by_o they_o which_o be_v to_o know_v they_o in_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n now_o since_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o our_o mind_n be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n serious_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o we_o according_a to_o that_o measure_n wherein_o divine_a truth_n be_v consider_v by_o we_o therefore_o since_o our_o fruitfulness_n depend_v upon_o our_o increase_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o that_o spiritual_a understanding_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o work_v in_o we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o arrive_v to_o that_o state_n of_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o well-pleasing_a all_o at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n viz._n as_o we_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o daily_a meditation_n last_o since_o by_o the_o experience_n we_o have_v of_o humane_a nature_n we_o see_v that_o custom_n be_v not_o easy_o and_o present_o put_v off_o and_o that_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n can_v be_v make_v familiar_a to_o we_o but_o by_o use_n and_o practice_n more_o particular_o that_o they_o who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a can_v of_o a_o sudden_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o that_o ill_a habit_n be_v not_o waste_v but_o by_o degree_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n press_v most_o upon_o we_o when_o we_o first_o enter_v upon_o it_o and_o that_o they_o wear_v away_o insensible_o by_o continuance_n in_o well-doing_n likewise_o that_o virtue_n be_v improve_v by_o exercise_n and_o that_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v be_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n i_o say_v this_o be_v consider_v we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o produce_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n all_o at_o once_o but_o that_o he_o accommodate_v his_o operation_n to_o the_o state_n in_o which_o they_o be_v at_o present_a prompt_v they_o to_o that_o amendment_n which_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o capacity_n will_v admit_v and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o term_n consequence_n also_o of_o what_o the_o doctor_n so_o full_o grant_v viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n act_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n only_o as_o they_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v act_v according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n power_n and_o ability_n and_o according_a to_o their_o natural_a operation_n for_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v the_o constant_a experience_n of_o mankind_n both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a although_o a_o evil_a habit_n be_v soon_o contract_v than_o a_o good_a one_o yet_o none_o be_v gain_v without_o some_o use_n and_o exercise_n and_o ordinary_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o now_o if_o the_o spirit_n move_v we_o no_o otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n power_n and_o ability_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o by_o his_o grace_n we_o may_v leap_v out_o of_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n in_o a_o moment_n into_o the_o habit_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o he_o be_v in_o that_o manner_n present_a with_o we_o as_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v a_o good_a beginning_n and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o that_o by_o his_o more_o abundant_a grace_n we_o may_v proceed_v and_o so_o by_o degree_n come_v to_o a_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v in_o a_o instant_n change_v the_o most_o vicious_a man_n into_o a_o saint_n but_o we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o than_o that_o he_o shall_v work_v new_a miracle_n to_o convert_v we_o but_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v so_o for_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o special_a grace_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o qualify_v and_o prepare_v person_n or_o by_o the_o command_v of_o the_o scripture_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n or_o by_o the_o general_a experience_n of_o humane_a nature_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o a_o habitual_a sinner_n can_v become_v a_o good_a man_n in_o a_o instant_n he_o must_v first_o learn_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n angry_a justice_n he_o must_v be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n he_o must_v deep_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o must_v avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o fortify_v himself_o with_o vehement_a resolution_n to_o forsake_v his_o wicked_a course_n and_o he_o must_v make_v many_o earnest_a prayer_n before_o he_o can_v subdue_v his_o lust_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o yield_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n he_o can_v expect_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v make_v he_o a_o holy_a man_n but_o by_o the_o former_a mean_n and_o therefore_o by_o degree_n this_o consideration_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v omit_v because_o it_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o two_o very_a different_a sort_n of_o man_n 1._o to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n and_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o recover_v themselves_o although_o they_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o amendment_n before_o they_o for_o it_o happen_v sometime_o that_o such_o man_n wish_v they_o have_v take_v a_o early_a care_n to_o live_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n but_o they_o believe_v it_o be_v now_o in_o vain_a to_o strive_v against_o those_o fatal_a habit_n which_o be_v so_o deep_o root_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o they_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o carelessness_n and_o desperation_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v common_o this_o that_o when_o they_o attempt_v their_o own_o reformation_n and_o have_v purpose_v to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n they_o soon_o find_v themselves_o surprise_v again_o by_o their_o former_a temptation_n and_o carry_v away_o as_o strong_o by_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v before_o which_o make_v they_o conclude_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o take_v any_o more_o pain_n with_o themselves_o as_o if_o because_o their_o freedom_n from_o the_o servitude_n of_o sin_n can_v not_o be_v effect_v in_o a_o
we_o find_v in_o vers_fw-la 22_o 23._o for_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n and_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n but_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n here_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o man_n concern_v who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o he_o show_v concern_v each_o of_o they_o why_o they_o reject_v the_o gospel_n 1._o the_o jew_n be_v offend_v at_o it_o because_o it_o require_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o crucify_a messiah_n but_o their_o pretence_n be_v that_o they_o want_v a_o sign_n i._n e._n some_o prodigy_n from_o heaven_n or_o some_o such_o amaze_a appearance_n as_o accompany_v the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n to_o moses_n upon_o mount_n sinai_n 2._o the_o greek_a philosopher_n of_o those_o day_n be_v offend_v at_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v who_o naked_o represent_v their_o doctrine_n without_o any_o such_o philosophical_a subtlety_n and_o reason_n as_o they_o use_v themselves_o for_o that_o which_o they_o seek_v after_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o want_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v wisdom_n or_o demonstration_n from_o natural_a principle_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o these_o peculiar_o say_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v foolishness_n unto_o they_o viz._n because_o they_o look_v for_o wisdom_n or_o discourse_n mere_o philosophical_a now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n chief_a design_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n be_v to_o vindicate_v his_o way_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n against_o the_o fault_n which_o the_o greek_n find_v with_o it_o for_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o begin_v direct_o thus_o and_o i_o brethren_n when_o i_o come_v to_o you_o ibid._n come_v not_o with_o excellency_n of_o speech_n or_o wisdom_n declare_v unto_o you_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n ay_o e._n i_o answer_v not_o their_o expectation_n who_o look_v for_o eloquence_n or_o philosophy_n for_o i_o determine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v v_o 2._o not_o to_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o any_o other_o doctrine_n but_o those_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o particular_o that_o the_o crucify_a jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n and_o these_o doctrine_n i_o prove_v by_o miracle_n and_o other_o divine_a testimony_n now_o this_o way_n of_o prove_v they_o the_o apostle_n justify_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v preach_v unto_o they_o show_v that_o they_o have_v depend_v altogether_o upon_o the_o free_a and_o sovereign_a will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v to_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v not_o immediate_o reveal_v otherwise_o than_o by_o sufficient_a testimony_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o other_o such_o as_o miracle_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v why_o he_o reject_v excellency_n of_o speech_n and_o wisdom_n already_o viz._n because_o it_o be_v a_o improper_a way_n of_o prove_v thing_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o thus_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n even_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n which_o god_n ordain_v before_o the_o world_n unto_o our_o glory_n v_o 7._o i._n e._n we_o declare_v those_o counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v conceal_v from_o former_a age_n and_o which_o god_n have_v now_o honour_v we_o with_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o revelation_n which_o none_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n know_v for_o have_v they_o but_o as_o it_o be_v write_v eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n what_o thing_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o i_o e._n if_o it_o can_v have_v be_v find_v out_o by_o natural_a sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n that_o god_n will_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n the_o chief_a man_n among_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o instead_o of_o crucify_a he_o they_o will_v have_v become_v his_o disciple_n themselves_o but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 10._o but_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o no_o man_n by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n can_v attain_v god_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o revelation_n of_o his_o spirit_n so_o that_o this_o contrivance_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v no_o long_o hide_v now_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o we_o may_v therefore_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v unto_o we_o for_o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 11._o i._n e._n what_o man_n know_v the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o another_o man_n till_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o discover_v they_o himself_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n i._n e._n his_o counsel_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n which_o depend_v mere_o upon_o his_o own_o will_n and_o choice_n none_o can_v know_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n mean_v be_v plain_a from_o the_o argument_n which_o he_o use_v here_o for_o those_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v common_a to_o humane_a nature_n one_o man_n may_v know_v concern_v another_o without_o be_v acquaint_v by_o he_o what_o they_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n without_o particular_a revelation_n a_o man_n may_v understand_v the_o natural_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o by_o the_o mere_a use_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v thence_o infer_v wherefore_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n here_o mean_v be_v those_o intention_n and_o design_n of_o god_n which_o by_o natural_a reason_n can_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n because_o they_o depend_v only_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o be_v therefore_o only_o to_o be_v know_v by_o revelation_n and_o this_o be_v further_a express_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 12_o vers_n we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v know_v which_o thing_n also_o we_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a i._n e._n there_o be_v then_o no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v offend_v that_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o prove_v these_o divine_a matter_n by_o philosophical_a argument_n but_o by_o such_o argument_n only_o as_o be_v proper_a to_o prove_v they_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o revelation_n we_o prove_v by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n vers_fw-la 4._o the_o sense_n of_o revelation_n we_o prove_v by_o compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a etc._n i._n e._n one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o new_a then_o the_o apostle_n add_v but_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o text_n to_o be_v explain_v now_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v consistent_o we_o be_v 1._o by_o the_o natural_a man_n to_o understand_v one_o who_o reject_v revelation_n do_v not_o exclude_v he_o that_o never_o have_v it_o offer_v to_o he_o but_o the_o former_a seem_v principal_o to_o be_v intend_v though_o upon_o the_o matter_n it_o come_v all_o to_o one_o viz._n he_o who_o reject_v the_o testimony_n whereby_o any_o thing_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v which_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o philosophical_a wisdom_n thus_o do_v the_o greek_a philosopher_n who_o count_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n foolishness_n as_o here_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v he_o to_o who_o the_o apostle_n offer_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n against_o the_o excellency_n of_o speech_n and_o wisdom_n wherefore_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v he_o against_o who_o st._n paul_n be_v prove_v the_o necessity_n
isai._n 42.1_o where_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v give_v my_o spirit_n upon_o he_o which_o be_v almost_o the_o same_o expression_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o st._n john_n only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d upon_o he_o make_v the_o former_a to_o allude_v to_o the_o descent_n of_o that_o visible_a glory_n upon_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o be_v consecrate_v to_o his_o office_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o doctor_n have_v meet_v with_o a_o unexpected_a secret_n in_o the_o phrase_n of_o put_v on_o for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o god_n be_v say_v to_o put_v upon_o man_n but_o he_o think_v something_o more_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o than_o by_o give_v the_o spirit_n he_o say_v 85._o god_n do_v not_o only_o give_v and_o send_v his_o spirit_n unto_o they_o to_o who_o he_o design_v so_o great_a a_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n but_o he_o actual_o collate_n and_o bestow_v he_o upon_o they_o he_o do_v not_o send_v he_o unto_o they_o and_o leave_v it_o in_o their_o will_n and_o power_n whether_o they_o will_v receive_v he_o or_o no_o but_o he_o so_o effectual_o collate_n and_o put_v he_o in_o they_o or_o upon_o they_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v actual_o make_v partaker_n of_o he_o and_o again_o 86._o as_o to_o some_o gift_n and_o grace_n god_n do_v bestow_v his_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v some_o preparation_n and_o cooperation_n on_o our_o part_n but_o wherever_o he_o design_v to_o put_v or_o place_v he_o he_o do_v it_o effectual_o this_o be_v too_o serious_a a_o subject_n to_o be_v pleasant_a withal_o otherwise_o here_o will_v be_v occasion_n enough_o the_o doctor_n it_o seem_v have_v discover_v that_o the_o person_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v bestow_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v and_o that_o their_o conversion_n be_v by_o a_o irresistible_a work_n and_o all_o this_o in_o the_o phrase_n of_o put_v the_o spirit_n upon_o a_o man_n or_o in_o he_o now_o what_o a_o goodly_a argument_n be_v here_o lose_v if_o this_o phrase_n shall_v signify_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o that_o of_o give_v the_o spirit_n as_o i_o have_v show_v that_o it_o do_v unless_o our_o author_n be_v subtle_a enough_o to_o show_v some_o real_a difference_n between_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o phrase_n in_o matth._n 12.18_o and_o john_n 3.34_o where_o they_o be_v use_v concern_v christ._n but_o perhaps_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n lie_v in_o the_o only_a word_n put_v and_o therefore_o he_o produce_v that_o text_n 15._o isai._n 63.11_o where_o indeed_o the_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v make_v use_n of_o which_o proper_o signify_v to_o put._n the_o word_n be_v where_o be_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o put_v his_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o i._o e._n who_o spirit_n be_v present_a with_o the_o israelite_n to_o save_v they_o from_o their_o enemy_n for_o the_o context_n plain_o show_v this_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n where_o be_v he_o that_o bring_v they_o up_o out_o of_o the_o sea_n where_o be_v he_o that_o put_v etc._n etc._n that_o lead_v they_o by_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o moses_n &_o c._n vers_fw-la 12._o now_o certain_o this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o save_v the_o israelite_n from_o the_o egyptian_n do_v not_o imply_v that_o the_o very_a person_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v put_v upon_o they_o and_o without_o all_o question_n it_o be_v of_o a_o very_a foreign_a nature_n from_o that_o work_n for_o which_o as_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v from_o this_o place_n the_o spirit_n be_v irresistible_o put_v upon_o man_n and_o therefore_o this_o text_n be_v every_o way_n impertinent_a to_o his_o purpose_n to_o conclude_v the_o reason_n of_o these_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n may_v be_v easy_o understand_v by_o compare_v they_o with_o that_o plain_a text_n of_o st_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 12.4_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n for_o to_o one_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o etc._n etc._n all_o these_o work_v that_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o one_o several_o as_o he_o will_v vers_fw-la 11._o for_o because_o it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o bestow_v these_o several_a gift_n therefore_o by_o a_o usual_a metonymy_n they_o who_o receive_v these_o gift_n be_v say_v to_o receive_v the_o holy_a spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.12_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v and_o send_v and_o pour_v forth_o and_o administer_v and_o put_v upon_o those_o in_o who_o his_o operation_n be_v and_o upon_o who_o his_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n his_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v bestow_v these_o be_v 〈◊〉_d signification_n of_o this_o word_n spirit_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o i_o have_v not_o note_v as_o be_v too_o â—â—â—rain_n to_o my_o present_a purpose_n of_o state_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o discourse_n to_o which_o i_o now_o proceed_v sect_n 2._o first_o of_o all_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o understand_v those_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v the_o object_n of_o and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o form_n of_o his_o body_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o in_o indue_a he_o with_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a ability_n much_o less_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n etc._n etc._n which_o dr._n owen_n have_v take_v great_a pain_n about_o but_o i_o can_v think_v this_o needful_a to_o the_o design_n which_o i_o have_v 1._o of_o discourse_v about_o the_o action_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n for_o they_o be_v hereby_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v create_v and_o to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v thus_o the_o first_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n spirit_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o object_n about_o which_o those_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o i_o mean_v be_v conversant_a second_o i_o intend_v those_o action_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o cause_v certain_a quality_n in_o they_o whereof_o they_o be_v capable_a subject_n for_o instance_n such_o as_o be_v contain_v under_o the_o second_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n spirit_n viz._n faith_n and_o charity_n and_o meekness_n and_o the_o like_a but_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v nor_o be_v it_o requisite_a for_o i_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o our_o mind_n or_o any_o other_o create_v being_n be_v sustain_v in_o their_o nature_n especial_o because_o the_o doctor_n have_v take_v care_n not_o to_o omit_v that_o subject_a ibid._n three_o i_o mean_v those_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n only_o the_o promise_n whereof_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o which_o limitation_n of_o the_o subject_a you_o see_v i_o be_o not_o like_a to_o trouble_v you_o with_o any_o enquiry_n concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n before_o the_o fall_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v to_o fall_v creature_n and_o what_o his_o operation_n upon_o our_o mind_n be_v since_o the_o fall_n can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n because_o it_o depend_v altogether_o upon_o god_n free_a will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o bestow_v the_o spirit_n upon_o we_o neither_o shall_v i_o discourse_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n 2._o as_o it_o be_v communicate_v before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n nor_o shall_v i_o at_o present_a examine_v our_o author_n learning_n in_o that_o point_n because_o i_o intend_v to_o confine_v myself_o to_o those_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o may_v be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o shall_v altogether_o omit_v to_o take_v notice_n how_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n man_n grow_v skilful_a politician_n in_o which_o matter_n if_o any_o one_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v inform_v 117._o he_o may_v consult_v dr._n owen_n nor_o last_o do_v i_o think_v myself_o concern_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o and_o upon_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o doctor_n have_v likewise_o spend_v above_o a_o long_a chapter_n upon_o 2._o for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o we_o and_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o other_o knowledge_n of_o than_o by_o his_o word_n i._n e._n by_o
what_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o declare_v concern_v it_o by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n last_o i_o mean_v those_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n the_o continuance_n whereof_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n remove_v those_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o enquiry_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o first_o i_o e._n such_o as_o show_v themselves_o in_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o believer_n of_o that_o time_n who_o be_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n by_o supernatural_a effect_n evident_a to_o sense_n and_o such_o testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v once_o full_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o god_n shall_v appear_v in_o every_o age_n to_o own_o it_o by_o new_a 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all_o but_o as_o obvious_a as_o the_o difference_n between_o these_o thing_n be_v i_o find_v dr._n owen_n frequent_o confound_v they_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n to_o be_v put_v between_o they_o thus_o after_o he_o have_v recite_v those_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o i_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o shall_v he_o speak_v and_o he_o shall_v show_v you_o thing_n to_o come_v he_o suppose_v that_o these_o be_v instance_n of_o that_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n 10._o which_o belong_v unto_o all_o believer_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_o false_a as_o be_v plain_a from_o our_o saviour_n word_n themselves_o he_o shall_v bring_v to_o your_o remembrance_n whatever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o he_o shall_v show_v you_o thing_n to_o come_v which_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n no_o sober_a man_n can_v apply_v to_o believer_n now_o and_o this_o the_o doctor_n himself_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o that_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v bestow_v on_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o for_o especial_a end_n now_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v of_o he_o what_o other_o end_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o foresay_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v produce_v 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be_v in_o general_n promise_v by_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 11.13_o and_o prove_v also_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n several_o ascribe_v to_o his_o operation_n now_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n of_o this_o divine_a grace_n god_n have_v make_v we_o a_o very_a large_a and_o bountiful_a promise_n thereof_o and_o give_v thereby_o such_o a_o abundant_a demonstration_n of_o his_o goodwill_n towards_o we_o that_o indeed_o he_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o have_v rather_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v with_o our_o utmost_a thanks_o and_o praise_n but_o after_o all_o this_o it_o will_v be_v pretend_v by_o some_o man_n that_o if_o we_o say_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v limit_v to_o those_o effect_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o we_o confine_v the_o promise_n within_o too_o narrow_a a_o compass_n and_o do_v in_o effect_n deny_v several_a divine_a grace_n and_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n such_o as_o dart_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n into_o their_o mind_n suggest_v word_n and_o matter_n to_o they_o when_o they_o pray_v extempore_o and_o give_v they_o absolute_a assurance_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v at_o last_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o if_o we_o take_v the_o liberty_n of_o dissent_v from_o their_o sense_n of_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o next_o thing_n we_o hear_v be_v that_o we_o want_v the_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o all_o that_o we_o can_v say_v be_v at_o once_o turn_v off_o for_o carnal_a reason_n if_o we_o dare_v not_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o than_o a_o conditional_a assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n we_o be_v those_o that_o have_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o if_o we_o make_v use_v of_o pious_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n we_o do_v not_o pray_v by_o the_o 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unto_o salvation_n because_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o need_v no_o infallible_a interpreter_n for_o all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v be_v plain_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o new_a revelation_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o text_n the_o sense_n whereof_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a there_o be_v indeed_o many_o passage_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n or_o of_o new_a revelation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v themselves_o necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v if_o you_o say_v that_o because_o all_o scripture_n be_v profitable_a the_o revelation_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o those_o text_n at_o least_o which_o have_v the_o great_a difficulty_n belong_v to_o they_o must_v be_v profitable_a also_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o do_v not_o follow_v in_o every_o particular_a that_o because_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v profitable_a therefore_o if_o i_o ask_v god_n will_v give_v it_o which_o you_o know_v be_v prove_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o st._n luke_n text_n chap._n 2._o sect._n 2._o wherefore_o if_o i_o pray_v only_o that_o god_n may_v prosper_v my_o industry_n in_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v such_o a_o difficult_a place_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o promise_n in_o st._n luke_n that_o god_n will_v grant_v my_o request_n in_o that_o particular_a for_o he_o may_v give_v i_o something_o as_o good_a or_o better_a instead_o of_o it_o as_o i_o may_v get_v advantage_n by_o understand_v that_o place_n so_o i_o may_v also_o get_v advantage_n by_o find_v that_o after_o all_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o which_o may_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v improve_v by_o i_o into_o a_o occasion_n of_o more_o humility_n modesty_n and_o charity_n which_o if_o st._n paul_n may_v be_v believe_v be_v better_a than_o knowledge_n as_o my_o try_v to_o understand_v do_v before_o excite_v i_o to_o prayer_n and_o industry_n but_o much_o less_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o god_n will_v grant_v my_o request_n if_o i_o pray_v yet_o more_o particular_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o difficult_a place_n may_v be_v reveal_v to_o i_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n for_o 2._o though_o that_o be_v profitable_a yet_o it_o be_v profitable_a also_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o study_n and_o the_o industrious_a use_n of_o mean_n common_a to_o learned_a man_n if_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n of_o other_o or_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o spiritual_a guide_n if_o i_o be_o mere_o a_o learner_n and_o if_o i_o come_v either_o of_o these_o way_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o difficult_a text_n god_n have_v not_o be_v less_o good_a to_o i_o for_o not_o communicate_v it_o to_o i_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v 3._o that_o if_o god_n give_v i_o the_o 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thereunto_o 206._o for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o pride_n and_o petulancy_n qualify_v man_n either_o to_o maintain_v argument_n or_o to_o answer_v they_o the_o doctor_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o they_o do_v and_o much_o good_a may_v his_o advantage_n do_v he_o but_o this_o i_o see_v that_o pride_n and_o petulancy_n be_v good_a help_n towards_o the_o write_n of_o a_o great_a book_n for_o if_o this_o man_n have_v spare_v himself_o the_o pain_n of_o charge_v his_o adversary_n with_o pelagianism_n ignorance_n impudence_n and_o ill_a manner_n and_o his_o frequent_a tautology_n into_o the_o bargain_n the_o bulk_n of_o his_o book_n have_v be_v take_v down_o so_o considerable_o that_o the_o smallness_n of_o the_o volume_n will_v have_v carry_v a_o even_a proportion_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o profitableness_n of_o his_o discourse_n and_o how_o much_o of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o he_o i_o will_v leave_v the_o indifferent_a reader_n to_o 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turn_n for_o you_o must_v know_v that_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o receive_v that_o new_a save_a light_n he_o speak_v of_o which_o can_v only_o make_v you_o to_o understand_v spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o for_o without_o the_o addition_n of_o this_o new_a light_n which_o only_o the_o regenerate_a have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n be_v utter_o insufficient_a to_o give_v you_o a_o spiritual_a understanding_n of_o they_o so_o that_o you_o can_v neither_o be_v convince_v that_o another_o understand_v they_o spiritual_o till_o security_n be_v give_v you_o that_o he_o be_v a_o regenerate_a man_n nor_o when_o you_o be_v certain_a of_o that_o be_v he_o able_a to_o make_v you_o understand_v they_o so_o till_o you_o be_v regenerate_v yourself_o now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o i_o have_v a_o very_a strange_a task_n for_o than_o i_o can_v confute_v dr._n owen_n till_o i_o can_v prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o unregenerate_a man_n nor_o can_v i_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o what_o i_o be_o to_o say_v be_v true_a till_o i_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o own_o conversion_n both_o which_o argument_n i_o take_v to_o be_v very_o improper_a for_o a_o book_n for_o though_o i_o shall_v argue_v from_o principle_n common_a either_o to_o all_o christian_n or_o to_o all_o man_n with_o never_o such_o appearance_n of_o reason_n it_o may_v yet_o be_v reply_v that_o all_o this_o be_v but_o carnal_a reason_n which_o the_o doctor_n and_o his_o sanctify_a friend_n discover_v to_o be_v no_o better_o by_o that_o illumination_n which_o because_o i_o have_v not_o i_o can_v understand_v spiritual_a mystery_n spiritual_o but_o for_o this_o reason_n you_o will_v say_v our_o author_n ought_v consonant_o to_o his_o principle_n to_o have_v prove_v himself_o a_o regenerate_a man_n before_o he_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v surrender_v our_o belief_n to_o his_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a mystery_n you_o must_v know_v therefore_o that_o he_o have_v do_v something_o towards_o it_o in_o divers_a place_n of_o his_o book_n for_o he_o suppose_v that_o whoever_o understand_v gospel-mystery_n in_o that_o spiritual_a manner_n wherein_o he_o have_v explain_v they_o be_v thereby_o prove_v one_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o special_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o consequent_o regenerate_v so_o that_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o a_o man_n be_v qualify_v to_o understand_v and_o teach_v spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o you_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o especial_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o if_o you_o will_v then_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o doctor_n suppose_v be_v thus_o illuminate_v you_o must_v know_v it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o because_o he_o understand_v and_o teach_v spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o shameful_a circle_n now_o whether_o i_o have_v injure_v the_o doctor_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v hitherto_o charge_v he_o with_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_v by_o a_o few_o of_o many_o passage_n to_o that_o purpose_n which_o lie_v up_o and_o down_o in_o his_o book_n he_o say_v 209._o that_o without_o a_o effectual_a powerful_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n create_v and_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n induce_v a_o new_a save_a light_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v receive_v understand_v or_o believe_v save_o spiritual_a truth_n or_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o again_o 236._o such_o be_v the_o darkness_n of_o their_o unregenerate_a mind_n that_o they_o be_v powerful_o and_o as_o unto_o any_o light_n of_o their_o own_o i._n e._n till_o the_o almighty_a create_a work_n be_v do_v invincible_o keep_v off_o from_o receive_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n now_o i_o shall_v show_v by_o two_o or_o three_o instance_n that_o the_o doctor_n make_v his_o way_n of_o understand_v spiritual_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o regeneration_n and_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o irresistible_a work_n have_v be_v upon_o a_o man_n mind_n when_o he_o undertake_v to_o show_v why_o god_n do_v require_v holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o we_o and_o affirm_v that_o he_o do_v not_o require_v it_o in_o order_n to_o our_o justification_n he_o tell_v we_o carnal_a reason_n can_v discern_v of_o what_o use_v it_o shall_v be_v 334._o if_o it_o serve_v not_o to_o this_o purpose_n or_o one_o of_o those_o which_o he_o there_o reject_v now_o that_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a be_v one_o of_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o carnal_a reason_n may_v understand_v but_o if_o you_o understand_v this_o doctrine_n spiritual_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o justification_n and_o this_o forsooth_o carnal_a reason_n can_v discern_v but_o what_o follow_v make_v it_o plain_o yet_o but_o the_o first_o save_v light_n that_o shine_v by_o the_o gospel_n from_o jesus_n christ_n into_o our_o heart_n begin_v to_o undeceive_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n so_o that_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v require_v holiness_n of_o we_o as_o a_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o our_o be_v justify_v have_v have_v no_o save_a light_n shine_v into_o his_o heart_n by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o have_v not_o have_v the_o first_o of_o all_o and_o this_o clear_o show_v how_o the_o doctor_n make_v the_o reject_v of_o his_o notion_n to_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n he_o say_v further_a and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o our_o receive_v a_o evangelical_n baptism_n or_o of_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o clear_a compliance_n of_o our_o mind_n with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n herein_o this_o be_v full_a and_o home_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o you_o see_v that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o discard_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n under_o that_o
the_o mind_n unprofitable_a to_o man_n and_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n but_o then_o withal_o i_o can_v find_v they_o any_o where_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o he_o fancy_n of_o a_o possibility_n to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v which_o be_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n etc._n etc._n i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o believe_v they_o nor_o do_v i_o see_v any_o likelihood_n that_o i_o ever_o shall_v unless_o some_o irresistible_a power_n make_v another_o thing_n of_o i_o than_o i_o find_v myself_o to_o be_v at_o present_a and_o if_o this_o will_v content_v the_o doctor_n i_o have_v no_o quarrel_n with_o he_o but_o then_o if_o he_o pretend_v that_o the_o real_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n gospel_n viz._n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v crucify_v for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o must_v be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o and_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 etc._n etc._n be_v as_o unintelligible_a and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o they_o as_o indiscernible_a as_o that_o of_o his_o new-fashioned_a principle_n i_o must_v beg_v his_o pardon_n if_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o neither_o but_o reckon_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o doctor_n have_v cast_v a_o horrible_a reproach_n upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n while_o he_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n that_o bend_v his_o mind_n to_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o never_o so_o attentive_o and_o use_v his_o reason_n never_o so_o modest_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o to_o assent_v to_o they_o as_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o man_n if_o that_o be_v true_a than_o this_o pernicious_a consequence_n be_v unavoidable_a that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o a_o man_n to_o use_v any_o mean_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o pretend_v to_o he_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o right_a believer_n he_o have_v no_o way_n but_o to_o sit_v down_o in_o a_o lazy_a expectation_n of_o that_o light_n which_o the_o doctor_n say_v must_v be_v create_v in_o his_o mind_n by_o a_o almighty_a act_n of_o god_n before_o he_o can_v know_v and_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o be_v and_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v this_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v interpretation_n of_o st._n paul_n text_n and_o let_v any_o man_n but_o himself_o judge_n whether_o it_o do_v not_o infinite_o disparage_v the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o whether_o it_o do_v not_o offer_v great_a wrong_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o betray_v they_o either_o into_o a_o contempt_n of_o christianity_n or_o at_o least_o into_o a_o sluggish_a neglect_n of_o all_o that_o consideration_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o understand_v and_o believe_v it_o upon_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v be_v so_o punctual_a in_o find_v out_o and_o so_o long_o in_o confute_v his_o notion_n of_o this_o text_n which_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v altogether_o as_o pernicious_a as_o they_o be_v false_a i_o shall_v have_v leave_v they_o to_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o nonsense_n sect_n v._o the_o incoherence_n of_o his_o interpretation_n with_o the_o scope_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o that_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n must_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o observe_v what_o st._n paul_n design_n be_v in_o they_o which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o inquire_v into_o and_o thereby_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o the_o text._n to_o allay_v those_o contention_n that_o be_v among_o the_o corinthian_n about_o their_o teacher_n who_o they_o shall_v follow_v chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 11._o st._n paul_n remind_v they_o how_o he_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o they_o and_o by_o what_o argument_n they_o have_v be_v win_v to_o receive_v it_o not_o with_o wisdom_n of_o word_n vers_fw-la 17._o and_o again_o not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 4._o but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n note_n i._n e._n not_o with_o rhetorical_a oration_n or_o philosophical_a discourse_n such_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o gentile_n make_v use_v of_o to_o put_v off_o their_o opinion_n to_o the_o people_n withal_o he_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n but_o as_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o the_o gospel_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v he_o prove_v it_o to_o they_o by_o a_o divine_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o viz._n that_o of_o supernatural_a gift_n bestow_v now_o upon_o believer_n of_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o apparent_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o such_o testimony_n of_o god_n own_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o revelation_n from_o he_o as_o these_o be_v the_o consequence_n whereof_o be_v that_o their_o faith_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n i._n e._n that_o their_o faith_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o eloquence_n or_o the_o subtle_a reason_n of_o man_n but_o upon_o the_o plain_a testimony_n of_o god_n declare_v by_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v clear_o a_o good_a consideration_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o contend_v about_o the_o person_n of_o their_o teacher_n who_o never_o go_v about_o to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o themselves_o as_o vers_n 13._o by_o the_o ostentation_n of_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n but_o to_o win_v they_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n but_o hereupon_o the_o apostle_n take_v occasion_n to_o show_v 1._o the_o offence_n which_o they_o who_o be_v most_o in_o vogue_n for_o wisdom_n take_v at_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o way_n of_o preach_v it_o and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o that_o way_n notwithstanding_o above_o all_o other_o method_n to_o make_v man_n wise_a and_o good_a and_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o chap._n 1._o from_o vers_n 18._o to_o the_o end_n 2._o to_o vindicate_v this_o way_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n against_o their_o pretence_n who_o reject_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o chap._n 2._o that_o the_o former_a be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n be_v plain_a from_o what_o he_o say_v vers_fw-la 18._o and_o so_o forward_o for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foolishness_n and_o who_o these_o be_v we_o learn_v from_o vers_fw-la 20._o where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o scribe_n etc._n etc._n i_o e._n let_v those_o man_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n crucify_v come_v and_o compare_v the_o religion_n they_o teach_v and_o the_o reason_n they_o bring_v for_o it_o argument_n and_o the_o good_a they_o do_v by_o it_o with_o our_o doctrine_n and_o the_o testimony_n we_o confirm_v it_o withal_o and_o the_o advantage_n which_o it_o bring_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o for_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v vers_fw-la 21._o and_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 25._o i._n e._n let_v it_o be_v consider_v and_o you_o will_v see_v a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o convince_a of_o man_n that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o the_o bring_n of_o they_o to_o salvation_n by_o it_o vers_n 24._o you_o will_v see_v also_o what_o a_o infinite_a disparegement_n this_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o god_n will_v do_v to_o all_o the_o method_n of_o human_a wisdom_n when_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o for_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n those_o way_n of_o instruct_v and_o save_v mankind_n which_o be_v so_o far_o above_o all_o the_o invention_n and_o above_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o they_o now_o general_o reckon_v they_o to_o be_v foolish_a to_o confound_v the_o wise_a to_o put_v down_o all_o that_o wisdom_n of_o they_o which_o they_o so_o much_o glory_n in_o and_o thereby_o to_o show_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a than_o man_n v_o 27._o that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v glory_v in_o his_o presence_n vers_fw-la 29._o but_o the_o particular_a reason_n gospel_n why_o so_o few_o of_o those_o person_n who_o wisdom_n be_v in_o this_o manner_n baffle_v do_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v call_v vers_fw-la 26._o
of_o revelation_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o reveal_v doctrine_n by_o testimony_n of_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v one_o who_o reject_v reveal_v doctrine_n though_o as_o i_o intimate_v before_o he_o may_v be_v so_o call_v that_o be_v fain_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o mere_a natural_a reason_n for_o want_v of_o revelation_n because_o it_o be_v never_o propose_v to_o he_o for_o whether_o a_o man_n never_o have_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o be_v offer_v he_o be_v equal_o force_v to_o trust_v to_o natural_a reason_n in_o his_o enquiry_n after_o divine_a truth_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o doctor_n by_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n which_o he_o make_v such_o a_o clutter_v about_o all_o over_o his_o book_n mean_v the_o state_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o scriptural_a notion_n thereof_o though_o we_o do_v not_o find_v this_o very_a phrase_n the_o state_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v this_o viz._n the_o state_n of_o a_o heathen_a man_n who_o either_o want_n or_o reject_v divine_a revelation_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v fit_o oppose_v to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n as_o that_o signify_v be_v a_o believer_n or_o a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o both_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o state_n of_o judaisme_n or_o be_v under_o the_o law_n for_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o reject_v all_o divine_a revelation_n believe_v that_o which_o come_v by_o moses_n and_o so_o be_v not_o in_o a_o mere_a state_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o heathen_n be_v but_o as_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v under_o the_o law_n but_o not_o under_o grace_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 3._o i._n e._n they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n not_o as_o the_o phrase_n be_v take_v now_o adays_o but_o as_o it_o signify_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o those_o jew_n who_o receive_v not_o be_v under_o the_o law_n those_o heathen_n who_o receive_v not_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o natural_a man_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o 2._o by_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o the_o natural_a man_n reject_v the_o apostle_n mean_v those_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v not_o discoverable_a by_o natural_a reason_n which_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 9_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n of_o god_n v_o 7._o but_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o revelation_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 10._o be_v they_o concern_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n that_o depend_v upon_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 11_o 12._o and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v only_o by_o divine_a testimony_n and_o argument_n by_o the_o demonstration_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 4._o in_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 13._o 3._o because_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o signify_v because_o they_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o wisdom_n which_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o by_o philosophical_a demonstration_n from_o natural_a principle_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 22._o 4._o by_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v be_v mean_v their_o be_v know_v and_o understand_v and_o judge_v of_o by_o the_o revelation_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o external_a to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o immediate_o inspire_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v which_o be_v clear_a from_o st._n paul_n former_a discourse_n for_o he_o propose_v this_o way_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n he_o also_o propose_v this_o way_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o viz._n by_o compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a that_o be_v believe_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o now_o this_o have_v be_v utter_o vain_a if_o those_o to_o who_o that_o evidence_n and_o this_o help_n be_v propose_v can_v not_o possible_o know_v spiritual_a thing_n without_o such_o a_o internal_a and_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v themselves_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n not_o immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n but_o by_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v leave_v we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o holy_a write_n they_o prove_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v reveal_v those_o doctrine_n by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o prove_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o by_o compare_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o and_o this_o way_n of_o conviction_n st._n paul_n clear_o oppose_v to_o philosophical_a demonstration_n which_o it_o have_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o mean_v a_o external_a mean_n of_o conviction_n by_o it_o i._n e._n a_o mean_n by_o which_o one_o man_n may_v convince_v another_o which_o the_o doctor_n irresistible_a light_n can_v with_o any_o face_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v wherefore_o to_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v do_v according_a to_o the_o clear_a scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n signify_v to_o be_v discern_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o external_a revelation_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o thing_n that_o be_v natural_o discern_v be_v thing_n discernible_a by_o sense_n revelation_n or_o mere_a natural_a reason_n so_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v be_v those_o which_o be_v discernible_a only_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n &_o his_o apostle_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o by_o compare_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n argument_n be_v this_o a_o natural_a man_n can_v understand_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o revelation_n from_o the_o spirit_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v i._n e._n because_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o know_v these_o thing_n but_o by_o revelation_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o reject_v now_o he_o who_o faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o this_o revelation_n the_o apostle_n call_v a_o spiritual_a man_n v_o 15._o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n and_o he_o say_v concern_v he_o that_o he_o judge_v all_o thing_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n i._n e._n either_o according_a to_o st._n chrysostome_n excellent_a note_n he_o judge_v both_o the_o doctrine_n that_o may_v be_v know_v by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n and_o those_o which_o can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n for_o he_o have_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n equal_o with_o the_o natural_a man_n we_o and_o moreover_o he_o have_v further_a knowledge_n by_o revelation_n which_o the_o other_o have_v not_o or_o he_o judge_v all_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n be_v speak_v viz._n gospel-mystery_n he_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n by_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v divine_o reveal_v and_o thereby_o to_o confute_v their_o pretence_n who_o reject_v they_o because_o they_o can_v be_v know_v by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n but_o no_o man_n can_v confute_v he_o who_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v ground_v upon_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v divine_o reveal_v for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v pretend_v to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n better_a than_o god_n himself_o do_v and_o yet_o those_o must_v do_v so_o reveal_v who_o contradict_v what_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o certain_a foundation_n of_o our_o knowledge_n which_o must_v stand_v when_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n shall_v perish_v that_o we_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v instruct_v by_o christ_n himself_o who_o come_v from_o god_n thus_o have_v i_o large_o show_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o two_o chapter_n and_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n in_o hand_n which_o make_v the_o apostle_n discourse_v clear_o consistent_a and_o now_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o unprejudiced_a reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o the_o doctor_n be_v interpretation_n of_o it_o which_o i_o have_v already_o show_v to_o be_v absurd_a in_o itself_o be_v not_o also_o utter_o impertinent_a to_o the_o apostle_n main_a design_n for_o suppose_v the_o natural_a man_n to_o be_v one_o in_o who_o spiritual_a light_n be_v not_o create_v by_o a_o almighty_a work_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o mind_n how_o strange_o must_v the_o apostle_n have_v wander_v from_o his_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o reveal_v truth_n
can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o god_n reveal_v they_o to_o we_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o revelation_n by_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o such_o argument_n as_o he_o oppose_v to_o those_o natural_a demonstration_n and_o way_n of_o prove_v thing_n which_o the_o philosopher_n use_v and_o how_o just_o may_v they_o have_v deride_v the_o apostle_n for_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o because_o they_o reject_v reveal_v religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o be_v knowable_a by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n if_o after_o so_o long_a a_o flourish_n about_o a_o high_a and_o better_a way_n of_o demonstrate_v those_o divine_a truth_n he_o speak_v of_o than_o from_o natural_a principle_n he_o have_v conclude_v that_o no_o man_n can_v understand_v their_o truth_n and_o sense_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v till_o god_n make_v he_o to_o understand_v they_o by_o a_o irresistible_a work_n upon_o his_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o doctor_n be_v sense_n of_o those_o word_n that_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v i_o put_v it_o also_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o this_o follow_a paraphrase_n upon_o these_o word_n which_o the_o doctor_n carp_v at_o be_v as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o wrest_n of_o the_o scripture_n at_o pleasure_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n they_o that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n the_o learned_a philosopher_n etc._n etc._n do_v absolute_o despise_v and_o so_o harken_v not_o after_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o seem_v folly_n to_o they_o chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 28._o nor_o can_v they_o by_o any_o study_n of_o their_o own_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v by_o understand_v the_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n and_o other_o such_o mean_n which_o depend_v on_o divine_a revelation_n the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o paraphrase_n of_o the_o reverend_n dr._n hammond_n and_o it_o full_o express_v that_o sense_n which_o by_o the_o context_n i_o have_v prove_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o text._n our_o author_n bring_v it_o in_o at_o last_o to_o examine_v it_o by_o his_o own_o comment_n which_o since_o i_o have_v disprove_v i_o may_v spare_v myself_o any_o further_a trouble_n in_o defend_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o paraphrase_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o it_o 1._o he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o natural_a man_n intend_v not_o only_o the_o learned_a philosopher_n but_o every_o one_o of_o what_o sort_n and_o condition_n soever_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ._n to_o see_v what_o a_o man_n will_v say_v when_o he_o be_v set_v to_o wrangle_v dr._n owen_n himself_o more_o than_o once_o give_v his_o meaning_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n in_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o one_o which_o have_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o all_o his_o rational_a faculty_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o learned_a philosopher_n of_o old_a and_o the_o wise_a know_v and_o rational_a make_v the_o long_a opposition_n to_o they_o and_o he_o say_v himself_o in_o the_o very_a next_o exception_n the_o apostle_n give_v a_o account_n why_o so_o few_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n receive_v the_o gospel_n but_o if_o dr._n owen_n offence_n be_v take_v that_o they_o only_o be_v intend_v by_o dr._n hammond_n this_o offence_n be_v unreasonable_o take_v for_o the_o doctor_n intend_v as_o his_o word_n be_v very_o plain_a all_o those_o of_o whatsoever_o sort_n they_o be_v that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n i._n e._n who_o either_o want_n or_o reject_v revelation_n 2._o he_o dislike_v the_o paraphrase_v of_o he_o receive_v not_o by_o he_o absolute_o despise_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v sometime_o his_o own_o paraphrase_n as_o where_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o receive_v they_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n and_o that_o to_o cast_v a_o contempt_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n by_o who_o it_o be_v despise_v and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n he_o use_v the_o same_o liberty_n but_o his_o chief_a exception_n against_o this_o part_n of_o the_o paraphrase_n be_v because_o it_o do_v not_o express_v the_o reason_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o receive_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o reason_n be_v his_o disability_n to_o receive_v they_o i._n e._n because_o it_o do_v not_o express_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o possible_o intend_v for_o he_o that_o bare_o say_v that_o any_o one_o believe_v or_o receive_v not_o such_o a_o doctrine_n will_v not_o unless_o he_o be_v a_o fool_n pretend_v that_o by_o say_v so_o he_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v not_o but_o dr._n hammond_n give_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n where_o st._n paul_n give_v a_o reason_n who_o say_v he_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o because_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o and_o he_o can_v because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v his_o five_o objection_n be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n with_o this_o for_o he_o say_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o receive_v not_o be_v give_v in_o the_o ensue_a reason_n and_o explanation_n of_o it_o he_o can_v know_v they_o which_o be_v nonsense_n for_o not_o to_o know_v a_o doctrine_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o know_v it_o be_v another_o and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o the_o former_a nor_o do_v i_o understand_v how_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o proposition_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o for_o i_o always_o think_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o sentence_n must_v first_o be_v understand_v before_o the_o reason_n or_o truth_n of_o that_o meaning_n can_v be_v 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prophecy_n etc._n etc._n but_o then_o withal_o dr._n owen_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n too_o by_o make_v it_o to_o signify_v the_o inward_a mean_n of_o discern_v they_o viz._n the_o irresistible_a light_n by_o which_o he_o discern_v they_o for_o inward_a mean_n of_o do_v a_o thing_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o equal_o with_o outward_a mean_n and_o if_o dr._n owen_n say_v that_o the_o internal_a manner_n of_o the_o mind_n reception_n be_v express_v by_o his_o say_n that_o they_o be_v discern_v by_o irresistible_a light_n i_o ask_v he_o why_o i_o may_v not_o say_v too_o that_o the_o internal_a manner_n of_o the_o mind_n reception_n of_o they_o be_v express_v by_o dr._n hammond_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v discern_v by_o
miracle_n prophecy_n etc._n etc._n the_o true_a difference_n between_o dr._n h._n and_o dr._n o._n in_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o manner_n or_o the_o mean_n of_o receive_v spiritual_a thing_n be_v signify_v by_o the_o word_n spiritual_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v design_v to_o express_v those_o mean_n which_o dr._n h._n affirm_v viz._n external_a testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n or_o those_o which_o dr._n o._n contend_v for_o viz._n the_o internal_a and_o irresistible_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o a_o man_n mind_n but_o 2._o i_o have_v show_v by_o the_o clear_a scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o outward_a mean_n be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v this_o i_o see_v be_v our_o author_n be_v great_a trouble_n that_o dr._n h._n suppose_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v because_o he_o will_v only_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o natural_a reason_n and_o will_v not_o attend_v to_o revelation_n and_o the_o outward_a mean_n whereby_o reveal_v doctrine_n may_v be_v prove_v whereas_o j._n owen_n meaning_n be_v that_o he_o can_v receive_v they_o because_o the_o new_a light_n be_v not_o yet_o create_v in_o his_o mind_n by_o a_o almighty_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o truth_n of_o dr._n hammond_n sense_n and_o the_o absurdity_n of_o dr._n owen_n i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o shall_v only_o add_v this_o to_o help_v our_o author_n understanding_n viz._n that_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o external_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n make_v equal_o to_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o gospel_n with_o they_o who_o receive_v it_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o they_o who_o reject_v it_o can_v not_o receive_v it_o because_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o enlighten_v by_o a_o omnipotent_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o another_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o they_o can_v not_o viz._n the_o apostle_n reason_n because_o they_o seek_v after_o man_n wisdom_n and_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o that_o for_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o philosophical_a discourse_n by_o the_o authority_n he_o bring_v to_o confirm_v his_o own_o exposition_n and_o to_o confront_v dr._n hammond_n we_o may_v guess_v how_o pertinent_a the_o rest_n be_v that_o his_o book_n be_v stuff_v withal_o he_o produce_v that_o say_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n a_o natural_a man_n be_v he_o who_o live_v by_o the_o flesh_n and_o have_v not_o his_o mind_n yet_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n but_o only_o have_v that_o connatural_a humane_a understanding_n which_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n have_v endue_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n withal_o this_o exposition_n which_o he_o call_v better_a than_o dr._n hammond_n be_v clear_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n with_o it_o for_o here_o be_v not_o a_o word_n about_o that_o irresistible_a light_n which_o j._n o._n contend_v for_o and_o to_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n which_o be_v dr._n hammond_n word_n be_v perfect_o the_o same_o with_o have_v only_o the_o connatural_a humane_a understanding_n etc._n etc._n the_o follow_a passage_n of_o chrysostome_n which_o he_o quote_v be_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o same_o writer_n which_o he_o bring_v in_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o exposition_n the_o natural_a man_n be_v one_o that_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o do_v not_o think_v that_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o aid_n from_o above_o which_o be_v madness_n for_o god_n have_v give_v the_o soul_n that_o it_o shall_v learn_v and_o receive_v what_o he_o bestow_v or_o what_o be_v from_o he_o and_o not_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o itself_o eye_n be_v beautiful_a and_o profitable_a but_o if_o they_o will_v see_v without_o light_n this_o beauty_n and_o power_n will_v not_o profit_v but_o hurt_v they_o and_o the_o mind_n if_o it_o will_v see_v without_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o do_v but_o entangle_v itself_o this_o be_v clear_o against_o he_o for_o that_o which_o god_n be_v here_o say_v to_o bestow_v be_v not_o that_o irresistible_a light_n the_o doctor_n speak_v of_o but_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n which_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o i._n e._n reveal_v truth_n which_o st._n chrysostome_n say_v the_o soul_n be_v to_o learn_v but_o to_o learn_v that_o light_n he_o talk_v of_o be_v nonsense_n st._n chrysostome_n be_v so_o far_o from_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o receive_v what_o revelation_n god_n bestow_v unless_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n necessitate_v he_o to_o do_v it_o that_o he_o say_v god_n have_v give_v the_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v receive_v they_o when_o they_o be_v bestow_v and_o he_o reckon_v it_o madness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o think_v he_o need_v no_o divine_a revelation_n and_o consequent_o to_o reject_v they_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v with_o sufficient_a evidence_n now_o the_o only_a reason_n according_a to_o j._n o._n why_o he_o reject_v they_o be_v because_o the_o almighty_a work_n have_v not_o be_v yet_o upon_o his_o mind_n if_o st._n chrysostome_n have_v think_v so_o too_o he_o have_v be_v a_o mad_a man_n himself_o for_o accuse_v they_o of_o madness_n that_o fail_v of_o do_v what_o no_o power_n less_o than_o almighty_a can_v enable_v they_o to_o do_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o accuse_v they_o of_o madness_n because_o they_o be_v not_o almighty_a themselves_o st._n chrysostome_n similitude_n be_v very_o pertinent_a for_o as_o light_n be_v to_o bodily_a eye_n so_o be_v revelation_n to_o the_o mind_n in_o respect_n of_o reveal_v truth_n which_o be_v such_o as_o none_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v discover_v and_o therefore_o whoever_o refuse_v to_o attend_v to_o his_o revelation_n of_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o and_o will_v find_v himself_o entangle_v in_o many_o difficulty_n which_o he_o may_v have_v understand_v by_o harken_v to_o revelation_n this_o similitude_n st._n chrysostome_n use_v elsewhere_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n for_o he_o say_v as_o no_o man_n with_o his_o naked_a eye_n can_v learn_v the_o appearance_n in_o the_o heaven_n so_o the_o soul_n alone_o can_v learn_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 7._o i._n e._n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o revelation_n i_o now_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v with_o what_o conscience_n this_o man_n can_v pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n to_o countenance_v his_o own_o exposition_n of_o this_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o doctor_n be_v authority_n which_o any_o one_o may_v see_v be_v as_o convince_a as_o his_o reason_n and_o now_o at_o length_n i_o desire_v he_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o he_o to_o reject_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v concern_v spiritual_a thing_n contrary_a to_o his_o notion_n of_o they_o under_o pretence_n that_o i_o be_o a_o natural_a man_n for_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o be_o a_o christian_n and_o so_o long_o as_o i_o have_v the_o scripture_n by_o i_o i_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o understanding_n what_o revelation_n god_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n for_o they_o contain_v those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n these_o doctrine_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v foolishness_n to_o i_o or_o reject_v by_o i_o because_o they_o be_v not_o knowable_a by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o inexcusable_a madness_n if_o i_o shall_v not_o surrender_v up_o my_o belief_n unto_o they_o though_o i_o can_v not_o possible_o find_v they_o out_o nor_o have_v know_v they_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v reveal_v yet_o be_v reveal_v i_o discern_v the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o in_o they_o still_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o know_v but_o in_o 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show_v what_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v these_o thing_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n who_o have_v not_o so_o well_o consider_v they_o may_v gain_v a_o profitable_a knowledge_n of_o this_o part_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o that_o be_v a_o profitable_a knowledge_n of_o it_o which_o will_v incite_v he_o to_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n for_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o encourage_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o the_o principal_a end_n which_o i_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o undertake_n be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v what_o great_a reason_n they_o have_v to_o endeavour_v earnest_o after_o true_a goodness_n since_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n ii_o concern_v those_o effect_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v to_o believer_n sect_n i._o doctor_n o._n say_v well_o that_o when_o we_o treat_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n we_o be_v exercise_v in_o such_o a_o subject_a as_o wherein_o we_o have_v no_o rule_n nor_o guide_n nor_o any_o thing_n to_o give_v we_o assistance_n but_o pure_a revelation_n for_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v by_o these_o word_n that_o all_o our_o knowledge_n concern_v this_o matter_n depend_v upon_o revelation_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n therefore_o our_o knowledge_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o revelation_n of_o it_o and_o by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o govern_v myself_o by_o that_o rule_n while_o i_o be_o debate_v those_o question_n i_o have_v propound_v concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v to_o man_n and_o this_o i_o the_o rather_o begin_v withal_o because_o the_o end_n of_o his_o operation_n be_v well_o understand_v we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o text_n which_o tell_v we_o who_o they_o be_v to_o who_o the_o spirit_n be_v promise_v and_o what_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n what_o the_o effect_n themselves_o be_v for_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v may_v be_v know_v 1._o in_o great_a part_n from_o that_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n luke_n 11.13_o 2._o they_o may_v be_v full_o know_v from_o those_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o mention_n the_o several_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o promise_n in_o st._n luke_n whereby_o we_o may_v understand_v for_o what_o purpose_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o christ._n the_o text_n be_v this_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o these_o word_n deserve_v our_o attention_n the_o more_o because_o they_o be_v the_o first_o wherein_o we_o find_v our_o saviour_n mention_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v their_o connexion_n with_o the_o precedent_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n to_o come_v by_o that_o mean_n to_o their_o true_a meaning_n and_o hereby_o also_o we_o shall_v plain_o see_v what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o this_o place_n we_o find_v vers_fw-la 1._o that_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n say_v unto_o he_o lord_n teach_v we_o to_o pray_v whereupon_o he_o teach_v they_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n our_o father_n etc._n etc._n have_v thus_o answer_v their_o desire_n he_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o require_v they_o to_o pray_v fervent_o and_o importunate_o urge_v his_o command_n with_o this_o argument_n that_o if_o they_o do_v so_o they_o shall_v certain_o be_v hear_v and_o their_o request_n shall_v be_v grant_v for_o thus_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o vers_n 9_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v etc._n etc._n this_o argument_n be_v enforce_v by_o two_o similitude_n whereof_o the_o former_a make_v way_n for_o the_o latter_a to_o proceed_v with_o more_o strength_n towards_o the_o prove_v of_o this_o thing_n that_o god_n will_v hear_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o a_o man_n that_o go_v to_o his_o friend_n at_o midnight_n to_o beg_v three_o loaf_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o another_o friend_n of_o he_o vers_fw-la 5_o 6._o now_o it_o be_v here_o observe_v that_o the_o request_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o unseasonable_a vers_fw-la 7._o trouble_v i_o not_o the_o door_n be_v now_o shut_v and_o my_o child_n be_v with_o i_o in_o bed_n and_o withal_o the_o trouble_n be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o bare_a friendship_n that_o be_v between_o they_o will_v not_o have_v prevail_v vers_fw-la 8._o he_o will_v not_o rise_v and_o give_v he_o because_o he_o be_v his_o friend_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v observe_v that_o two_o consideration_n prevail_v with_o he_o viz._n that_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o that_o of_o the_o importunity_n of_o his_o friend_n yet_o because_o of_o his_o importunity_n he_o will_v rise_v and_o give_v he_o as_o many_o as_o he_o need_v now_o from_o hence_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v vers_fw-la 9_o that_n if_o we_o ask_v we_o shall_v have_v i._n e._n god_n will_v give_v we_o whatsoever_o thing_n we_o ask_v of_o he_o importunate_o if_o those_o thing_n be_v needful_a for_o we_o and_o this_o with_o great_a reason_n for_o 1._o god_n be_v our_o best_a friend_n and_o great_a benefactor_n 2._o we_o be_v never_o unseasonable_a to_o he_o and_o the_o give_v of_o what_o we_o ask_v be_v never_o 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regeneration_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o meaning_n and_o intendment_n of_o the_o scripture_n therein_o which_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n be_v at_o present_a suppose_a to_o be_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a therefore_o i_o say_v the_o gospel_n in_o this_o matter_n must_v be_v so_o too_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o man_n but_o those_o who_o have_v be_v so_o long_o use_v to_o nonsense_n that_o they_o reckon_v nothing_o intelligible_a but_o what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o nothing_o unintelligible_a but_o what_o they_o do_v possible_o the_o doctor_n will_v grant_v that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o gospel_n be_v intelligible_a to_o those_o who_o do_v understand_v this_o to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o regeneration_n but_o he_o will_v pretend_v that_o it_o be_v unintelligible_a how_o these_o expression_n of_o be_v regenerate_v and_o create_v etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v metaphorical_a expression_n of_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a 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the_o people_n of_o both_o these_o party_n be_v to_o be_v pity_v since_o they_o equal_o surrender_v up_o their_o understanding_n to_o their_o guide_n and_o receive_v their_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n without_o examine_v they_o and_o then_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o say_v this_o be_v my_o body_n and_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o create_v and_o quicken_v etc._n etc._n they_o come_v to_o believe_v nonsense_n i._n e._n that_o these_o expression_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o their_o proper_a sense_n as_o their_o master_n teach_v they_o but_o how_o they_o themselves_o can_v be_v excuse_v since_o i_o fear_v they_o can_v but_o be_v aware_a of_o the_o dishonour_n that_o be_v do_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o mischief_n which_o may_v happen_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o such_o a_o absurd_a use_n of_o scripture-metaphor_n as_o that_o i_o can_v understand_v some_o of_o they_o i_o
from_o be_v addict_v to_o sensuality_n and_o worldliness_n they_o be_v come_v to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n this_o likewise_o produce_v a_o suitable_a change_n in_o their_o life_n which_o now_o be_v lead_v not_o according_a to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o example_n of_o evil_a man_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o christ._n and_o thus_o we_o come_v to_o the_o true_a use_n of_o all_o our_o faculty_n as_o a_o infant_n after_o it_o be_v bear_v fall_n into_o those_o natural_a motion_n which_o be_v hinder_v by_o its_o imprisonment_n in_o the_o womb._n now_o when_o our_o mind_n be_v thus_o purify_v from_o sin_n when_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o and_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v become_v the_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n there_o follow_v a_o relative_n change_v in_o our_o state_n as_o considerable_a as_o the_o other_o for_o then_o 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and_o destructive_a to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v thereby_o general_o prompt_v to_o avoid_v they_o it_o be_v thus_o i_o say_v in_o the_o natural_a life_n that_o we_o ready_o apprehend_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o run_v into_o the_o fire_n nor_o venture_v down_o precipice_n because_o these_o thing_n be_v contrary_a and_o destructive_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a fit_a emblem_n of_o the_o state_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a for_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o divine_a temper_n of_o soul_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n he_o have_v such_o a_o like_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n with_o regard_n to_o his_o mind_n and_o conscience_n as_o all_o live_a creature_n have_v with_o respect_n to_o their_o nature_n he_o therefore_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n i._n e._n who_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o to_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n for_o he_o have_v a_o new_a sense_n of_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v not_o before_o he_o have_v other_o apprehension_n of_o sin_n than_o sensual_a and_o worldly_a man_n have_v he_o look_v not_o upon_o any_o immorality_n as_o a_o harmless_a thing_n but_o apprehend_v all_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v pernicious_a and_o detestable_a which_o be_v the_o reason_n as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v of_o what_o st._n john_n say_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o which_o in_o the_o relative_n change_n seem_v to_o be_v most_o visible_o intend_v by_o this_o metaphor_n be_v our_o be_v qualify_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n or_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n for_o by_o become_v his_o disciple_n we_o be_v as_o it_o be_v bear_v to_o this_o inheritance_n we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o son_n than_o heir_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o now_o if_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n make_v man_n so_o much_o better_o and_o more_o excellent_a person_n than_o they_o be_v before_o and_o qualify_v they_o also_o for_o a_o everlasting_a reward_n then_o here_o be_v another_o visible_a reason_n for_o the_o choice_n of_o this_o metaphor_n to_o express_v the_o state_n of_o a_o good_a christian_n by_o viz._n the_o great_a advantage_n they_o gain_v by_o it_o we_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a be_v give_v unto_o we_o when_o we_o true_o believe_v in_o jesus_n and_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o example_n we_o be_v so_o much_o alter_v for_o the_o better_a as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o live_v till_o then_o and_o we_o have_v infinite_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v of_o this_o alteration_n in_o our_o state_n than_o to_o remember_v the_o day_n of_o our_o birth_n with_o joy_n and_o gladness_n hence_o we_o find_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o represent_v the_o advantage_n we_o gain_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n under_o metaphor_n take_v from_o thing_n most_o grateful_a to_o our_o natural_a appetite_n as_o liberty_n life_n and_o light_n but_o withal_o it_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o good_a imply_v in_o those_o thing_n do_v in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n belong_v to_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o any_o body_n else_o as_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v joh._n 8.36_o if_o the_o son_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a then_o be_v you_o free_a indeed_o now_o what_o this_o freedom_n be_v we_o be_v tell_v vers_fw-la 32._o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a and_o vers_n 34._o he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o this_o freedom_n consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v that_o very_a state_n that_o the_o scripture_n elsewhere_o call_v light_n and_o life_n and_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n last_o since_o it_o be_v by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o that_o we_o become_v true_a believer_n and_o good_a man_n it_o be_v visible_a that_o our_o be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v fit_o express_v the_o concurrence_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n whereby_o this_o change_n be_v effect_v in_o we_o there_o be_v other_o metaphor_n whereby_o the_o scripture_n express_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o none_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o full_a of_o signification_n as_o this_o although_o the_o use_n and_o meaning_n of_o all_o of_o they_o be_v easy_o discernible_a those_o expression_n of_o create_v and_o draw_v seem_v principal_o to_o respect_v that_o divine_a grace_n by_o which_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v to_o god_n convert_v or_o turn_v peculiarly_a note_n that_o alteration_n that_o be_v hereby_o make_v in_o our_o state_n take_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n express_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o chief_o with_o regard_n to_o what_o we_o be_v before_o as_o give_v the_o heart_n of_o flesh_n also_o do_v with_o respect_n to_o what_o we_o become_v afterward_o make_v a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n signify_v that_o change_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o cause_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o god_n statute_n note_n the_o reformation_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o life_n purify_n cleanse_v and_o purge_v be_v metaphor_n that_o express_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o change_n and_o how_o much_o our_o nature_n be_v better_v by_o it_o but_o quicken_a and_o make_v free_a and_o turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n do_v express_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o we_o gain_v by_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o they_o be_v inherent_a or_o relative_n and_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v in_o what_o divers_a respect_v these_o metaphor_n conspire_v to_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o metaphor_n of_o regeneration_n or_o the_o new_a birth_n contain_v all_o those_o similitude_n to_o the_o state_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a which_o be_v several_o discernible_a in_o the_o rest_n and_o this_o probable_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v more_o frequent_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o rest_n be_v as_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n i_o suppose_v why_o it_o have_v obtain_v among_o christian_a writer_n to_o treat_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n more_o frequent_o under_o the_o name_n of_o regeneration_n than_o under_o any_o other_o phrase_n whereby_o they_o be_v metaphorical_o express_v and_o possible_o this_o common_a use_n of_o the_o word_n may_v have_v be_v a_o occasion_n to_o some_o unwary_a christian_n of_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o
depend_v upon_o that_o force_n only_o which_o the_o bare_a revelation_n of_o the_o motive_n to_o obedience_n have_v to_o persuade_v we_o for_o if_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v no_o other_o power_n to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o to_o practice_v all_o christian_a virtue_n than_o what_o arise_v mere_o from_o such_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o other_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n represent_v to_o we_o therein_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o excite_v in_o ourselves_o and_o to_o bring_v one_o another_o to_o then_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o vain_a spend_v those_o his_o solemn_a prayer_n in_o behalf_n of_o other_o and_o in_o vain_a be_v they_o require_v to_o pray_v for_o themselves_o in_o like_a manner_n and_o it_o will_v be_v lose_v labour_n to_o call_v now_o upon_o god_n to_o help_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n after_o he_o have_v reveal_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o we_o and_o settle_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o good_a work_n see_v therefore_o that_o the_o attainment_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o qualification_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o subject_n of_o our_o prayer_n see_v these_o prayer_n can_v be_v profitable_a unless_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a grace_n and_o that_o distinct_a from_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n obtainable_a thereby_o for_o the_o produce_v of_o those_o qualification_n in_o we_o since_o prayer_n also_o be_v one_o necessary_a mean_n prescribe_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o they_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o christian_a virtue_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o operation_n in_o we_o wherefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v with_o st._n james_n if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v james_z 1.5_o 17._o who_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o his_o promise_n but_o give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o sect_n 3._o by_o the_o same_o argument_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o there_o be_v a_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o good_a man_n that_o they_o may_v yet_o further_o improve_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o grow_v in_o grace_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v every_o branch_n that_o bear_v fruit_n he_o purge_v it_o that_o it_o may_v bring_v forth_o more_o fruit_n joh._n 15.2_o for_o thus_o also_o the_o apostle_n say_v and_o this_o i_o pray_v that_o your_o love_n may_v abound_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o all_o judgement_n that_o you_o may_v still_o be_v more_o powerful_o prompt_v to_o charity_n and_o all_o christian_a work_n by_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o their_o goodness_n that_o you_o may_v approve_v thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a that_o you_o may_v apprehend_v all_o christian_a virtue_n to_o be_v as_o excellent_a as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n that_o you_o may_v be_v sincere_a and_o without_o offence_n till_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v thus_o strong_o dispose_v to_o all_o righteousness_n you_o may_v constant_o and_o universal_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n phil._n 1.9_o 10._o and_o this_o progress_n in_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o in_o their_o behalf_n together_o with_o that_o perseverance_n which_o it_o will_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o he_o do_v not_o only_o by_o his_o prayer_n suppose_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a operation_n but_o he_o express_o ascribe_v it_o thereunto_o vers_fw-la 6._o where_o he_o tell_v they_o how_o strong_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n who_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o they_o will_v perfect_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o christ._n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o prayer_n the_o god_n of_o peace_n make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n heb._n 13.21_o but_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v more_o plentiful_o communicate_v to_o man_n when_o they_o become_v holy_a and_o good_a than_o they_o be_v before_o and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v clear_o affirm_v in_o those_o passage_n wherein_o god_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o because_o this_o consideration_n can_v but_o strong_o move_v we_o to_o follow_v the_o study_n of_o piety_n i_o shall_v distinct_o show_v 1._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o god_n dwelling_n in_o man_n and_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a man_n only_o in_o who_o god_n dwell_v as_o to_o the_o former_a it_o be_v observable_a that_o god_n dwelling_n in_o christian_n be_v sometime_o join_v with_o the_o mention_n of_o their_o be_v his_o temple_n as_o you_o may_v see_v 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o eph._n 2.21_o 22._o now_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o gather_v that_o these_o phrase_n allude_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o god_n dwelling_n in_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o before_o that_o in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o will_v be_v more_o easy_o explain_v by_o observe_v the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o to_o this_o way_n we_o be_v plain_o direct_v in_o the_o new_a as_o you_o will_v see_v by_o consult_v 2_o cor._n 6.16_o where_o the_o apostle_n cite_v a_o place_n out_o of_o the_o old_a contain_v god_n promise_n to_o dwell_v among_o the_o israelite_n first_o of_o all_o the_o sheckinah_n or_o habitation_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n within_o the_o veil_n where_o god_n say_v he_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o incense_n leu._n 16.2_o and_o where_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n be_v and_o hence_o the_o place_n of_o the_o ark_n be_v call_v his_o dwelling_n as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o compare_v david_n intimation_n of_o his_o purpose_n to_o build_v a_o house_n for_o god_n with_o god_n message_n to_o he_o upon_o that_o occasion_n i_o dwell_v say_v david_n in_o a_o house_n of_o cedar_n and_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n dwell_v within_o curtain_n 2_o sam._n 7.2_o but_o the_o prophet_n word_n to_o he_o be_v these_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n shall_v thou_o build_v i_o a_o house_n for_o i_o to_o dwell_v in_o or_o for_o my_o ark_n whereas_o to_o this_o day_n i_o have_v walk_v in_o a_o tabernacle_n vers_fw-la 5._o thus_o the_o place_n within_o the_o veil_n where_o the_o ark_n be_v while_o the_o tabernacle_n stand_v and_o the_o oracle_n into_o which_o it_o be_v carry_v after_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v call_v the_o most_o holy_a place_n the_o place_n where_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o be_v present_a in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n the_o symbol_n of_o his_o presence_n there_o be_v the_o cherubim_n or_o angel_n under_o which_o the_o ark_n be_v place_v and_o thus_o we_o find_v in_o jacob_n vision_n that_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n be_v signify_v by_o a_o appearance_n of_o angel_n gen._n 28.12_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o angel_n to_o the_o shepherd_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v round_o about_o they_o luke_n 2.9_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o often_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o he_o that_o dwell_v between_o the_o cherubim_n who_o be_v please_v thereby_o to_o signify_v his_o presence_n in_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n but_o that_o which_o i_o chief_o aim_v at_o be_v this_o that_o god_n dwelling_n in_o this_o place_n be_v a_o testimony_n of_o his_o peculiar_a mercy_n and_o kindness_n towards_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o he_o will_v bless_v and_o prosper_v they_o if_o they_o will_v keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o ark_n be_v call_v the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o they_o for_o first_o the_o table_n of_o the_o commandment_n which_o they_o be_v to_o keep_v be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o ark_n and_o then_o the_o blessing_n which_o god_n will_v bestow_v upon_o they_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o ark_n stand_v under_o the_o mercy-seat_n which_o be_v cover_v with_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o cherubim_n between_o which_o god_n be_v so_o often_o say_v to_o dwell_v so_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n be_v there_o exhibit_v as_o it_o be_v sit_v upon_o a_o throne_n of_o mercy_n to_o dispense_v his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o this_o
persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n to_o bring_v a_o few_o man_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o rest_n to_o unavoidable_a ruin_n he_o can_v no_o more_o hope_n to_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o please_v he_o than_o to_o reverse_v the_o decree_n of_o heaven_n wherefore_o if_o he_o understand_v his_o own_o principle_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v under_o a_o great_a agony_n till_o he_o become_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o that_o happy_a number_n who_o nothing_o no_o not_o sin_n itself_o can_v separate_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o if_o we_o entertain_v honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n as_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o do_v if_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o serious_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o repent_v and_o will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v save_v and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o supply_v we_o with_o grace_n sufficient_a 2_o cor._n 12.9_o then_o upon_o our_o care_n to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n we_o shall_v never_o want_v so_o much_o comfort_n as_o we_o need_v i._n e._n the_o joy_n of_o well-doing_n which_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n wherefore_o since_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v needful_a neither_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o salvation_n nor_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o holiness_n nor_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o comfort_n i_o may_v conclude_v also_o that_o neither_o be_v this_o one_o of_o those_o grace_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o god_n will_v give_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o sect_n 3._o last_o that_o promise_n give_v we_o no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v dictate_v extemporary_a prayer_n to_o we_o for_o 1._o such_o prayer_n themselves_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o obtain_n of_o our_o request_n for_o have_v that_o be_v so_o then_o certain_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v admonish_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o pray_v extempore_o as_o they_o call_v it_o as_o well_o as_o to_o pray_v at_o all_o and_o to_o beware_v of_o book-prayer_n and_o the_o use_n of_o form_n as_o much_o as_o of_o neglect_v the_o duty_n altogether_o or_o perform_v it_o in_o a_o careless_a slothful_a manner_n and_o this_o the_o rather_o because_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v use_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o because_o also_o the_o modesty_n of_o many_o good_a christian_n and_o the_o inability_n of_o many_o more_o will_v natural_o prompt_v they_o to_o the_o use_n of_o so_o ready_a a_o help_n to_o devotion_n as_o pious_a and_o useful_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v but_o so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o find_v any_o command_n in_o scripture_n to_o pray_v upon_o sudden_a invention_n that_o we_o find_v no_o preference_n give_v to_o this_o way_n above_o the_o use_n of_o form_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a for_o when_o our_o saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v he_o enjoin_v they_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n luke_n 11._o but_o 2._o not_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o usefulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n above_o leave_v the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o extemporary_a effusion_n but_o admit_v the_o advantage_n lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o latter_a as_o some_o man_n persuade_v themselves_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o conception_n or_o utterance_n of_o such_o prayer_n for_o first_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o dictate_v what_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v abundant_o supply_v we_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o therefore_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o dr._n owen_n shall_v say_v with_o so_o much_o anger_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n let_v the_o proud_a carnal_a world_n despise_v it_o whilst_o they_o please_v and_o at_o their_o peril_n do_v gracious_o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o believer_n carry_v 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experience_n hereof_o i._n e._n of_o have_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o prayer_n suggest_v to_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o great_a stranger_n to_o these_o thing_n than_o will_v at_o length_n be_v unto_o his_o advantage_n which_o any_o man_n may_v say_v who_o speak_v more_o than_o he_o understand_v all_o that_o i_o contend_v for_o be_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n need_v not_o to_o be_v dictate_v by_o inspiration_n and_o that_o because_o the_o spirit_n teach_v we_o by_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n what_o we_o may_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o nor_o 2._o the_o word_n in_o which_o we_o pray_v for_o a_o ready_a use_n of_o our_o mother-tongue_n will_v serve_v we_o with_o they_o free_o enough_o so_o that_o a_o competent_a understanding_n of_o the_o chief_a head_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o retain_v in_o memory_n of_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o scripture-phrase_n and_o passage_n of_o holy_a writ_n proper_a to_o be_v convert_v into_o petition_n together_o with_o a_o tolerable_a readiness_n of_o utter_v one_o thought_n in_o proper_a word_n will_v in_o some_o measure_n furnish_v a_o man_n with_o this_o gift_n and_o be_v thus_o qualify_v he_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o have_v the_o matter_n or_o the_o word_n of_o his_o prayer_n dictate_v to_o he_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n any_o more_o than_o of_o a_o ordinary_a discourse_n with_o his_o neighbour_n upon_o a_o subject_n which_o he_o be_v use_v to_o speak_v of_o but_o if_o he_o have_v over_o and_o above_o a_o warm_a invention_n and_o a_o voluble_a tongue_n and_o a_o good_a share_n of_o assurance_n in_o himself_o especial_o if_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v heat_v with_o his_o own_o thought_n and_o expression_n he_o be_v then_o qualify_v to_o excel_v in_o the_o way_n of_o
ready_a to_o submit_v to_o and_o then_o i_o desire_v dr._n hammond_n interpretation_n may_v be_v consider_v but_o if_o they_o neither_o use_v this_o way_n nor_o the_o other_o nor_o any_o like_o it_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o produce_v those_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n at_o all_o to_o convince_v we_o by_o they_o because_o upon_o these_o term_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a they_o shall_v convince_v we_o till_o we_o have_v receive_v that_o new_a light_n which_o they_o themselves_o pretend_v to_o and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v hope_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o viz._n to_o confess_v their_o own_o impertinency_n in_o offer_v any_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o justify_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o the_o spirit_n tell_v they_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n without_o enable_v they_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o any_o body_n else_o and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o let_v they_o go_v either_o for_o errant_a hypocrite_n or_o rank_a enthusiast_n who_o the_o state_n have_v reason_n to_o be_v jealous_a of_o lest_o they_o shall_v have_v some_o dangerous_a design_n against_o the_o government_n or_o be_v prompt_v to_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n by_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o by_o a_o enthusiast_n may_v be_v so_o easy_o mistake_v for_o the_o impulse_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o last_o of_o all_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o although_o god_n have_v not_o promise_v this_o inspiration_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o yet_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v he_o may_v do_v more_o than_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o reveal_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o what_o passage_n in_o scripture_n he_o please_v to_o who_o he_o please_v i_o answer_v that_o as_o i_o be_o no_o way_n oblige_v to_o contradict_v this_o supposition_n so_o withal_o i_o must_v add_v 1._o that_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v thus_o inspire_v he_o can_v prove_v to_o another_o that_o he_o be_v so_o otherwise_o than_o by_o miracle_n which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o neither_o can_v he_o just_o expect_v to_o convince_v another_o that_o the_o sense_n reveal_v to_o he_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n otherwise_o than_o by_o such_o rational_a mean_n as_o he_o must_v have_v use_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v reveal_v and_o 2._o that_o therefore_o if_o one_o man_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v in_o conclusion_n for_o his_o interpretation_n of_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o the_o spirit_n lead_v he_o to_o it_o and_o that_o to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n upon_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o carnal_a reason_n and_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o a_o sign_n of_o vnregeneracy_n and_o the_o state_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n that_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o dr._n owen_n last_o refuge_n and_o another_o plain_o show_v either_o by_o the_o word_n themselves_o or_o by_o the_o design_n of_o the_o discourse_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v or_o by_o some_o other_o way_n apt_a to_o convince_v a_o rational_a man_n that_o the_o foresay_a meaning_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o they_o but_o one_o that_o be_v different_a from_o it_o in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v the_o former_a be_v convince_v to_o pretend_v false_o to_o inspiration_n and_o in_o plain_a english_a he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a fool_n that_o will_v prefer_v his_o interpretation_n before_o the_o other_o and_o so_o much_o for_o that_o matter_n sect_n 5._o 2._o the_o principal_a passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o imply_v assurance_n to_o be_v a_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o regenerate_a by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v two_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v mention_v be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o ephesian_n grieve_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o you_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 4.30_o now_o by_o the_o believer_n be_v seal_v etc._n etc._n some_o have_v think_v that_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v absolute_o assure_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v must_v needs_o be_v mean_v but_o first_o the_o word_n be_v fair_o capable_a of_o another_o meaning_n viz._n that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bestow_v upon_o believer_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o god_n be_v now_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n since_o upon_o their_o believe_v he_o have_v blessed_v they_o with_o so_o many_o advantage_n in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o have_v now_o a_o peculiar_a right_n to_o their_o obedience_n for_o this_o we_o know_v be_v one_o use_n of_o seal_v to_o distinguish_v that_o which_o of_o right_n belong_v to_o ourselves_o from_o what_o be_v common_a thus_o be_v all_o believer_n mark_v out_o for_o god_n portion_n and_o peculiar_a by_o the_o eminent_a advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v make_v they_o partaker_n of_o and_o therefore_o be_v they_o say_v to_o be_v seal_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n because_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n thus_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v seal_v christ_n john_n 6.27_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o he_o he_o own_v he_o to_o be_v his_o son_n that_o great_a prophet_n who_o be_v to_o declare_v the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o man_n in_o like_a manner_n god_n give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v as_o st._n chrisostome_n speak_v excellent_o upon_o this_o place_n his_o mark_v they_o out_o to_o be_v a_o royal_a flock_n it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o their_o peculiar_a designation_n to_o the_o service_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n and_o a_o pledge_n of_o that_o inheritance_n 2_o cor._n 1.22_o they_o shall_v be_v reward_v with_o if_o they_o walk_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n but_o all_o this_o be_v very_o far_o from_o infer_v a_o absolute_a assurance_n in_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o mark_v out_o for_o god_n people_n that_o they_o shall_v infallible_o persevere_v in_o that_o duty_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o the_o performance_n whereof_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o receive_v the_o inheritance_n and_o therefore_o such_o assurance_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o this_o place_n but_o 2._o the_o word_n be_v not_o only_o capable_a of_o that_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v but_o their_o coherence_n with_o the_o forego_n and_o follow_v verse_n and_o the_o force_n and_o reason_n of_o st._n paul_n exhortation_n require_v it_o let_v he_o say_v he_o that_o steal_v steal_v no_o more_o and_o let_v no_o corrupt_a communication_n proceed_v out_o of_o your_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n let_v all_o bitterness_n and_o wrath_n etc._n etc._n be_v put_v away_o the_o argument_n wherewith_o he_o enforce_v these_o exhortation_n be_v this_o that_o otherwise_o they_o will_v grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v seal_v etc._n etc._n i._n e._n they_o will_v plain_o contradict_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v bestow_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o mark_v out_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o child_n this_o will_v be_v to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n i._n e._n to_o bereave_v themselves_o of_o his_o gracious_a presence_n and_o to_o come_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v exclude_v for_o ever_o out_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o who_o god_n be_v grieve_v forty_o year_n and_o he_o swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n heb._n 3_o and_o the_o note_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v thereupon_o be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o hold_v the_o begin_n of_o our_o confidence_n steadfast_a unto_o the_o end_n vers_n 14._o i._n e._n if_o we_o hold_v on_o resolve_o and_o patient_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n it_o be_v the_o like_a argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v more_o concise_o to_o the_o ephesian_n when_o he_o dissuade_v they_o from_o impure_a and_o evil_a course_n lest_o they_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n never_o enter_v into_o that_o rest_n god_n have_v design_v for_o they_o but_o this_o consideration_n can_v have_v be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o if_o they_o have_v be_v absolute_o sure_a of_o their_o inheritance_n as_o some_o from_o these_o word_n have_v pretend_v they_o be_v whereas_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v very_o prevail_v on_o supposition_n that_o by_o seal_v be_v here_o mean_v their_o be_v as_o it_o be_v
consecrate_v to_o a_o life_n of_o obedience_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o for_o than_o they_o will_v find_v little_a excuse_n and_o a_o great_a punishment_n for_o their_o unchristian_a practice_n if_o be_v so_o great_o oblige_v they_o shall_v prove_v unthankful_a and_o disobedient_a the_o second_o place_n be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.16_o but_o 1._o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n 389._o be_v that_o public_a testimony_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o true_a christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n show_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o freewoman_n as_o he_o express_v it_o gal._n 4.28_o whereas_o the_o jew_n those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n answer_v the_o condition_n of_o ishmael_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o son_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n to_o who_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o a_o inheritance_n now_o that_o none_o but_o true_a christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_a inheritance_n be_v that_o which_o be_v testify_v against_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o miracle_n and_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a believer_n i._n e._n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o this_o text_n be_v very_o far_o from_o intend_v any_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n and_o yet_o 2._o all_o that_o be_v here_o affirm_v regard_v only_o our_o present_a state_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o if_o we_o be_v it_o be_v certain_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o nay_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n without_o our_o own_o fault_n since_o we_o have_v so_o plain_a a_o rule_n to_o try_v ourselves_o by_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n now_o our_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n be_v that_o which_o our_o own_o spirit_n or_o conscience_n must_v witness_v and_o then_o upon_o this_o condition_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o to_o be_v sure_a be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o our_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o forfeit_v our_o inheritance_n by_o any_o future_a miscarriage_n and_o therefore_o from_o this_o place_n it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o such_o assurance_n be_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n sect_n 6._o 3._o for_o the_o pretence_n of_o utter_v the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o extemporary_a prayer_n i_o know_v likewise_o but_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n common_o urge_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o the_o former_a be_v st._n paul_n saying_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o 1_o cor._n 14.15_o which_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o text_n that_o i_o never_o hear_v produce_v for_o this_o pretence_n but_o by_o those_o that_o have_v nothing_o but_o mere_a zeal_n to_o defend_v their_o opinion_n withal_o i_o mean_v some_o of_o the_o people_n that_o follow_v dr._n owen_n and_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o after_o they_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v they_o to_o word_n or_o sense_n or_o both_o in_o their_o prayer_n they_o conceit_n this_o text_n to_o be_v a_o proof_n for_o their_o purpose_n for_o the_o word_n sound_v that_o way_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v what_o they_o do_v about_o extemporary_a prayer_n beforehand_o but_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o they_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v their_o guide_n who_o pretend_v to_o learning_n and_o if_o they_o mind_v the_o text_n at_o all_o can_v hardly_o be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n there_o mean_v be_v use_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o pray_n by_o the_o understanding_n be_v pray_v in_o a_o language_n understand_v by_o the_o people_n that_o they_o i_o say_v shall_v suffer_v their_o people_n to_o run_v away_o so_o long_o together_o with_o a_o belief_n that_o this_o text_n give_v they_o authority_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v take_v care_n they_o shall_v speak_v good_a sense_n in_o their_o extemporary_a prayer_n this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o can_v but_o admire_v i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o be_v all_o so_o dishonest_a but_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v and_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o i_o suppose_v unless_o they_o grant_v that_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o talk_n of_o their_o follower_n better_a than_o they_o themselves_o be_v but_o dismiss_v this_o place_n which_o be_v so_o very_o wide_o from_o the_o purpose_n which_o it_o be_v produce_v for_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o which_o indeed_o carry_v a_o more_o likely_a appearance_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o dr._n owen_n contain_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n carry_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o believer_n in_o request_n which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v far_o above_o their_o natural_a contrivance_n and_o invention_n i._n e._n that_o when_o believer_n venture_v to_o pray_v extempore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n prompt_v they_o as_o they_o go_v along_o to_o pray_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v come_v to_o their_o mind_n for_o his_o word_n signify_v thus_o much_o at_o least_o if_o not_o that_o the_o very_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v communicate_v to_o they_o at_o that_o very_a instant_n before_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o that_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n the_o place_n be_v this_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v and_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o he_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.26_o 27._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n whether_o the_o foresay_a opinion_n of_o the_o doctor_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o they_o his_o other_o thought_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v not_o pretend_v to_o confute_v because_o i_o do_v not_o so_o well_o comprehend_v what_o he_o mean_v viz._n when_o he_o tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o subject_n of_o prayer_n the_o sanctify_a heart_n that_o by_o the_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v be_v mean_v 385._o that_o bend_v frame_n inclination_n and_o act_v of_o the_o inward_a man_n in_o prayer_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o themselves_o in_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v do_v not_o fathom_v nor_o reach_v the_o depth_n of_o unless_o he_o mean_v that_o a_o man_n may_v desire_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o inexpressible_a vehemence_n and_o yet_o not_o understand_v that_o he_o do_v so_o if_o he_o intend_v this_o i_o need_v only_o to_o tell_v he_o that_o because_o these_o groan_n be_v unutterable_a it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o be_v unintelligible_a if_o he_o intend_v it_o not_o i_o do_v not_o fathom_v nor_o reach_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o meaning_n again_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o object_n of_o prayer_n that_o the_o mysterious_a thing_n which_o believer_n pray_v for_o be_v now_o make_v nigh_o now_o realize_v unto_o they_o i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v whether_o he_o mean_v now_o at_o their_o prayer_n or_o now_o at_o some_o other_o time_n before_o if_o when_o they_o be_v pray_v it_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o spirit_n represent_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n as_o he_o say_v if_o at_o some_o other_o time_n before_o then_o certain_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v represent_v before_o too_o and_o they_o know_v they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o these_o thing_n and_o than_o it_o be_v above_o my_o apprehension_n how_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n shall_v be_v far_o above_o
they_o he_o also_o glorify_v vers_fw-la 29_o 30._o i_o e._n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o true_a that_o god_n will_v convert_v these_o suffering_n which_o now_o befall_v we_o into_o a_o mean_n of_o our_o inestimable_a advantage_n but_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v also_o that_o those_o who_o god_n fore-knew_a or_o fore-approved_n for_o his_o child_n be_v fore-appointed_n to_o suffering_n that_o in_o this_o respect_n also_o we_o may_v be_v like_o our_o elder_a brother_n christ_n jesus_n who_o have_v show_v we_o this_o way_n of_o come_v to_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o wherefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o we_o be_v call_v to_o actual_a suffering_n now_o upon_o our_o undergo_n of_o which_o with_o faith_n and_o patience_n god_n will_v justify_v and_o own_v we_o for_o sincere_a person_n and_o reward_v we_o eternal_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o to_o these_o thing_n if_o god_n be_v for_o we_o who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o vers_fw-la 31._o etc._n etc._n who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n as_o it_o be_v write_v for_o thy_o sake_n be_v we_o kill_v etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 35._o nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o through_o the_o divine_a disposition_n tend_v to_o our_o good_a we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n vers_fw-la 37._o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o second_o argument_n use_v by_o the_o apostle_n viz._n the_o profitableness_n of_o affliction_n themselves_o to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n which_o be_v full_o express_v vers_fw-la 28._o and_o vehement_o urge_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n but_o the_o apostle_n make_v way_n for_o this_o argument_n by_o what_o he_o say_v vers_fw-la 26_o 27._o likewise_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o those_o word_n likewise_o also_o that_o he_o be_v now_o offer_v to_o they_o a_o further_a consideration_n have_v just_a before_o conclude_v that_o motive_n to_o patience_n from_o the_o deliverance_n and_o glory_n which_o they_o hope_v for_o and_o that_o which_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v be_v the_o mistake_n of_o think_v that_o it_o be_v at_o least_o better_a for_o the_o present_a to_o be_v exempt_v from_o these_o suffering_n since_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v have_v what_o be_v best_a and_o than_o if_o suffering_n befall_v we_o we_o know_v they_o be_v most_o profitable_a for_o we_o and_o consequent_o that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a etc._n etc._n now_o by_o this_o time_n i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o supposition_n upon_o which_o the_o father_n go_v restrain_v the_o ignorance_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o present_a affliction_n be_v not_o only_o coherent_a with_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o place_n but_o that_o the_o context_n do_v indeed_o require_v it_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o the_o word_n themselves_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v proper_o signify_v the_o spirit_n relieve_v we_o under_o our_o affliction_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o translate_v infirmity_n an._n be_v very_o frequent_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o signify_v misery_n and_o distress_n to_o conclude_v therefore_o if_o with_o origen_n st._n ambrose_n and_o dr._n hammond_n you_o suppose_v the_o intercession_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o proper_a sense_n the_o text_n may_v be_v thus_o paraphrase_a the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n afford_v we_o this_o relief_n against_o impatience_n under_o affliction_n that_o whereas_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o affliction_n or_o deliverance_n and_o ease_n be_v best_a for_o we_o at_o present_a and_o consequent_o as_o to_o these_o respect_n know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o in_o particular_a the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n himself_o intercede_v for_o we_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unuttered_a groan_n i._n e._n earnest_o and_o powerful_o for_o by_o a_o inexpressible_a desire_n we_o common_o understand_v one_o that_o be_v vehement_a and_o god_n who_o search_v our_o heart_n and_o understand_v that_o we_o do_v sometime_o desire_v such_o thing_n as_o tend_v not_o to_o our_o advantage_n know_v also_o what_o the_o spirit_n intercede_v for_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o request_v in_o our_o behalf_n better_a thing_n for_o we_o than_o we_o do_v for_o ourselves_o for_o we_o be_v ever_o ready_a to_o desire_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o thing_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o man_n but_o he_o ask_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o god_n know_v to_o be_v best_a for_o we_o but_o if_o with_o st._n austin_n and_o the_o rest_n we_o understand_v by_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o spirit_n his_o make_v we_o to_o intercede_v for_o ourselves_o as_o we_o may_v without_o swerve_v in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o text_n or_o exclude_v the_o former_a sense_n then_o the_o word_n admit_v of_o this_o paraphrase_n whereas_o when_o we_o pray_v for_o deliverance_n from_o affliction_n we_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o to_o have_v our_o desire_n grant_v the_o holy_a spirit_n incline_v we_o to_o a_o entire_a submission_n of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o together_o with_o our_o most_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o that_o kind_n there_o be_v all_o along_o mingle_v that_o secret_a and_o more_o vehement_a desire_n of_o what_o god_n see_v best_a for_o we_o which_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o the_o forwardness_n of_o our_o appetite_n after_o the_o ease_n and_o comfort_n of_o this_o world_n be_v correct_v and_o govern_v now_o though_o this_o earnest_a request_n be_v not_o utter_v the_o particular_a matter_n of_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o know_v since_o we_o be_v ignorant_a what_o will_v be_v most_o profitable_a for_o we_o yet_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n understand_v it_o perfect_o and_o know_v that_o we_o vehement_o desire_v not_o so_o much_o that_o deliverance_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o utter_v groan_n and_o prayer_n as_o that_o good_a which_o the_o spirit_n move_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o and_o which_o we_o can_v particular_o utter_v that_o namely_o which_o god_n see_v best_a for_o we_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o divine_a cause_n and_o god_n be_v so_o please_v with_o it_o that_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o grant_v it_o so_o that_o if_o affliction_n continue_v we_o know_v they_o shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a etc._n etc._n and_o thus_o the_o holy_a spirit_n relieve_v we_o under_o our_o infirmity_n and_o distress_n by_o bring_v all_o our_o worldly_a appetite_n under_o submission_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n which_o i_o have_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a in_o consider_v because_o it_o be_v perpetual_o produce_v to_o justify_v the_o pretence_n of_o those_o man_n that_o ascribe_v their_o extemporary_a invention_n and_o contrivance_n in_o prayer_n to_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o little_o less_o than_o blasphemy_n for_o any_o man_n to_o contradict_v they_o i_o have_v by_o good_a authority_n and_o by_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o by_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n themselves_o clear_o show_v that_o it_o belong_v to_o another_o very_a distinct_a matter_n and_o be_v consequent_o incapable_a of_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o their_o purpose_n and_o now_o whether_o he_o that_o use_v pious_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o that_o relief_n from_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v here_o mention_v â—_o leave_v it_o to_o every_o sober_a reader_n to_o judge_v but_o will_v not_o so_o far_o question_v his_o understanding_n or_o presume_v upon_o his_o patience_n as_o to_o help_v he_o any_o further_a to_o do_v it_o thus_o have_v i_o at_o last_o consider_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v common_o allege_v in_o favour_n of_o those_o three_o pretend_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o i_o show_v before_o be_v not_o contain_v under_o the_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n luke_n 11.13_o among_o many_o other_o reason_n induce_v i_o to_o this_o work_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o these_o two_o 1._o to_o vindicate_v the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o those_o dishonour_n that_o be_v daily_o do_v to_o he_o either_o while_n wicked_a and_o unrighteous_a man_n attribute_v their_o confidence_n that_o they_o be_v personal_o
plain_a that_o no_o body_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o procure_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v at_o first_o necessary_a to_o put_v he_o into_o the_o way_n of_o well-doing_n the_o latter_a proposition_n be_v clear_a thus_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o eternal_a punishment_n much_o less_o to_o such_o punishment_n in_o a_o more_o intolerable_a degree_n for_o not_o believe_v what_o be_v always_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v and_o that_o without_o his_o own_o fault_n but_o every_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o eternal_a punishment_n if_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o and_o to_o a_o sore_a punishment_n for_o not_o believe_v it_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o always_o thus_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o believe_v the_o second_o proposition_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o forementioned_a passage_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o first_o be_v from_o the_o unchangeable_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o to_o say_v that_o god_n require_v impossible_a thing_n of_o any_o man_n and_o so_o take_v advantage_n against_o he_o to_o cast_v he_o into_o fierce_a flame_n where_o he_o must_v burn_v for_o ever_o be_v to_o blaspheme_v all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o those_o which_o make_v he_o great_a and_o powerful_a it_o be_v to_o rob_v he_o of_o all_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o which_o he_o have_v express_v so_o much_o delight_n for_o not_o to_o say_v that_o this_o fasten_v the_o reproach_n of_o insincerity_n and_o foul_a dissimulation_n upon_o the_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v to_o charge_v the_o creator_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n with_o tyranny_n and_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n with_o injustice_n god_n be_v please_v to_o expostulate_v with_o man_n because_o of_o their_o disobedience_n from_o that_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v to_o he_o as_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n say_v the_o lord_n mal._n 1.6_o now_o can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o have_v give_v any_o man_n cause_n to_o retort_v that_o expostulation_n in_o this_o manner_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v thy_o bowel_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v thy_o justice_n for_o kindness_n belong_v as_o necessary_o to_o the_o character_n of_o a_o good_a father_n and_o justice_n to_o that_o of_o a_o good_a master_n as_o obedience_n and_o fear_n can_v to_o that_o of_o a_o good_a child_n or_o servant_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o forget_v that_o god_n have_v appeal_v to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n impress_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o justification_n of_o the_o equity_n and_o mercy_n of_o his_o proceed_n towards_o they_o the_o latter_a in_o isa._n 1.18_o come_v now_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n the_o former_a in_o ezekel_n 18.25_o be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a but_o to_o inflict_v a_o more_o grievous_a punishment_n and_o that_o eternal_a for_o not_o perform_v a_o impossible_a condition_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n cruel_a and_o unjust_a and_o therefore_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o father_n nor_o with_o the_o justice_n of_o a_o master_n nor_o with_o god_n plead_v with_o obstinate_a evil_a man_n from_o these_o relation_n and_o the_o appeal_v he_o make_v to_o their_o own_o mind_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o which_o upon_o these_o term_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o acknowledge_v unless_o they_o lie_v aside_o the_o bright_a principle_n of_o their_o reason_n if_o some_o thing_n be_v so_o evil_a that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v good_a than_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o can_v never_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n without_o blasphemy_n now_o if_o the_o inflict_a of_o eternal_a torment_n upon_o man_n for_o what_o they_o can_v never_o help_v be_v not_o one_o of_o those_o thing_n i_o desire_v any_o man_n to_o tell_v i_o what_o be_v beside_o be_v it_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v lie_v but_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o he_o that_o die_v but_o have_v rather_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v and_o what_o shadow_n of_o truth_n can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o say_n if_o he_o first_o prescribe_v impossible_a term_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o then_o damn_v the_o sinner_n with_o more_o severity_n for_o not_o perform_v they_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o debate_v this_o matter_n with_o dr._n owen_n in_o another_o place_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v he_o please_v to_o contrive_v some_o undeniable_a instance_n of_o barbarous_a injustice_n which_o without_o question_n he_o can_v easy_o do_v and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v we_o his_o idea_n of_o it_o i_o will_v undertake_v to_o reconcile_v the_o fasten_n it_o upon_o god_n with_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o attribute_n as_o easy_o as_o he_o can_v secure_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n while_o he_o make_v god_n to_o oblige_v man_n to_o impossibility_n under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o right_n and_o wrong_n if_o we_o know_v nothing_o so_o good_a or_o so_o evil_a but_o it_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v so_o then_o the_o divine_a perfection_n may_v cease_v too_o and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v mutable_a and_o so_o farewell_n to_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o last_o result_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o make_v believe_v and_o consequent_o obey_v the_o gospel_n impossible_a from_o the_o very_a first_o to_o they_o that_o will_v be_v damn_v for_o not_o do_v so_o i_o leave_v indifferent_a man_n to_o consider_v the_o conclusion_n be_v that_o believe_v be_v possible_a to_o all_o that_o hear_v now_o the_o possibility_n thereof_o must_v consist_v either_o in_o this_o that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v able_a to_o dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o that_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o that_o teachableness_n and_o attention_n which_o will_v cause_v actual_a believe_v assoon_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v plain_o and_o evident_o make_v know_v or_o else_o in_o this_o that_o by_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n we_o may_v be_v thus_o dispose_v and_o consequent_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n the_o former_a be_v the_o semipelagian_a doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n chap._n 4._o sect._n 1._o therefore_o the_o latter_a remain_v to_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v possible_a for_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n to_o believe_v and_o by_o force_n of_o the_o former_a argument_n it_o follow_v that_o common_a grace_n or_o that_o which_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o begin_v well_o and_o by_o believe_v to_o perform_v the_o first_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o i_o do_v not_o indeed_o find_v any_o such_o express_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n will_v give_v every_o man_n that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n grace_n to_o believe_v it_o as_o there_o be_v that_o he_o will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o believer_n and_o good_a man_n and_o this_o may_v be_v say_v why_o there_o be_v no_o such_o promise_n make_v express_o viz._n because_o it_o will_v have_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n either_o to_o those_o that_o believe_v already_o because_o they_o need_v not_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o beget_v faith_n at_o first_o but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o confirm_v and_o increase_v it_o or_o to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v for_o of_o whatsoever_o use_v such_o a_o promise_n can_v be_v to_o any_o man_n it_o must_v suppose_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o which_o he_o will_v want_v who_o do_v not_o yet_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o common_a grace_n express_o make_v to_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o implicit_a promise_n thereof_o contain_v partly_o under_o that_o obligation_n which_o the_o gospel_n lay_v upon_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o to_o believe_v and_o partly_o under_o those_o passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o suppose_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o we_o for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v just_o oblige_v to_o impossible_a term_n of_o forgiveness_n under_o pain_n of_o a_o more_o grievous_a punishment_n therefore_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n god_n will_v give_v his_o spirit_n in_o such_o measure_n
to_o all_o that_o shall_v hear_v that_o it_o will_v be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v which_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o consequence_n that_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o it_o will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a have_v not_o some_o man_n get_v a_o custom_n of_o impute_v the_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n to_o a_o defect_n on_o god_n part_n as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o give_v they_o grace_n enough_o to_o believe_v and_o repent_v etc._n etc._n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o phrase_n and_o the_o like_a if_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v not_o put_v it_o into_o their_o power_n to_o believe_v be_v so_o high_o dishonourable_a to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o i_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o show_v wherein_o it_o be_v so_o and_o thereby_o to_o prove_v the_o untruth_n of_o it_o final_o this_o implicit_a promise_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o put_v they_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n into_o the_o way_n of_o obtain_v salvation_n by_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o part_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n such_o as_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o believer_n and_o good_a man_n be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n annex_v to_o it_o thus_o that_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o mediator_n and_o which_o he_o be_v to_o seal_v with_o his_o blood_n but_o it_o be_v a_o absolute_a promise_n of_o a_o act_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o which_o depend_v not_o upon_o any_o condition_n require_v by_o it_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o saviour_n be_v indeed_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o of_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n in_o order_n to_o our_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n but_o it_o can_v be_v affirm_v to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n with_o any_o more_o propriety_n than_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o man_n be_v a_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o like_a manner_n that_o grace_n by_o which_o we_o be_v first_o put_v into_o a_o capacity_n of_o believe_v and_o consequent_o of_o obey_v the_o gospel_n after_o it_o be_v reveal_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o gospel_n otherwise_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v impossible_a which_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n such_o as_o that_o be_v whereof_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o mediator_n but_o although_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o grace_n be_v imply_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o any_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o it_o be_v a_o promise_n without_o condition_n sect_n 4._o 4._o from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v it_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o special_a grace_n be_v make_v to_o we_o all_o under_o possible_a condition_n for_o since_o a_o believer_n may_v by_o his_o prayer_n obtain_v that_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o sincere_a obedience_n since_o a_o obedient_a christian_a may_v obtain_v that_o further_a grace_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o perseverance_n see_v also_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o good_a beginning_n i._n e._n to_o excite_v good_a desire_n in_o we_o and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o faith_n be_v give_v absolute_o to_o all_o that_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n it_o follow_v plain_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o special_a grace_n be_v make_v to_o all_o such_o under_o possible_a condition_n wherefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o all_o that_o live_v under_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o believe_v and_o pray_v for_o his_o further_a grace_n that_o to_o all_o who_o be_v thus_o qualify_v he_o will_v give_v his_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v overcome_v the_o world_n and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o that_o to_o all_o such_o sincere_a christian_n he_o will_v give_v his_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o second_o question_n chap._n vii_o concern_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n sect_n 1._o this_o question_n may_v easy_o be_v multiply_v into_o a_o great_a many_o more_o according_a as_o man_n be_v lead_v by_o their_o curiosity_n that_o which_o have_v be_v still_o most_o debate_v under_o this_o head_n be_v this_o how_o far_o or_o in_o what_o measure_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n conduce_v to_o those_o effect_n which_o be_v design_v to_o be_v produce_v by_o they_o now_o concern_v this_o and_o all_o other_o question_n of_o this_o kind_n i_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o silent_a in_o comparison_n to_o that_o clear_a and_o full_a account_n which_o they_o have_v give_v we_o of_o the_o former_a god_n have_v think_v it_o sufficient_a for_o our_o encouragement_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n to_o let_v we_o know_v assure_o that_o he_o will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o for_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a purpose_n without_o satisfy_v our_o curiosity_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o power_n wherefore_o in_o treat_v upon_o this_o subject_a a_o man_n shall_v not_o venture_v to_o affirm_v many_o thing_n or_o to_o conclude_v very_o particular_o much_o less_o to_o obtrude_v his_o opinion_n upon_o other_o man_n for_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o knowable_a but_o only_o by_o revelation_n and_o concern_v which_o there_o be_v but_o little_o reveal_v he_o that_o be_v most_o ready_a to_o affirm_v bold_o and_o particular_o be_v still_o most_o likely_a to_o miscarry_v and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o it_o argue_v a_o immodest_a temper_n to_o define_v peremptory_o in_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v reserve_v from_o our_o knowledge_n and_o this_o to_o be_v sure_a be_v none_o of_o those_o qualification_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o reward_v with_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n but_o yet_o i_o observe_v that_o some_o man_n have_v be_v as_o dogmatical_a and_o particular_a in_o determine_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n as_o if_o their_o conclusion_n be_v as_o clear_o ground_v upon_o revelation_n as_o the_o plain_a truth_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v thrust_v they_o upon_o the_o world_n with_o more_o fierceness_n and_o zeal_n than_o will_v have_v become_v a_o much_o better_a cause_n for_o a_o instance_n hereof_o we_o may_v take_v dr._n owen_n book_n where_o he_o do_v not_o only_o assert_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o brethren_n that_o the_o efficiency_n as_o he_o call_v it_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v irresistible_a 270._o and_o that_o grace_n be_v always_o prevalent_a or_o effectual_a and_o can_v be_v resist_v as_o to_o that_o end_n whereunto_o of_o god_n it_o be_v design_v and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o fall_v upon_o his_o adversary_n in_o this_o point_n with_o such_o insolent_a language_n and_o immodest_a reproach_n that_o they_o can_v hardly_o deserve_v to_o be_v worse_o use_v by_o he_o if_o they_o have_v affirm_v divine_a grace_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o regeneration_n as_o resolute_o as_o they_o maintain_v the_o contrary_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o stand_v up_o for_o against_o the_o new_a pelagian_n and_o a_o crew_n of_o socinianize_v arminian_n they_o be_v his_o own_o word_n as_o if_o to_o deny_v the_o personality_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o to_o 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