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spirit_n word_n work_n write_a 267 3 10.2784 5 false
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A33207 A discourse concerning the operations of the Holy Spirit together with a confutation of some part of Dr. Owen's book upon that subject. Clagett, William, 1646-1688.; Owen, John, 1616-1683. Two discourses concerning the Holy Spirit and his work. 1678 (1678) Wing C4379; ESTC R14565 218,333 348

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reject_v on_o pretence_n that_o the_o author_n be_v but_o a_o natural_a man_n which_o conclude_v the_o introduction_n p._n 53._o of_o the_o book_n part_n 1._o chap._n 1._o what_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n spirit_n be_v needful_a to_o be_v note_v p._n 56._o the_o difference_n make_v by_o dr._n owen_n between_o give_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o give_v his_o grace_n p._n 58._o and_o what_o more_o he_o understand_v by_o put_v on_o the_o spirit_n p._n 59_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o discourse_n state_v p._n 61._o that_o dr._n owen_n confound_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o disciple_n only_o with_o that_o which_o be_v make_v to_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n p._n 64._o and_o argue_v inconsequent_o from_o the_o former_a in_o favour_n of_o his_o own_o mistake_n concern_v the_o latter_a p._n 65._o that_o by_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v he_o sometime_o also_o conclude_v that_o which_o be_v true_a from_o premise_n that_o do_v not_o infer_v it_o p._n 67._o his_o design_n in_o all_o this_o p._n 68_o and_o the_o disservice_n that_o be_v do_v the_o truth_n by_o it_o p._n 70._o chap._n 2._o for_o the_o produce_v of_o what_o effect_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o man_n which_o be_v the_o first_o matter_n of_o enquiry_n p._n 72._o may_v be_v discern_v in_o great_a part_n from_o luke_n 11.13_o p._n 73._o to_o which_o end_n the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n there_o be_v consider_v p._n 74._o and_o it_o be_v from_o thence_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v only_o needful_a purpose_n for_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v there_o promise_v p._n 76._o what_o effect_n be_v needful_a p._n 77._o what_o be_v necessary_a p._n 79._o what_o be_v profitable_a p._n 81._o how_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o needful_a grace_n of_o the_o latter_a sort_n p._n 83._o several_a consectary_n useful_a to_o our_o proceed_n in_o the_o follow_a inquiry_n gain_v from_o the_o forementioned_a text_n p._n 88_o a_o exception_n to_o this_o chapter_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n p._n 94._o chap._n 3._o the_o doctor_n be_v loose_a way_n of_o talk_v concern_v regeneration_n p._n 96._o but_o at_o last_o he_o conclude_v the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o its_o proper_a sense_n p._n 99_o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a so_o to_o understand_v it_o p._n 100_o that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o understand_v without_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n p._n 101._o his_o argument_n that_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n p._n 106._o his_o manner_n of_o charge_v his_o adversary_n with_o turn_v all_o scripture-expression_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n into_o metaphor_n p._n 110._o his_o scornful_a hint_n concern_v christian_n virtue_n p._n 112._o that_o regeneration_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n prove_v from_o what_o he_o say_v himself_o where_o he_o deny_v it_o p._n 113._o how_o dr._n owen_n and_o the_o papist_n do_v alike_o abuse_v the_o scripture_n p._n 115._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n p._n 117._o the_o notion_n prove_v p._n 119._o the_o doctor_n represent_v his_o adversary_n notion_n of_o regeneration_n false_o p._n 123._o and_o that_o know_o p._n 125._o the_o distinction_n between_o grace_n and_o moral_a virtue_n consider_v 126._o that_o the_o doctor_n reject_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o regeneration_n in_o term_n that_o do_v notorious_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n p._n 128._o that_o he_o contradict_v they_o also_o by_o that_o reason_n which_o he_o give_v for_o reject_v it_o p._n 130._o the_o charge_n of_o pelagianism_n just_o retort_v upon_o dr._n owen_n p._n 133._o regeneration_n consider_v as_o a_o effect_n p._n 136._o several_a reason_n why_o the_o state_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v express_v by_o the_o metaphor_n of_o regeneration_n the_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n p._n 139._o why_o the_o expression_n of_o regeneration_n be_v more_o use_v than_o the_o rest_n p._n 143._o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n to_o nicodemus_n show_v p._n 145._o a_o paraphrase_n of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o concern_v regeneration_n p._n 149._o the_o reddition_n of_o our_o saviour_n similitude_n of_o the_o wind_n explain_v p._n 150._o a_o probable_a sense_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o nicodemus_n p._n 155._o the_o doctor_n be_v objection_n against_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o regeneration_n ground_v upon_o the_o rebuke_n give_v to_o nicodemus_n answer_v p._n 157._o chap._n 4._o that_o faith_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a operation_n p._n 161._o in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v affirm_v so_o to_o be_v p._n 162._o the_o preparation_n require_v for_o faith_n p._n 165._o that_o all_o those_o christian_a virtue_n which_o flow_v from_o faith_n be_v also_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n p._n 169._o that_o our_o improvement_n in_o those_o virtue_n be_v so_o likewise_o p._n 173._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n dwelling_n in_o man_n p._n 175._o what_o be_v signify_v by_o his_o dwell_n in_o the_o ark_n p._n 176._o which_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n p._n 178._o that_o god_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v only_o in_o good_a man_n p._n 181._o that_o their_o progress_n in_o christian_a virtue_n and_o perseverance_n be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n p._n 185._o some_o consectary_n from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n p._n 186._o chap._n 5._o gift_n pretend_v to_o be_v from_o the_o spirit_n p._n 189._o immediate_a revelation_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n not_o promise_v in_o st._n luke_n p._n 191._o either_o to_o the_o spiritual_a guide_n or_o their_o people_n p._n 193._o nor_o absolute_a assurance_n of_o our_o particular_a election_n p._n 195._o dr._n owen_n way_n of_o prove_v such_o assurance_n profitable_a p._n 197._o what_o the_o author_n understand_v by_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n mention_v heb._n 6.11_o p._n 199._o the_o reason_n why_o some_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o comfort_n without_o assurance_n p._n 204._o neither_o be_v it_o there_o promise_a that_o the_o spirit_n will_v dictate_v extemporary_a prayer_n p._n 205._o that_o in_o the_o better_a sort_n of_o these_o prayer_n there_o be_v a_o form_n of_o matter_n and_o usual_o of_o method_n and_o that_o all_o the_o variety_n common_o lie_v in_o shift_v of_o word_n and_o phrase_n p._n 209._o that_o these_o three_o pretend_a gift_n be_v promise_v no_o where_o in_o the_o scripture_n p._n 211._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n p._n 214._o and_o by_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n p._n 216._o and_o by_o pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n p._n 218._o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v help_v our_o infirmity_n p._n 219._o chap._n 6._o the_o holy_a spirit_n give_v to_o who_o p._n 233._o the_o difference_n between_o common_a and_o special_a grace_n p._n 234._o special_a grace_n promise_v upon_o condition_n p._n 237._o and_o not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o by_o those_o that_o perform_v they_o p._n 239._o dr._n owen_n mystical_a talk_n concern_v the_o object_n of_o sanctify_a grace_n p._n 240._o that_o he_o make_v no_o qualification_n on_o our_o part_n requisite_a beforehand_o for_o regeneration_n p._n 243._o and_o that_o according_a to_o he_o all_o pray_v for_o it_o be_v unprofitable_a p._n 244._o that_o he_o shuffle_n off_o the_o task_n of_o prove_v his_o main_a principle_n by_o pretend_v false_o that_o he_o have_v prove_v it_o before_o p._n 246._o the_o folly_n of_o trust_v to_o a_o suppose_a absolute_a decree_n p._n 247._o the_o doctor_n be_v insincerity_n in_o change_v his_o notion_n of_o election_n to_o shift_v off_o the_o difficulty_n of_o prove_v his_o own_o opinion_n concern_v it_o p._n 250._o that_o he_o make_v nothing_o to_o contradict_v himself_o as_o his_o cause_n require_v it_o p._n 258._o what_o that_o common_a grace_n be_v which_o be_v give_v to_o all_o p._n 261._o the_o notion_n prove_v p._n 262._o why_o the_o promise_n of_o common_a grace_n be_v not_o express_o make_v to_o all_o p._n 266._o that_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o part_v of_o the_o new_a covenant_n p._n 267._o that_o the_o promise_n of_o special_a grace_n be_v make_v to_o all_o under_o possible_a condition_n p._n 268._o chap._n 7._o difficult_a to_o define_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n particular_o p._n 270._o dr._n owen_n peremptory_a and_o fierce_a in_o this_o point_n p._n 271._o his_o definition_n of_o it_o of_o dangerous_a consequence_n p._n 274._o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v in_o that_o manner_n cause_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o they_o be_v still_o proper_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n p._n 274._o that_o according_a to_o dr._n owen_n principle_n they_o be_v not_o the_o effect_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 ●●●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
way_n clear_o contradict_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v concern_v the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o be_o concern_v to_o prove_v for_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n to_o consist_v in_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o stone_n take_v away_o as_o well_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o flesh_n give_v in_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n as_o well_o as_o in_o put_v on_o the_o new_a and_o when_o st._n paul_n say_v he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o be_v the_o old_a creature_n too_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o all_o old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a now_o thus_o i_o argue_v if_o these_o expression_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v literal_o than_o it_o be_v literal_o true_a that_o the_o old_a man_n the_o old_a creature_n be_v put_v off_o etc._n etc._n as_o well_o as_o the_o new_a man_n put_v on_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n 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and_o proper_o express_v the_o difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o they_o arise_v from_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v in_o they_o and_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o apprehend_v such_o thing_n and_o not_o from_o any_o obscurity_n or_o intricacy_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o therefore_o some_o do_v well_o to_o judge_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v deep_a and_o mysterious_a and_o the_o word_n of_o it_o to_o be_v plain_a and_o proper_a if_o there_o be_v any_o coherence_n in_o this_o argue_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v this_o if_o there_o be_v a_o mysterious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n intend_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v it_o be_v plain_a and_o proper_a and_o such_o a_o mysterious_a work_n there_o be_v otherwise_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a beyond_o all_o other_o write_n because_o the_o word_n of_o the_o 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his_o adversary_n deny_v and_o unless_o he_o conclude_v universal_o he_o prove_v nothing_o now_o by_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v convince_v our_o author_n that_o he_o have_v conclude_v amiss_o for_o himself_o by_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n that_o he_o elsewhere_o acknowledge_v that_o very_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o debate_n to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n metaphorical_o express_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v express_v there_o by_o quicken_a from_o death_n to_o life_n it_o be_v also_o express_v by_o turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n now_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a our_o author_n word_n be_v these_o the_o term_n of_o darkness_n in_o this_o case_n be_v metaphorical_a and_o borrow_v from_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a as_o to_o the_o former_a these_o there_o in_o be_v man_n a_o spiritual_a death_n call_v so_o metaphorical_o from_o the_o analogy_n and_o proportion_n that_o it_o bear_v to_o death_n natural_a let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o doctor_n be_v argument_n will_v not_o vnmetaphor_n these_o expression_n again_o if_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n intend_v in_o these_o expression_n than_o they_o be_v not_o metaphorical_a if_o no_o such_o work_n be_v intend_v by_o they_o then_o be_v the_o scripture_n obscure_a beyond_o all_o other_o writer_n if_o he_o can_v answer_v his_o argument_n for_o himself_o he_o can_v answer_v it_o for_o we_o too_o and_o then_o regeneration_n in_o particular_a will_v prove_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n for_o if_o death_n be_v so_o then_o life_n be_v so_o too_o and_o be_v bear_v into_o that_o life_n will_v unavoidable_o be_v so_o likewise_o some_o of_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v these_o matter_n the_o doctor_n allow_v to_o be_v metaphorical_a so_o that_o the_o controversy_n we_o have_v with_o he_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v
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 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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 out_o and_o act_v their_o soul_n and_o mind_n in_o desire_n and_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 this_o be_v somewhat_o obscure_a but_o i_o will_v know_v what_o request_v those_o be_v which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v above_o your_o natural_a contrivance_n and_o invention_n if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o i_o suppose_v you_o will_v say_v they_o be_v then_o either_o you_o know_v they_o to_o be_v so_o before_o you_o pray_v or_o you_o know_v it_o not_o if_o you_o do_v you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o these_o request_n be_v above_o your_o natural_a contrivance_n and_o invention_n if_o you_o mean_v thereby_o as_o i_o think_v you_o do_v that_o when_o you_o be_v pray_v you_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v think_v of_o those_o request_n without_o a_o supernatural_a suggestion_n for_o you_o confess_v that_o you_o know_v well_o 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motive_n include_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o operation_n nor_o do_v the_o spirit_n use_v any_o motive_n when_o he_o thus_o operate_v for_o as_o these_o man_n say_v this_o physical_a operation_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n tell_v i_o in_o what_o capacity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v stand_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o author_n if_o you_o will_v believe_v he_o pay_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o do_v not_o only_o render_v thus_o useless_a in_o general_n but_o many_o plain_a testimony_n whereof_o he_o contradict_v in_o particular_a and_o for_o instance_n that_o passage_n in_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n i_o desire_v he_o at_o his_o leisure_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o grace_n which_o our_o saviour_n pray_v for_o in_o his_o disciple_n behalf_n be_v a_o immediate_a physical_a operation_n if_o not_o 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more_o efficacy_n to_o the_o word_n than_o we_o who_o say_v that_o mankind_n be_v not_o so_o incapable_a of_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o word_n but_o that_o when_o it_o be_v bless_v and_o use_v as_o he_o well_o enough_o express_v it_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 268._o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convert_v a_o man_n without_o any_o such_o physical_a operation_n as_o they_o talk_v of_o but_o you_o see_v this_o man_n make_v it_o to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o dead_a letter_n even_o when_o it_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n too_o and_o after_o all_o his_o flourish_v resolve_v conversion_n into_o a_o irresistible_a operation_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o the_o word_n at_o all_o and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v you_o what_o a_o irreverent_a opinion_n he_o have_v of_o it_o whatever_o he_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o proposition_n sect_n 2._o 2._o the_o manner_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o ratio●nal_a nature_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o full_o express_v and_o liberal_o grant_v by_o dr._n owen_n that_o i_o shall_v need_v to_o say_v the_o less_o of_o it_o 271._o for_o he_o say_v the_o power_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n put_v forth_o in_o our_o regeneration_n be_v such_o in_o its_o act_n or_o exercise_n as_o 〈◊〉_d mind_n will_n and_o affection_n be_v suit_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o to_o be_v affect_v by_o it_o according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o natural_a operation_n again_o he_o do_v not_o act_n in_o they_o otherwise_o than_o they_o themselves_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 he_o draw_v we_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n and_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o work_n itself_o be_v express_v by_o persuade_v and_o allure_a and_o that_o it_o carry_v no_o more_o repugnancy_n to_o our_o faculty_n than_o a_o prevalent_a persuasion_n do_v again_o that_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o mere_o passive_a instrument_n as_o former_o in_o prophetical_a inspiration_n move_v above_o their_o own_o natural_a capacity_n and_o activity_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o operation_n but_o he_o work_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o and_o by_o their_o own_o natural_a act_n through_o a_o immediate_a influence_n and_o impression_n of_o his_o power_n last_o that_o he_o offer_v no_o violence_n or_o compulsion_n to_o the_o will_n this_o he_o say_v that_o faculty_n be_v not_o natural_o capable_a to_o give_v admission_n unto_o if_o it_o be_v compel_v it_o be_v destroy_v these_o be_v very_o fair_a concession_n and_o ●●less_v you_o have_v give_v over_o wonder_v at_o our_o author_n way_n of_o writing_n you_o will_v hardly_o believe_v they_o shall_v drop_v from_o his_o pen._n but_o they_o be_v his_o own_o word_n i_o assure_v you_o though_o light_n and_o darkness_n may_v be_v assoon_o reconcile_v as_o they_o can_v be_v to_o that_o opinion_n concern_v the_o manner_n 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do_v not_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n that_o he_o be_v infallible_a yet_o in_o that_o book_n which_o i_o have_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o consider_v he_o lay_v claim_v as_o you_o will_v see_v to_o such_o a_o illumination_n of_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o differ_v very_o little_a from_o that_o kind_n of_o inspiration_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v but_o this_o will_v not_o hinder_v you_o from_o try_v the_o doctor_n be_v spirit_n and_o way_n of_o teach_v if_o you_o consider_v what_o he_o very_o well_o observe_v in_o the_o forementioned_a book_n 44._o viz._n that_o the_o berean_o be_v high_o extol_v for_o search_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v our_o saviour_n preach_v by_o st._n paul_n be_v so_o or_o no_o for_o he_o must_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v believe_v more_o hasty_o than_o st._n paul_n do_v who_o we_o be_v sure_a speak_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n the_o more_o high_o any_o man_n pretend_v to_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o better_a testimony_n he_o have_v need_n to_o produce_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o pretence_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v light_o take_v up_o that_o belief_n of_o another_o which_o if_o he_o once_o give_v way_n to_o he_o must_v believe_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o the_o bright_a those_o illumination_n be_v which_o any_o teacher_n boast_v of_o the_o less_o reason_n you_o have_v to_o take_v his_o bare_a word_n for_o it_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a that_o you_o shall_v examine_v his_o doctrine_n he_o give_v you_o great_a cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o they_o will_v not_o abide_v the_o trial_n beside_o the_o doctor_n take_v notice_n that_o what_o be_v praise_v in_o the_o berean_o 44._o be_v commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n beloved_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a spirit_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o prophet_n then_o as_o he_o go_v on_o must_v be_v try_v before_o they_o be_v trust_v now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o hold_v still_o there_o be_v many_o false_a teacher_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n wherefore_o try_v every_o one_o try_v his_o spirit_n his_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o teach_v and_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o will_v only_o add_v that_o the_o reason_n hold_v more_o strong_o now_o for_o if_o false_a teacher_n pretend_v to_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n even_o whilst_o the_o apostle_n be_v alive_a to_o contradict_v they_o and_o discover_v they_o much_o more_o likely_a be_v they_o to_o do_v so_o now_o when_o they_o think_v they_o may_v do_v it_o more_o secure_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o use_v the_o more_o diligence_n in_o try_v those_o teacher_n that_o pretend_v lofty_o by_o that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v leave_v we_o in_o their_o write_n now_o if_o the_o doctor_n will_v have_v you_o to_o shut_v your_o own_o eye_n and_o then_o trust_v to_o that_o new_a save_a light_n by_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o explain_v gospel-truths_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v you_o suspect_v that_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v darkness_n or_o if_o he_o mean_v to_o except_v himself_o from_o be_v try_v when_o he_o bid_v you_o try_v the_o spirit_n for_o that_o reason_n he_o be_v least_o of_o all_o to_o be_v except_v i_o have_v obey_v the_o apostle_n advice_n and_o try_v he_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o follow_a book_n which_o i_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v public_a because_o those_o reason_n which_o satisfy_v i_o that_o he_o be_v very_o much_o out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o discourse_v upon_o spiritual_a thing_n after_o this_o manner_n may_v possible_o seem_v as_o clear_a to_o you_o as_o they_o do_v to_o myself_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sophistry_n in_o they_o or_o carnal_a reason_v or_o pervert_v of_o holy_a writ_n it_o be_v more_o than_o i_o know_v and_o i_o shall_v thank_v the_o doctor_n for_o make_v the_o discovery_n which_o i_o think_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v if_o he_o can_v not_o only_o for_o your_o sake_n but_o for_o i_o too_o for_o so_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v myself_o i_o be_o not_o less_o desirous_a to_o retract_v any_o error_n of_o my_o own_o than_o i_o be_o to_o convince_v you_o of_o he_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o be_v as_o willing_a as_o i_o be_o i_o shall_v in_o all_o probability_n hear_v further_o from_o he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o believe_v neither_o of_o we_o but_o to_o try_v we_o both_o if_o the_o doctor_n be_v friend_n shall_v be_v trouble_v to_o find_v he_o charge_v with_o nonsense_n in_o the_o follow_a book_n the_o author_n have_v this_o to_o say_v for_o himself_o that_o he_o know_v no_o other_o name_n so_o fit_a as_o nonsense_n to_o call_v nonsense_n by_o and_o he_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o say_v but_o prove_v also_o that_o the_o doctor_n be_v guilty_a of_o nonsense_n where_o he_o have_v charge_v he_o with_o it_o he_o hope_v also_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v offend_v with_o he_o for_o take_v occasion_n sometime_o to_o rebuke_v this_o man_n for_o those_o rude_a word_n and_o unjust_a reproach_n which_o he_o have_v pour_v forth_o for_o whole_a page_n together_o upon_o his_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o shall_v be_v teach_v at_o last_o to_o manage_v controversy_n in_o religion_n in_o a_o more_o christian_a manner_n than_o he_o have_v do_v hitherto_o and_o now_o the_o author_n will_v only_o say_v in_o behalf_n of_o himself_o that_o his_o design_n in_o this_o book_n be_v to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o question_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v to_o every_o ordinary_a understanding_n and_o thereby_o to_o promote_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o best_a thing_n he_o can_v say_v of_o the_o book_n itself_o be_v that_o it_o have_v be_v think_v by_o man_n of_o far_o better_a judgement_n than_o he_o can_v pretend_v to_o not_o to_o be_v altogether_o improper_a for_o that_o end_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o mistake_v may_v the_o alwise_a and_o good_a god_n prosper_v the_o design_n of_o it_o with_o his_o blessing_n the_o content_n of_o the_o introduction_n sect_n i._o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n a_o great_a motive_n to_o diligence_n in_o religion_n page_n 1_o that_o according_a to_o dr._n owen_n principle_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o p._n 3._o the_o author_n design_n p._n 4._o sect_n ii_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o doctor_n make_v by_o pretend_v that_o only_a the_o regenerate_v understand_v spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o p._n 5._o while_o he_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v regenerate_v by_o his_o spiritual_a understanding_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n p._n 6._o this_o artifice_n of_o his_o discover_v in_o some_o instance_n p._n 7._o that_o he_o allow_v only_o himself_o and_o his_o party_n to_o be_v competent_a judge_n of_o his_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n p._n 11._o sect_n iii_o his_o interpretation_n of_o 1_o cor._n 2.14_o explain_v p._n 15._o sect_n iv._o that_o his_o meaning_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v groundless_a p._n 20._o of_o his_o not_o receive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n absurd_a p._n 21._o and_o of_o their_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o blasphemous_a p._n 25._o the_o odd_a account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o his_o preface_n p._n 27._o other_o reflection_n upon_o his_o sense_n of_o the_o forementioned_a text_n p._n 30._o that_o the_o doctor_n be_v pretend_v gospel-mystery_n need_v his_o interpretation_n of_o that_o text_n but_o the_o real_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n need_v it_o not_o p._n 31._o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o his_o interpretation_n p._n 32._o sect_n v._o another_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n offer_v according_a to_o st._n chrysostome_n who_o authority_n the_o doctor_n pretend_v in_o favour_n of_o his_o own_o p._n 33._o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n large_o show_v p._n 34._o from_o whence_o it_o plain_o appear_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n p._n 40._o the_o scriptural_a notion_n of_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n p._n 42._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o their_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v p._n 43._o and_o by_o the_o spiritual_a man_n p._n 45._o the_o incoherence_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v sense_n with_o the_o context_n p._n 46._o dr._n hammond_n paraphrase_n upon_o the_o text_n vindicate_v from_o the_o exception_n of_o dr._n owen_n p._n 47._o and_o show_v to_o agree_v with_o those_o passage_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n which_o dr._n owen_n himself_o produce_v p._n 51._o that_o the_o follow_a book_n be_v not_o to_o be_v
thereof_o p._n 277._o a_o instance_n of_o his_o excessive_a boldness_n in_o this_o matter_n p._n 280._o the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n suitable_a to_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o mankind_n p._n 282._o which_o be_v in_o word_n grant_v but_o in_o effect_n deny_v by_o dr._n owen_n p._n 283._o his_o vain_a endeavour_n to_o reconcile_v this_o proposition_n with_o his_o physical_a immediate_a operation_n p._n 286._o isa._n 5.4_o discourse_v upon_o p._n 290._o the_o holy_a spirit_n operate_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o leave_v our_o diligence_n necessary_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o his_o operation_n p._n 292._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v p._n 293._o and_o by_o give_v a_o new_a heart_n p._n 296._o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n suit_v to_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n p._n 298._o that_o his_o grace_n be_v wrought_v gradual_o be_v a_o useful_a consideration_n p._n 302._o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v in_o themselves_o imperceptible_a and_o know_v only_o by_o their_o effect_n p._n 305._o that_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n p._n 309._o that_o man_n resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o they_o think_v of_o nothing_o less_o p._n 312._o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v assistance_n p._n 314._o dr._n owen_n false_o pretend_v that_o his_o adversary_n deny_v the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n p._n 315._o that_o his_o error_n be_v more_o just_o chargeable_a upon_o himself_o p._n 318._o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n a_o forcible_a motive_n to_o godliness_n show_v from_o the_o general_a head_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n p._n 324._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o part_n p._n 326._o the_o introduction_n sect_n i._o from_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a 13._o for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o divine_a assistance_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v be_v a_o pregnant_a motive_n to_o excite_v our_o great_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o i_o suppose_v no_o christian_n will_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n pretend_v to_o enforce_v his_o exhortation_n with_o a_o argument_n that_o have_v little_a or_o no_o force_n in_o it_o to_o persuade_v the_o forcibleness_n of_o this_o motive_n lie_v principal_o in_o this_o supposition_n that_o as_o they_o upon_o who_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v bestow_v may_v fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n so_o withal_o they_o may_v miscarry_v through_o their_o own_o negligence_n and_o then_o their_o sin_n become_v more_o inexcusable_a and_o their_o punishment_n will_v be_v more_o heavy_a and_o this_o be_v a_o clear_a reason_n why_o even_o those_o in_o who_o god_n work_v both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v be_v yet_o exhort_v to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v earnest_o exhort_v christian_n to_o perseverance_n in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o gospel_n 10.29_o for_o say_v he_o of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o have_v do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o say_v plain_o for_o this_o end_n to_o excite_v they_o to_o a_o effectual_a care_n in_o improve_n those_o spiritual_a aid_n whereby_o they_o be_v able_a to_o persevere_v this_o i_o think_v will_v easy_o be_v grant_v unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n talk_v at_o as_o strange_a a_o rate_n as_o dr._n john_n owen_n frequent_o do_v in_o his_o book_n concern_v the_o holy_a spirit_n j.o._n where_o he_o often_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o look_v upon_o he_o and_o divers_a of_o his_o notion_n in_o divinity_n to_o be_v senseless_a and_o fanatical_a for_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o his_o threaten_n have_v not_o that_o charitable_a meaning_n in_o they_o which_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o those_o by_o who_o regeneration_n i._n e._n his_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v expose_v to_o scorn_n 254._o will_v one_o day_n understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o although_o it_o may_v be_v not_o before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a to_o obtain_v any_o advantage_n by_o it_o now_o one_o will_v think_v it_o to_o be_v the_o doctor_n be_v opinion_n that_o those_o who_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v damn_v may_v by_o a_o timely_a care_n have_v prevent_v it_o and_o that_o he_o intend_v this_o warning_n to_o make_v they_o careful_a to_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_o but_o if_o you_o think_v so_o you_o be_v much_o mistake_v and_o you_o do_v not_o yet_o understand_v this_o man_n principle_n for_o throughout_o his_o whole_a book_n he_o suppose_v a_o certain_a powerful_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v to_o none_o but_o those_o that_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v to_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o regeneration_n and_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n the_o darkness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o be_v no_o less_o effectual_a to_o bind_v they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n 228._o than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o devil_n themselves_o now_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o the_o doctor_n be_v warning_n can_v be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o the_o devil_n themselves_o and_o i_o do_v as_o little_a understand_v why_o he_o make_v such_o frequent_a excursion_n as_o he_o do_v to_o threaten_v his_o adversary_n with_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n unless_o as_o one_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v by_o the_o insult_a language_n that_o go_v along_o with_o it_o it_o be_v some_o refresh_n to_o a_o man_n so_o natural_o vindictive_a to_o think_v he_o shall_v one_o day_n see_v they_o damn_v this_o be_v one_o great_a exception_n i_o have_v against_o this_o man_n book_n that_o whereas_o he_o contend_v so_o fierce_o for_o his_o opinion_n as_o he_o do_v all_o along_o pretend_v in_o particular_a 164._o that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n to_o we_o to_o inquire_v into_o and_o secure_a unto_o ourselves_o the_o promise_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o suppose_v his_o notion_n thereof_o to_o be_v true_a it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o they_o be_v inquire_v into_o or_o no_o for_o neither_o can_v we_o have_v a_o true_a understanding_n what_o they_o be_v nor_o if_o we_o can_v will_v that_o excite_v our_o endeavour_n to_o secure_v they_o for_o according_a to_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o understand_v a_o spiritual_a truth_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_o good_a unless_o he_o be_v enable_v by_o such_o a_o almighty_a power_n as_o leave_v it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n impossible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v spiritual_o blind_a and_o dead_a any_o long_o for_o this_o power_n he_o say_v be_v irresistible_a and_o he_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v false_a that_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 262._o now_o the_o doctor_n confess_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o blindness_n and_o deadness_n with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v a_o matter_n which_o the_o world_n can_v endure_v to_o hear_v of_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o fall_v into_o a_o tumult_n upon_o the_o mention_n of_o it_o 206._o and_o if_o he_o say_v true_a i_o be_o very_o glad_a on_o it_o because_o if_o the_o world_n can_v not_o endure_v to_o hear_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o be_v we_o may_v hope_v to_o see_v a_o great_a many_o man_n wise_a and_o better_a than_o they_o be_v for_o he_o have_v state_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o manner_n that_o instead_o of_o exciting_a man_n thereby_o to_o hearty_a endeavour_n after_o true_a goodness_n he_o have_v lay_v down_o principle_n that_o will_v excuse_v they_o if_o they_o be_v never_o so_o careless_a and_o so_o have_v betray_v this_o great_a encouragement_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o lazy_a and_o wicked_a man_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o better_a account_n of_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n teach_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n than_o i_o think_v he_o have_v do_v and_o i_o shall_v withal_o examine_v those_o argument_n wherewith_o he_o pretend_v so_o to_o demonstrate_v his_o notion_n that_o the_o proud_a and_o most_o petulant_a of_o his_o adversary_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o return_v any_o thing_n of_o a_o solid_a answer_n
illuminate_v by_o a_o almighty_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o none_o but_o the_o doctor_n and_o he_o enlighten_v one_o can_v possible_o either_o give_v or_o receive_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o than_o if_o we_o reject_v his_o talk_n it_o be_v because_o we_o want_v that_o spiritual_a power_n without_o which_o the_o mind_n can_v receive_v it_o if_o you_o ask_v yet_o further_o what_o this_o spiritual_a power_n be_v he_o give_v you_o a_o admirable_a description_n of_o it_o 432._o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o the_o mind_n consist_v in_o a_o spiritual_a light_n and_o ability_n to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n so_o that_o spiritual_a light_n be_v spiritual_a power_n and_o spiritual_a power_n be_v spiritual_a light_n this_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v utter_o void_a of_o 433._o but_o any_o one_o that_o be_v true_o sanctify_v have_v light_n enough_o to_o understand_v the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n for_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n what_o other_o may_v think_v of_o this_o i_o know_v not_o but_o methinks_v it_o will_v grieve_v any_o christian_a heart_n to_o observe_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o divine_a mean_n of_o make_v man_n true_o wise_a and_o good_a thus_o debase_v and_o dishonour_v by_o such_o a_o senseless_a use_n of_o scripture-phrase_n as_o this_o man_n make_v of_o they_o who_o write_v himself_o d._n d._n for_o that_o which_o set_v off_o all_o this_o wild_a and_o confuse_a talk_n of_o he_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o puzzle_v any_o man_n at_o the_o first_o blush_n be_v his_o pervert_n the_o true_a use_n of_o these_o phrase_n viz._n the_o natural_a man_n and_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n spiritual_a thing_n and_o discern_v they_o spiritual_o with_o which_o he_o ring_v the_o change_n so_o often_o in_o his_o book_n leave_v a_o noise_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o fancy_n of_o his_o reader_n instead_o of_o the_o true_a i._n e._n the_o scriptural_a notion_n belong_v to_o they_o imprint_v on_o their_o mind_n that_o i_o may_v therefore_o reconcile_v the_o reader_n to_o a_o opinion_n that_o i_o may_v possible_o write_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n with_o more_o truth_n than_o this_o man_n have_v do_v i_o shall_v prepare_v my_o way_n by_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o 2.14_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v for_o it_o be_v chief_o upon_o this_o place_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v that_o the_o doctor_n build_v his_o confidence_n that_o we_o can_v spiritual_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n and_o as_o by_o expound_v thereof_o the_o use_n of_o those_o phrase_n and_o such_o as_o be_v equivalent_a to_o they_o will_v be_v understand_v so_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o will_v be_v conducible_a also_o to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o book_n i_o shall_v first_o examine_v the_o doctor_n be_v interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o offer_v that_o sense_n of_o it_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v true_a than_o he_o before_o i_o attempt_v either_o of_o which_o thing_n i_o must_v beg_v his_o pardon_n if_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o follow_v he_o as_o oft_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o leave_v the_o argument_n and_o fall_v a_o rail_n against_o those_o that_o have_v other_o thought_n of_o the_o text_n than_o he_o have_v especial_o where_o he_o spend_v almost_o two_o whole_a page_n upon_o nothing_o else_o 223._o charge_v his_o adversary_n with_o the_o want_n of_o those_o virtue_n particular_o enumerate_v by_o he_o which_o they_o great_o praise_v and_o extol_v and_o accuse_v they_o of_o pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n vanity_n and_o profaneness_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o vice_n more_o now_o what_o be_v all_o this_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o of_o the_o like_a stuff_n which_o he_o have_v swell_v his_o discourse_n withal_o to_o the_o explanation_n of_o st._n paul_n text_n which_o he_o be_v endeavour_v suppose_v i_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o retaliate_v have_v so_o large_a a_o subject_a as_o dr._n owen_n prank_n from_o the_o year_n 1648_o to_o this_o present_a time_n to_o expatiate_v upon_o what_o goodly_a work_n be_v here_o for_o the_o reader_n therefore_o all_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o whereas_o his_o lewd_a and_o notorious_a practice_n against_o the_o church_n and_o state_n have_v be_v expose_v in_o print_n and_o these_o charge_v upon_o he_o not_o from_o tale_n pick_v up_o in_o the_o street_n and_o at_o gossiping-meeting_n but_o from_o his_o own_o public_a action_n and_o write_n he_o have_v no_o way_n to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o the_o gentleman_n that_o have_v do_v he_o this_o kindness_n but_o by_o let_v fly_n upon_o his_o whole_a order_n with_o all_o sort_n of_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n though_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fasten_v his_o accusation_n upon_o any_o one_o of_o those_o who_o he_o thus_o bespatter_n since_o his_o plentiful_a rage_n against_o they_o may_v satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o his_o will_n be_v not_o want_v wherefore_o it_o be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n to_o attempt_v the_o confutation_n of_o such_o loose_a and_o general_a calumny_n as_o it_o have_v be_v to_o have_v answer_v the_o doctor_n if_o he_o can_v have_v satisfy_v his_o implacable_a malice_n with_o be_v at_o a_o word_n and_o call_v we_o once_o for_o all_o rogue_n and_o villain_n i_o shall_v leave_v he_o in_o the_o quiet_a possession_n of_o his_o talon_n at_o lie_v and_o defamation_n and_o shall_v now_o only_o try_v whether_o his_o reason_n be_v as_o unanswerable_a as_o his_o rail_n sect_n iii_o i_o often_o find_v it_o very_o difficult_a to_o fasten_v any_o meaning_n upon_o so_o slippery_a a_o writer_n as_o this_o but_o to_o my_o best_a understanding_n he_o thus_o explain_v the_o phrase_n of_o the_o text._n 1._o by_o the_o natural_a man_n he_o mean_v one_o that_o have_v the_o use_n of_o all_o his_o rational_a faculty_n 218._o or_o every_o one_o that_o be_v so_o and_o that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o so_o that_o be_v every_o one_o who_o be_v not_o a_o spiritual_a man_n be_v not_o one_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n one_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n enable_v he_o to_o know_v thing_n natural_a civil_a or_o political_n but_o not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o know_v thing_n spiritual_a so_o that_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v not_o a_o spiritual_a man_n but_o a_o natural_a man_n only_o as_o the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v not_o only_o a_o natural_a man_n or_o thus_o the_o natural_a man_n concern_v who_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v one_o who_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o if_o the_o doctor_n have_v rest_v in_o this_o explication_n i_o think_v he_o have_v be_v safe_a enough_o for_o ever_o be_v confute_v but_o he_o have_v a_o further_a meaning_n which_o discover_v not_o itself_o till_o we_o come_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o comment_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n have_v no_o ability_n to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n be_v because_o the_o light_n itself_o 38._o whereby_o alone_o spiritual_a thing_n can_v be_v spiritual_o discern_v be_v create_v in_o we_o by_o a_o almighty_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n so_o that_o at_o last_o this_o be_v his_o notion_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o book_n that_o he_o be_v one_o in_o who_o mind_n spiritual_a light_n be_v not_o create_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n 26._o 2._o by_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o depend_v whole_o on_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o i_o think_v this_o be_v the_o only_a phrase_n he_o understand_v right_a if_o he_o mean_v honest_o by_o supernatural_a revelation_n viz._n that_o revelation_n which_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o not_o any_o particular_a revelation_n make_v to_o himself_o and_o his_o party_n by_o a_o irresistible_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o their_o mind_n but_o such_o a_o custom_n he_o have_v get_v to_o confound_v every_o thing_n that_o within_o two_o page_n he_o understand_v by_o it_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n whatsoever_o for_o through_o
two_o whole_a section_n he_o discourse_v concern_v the_o impotency_n of_o man_n to_o perform_v the_o command_n of_o god_n 29.30_o and_o make_v it_o equivalent_a to_o a_o inability_n of_o receive_v spiritual_a thing_n 27._o and_o quote_v rom._n 7.8_o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o parallel_n place_n to_o the_o text_n in_o hand_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v tie_v these_o incoherent_a thing_n together_o if_o the_o doctor_n can_v let_v he_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n 26._o that_o moral_a duty_n to_o be_v observe_v towards_o god_n ourselves_o and_o other_o man_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n here_o peculiar_o intend_v and_o that_o be_v right_a but_o the_o mystery_n depend_v on_o more_o sovereign_a supernatural_a revelation_n and_o that_o whole_o and_o in_o this_o notion_n i_o shall_v understand_v he_o for_o i_o can_v understand_v he_o in_o both_o together_o 3._o he_o explain_v receive_v of_o these_o thing_n by_o receive_v they_o spiritual_o 28._o and_o sometime_o by_o receive_v they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o by_o other_o phrase_n that_o be_v equivalent_a according_a to_o he_o but_o what_o mean_v he_o by_o spiritual_o he_o tell_v you_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v so_o receive_v they_o as_o to_o assent_v to_o their_o truth_n but_o that_o which_o he_o can_v do_v be_v to_o assent_v to_o they_o under_o a_o apprehension_n of_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v he_o discern_v their_o suitableness_n unto_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v propose_v as_o the_o mean_n of_o accomplish_v so_o that_o this_o it_o be_v to_o discern_v they_o spiritual_o and_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o he_o likewise_o tell_v we_o 42._o the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o receive_v not_o be_v he_o can_v know_v they_o and_o that_o impotency_n be_v double_a 41._o 1._o a_o natural_a impotency_n that_o of_o the_o understanding_n in_o respect_n whereof_o he_o be_v absolute_o unable_a so_o to_o do_v without_o a_o especial_a renovation_n by_o a_o irresistible_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o impotency_n he_o say_v be_v absolute_o and_o natural_o insuperable_a and_o 2._o a_o moral_a impotency_n that_o of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o short_a of_o it_o be_v he_o neither_o will_v nor_o can_v if_o he_o will_v know_v they_o spiritual_o so_o that_o his_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v this_o that_o a_o man_n in_o who_o mind_n a_o eternal_a light_n be_v not_o create_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n although_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o with_o that_o evidence_n that_o he_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o yet_o he_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v understand_v they_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o suitable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man._n 4._o this_o clause_n they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o he_o have_v perplex_v with_o various_a interpretation_n after_o give_v several_a account_n on_o which_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v esteem_v foolishness_n he_o tell_v we_o for_o one_o or_o other_o 31._o or_o all_o of_o these_o reason_n be_v spiritual_a thing_n foolishness_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v some_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v so_o though_o he_o can_v direct_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v if_o any_o of_o his_o reason_n will_v serve_v let_v we_o take_v one_o for_o instance_n that_o be_v look_v on_o as_o foolish_a which_o contain_v mean_n and_o end_v disproportionate_a now_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v foolishness_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o mind_n i_o think_v he_o mean_v thus_o that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o that_o a_o natural_a man_n must_v needs_o look_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v a_o mean_v unsuitable_a and_o disproportionate_a to_o the_o end_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o man_n good_a and_o then_o his_o interpretation_n run_v thus_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v one_o who_o for_o want_v of_o the_o irresistible_a light_n can_v discern_v the_o suitableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o those_o end_n because_o he_o can_v discern_v it_o be_v suitable_a to_o they_o but_o it_o may_v be_v his_o instance_n will_v make_v his_o mind_n more_o plain_a one_o be_v that_o of_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v foolishness_n now_o say_v he_o if_o spiritual_a thing_n have_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o natural_a man_n than_o those_o who_o have_v most_o improve_v their_o mind_n will_v more_o ready_o have_v receive_v they_o than_o other_o by_o which_o i_o perceive_v he_o understand_v by_o these_o thing_n be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n their_o unsuitableness_n to_o their_o mind_n who_o have_v most_o improve_v they_o or_o be_v wise_a and_o know_v most_o but_o that_o which_o be_v somewhat_o stranger_n be_v his_o tell_n of_o we_o that_o thing_n of_o any_o worth_n in_o nature_n and_o morality_n be_v soon_o embrace_v by_o such_o person_n but_o here_o thing_n fall_v out_o quite_o otherwise_o they_o be_v the_o wise_a the_o rational_a that_o make_v the_o long_a opposition_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n i._n e._n if_o the_o doctor_n be_v instance_n be_v pertinent_a that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o so_o that_o the_o unsuitableness_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n to_o our_o mind_n do_v at_o last_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o know_v a_o man_n be_v the_o more_o unapt_a he_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o but_o then_o his_o other_o instance_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o he_o say_v foolishness_n 33._o viz._n that_o of_o his_o present_a adversary_n be_v to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a purpose_n for_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o profound_a ignorance_n and_o confidence_n which_o can_v be_v sufficient_o admire_v or_o despise_v and_o certain_o then_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o very_o much_o improve_v now_o i_o think_v he_o say_v concern_v these_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o foolish_a and_o unsuited_a to_o the_o rational_a principle_n of_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o all_o the_o light_n we_o have_v gain_v by_o the_o doctor_n be_v instance_n to_o discern_v his_o meaning_n of_o this_o clause_n be_v that_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o themselves_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o best_a improve_a reason_n and_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o to_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o rational_a principle_n of_o their_o mind_n who_o ignorance_n and_o confidence_n can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o despise_v and_o here_o i_o desire_v the_o doctor_n to_o make_v my_o peace_n with_o the_o reader_n for_o carry_v he_o along_o with_o i_o to_o grope_v after_o his_o meaning_n in_o such_o a_o tedious_a labyrinth_n as_o he_o have_v contrive_v to_o lose_v we_o in_o but_o i_o do_v not_o ask_v the_o doctor_n be_v pardon_n if_o i_o have_v miss_v of_o his_o meaning_n at_o last_o since_o if_o he_o please_v he_o may_v write_v more_o perspicuous_o if_o he_o can_v his_o friend_n will_v do_v well_o to_o find_v out_o a_o more_o natural_a employment_n for_o he_o 5._o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v he_o explain_v thus_o 38._o because_o they_o be_v discern_v by_o a_o spiritual_a light_n what_o light_n be_v that_o he_o tell_v you_o the_o light_n itself_o whereby_o alone_o spiritual_a thing_n can_v be_v spiritual_o discern_v be_v create_v in_o we_o by_o a_o almighty_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n now_o from_o the_o examination_n of_o his_o notion_n concern_v the_o several_a phrase_n his_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o a_o man_n in_o who_o mind_n a_o spiritual_a light_n be_v not_o create_v by_o the_o almighty_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v nor_o will_v understand_v the_o reveal_v doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o fit_a to_o procure_v man_n salvation_n because_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o he_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o the_o one_o and_o unfit_a for_o the_o other_o or_o because_o they_o be_v unsuitable_a or_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o rational_a principle_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a he_o shall_v discern_v that_o agreeableness_n and_o fitness_n without_o that_o new_a light_n create_v in_o his_o mind_n because_o such_o be_v the_o manner_n whereby_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
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
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 know_v it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o though_o dr._n owen_n take_v no_o care_n to_o speak_v truth_n he_o will_v yet_o make_v some_o conscience_n of_o speak_a sense_n 3._o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n treat_v not_o of_o what_o man_n can_v find_v out_o by_o any_o study_n of_o their_o own_o but_o of_o what_o they_o can_v not_o do_v they_o can_v not_o receive_v the_o spiritual_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o exception_n i_o be_o amaze_v at_o because_o neither_o dr._n hammond_n speak_v of_o what_o they_o can_v find_v out_o but_o of_o what_o they_o can_v not_o find_v out_o by_o any_o study_n of_o their_o own_o but_o say_v j.o._n they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v propose_v declare_v and_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o so_o the_o doctor_n suppose_v too_o and_o any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n must_v suppose_v it_o likewise_o for_o how_o else_o can_v they_o have_v call_v the_o gospel_n foolishness_n if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v know_v to_o they_o 4._o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o prophecy_n miracle_n and_o the_o like_a in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v what_o then_o why_o you_o may_v go_v look_n for_o he_o have_v only_o leave_v we_o to_o guess_v at_o the_o design_n of_o this_o exception_n but_o at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o five_o exception_n he_o say_v concern_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v spiritual_o discern_v to_o wrest_v this_o unto_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v direct_o design_v to_o express_v the_o internal_a manner_n of_o the_o mind_n reception_n of_o thing_n reveal_v be_v to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n at_o pleasure_n i_o answer_v 1._o if_o the_o word_n spiritual_o be_v design_v to_o express_v not_o the_o mean_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o receive_v gospel-mystery_n than_o dr._n h._n do_v wrest_v the_o scripture_n by_o make_v it_o to_o signify_v the_o outward_a mean_n of_o discern_v they_o viz._n miracle_n 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 part_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o depth_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o my_o understanding_n can_v reach_v into_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o revelation_n i_o learn_v principal_o from_o the_o testimony_n give_v to_o they_o and_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o not_o exclude_v other_o subordinate_a help_n by_o compare_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o and_o the_o doctor_n have_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o discern_a of_o these_o thing_n aright_o but_o that_o new_a light_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o but_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v never_o a_o word_n of_o and_o let_v he_o make_v his_o best_a advantage_n of_o it_o but_o if_o the_o doctor_n be_v resolve_v to_o cant_n on_o still_o in_o his_o own_o defence_n and_o
call_v this_o exposition_n of_o st._n paul_n text_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v carnal_a reason_v and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o perhaps_o he_o will_v find_v little_a else_o to_o say_v against_o it_o there_o will_v be_v small_a hope_n leave_v of_o do_v any_o good_a upon_o he_o nor_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v with_o he_o but_o to_o turn_v he_o over_o to_o the_o quaker_n and_o with_o they_o at_o present_a i_o leave_v he_o part_n 1._o a_o account_n of_o what_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n i._n the_o general_n subject_a of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n state_v §_o 1._o through_o the_o assistance_n of_o that_o holy_a spirit_n who_o operation_n i_o intend_v to_o treat_v of_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v the_o performance_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o lay_v down_o as_o clear_o and_o methodical_o as_o i_o can_v what_o i_o find_v the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v teach_v we_o concern_v his_o operation_n and_o as_o i_o go_v along_o to_o remove_v those_o erroneous_a and_o as_o i_o be_o yet_o persuade_v dangerous_a opinion_n of_o dr._n owen_n and_o his_o brethren_n concern_v this_o matter_n which_o may_v seem_v needful_a to_o be_v debate_v in_o order_n to_o the_o present_a clear_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o first_o part._n second_o to_o confute_v some_o other_o pernicious_a doctrine_n of_o he_o relate_v to_o the_o same_o subject_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o may_v be_v fit_o enough_o reserve_v till_o we_o have_v conclude_v what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n affirm_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o will_v be_v my_o design_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v begin_v the_o first_o part_n with_o state_v the_o general_a subject_n of_o my_o intend_a discourse_n as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v among_o other_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n spirit_n that_o may_v be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o present_a design_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o that_o follow_v 1._o it_o be_v sometime_o use_v to_o signify_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o in_o joh._n 4.24_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n be_v to_o worship_v he_o with_o our_o soul_n and_o in_o gal._n 6.18_o and_o col._n 2.5_o and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o it_o need_v only_o to_o be_v mention_v for_o where_o the_o word_n be_v use_v in_o that_o sense_n the_o context_n do_v easy_o lead_v a_o man_n to_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o it_o 2._o it_o sometime_o signify_v the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n thus_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o spirit_n of_o faith_n mention_v by_o st._n paul_n 2_o cor._n 4.13_o which_o the_o christian_n and_o god_n servant_n also_o in_o former_a time_n have_v viz._n the_o same_o pious_a temper_n of_o mind_n in_o bear_v affliction_n for_o god_n sake_n and_o look_v for_o deliverance_n and_o reward_n from_o he_o so_o likewise_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n but_o of_o power_n of_o love_n etc._n etc._n 2_o tim._n 1.7_o contrary_n to_o that_o timorous_a cowardly_a temper_n of_o be_v afraid_a to_o endure_v persecution_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n hereby_o say_v st._n john_n we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o 4.13_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o what_o that_o spirit_n be_v we_o see_v plain_o by_o the_o former_a word_n chap._n 4._o vers_fw-la 12._o if_o we_o love_v one_o another_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o it_o be_v that_o spirit_n of_o love_n that_o benignity_n and_o charitableness_n of_o mind_n whereby_o we_o become_v like_a unto_o god_n 3._o by_o the_o spirit_n we_o be_v frequent_o to_o understand_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n as_o in_o 1_o joh._n 5.7_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o spirit_n so_o also_o when_o st._n paul_n say_v there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12.4_o we_o be_v by_o spirit_n to_o understand_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o vers_n 6._o he_o say_v it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n which_o work_v all_o in_o all_o which_o compare_v with_o vers_n 11._o but_o all_o these_o work_v that_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_a spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_v make_v it_o plain_a that_o by_o the_o spirit_n here_o st._n paul_n understand_v god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n wherein_o i_o understand_v the_o word_n spirit_n when_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o we_o i_o mean_v the_o person_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o we_o must_v observe_v 4._o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v frequent_o use_v to_o signify_v his_o operation_n or_o those_o effect_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o his_o operation_n thus_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o spirit_n mention_v act_n 2._o plain_o signify_v his_o bestow_n supernatural_a gift_n in_o great_a measure_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ._n so_o receive_v you_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n gal._n 3.2_o thus_o also_o be_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o apostle_n of_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n joh._n 14.26_o for_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n mention_v act_n 1.4_o which_o be_v foretell_v in_o these_o word_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o of_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n act_v 2.16_o 17._o must_v needs_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o spirit_n which_o phrase_n 87._o as_o dr._n owen_n true_o note_n have_v respect_n unto_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n so_o likewise_o the_o phrase_n of_o give_v the_o spirit_n luke_n 11.13_o be_v explain_v in_o matth._n by_o give_v good_a thing_n i._n e._n such_o good_a thing_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o to_o believer_n indeed_o nothing_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v to_o we_o but_o what_o be_v capable_a of_o become_v our_o own_o therefore_o when_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v some_o spiritual_a good_a or_o benefit_n be_v mean_v which_o accrue_v to_o we_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n ibid._n but_o the_o doctor_n tell_v we_o that_o where_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v he_o be_v give_v absolute_o and_o as_o to_o himself_o not_o more_o or_o less_o but_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n may_v be_v more_o plentiful_o and_o abundant_o give_v at_o one_o time_n than_o at_o another_o to_o some_o person_n than_o to_o other_o so_o that_o he_o make_v two_o different_a thing_n of_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v to_o we_o and_o our_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n for_o according_a to_o he_o a_o man_n may_v have_v these_o limited_o that_o he_o must_v have_v absolute_o these_o more_o or_o less_o that_o not_o so_o and_o this_o be_v a_o mystery_n which_o he_o have_v find_v out_o in_o that_o expression_n of_o give_v the_o spirit_n whatever_o he_o intend_v by_o this_o conceit_n it_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o use_n of_o that_o phrase_n in_o the_o scripture_n for_o john_n 3.34_o it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o saviour_n that_o god_n give_v not_o the_o spirit_n by_o measure_n unto_o he_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v give_v in_o measure_n wherefore_o this_o phrase_n do_v not_o necessary_o imply_v that_o the_o person_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v proper_o give_v 80._o as_o the_o doctor_n pretend_v for_o he_o confess_v that_o as_o to_o himself_o he_o be_v not_o give_v more_o or_o less_o nay_o those_o word_n of_o st._n john_n baptist_n imply_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o all_o other_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n in_o measure_n and_o consequent_o the_o give_v of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o man_n can_v signify_v the_o give_v of_o his_o person_n or_o the_o give_n of_o he_o absolute_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o for_o he_o be_v always_o give_v to_o they_o in_o measure_n i._n e._n in_o the_o same_o measure_n wherein_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n be_v communicate_v to_o they_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v otherwise_o express_v matth._n 12.18_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n upon_o he_o which_o be_v speak_v concern_v our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v parallel_n to_o god_n give_v the_o spirit_n to_o he_o mention_v john_n 3.34_o indeed_o there_o be_v little_a difference_n in_o the_o expression_n if_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o passage_n in_o st_n matthew_n be_v cite_v out_o of_o
that_o they_o may_v be_v witness_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o christ_n receive_v from_o the_o father_n act_v 2.23_o peculiar_o concern_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o this_o as_o i_o conceive_v the_o doctor_n acknowledge_v by_o say_v that_o christ_n shed_v forth_o what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v in_o the_o miraculous_a operation_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o now_o say_v he_o 157._o in_o this_o promise_n viz._n act_n 1._o vers_fw-la 4_o 8._o the_o lord_n christ_n found_v the_o church_n itself_o and_o by_o it_o he_o build_v it_o up_o and_o this_o be_v the_o hinge_v whereon_o the_o whole_a weight_n of_o it_o do_v turn_v and_o depend_v unto_o this_o day_n it_o be_v indeed_o certain_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n be_v at_o this_o day_n found_v upon_o the_o extraordinary_a testimony_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o which_o follow_v be_v absolute_o false_a take_v away_o this_o promise_n suppose_v it_o to_o cease_v as_o unto_o a_o continual_a accomplishment_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o absolute_a end_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n for_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o confess_v himself_o miracle_n be_v cease_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o church_n he_o proceed_v thus_o no_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n no_o church_n he_o that_o will_v utter_o separate_v the_o spirit_n from_o the_o word_n have_v as_o good_a burn_v his_o bible_n be_v not_o so_o hasty_a for_o although_o this_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o than_o you_o have_v prove_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v now_o be_v utter_o separate_v from_o the_o word_n for_o all_o act_n 1.4_o and_o although_o you_o very_o true_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v ingenerate_v faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yet_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o have_v here_o say_v it_o may_v for_o those_o text_n upon_o which_o you_o ground_n your_o confidence_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n whereby_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v now_o these_o be_v record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n together_o with_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o they_o may_v be_v as_o able_a to_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v when_o they_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o that_o of_o themselves_o too_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o have_v show_v to_o the_o contrary_a from_o act_n 1._o though_o the_o contrary_n may_v well_o be_v show_v from_o other_o scripture_n now_o i_o can_v see_v to_o what_o end_n these_o man_n when_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o will_v in_o all_o age_n be_v accomplish_v shall_v fly_v so_o often_o as_o they_o do_v to_o those_o text_n which_o mention_v those_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v bestow_v in_o the_o first_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v their_o follower_n believe_v that_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v inspire_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o that_o they_o preach_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v which_o because_o we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o they_o who_o do_v so_o to_o be_v sole_a owner_n of_o the_o privilege_n just_o as_o the_o papist_n support_v their_o pretence_n to_o miracle_n and_o infallibility_n by_o draw_v the_o promise_n peculiar_o make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o believer_n into_o consequence_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o every_o age_n and_o i_o fear_v by_o the_o like_a device_n our_o author_n have_v lay_v his_o plot_n to_o unchurch_n we_o quite_o and_o clean_o who_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n 158._o for_o say_v he_o let_v man_n cast_v themselves_o into_o what_o order_n they_o please_v institute_v what_o form_n of_o government_n and_o religious_a worship_n they_o please_v let_v they_o do_v it_o by_o a_o attendance_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o understand_n unto_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n i._n e._n let_v their_o government_n and_o worship_n be_v as_o near_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o can_v possible_o frame_v it_o yet_o if_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v disow_v or_o disclaim_v by_o they_o if_o they_o disow_v those_o extravagant_a pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n which_o you_o set_v up_o to_o magnify_v yourselves_o withal_o if_o there_o be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o upon_o they_o such_o a_o work_n of_o his_o as_o be_v promise_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v no_o church-state_n among_o they_o nor_o as_o such_o be_v it_o to_o be_v own_v and_o esteem_v and_o be_v this_o that_o you_o have_v be_v drive_v at_o all_o this_o while_n you_o have_v now_o find_v out_o a_o new_a colour_n for_o your_o schism_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v go_v forward_o upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n promise_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o upon_o we_o which_o in_o many_o place_n of_o your_o book_n also_o you_o spare_v not_o to_o say_v we_o reproach_n and_o disavow_v but_o i_o beseech_v you_o dare_v you_o say_v that_o you_o have_v that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o you_o and_o upon_o you_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o forementioned_a text_n if_o you_o say_v so_o we_o shall_v present_o desire_v you_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o it_o by_o miracle_n and_o such_o sign_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v if_o you_o dare_v not_o say_v it_o than_o it_o seem_v that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v no_o more_o in_o you_o and_o upon_o you_o than_o it_o be_v in_o we_o and_o then_o i_o hope_v we_o be_v not_o unchurch_v for_o not_o pretend_v to_o it_o nor_o fit_a to_o be_v account_v reprobate_n because_o we_o be_v not_o liar_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n mention_v by_o you_o in_o your_o next_o section_n matth._n 28.20_o 158._o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n prove_v the_o constant_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n by_o his_o spirit_n but_o then_o sir_n it_o do_v not_o prove_v nor_o i_o think_v be_v you_o able_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o forementioned_a promise_v make_v to_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o same_o promise_n with_o that_o which_o be_v here_o make_v now_o as_o to_o that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o will_v indeed_o continue_v through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v disow_v and_o disclaim_v it_o but_o we_o disow_v the_o prove_v it_o from_o such_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o you_o lay_v the_o great_a stress_n of_o your_o proof_n upon_o lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o pretend_v to_o those_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v pour_v forth_o upon_o the_o church_n at_o her_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a our_o pretence_n be_v laugh_v at_o for_o our_o pain_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o to_o say_v that_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o those_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n those_o extraordinary_a gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o believer_n have_v for_o it_o will_v be_v unanswerable_o return_v upon_o we_o that_o these_o text_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o speak_v of_o any_o but_o these_o and_o thus_o we_o shall_v disparage_v a_o good_a cause_n by_o argue_v no_o better_a for_o it_o therefore_o doctor_n if_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o and_o towards_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v open_o deride_v as_o you_o complain_v 118._o you_o may_v i_o doubt_v in_o great_a part_n thank_v yourself_o and_o such_o as_o you_o who_o by_o imprudent_a discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_n have_v give_v profane_a person_n occasion_n to_o make_v a_o question_n whether_o nowadays_o there_o be_v any_o work_n at_o all_o of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v and_o that_o by_o lay_v together_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v concern_v it_o all_o which_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o to_o who_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v make_v 3._o what_o be_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o operation_n by_o
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 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be_v good_a to_o all_o his_o creature_n who_o envy_v no_o man_n happiness_n who_o give_v to_o all_o liberal_o and_o upbraid_v none_o much_o less_o i_o say_v will_v he_o deny_v we_o his_o holy_a spirit_n if_o we_o ask_v he_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o sayiour_n in_o this_o discourse_n be_v to_o persuade_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v fervent_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v indeed_o needful_a for_o they_o and_o that_o by_o this_o argument_n that_o god_n will_v grant_v such_o request_n as_o these_o be_v it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v with_o this_o argument_n in_o these_o word_n god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o wherefore_o i_o conceive_v we_o have_v gain_v one_o note_n of_o those_o spiritual_a effect_n which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o work_v in_o our_o mind_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v indeed_o needful_a for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o both_o 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according_a to_o that_o end_n in_o respect_n whereof_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v needful_a 1._o as_o for_o the_o end_n itself_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v part_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o this_o promise_n with_o regard_n to_o our_o good_a be_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o glory_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a covenant_n be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o every_o part_n of_o it_o now_o the_o state_n which_o christ_n come_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o at_o last_o be_v that_o of_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o love_n for_o which_o reason_n st._n john_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n that_o he_o have_v promise_v we_o even_o eternal_a life_n 1_o joh._n 2.25_o not_o as_o if_o the_o gospel_n have_v no_o other_o promise_n but_o because_o the_o rest_n be_v subordinate_a to_o this_o and_o consequent_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n must_v needs_o be_v so_o wherefore_o in_o that_o promise_n of_o his_o operation_n to_o produce_v all_o needful_a effect_n in_o our_o mind_n those_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v such_o which_o be_v needful_a for_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n now_o 2._o we_o must_v consider_v what_o effect_n be_v needful_a to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o for_o that_o end_n the_o needfulness_n of_o any_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n consist_v either_o in_o this_o that_o the_o end_n can_v be_v attain_v without_o they_o at_o all_o or_o not_o so_o well_o without_o they_o that_o which_o be_v needful_a in_o the_o former_a sense_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o which_o be_v needful_a in_o the_o latter_a be_v only_o profitable_a let_v we_o therefore_o first_o consider_v what_o effect_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n what_o these_o be_v we_o be_v plain_o tell_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o they_o may_v be_v comprise_v under_o these_o head_n 1._o faith_n in_o jesus_n or_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o so_o one_o upon_o who_o authority_n we_o may_v safe_o rely_v as_o to_o whatever_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o god_n will_n the_o necessity_n of_o which_o faith_n our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o in_o those_o word_n if_o you_o believe_v not_o that_o i_o be_o he_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n though_o indeed_o the_o holy_a spirit_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v promise_v in_o this_o place_n of_o st._n luke_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o faith_n in_o this_o notion_n it_o be_v apparent_o suppose_v that_o whatever_o be_v here_o promise_v be_v promise_v to_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n who_o do_v already_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ._n 2._o so_o much_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v faith_n in_o another_o notion_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o and_o encourage_v we_o to_o that_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n when_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n our_o next_o care_n must_v be_v to_o know_v what_o his_o will_n be_v and_o to_o possess_v our_o mind_n with_o those_o principle_n of_o obedience_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n for_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v equal_o necessary_a to_o understand_v his_o revelation_n his_o law_n and_o promise_n in_o that_o measure_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o do_v of_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o a_o believer_n be_v encourage_v by_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o ask_v the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o he_o may_v
god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o ask_v they_o so_o particular_o or_o if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o absolute_o as_o the_o former_a i_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o in_o general_a and_o particular_o for_o those_o degree_n of_o they_o which_o be_v proper_a for_o my_o condition_n if_o i_o govern_v a_o family_n for_o so_o much_o knowledge_n as_o may_v well_o serve_v i_o to_o bring_v up_o those_o that_o be_v under_o i_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n or_o if_o i_o be_o a_o minister_n for_o that_o underderstanding_n in_o religion_n which_o may_v best_o fit_v i_o to_o discharge_v that_o duty_n i_o owe_v to_o god_n of_o guide_v those_o soul_n to_o heaven_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o my_o trust_n but_o if_o i_o pray_v more_o particular_o for_o the_o understanding_n of_o such_o a_o difficult_a point_n in_o religion_n which_o i_o will_v satisfy_v myself_o or_o other_o about_o i_o must_v not_o do_v it_o absolute_o but_o with_o submission_n to_o god_n wisdom_n and_o pleasure_n thus_o have_v i_o endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o qualification_n of_o mind_n we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o under_o this_o notion_n of_o their_o be_v needful_a to_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o believer_n in_o luke_n 11.13_o dr._n owen_n indeed_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a change_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n from_o any_o that_o i_o have_v name_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o he_o make_v to_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v long_o before_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v what_o reason_n he_o have_v for_o it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o observe_v what_o conclusion_n may_v be_v make_v from_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o we_o have_v begin_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o 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be_v now_o to_o be_v obtain_v under_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o he_o shall_v immediate_o as_o it_o be_v tax_v his_o own_o form_n of_o so_o much_o imperfection_n as_o the_o want_n of_o that_o request_n must_v suppose_v in_o it_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v let_v his_o disciple_n know_v there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o obtain_v the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o by_o ask_v though_o he_o have_v not_o before_o teach_v they_o to_o ask_v it_o in_o the_o prayer_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o but_o last_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o infer_v this_o conclusion_n from_o the_o coherence_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n since_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n comprehend_v the_o gift_n of_o all_o those_o heavenly_a grace_n which_o we_o ask_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o therefore_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o be_v this_o god_n will_v give_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n such_o needful_a grace_n as_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o to_o ask_v in_o that_o excellent_a form_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o this_o indeed_o make_v the_o coherence_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n most_o clear_a and_o accurate_a for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n you_o see_v that_o he_o do_v at_o last_o instance_n in_o such_o a_o request_n viz._n that_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v a_o brief_a summary_n of_o all_o the_o most_o considerable_a matter_n that_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o to_o pray_v for_o before_o wherefore_o observe_v that_o 2._o we_o pray_v for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o we_o pray_v for_o any_o grace_n or_o virtue_n or_o for_o any_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v needful_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v ask_v the_o petition_n be_v not_o formal_o express_v but_o contain_v under_o other_o word_n for_o instance_n under_o these_o among_o other_o thy_o will_v be_v do_v as_o in_o heaven_n so_o in_o earth_n for_o in_o this_o petition_n we_o pray_v that_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o perfect_a heavenly_a state_n we_o may_v by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v dispose_v to_o such_o a_o submissive_a and_o cheerful_a performance_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n as_o may_v bear_v some_o resemblance_n and_o carry_v some_o proportion_n to_o that_o absolute_a readiness_n of_o mind_n wherewith_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o wherewith_o we_o ourselves_o do_v hope_n ere_o long_o to_o perform_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i_o say_v although_o in_o that_o petition_n we_o do_v not_o express_o ask_v the_o holy_a spirit_n yet_o in_o effect_n we_o do_v because_o we_o pray_v for_o such_o a_o temper_n of_o mind_n as_o may_v qualify_v we_o for_o the_o heavenly_a life_n hereafter_o and_o to_o ask_v of_o god_n so_o needful_a a_o grace_n as_o this_o be_v be_v as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v by_o the_o plain_a scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n the_o same_o thing_n with_o ask_v the_o holy_a spirit_n now_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o every_o petition_n wherein_o we_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o subdue_v any_o lust_n that_o we_o may_v be_v endue_v with_o any_o christian_a virtue_n or_o grow_v in_o any_o grace_n in_o every_o such_o petition_n i_o say_v we_o ask_v the_o holy_a spirit_n because_o this_o be_v to_o ask_v those_o needful_a thing_n for_o which_o his_o operation_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o therefore_o those_o prayer_n of_o our_o church_n that_o god_n will_v make_v we_o to_o have_v a_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o love_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n that_o he_o will_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n that_o he_o will_v keep_v we_o from_o all_o thing_n hurtful_a and_o lead_v we_o to_o all_o thing_n profitable_a for_o our_o salvation_n together_o with_o all_o the_o yearly_a collect_v be_v prayer_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i._n e._n for_o the_o several_a grace_n of_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v express_o ascribe_v to_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v grant_v to_o we_o his_o spirit_n to_o think_v and_o to_o do_v always_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v rightful_a that_o we_o who_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a without_o he_o may_v by_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o live_v according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o this_o i_o have_v by_o the_o way_n observe_v that_o you_o may_v see_v how_o full_o our_o public_a prayer_n agree_v to_o that_o rule_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o viz._n that_o we_o
but_o so_o troublesome_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o a_o writer_n that_o play_v fast_o and_o loose_a i_o must_v yet_o go_v further_o about_o to_o come_v to_o the_o business_n and_o begin_v with_o make_v good_a my_o charge_n against_o our_o author_n that_o he_o contend_v for_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o these_o word_n for_o some_o passage_n he_o have_v himself_o that_o look_v another_o way_n and_o may_v persuade_v a_o man_n that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v those_o scripture-expression_n literal_o and_o proper_o but_o figurative_o thus_o he_o tell_v we_o 184._o this_o new_a creature_n therefore_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o new_a course_n of_o action_n but_o in_o renew_a faculty_n with_o new_a disposition_n power_n and_o ability_n to_o they_o and_o for_o they_o these_o disposition_n he_o say_v be_v the_o divine_a nature_n speak_v of_o by_o st._n peter_n a_o divine_a principle_n of_o operation_n and_o hereunto_o say_v he_o st._n paul_n exhort_v in_o these_o word_n be_v you_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n if_o now_o the_o new_a creature_n the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n consist_v in_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o faculty_n our_o will_n and_o understanding_n that_o be_v in_o furnish_v they_o with_o new_a disposition_n power_n and_o ability_n for_o a_o new_a course_n of_o action_n than_o it_o be_v not_o literal_o true_a of_o that_o man_n who_o be_v thus_o fit_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n but_o only_o figurative_o i._n e._n that_o he_o be_v the_o old_a creature_n still_o only_o better_v have_v the_o same_o will_v and_o understanding_n that_o he_o have_v before_o but_o these_o renew_v and_o make_v better_a than_o they_o be_v before_o and_o that_o god_n do_v not_o proper_o give_v a_o man_n another_o understanding_n or_o another_o heart_n which_o he_o have_v not_o before_o when_o he_o be_v say_v to_o regenerate_v he_o but_o that_o he_o reform_v the_o old_a furnish_v they_o with_o new_a ability_n and_o disposition_n again_o he_o say_v in_o the_o same_o section_n that_o the_o new_a creature_n consist_v in_o the_o universal_a change_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n as_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a action_n if_o that_o be_v true_a then_o here_o be_v the_o same_o soul_n there_o be_v before_o only_o it_o be_v change_v from_o bad_a to_o good_a and_o whereas_o it_o be_v hitherto_o dispose_v to_o evil_a action_n it_o be_v now_o bias_v by_o better_a principle_n than_o it_o be_v before_o and_o dispose_v to_o those_o action_n that_o be_v good_a and_o please_v to_o god_n consequently_n it_o be_v not_o true_a in_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o that_o man_n who_o be_v fit_a to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o have_v a_o new_a heart_n will_n and_o understanding_n now_o these_o and_o other_o such_o passage_n in_o the_o doctor_n be_v book_n be_v either_o insert_v by_o he_o that_o he_o may_v the_o more_o fair_o retreat_n in_o case_n he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o quit_v the_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n or_o else_o which_o sometime_o happen_v he_o speak_v the_o truth_n against_o his_o will_n for_o whatever_o he_o have_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n he_o earnest_o contend_v that_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o regeneration_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o their_o proper_a sense_n and_o even_o in_o this_o very_a section_n he_o tell_v we_o 21._o it_o be_v call_v the_o new_a man_n because_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n create_v power_n and_o that_o in_o a_o way_n of_o a_o new_a creation_n now_o the_o object_n of_o a_o create_a act_n be_v a_o instantaneous_a production_n whatever_o preparation_n there_o may_v be_v for_o it_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o a_o new_a form_n and_o be_v by_o creation_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n which_o word_n plain_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o new_a be_v proper_o create_v in_o man_n when_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o to_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n and_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o creation_n to_o prove_v that_o a_o man_n be_v make_v a_o new_a creature_n in_o a_o instant_n for_o the_o object_n of_o a_o create_a power_n be_v a_o instantaneous_a production_n 183._o again_o he_o say_v the_o new_a creature_n be_v produce_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o a_o create_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o it_o be_v not_o a_o creature_n and_o it_o be_v superinduce_v into_o the_o essential_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n or_o it_o be_v not_o a_o new_a creature_n for_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o power_n disposition_n and_o ability_n or_o inclination_n unto_o god_n or_o for_o any_o moral_a action_n by_o nature_n it_o belong_v unto_o the_o old_a creation_n it_o be_v no_o new_a creature_n and_o it_o must_v be_v something_o that_o have_v a_o be_v and_o subsistence_n of_o its_o own_o in_o the_o soul_n or_o it_o can_v be_v neither_o new_a nor_o a_o creature_n this_o passage_n be_v strange_o perplex_v for_o by_o what_o our_o author_n say_v concern_v the_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n one_o will_v guess_v he_o be_v for_o the_o metaphorical_a sense_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n carry_v it_o clear_o for_o the_o literal_a but_o that_o we_o may_v know_v his_o meaning_n he_o fall_v foul_a upon_o they_o that_o say_v the_o expression_n be_v metaphorical_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v a_o moral_a man_n that_o have_v change_v his_o course_n and_o way_n and_o in_o a_o triumphant_a manner_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v good_a gospel_n at_o once_o overthrow_v original_a sin_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n i_o may_v in_o time_n convince_v the_o reader_n that_o he_o be_v neither_o to_o trust_v this_o author_n what_o those_o doctrine_n be_v which_o overthrow_n these_o thing_n nor_o what_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o conformable_a divine_n be_v in_o these_o matter_n at_o present_v my_o business_n be_v to_o fix_v this_o man_n to_o a_o certain_a sense_n and_o to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o what_o i_o charge_v he_o with_o be_v his_o opinion_n he_o say_v plain_o that_o the_o new_a creature_n have_v a_o be_v and_o subsistence_n of_o its_o own_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v superinduce_v into_o the_o essential_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v new_a nor_o a_o creature_n that_o be_v literal_o and_o proper_o so_o for_o it_o may_v figurative_o so_o that_o beside_o the_o heart_n which_o the_o sinner_n have_v before_o he_o have_v now_o another_o and_o then_o i_o grant_v the_o expression_n be_v not_o metaphorical_a 173._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o new_a spiritual_a be_v creature_n nature_n life_n as_o shall_v be_v declare_v now_o he_o declare_v what_o his_o meaning_n be_v by_o these_o expression_n very_o solemn_o ibid._n where_o he_o renounce_v at_o large_a that_o opinion_n which_o make_v they_o to_o be_v metaphorical_a and_o have_v these_o remarkable_a word_n among_o the_o rest_n so_o long_o as_o we_o can_v obtain_v a_o acknowledgement_n from_o man_n that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a and_o in_o any_o sense_n the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o evince_v that_o the_o thing_n intend_v in_o they_o i._n e._n the_o thing_n signify_v by_o regeneration_n new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n be_v proper_o express_v i._n e._n by_o those_o phrase_n so_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v which_o no_o body_n deny_v and_o so_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o be_v express_v i._n e._n if_o he_o be_v consistent_a to_o himself_o that_o they_o can_v be_v express_v more_o proper_o again_o some_o mean_v himself_o and_o his_o party_n judge_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v deep_a and_o mysterious_a the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o to_o be_v plain_a and_o proper_a other_o mean_v his_o adversary_n think_v the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o to_o be_v mystical_a and_o figurative_a but_o the_o thing_n intend_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a by_o all_o which_o and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o he_o must_v stand_v to_o as_o his_o opinion_n that_o the_o forementioned_a expression_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v metaphorical_o but_o literal_o and_o proper_o and_o now_o my_o next_o work_n be_v plain_a which_o be_v this_o 1._o to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o he_o say_v they_o be_v 2._o to_o answer_v those_o argument_n which_o be_v produce_v by_o he_o to_o the_o contrary_n sect_n 2._o i_o shall_v first_o prove_v that_o these_o expression_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v
be_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o more_o metaphor_n than_o he_o allow_v not_o as_o he_o pretend_v here_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o metaphor_n at_o all_o but_o since_o he_o will_v have_v it_o so_o he_o must_v not_o say_v hereafter_o that_o he_o intend_v only_o to_o prove_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o metaphorical_a since_o his_o argument_n conclude_v that_o they_o be_v all_o proper_a if_o it_o conclude_v any_o thing_n that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v proper_a we_o grant_v and_o it_o be_v well_o that_o it_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o be_v prove_v by_o he_o for_o his_o untoward_a way_n of_o prove_v will_v tempt_v a_o man_n to_o suspect_v the_o plain_a truth_n he_o meddle_v withal_o if_o he_o have_v not_o better_a reason_n of_o his_o own_o for_o second_o what_o consequence_n be_v there_o in_o this_o argue_n if_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n intend_v in_o the_o scripture_n then_o be_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v it_o plain_a and_o proper_a otherwise_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a for_o 1._o none_o of_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o may_v have_v be_v proper_a and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o plain_o and_o then_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o have_v be_v obscure_a in_o that_o thing_n for_o a_o figurative_a expression_n may_v be_v plain_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o a_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n sure_o our_o author_n will_v grant_v that_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v my_o body_n to_o be_v figurative_a and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v plain_a because_o it_o be_v figurative_a so_o that_o his_o argument_n by_o which_o he_o conclude_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v this_o mysterious_a work_n to_o be_v proper_a do_v not_o prove_v that_o any_o one_o be_v so_o 2._o if_o some_o of_o the_o expression_n be_v both_o plain_a and_o proper_a and_o other_o figurative_a some_o whereof_o be_v more_o and_o some_o less_o plain_a as_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o if_o those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o plain_a may_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o help_n of_o plain_a then_o may_v this_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n be_v sufficient_o understand_v by_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o scripture_n far_o from_o be_v the_o obscure_a book_n in_o the_o world_n because_o all_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v proper_o and_o literal_o but_o it_o seem_v our_o author_n have_v a_o opinion_n by_o himself_o that_o no_o writer_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o use_v the_o liberty_n of_o metaphorical_a expression_n three_o his_o way_n of_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mysterious_a work_n be_v a_o mere_a beg_n of_o the_o question_n this_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o consider_v what_o he_o must_v mean_v by_o a_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n viz._n such_o a_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v proper_o express_v by_o regenerate_v create_a quicken_a and_o draw_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n and_o this_o i_o grant_v to_o be_v a_o very_a mysterious_a work_n if_o these_o be_v all_o proper_a expression_n of_o it_o now_o he_o prove_v there_o be_v such_o a_o work_n by_o this_o argument_n that_o otherwise_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a why_o so_o because_o they_o be_v obscure_a if_o these_o be_v not_o proper_a expression_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o he_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o mysterious_a work_n i._n e._n a_o work_n proper_o express_v by_o regeneration_n creation_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o argument_n that_o these_o be_v proper_a expression_n of_o such_o a_o work_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v a_o thing_n by_o itself_o and_o he_o prove_v also_o that_o these_o be_v proper_a expression_n because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mysterious_a work_n that_o be_v a_o work_n proper_o express_v by_o they_o which_o be_v to_o beg_v the_o question_n so_o that_o if_o you_o will_v grant_v the_o doctor_n that_o they_o be_v proper_a expression_n he_o can_v then_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o a_o work_n proper_o express_v by_o they_o or_o if_o you_o will_v grant_v there_o be_v such_o a_o work_n he_o can_v prove_v those_o to_o be_v proper_a expression_n and_o now_o i_o understand_v the_o doctor_n when_o he_o say_v the_o difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n arise_v from_o their_o mysterious_a nature_n and_o not_o from_o any_o obscurity_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o and_o i_o be_o full_o of_o his_o mind_n for_o if_o any_o one_o tell_v i_o that_o a_o body_n may_v be_v great_a than_o itself_o and_o lesser_a than_o itself_o and_o that_o transubstantiation_n may_v be_v true_a doctrine_n or_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v proper_o regenerate_v create_v quicken_v draw_v and_o awaken_v all_o at_o once_o i_o grant_v he_o do_v not_o obscure_o declare_v his_o mind_n to_o i_o and_o that_o i_o find_v no_o difficulty_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n but_o the_o only_a difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n arise_v from_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n or_o rather_o the_o nonsense_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v under_o these_o plain_a expression_n for_o the_o more_o plain_a any_o nonsense_n be_v the_o more_o easy_o it_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v so_o this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o slender_a proof_n which_o the_o doctor_n bring_v for_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o party_n concern_v the_o propriety_n of_o these_o scripture-expression_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v how_o he_o represent_v the_o judgement_n of_o those_o other_o who_o he_o speak_v of_o for_o he_o say_v sect_n 4._o other_o think_v the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o to_o be_v mystical_a and_o figurative_a but_o the_o thing_n intend_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o every_o man_n so_o that_o if_o the_o doctor_n may_v be_v believe_v there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o express_v by_o any_o proper_a word_n at_o all_o in_o the_o scripture_n 183._o but_o as_o he_o say_v they_o turn_v all_o scripture-expression_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n into_o metaphor_n if_o any_o such_o senseless_a people_n there_o be_v they_o be_v i_o shall_v think_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v find_v among_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o many_o of_o their_o preacher_n if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o their_o sermon_n by_o their_o book_n do_v so_o train_v they_o up_o to_o metaphorical_a talk_n that_o some_o of_o they_o may_v possible_o believe_v the_o scripture_n afford_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o think_v the_o thing_n intend_v by_o these_o expression_n suppose_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o every_o man_n i_o never_o hear_v there_o be_v any_o such_o before_o if_o by_o obvious_a the_o doctor_n mean_v discoverable_a by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v by_o all_o grant_v to_o depend_v on_o divine_a revelation_n but_o be_v reveal_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o reason_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o withal_o beside_o our_o natural_a reason_n but_o if_o by_o ordinary_a and_o obvious_a he_o mean_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a by_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n i_o be_o one_o of_o those_o who_o think_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereof_o we_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o less_o but_o the_o more_o excellent_a for_o be_v so_o our_o author_n must_v grant_v unless_o he_o will_v revoke_v his_o argument_n that_o the_o expression_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o metaphorical_a take_v from_o hence_o that_o otherwise_o the_o gospel_n be_v dark_a and_o unintelligible_a so_o that_o we_o be_v both_o agree_v in_o word_n at_o least_o that_o perspicuity_n and_o intelligibleness_n be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v he_o and_o his_o party_n have_v a_o notion_n of_o intelligibleness_n and_o perspicuity_n by_o themselves_o as_o any_o one_o will_v guess_v by_o their_o write_n for_o example_n the_o doctor_n here_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o the_o gospel_n intend_v nothing_o but_o moral_a duty_n and_o their_o observance_n in_o its_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n than_o it_o be_v dark_a and_o unintelligible_a now_o this_o be_v very_o strange_a for_o ●f_n as_o it_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n moral_a duty_n be_v easy_o intelligible_a and_o if_o the_o scripture_n intend_v 〈◊〉_d more_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n than_o the_o performance_n of_o moral_a duty_n then_o be_v the_o scripture_n very_o intelligible_a in_o the_o point_n of_o
that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o doctrine_n here_o by_o he_o maintain_v viz._n that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v righteousness_n without_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o without_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o then_o he_o must_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n which_o be_v one_o of_o those_o argument_n whereby_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o a_o state_n of_o regeneration_n be_v a_o state_n of_o inherent_a personal_a righteousness_n and_o which_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v produce_v do_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v regenerate_v as_o it_o signify_v the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o to_o be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v sect_n 8._o 2._o if_o we_o consider_v regeneration_n as_o a_o effect_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o that_o state_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v regeneration_n to_o be_v these_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v to_o be_v water_n and_o the_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 5._o viz._n when_o he_o repeat_v his_o doctrine_n to_o nicodemus_n concern_v which_o grotius_n well_o note_n exponit_fw-la jam_fw-la qualem_fw-la nativitatem_fw-la intelligat_fw-la nè_fw-la nicodemus_n diutius_fw-la allegoricae_fw-la locutionis_fw-la ignorantiâ_fw-la fallatur_fw-la our_o saviour_n now_o explain_v what_o birth_n he_o understand_v that_o nicodemus_n may_v no_o long_o be_v deceive_v by_o his_o ignorance_n that_o christ_n speak_v figurative_o for_o after_o it_o be_v tell_v he_o that_o this_o birth_n be_v effect_v by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v not_o dream_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v be_v bear_v again_o in_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n as_o he_o conceive_v at_o first_o when_o it_o be_v only_o tell_v he_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o be_v can_v etc._n etc._n now_o whether_o one_o cause_n of_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n or_o more_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o general_o agree_v upon_o there_o be_v some_o whereof_o grotius_n himself_o be_v one_o who_o conceive_v that_o by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o word_n signify_v the_o sanctify_a or_o cleanse_v spirit_n of_o god_n non_fw-la loquor_fw-la de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la say_v grotius_n but_o withal_o he_o say_v sed_fw-la locutiones_fw-la sunt_fw-la alludentes_fw-la ad_fw-la baptismum_fw-la our_o saviour_n allude_v to_o baptism_n as_o he_o suppose_v he_o to_o allude_v to_o the_o eucharist_n in_o those_o word_n except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n etc._n etc._n but_o by_o the_o leave_n of_o so_o great_a a_o man_n i_o think_v the_o other_o opinion_n more_o general_o receive_v and_o in_o particular_a maintain_v by_o dr._n hammond_n viz._n that_o by_o water_n baptism_n be_v here_o mean_v to_o be_v to_o say_v no_o more_o far_o more_o probable_a than_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o baptism_n be_v that_o ceremony_n of_o proselytism_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o our_o saviour_n borrow_v from_o they_o query_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n be_v no_o new_a name_n or_o notion_n as_o dr._n owen_n pretend_v for_o the_o jew_n call_v their_o proselyte_n recens_fw-la nati_fw-la as_o grotius_n himself_o observe_v new_a bear_v man_n and_o as_o such_o count_v they_o to_o have_v quit_v their_o relation_n to_o their_o former_a country_n parent_n and_o kindred_n and_o since_o the_o jewish_a proselyte_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o baptize_v person_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o immersion_n in_o water_n be_v one_o of_o the_o indispensible_a ceremony_n of_o his_o proselytism_n or_o regeneration_n we_o may_v well_o conceive_v that_o by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n our_o saviour_n mean_v become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o his_o church_n by_o baptism_n as_o by_o baptism_n the_o jew_n admit_v proselyte_n to_o they_o for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o strange_a that_o nicodemus_n a_o master_n of_o israel_n shall_v not_o understand_v what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n 2._o st._n paul_n do_v express_o call_v baptism_n the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n which_o what_o it_o signify_v but_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v or_o become_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v understand_v and_o then_o that_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n now_o where_o there_o be_v not_o only_o no_o necessity_n to_o find_v a_o figure_n in_o scripture-phrase_n but_o the_o proper_a sense_n also_o contain_v a_o truth_n very_o pertinent_a to_o the_o subject_a speak_v of_o in_o all_o reason_n there_o the_o proper_a sense_n and_o consequent_o here_o of_o the_o word_n water_n ought_v to_o be_v follow_v and_o then_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n signify_v our_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o engage_v to_o be_v so_o for_o the_o future_a by_o baptism_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v make_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o baptism_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o concern_v they_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o show_v therefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o they_o in_o this_o place_n but_o only_o add_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o our_o regeneration_n or_o become_v good_a christian_n but_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v those_o other_o cause_n viz._n those_o mean_n which_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v our_o regeneration_n unto_o to_o be_v include_v under_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o effect_n without_o who_o operation_n those_o mean_n can_v be_v effectual_a to_o their_o end_n and_o these_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o pet._n 1.23_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o but_o this_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o consider_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o be_v bear_v again_o both_o as_o it_o signify_v a_o state_n and_o as_o a_o effect_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v require_v we_o to_o become_v his_o sincere_a follower_n and_o disciple_n if_o we_o hope_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n sect_n 9_o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o become_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v express_v by_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o i_o shall_v likewise_o show_v how_o fit_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v express_v by_o the_o other_o metaphor_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o this_o because_o our_o author_n seem_v unable_a to_o conceive_v how_o so_o mean_v a_o thing_n as_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v intend_v by_o such_o grand_a and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n as_o those_o of_o the_o new_a birth_n the_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v first_o observe_v the_o similitude_n between_o our_o become_a true_a christian_n and_o be_v born_n first_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o alteration_n which_o be_v make_v in_o a_o man_n state_n by_o his_o become_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v one_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o state_n of_o such_o a_o disciple_n be_v express_v by_o this_o metaphor_n for_o it_o express_v a_o very_a great_a change_n thus_o mr._n baxter_n tell_v we_o very_o well_o that_o regeneration_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a term_n 8._o take_v from_o our_o natural_a generation_n because_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o change_n that_o a_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v another_o man_n if_o we_o consider_v how_o great_a this_o change_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o so_o to_o be_v there_o be_v first_o of_o all_o a_o intrinsic_a change_n peculiar_a to_o the_o state_n of_o adult_n christian_n their_o understanding_n be_v inform_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o truth_n concern_v god_n and_o themselves_o and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v which_o they_o be_v most_o of_o all_o concern_v to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ._n hereby_o also_o be_v produce_v a_o proportionable_a change_n in_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v wrought_v such_o effect_n upon_o that_o
of_o that_o change_n and_o as_o that_o original_a or_o cause_n of_o that_o change_n be_v not_o perceive_v by_o we_o as_o we_o know_v not_o whence_o the_o wind_n come_v so_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v not_o perceive_v by_o we_o neither_o for_o that_o be_v eternal_a life_n which_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o see_v as_o we_o know_v not_o whither_o the_o wind_n go_v but_o only_o believe_v 3._o our_o saviour_n similitude_n likewise_o show_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v discoverable_a only_o by_o its_o effect_n as_o the_o wind_n be_v by_o the_o noise_n it_o make_v and_o other_o effect_n thereof_o so_o likewise_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n though_o they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o perceivable_a by_o we_o yet_o in_o their_o effect_n they_o be_v for_o if_o christian_a virtue_n and_o piety_n can_v be_v attain_v or_o preserve_v without_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n then_o where_o there_o be_v this_o change_n in_o a_o man_n state_n there_o we_o be_v sure_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o cause_n itself_o yet_o he_o discover_v it_o in_o its_o effect_n 177._o dr._n owen_n indeed_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o work_n itself_o be_v discoverable_a in_o its_o cause_n and_o bring_v this_o very_a text_n to_o prove_v his_o say_n which_o prove_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v true_a we_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o change_n but_o how_o not_o by_o the_o work_n itself_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n who_o withal_o have_v inform_v we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o discern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o we_o but_o by_o their_o effect_n i._n e._n those_o alteration_n that_o be_v thereby_o produce_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n thus_o than_o we_o may_v understand_v our_o saviour_n word_n let_v not_o this_o startle_v you_o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o you_o must_v be_v change_v and_o as_o it_o be_v bear_v again_o be_v not_o discernible_a and_o sensible_a for_o though_o you_o can_v feel_v they_o yet_o you_o may_v understand_v they_o by_o the_o effect_n and_o alteration_n in_o you_o that_o be_v cause_v by_o they_o now_o whereas_o nicodemus_n answer_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v i_o suppose_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o hesitation_n be_v either_o 1._o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v this_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n or_o 2._o that_o he_o think_v as_o dr._n owen_n do_v that_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o be_v too_o hyperbolical_a a_o expression_n of_o that_o which_o he_o now_o perceive_v our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o it_o i_o can_v positive_o say_v which_o it_o be_v but_o suppose_v whether_o you_o will_v our_o saviour_n reply_n to_o he_o rebuke_v his_o ignorance_n either_o way_n be_v thou_o a_o master_n of_o israel_n and_o know_v not_o these_o thing_n vers_fw-la 10._o q._n d._n be_v thou_o one_o of_o the_o great_a council_n a_o learned_a jew_n and_o yet_o ignorant_a of_o these_o matter_n do_v you_o not_o perceive_v that_o i_o speak_v to_o you_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o become_v my_o disciple_n in_o such_o language_n as_o any_o man_n who_o be_v verse_v in_o your_o custom_n and_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n may_v easy_o understand_v be_v not_o be_v bear_v again_o that_o very_a phrase_n whereby_o you_o express_v the_o make_n of_o a_o proselyte_n be_v not_o wash_v one_o of_o the_o ceremony_n whereby_o a_o proselyte_n be_v make_v among_o you_o and_o therefore_o when_o i_o tell_v you_o a_o man_n must_v be_v bear_v of_o water_n what_o shall_v you_o think_v i_o mean_v but_o that_o he_o must_v become_v my_o disciple_n by_o baptism_n i_o have_v also_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n too_o and_o can_v you_o be_v ignorant_a that_o those_o prophecy_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n do_v mention_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v liberal_o bestow_v upon_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o make_v they_o good_a and_o holy_a person_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v circumcise_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n that_o he_o will_v take_v away_o their_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v they_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n with_o his_o law_n write_v in_o it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o prophet_n to_o who_o you_o be_v to_o hearken_v in_o all_o thing_n i_o say_v unto_o thou_o we_o speak_v that_o we_o do_v know_v and_o testify_v that_o we_o have_v see_v and_o you_o receive_v not_o our_o testimony_n vers_fw-la 11._o now_o i_o be_o that_o prophet_n but_o how_o credible_a soever_o that_o testimony_n be_v which_o be_v give_v hereof_o you_o regard_v it_o not_o if_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o earthly_a thing_n and_o you_o believe_v not_o how_o shall_v you_o believe_v if_o i_o tell_v you_o of_o heavenly_a thing_n vers_fw-la 12._o this_o last_o be_v a_o place_n of_o some_o difficulty_n for_o although_o by_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v mean_v doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n yet_o by_o those_o earthly_a thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v nicodemus_n already_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v truth_n mere_o natural_a for_o that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o become_v his_o disciple_n by_o baptism_n and_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n which_o none_o but_o his_o disciple_n can_v be_v these_o be_v heavenly_a doctrine_n too_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o revelation_n wherefore_o i_o conceive_v that_o by_o heavenly_a thing_n here_o may_v probable_o be_v mean_v such_o reveal_v doctrine_n as_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o the_o worldly_a and_o sensual_a expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v long_o cherish_v in_o themselves_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o messiah_n who_o shall_v fight_v their_o battle_n for_o they_o as_o their_o other_o saviour_n and_o deliverer_n have_v do_v and_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o roman_a power_n now_o these_o doctrine_n be_v that_o christ_n shall_v be_v deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o be_v crucify_a for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n that_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n divers_a consideration_n make_v it_o probable_a that_o these_o be_v the_o heavenly_a thing_n mean_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o place_n for_o 1._o after_o he_o have_v make_v way_n for_o it_o by_o tell_v nicodemus_n that_o he_o only_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n i._n e._n know_v the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n he_o fall_v upon_o the_o mention_n of_o that_o death_n which_o he_o be_v to_o undergo_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o jew_n most_o of_o all_o offend_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v still_o pretend_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ._n it_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n word_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v probable_a this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o jew_n will_v hardly_o believe_v viz._n that_o god_n will_v save_v mankind_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n 3._o when_o st._n peter_n rebuke_v our_o saviour_n foretell_v his_o own_o passion_n he_o say_v unto_o peter_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n for_o thou_o savory_a not_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n or_o heavenly_a thing_n i._n e._n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n way_n to_o save_v the_o world_n but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o man_n thou_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v be_v of_o this_o world_n lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o it_o will_v appear_v probable_a that_o by_o those_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n intimate_v will_v be_v more_o difficulty_n believe_v by_o the_o jew_n than_o those_o which_o he_o have_v already_o mention_v to_o nicodemus_n be_v mean_v his_o suffering_n and_o death_n by_o which_o believer_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o which_o he_o discourse_v to_o nicodemus_n of_o present_o after_o and_o then_o by_o the_o earthly_a thing_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v indeed_o divine_o reveal_v but_o be_v not_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o worldly_a expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o other_o viz._n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o that_o all_o man_n be_v to_o be_v his_o disciple_n which_o
but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o can_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v this_o matter_n and_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v sufficient_o show_v that_o faith_n or_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a operation_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o the_o first_o preparation_n within_o we_o towards_o regeneration_n be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o semipelagian_a opinion_n introduce_v by_o the_o massilienses_n upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o pelagian_a controversy_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o prevent_a grace_n though_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v our_o faith_n fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n but_o that_o faith_n and_o the_o first_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v mere_o from_o ourselves_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n sect_n 2._o now_o when_o we_o be_v once_o persuade_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o which_o still_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o be_v to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n indeed_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o jesus_n we_o have_v entertain_v into_o our_o mind_n such_o forcible_a and_o prevail_a consideration_n as_o will_v not_o easy_o suffer_v we_o to_o disobey_v he_o in_o any_o thing_n and_o they_o have_v so_o much_o power_n to_o lead_v our_o affection_n after_o they_o and_o to_o govern_v our_o practice_n that_o i_o always_o think_v the_o semipelagian_o may_v with_o more_o appearance_n of_o reason_n have_v question_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v those_o divine_a operation_n by_o which_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v crown_v with_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n than_o concern_v those_o which_o be_v preparatory_a to_o faith_n itself_o for_o of_o the_o two_o he_o be_v a_o more_o unreasonable_a man_n who_o believe_v god_n word_n be_v yet_o so_o mad_a as_o to_o go_v on_o still_o in_o his_o sin_n than_o he_o who_o believe_v it_o not_o and_o since_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n make_v they_o so_o unwilling_a to_o attend_v to_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v against_o they_o we_o may_v think_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o keep_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n from_o enter_v into_o their_o heart_n than_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v once_o admit_v but_o now_o as_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o reason_n by_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v far_o from_o exclude_v all_o need_n of_o a_o divine_a influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o create_v a_o firm_a faith_n in_o we_o so_o neither_o do_v the_o power_n of_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o faith_n render_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n needless_a to_o move_v our_o will_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o upon_o good_a principle_n but_o still_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n without_o who_o grace_n the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o make_v we_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v the_o truth_n will_v always_o suppress_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o afterward_o thus_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o john_n 15.5_o but_o he_o do_v not_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v incapable_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o he_o too_o but_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o now_o that_o this_o power_n impart_v to_o they_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n to_o they_o be_v plain_a from_o hence_o that_o they_o already_o believe_v the_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v now_o you_o be_v clean_a through_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o vers_n 3._o and_o yet_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o without_o he_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o which_o must_v needs_o imply_v some_o grace_n distinct_a from_o the_o bare_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o they_o have_v already_o bear_v some_o fruit_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o bring_v forth_o more_o vers_n 2_o 3._o but_o that_o all_o those_o disposition_n and_o virtue_n wherein_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n do_v consist_v be_v as_o well_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v clear_o and_o full_o affirm_v in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 2.13_o it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v which_o be_v again_o speak_v to_o believer_n manifest_o suppose_v a_o divine_a operation_n distinct_a from_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v i._n e._n to_o perform_v that_o obedience_n from_o their_o very_a soul_n which_o will_v qualify_v they_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o this_o be_v the_o motive_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n encourage_v they_o to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n vers_fw-la 12._o by_o universal_a obedience_n as_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v now_o because_o the_o motive_n extend_v to_o engage_v we_o to_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n therefore_o god_n work_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v every_o way_n so_o dispose_v in_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o obedient_a in_o life_n as_o to_o become_v meet_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n wherefore_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n together_o with_o all_o christian_a virtue_n such_o as_o righteousness_n mercy_n patience_n love_n peace_n joy_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n and_o temperance_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherefore_o last_o our_o do_v that_o which_o god_n require_v and_o with_o that_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o he_o which_o he_o require_v too_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o operation_n in_o we_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v yet_o want_v to_o satisfy_v we_o full_o in_o this_o matter_n our_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v not_o enter_v into_o temptation_n and_o to_o pray_v always_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n will_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubt_v whether_o of_o ourselves_o we_o need_v or_o by_o promise_n have_v this_o great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n or_o not_o for_o these_o direction_n be_v unprofitable_a if_o we_o either_o need_v no_o strength_n from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n against_o our_o temptation_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v by_o our_o prayer_n much_o less_o will_v those_o prayer_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o other_o christian_n which_o we_o so_o often_o meet_v withal_o have_v signify_v any_o thing_n to_o their_o advantage_n or_o encouragement_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o divine_a grace_n obtainable_a by_o they_o for_o the_o produce_v of_o those_o effect_n which_o he_o so_o much_o desire_v to_o see_v in_o their_o conversation_n and_o these_o effect_n be_v no_o other_o than_o all_o kind_n of_o christian_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v by_o the_o follow_a place_n wherefore_o also_o we_o pray_v always_o for_o you_o that_o our_o god_n will_v count_v you_o worthy_a of_o this_o call_n and_o fulfil_v all_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n with_o power_n 2_o thess._n 1.11_o i_o e._n that_o god_n will_v make_v their_o faith_n fruitful_a of_o all_o good_a work_n acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o they_o as_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n again_o we_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o to_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n col._n 1.9_o 10._o thus_o in_o another_o place_n for_o this_o cause_n i_o bow_v my_o knee_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v you_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n now_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o in_o these_o and_o many_o like_a place_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o those_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v may_v attain_v all_o those_o qualification_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o believer_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o
purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o god_n dwell_n thus_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n be_v call_v his_o dwell_n among_o the_o israelite_n thus_o when_o he_o command_v the_o build_n of_o the_o ark_n let_v they_o say_v he_o make_v i_o a_o sanctuary_n that_o i_o may_v dwell_v among_o they_o exod._n 25.8_o and_o after_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o sanctify_v the_o tabernacle_n with_o his_o glory_n he_o tell_v moses_n and_o i_o will_v dwell_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n exod._n 29.45_o now_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o favour_n towards_o they_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o promise_n appear_v by_o the_o follow_a word_n and_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n that_o bring_v they_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n i._n e._n he_o will_v so_o manifest_v his_o power_n in_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o from_o all_o their_o enemy_n that_o they_o shall_v know_v he_o have_v the_o same_o care_n of_o they_o which_o he_o show_v in_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o egyptian_a bondage_n but_o this_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_o signify_v by_o those_o word_n in_o all_o place_n where_o i_o record_v my_o name_n i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o and_o bless_v thou_o exod._n 20.24_o for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o we_o find_v in_o 2_o sam._n 6.2_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n that_o dwell_v between_o the_o cherubim_n and_o this_o be_v that_o account_n which_o the_o psalmist_n give_v of_o god_n dwelling_n in_o zion_n where_o the_o ark_n of_o his_o presence_n be_v the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n he_o have_v desire_v it_o for_o his_o habitation_n this_o be_v my_o rest_n for_o ever_o here_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o i_o have_v desire_v it_o i_o will_v abundant_o satisfy_v her_o poor_a with_o bread_n i_o will_v clothe_v her_o priest_n with_o salvation_n and_o her_o saint_n shall_v shout_v aloud_o for_o joy_n psal._n 132.13_o thus_o in_o time_n of_o distress_n and_o danger_n they_o begin_v their_o prayer_n for_o deliverance_n by_o invoke_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n that_o dwell_v between_o the_o cherubim_n 2_o king_n 19.15_o and_o psal._n 80.1_o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n dwell_v there_o signify_v the_o peculiar_a favour_n which_o he_o have_v towards_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n before_o all_o other_o people_n and_o according_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v use_v to_o express_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n among_o they_o when_o they_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o sin_n not_o by_o dwell_v with_o they_o but_o by_o visit_v they_o which_o you_o know_v be_v a_o word_n that_o do_v not_o imply_v continuance_n and_o long_a abode_n as_o the_o other_o do_v and_o be_v therefore_o much_o fit_a than_o that_o to_o express_v the_o presence_n of_o his_o angry_a justice_n who_o delight_v not_o in_o vengeance_n but_o in_o mercy_n and_o who_o be_v more_o easy_o prevail_v with_o to_o withdraw_v his_o displeasure_n than_o his_o favour_n and_o kindness_n thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o i_o dwell_v with_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n which_o that_o it_o signify_v the_o last_a presence_n of_o his_o favour_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o follow_a word_n for_o i_o will_v not_o contend_v for_o ever_o neither_o will_v i_o be_v always_o wroth_a for_o the_o spirit_n shall_v fail_v before_o i_o and_o the_o soul_n which_o i_o have_v make_v isa._n 57.15_o 16._o although_o god_n be_v say_v to_o visit_v man_n both_o when_o he_o be_v present_a to_o punish_v they_o as_o in_o exod._n 32.34_o psal._n 89.36_o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o he_o be_v present_a to_o deliver_v and_o bless_v they_o as_o in_o exod._n 3.16_o psal._n 106.4_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o latter_a only_o that_o he_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v among_o they_o now_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o the_o apostle_n cite_v that_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o the_o israelite_n that_o he_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o you_o may_v see_v 2_o cor._n 6.16_o wherefore_o god_n dwelling_n in_o man_n as_o this_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n signify_v also_o his_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o favour_n towards_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n himself_o explain_v it_o by_o subjoyn_v that_o other_o place_n thereto_o and_o i_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n almighty_n and_o this_o be_v that_o testimony_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o hereof_o that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n 1.14_o by_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v god_n blessing_n and_o favour_n and_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n more_o free_o than_o the_o israelite_n ever_o do_v by_o the_o dwell_n of_o the_o ark_n among_o they_o they_o pray_v towards_o their_o most_o holy_a place_n where_o god_n be_v extraordinary_o present_a that_o he_o will_v stir_v up_o his_o strength_n and_o come_v and_o save_v they_o but_o we_o look_v up_o to_o the_o more_o holy_a mercy-seat_n where_o god_n be_v more_o glorious_o present_a than_o he_o be_v between_o the_o cherubim_n even_o to_o jesus_n who_o all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o in_o who_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a that_o through_o he_o we_o may_v have_v help_n and_o salvation_n the_o name_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v now_o record_v among_o we_o be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o this_o name_n we_o invoke_v he_o that_o he_o will_v come_v unto_o we_o and_o bless_v we_o and_o there_o be_v as_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o blessing_n that_o god_n come_v to_o we_o and_o dwell_v among_o we_o imply_v and_o those_o which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o israelite_n as_o between_o the_o testimony_n themselves_o of_o god_n presence_n among_o they_o and_o among_o we_o they_o be_v temporal_a favour_n and_o deliverance_n which_o they_o promise_v to_o themselves_o from_o god_n presence_n in_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n but_o we_o look_v for_o a_o salvation_n incomparable_o more_o excellent_a god_n have_v bless_v we_o through_o christ_n with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o thing_n that_o concern_v heaven_n eph._n 1.3_o the_o enemy_n we_o be_v to_o subdue_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n be_v those_o which_o will_v hinder_v we_o of_o our_o heavenly_a canaan_n viz._n our_o sensual_a lust_n and_o earthly_a affection_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n for_o we_o wrestle_v not_o against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o against_o principality_n against_o power_n against_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n eph._n 6.12_o against_o all_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n whether_o to_o more_o gross_a and_o sensual_a or_o to_o more_o refine_a and_o spiritual_a vice_n and_o they_o be_v enemy_n so_o much_o more_o dangerous_a than_o those_o which_o the_o israelite_n have_v to_o deal_v withal_o that_o they_o do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v principality_n etc._n etc._n when_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o here_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n thus_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o twice_o mention_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 8.9_o 11._o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o presence_n of_o his_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v constant_o enable_v to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n vers_fw-la 13._o for_o than_o our_o body_n shall_v have_v a_o bless_a resurrection_n vers_fw-la 11._o and_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n because_o of_o righteousness_n vers_fw-la 10._o our_o soul_n shall_v then_o be_v qualify_v for_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n now_o this_o be_v certain_a to_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o which_o be_v signify_v thereby_o be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n which_o if_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v die_v and_o enable_v to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n to_o subdue_v our_o spiritual_a enemy_n more_o perfect_o and_o to_o prevail_v final_o against_o they_o that_o we_o may_v live_v vers_fw-la 13._o therefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n as_o god_n dwelling_n among_o the_o israelite_n signify_v his_o peculiar_a favour_n to_o they_o in_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o blessing_n they_o with_o plenty_n and_o increase_n etc._n etc._n so_o be_v the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o his_o grace_n
trust_v and_o his_o sovereign_a dominion_n own_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o it_o which_o be_v incomparable_o more_o effectual_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n than_o whole_a burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n for_o this_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v be_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n such_o a_o temple_n as_o this_o god_n be_v so_o delight_v in_o that_o in_o comparison_n therewith_o he_o disregard_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n with_o all_o the_o external_a service_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o for_o that_o god_n dwell_v in_o pious_a mind_n be_v not_o unknown_a to_o the_o jew_n where_o be_v the_o house_n that_o you_o build_v unto_o i_o and_o where_o be_v the_o place_n of_o my_o rest_n to_o he_o will_v i_o look_v say_v the_o lord_n even_o to_o he_o that_o be_v poor_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a heart_n and_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n isa._n 66.2_o 3._o thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o holy_a one_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n who_o name_n be_v holy_a i_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n with_o he_o also_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o contrite_a one_o isa._n 57.15_o let_v we_o now_o lay_v these_o thing_n together_o and_o the_o conclusion_n will_v be_v that_o god_n dwelling_n in_o man_n imply_v a_o plentiful_a communication_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v they_o in_o all_o goodness_n which_o be_v what_o i_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o show_v under_o this_o head_n for_o since_o this_o expression_n of_o god_n dwelling_n in_o man_n denote_v the_o presence_n of_o a_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o favour_n to_o those_o in_o who_o he_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v which_o be_v not_o afford_v to_o other_o since_o the_o dwell_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o believer_n be_v to_o enable_v they_o to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n and_o to_o prevail_v final_o against_o all_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n since_o also_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n dwell_v in_o good_a and_o righteous_a but_o not_o in_o impure_a and_o unholy_a person_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o after_o we_o be_v regenerate_v it_o be_v still_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o proceed_v in_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n and_o to_o persevere_v therein_o to_o the_o end_n for_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n by_o the_o spirit_n second_o it_o follow_v also_o that_o there_o be_v a_o more_o abundant_a measure_n of_o divine_a grace_n communicate_v to_o holy_a person_n than_o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o for_o god_n dwelling_n imply_v the_o presence_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a grace_n and_o thus_o our_o saviour_n also_o have_v plain_o tell_v we_o to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundant_o final_o this_o doctrine_n be_v very_o well_o consistent_a with_o that_o of_o attribute_v the_o beginning_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o goodness_n in_o we_o to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o although_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v only_o in_o good_a man_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o his_o operation_n that_o any_o be_v make_v so_o at_o first_o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v we_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n eph._n 2.22_o but_o his_o dwell_n in_o we_o afterward_o signify_v as_o we_o have_v show_v the_o more_o abundant_a grace_n we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o and_o thus_o although_o the_o blessing_n which_o all_o the_o world_n enjoy_v while_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n stand_v flow_v to_o mankind_n from_o the_o divine_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n yet_o god_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v only_o among_o the_o israelite_n because_o he_o have_v a_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o that_o people_n than_o of_o any_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n my_o design_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o that_o state_n whereby_o we_o be_v qualify_v for_o heaven_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o all_o christian_a virtue_n be_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o may_v now_o prove_v by_o as_o convince_a testimony_n that_o perseverance_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a operation_n in_o we_o but_o this_o truth_n be_v so_o evident_o consequent_a from_o what_o the_o scripture_n assert_n concern_v god_n dwell_v in_o good_a man_n which_o i_o have_v large_o enough_o discourse_v of_o that_o i_o reckon_v it_o needless_a to_o produce_v any_o further_a testimony_n to_o confirm_v it_o thus_o have_v i_o discharge_v what_o i_o promise_v in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o last_o chapter_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o those_o christian_a virtue_n in_o which_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n consist_v together_o with_o our_o improvement_n and_o perseverance_n in_o they_o be_v particular_o ascribe_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o from_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o prove_v these_o thing_n follow_v 1._o that_o he_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o these_o virtue_n have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v endue_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o be_v void_a of_o grace_n be_v to_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n which_o ascribe_v they_o in_o whosoever_o they_o be_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 2._o and_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v a_o idle_a supposition_n that_o god_n will_v be_v displease_v with_o we_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o careful_a to_o do_v his_o command_n and_o to_o increase_v in_o christian_a virtue_n if_o all_o this_o while_n we_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o former_a can_v be_v without_o the_o latter_a 3._o wherefore_o also_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o make_v our_o believe_a and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o our_o have_v true_a grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o distinct_a mark_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n for_o if_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o we_o if_o they_o be_v grace_n as_o that_o signify_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n as_o that_o signify_v divine_a assistance_n then_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o mark_n of_o regeneration_n distinct_a from_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n because_o this_o be_v grace_n itself_o in_o the_o former_a and_o be_v itself_o the_o only_a mark_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n i._n e._n of_o our_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o now_o i_o have_v not_o discourse_v upon_o this_o subject_n out_o of_o the_o least_o suspicion_n that_o there_o be_v any_o in_o this_o church_n who_o deny_v the_o qualification_n of_o a_o true_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n to_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o except_v dr._n owen_n and_o some_o of_o his_o party_n and_o as_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o say_v the_o quaker_n i_o do_v not_o know_v of_o any_o in_o england_n who_o may_v just_o be_v suspect_v to_o use_v one_o of_o the_o doctor_n be_v phrase_n of_o be_v go_v over_o into_o the_o tent_n of_o the_o pelagian_n nor_o be_v it_o mere_o to_o vindicate_v the_o minister_n of_o this_o church_n who_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o be_o acquaint_v with_o something_o better_a than_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o be_v from_o the_o imputation_n of_o pelagianism_n which_o with_o so_o much_o clamour_n and_o rail_n he_o have_v charge_v they_o withal_o but_o principal_o to_o give_v those_o who_o believe_v what_o the_o scripture_n thus_o plain_o declare_v occasion_n to_o consider_v it_o again_o and_o to_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n since_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v a_o more_o effectual_a encouragement_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n than_o this_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 for_o all_o blessing_n needful_a for_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o nothing_o will_v render_v the_o wilful_a sinner_n more_o inexcusable_a and_o more_o severe_o punishable_a than_o this_o that_o whilst_o he_o go_v on_o in_o his_o wicked_a life_n he_o do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n chap._n v._o concern_v pretend_v gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n sect_n i._o hitherto_o i_o have_v show_v of_o what_o kind_n those_o effect_n be_v for_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n
extemporary_a pray_n and_o to_o pass_v for_o one_o that_o have_v a_o double_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o they_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o ascribe_v all_o heat_n and_o eloquence_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o divine_a principle_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o to_o undervalue_v any_o man_n ability_n in_o this_o kind_n but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o they_o may_v be_v set_v too_o high_a as_o for_o they_o that_o do_v so_o they_o may_v undeceive_v themselves_o by_o observe_v the_o very_a prayer_n of_o those_o person_n who_o gift_n this_o way_n be_v most_o remarkable_a for_o although_o these_o man_n be_v sometime_o please_v to_o decry_v the_o use_n of_o form_n as_o not_o savour_v of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o that_o their_o own_o prayer_n as_o spiritual_a as_o they_o look_v may_v be_v as_o pure_o humane_a as_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o book_n be_v by_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o tie_v up_o themselves_o to_o those_o usual_a topic_n of_o prayer_n and_o head_n of_o devotion_n according_a to_o which_o book-prayer_n as_o they_o call_v they_o be_v frame_v they_o usual_o begin_v with_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o then_o they_o run_v through_o the_o common_a place_n of_o confession_n petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n that_o furnish_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n they_o confess_v the_o same_o sin_n they_o beg_v the_o same_o grace_n they_o praise_v god_n for_o the_o same_o blessing_n in_o all_o their_o prayer_n now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o suppose_v none_o of_o they_o will_v deny_v and_o then_o i_o think_v they_o must_v confess_v that_o their_o prayer_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v as_o formal_a as_o those_o of_o the_o liturgy_n but_o further_a as_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n be_v confine_v to_o certain_a head_n so_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o use_v the_o same_o expression_n only_o with_o this_o condition_n that_o they_o be_v lay_v in_o with_o such_o good_a store_n of_o they_o that_o they_o need_v not_o use_v they_o all_o at_o once_o but_o may_v keep_v some_o against_o another_o time_n and_o thus_o indeed_o they_o do_v not_o tie_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o form_n of_o word_n because_o they_o have_v as_o many_o form_n to_o use_v as_o may_v be_v make_v by_o the_o shift_a and_o transpose_n of_o those_o phrase_n which_o they_o have_v in_o stock_n and_o so_o many_o form_n they_o have_v more_o or_o few_o according_a as_o that_o stock_n increase_v more_o or_o less_o and_o thus_o as_o we_o pray_v out_o of_o our_o book_n so_o do_v they_o out_o of_o their_o memory_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o their_o way_n and_o we_o for_o i_o speak_v now_o of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o use_v to_o talk_v idle_o and_o extravagant_o in_o their_o extemporary_a prayer_n be_v this_o that_o we_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o safety_n and_o they_o of_o popularity_n and_o ostentation_n but_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o divine_v what_o that_o be_v in_o extemporary_a pray_v as_o that_o be_v distinguish_v from_o use_v a_o set_a form_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o immediate_a suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o matter_n of_o such_o prayer_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o considerable_a and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o we_o see_v may_v come_v another_o way_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o mind_n too_o of_o the_o late_a assembly_n who_o although_o they_o throw_v aside_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n to_o make_v way_n for_o extemporary_a performance_n yet_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v the_o minister_n a_o directory_n for_o the_o matter_n without_o leave_v he_o to_o be_v guide_v in_o that_o by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o make_v some_o man_n think_v they_o may_v even_o as_o well_o have_v prescribe_v a_o set_a form_n unless_o they_o intend_v to_o leave_v the_o mean_a office_n of_o supply_v he_o with_o word_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o may_v come_v from_o a_o more_o familiar_a principle_n and_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o that_o shift_a and_o change_v of_o place_n with_o they_o which_o make_v the_o great_a show_n of_o variety_n but_o this_o be_v so_o unworthy_a to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o divine_a principle_n that_o i_o may_v conclude_v extemporary_a prayer_n allow_v they_o to_o be_v never_o so_o useful_a and_o profitable_a need_v not_o to_o be_v dictate_v by_o inspiration_n and_o therefore_o no_o such_o inspiration_n be_v promise_v by_o our_o saviour_n when_o be_v promise_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o all_o his_o disciple_n thus_o have_v i_o show_v that_o neither_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n come_v under_o the_o promise_n in_o st._n luke_n 11.13_o for_o they_o be_v not_o gift_n of_o that_o kind_n which_o be_v there_o promise_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v the_o spirit_n and_o i_o add_v it_o may_v be_v strong_o presume_v that_o they_o be_v promise_v nowhere_o else_o since_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o this_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o comprehend_v all_o the_o rest_n but_o because_o there_o be_v some_o man_n so_o vehement_o persuade_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v for_o these_o purpose_n that_o they_o reckon_v it_o little_o better_a than_o blasphemy_n to_o gainsay_v it_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n upon_o which_o such_o mighty_a confidence_n be_v ground_v to_o see_v whether_o they_o afford_v any_o reason_n for_o it_o sect_n 4._o and_o first_o as_o to_o those_o testimony_n which_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n in_o favour_n of_o interpret_n or_o understand_v scripture_n by_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n whole_o to_o dr._n hammond_n postscript_n concern_v new_a light_n and_o divine_a illumination_n annex_v to_o his_o paraphrase_n etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o they_o be_v all_o consider_v and_o show_v to_o infer_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v desire_v to_o be_v conclude_v from_o they_o but_o if_o after_o all_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o he_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o interpretation_n which_o dr._n hammond_n have_v give_v of_o those_o text_n to_o be_v nothing_o better_o than_o carnal_a reason_v and_o come_v over_o with_o dr._n owen_n talk_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o understand_v the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o gospel-truth_n without_o the_o almighty_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o confess_v it_o will_v prove_v a_o matter_n of_o as_o great_a difficulty_n to_o reply_v to_o such_o a_o pretender_n as_o it_o be_v to_o find_v out_o a_o way_n to_o convince_v a_o quaker_n for_o what_o success_n can_v any_o man_n promise_v himself_o by_o reply_v to_o a_o confident_a enthusiast_n who_o perpetual_o appeal_v from_o the_o most_o evident_a reason_n the_o plain_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o most_o rational_a inference_n from_o they_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n however_o this_o i_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v impossible_a to_o understand_v these_o text_n without_o that_o new_a light_n which_o the_o papist_n call_v a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o dr._n owen_n and_o his_o party_n a_o almighty_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o in_o effect_n they_o be_v both_o the_o same_o thing_n than_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v withal_o that_o these_o text_n be_v impertinent_o produce_v to_o convince_v we_o who_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o this_o infallible_a spirit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n upon_o who_o god_n bestow_v that_o privilege_n for_o that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o we_o but_o by_o rational_a mean_n i._n e._n either_o by_o argue_v from_o the_o original_a word_n or_o the_o context_n or_o parallel_a place_n or_o the_o like_a or_o else_o by_o some_o clear_a divine_a testimony_n proper_a to_o convince_v we_o that_o they_o in_o particular_a be_v inspire_v such_o as_o real_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n this_o latter_a way_n be_v pretend_v to_o only_a by_o the_o papist_n and_o though_o the_o fraud_n they_o have_v be_v deprehend_v in_o sufficient_o show_v those_o among_o they_o that_o have_v raise_v the_o noise_n of_o their_o miracle_n to_o be_v impostor_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o pretend_v to_o offer_v a_o rational_a mean_n of_o conviction_n that_o their_o church_n interpret_v the_o scripture_n by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n which_o the_o man_n i_o be_o at_o present_a speak_v of_o do_v not_o offer_v in_o the_o least_o as_o for_o the_o former_a way_n of_o convince_a we_o by_o rational_a evidence_n from_o the_o text_n itself_o it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v
ready_a to_o submit_v to_o and_o then_o i_o desire_v dr._n hammond_n interpretation_n may_v be_v consider_v but_o if_o they_o neither_o use_v this_o way_n nor_o the_o other_o nor_o any_o like_o it_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o produce_v those_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n at_o all_o to_o convince_v we_o by_o they_o because_o upon_o these_o term_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a they_o shall_v convince_v we_o till_o we_o have_v receive_v that_o new_a light_n which_o they_o themselves_o pretend_v to_o and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v hope_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o viz._n to_o confess_v their_o own_o impertinency_n in_o offer_v any_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o justify_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v but_o the_o spirit_n tell_v they_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n without_o enable_v they_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o any_o body_n else_o and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o let_v they_o go_v either_o for_o errant_a hypocrite_n or_o rank_a enthusiast_n who_o the_o state_n have_v reason_n to_o be_v jealous_a of_o lest_o they_o shall_v have_v some_o dangerous_a design_n against_o the_o government_n or_o be_v prompt_v to_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n by_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o by_o a_o enthusiast_n may_v be_v so_o easy_o mistake_v for_o the_o impulse_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o last_o of_o all_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o although_o god_n have_v not_o promise_v this_o inspiration_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o yet_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v he_o may_v do_v more_o than_o he_o have_v promise_v and_o reveal_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o what_o passage_n in_o scripture_n he_o please_v to_o who_o he_o please_v i_o answer_v that_o as_o i_o be_o no_o way_n oblige_v to_o contradict_v this_o supposition_n so_o withal_o i_o must_v add_v 1._o that_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v thus_o inspire_v he_o can_v prove_v to_o another_o that_o he_o be_v so_o otherwise_o than_o by_o miracle_n which_o if_o he_o do_v not_o neither_o can_v he_o just_o expect_v to_o convince_v another_o that_o the_o sense_n reveal_v to_o he_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n otherwise_o than_o by_o such_o rational_a mean_n as_o he_o must_v have_v use_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v reveal_v and_o 2._o that_o therefore_o if_o one_o man_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v in_o conclusion_n for_o his_o interpretation_n of_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n but_o that_o the_o spirit_n lead_v he_o to_o it_o and_o that_o to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n upon_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o carnal_a reason_n and_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o a_o sign_n of_o vnregeneracy_n and_o the_o state_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n that_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o dr._n owen_n last_o refuge_n and_o another_o plain_o show_v either_o by_o the_o word_n themselves_o or_o by_o the_o design_n of_o the_o discourse_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v or_o by_o some_o other_o way_n apt_a to_o convince_v a_o rational_a man_n that_o the_o foresay_a meaning_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o they_o but_o one_o that_o be_v different_a from_o it_o in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v the_o former_a be_v convince_v to_o pretend_v false_o to_o inspiration_n and_o in_o plain_a english_a he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a fool_n that_o will_v prefer_v his_o interpretation_n before_o the_o other_o and_o so_o much_o for_o that_o matter_n sect_n 5._o 2._o the_o principal_a passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o imply_v assurance_n to_o be_v a_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o regenerate_a by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v two_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v mention_v be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o ephesian_n grieve_v not_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o you_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 4.30_o now_o by_o the_o believer_n be_v seal_v etc._n etc._n some_o have_v think_v that_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o they_o be_v absolute_o assure_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v must_v needs_o be_v mean_v but_o first_o the_o word_n be_v fair_o capable_a of_o another_o meaning_n viz._n that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n bestow_v upon_o believer_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o god_n be_v now_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n since_o upon_o their_o believe_v he_o have_v blessed_v they_o with_o so_o many_o advantage_n in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o therefore_o that_o he_o have_v now_o a_o peculiar_a right_n to_o their_o obedience_n for_o this_o we_o know_v be_v one_o use_n of_o seal_v to_o distinguish_v that_o which_o of_o right_n belong_v to_o ourselves_o from_o what_o be_v common_a thus_o be_v all_o believer_n mark_v out_o for_o god_n portion_n and_o peculiar_a by_o the_o eminent_a advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v make_v they_o partaker_n of_o and_o therefore_o be_v they_o say_v to_o be_v seal_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n because_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n thus_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v seal_v christ_n john_n 6.27_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o he_o he_o own_v he_o to_o be_v his_o son_n that_o great_a prophet_n who_o be_v to_o declare_v the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n to_o man_n in_o like_a manner_n god_n give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v as_o st._n chrisostome_n speak_v excellent_o upon_o this_o place_n his_o mark_v they_o out_o to_o be_v a_o royal_a flock_n it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o their_o peculiar_a designation_n to_o the_o service_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n and_o a_o pledge_n of_o that_o inheritance_n 2_o cor._n 1.22_o they_o shall_v be_v reward_v with_o if_o they_o walk_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n but_o all_o this_o be_v very_o far_o from_o infer_v a_o absolute_a assurance_n in_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o mark_v out_o for_o god_n people_n that_o they_o shall_v infallible_o persevere_v in_o that_o duty_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o the_o performance_n whereof_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o receive_v the_o inheritance_n and_o therefore_o such_o assurance_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o this_o place_n but_o 2._o the_o word_n be_v not_o only_o capable_a of_o that_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v but_o their_o coherence_n with_o the_o forego_n and_o follow_v verse_n and_o the_o force_n and_o reason_n of_o st._n paul_n exhortation_n require_v it_o let_v he_o say_v he_o that_o steal_v steal_v no_o more_o and_o let_v no_o corrupt_a communication_n proceed_v out_o of_o your_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n let_v all_o bitterness_n and_o wrath_n etc._n etc._n be_v put_v away_o the_o argument_n wherewith_o he_o enforce_v these_o exhortation_n be_v this_o that_o otherwise_o they_o will_v grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v seal_v etc._n etc._n i._n e._n they_o will_v plain_o contradict_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n have_v bestow_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o mark_v out_o to_o be_v his_o servant_n and_o child_n this_o will_v be_v to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n i._n e._n to_o bereave_v themselves_o of_o his_o gracious_a presence_n and_o to_o come_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v exclude_v for_o ever_o out_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o who_o god_n be_v grieve_v forty_o year_n and_o he_o swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n heb._n 3_o and_o the_o note_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v thereupon_o be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o hold_v the_o begin_n of_o our_o confidence_n steadfast_a unto_o the_o end_n vers_n 14._o i._n e._n if_o we_o hold_v on_o resolve_o and_o patient_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n it_o be_v the_o like_a argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v more_o concise_o to_o the_o ephesian_n when_o he_o dissuade_v they_o from_o impure_a and_o evil_a course_n lest_o they_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n never_o enter_v into_o that_o rest_n god_n have_v design_v for_o they_o but_o this_o consideration_n can_v have_v be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o if_o they_o have_v be_v absolute_o sure_a of_o their_o inheritance_n as_o some_o from_o these_o word_n have_v pretend_v they_o be_v whereas_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v very_o prevail_v on_o supposition_n that_o by_o seal_v be_v here_o mean_v their_o be_v as_o it_o be_v
consecrate_v to_o a_o life_n of_o obedience_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o for_o than_o they_o will_v find_v little_a excuse_n and_o a_o great_a punishment_n for_o their_o unchristian_a practice_n if_o be_v so_o great_o oblige_v they_o shall_v prove_v unthankful_a and_o disobedient_a the_o second_o place_n be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.16_o but_o 1._o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n 389._o be_v that_o public_a testimony_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o true_a christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n show_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o freewoman_n as_o he_o express_v it_o gal._n 4.28_o whereas_o the_o jew_n those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n answer_v the_o condition_n of_o ishmael_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o son_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n to_o who_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o a_o inheritance_n now_o that_o none_o but_o true_a christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_a inheritance_n be_v that_o which_o be_v testify_v against_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o miracle_n and_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a believer_n i._n e._n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o this_o text_n be_v very_o far_o from_o intend_v any_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n and_o yet_o 2._o all_o that_o be_v here_o affirm_v regard_v only_o our_o present_a state_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o if_o we_o be_v it_o be_v certain_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o nay_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n without_o our_o own_o fault_n since_o we_o have_v so_o plain_a a_o rule_n to_o try_v ourselves_o by_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n now_o our_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n be_v that_o which_o our_o own_o spirit_n or_o conscience_n must_v witness_v and_o then_o upon_o this_o condition_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o to_o be_v sure_a be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o our_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o forfeit_v our_o inheritance_n by_o any_o future_a miscarriage_n and_o therefore_o from_o this_o place_n it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o such_o assurance_n be_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n sect_n 6._o 3._o for_o the_o pretence_n of_o utter_v the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o extemporary_a prayer_n i_o know_v likewise_o but_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n common_o urge_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o the_o former_a be_v st._n paul_n saying_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o 1_o cor._n 14.15_o which_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o text_n that_o i_o never_o hear_v produce_v for_o this_o pretence_n but_o by_o those_o that_o have_v nothing_o but_o mere_a zeal_n to_o defend_v their_o opinion_n withal_o i_o mean_v some_o of_o the_o people_n that_o follow_v dr._n owen_n and_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o after_o they_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v they_o to_o word_n or_o sense_n or_o both_o in_o their_o prayer_n they_o conceit_n this_o text_n to_o be_v a_o proof_n for_o their_o purpose_n for_o the_o word_n sound_v that_o way_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v what_o they_o do_v about_o extemporary_a prayer_n beforehand_o but_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o they_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v their_o guide_n who_o pretend_v to_o learning_n and_o if_o they_o mind_v the_o text_n at_o all_o can_v hardly_o be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n there_o mean_v be_v use_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o pray_n by_o the_o understanding_n be_v pray_v in_o a_o language_n understand_v by_o the_o people_n that_o they_o i_o say_v shall_v suffer_v their_o people_n to_o run_v away_o so_o long_o together_o with_o a_o belief_n that_o this_o text_n give_v they_o authority_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v take_v care_n they_o shall_v speak_v good_a sense_n in_o their_o extemporary_a prayer_n this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o can_v but_o admire_v i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o be_v all_o so_o dishonest_a but_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v and_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o i_o suppose_v unless_o they_o grant_v that_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o talk_n of_o their_o follower_n better_a than_o they_o themselves_o be_v but_o dismiss_v this_o place_n which_o be_v so_o very_o wide_o from_o the_o purpose_n which_o it_o be_v produce_v for_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o which_o indeed_o carry_v a_o more_o likely_a appearance_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o dr._n owen_n contain_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n carry_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o believer_n in_o request_n which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v far_o above_o their_o natural_a contrivance_n and_o invention_n i._n e._n that_o when_o believer_n venture_v to_o pray_v extempore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n prompt_v they_o as_o they_o go_v along_o to_o pray_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v come_v to_o their_o mind_n for_o his_o word_n signify_v thus_o much_o at_o least_o if_o not_o that_o the_o very_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v communicate_v to_o they_o at_o that_o very_a instant_n before_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o that_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n the_o place_n be_v this_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v and_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o he_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.26_o 27._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n whether_o the_o foresay_a opinion_n of_o the_o doctor_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o they_o his_o other_o thought_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v not_o pretend_v to_o confute_v because_o i_o do_v not_o so_o well_o comprehend_v what_o he_o mean_v viz._n when_o he_o tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o subject_n of_o prayer_n the_o sanctify_a heart_n that_o by_o the_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v be_v mean_v 385._o that_o bend_v frame_n inclination_n and_o act_v of_o the_o inward_a man_n in_o prayer_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o themselves_o in_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v do_v not_o fathom_v nor_o reach_v the_o depth_n of_o unless_o he_o mean_v that_o a_o man_n may_v desire_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o inexpressible_a vehemence_n and_o yet_o not_o understand_v that_o he_o do_v so_o if_o he_o intend_v this_o i_o need_v only_o to_o tell_v he_o that_o because_o these_o groan_n be_v unutterable_a it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o be_v unintelligible_a if_o he_o intend_v it_o not_o i_o do_v not_o fathom_v nor_o reach_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o meaning_n again_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o object_n of_o prayer_n that_o the_o mysterious_a thing_n which_o believer_n pray_v for_o be_v now_o make_v nigh_o now_o realize_v unto_o they_o i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v whether_o he_o mean_v now_o at_o their_o prayer_n or_o now_o at_o some_o other_o time_n before_o if_o when_o they_o be_v pray_v it_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o spirit_n represent_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n as_o he_o say_v if_o at_o some_o other_o time_n before_o then_o certain_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v represent_v before_o too_o and_o they_o know_v they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o these_o thing_n and_o than_o it_o be_v above_o my_o apprehension_n how_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n shall_v be_v far_o above_o
their_o natural_a contrivance_n and_o invention_n 349._o either_o just_a before_o or_o while_o they_o be_v pray_v it_o seem_v strange_a likewise_o that_o by_o the_o prayer_n of_o man_n low_a and_o weak_a in_o their_o notional_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n we_o may_v see_v they_o lead_v into_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a mystery_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o experience_n of_o the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n for_o what_o have_v we_o to_o see_v this_o by_o but_o their_o word_n and_o gesture_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v pass_v my_o reach_n how_o by_o these_o help_v we_o can_v see_v that_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o before_o god_n only_o see_v viz._n the_o fervent_a work_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n when_o act_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o supplication_n and_o to_o do_v he_o right_o he_o seem_v not_o to_o ascribe_v the_o extemporary_a utterance_n but_o only_o the_o present_a conception_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o spirit_n other_o observation_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v make_v which_o i_o shall_v not_o clog_v the_o reader_n withal_o but_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n rom._n 8.26_o 27._o seem_v to_o i_o much_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v than_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o say_v with_o relation_n to_o it_o and_o unless_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o explain_v himself_o further_o one_o may_v soon_o i_o think_v understand_v st._n paul_n than_o he_o though_o there_o be_v considerable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o text_n which_o need_v a_o interpreter_n therefore_o i_o shall_v 1._o consult_v the_o sense_n of_o good_a author_n and_o such_o as_o the_o doctor_n i_o hope_v will_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o say_v be_v proud_a carnal_a ignorant_a 385._o and_o profane_a person_n word_n which_o he_o throw_v so_o fierce_o about_o he_o whilst_o he_o be_v discourse_v of_o prayer_n the_o very_a mention_n of_o which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v have_v teach_v he_o more_o meekness_n 2._o i_o shall_v compare_v what_o they_o say_v with_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o design_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o forego_n and_o follow_v verse_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o good_a way_n both_o to_o understand_v the_o text_n and_o to_o avoid_v the_o doctor_n be_v displeasure_n if_o we_o shall_v not_o altogether_o agree_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o at_o last_o st._n chrysostom_n say_v that_o in_o those_o word_n 14._o likewise_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o etc._n etc._n st._n paul_n instruct_v we_o not_o always_o to_o judge_v those_o thing_n profitable_a which_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o mere_a natural_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o they_o who_o suffer_v so_o many_o evil_n wish_v a_o relaxation_n ask_v it_o as_o a_o grace_n from_o god_n but_o say_v he_o do_v not_o think_v that_o will_v be_v best_a which_o present_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n we_o need_v divine_a assistance_n for_o man_n know_v little_a or_o nothing_o what_o be_v for_o his_o welfare_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o know_v not_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o he_o show_v this_o be_v st._n paul_n case_n too_o when_o he_o pray_v that_o the_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n may_v be_v remove_v 2_o cor._n 12._o but_o obtain_v it_o not_o for_o he_o prove_v that_o this_o thorn_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o danger_n and_o persecution_n he_o lie_v under_o 14._o in_o like_a manner_n st._n austin_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o st._n paul_n or_o those_o to_o who_o he_o speak_v know_v not_o the_o lord_n prayer_n why_o shall_v he_o therefore_o say_v we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o because_o temporal_a affliction_n be_v most_o profitable_a either_o to_o cure_v we_o of_o the_o swell_a of_o pride_n or_o etc._n etc._n but_o we_o not_o consider_v this_o desire_v to_o be_v exempt_v from_o they_o from_o which_o ignorance_n the_o apostle_n show_v himself_o not_o to_o have_v be_v free_a when_o lest_o he_o shall_v be_v exalt_v by_o the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v give_v to_o he_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n a_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o and_o he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o he_o herein_o not_o know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o as_o he_o ought_v therefore_o in_o these_o tribulation_n which_o may_v be_v either_o profitable_a or_o hurtful_a we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o i._n e._n whether_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v they_o remove_v or_o not_o and_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v bear_v we_o do_v as_o man_n altogether_o desire_v to_o have_v they_o remove_v and_o not_o long_o after_o he_o say_v 4._o the_o spirit_n cause_v the_o saint_n to_o intercede_v with_o unutterable_a groan_n inspire_v they_o with_o the_o desire_n of_o a_o thing_n yet_o unknown_a which_o they_o patient_o expect_v for_o how_o shall_v that_o which_o be_v desire_v be_v utter_v when_o it_o be_v yet_o not_o know_v locum_fw-la to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n hierom_n say_v the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o desire_v earthly_a but_o heavenly_a thing_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o be_v common_o hurtful_a thing_n which_o we_o think_v profit_v we_o and_o therefore_o our_o desire_n be_v not_o grant_v as_o he_o say_v himself_o elsewhere_o for_o this_o thing_n i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o i_o he_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n here_o say_v he_o st._n paul_n by_o the_o spirit_n mean_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n intercede_v because_o he_o make_v we_o to_o pray_v with_o unutterable_a groan_n as_o god_n be_v say_v to_o try_v we_o that_o he_o may_v know_v we_o that_o be_v that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o know_v ourselves_o and_o to_o intercede_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o desire_v holy_a and_o not_o secular_a thing_n thus_o st._n ambrose_n if_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o commentary_n we_o know_v not_o r●m_n etc._n etc._n for_o we_o be_v deceive_v think_v those_o thing_n will_v profit_v we_o which_o we_o desire_v when_o they_o be_v not_o profitable_a and_o here_o he_o use_v the_o same_o instance_n likewise_o of_o st._n paul_n desire_v that_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n may_v depart_v from_o he_o to_o which_o he_o add_v that_o of_o james_n and_o john_n desire_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o christ_n kingdom_n who_o ask_v they_o know_v not_o what_o but_o withal_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v proper_o intercede_v with_o god_n in_o our_o behalf_n that_o we_o may_v have_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v profitable_a for_o we_o theodoret_n say_v rom._n the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n pray_v not_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o trouble_n for_o you_o know_v not_o what_o be_v profitable_a for_o you_o as_o god_n do_v who_o govern_v all_o resign_v up_o yourselves_o to_o he_o that_o hold_v the_o helm_n of_o the_o vni●●●se_n etc._n etc._n but_o say_v he_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v mean_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v for_o be_v thereby_o stir_v up_o we_o pray_v more_o earnest_o etc._n etc._n and_o he_o add_v that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o what_o he_o have_v suffer_v refer_v probable_o to_o that_o passage_n concern_v the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n so_o often_o already_o mention_v to_o mention_v no_o more_o 7._o origen_n thus_o paraphrase_v upon_o the_o text_n sometime_o through_o infirmity_n we_o desire_v thing_n contrary_a to_o our_o welfare_n as_o a_o sick_a man_n will_v have_v the_o physician_n prescribe_v he_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o present_a appetite_n instead_o of_o that_o which_o be_v for_o his_o health_n so_o in_o this_o infirm_a state_n of_o we_o we_o ask_v sometime_o what_o be_v not_o expedient_a for_o we_o and_o i_o paul_n who_o have_v the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n give_v i_o thrice_o ask_v etc._n etc._n not_o know_v what_o i_o ask_v and_o receive_v this_o answer_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o the_o flesh_n lust_v against_o the_o spirit_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n see_v our_o spirit_n strive_v against_o the_o flesh_n he_o reach_v out_o his_o help_n now_o say_v he_o if_o any_o one_o can_v find_v out_o a_o more_o sublime_a sense_n than_o this_o let_v he_o enjoy_v it_o to_o himself_o but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v who_o desire_n of_o god_n the_o prosperity_n etc._n etc._n of_o this_o life_n because_o in_o these_o respect_v they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o pray_v for_o
as_o profitable_a for_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o these_o present_a advantage_n etc._n etc._n tend_v to_o the_o harm_n of_o the_o soul._n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v to_o be_v mind_v by_o we_o which_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n thy_o will_v be_v do_v as_o to_o that_o clause_n who_o search_v the_o heart_n he_o say_v it_o show_v that_o god_n regard_v the_o mind_n more_o than_o the_o word_n wherewith_o we_o pray_v as_o to_o the_o unutterable_a groan_n he_o say_v how_o can_v that_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o god_n be_v utter_v by_o we_o when_o sometime_o that_o which_o our_o own_o spirit_n feel_v and_o understand_v can_v be_v express_v by_o we_o in_o word_n now_o i_o believe_v we_o shall_v not_o ready_o meet_v with_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n contain_v any_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n in_o the_o interpretation_n whereof_o the_o father_n do_v more_o unanimous_o conspire_v than_o they_o do_v in_o their_o sense_n of_o this_o i_o can_v easy_o have_v add_v more_o authority_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n if_o i_o have_v please_v but_o i_o hope_v these_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v any_o sober_a person_n that_o that_o interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n which_o i_o prefer_v before_o dr._n owen_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v call_v present_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n for_o i_o shall_v offer_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o christian_a writer_n who_o may_v with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o little_a charity_n i_o think_v pass_v for_o regenerate_a man_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o say_v towards_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o text_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o we_o ought_v in_o the_o general_a to_o pray_v for_o what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o 2._o that_o in_o some_o case_n we_o know_v not_o what_o be_v best_a and_o they_o be_v those_o which_o concern_v our_o present_a state_n in_o this_o world_n with_o regard_n to_o affliction_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o ease_n and_o prosperity_n on_o the_o other_o and_o thus_o st._n austin_n prevent_v that_o objection_n of_o the_o christian_n know_v the_o lord_n prayer_n by_o 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 temporal_a affliction_n 3._o that_o our_o infirmity_n here_o mention_v consist_v in_o this_o ignorance_n together_o with_o our_o proness_n to_o desire_v health_n riches_n and_o ease_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o natural_a aversation_n we_o have_v to_o pain_n and_o trouble_v when_o as_o yet_o god_n may_v see_v that_o the_o former_a will_v be_v hurtful_a the_o latter_a profitable_a for_o we_o 4._o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v make_v intercession_n for_o we_o they_o all_o understand_v his_o exciting_a we_o to_o pray_v for_o ourselves_o except_v st._n ambrose_n who_o suppose_v the_o spirit_n to_o intercede_v proper_o for_o we_o that_o god_n will_v bestow_v better_a thing_n on_o we_o than_o we_o sometime_o ask_v for_o ourselves_o and_o origen_n seem_v to_o understand_v both_o 5._o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v help_v our_o infirmity_n be_v his_o incite_n of_o we_o to_o pray_v for_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o not_o for_o earthly_a as_o st._n hierom_n say_v which_o be_v to_o pray_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o pray_v at_o all_o for_o any_o temporal_a blessing_n but_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v content_a if_o we_o be_v deny_v because_o those_o thing_n viz._n deliverance_n from_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o think_v will_v profit_v may_v hurt_v we_o as_o he_o observe_v and_o therefore_o all_o our_o desire_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v by_o that_o petition_n which_o our_o lord_n have_v teach_v we_o thy_o will_v be_v do_v as_o origen_n note_v in_o short_a by_o the_o scope_n of_o what_o they_o all_o say_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v their_o meaning_n that_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n by_o increase_v our_o desire_n after_o heavenly_a thing_n by_o make_v we_o more_o indifferent_a about_o earthly_a matter_n and_o content_a with_o affliction_n if_o god_n see_v they_o good_a for_o we_o see_v his_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o as_o he_o tell_v st._n paul_n when_o he_o so_o earnest_o desire_v to_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n which_o be_v the_o instance_n they_o all_o use_n 6._o by_o the_o unutterable_a groan_n some_o of_o they_o understand_v that_o inexpressible_a fervency_n of_o mind_n enkindle_v in_o good_a man_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wherewith_o they_o desire_v heavenly_a thing_n and_o which_o wherever_o it_o be_v will_v certain_o abate_v our_o desire_n of_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o make_v we_o less_o weary_a of_o affliction_n other_o of_o they_o suppose_v the_o proper_a intercession_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o and_o st._n austin_n in_o particular_a suppose_v that_o by_o the_o unutterable_a groan_n be_v mean_v the_o desire_n of_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v best_a for_o we_o for_o say_v he_o how_o shall_v that_o which_o be_v desire_v be_v utter_v when_o it_o be_v yet_o unknown_a i._o e._n when_o under_o a_o affliction_n we_o pray_v for_o what_o god_n see_v best_a for_o we_o not_o know_v whether_o that_o may_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o continuance_n or_o removal_n of_o it_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a about_o this_o matter_n the_o interpretation_n of_o origen_n himself_o who_o can_v not_o learn_v it_o from_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n fall_v in_o with_o they_o and_o yet_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o find_v as_o many_o mystery_n in_o the_o bible_n as_o another_o man_n but_o he_o leave_v they_o that_o can_v light_v upon_o a_o more_o sublime_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n to_o enjoy_v their_o opinion_n by_o themselves_o now_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o supposition_n upon_o which_o they_o go_v in_o interpret_n the_o text_n this_o way_n be_v this_o that_o our_o not_o know_v what_o to_o pray_v for_o belong_v to_o the_o case_n of_o present_a affliction_n which_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v may_v be_v more_o profitable_a for_o we_o than_o to_o be_v exempt_v or_o rescue_v from_o they_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o show_v that_o this_o supposition_n and_o the_o interpretation_n build_v upon_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n wherewith_o this_o text_n have_v a_o plain_a coherence_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n propound_v in_o the_o 17_o verse_n st._n paul_n begin_v to_o comfort_v the_o christian_n under_o their_o affliction_n show_v they_o that_o they_o who_o suffer_v with_o christ_n shall_v be_v also_o glorify_v together_o this_o consideration_n afford_v two_o argument_n of_o patience_n which_o he_o distinct_o note_n the_o former_a be_v the_o transcendent_a greatness_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o they_o hope_v for_o the_o latter_a the_o profitableness_n of_o their_o present_a suffering_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o that_o glory_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o glory_n itself_o for_o i_o reckon_v say_v he_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o v_o 18._o thither_o from_o which_o verse_n to_o the_o 24_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o as_o in_o god_n good_a time_n the_o heathen_n will_v be_v rescue_v from_o their_o idolatry_n to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o glory_n so_o the_o christian_n shall_v be_v rescue_v from_o their_o suffering_n also_o under_o which_o they_o now_o groan_v wherefore_o at_o present_a he_o will_v have_v they_o take_v comfort_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o deliverance_n and_o glory_n which_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v for_o say_v he_o we_o be_v save_v by_o hope_n etc._n etc._n v._n 24._o but_o if_o we_o hope_v for_o that_o we_o see_v not_o then_o do_v we_o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o it_o v_o 25._o 2._o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o patience_n yet_o further_o by_o the_o profitableness_n of_o their_o present_a suffering_n we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n to_o they_o who_o be_v the_o call_v according_a to_o purpose_n vers_fw-la 28._o that_o be_v who_o with_o full_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n adhere_v to_o the_o profession_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v notwithstanding_o all_o these_o suffering_n for_o who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o first-born_a among_o many_o brethren_n moreover_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o also_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o also_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v
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 ●_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
understand_v which_o be_v this_o that_o although_o faith_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o divine_a grace_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o high_a measure_n of_o grace_n promise_v to_o we_o if_o we_o believe_v and_o a_o great_a than_o that_o if_o we_o sincere_o obey_v the_o gospel_n the_o great_a promise_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o good_a way_n already_o and_o the_o better_a that_o way_n be_v in_o which_o they_o be_v the_o more_o plentiful_a communication_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v they_o capable_a of_o it_o be_v indeed_o impossible_a to_o assign_v the_o several_a degree_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o man_n under_o such_o qualification_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v because_o we_o know_v not_o the_o degree_n by_o which_o man_n be_v more_o or_o less_o qualify_v the_o scripture_n have_v only_o acquaint_v we_o that_o believer_n and_o good_a man_n have_v promise_n of_o special_a grace_n as_o for_o the_o particular_a degree_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a we_o shall_v know_v they_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o only_o in_o general_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v that_o be_v as_o the_o parable_n to_o which_o these_o word_n belong_v clear_o import_v great_a measure_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o who_o best_o improve_v the_o grace_n they_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a weighty_a encouragement_n to_o make_v we_o all_o careful_a to_o be_v better_o sect_n 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o speak_v direct_o to_o the_o argument_n of_o this_o chapter_n viz._n who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o by_o lay_v down_o two_o or_o three_o plain_a proposition_n which_o be_v prove_v the_o question_n will_v be_v sufficient_o and_o true_o answer_v 1._o god_n will_v give_v special_a grace_n to_o all_o those_o that_o perform_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v promise_v which_o i_o hope_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o other_o medium_n to_o prove_v it_o by_o than_o that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a and_o will_v perform_v his_o promise_n dr._n owen_n true_o observe_v that_o the_o same_o grace_n in_o nature_n and_o kind_n 182._o be_v communicate_v unto_o several_a person_n in_o various_a degree_n and_o be_v by_o they_o use_v or_o improve_v with_o more_o or_o less_o care_n and_o diligence_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o this_o special_a grace_n for_o of_o that_o he_o speak_v be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o in_o those_o degree_n according_a as_o the_o grace_n they_o have_v former_o receive_v be_v improve_v with_o more_o or_o less_o diligence_n for_o that_o be_v plain_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n now_o mention_v to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v a_o say_n so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o evangelist_n but_o as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v remember_v not_o once_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o our_o author_n throughout_o his_o great_a book_n though_o it_o be_v as_o material_a and_o necessary_a a_o passage_n for_o any_o christian_a writer_n that_o undertake_v this_o subject_n to_o guide_v himself_o by_o as_o any_o be_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n for_o what_o reason_n he_o slip_v over_o this_o text_n though_o it_o lay_v so_o plain_o before_o he_o in_o the_o bible_n he_o know_v best_o himself_o he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v it_o be_v very_o pertinent_a to_o the_o subject_n though_o it_o be_v impertinent_a to_o his_o manner_n of_o handle_v it_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o his_o design_n in_o the_o chapter_n concern_v work_n preparatory_a to_o regeneration_n where_o as_o i_o shall_v in_o due_a place_n manifest_v he_o make_v all_o the_o preparatory_a work_n that_o one_o can_v well_o think_v of_o to_o signify_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o effect_n towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v which_o beside_o that_o it_o confute_v the_o title_n of_o the_o chapter_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o to_o make_v the_o communication_n of_o that_o grace_n a_o arbitrary_a act_n that_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o consequent_o to_o destroy_v all_o the_o encouragement_n we_o have_v from_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v become_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ._n indeed_o he_o be_v now_o and_o then_o please_v to_o mince_v the_o matter_n as_o where_o he_o tell_v we_o 86._o sometime_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 co-operation_n on_o our_o part_n sometime_o and_o some_o grace_n and_o some_o preparation_n be_v uncertain_a word_n but_o i_o will_v know_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o those_o grace_n which_o he_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v bestow_v though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o much_o preparation_n on_o our_o part_n for_o that_o be_v also_o clear_o suppose_v in_o his_o word_n for_o instance_n if_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n a_o man_n believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o hearty_o desire_v to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o pray_v as_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v he_o for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n i_o will_v know_v whether_o upon_o this_o preparation_n and_o co-operation_n on_o his_o part_n god_n will_v not_o enable_v he_o so_o to_o do_v if_o our_o author_n deny_v it_o let_v he_o answer_v our_o saviour_n saying_n 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 and_o so_o upon_o the_o like_a preparation_n for_o any_o special_a grace_n that_o we_o need_v if_o he_o shall_v deny_v that_o god_n will_v bestow_v it_o i_o will_v also_o desire_v he_o to_o give_v we_o his_o thought_n upon_o that_o other_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n which_o seem_v to_o conclude_v against_o he_o in_o all_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n viz._n that_o unto_o every_o one_o which_o have_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v luke_n 19.26_o 2._o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o gospel_n give_v we_o no_o ground_n to_o expect_v any_o special_a grace_n or_o such_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v promise_v to_o qualify_a person_n if_o we_o do_v not_o perform_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o the_o promise_n depend_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v withdraw_v that_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v already_o give_v from_o those_o slothful_a person_n that_o refuse_v to_o make_v any_o good_a use_n of_o it_o indeed_o how_o long_o god_n will_v extend_v his_o patience_n towards_o they_o and_o bear_v with_o their_o obstinacy_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o and_o depend_v upon_o his_o sovereign_a pleasure_n but_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v we_o that_o from_o he_o that_o have_v i._n e._n improve_v not_o even_o that_o he_o have_v shall_v be_v take_v away_o from_o he_o so_o little_a reason_n have_v any_o such_o person_n to_o expect_v any_o new_a accession_n of_o grace_n to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v forfeit_v by_o receive_v it_o altogether_o in_o vain_a wherefore_o i_o be_o far_o from_o contradict_v those_o man_n that_o say_v the_o promise_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n belong_v not_o to_o all_o who_o have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o though_o i_o take_v my_o leave_n of_o they_o when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o promise_n be_v restrain_v to_o a_o few_o man_n who_o god_n have_v personal_o choose_v and_o by_o a_o absolute_a decree_n fore-appointed_n to_o salvation_n but_o instead_o thereof_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o restriction_n of_o these_o promise_n to_o certain_a person_n be_v measure_v only_o by_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v i._n e._n that_o they_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o by_o who_o these_o condition_n be_v perform_v my_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o there_o be_v not_o one_o promise_n in_o the_o whole_a covenant_n that_o be_v make_v absolute_o to_o this_o or_o that_o man_n person_n but_o they_o be_v all_o make_v with_o respect_n to_o man_n qualification_n now_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n by_o which_o we_o can_v know_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n council_n and_o decree_n concern_v our_o salvation_n wherefore_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a than_o the_o reason_n why_o every_o man_n can_v claim_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o be_v not_o because_o this_o man_n person_n be_v absolute_o exclude_v and_o that_o man_n benefit_n absolute_o intend_v by_o they_o but_o because_o some_o be_v qualify_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v the_o promise_n and_o other_o be_v not_o thus_o i_o can_v but_o subscribe_v to_o the_o title_n of_o our_o author_n three_o chapter_n in_o his_o four_o book_n viz._n that_o believer_n be_v
the_o only_a object_n of_o sanctification_n and_o subject_n of_o gospel-holiness_n for_o this_o one_o will_v think_v to_o be_v his_o meaning_n that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v a_o believer_n before_o he_o can_v be_v a_o holy_a person_n since_o believe_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o obtain_v that_o grace_n by_o which_o we_o may_v obey_v it_o for_o i_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v understand_v by_o gospel-holiness_n but_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o this_o be_v not_o that_o which_o he_o intend_v for_o if_o you_o examine_v the_o chapter_n itself_o you_o will_v find_v that_o by_o believer_n he_o mean_v regenerate_v person_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o 358._o that_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v promise_v and_o receive_v as_o a_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n unto_o and_o by_o the_o regenerate_v that_o be_v unto_o believer_n and_o only_o unto_o they_o and_o withal_o that_o the_o qualification_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v not_o previous_o necessary_a to_o regeneration_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v true_a if_o to_o be_v regenerate_v be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o regeneration_n or_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v previous_o require_v to_o sanctification_n which_o he_o confess_v to_o have_v some_o difficulty_n and_o so_o do_v i_o think_v too_o since_o no_o man_n can_v be_v regenerate_v who_o be_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n a_o sanctify_a or_o a_o holy_a person_n but_o he_o remove_v the_o difficulty_n by_o answer_v thus_o the_o same_o spirit_n first_o work_v faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o we_o and_o then_o preserve_v it_o when_o it_o be_v wrought_v so_o that_o his_o meaning_n be_v this_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v not_o condition_n pre-required_n to_o faith_n and_o obedience_n but_o where_o they_o be_v preserve_v it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v be_v before_o this_o you_o will_v say_v be_v plain_a enough_o but_o the_o doctor_n be_v not_o content_a to_o let_v it_o go_v so_o wherefore_o to_o clear_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o as_o he_o say_v we_o may_v observe_v that_o sanctification_n may_v be_v consider_v 1._o as_o to_o the_o essential_a work_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o holiness_n communicate_v to_o we_o in_o our_o regeneration_n 2._o as_o to_o those_o renew_a actual_a operation_n whereby_o it_o be_v carry_v on_o and_o then_o faith_n also_o may_v be_v consider_v 1._o as_o to_o its_o original_a communication_n infusion_n etc._n etc._n into_o the_o soul_n or_o as_o to_o the_o seed_n principle_n and_o habit_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v wrought_v as_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v in_o regeneration_n 2._o as_o to_o its_o act_n in_o we_o or_o as_o unto_o actual_a believe_v or_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a obedience_n now_o say_v he_o sanctification_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n respect_v faith_n also_o in_o the_o first_o i_o e._n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o seed_n principle_n etc._n etc._n of_o faith_n belong_v unto_o the_o sanctify_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o so_o believer_n only_o be_v sanctify_v and_o in_o the_o latter_a sense_n it_o respect_v faith_n in_o the_o latter_a also_o that_o be_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o sanctification_n be_v accompany_v with_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o faith_n i._n e._n the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v pre-required_n to_o a_o progress_n in_o sanctification_n and_o thus_o faith_n be_v both_o way_n a_o necessary_a qualification_n in_o and_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o author_n call_v clear_v but_o be_v in_o my_o mind_n confound_v what_o be_v clear_a enough_o before_o viz._n that_o where_o faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v preserve_v they_o must_v be_v before_o and_o that_o the_o sanctify_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n consist_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v all_o that_o he_o mean_v only_o he_o have_v dress_v it_o up_o with_o formal_a distinction_n and_o solemn_a phrase_n as_o man_n use_v to_o do_v that_o will_v seem_v to_o say_v something_o when_o in_o effect_n they_o say_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o all_o this_o while_n i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o difficulty_n remove_v how_o that_o which_o he_o make_v to_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o be_v at_o all_o sanctify_a shall_v not_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o regeneration_n since_o i_o can_v understand_v how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v regenerate_v without_o some_o measure_n of_o sanctification_n but_o the_o worst_a of_o it_o be_v that_o the_o difficulty_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v remove_v if_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n that_o namely_o which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n as_o i_o say_v they_o be_v and_o for_o the_o proof_n thereof_o i_o refer_v the_o doctor_n to_o the_o chapter_n of_o regeneration_n now_o after_o all_o our_o author_n design_n in_o distinguish_v thus_o artificial_o between_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v this_o that_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o grant_v there_o be_v some_o qualification_n require_v to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o sanctify_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v without_o face_v down_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o all_o the_o while_o he_o grant_v no_o such_o thing_n except_v only_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v take_v care_n to_o keep_v those_o in_o a_o sanctify_a state_n who_o be_v sanctify_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n who_o be_v regenerate_v already_o for_o to_o regeneration_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o he_o make_v no_o qualification_n on_o our_o part_n necessary_a at_o all_o and_o that_o i_o do_v not_o wrong_v he_o by_o say_v so_o will_v appear_v from_o his_o own_o word_n he_o say_v 357._o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o four_o head_n the_o three_o first_o of_o which_o be_v regeneration_n sanctification_n and_o consolation_n and_o this_o he_o say_v be_v the_o plain_a order_n and_o method_n of_o these_o thing_n 1._o he_o be_v promise_v and_o receive_v as_o to_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n unto_o the_o elect_a 2._o as_o to_o the_o work_n of_o sanctification_n unto_o the_o regenerate_v 3._o as_o to_o the_o work_n of_o consolation_n unto_o the_o sanctify_a this_o be_v the_o scheme_n of_o those_o qualification_n which_o he_o suppose_v be_v previous_o require_v to_o the_o respective_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o make_v no_o other_o qualification_n necessary_a to_o the_o regenerate_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o election_n which_o according_a to_o he_o signify_v a_o absolute_a decree_n of_o god_n that_o some_o certain_a person_n shall_v be_v glorify_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o person_n thus_o absolute_o choose_v i_o confess_v they_o need_v no_o other_o qualification_n for_o the_o regenerate_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o now_o as_o the_o doctor_n very_o well_o observe_v 361._o this_o election_n be_v no_o qualification_n on_o our_o part_n but_o only_o the_o secret_a purpose_n on_o the_o part_n of_o god_n what_o himself_o will_v do_v from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o if_o election_n be_v the_o only_a qualification_n previous_o require_v to_o regeneration_n than_o no_o qualification_n on_o our_o part_n be_v necessary_a thereunto_o and_o further_o that_o if_o his_o elect_n only_o shall_v be_v regenerate_v than_o no_o such_o qualification_n can_v be_v profitable_a to_o any_o one_o else_o nor_o can_v it_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o the_o regenerate_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n last_o if_o both_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a then_o beside_o many_o other_o evil_a consequence_n fundamental_o repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n it_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n can_v never_o afford_v we_o a_o good_a reason_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o order_n to_o our_o regeneration_n which_o inconvenience_n of_o confine_a election_n to_o eternal_a life_n first_o of_o all_o and_o then_o the_o promise_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n to_o a_o few_o certain_a person_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o what_o they_o be_v one_o need_v not_o the_o doctor_n be_v ability_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o though_o i_o find_v it_o require_v great_a than_o his_o own_o to_o remove_v it_o unless_o a_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o remove_v a_o objection_n by_o dissemble_v the_o force_n of_o it_o instead_o of_o answer_v it_o for_o the_o doctor_n propose_v it_o thus_o may_v a_o person_n say_v he_o who_o be_v yet_o unregenerate_a pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n 361._o to_o effect_v that_o work_n in_o he_o may_v he_o
do_v so_o yes_o without_o question_n he_o may_v and_o if_o he_o please_v he_o may_v let_v it_o alone_o too_o our_o author_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n be_v promise_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o then_o fall_v upon_o that_o point_n of_o pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o may_v give_v direction_n in_o some_o inquiry_n which_o indeed_o deserve_v a_o large_a discussion_n if_o his_o present_a design_n will_v admit_v of_o it_o but_o he_o will_v instance_n only_o in_o one_o i_o e._n may_v a_o person_n who_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o know_v not_o his_o election_n etc._n etc._n but_o now_o there_o be_v another_o enquiry_n that_o deserve_v a_o large_a discussion_n than_o this_o viz._n whether_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n can_v avail_v any_o thing_n towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n whether_o he_o know_v his_o election_n or_o whether_o he_o know_v it_o not_o but_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n why_o this_o enquiry_n be_v not_o to_o be_v meddle_v withal_o namely_o because_o our_o author_n be_v present_a design_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o serve_v a_o hypothesis_n that_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o enquiry_n that_o he_o be_v well_o enough_o aware_a of_o it_o we_o may_v see_v by_o the_o last_o answer_n he_o bring_v to_o that_o one_o gentle_a question_n he_o take_v in_o hand_n may_v a_o unregenerate_a man_n pray_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n doubtless_o he_o may_v for_o person_n say_v he_o under_o such_o conviction_n as_o put_v they_o upon_o pray_v for_o regeneration_n have_v real_o sometime_o the_o seed_n of_o regeneration_n communicate_v unto_o they_o and_o then_o as_o they_o ought_v so_o they_o will_v continue_v in_o their_o supplication_n for_o the_o increase_n and_o manifestation_n of_o it_o now_o if_o the_o doctor_n have_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o meaning_n he_o may_v have_v express_v it_o plain_o and_o undisguise_o in_o this_o manner_n all_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o pray_v for_o regeneration_n for_o some_o i._n e._n the_o elect_n happen_v to_o be_v regenerate_v while_o they_o keep_v on_o pray_v and_o then_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o pray_v on_o still_o that_o they_o may_v know_v it_o this_o be_v the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o his_o final_a answer_n and_o it_o come_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n will_v do_v they_o no_o hurt_n but_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v see_v he_o have_v not_o yet_o satisfy_v we_o that_o they_o will_v do_v they_o any_o good_a which_o i_o shall_v have_v thank_v he_o to_o have_v show_v i_o according_a to_o his_o principle_n if_o his_o present_a design_n will_v have_v admit_v it_o but_o what_o if_o the_o scripture_n teach_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n be_v make_v only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v absolute_o elect_v to_o glory_n i_o answer_v if_o that_o can_v once_o be_v show_v i_o have_v do_v or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v but_o probable_a by_o the_o scripture_n i_o shall_v begin_v to_o suspect_v all_o my_o reason_n against_o it_o to_o be_v as_o carnal_a as_o the_o doctor_n can_v believe_v it_o for_o i_o hearty_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o all_o my_o reason_n shall_v submit_v to_o this_o one_o proposition_n whatever_o god_n have_v say_v that_o be_v true_a now_o the_o doctor_n have_v repeat_v the_o first_o proposition_n of_o the_o forementioned_a scheme_n viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n be_v promise_v only_o unto_o the_o elect_n 358._o tell_v we_o that_o the_o promise_n concern_v the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o this_o end_n have_v be_v before_o explain_v and_o vindicate_v these_o word_n i_o confess_v surprise_v i_o for_o they_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v elsewhere_o produce_v some_o promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n inconditional_o make_v to_o some_o certain_a person_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v regenerate_v or_o at_o least_o some_o text_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n be_v mean_v only_o to_o some_o man_n who_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n have_v absolute_o choose_v to_o glory_n now_o one_o will_v have_v think_v there_o have_v be_v a_o former_a chapter_n with_o this_o title_n the_o elect_n be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n however_o i_o have_v look_v backward_o and_o forward_o to_o find_v where_o he_o have_v explain_v and_o vindicate_v these_o promise_n he_o speak_v of_o but_o after_o a_o long_a search_n i_o be_v satisfy_v that_o my_o memory_n have_v not_o fail_v i_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o that_o i_o look_v for_o what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o three_o book_n 172._o where_o he_o dogmatical_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o god_n elect_n be_v the_o matter_n design_v of_o god_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o without_o offer_v one_o syllable_n of_o proof_n to_o make_v it_o good_a now_o to_o flip_v over_o the_o great_a difficulty_n when_o one_o come_v at_o it_o by_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v satisfy_v elsewhere_o without_o refer_v to_o the_o particular_a place_n be_v the_o artifice_n either_o of_o a_o bad_a writer_n or_o one_o that_o serve_v a_o bad_a cause_n and_o a_o man_n may_v fair_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n that_o write_v so_o large_o as_o the_o doctor_n do_v for_o it_o be_v hard_a if_o some_o of_o his_o reader_n be_v not_o so_o courteous_a as_o to_o distrust_v their_o own_o memory_n after_o they_o have_v go_v above_o half_a way_n through_o so_o great_a a_o book_n as_o he_o rather_o than_o to_o question_v his_o honesty_n but_o for_o his_o sake_n i_o shall_v be_v very_o sure_a of_o a_o author_n before_o i_o trust_v general_a reference_n again_o now_o till_o i_o see_v those_o promise_n produce_v that_o i_o have_v look_v for_o in_o vain_a viz._n that_o god_n will_v regenerate_v these_o elect_n i_o shall_v not_o only_o conclude_v that_o god_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o also_o that_o without_o these_o qualification_n we_o have_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o expect_v that_o special_a grace_n which_o be_v proper_a for_o that_o end_n that_o be_v to_o make_v we_o regenerate_v or_o holy_a person_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o god_n have_v absolute_o decree_v to_o save_v and_o who_o therefore_o he_o will_v take_v care_n to_o regenerate_a that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o doctor_n be_v notion_n of_o election_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o his_o scheme_n here_o in_o this_o place_n and_o from_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o his_o five_o book_n though_o he_o have_v disguise_v it_o there_o with_o many_o intricate_a say_n as_o his_o manner_n be_v i_o answer_v without_o assume_v the_o boldness_n to_o pronounce_v concern_v god_n secret_a decree_n that_o it_o be_v a_o monstrous_a vanity_n for_o any_o man_n that_o may_v become_v a_o regenerate_a person_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n by_o a_o method_n determine_v by_o that_o will_n of_o god_n which_o he_o know_v to_o trust_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v regenerate_v and_o save_v by_o force_n of_o a_o suppose_a will_n in_o god_n which_o he_o know_v not_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v tell_v we_o there_o be_v some_o person_n absolute_o elect_v to_o glory_n hereafter_o it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n to_o neglect_v the_o care_n of_o become_v a_o regenerate_a person_n trust_v to_o his_o particular_a election_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o regeneration_n unless_o withal_o the_o bible_n have_v give_v we_o the_o name_n of_o these_o special_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n and_o he_o have_v find_v his_o own_o among_o they_o but_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v mention_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o it_o be_v little_o better_a than_o madness_n to_o venture_v our_o regeneration_n upon_o so_o great_a a_o uncertainty_n and_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v may_v be_v gather_v from_o dr._n owen_n where_o he_o say_v the_o expectation_n and_o hope_n of_o any_o man_n for_o life_n 521._o and_o immortality_n and_o glory_n without_o previous_a holiness_n can_v be_v build_v on_o no_o other_o foundation_n but_o this_o that_o god_n will_v rescind_v his_o eternal_a decree_n and_o change_v his_o purpose_n that_o be_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n mere_o to_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o who_o know_v not_o what_o will_v be_v the_o end_n of_o such_o a_o curse_a
other_o part_n of_o it_o look_v backward_o to_o keep_v off_o the_o first_o and_o at_o this_o rate_n a_o child_n may_v confute_v all_o the_o argument_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n have_v thus_o discover_v our_o author_n fallacious_a way_n of_o proceed_v upon_o this_o head_n and_o his_o art_n in_o decline_v the_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o so_o bold_o affirm_v concern_v personal_a election_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n be_v make_v to_o his_o elect_n it_o may_v not_o now_o be_v unnecessary_a to_o put_v the_o reader_n in_o mind_n that_o i_o have_v not_o be_v wander_v all_o this_o while_n from_o the_o design_n of_o this_o section_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v god_n special_a grace_n such_o as_o that_o be_v whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o be_v not_o on_o our_o part_n qualify_v to_o receive_v it_o now_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o this_o can_v be_v admit_v for_o a_o certain_a truth_n on_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v any_o absolute_a promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n make_v to_o some_o particular_a man_n that_o god_n will_v regenerate_v they_o or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a person_n who_o without_o consideration_n of_o any_o quality_n in_o they_o god_n decree_v to_o save_v but_o if_o these_o be_v groundless_a supposition_n themselves_o i_o understand_v not_o which_o way_n any_o man_n shall_v think_v to_o obtain_v the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n but_o by_o perform_v the_o condition_n on_o which_o it_o be_v promise_v and_o then_o i_o say_v with_o dr._n owen_n that_o believer_n be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o sanctification_n and_o subject_n of_o gospel-holiness_n not_o mean_v by_o believer_n as_o he_o do_v holy_a person_n though_o the_o word_n be_v and_o may_v be_v so_o use_v but_o those_o mere_o that_o be_v persuade_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ._n i_o only_o add_v that_o these_o believer_n must_v visible_o own_v themselves_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o must_v use_v earnest_a prayer_n for_o that_o divine_a grace_n which_o will_v enable_v they_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n upon_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n for_o both_o these_o condition_n be_v suppose_v in_o that_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n make_v to_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o luke_n 11.13_o wherefore_o if_o believer_n themselves_o do_v not_o perform_v these_o condition_n they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o special_a grace_n which_o be_v there_o promise_v final_o since_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v promise_v to_o dwell_v in_o good_a man_n only_o if_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o improve_v that_o grace_n which_o they_o obtain_v by_o their_o prayer_n to_o actual_a amendment_n and_o a_o sincere_a obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a presumption_n in_o they_o to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v communicate_v those_o full_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v thus_o unreformed_a which_o be_v signify_v by_o his_o dwell_n in_o we_o sect_n 3._o have_v thus_o show_v you_o who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o special_a grace_n i_o proceed_v to_o a_o three_o conclusion_n which_o be_v prove_v nothing_o else_o seem_v necessary_a for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o this_o question_n to_o who_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v wherefore_o i_o add_v 3._o that_o common_a grace_n or_o that_o which_o be_v not_o suspend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o condition_n require_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v give_v to_o all_o those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n my_o meaning_n be_v they_o be_v all_o prevent_v with_o that_o grace_n which_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o begin_v well_o i._n e._n to_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n way_n with_o a_o purpose_n of_o walk_v in_o they_o when_o they_o be_v know_v and_o then_o to_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o use_n of_o those_o external_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v this_o grace_n always_o bestow_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o some_o of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v speak_v may_v put_v it_o away_o from_o themselves_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v and_o be_v at_o length_n forsake_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o leave_v under_o a_o obstinate_a and_o unteachable_a mind_n as_o they_o be_v much_o less_o shall_v i_o venture_v to_o say_v how_o long_o the_o divine_a spirit_n move_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o make_v they_o teachable_a and_o willing_a to_o learn_v the_o truth_n before_o he_o give_v they_o over_o for_o god_n have_v reserve_v this_o matter_n to_o his_o own_o sovereign_a pleasure_n and_o therefore_o we_o neither_o aught_o to_o set_v limit_n to_o his_o patience_n nor_o to_o presume_v upon_o the_o length_n of_o it_o but_o all_o i_o say_v be_v this_o that_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o prevent_v our_o first_o good_a inclination_n and_o desire_n and_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o learn_v the_o truth_n be_v give_v to_o as_o many_o as_o have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o so_o that_o until_o by_o their_o obstinacy_n they_o have_v utter_o forfeit_v the_o divine_a grace_n and_o blessing_n it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o lay_v aside_o prejudice_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n out_o of_o many_o argument_n which_o the_o scripture_n afford_v to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v choose_v but_o one_o have_v already_o draw_v out_o this_o part_n into_o a_o great_a length_n than_o i_o expect_v but_o that_o conclude_v strong_o enough_o to_o spare_v i_o the_o labour_n of_o produce_v any_o more_o the_o argument_n i_o mean_v be_v found_v upon_o those_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o those_o to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v make_v know_v be_v threaten_v with_o eternal_a damnation_n if_o they_o believe_v it_o not_o and_o with_o more_o grievous_a punishment_n than_o have_v be_v inflict_v on_o they_o if_o the_o gospel_n have_v never_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o thus_o say_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o apostle_n go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_v 16.15_o 16._o if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v not_o but_o reject_v i_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o in_o the_o last_o day_n john_n 12.47_o 48._o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n john_n 3.18_o further_o the_o severity_n of_o that_o punishment_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o who_o believe_v not_o be_v intimate_v plain_o in_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o fault_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v accuse_v of_o this_o particular_a sin_n of_o not_o believe_v in_o i_o and_o that_o will_v have_v mitigate_v their_o other_o fault_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v every_o way_n inexcusable_a and_o therefore_o the_o more_o punishable_a john_n 15.22_o but_o it_o be_v full_o express_v in_o matth._n 11.20_o where_o we_o find_v our_o saviour_n upbraid_v the_o city_n that_o reject_v he_o and_o declare_v it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n and_o sodom_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o they_o vers_n 22_o 23._o these_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v premise_v i_o argue_v thus_o if_o all_o that_o prevent_a grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v be_v not_o sometime_o give_v to_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n than_o it_o will_v be_v always_o impossible_a for_o some_o that_o hear_v to_o believe_v and_o that_o without_o their_o fault_n but_o it_o be_v not_o always_o thus_o impossible_a for_o any_o therefore_o such_o grace_n be_v sometime_o give_v to_o all_o the_o former_a proposition_n be_v evident_a for_o as_o long_o as_o i_o want_v that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n so_o long_o be_v that_o thing_n impossible_a to_o i_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o my_o fault_n that_o i_o want_v the_o former_a neither_o be_v the_o impossibility_n imputable_a to_o i_o as_o a_o fault_n final_o it_o be_v not_o my_o fault_n that_o i_o want_v it_o if_o i_o can_v never_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o procure_v it_o and_o it_o be_v
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 contradict_v his_o opinion_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v irresistible_o produce_v the_o effect_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o this_o you_o will_v less_o wonder_v at_o when_o you_o consider_v that_o he_o make_v nothing_o to_o compare_v those_o that_o oppose_v his_o opinion_n to_o cain_n and_o ishmael_n for_o he_o say_v 287._o the_o enmity_n of_o cain_n against_o abel_n be_v but_o a_o branch_n of_o this_o proud_a inclination_n the_o instance_n of_o ishmael_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o representative_a of_o all_o such_o as_o under_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v scoff_n at_o those_o who_o be_v as_o isaac_n child_n of_o the_o promise_n do_v profess_v and_o evidence_n a_o interest_n in_o the_o internal_a power_n of_o it_o which_o they_o be_v
unquaint_v withal_o and_o by_o this_o he_o show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o despise_v his_o opinion_n concern_v grace_n have_v not_o be_v take_v up_o of_o late_a now_o i_o will_v not_o say_v how_o old_a the_o practice_n have_v be_v of_o make_v every_o quarrel_n a_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o equal_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o godly_a man_n who_o suffering_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o it_o be_v at_o lest_o as_o old_a as_o that_o faction_n which_o our_o author_n have_v espouse_v and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o one_o branch_n of_o a_o proud_a inclination_n let_v sober_a man_n judge_v it_o have_v be_v often_o observe_v of_o these_o man_n how_o dear_a they_o and_o their_o opinion_n be_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o doctor_n have_v here_o give_v you_o a_o good_a ordinary_a instance_n of_o it_o for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v bewitch_v with_o self-conceit_n he_o have_v never_o make_v this_o absurd_a parallel_n for_o what_o have_v abel_n or_o isaac_n to_o do_v with_o his_o cause_n if_o he_o have_v only_o call_v we_o the_o seed_n of_o cain_n and_o ishmael_n without_o say_v why_o who_o will_v have_v think_v the_o reason_n have_v be_v our_o question_n whether_o man_n be_v snatch_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v his_o great_a quarrel_n against_o we_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o conversion_n which_o here_o he_o pretend_v to_o explain_v i_o know_v he_o do_v more_o than_o insinuate_v and_o that_o more_o than_o once_o that_o we_o disow_v the_o very_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o i_o shall_v convince_v you_o in_o a_o fit_a place_n but_o this_o you_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o his_o rage_n which_o make_v he_o foam_v out_o calumny_n against_o we_o without_o any_o discretion_n for_o he_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o his_o adversary_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o too_o from_o his_o own_o word_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n be_v not_o the_o representative_a of_o such_o shameless_a writer_n as_o he_o be_v a_o example_n of_o as_o to_o what_o he_o say_v 287._o that_o such_o a_o work_n of_o god_n upon_o man_n as_o he_o contend_v for_o be_v expose_v to_o derision_n if_o upon_o that_o account_n he_o compare_v his_o adversary_n to_o scoff_a ishmael_n i_o think_v he_o do_v they_o great_a wrong_n for_o let_v he_o if_o he_o can_v name_v any_o of_o his_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n who_o have_v debate_v the_o point_n with_o any_o appearance_n of_o modesty_n and_o sobriety_n and_o be_v answer_v with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o contempt_n but_o as_o for_o those_o of_o who_o dr._n owen_n be_v one_o that_o instead_o of_o answer_v the_o argument_n of_o their_o adversary_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o do_v themselves_o fall_v upon_o they_o with_o the_o foul_a reproach_n as_o upon_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v sometime_o good_a to_o take_v down_o their_o haughty_a spirit_n and_o to_o render_v their_o arrogance_n contemptible_a lest_o other_o be_v encourage_v to_o hope_v that_o any_o cause_n may_v be_v carry_v by_o vapour_a in_o my_o opinion_n it_o be_v a_o difficult_a undertake_n to_o define_v in_o particular_a what_o be_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n because_o i_o think_v the_o scripture_n have_v not_o particular_o acquaint_v we_o what_o it_o be_v let_v other_o who_o have_v better_o consider_v the_o thing_n enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o think_v otherwise_o and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o shall_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n submit_v to_o further_a instruction_n but_o as_o for_o dr._n owen_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o favour_v his_o determination_n of_o the_o question_n which_o i_o shall_v the_o rather_o endeavour_v because_o i_o conceive_v this_o opinion_n that_o the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n especial_o as_o he_o have_v advance_v it_o to_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o proposition_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o will_v i_o think_v be_v easy_o grant_v by_o all_o sober_a christian_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v in_o general_n conclude_v what_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o power_n not_o that_o i_o think_v even_o this_o be_v needful_a if_o our_o author_n and_o those_o of_o his_o way_n have_v not_o fall_v into_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n by_o venture_v too_o far_o for_o that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o say_v seem_v to_o i_o to_o afford_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o godliness_n and_o comfort_n if_o all_o be_v not_o subvert_v again_o by_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o we_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n now_o i_o think_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o those_o general_a proposition_n wherein_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n on_o our_o mind_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o particular_a definition_n of_o it_o and_o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v this_o that_o 1._o faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o conversion_n to_o god_n together_o with_o perseverance_n in_o holiness_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o such_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o produce_v these_o qualification_n in_o our_o mind_n that_o it_o hinder_v they_o not_o from_o be_v the_o genuine_a effect_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o ought_v still_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o whereby_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n of_o work_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mind●_n of_o man_n now_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o produce_v these_o effect_n consist_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n in_o the_o authority_n and_o excellency_n of_o its_o law_n and_o in_o the_o weightiness_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o other_o motive_n to_o obedience_n wherefore_o if_o conversion_n be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o god_n word_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v 1._o only_o cooperate_v to_o the_o produce_v of_o that_o effect_n and_o 2._o in_o that_o manner_n as_o it_o may_v true_o be_v affirm_v to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o those_o consideration_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o supposition_n be_v manifest_a from_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n as_o for_o faith_n st._n paul_n plain_o tell_v we_o it_o come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10.17_o thus_o upon_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o unbeliever_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v mighty_o and_o prevail_v act_v 19.20_o i_o e._n the_o testimony_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n convince_v many_o that_o be_v in_o all_o appearance_n most_o likely_a to_o oppose_v it_o hence_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o have_v beget_v they_o through_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v first_o bring_v they_o over_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n furthermore_o our_o obedience_n be_v by_o st._n peter_n ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n where_o he_o say_v that_o we_o have_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n give_v to_o we_o that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o work_v effectual_o in_o those_o that_o believe_v 1_o thess._n 2.13_o i_o e._n by_o the_o force_n of_o those_o promise_n mention_v by_o st._n peter_n and_o other_o weighty_a consideration_n move_v to_o holiness_n final_o our_o regeneration_n be_v express_o ascribe_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o 1_o pet._n 1.23_o and_o our_o spiritual_a improvement_n be_v attribute_v not_o long_o after_o to_o the_o same_o cause_n as_o newborn_a babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o thus_o the_o increase_n of_o
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
purge_v thou_o shall_v not_o be_v purge_v from_o thy_o filthiness_n any_o more_o i._n e._n god_n will_v afford_v they_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o conversion_n no_o long_o because_o they_o have_v already_o obstruct_v the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o so_o long_o together_o and_o then_o by_o his_o purge_n jerusalem_n it_o be_v plain_a nothing_o can_v be_v mean_v but_o his_o do_v all_o that_o be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n and_o which_o will_v certain_o have_v accomplish_v it_o have_v they_o comply_v as_o they_o may_v with_o his_o gracious_a method_n thus_o also_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n who_o be_v not_o actual_o lead_v by_o it_o be_v such_o as_o after_o their_o hardness_n and_o impenitent_a heart_n treasure_n up_o wrath_n unto_o themselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n rom._n 2.4_o 5._o the_o meaning_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o the_o forbearance_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v a_o most_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o bring_v those_o to_o repentance_n who_o do_v not_o only_o neglect_v what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o it_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v ascribe_v unto_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o what_o he_o do_v towards_o the_o conversion_n of_o those_o sinner_n that_o continue_v in_o impenitence_n by_o say_v that_o he_o have_v convert_v and_o heal_v they_o even_o while_o they_o be_v yet_o in_o their_o sin_n hereby_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o through_o any_o defect_n of_o grace_n on_o his_o part_n but_o only_o through_o their_o own_o fail_v to_o excite_v such_o endeavour_n as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v that_o they_o be_v not_o actual_o reform_v now_o in_o like_a manner_n and_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a stile_n of_o the_o scripture_n god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o work_n even_o in_o those_o man_n to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v who_o be_v still_o unwilling_a and_o disobedient_a and_o therefore_o that_o phrase_n do_v not_o necessary_o import_v that_o god_n do_v more_o than_o excite_v and_o stir_v up_o our_o will_n by_o his_o grace_n or_o that_o he_o do_v not_o leave_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o obstruct_v the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o operation_n for_o we_o see_v the_o scripture_n suppose_v god_n administer_a of_o those_o gracious_a help_n which_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o true_a convert_v to_o be_v ground_n enough_o for_o say_v that_o he_o have_v convert_v we_o wherefore_o if_o the_o word_n themselves_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o meaning_n if_o the_o scope_n also_o and_o design_n of_o the_o place_n do_v necessary_o require_v such_o a_o meaning_n i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v require_v more_o to_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o viz._n that_o god_n work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v in_o that_o manner_n that_o if_o our_o own_o care_n and_o diligence_n be_v want_v we_o may_v neither_o will_v nor_o do_v but_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o perish_v everlasting_o further_o whereas_o god_n be_v say_v to_o give_v repentance_n and_o a_o new_a heart_n it_o be_v from_o hence_o plain_a that_o the_o meaning_n of_o such_o place_n be_v not_o this_o that_o he_o do_v all_o himself_n and_o leave_v nothing_o for_o we_o to_o do_v that_o we_o may_v be_v convert_v because_o he_o command_v we_o often_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v yet_o say_v to_o do_v for_o we_o thus_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o ezek._n 36.26_o a_o new_a heart_n also_o will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o and_o cause_n you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n which_o word_n consider_v by_o themselves_o run_v as_o if_o god_n have_v absolute_o undertake_v to_o do_v this_o for_o his_o people_n and_o they_o need_v not_o now_o to_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o do_v any_o thing_n towards_o it_o so_o by_o the_o same_o prophet_n god_n require_v they_o to_o cast_v away_o from_o they_o all_o their_o transgression_n to_o make_v themselves_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n for_o say_v he_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n ezek._n 18.31_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o notwithstanding_o god_n promise_n of_o give_v they_o a_o new_a heart_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o renew_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o what_o can_v this_o signify_v but_o that_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o suppose_v the_o concurrence_n of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v give_v to_o encourage_v they_o but_o not_o to_o make_v they_o needless_a and_o this_o will_v be_v more_o evident_a to_o you_o if_o you_o consider_v that_o what_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o do_v in_o this_o kind_n for_o his_o people_n be_v not_o do_v for_o some_o of_o they_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o ezek._n 11.19_o 20_o 21._o i_o will_v put_v a_o new_a spirit_n into_o they_o and_o i_o will_v take_v the_o stony_a heart_n out_o of_o their_o flesh_n and_o will_v give_v they_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v in_o my_o statute_n etc._n etc._n but_o as_o for_o they_o who_o heart_n walk_v after_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o detestable_a thing_n and_o their_o abomination_n i_o will_v recompense_v their_o way_n upon_o their_o own_o head_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n from_o whence_o the_o needfulness_n of_o their_o own_o care_n to_o walk_v in_o god_n statute_n be_v most_o evident_a for_o if_o no_o such_o condition_n have_v be_v imply_v in_o the_o promise_n none_o of_o they_o can_v have_v walk_v after_o their_o abomination_n final_o since_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o only_o promise_v to_o work_v in_o we_o all_o needful_a qualification_n for_o eternal_a life_n but_o we_o be_v also_o command_v exhort_v entreat_v and_o that_o most_o serious_o affectionate_o and_o frequent_o to_o repent_v and_o be_v convert_v and_o to_o persevere_v in_o holiness_n and_o all_o this_o with_o promise_n of_o a_o eternal_a reward_n if_o we_o do_v and_o with_o threaten_n of_o everlasting_a punishment_n if_o we_o do_v not_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o promise_v to_o work_v his_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v our_o own_o endeavour_n unnecessary_a to_o the_o attainment_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v all_o those_o command_n and_o exhortation_n of_o god_n word_n a_o solemn_a piece_n of_o pageantry_n and_o to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v require_v we_o under_o the_o great_a penalty_n and_o with_o the_o most_o allure_a promise_n to_o obtain_v those_o qualification_n which_o will_v be_v thrust_v upon_o we_o though_o we_o do_v nothing_o to_o obtain_v they_o wherefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v no_o otherwise_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o to_o leave_v they_o under_o as_o great_a a_o obligation_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o proper_a mean_n for_o their_o recovery_n and_o perseverance_n as_o if_o they_o have_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o any_o such_o divine_a operation_n but_o be_v leave_v if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o do_v all_o themselves_o sect_n 4._o 4._o it_o may_v be_v add_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v suit_v or_o proportion_v to_o their_o present_a spiritual_a state_n he_o do_v not_o produce_v those_o effect_n in_o we_o all_o at_o once_o which_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v to_o divine_a grace_n but_o in_o such_o a_o order_n and_o by_o those_o degree_n that_o suit_n with_o our_o capacity_n and_o qualification_n this_o be_v partly_o evident_a 1._o from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v concern_v the_o communication_n of_o special_a grace_n the_o promise_n whereof_o be_v make_v only_o to_o believer_n and_o good_a man_n the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o form_v his_o other_o grace_n in_o we_o till_o he_o have_v wrought_v a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o our_o soul_n nor_o do_v he_o dwell_v in_o they_o till_o they_o be_v purge_v from_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o world_n and_o since_o there_o be_v various_a degree_n of_o holiness_n according_a to_o which_o good_a man_n differ_v from_o each_o other_o since_o also_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o to_o he_o that_o have_v more_o shall_v be_v give_v we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o make_v in_o equal_a measure_n to_o all_o good_a man_n neither_o but_o according_a as_o their_o mind_n be_v more_o or_o less_o raise_v towards_o the_o heavenly_a state_n and_o that_o the_o more_o perfect_a christian_a enjoy_v a_o more_o plentiful_a influence_n of_o grace_n from_o above_o and_o be_v
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
but_o according_a to_o a_o candid_a construction_n very_o true_a but_o this_o i_o think_v may_v at_o least_o be_v infer_v from_o they_o that_o without_o revelation_n we_o can_v not_o have_v know_v that_o the_o spirit_n operate_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o regeneration_n and_o consequent_o that_o his_o operation_n be_v imperceptible_a by_o we_o now_o for_o if_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n move_v we_o we_o may_v argue_v from_o our_o own_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o from_o revelation_n that_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o we_o wherefore_o the_o best_a rule_n we_o can_v have_v to_o know_v when_o we_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n must_v be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o his_o operation_n when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o incline_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a when_o we_o be_v bend_v upon_o the_o do_n of_o god_n will_n when_o we_o perform_v our_o duty_n and_o govern_v our_o action_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o we_o be_v act_v by_o a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o have_v occasion_n give_v we_o of_o humble_a and_o thankful_a praise_n but_o if_o we_o forsake_v the_o steady_a rule_n of_o our_o duty_n write_v upon_o our_o heart_n in_o our_o creation_n or_o in_o the_o bible_n by_o the_o inspire_a messenger_n of_o god_n and_o take_v every_o violent_a impulse_n that_o we_o feel_v within_o we_o for_o a_o suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n we_o may_v easy_o mistake_v a_o brutish_a inclination_n or_o a_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o divine_a direction_n since_o no_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v act_v with_o a_o more_o sensible_a and_o impetuous_a zeal_n than_o they_o that_o be_v strong_o lead_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o corrupt_a affection_n therefore_o unless_o we_o will_v expose_v ourselves_o to_o fanatical_a and_o diabolical_a delusion_n we_o must_v keep_v close_o to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o try_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o impulse_n and_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o they_o we_o must_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o spirit_n incit_v we_o to_o such_o a_o action_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o themselves_o imperceptible_a but_o we_o must_v first_o see_v what_o the_o scripture_n will_v have_v we_o do_v and_o then_o if_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v move_v we_o to_o it_o for_o the_o spirit_n incline_v we_o only_o to_o what_o be_v good_a and_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o steady_a and_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o that_o these_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o evident_a truth_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v hardly_o say_v too_o much_o to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o they_o since_o we_o can_v remember_v what_o infinite_a dishonour_n have_v be_v do_v to_o god_n in_o the_o late_a time_n by_o man_n profess_v godliness_n and_o pretend_v to_o the_o special_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o they_o ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n whether_o they_o shall_v commit_v murder_n and_o treason_n rebellion_n and_o sacrilege_n how_o they_o think_v to_o justify_v the_o most_o execrable_a parricide_n as_o the_o doctor_n know_v who_o do_v that_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o how_o blasphemous_o they_o pretend_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v put_v these_o thing_n into_o their_o heart_n god_n do_v not_o now_o give_v the_o spirit_n to_o justify_v the_o action_n of_o man_n but_o to_o assist_v they_o in_o those_o that_o be_v good_a and_o he_o have_v show_v we_o what_o be_v good_a partly_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o complete_o by_o the_o public_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n wherefore_o since_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v imperceptible_a by_o we_o and_o mere_o a_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o by_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o word_n spirit_n do_v sometime_o signify_v the_o gospel_n as_o several_a divine_n have_v prove_v and_o particular_o when_o st._n paul_n do_v oppose_v the_o spirit_n to_o the_o flesh_n as_o in_o gal._n 3.3_o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n we_o be_v the_o true_a child_n of_o abraham_n who_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n place_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o moses_n law_n and_o in_o gal._n 5.16_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n walk_v according_a to_o that_o law_n of_o love_n vers_n 14._o which_o the_o gospel_n so_o strict_o prescribe_v and_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o inclination_n of_o revenge_n hatred_n variance_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 20._o but_o at_o least_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a place_n it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o by_o the_o word_n spirit_n you_o understand_v the_o gospel_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n because_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n thus_o when_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8._o so_o often_o note_v the_o difference_n between_o those_o that_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o those_o that_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v easy_o see_v that_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n may_v indifferent_o be_v interpret_v either_o by_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o by_o follow_v the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o well-instructed_n mind_n or_o conscience_n or_o by_o obey_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n for_o to_o do_v one_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o do_v they_o all_o since_o they_o be_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o and_o it_o be_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v move_v and_o incite_v we_o we_o may_v observe_v also_o that_o in_o this_o chapter_n these_o follow_a expression_n be_v equivalent_a viz._n to_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n v_o 1._o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n v_o 2._o to_o mind_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n v_o 5._o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v v_o 6._o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n v_o 7._o to_o please_v god_n v_o 8._o to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n v_o 9_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o v_o 10._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o v_o 11._o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n by_o the_o spirit_n v_o 13._o and_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n v_o 14._o these_o several_a phrase_n i_o say_v do_v all_o express_v the_o same_o state_n viz._n our_o be_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n only_o they_o conspire_v to_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n under_o different_a respect_n that_o of_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n respect_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n as_o that_o of_o mind_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n regard_v that_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o dispose_v we_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n note_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o former_a condition_n not_o to_o be_v carnal_o but_o spiritual_o mind_v not_o to_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n but_o to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n the_o spirit_n be_v expression_n that_o principal_o regard_v the_o prevalency_n of_o our_o conscience_n over_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o that_o constant_a readiness_n in_o good_a man_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v cherish_v in_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o our_o have_a 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n seem_v principal_o to_o regard_v that_o likeness_n to_o he_o which_o we_o gain_v by_o become_v such_o person_n final_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n or_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v phrase_n which_o seem_v to_o take_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n indifferent_o now_o because_o it_o be_v real_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_n and_o disposition_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o these_o phrase_n there_o can_v be_v no_o dangerous_a mistake_n incur_v if_o a_o man_n shall_v understand_v any_o one_o of_o they_o under_o a_o respect_n which_o perhaps_o be_v not_o principal_o intend_v as_o for_o instance_n if_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o he_o shall_v
understand_v our_o be_v strong_o and_o deep_o affect_v with_o divine_a truth_n for_o where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v rich_o there_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v too_o nay_o i_o may_v add_v further_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o be_v curious_a to_o mark_v what_o respect_n be_v principal_o aim_v at_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o phrase_n throughout_o rom._n 8._o and_o likewise_o gal._n 5._o and_o other_o place_n and_o that_o because_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v curious_a in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o himself_o nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o so_o to_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v good_a of_o that_o conclusion_n against_o the_o jew_n which_o he_o aim_v at_o viz._n that_o justification_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n by_o be_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lusts._n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n his_o use_n of_o those_o phrase_n of_o be_v lead_v by_o and_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n indifferent_o for_o live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o his_o design_n of_o show_v that_o justification_n be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v obtain_v but_o by_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a for_o since_o mortify_v of_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o that_o degree_n which_o christianity_n now_o require_v be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n the_o jew_n who_o reject_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v under_o condemnation_n because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o guidance_n and_o incitation_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o subdue_a of_o sin_n be_v give_v for_o that_o purpose_n to_o none_o that_o reject_v christianity_n wherefore_o as_o long_a as_o the_o jew_n will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n i._n e._n to_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o profession_n whereof_o the_o special_a promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v make_v he_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o death_n of_o sin_n because_o he_o refuse_v the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o subdue_a the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n viz._n the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o refuse_v the_o incitation_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o death_n because_o if_o we_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v die_v this_o observation_n i_o think_v may_v not_o prove_v altogether_o unuseful_a to_o well-meaning_a person_n that_o have_v not_o hit_v on_o it_o before_o for_o a_o man_n may_v well_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o mistake_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o this_o and_o other_o place_n where_o the_o forementioned_a phrase_n be_v promiscuous_o use_v if_o he_o expect_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a mystery_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o a_o sense_n quite_o different_a from_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o that_o which_o i_o chief_o intend_v be_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o those_o phrase_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v extreme_o agreeable_a to_o that_o familiar_a way_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n move_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o if_o we_o be_v so_o move_v by_o he_o that_o we_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o any_o operation_n in_o our_o mind_n but_o that_o of_o divine_a truth_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o thereupon_o embrace_v by_o our_o understanding_n then_o we_o can_v better_o express_v our_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n than_o by_o say_v that_o we_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v a_o further_a reason_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a and_o indifferent_a use_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a phrase_n and_o that_o take_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n as_o the_o former_a be_v from_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o point_n with_o infer_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v it_o that_o we_o resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n many_o time_n when_o we_o think_v of_o nothing_o less_o and_o we_o do_v not_o think_v of_o it_o because_o we_o do_v not_o feel_v that_o supernatural_a impression_n which_o be_v make_v upon_o we_o and_o can_v discern_v it_o from_o the_o free_a and_o natural_a operation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o thus_o we_o quench_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n very_o often_o when_o we_o imagine_v that_o we_o only_o quarrel_v with_o our_o own_o thought_n or_o reject_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o a_o friend_n or_o the_o exhortation_n of_o a_o minister_n or_o the_o rebuke_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n now_o if_o we_o can_v hear_v or_o apprehend_v the_o holy_a spirit_n dissuade_v we_o from_o any_o wickedness_n as_o sensible_o as_o when_o a_o good_a man_n speak_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o dare_v sure_o to_o entertain_v one_o thought_n more_o of_o go_v forward_o a_o temptation_n can_v no_o more_o prevail_v against_o we_o if_o we_o be_v thus_o admonish_v than_o if_o god_n shall_v speak_v to_o we_o from_o heaven_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n in_o these_o word_n o_o do_v not_o that_o wicked_a thing_n which_o i_o hate_v but_o god_n do_v not_o use_v this_o method_n upon_o we_o because_o we_o be_v here_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n because_o he_o will_v prove_v we_o whether_o we_o believe_v his_o word_n or_o not_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o when_o we_o be_v sin_v against_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o our_o duty_n when_o we_o be_v baffle_v any_o good_a exhortation_n and_o counsel_n and_o our_o own_o hope_n of_o heaven_n or_o our_o fear_n of_o hell_n or_o the_o force_n of_o any_o seasonable_a good_a thought_n tend_v to_o repentance_n we_o do_v then_o as_o real_o contradict_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n as_o if_o we_o hear_v his_o voice_n sound_v in_o our_o ear_n shall_v we_o not_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a to_o do_v the_o former_a as_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o do_v the_o latter_a for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v admit_v in_o our_o excuse_n that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v of_o rebel_a against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o our_o not_o think_v of_o it_o be_v another_o fault_n since_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o every_o sin_n we_o commit_v against_o the_o check_n of_o conscience_n have_v that_o aggravation_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o one_o fault_n will_v excuse_v another_o wherefore_o if_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o do_v of_o despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n must_v needs_o add_v a_o heavy_a weight_n to_o every_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v presumptuous_o and_o to_o every_o neglect_n of_o improve_n a_o inclination_n to_o repentance_n methinks_v we_o shall_v tremble_v to_o do_v the_o one_o or_o to_o delay_v the_o other_o final_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o matter_n if_o we_o have_v any_o due_a reverence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o fail_v of_o make_v all_o good_a counsel_n profitable_a to_o we_o of_o give_v strength_n to_o all_o our_o own_o good_a purpose_n and_o make_v we_o careful_a to_o improve_v by_o all_o reason_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o convince_v we_o by_o all_o example_n that_o be_v fit_a to_o instruct_v we_o and_o by_o all_o opportunity_n of_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o ourselves_o for_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v conspire_v with_o such_o familiar_a method_n as_o these_o be_v to_o produce_v his_o grace_n in_o we_o sect_n 6._o from_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o our_o mind_n be_v assistance_n or_o help_n as_o they_o be_v general_o call_v by_o christian_n of_o all_o persuasion_n not_o except_v our_o author_n and_o the_o friend_n of_o his_o way_n but_o i_o say_v also_o they_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v because_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v no_o more_o than_o assistance_n and_o that_o because_o his_o grace_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o the_o effect_n of_o other_o cause_n viz._n of_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o external_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n with_o all_o which_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n conspire_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o those_o effect_n in_o we_o the_o spirit_n be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o these_o effect_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v his_o grace_n and_o ascribe_v to_o he_o as_o if_o we_o do_v nothing_o ourselves_o to_o gain_v they_o according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o labour_v abundant_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o
be_v with_o i_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o but_o because_o they_o be_v our_o own_o free_a act_n therefore_o he_o be_v not_o the_o only_a cause_n of_o they_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o regenerate_v we_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o do_v all_o himself_o and_o leave_v nothing_o for_o we_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o regeneration_n but_o we_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o use_v all_o proper_a mean_n of_o regeneration_n as_o if_o the_o whole_a matter_n depend_v upon_o our_o single_a endeavour_n as_o i_o show_v sect._n 4._o and_o that_o which_o i_o say_v of_o regeneration_n be_v equal_o true_a of_o every_o particular_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v this_o supposition_n viz._n that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v aid_n and_o help_n to_o our_o natural_a faculty_n which_o make_v the_o ascribe_v of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n to_o his_o grace_n consistent_a with_o leave_v the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o those_o duty_n which_o depend_v thereupon_o necessary_a to_o the_o attainment_n of_o they_o which_o our_o author_n understand_v so_o well_o that_o in_o his_o preface_n where_o he_o complain_v so_o tragical_o of_o the_o reproach_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o those_o that_o dare_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o defend_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n o._n he_o pretend_v to_o plead_v for_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n very_o well_o know_v that_o they_o do_v not_o impugn_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n as_o his_o phrase_n be_v and_o withal_o that_o this_o objection_n be_v produce_v by_o his_o adversary_n against_o nothing_o but_o his_o opinion_n of_o the_o irresistible_a manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v operation_n which_o very_o wise_o he_o say_v not_o one_o word_n of_o through_o his_o whole_a preface_n the_o only_a inconvenience_n say_v he_o wherewith_o our_o doctrine_n be_v press_v be_v the_o pretend_a difficulty_n in_o reconcile_a the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o duty_n with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o wave_v the_o consideration_n of_o it_o as_o that_o i_o have_v embrace_v every_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v it_o in_o all_o particular_a instance_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v urge_v with_o most_o appearance_n of_o probability_n and_o it_o be_v i_o hope_v at_o length_n make_v to_o appear_v that_o not_o only_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o also_o that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n we_o can_v perform_v no_o duty_n to_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v without_o its_o aid_n and_o assistance_n nor_o have_v any_o encouragement_n to_o attempt_v a_o course_n of_o obedience_n without_o a_o just_a expectation_n thereof_o so_o on_o the_o other_o that_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n itself_o be_v no_o way_n effectual_a but_o in_o our_o compliance_n with_o it_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n only_o with_o the_o leave_n of_o some_o person_n or_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o we_o give_v the_o preeminence_n in_o all_o unto_o grace_n and_o not_o unto_o ourselves_o and_o now_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o we_o who_o do_v not_o give_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o all_o unto_o grace_n nay_o and_o think_v that_o if_o we_o can_v perform_v our_o duty_n as_o we_o ought_v without_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o it_o be_v destroy_v and_o withal_o that_o this_o man_n have_v spend_v a_o folio_n of_o rail_v upon_o we_o because_o we_o deny_v the_o aid_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o internal_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n why_o any_o man_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v discourage_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o industry_n which_o god_n require_v of_o he_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v unto_o he_o i_o can_v understand_v no_o true_o nor_o i_o neither_o nor_o any_o man_n that_o have_v common_a sense_n for_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v discourage_v from_o industry_n because_o he_o be_v promise_v that_o help_n without_o which_o his_o industry_n will_v not_o prevail_v but_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o we_o hear_v nothing_o at_o all_o now_o but_o of_o aid_n and_o assistance_n when_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v mention_v do_v the_o doctor_n be_v adversary_n ever_o urge_v any_o objection_n against_o they_o be_v the_o inconvenience_n wherewith_o his_o doctrine_n of_o irresistible_a grace_n be_v press_v ever_o charge_v by_o they_o upon_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n when_o and_o where_o do_v any_o of_o they_o with_o or_o without_o who_o leave_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o write_v his_o book_n pretend_v that_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o aid_n of_o grace_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o inconvenience_n he_o promise_v to_o remove_v or_o rather_o what_o can_v this_o man_n say_v to_o palliate_v so_o foul_a a_o imposture_n let_v other_o as_o he_o go_v on_o do_v what_o they_o please_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o apostle_n advice_n upon_o the_o enforcement_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o it_o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v etc._n etc._n by_o all_o mean_n sir_n endeavour_v it_o but_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o reason_n why_o you_o persecute_v we_o with_o bitter_a word_n be_v because_o we_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v please_v with_o you_o for_o take_v the_o apostle_n reason_n to_o follow_v his_o advice_n or_o if_o you_o continue_v to_o insinuate_v this_o belief_n of_o we_o and_o to_o make_v folk_n think_v that_o the_o principal_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o your_o present_a undertake_n be_v the_o open_a and_o horrible_a opposition_n 21._o that_o be_v make_v unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n in_o the_o world_n since_o as_o you_o go_v on_o there_o be_v no_o concernment_n of_o he_o that_o be_v not_o by_o many_o deride_v explode_v and_o blaspheme_v and_o that_o your_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o you_o be_v so_o angry_a with_o for_o say_v that_o you_o make_v a_o buz_n and_o a_o noise_n and_o trouble_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o unintelligible_a notion_n be_v such_o scoffer_n that_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v plead_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o duty_n he_o shall_v hardly_o escape_v from_o be_v notable_o deride_v by_o they_o i_o say_v if_o you_o go_v on_o in_o this_o manner_n sure_o you_o must_v forget_v all_o the_o while_n that_o there_o be_v a_o day_n come_v when_o you_o must_v appear_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o great_a god_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o your_o write_n but_o as_o for_o ourselves_o to_o use_v your_o own_o word_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o about_o a_o accusation_n which_o be_v lade_v with_o as_o many_o conviction_n of_o forgery_n as_o there_o be_v person_n against_o who_o you_o level_v these_o your_o uncharitable_a and_o malicious_a suggestion_n let_v any_o indifferent_a man_n read_v your_o preface_n where_o you_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o summary_n account_v of_o your_o book_n and_o say_v if_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o possess_v your_o reader_n with_o a_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v our_o blaspheme_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o enkindle_v your_o zeal_n against_o we_o and_o that_o you_o have_v bestir_v yourself_o in_o the_o book_n principal_o to_o make_v it_o good_a against_o all_o our_o opposition_n that_o we_o can_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n without_o they_o but_o now_o if_o you_o light_n upon_o a_o reader_n so_o unfortunate_a to_o yourself_o as_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o compare_v you_o and_o yourself_o together_o your_o preface_n with_o the_o great_a part_n of_o your_o book_n he_o will_v soon_o find_v that_o your_o preface_n be_v but_o the_o copy_n of_o your_o countenance_n and_o not_o of_o your_o heart_n for_o when_o you_o come_v to_o give_v we_o your_o opinion_n concern_v the_o operation_n of_o grace_n in_o good_a earnest_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v you_o that_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v assistance_n and_o help_n and_o that_o your_o true_a quarrel_n against_o we_o be_v because_o we_o say_v they_o be_v assistance_n not_o the_o only_a cause_n of_o regeneration_n for_o you_o labour_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o further_o in_o the_o second_o part_n with_o abundance_n of_o word_n and_o with_o all_o your_o might_n to_o prove_v that_o mere_a assistance_n how_o great_a soever_o be_v utter_o insufficient_a to_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o that_o conversion_n be_v impossible_a to_o
be_v effect_v but_o by_o a_o physical_a irresistible_a operation_n which_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v call_v a_o assistance_n i_o leave_v you_o to_o judge_v after_o you_o have_v consider_v these_o word_n which_o be_v your_o own_o 266._o the_o most_o effectual_a persuasion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o of_o they_o you_o be_v speak_v can_v prevail_v with_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o convert_v themselves_o any_o more_o than_o argument_n can_v prevail_v with_o a_o blind_a man_n to_o see_v or_o with_o a_o dead_a man_n to_o rise_v from_o the_o grave_a and_o you_o must_v not_o forget_v that_o you_o make_v as_o irresistible_a a_o operation_n necessary_a to_o conversion_n as_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o raise_n of_o a_o dead_a body_n now_o you_o know_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o persuade_v a_o dead_a man_n to_o stir_v and_o by_o your_o argument_n it_o be_v to_o as_o little_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n to_o repent_v but_o will_v it_o not_o be_v also_o a_o most_o absurd_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o god_n assist_v a_o dead_a body_n to_o be_v alive_a again_o whoever_o be_v say_v to_o assist_v another_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n be_v not_o suppose_v to_o do_v it_o all_o himself_o much_o less_o by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n but_o the_o person_n that_o be_v assist_v be_v suppose_v to_o contribute_v his_o own_o endeavour_n towards_o the_o thing_n now_o a_o dead_a body_n can_v do_v nothing_o towards_o its_o own_o resurrection_n and_o therefore_o be_v incapable_a of_o be_v assist_v to_o rise_v and_o if_o god_n raise_v it_o to_o life_n he_o must_v do_v all_o himself_o and_o do_v you_o not_o therefore_o make_v a_o sinner_n incapable_a of_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n if_o you_o do_v not_o see_v this_o consequence_n pray_v will_v you_o acknowledge_v your_o own_o plain_a word_n where_o you_o give_v we_o your_o sense_n of_o that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n ascribe_v the_o honour_n of_o all_o he_o do_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o i_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o for_o thus_o you_o argue_v from_o thence_o 470._o suppose_v now_o that_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n do_v no_o more_o but_o aid_n assist_v and_o excite_v the_o will_n in_o its_o act_n that_o he_o do_v not_o effectual_o work_v all_o the_o gracious_a act_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o all_o our_o duty_n that_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v all_o himself_o the_o proposition_n will_v hold_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n not_o grace_n but_o i_o see_v the_o principal_a relation_n of_o the_o effect_n be_v unto_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a cause_n and_o thence_o have_v its_o denomination_n these_o be_v your_o own_o word_n wherein_o you_o do_v not_o only_o deny_v regeneration_n but_o which_o be_v much_o stranger_n even_o the_o good_a which_o regenerate_a man_n do_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o you_o deny_v this_o 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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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few_o moment_n it_o can_v be_v procure_v at_o all_o it_o many_o time_n hinder_v a_o good_a beginning_n that_o a_o man_n find_v he_o can_v become_v a_o convert_n in_o a_o instant_n and_o thence_o conclude_v that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v better_o with_o he_o than_o it_o be_v at_o present_a which_o he_o will_v be_v the_o more_o ready_a to_o do_v if_o he_o have_v hear_v that_o conversion_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o come_v by_o a_o snatch_n and_o a_o instantaneous_a act_n and_o that_o unless_o the_o work_n be_v do_v all_o of_o a_o sudden_a which_o he_o find_v it_o will_v not_o be_v it_o can_v never_o be_v do_v but_o this_o be_v a_o doctrine_n so_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o the_o mischief_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o false_a for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v then_o in_o vain_a for_o a_o habitual_a sinner_n at_o least_o to_o attempt_v his_o own_o recovery_n since_o a_o custom_n in_o sin_n can_v be_v sudden_o break_v without_o a_o miracle_n but_o must_v be_v wear_v away_o by_o contrary_a practice_n or_o not_o at_o all_o it_o will_v require_v some_o time_n and_o much_o patience_n to_o unlearn_v a_o way_n of_o life_n that_o be_v grow_v customary_a and_o natural_a and_o to_o make_v the_o contrary_a habitual_a and_o easy_a but_o by_o assiduity_n and_o constancy_n the_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v therefore_o if_o a_o man_n have_v entertain_v any_o serious_a thought_n of_o repentance_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v himself_o though_o he_o find_v his_o affection_n to_o sin_n hard_o to_o put_v off_o nor_o to_o give_v up_o himself_o for_o a_o lose_a person_n when_o he_o be_v again_o overtake_v by_o a_o temptation_n but_o to_o renew_v his_o resolution_n more_o vigorous_o and_o to_o pray_v more_o frequent_o and_o earnest_o and_o to_o keep_v on_o thus_o in_o a_o way_n of_o well-doing_n for_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o doubt_n but_o by_o this_o mean_n every_o day_n something_o will_v be_v do_v to_o the_o better_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o make_n of_o a_o good_a life_n more_o easy_a and_o ready_a to_o he_o till_o he_o have_v gain_v the_o true_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o this_o very_a consideration_n which_o be_v of_o good_a use_n against_o despair_v to_o prevail_v if_o a_o man_n that_o have_v yet_o the_o opportunity_n desire_v to_o amend_v his_o life_n be_v also_o a_o good_a antidote_n against_o the_o madness_n of_o defer_v our_o repentance_n upon_o a_o presumption_n that_o we_o can_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n when_o we_o please_v for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n while_o he_o be_v thus_o flatter_v himself_o to_o repent_v this_o present_a moment_n he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o may_v sudden_o repent_v any_o time_n hereafter_o the_o most_o that_o be_v in_o his_o power_n at_o present_a be_v to_o do_v something_o in_o order_n to_o repentance_n or_o conversion_n but_o that_o be_v not_o to_o repent_v the_o utmost_a he_o can_v do_v be_v to_o begin_v well_o but_o that_o be_v not_o do_v the_o thing_n now_o the_o long_o he_o be_v thus_o trifle_v with_o himself_o his_o evil_a habit_n contract_v more_o stubbornness_n and_o will_v require_v more_o time_n to_o break_v they_o and_o yet_o he_o have_v less_o time_n to_o do_v it_o in_o than_o he_o have_v before_o nor_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o he_o will_v begin_v hereafter_o while_o he_o have_v any_o time_n before_o he_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o a_o man_n defer_v his_o reformation_n to_o another_o time_n be_v not_o because_o he_o intend_v to_o begin_v then_o but_o because_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o begin_v now_o and_o unless_o he_o be_v then_o in_o a_o better_a mind_n than_o he_o be_v at_o present_a he_o will_v certain_o defer_v his_o repentance_n still_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o probability_n that_o he_o will_v find_v himself_o better_a dispose_v after_o he_o have_v add_v iniquity_n to_o iniquity_n and_o make_v himself_o more_o a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n than_o he_o be_v before_o and_o indeed_o it_o common_o happen_v that_o they_o who_o cheat_v themselves_o in_o this_o manner_n run_v out_o their_o foolish_a presumption_n almost_o to_o the_o length_n of_o their_o life_n till_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n make_v they_o serious_a and_o then_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v too_o late_a to_o make_v a_o good_a beginning_n for_o what_o good_a shall_v it_o do_v a_o man_n to_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v mend_v his_o life_n now_o he_o can_v live_v no_o long_o or_o to_o resolve_v that_o he_o will_v spend_v his_o time_n better_o when_o he_o have_v no_o more_o to_o spend_v to_o conclude_v if_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v a_o work_n of_o some_o time_n and_o require_v much_o diligence_n and_o preparation_n if_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v by_o several_a promise_n and_o exhortation_n in_o holy_a writ_n and_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n move_v unregenerate_a man_n according_a to_o their_o present_a capacity_n for_o instance_n either_o to_o fear_v if_o they_o be_v yet_o fearless_a or_o to_o sorrow_n if_o they_o have_v yet_o little_a or_o no_o remorse_n or_o to_o care_n if_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o run_v upon_o temptation_n and_o the_o like_a if_o the_o holy_a spirit_n enable_v they_o to_o mend_v their_o state_n by_o such_o degree_n and_o mean_n till_o their_o lust_n and_o evil_a habit_n be_v subdue_v then_o as_o they_o that_o have_v live_v a_o wicked_a life_n and_o yet_o enjoy_v the_o opportunity_n of_o repentance_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o despair_v of_o their_o conversion_n mere_o because_o they_o can_v break_v the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n all_o at_o once_o so_o neither_o have_v any_o man_n the_o least_o reason_n to_o presume_v that_o he_o can_v repent_v when_o he_o please_v and_o thereupon_o to_o neglect_v the_o present_a opportunity_n for_o all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v at_o present_a be_v to_o make_v a_o good_a beginning_n and_o not_o to_o do_v that_o immediate_o when_o upon_o this_o moment_n my_o eternal_a state_n may_v depend_v what_o a_o madness_n be_v that_o sect_n 5._o to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v further_o add_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n move_v upon_o the_o mind_n o●_n man_n in_o a_o most_o familiar_a way_n and_o that_o his_o motion_n be_v not_o discernible_a by_o we_o from_o the_o natural_a operation_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o feel_v they_o no_o otherwise_o than_o we_o do_v our_o own_o thought_n and_o meditation_n we_o can_v distinguish_v they_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o affect_v we_o from_o our_o natural_a reason_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o truth_n upon_o our_o soul_n this_o imperceptibleness_n of_o the_o impression_n make_v upon_o our_o soul_n by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v that_o which_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o chap._n 3._o sect._n 10._o our_o saviour_n signify_v to_o nicodemus_n by_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o wind_n joh._n 3._o and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v move_v our_o soul_n when_o we_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o any_o supernatural_a influence_n which_o they_o be_v act_v by_o since_o he_o can_v communicate_v reason_n and_o persuasion_n to_o they_o without_o make_v use_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o bodily_a structure_n and_o much_o more_o of_o our_o external_a sense_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o convey_v our_o thought_n and_o reason_n to_o one_o another_o mind_n wherefore_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v intimate_a to_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o good_a expression_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v 272._o use_v to_o another_o purpose_n can_v affect_v we_o when_o we_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o and_o produce_v effect_n upon_o our_o mind_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v mere_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o own_o natural_a reason_n and_o such_o consideration_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o we_o can_v excite_v in_o ourselves_o and_o in_o one_o another_o such_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o we_o that_o if_o god_n have_v only_o design_v to_o give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o we_o without_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o his_o word_n we_o can_v never_o have_v know_v unless_o it_o have_v be_v communicate_v to_o we_o by_o some_o private_a revelation_n that_o our_o soul_n be_v move_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n which_o as_o i_o take_v it_o the_o doctor_n seem_v to_o grant_v in_o those_o word_n of_o he_o that_o this_o be_v a_o subject_n in_o the_o handle_n whereof_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o give_v we_o assistance_n but_o pure_a revelation_n which_o be_v large_a word_n