and_o degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a change_n make_v in_o they_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n upon_o their_o mind_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a in_o experience_n that_o this_o change_n be_v make_v in_o very_a many_o by_o very_o silent_a and_o insensible_a degree_n till_o at_o length_n the_o seed_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plant_v in_o they_o by_o a_o good_a education_n do_v visible_o prevail_v over_o all_o the_o evil_a inclination_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n so_o as_o to_o sway_v and_o govern_v the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n and_o when_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n and_o goodness_n do_v apparent_o prevail_v we_o may_v conclude_v they_o to_o be_v in_o a_o regenerate_v sâ—ate_n though_o perhaps_o very_a few_o of_o these_o can_v give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o change_n for_o thing_n may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o effect_n which_o be_v never_o very_o sensible_a in_o their_o cause_n and_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o such_o person_n who_o never_o live_v in_o any_o evil_a course_n shall_v escape_v those_o pang_n and_o terror_n which_o unavoidable_o happen_v unto_o other_o from_o a_o course_n of_o actual_a sin_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o person_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v who_o be_v in_o this_o gradual_a and_o insensible_a manner_n regenerate_v and_o make_v good_a this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o this_o change_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o instant_n it_o be_v so_o frequent_o find_v to_o be_v otherwise_o in_o experience_n and_o as_o for_o other_o who_o be_v visible_o reclaim_v from_o a_o notorious_a wicked_a course_n in_o these_o we_o likewise_o frequent_o see_v this_o change_n gradual_o make_v by_o strong_a impression_n make_v upon_o their_o mind_n most_o frequent_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n sometime_o by_o his_o providence_n whereby_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o their_o course_n and_o awaken_v to_o consideration_n and_o melt_v into_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n and_o perhaps_o exercise_v with_o great_a terror_n of_o conscience_n till_o at_o length_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o come_v to_o a_o fix_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o after_o many_o struggle_n and_o conflict_n with_o their_o lust_n and_o the_o strong_a bias_n of_o evil_a habit_n this_o resolution_n assist_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v effectual_o prevail_v and_o make_v a_o real_a change_n both_o in_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v and_o not_o before_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v regenerate_v but_o all_o the_o while_n this_o be_v a_o do_v the_o new_a man_n be_v form_v and_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v go_v on_o and_o it_o be_v perhaps_o a_o very_a considerable_a time_n from_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o it_o till_o it_o come_v to_o a_o fix_a and_o settle_a state_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o in_o experience_n of_o most_o person_n who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o usual_a and_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o their_o conversion_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n which_o by_o so_o manifold_a experience_n be_v find_v to_o take_v up_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n and_o to_o be_v effect_v by_o degree_n and_o whereas_o some_o man_n be_v please_v to_o call_v all_o this_o the_o preparatory_a work_n to_o regeneration_n but_o not_o the_o regeneration_n itself_o this_o be_v a_o idle_a contention_n about_o word_n for_o if_o these_o preparation_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o goodness_n and_o a_o gradual_a tendency_n towards_o it_o than_o the_o work_n be_v begin_v by_o they_o and_o during_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o be_v all_o the_o while_n a_o do_v and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o fix_v the_o point_n or_o instant_n when_o a_o man_n just_o arrive_v at_o this_o state_n and_o not_o before_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o sensible_a when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o it_o and_o this_o change_n when_o it_o be_v real_o make_v will_v soon_o discover_v itself_o by_o plain_a and_o sensible_a effect_n four_o and_o last_o all_o this_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n isa_n 1._o 16._o where_o the_o prophet_n exhort_v to_o this_o change_n he_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o gradual_a thing_n wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o that_o be_v break_v off_o evil_a and_o vicious_a habit_n and_o gain_v the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o some_o as_o far_a from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o jer._n 13._o 23._o can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a plain_o declare_v the_o great_a difficulty_n equal_a almost_o to_o a_o natural_a impossibility_n of_o reclaim_v those_o to_o goodness_n who_o have_v be_v long_o habituate_v to_o a_o evil_a course_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o some_o as_o near_a to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o say_v he_o have_v keep_v the_o command_n of_o god_n from_o his_o youth_n that_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o now_o if_o by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o god_n power_n this_o change_n be_v make_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o can_v otherwise_o be_v make_v how_o be_v one_o man_n near_o to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o far_o from_o it_o than_o another_o if_o all_o that_o be_v make_v good_a must_v be_v make_v so_o in_o a_o instant_n or_o not_o at_o all_o than_o no_o man_n be_v near_o be_v make_v good_a than_o another_o for_o if_o he_o be_v near_o to_o it_o he_o may_v soon_o be_v make_v so_o but_o that_o can_v be_v if_o all_o must_v be_v make_v good_a in_o a_o instant_n for_o soon_o than_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v make_v so_o if_o the_o similitude_n of_o our_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n be_v strict_o take_v no_o man_n be_v near_a a_o resurrection_n to_o a_o new_a life_n than_o another_o as_o he_o that_o die_v but_o a_o week_n ago_o be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v raise_v to_o life_n again_o as_o he_o that_o die_v a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o the_o resurrection_n of_o both_o require_v a_o omnipotent_a act_n and_o to_o that_o both_o be_v equal_o easy_a the_o two_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 13._o 31_o 33._o be_v by_o many_o interpreter_n understand_v of_o the_o gradual_a operation_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o men._n that_o wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n which_o be_v sow_v be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n but_o by_o degree_n grow_v up_o to_o be_v the_o great_a of_o herb_n and_o to_o leaven_n which_o a_o woman_n take_v and_o hide_v in_o three_o measure_n of_o meal_n till_o the_o whole_a be_v leaven_v intimate_v the_o progress_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o by_o degree_n diffuse_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a temper_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n into_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n to_o be_v sure_a the_o parable_n of_o the_o seed_n which_o fall_v upon_o good_a ground_n do_v represent_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n accompany_v by_o his_o grace_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o that_o be_v say_v to_o spring_v up_o and_o increase_v and_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n which_o sure_o do_v express_v to_o we_o the_o gradual_a operation_n of_o god_n word_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o renovation_n and_o change_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n the_o new_a testament_n indeed_o speak_v of_o the_o sudden_a change_n of_o many_o upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o be_v not_o a_o standard_n of_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n the_o not_o consider_v of_o which_o have_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v true_a those_o which_o be_v thus_o convert_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n their_o faith_n be_v a_o virtual_a principle_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n though_o not_o formal_o the_o habit_n of_o every_o particular_a grace_n st._n paul_n himself_o who_o be_v a_o prime_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n speak_v as_o if_o he_o acquire_v
be_v make_v be_v only_o passive_a in_o their_o creation_n and_o as_o they_o can_v make_v no_o resistance_n so_o neither_o can_v they_o contribute_v any_o thing_n â—o_o their_o be_v what_o they_o be_v and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o only_o argue_v from_o the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creation_n but_o from_o several_a other_o metaphor_n use_v in_o scripture_n to_o describe_v our_o natural_a state_n as_o namely_o darkness_n blindness_n and_o our_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o we_o contribute_v no_o more_o to_o our_o renovation_n than_o darkness_n do_v to_o the_o introduction_n of_o light_n than_o a_o blind_a man_n can_v do_v to_o the_o recovery_n of_o his_o sight_n or_o a_o dead_a man_n to_o his_o own_o resurrection_n but_o be_v whole_o passive_a in_o this_o work_n and_o to_o countenance_v this_o notion_n they_o make_v great_a advantage_n of_o the_o character_n which_o be_v give_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o most_o degenerate_a heathen_a take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o their_o condition_n be_v the_o true_a standard_n of_o a_o natural_a and_o unregenerate_a state_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n they_o insist_v particular_o upon_o that_o description_n of_o the_o gentile_a idolater_n eph._n 4._o 18_o 19_o have_v the_o understanding_n darken_v be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o heart_n who_o be_v past_a feeling_n have_v give_v themselves_o over_o to_o lasciviousness_n to_o work_v all_o uncleanness_n with_o greediness_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o description_n of_o man_n in_o their_o natural_a state_n but_o not_o of_o all_o but_o of_o such_o as_o by_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o vicious_a practice_n of_o the_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o most_o abominable_a lewdness_n be_v degerated_a to_o the_o utmost_a so_o that_o their_o condition_n seem_v desperate_a without_o a_o miraculous_a and_o a_o extraordinary_a grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v probable_o afford_v to_o many_o of_o these_o in_o like_a manner_n they_o argue_v the_o common_a condition_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o description_n which_o be_v give_v of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n before_o god_n bring_v the_o flood_n upon_o they_o gâ—n_n 6._o 5._o god_n see_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v great_a in_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o this_o they_o make_v the_o character_n of_o all_o man_n in_o their_o natural_a state_n whereas_o this_o be_v a_o description_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a degeneracy_n of_o man_n signify_v that_o the_o world_n be_v then_o extreme_o bad_a and_o deprave_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n for_o god_n give_v this_o as_o a_o reason_n why_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o drown_v the_o world_n and_o to_o destroy_v man_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n because_o their_o wickedness_n be_v grow_v to_o so_o great_a a_o height_n but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o mankind_n this_o can_v be_v no_o particular_a reason_n for_o bring_v a_o flood_n upon_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n before_o and_o ever_o will_v be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v that_o man_n be_v natural_o corrupt_a and_o deprave_a sure_o they_o consider_v the_o scripture_n very_o superficial_o that_o interpret_v it_o at_o this_o rate_n it_o be_v too_o true_a that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v sad_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v but_o not_o so_o bad_a as_o by_o vicious_a practice_n and_o habit_n it_o may_v be_v make_v all_o man_n be_v not_o equal_o at_o the_o same_o distance_n from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n some_o be_v near_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n than_o other_o and_o less_o force_n and_o violence_n will_v serve_v to_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o to_o transplant_v they_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n the_o prevalency_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n make_v a_o unregenerate_a state_n as_o the_o prevalency_n of_o grace_n put_v a_o man_n into_o a_o regenerate_v state_n a_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v not_o necessary_o as_o bad_a as_o be_v possâ—ble_a no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o regenerate_a state_n that_o a_o man_n be_v perfect_o good_a so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o argue_v the_o common_a condition_n of_o all_o mankind_n from_o the_o description_n that_o be_v give_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o irresistible_a grace_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o conversion_n of_o such_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o same_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o all_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v not_o equal_o devoid_a of_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n they_o have_v many_o conviction_n of_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o do_v and_o under_o those_o conviction_n be_v very_o capable_a of_o persuasion_n which_o dead_a man_n be_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v only_o passive_a in_o this_o work_n experience_n tell_v we_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o can_v do_v something_o that_o we_o can_v cooperate_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o the_o same_o and_o make_v it_o a_o argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n because_o god_n work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o goodness_n phil._n 2._o 12_o 13._o beside_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o just_a discouragement_n in_o the_o world_n to_o all_o endeavour_n of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n to_o tell_v man_n that_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o in_o it_o he_o that_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o that_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o in_o this_o work_n be_v a_o fool_n if_o he_o make_v any_o attempt_n to_o become_v better_a because_o he_o struggle_v with_o a_o impossibility_n and_o if_o the_o work_n will_v be_v do_v at_o all_o it_o will_v be_v do_v without_o he_o and_o he_o neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o but_o will_v any_o metaphor_n bear_v man_n out_o against_o so_o palpable_a a_o absurdity_n as_o this_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o these_o metaphor_n to_o prove_v what_o they_o aim_v at_o by_o they_o for_o if_o to_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n signify_v a_o utter_a impotency_n to_o goodness_n then_o to_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n must_v on_o the_o contrary_n signify_v a_o impossibility_n of_o sin_v for_o just_a as_o the_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v dead_a in_o sin_n so_o he_o that_o be_v regegenerate_a be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n but_o yet_o the_o best_a of_o regenerate_a man_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n and_o alive_a to_o god_n do_v offend_v in_o many_o thing_n and_o too_o frequent_o fall_v into_o sin_n why_o then_o shall_v the_o metaphor_n be_v so_o strong_a on_o the_o one_o side_n that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o cooperate_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n in_o sâ—ort_n if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o man_n in_o a_o unregenerate_a and_o unconvert_v state_n be_v perfect_o dead_a and_o have_v no_o more_o sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n than_o a_o dead_a man_n have_v of_o natural_a object_n than_o all_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n and_o all_o promise_n and_o threaten_n to_o argue_v and_o persuade_v man_n thereto_o be_v vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o it_o will_v be_v every_o whit_n as_o proper_a and_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o preach_v in_o the_o churchyard_n over_o the_o grave_n of_o dead_a man_n as_o in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o unregenerate_a because_o they_o can_v no_o more_o act_n and_o move_v towards_o their_o own_o recovery_n out_o of_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n than_o the_o dead_a body_n can_v rise_v out_o of_o their_o grave_n but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o end_n of_o exhortation_n and_o promise_n be_v not_o to_o declare_v to_o man_n their_o power_n but_o their_o duty_n but_o if_o they_o be_v insensible_a it_o be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n to_o declare_v to_o they_o their_o duty_n as_o their_o power_n beside_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o convince_v man_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v their_o duty_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o declare_v to_o they_o to_o be_v out_o of_o their_o power_n but_o this_o be_v pelagianism_n to_o say_v that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o can_v repent_v
metaphor_n this_o three_o doctrine_n follow_v well_o enough_o from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v agreeable_a enough_o that_o that_o which_o be_v effect_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o omnipotence_n without_o any_o concurrence_n or_o operation_n on_o our_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o all_o at_o once_o not_o that_o this_o be_v necessary_a but_o that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o why_o shall_v omnipotence_n use_v delay_n and_o take_v time_n and_o proceed_v by_o degree_n in_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o with_o the_o same_o ease_n it_o can_v do_v at_o once_o and_o in_o a_o instant_n especial_o consider_v how_o well_o this_o suit_n with_o the_o other_o metaphor_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o with_o this_o of_o a_o new_a creation_n viz._n the_o metaphor_n of_o regeneration_n and_o resurrection_n a_o child_n be_v bear_v at_o once_o and_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v raise_v in_o a_o moment_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o plausible_a appearance_n and_o conspiracy_n of_o metaphor_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v effect_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o all_o at_o once_o be_v not_o well_o ground_v either_o upon_o scripture_n or_o experience_n not_o but_o that_o god_n can_v do_v so_o if_o he_o please_v and_o work_v this_o change_n in_o some_o much_o soon_o and_o quick_a than_o in_o other_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o scripture_n or_o experience_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a much_o less_o the_o constant_a and_o unalterable_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o bring_v it_o about_o in_o a_o instant_n without_o any_o sensible_a step_n and_o degree_n but_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v upon_o what_o mistake_a ground_n and_o principle_n this_o doctrine_n rely_v beside_o the_o metaphor_n already_o mention_v which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o prove_v the_o thing_n second_o i_o shall_v plain_o show_v what_o regeneration_n be_v by_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o effect_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o at_o once_o but_o admit_v of_o degree_n three_o that_o it_o be_v evident_o so_o in_o experience_n of_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n both_o in_o those_o who_o be_v regenerate_v by_o a_o pious_a and_o religious_a education_n and_o in_o those_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n four_o that_o all_o this_o be_v very_a consonant_n and_o agreeable_a to_o what_o the_o scripture_n plain_o and_o constant_o declare_v concern_v it_o first_o i_o shall_v discover_v several_a mistake_v upon_o which_o this_o doctrine_n be_v ground_v beside_o the_o metaphor_n already_o mention_v and_o which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o prove_v the_o thing_n viz._n that_o regeneration_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o admit_v of_o no_o degree_n as_o 1._o that_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v not_o only_o different_a expression_n but_o do_v signify_v two_o thing_n real_o different_a but_o this_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n for_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v but_o different_a expression_n of_o the_o self_n self_n same_o thing_n for_o regeneration_n be_v a_o metaphor_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o express_v our_o translation_n and_o change_n from_o one_o state_n to_o another_o from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n as_o if_o we_o be_v bear_v over_o again_o and_o be_v the_o child_n of_o another_o father_n and_o from_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n do_v become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o sanctification_n be_v our_o be_v make_v holy_a our_o be_v purify_v and_o cleanse_v from_o sin_n and_o impurity_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o same_o cause_n principal_a and_o instrumental_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o they_o as_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o if_o sanctification_n be_v the_o make_n of_o we_o holy_a and_o regeneration_n make_v we_o holy_a then_o regeneration_n be_v sanctification_n 2._o it_o be_v say_v that_o regeneration_n only_o signify_v our_o first_o entrance_n into_o this_o state_n and_o sanctification_n our_o progress_n and_o continuance_n in_o it_o but_o this_o likewise_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o regeneration_n do_v signify_v our_o first_o entrance_n into_o this_o state_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o it_o only_o signify_v that_o for_o it_o be_v use_v likewise_o in_o scripture_n to_o signify_v our_o continuance_n in_o that_o state_n for_o christian_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o regenerate_a state_n not_o only_o in_o the_o instant_n of_o this_o change_n but_o during_o their_o continuance_n in_o it_o beside_o that_o our_o first_o change_n be_v as_o well_o call_v our_o sanctification_n as_o our_o progress_n and_o continuance_n in_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n so_o that_o neither_o in_o this_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n they_o do_v both_o of_o they_o signify_v both_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o a_o holy_a state_n and_o our_o continuance_n and_o progress_n in_o it_o '_o thou_o regeneration_n do_v more_o frequent_o denote_v the_o make_n of_o this_o change_n and_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o one_o of_o the_o main_a difference_n between_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v this_o that_o regeneration_n be_v incapable_a of_o degree_n and_o all_o that_o be_v regenerate_v be_v equal_o so_o and_o one_o regenerate_v person_n be_v not_o more_o or_o less_o regenerate_v than_o another_o whereas_o sanctification_n be_v a_o gradual_a progress_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o holiness_n to_o another_o and_o of_o â—hem_n that_o be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o holy_a one_o may_v be_v more_o sanctify_a and_o more_o holy_a than_o another_o but_o this_o likewise_o be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n without_o any_o real_a ground_n for_o as_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n do_v plain_o admit_v of_o degree_n so_o likewise_o do_v the_o regenerate_a and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n admit_v of_o degree_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o some_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v more_o wicked_a than_o other_o and_o thereby_o more_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o devil_n than_o other_o which_o be_v the_o scripture_n expression_n concern_v the_o degree_n of_o man_n wickedness_n and_o impiety_n in_o like_a manner_n they_o that_o be_v more_o holy_a and_o more_o like_a god_n be_v more_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v more_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v sure_o to_o be_v more_o regenerate_v that_o be_v more_o renew_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o consist_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a precarious_a assertion_n and_o evident_o false_a to_o affirm_v that_o regeneration_n do_v not_o admit_v of_o degree_n and_o that_o one_o be_v not_o more_o regenerate_v than_o another_o 4_o thly_a and_o last_o they_o ground_n this_o conceit_n upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n which_o teach_v that_o in_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n all_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v infuse_v simul_fw-la &_o semel_fw-la together_o and_o at_o once_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o regard_n much_o less_o a_o veneration_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n where_o it_o differ_v from_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o say_v not_o one_o word_n of_o infuse_a habit_n which_o yet_o be_v much_o talk_v of_o in_o divinity_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n these_o word_n serve_v only_o to_o obscure_v the_o thing_n for_o to_o say_v that_o in_o conversion_n the_o habit_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v infuse_v together_o and_o at_o once_o be_v to_o say_v that_o in_o a_o instant_a man_n that_o be_v vicious_a before_o in_o several_a kind_n be_v by_o a_o omnipotent_a act_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o by_o a_o new_a principle_n infuse_v into_o they_o endue_v with_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o contraâ—y_a grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o be_v as_o chaste_a and_o temperate_a and_o just_o and_o meek_a and_o humble_a as_o if_o by_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n they_o have_v become_v so_o that_o
the_o grace_n of_o contentment_n by_o great_a consideration_n and_o diligent_a care_n of_o himself_o in_o several_a condition_n not_o as_o if_o the_o habit_n of_o this_o grace_n have_v be_v infuse_v into_o he_o at_o once_o phil._n 4._o 11_o 12._o i_o have_v learn_v in_o whatsoever_o state_n i_o be_o therewith_o to_o be_v content_a i_o know_v both_o how_o to_o be_v abase_v and_o i_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n i_o be_o instruct_v both_o to_o be_v full_a and_o to_o be_v hungry_a both_o to_o abound_v and_o to_o suffer_v need_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o consider_v namely_o the_o true_a and_o just_a importance_n of_o this_o metaphor_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n the_o two_o particular_n which_o remain_v i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n finish_v in_o my_o next_o discourse_n sermon_n ix_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n and_o its_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o justification_n and_o salvation_n galat._n vi_o 15._o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n the_o observation_n i_o be_o still_o upon_o from_o these_o word_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n nothing_o will_v avail_v to_o our_o justification_n but_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n express_v here_o by_o a_o new_a creature_n in_o treat_v of_o which_o i_o propose_v the_o do_v of_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v the_o â—rue_a import_n of_o this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n second_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a condition_n of_o oâ—â—_n justification_n and_o three_o that_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o in_o treat_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o particular_n i_o have_v consider_v some_o doctrine_n as_o found_v upon_o this_o metaphor_n which_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a not_o only_o to_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n or_o experience_n but_o also_o to_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n whether_o by_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n or_o in_o those_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o notorious_a wicked_a course_n of_o life_n and_o that_o i_o have_v so_o long_o insist_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o handle_v it_o in_o a_o more_o contentious_a way_n than_o be_v usual_a with_o i_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o love_n to_o controversy_n which_o i_o be_o less_o fond_a of_o every_o day_n than_o other_o but_o from_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o these_o controversy_n and_o quarrelling_n in_o the_o dark_a by_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o clear_a state_n and_o plain_a issue_n and_o likewise_o to_o undeceive_v good_a man_n concern_v some_o current_a notion_n and_o doctrine_n which_o i_o do_v real_o believe_v to_o be_v dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o cause_n of_o great_a perplexity_n and_o discomfort_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o a_o real_a discouragement_n to_o the_o resolution_n and_o endeavour_n of_o become_v better_o upon_o which_o consideration_n i_o be_v strong_o urgent_a to_o search_v these_o doctrine_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o to_o contribute_v what_o in_o i_o lay_v to_o the_o rescue_v of_o good_a man_n from_o the_o disquiet_n and_o entanglement_n of_o they_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o matter_n with_o a_o few_o caution_n not_o unworthy_a to_o be_v remember_v by_o we_o that_o we_o will_v be_v careful_a so_o to_o ascribe_v all_o good_a to_o god_n that_o we_o be_v sure_a we_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o he_o that_o be_v evil_a or_o any_o way_n unworthy_a of_o he_o that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v he_o the_o sole_a author_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o will_v unavoidable_o charge_v upon_o he_o the_o final_a impenitency_n and_o ruin_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n that_o we_o do_v not_o so_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o to_o make_v his_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n signify_v nothing_o such_o as_o these_o make_v you_o new_a heâ—â—ts_n and_o new_a spirit_n strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n where_o if_o by_o the_o strait_a gate_n be_v mean_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n that_o be_v of_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n i_o can_v imagine_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o reconcile_v our_o be_v mere_o passive_a in_o this_o work_n and_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o it_o with_o our_o saviour_n precept_n of_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n unless_o to_o be_v very_o active_a and_o to_o be_v mere_o passive_a about_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v all_o one_o and_o a_o earnest_a contention_n and_o endeavour_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o do_v nothing_o again_o that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v the_o utmost_a degeneracy_n and_o depravation_n which_o man_n ever_o arrive_v at_o by_o the_o great_a abuse_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o wicked_a practice_n the_o standard_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n and_o of_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n and_o last_o that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v some_o particular_a instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o the_o strange_a and_o sudden_a conversion_n of_o some_o person_n as_o namely_o of_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o jailor_n in_o the_o act_n the_o common_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o every_o man_n conversion_n so_o that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v strike_v down_o by_o a_o light_n and_o power_n from_o heaven_n and_o take_v with_o a_o fit_a of_o tremble_a and_o fright_v almost_o out_o of_o his_o wit_n or_o find_v in_o himself_o something_o equal_a to_o this_o he_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o his_o conversion_n whereas_o a_o much_o sure_a judgement_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o man_n conversion_n by_o the_o real_a effect_n of_o this_o change_n than_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o by_o that_o apt_a resemblance_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o wind_n of_o the_o original_a cause_n whereof_o and_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o its_o cease_n or_o continuance_n and_o why_o it_o blow_v strong_a or_o gentle_a this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n we_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a but_o that_o it_o be_v we_o be_v sensible_a from_o the_o sound_n of_o it_o john_n 3._o 8._o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o it_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n be_v sensible_a though_o the_o manner_n and_o degree_n of_o his_o operation_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v so_o various_a that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o they_o by_o which_o one_o will_v think_v our_o saviour_n have_v sufficient_o caution_v we_o not_o to_o reduce_v the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n to_o any_o certain_a rule_n or_o standard_n but_o chief_o to_o regard_v the_o sensible_a effect_n of_o this_o secret_a work_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n and_o after_o all_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o contend_v by_o any_o argument_n against_o clear_a and_o certain_a experience_n if_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o many_o be_v insensible_o change_v and_o make_v good_a by_o pious_a education_n in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o somâ—_n who_o have_v long_o live_v in_o a_o profane_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n be_v by_o the_o secret_a power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o calm_a consideration_n without_o any_o great_a terror_n and_o amazement_n visible_o change_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o better_a mind_n and_o course_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o these_o case_n to_o pretend_v that_o this_o change_n be_v not_o real_a because_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v not_o answerable_a to_o some_o instance_n which_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n or_o which_o we_o have_v observe_v in_o our_o experience_n and_o because_o these_o person_n can_v give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o these_o instance_n which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o i_o shall_v meet_v a_o man_n beyond_o sea_n who_o i_o have_v know_v in_o england_n and_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v cross_v the_o sea_n because_o he_o say_v he_o have_v a_o smooth_a and_o easy_a
passage_n and_o be_v waâ—ted_v over_o by_o a_o gentle_a wind_n and_o can_v tell_v no_o story_n of_o storm_n and_o tempest_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v full_o and_o faithful_o endeavour_v to_o open_a to_o you_o the_o just_a importance_n of_o this_o phrase_n or_o expression_n in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n or_o the_o new_a creation_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o particular_a i_o propound_v namely_o that_o the_o real_a renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o great_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o same_o in_o sense_n and_o substance_n with_o those_o phrase_n in_o the_o parallel_a text_n to_o this_o of_o faith_n perfect_v by_o charity_n and_o of_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o great_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v the_o real_a renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v plain_a not_o only_o from_o this_o text_n which_o affirm_v that_o in_o thâ—_n christian_n religion_n nothing_o will_v avail_v we_o but_o the_o new_a creature_n but_o likewise_o from_o many_o other_o clear_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o whether_o by_o justification_n be_v mean_v our_o first_o justification_n upon_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o our_o continuance_n in_o this_o state_n or_o our_o final_a justification_n by_o our_o solemn_a acquital_n and_o absolution_n at_o the_o great_a day_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v salvation_n and_o eternal_a life_n that_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o first_o justification_n that_o be_v of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v plain_a from_o all_o those_o text_n where_o this_o change_n be_v express_v by_o our_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n by_o our_o regeneration_n and_o renovation_n by_o our_o purification_n and_o sanctification_n or_o by_o any_o other_o term_n of_o the_o like_a importance_n for_o under_o every_o one_o of_o these_o notion_n this_o change_n be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o acceptance_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n act_v 2._o 38._o repent_v and_o be_v baptise_a every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n act_n 3._o 19_o repent_v and_o be_v convert_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n a_o penitent_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o repentance_n be_v make_v a_o condition_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o they_o 1_o john_n 1._o 9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o regeneration_n and_o renovation_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 17._o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n that_o be_v become_v a_o true_a christian_a which_o be_v all_o one_o with_o be_v in_o a_o justify_v state_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a tit._n 3._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o where_o the_o apostle_n declare_v at_o large_a what_o change_n be_v require_v to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o justify_v state_n and_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o inheritance_n of_o eternal_a life_n for_o we_o ourselves_o be_v also_o sometime_o foolish_a disobedient_a deceive_v serve_v divers_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n live_v in_o malice_n and_o envy_n hateful_a and_o hate_v one_o another_o but_o after_o that_o the_o kindness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n towards_o man_n appear_v not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v that_o be_v not_o for_o any_o precedent_a righteousness_n of_o we_o for_o we_o be_v great_a sinner_n but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o shed_v on_o we_o abundant_o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n that_o be_v justify_v by_o his_o grace_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v heir_n according_a to_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o that_o the_o change_n of_o our_o former_a temper_n and_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o our_o justification_n that_o be_v to_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o restitution_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n so_o likewise_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o purification_n and_o sanctification_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 9_o 10_o 11._o where_o the_o apostle_n enumerate_v several_a sin_n and_o vice_n which_o will_v certain_o exclude_v man_n from_o the_o favour_n and_o kingdom_n of_o god_n from_o which_o we_o must_v be_v cleanse_v before_o we_o can_v be_v justify_v or_o save_v know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o unrighteous_a shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o thief_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o drunkard_n nor_o reviler_n nor_o extortioner_n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 17_o 18._o where_o the_o apostle_n likewise_o make_v our_o purification_n a_o condition_n of_o our_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o reckon_v into_o the_o number_n of_o his_o child_n touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o and_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n almighty_n and_o that_o by_o not_o touch_v the_o unclean_a thing_n be_v here_o certain_o mean_v our_o sanctification_n and_o purification_n from_o sin_n be_v evident_a from_o what_o immediate_o follow_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o next_o chapter_n have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o be_v have_v this_o encouragement_n that_o upon_o this_o condition_n we_o shall_v be_v receive_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n let_v we_o purify_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o this_o great_a blessing_n and_o our_o continuance_n in_o this_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n depend_v upon_o our_o perseverance_n in_o holiness_n for_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o and_o last_o this_o be_v also_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o final_a justification_n and_o absolution_n by_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o great_a day_n mat._n 5._o 8._o bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n joh._n 3._o 3_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n heb._n 12._o 14._o follow_v holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 1_o john_n 3._o 3._o the_o apostle_n there_o speak_v of_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n tell_v we_o what_o we_o must_v do_v if_o ever_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o this_o condition_n here_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n of_o our_o be_v new_a creature_n be_v the_o same_o in_o sense_n and_o substance_n with_o those_o expression_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o two_o parallel_a text_n to_o this_o where_o faith_n which_o be_v perfect_v by_o charity_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n gal._n 5._o 6._o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o be_v consummate_v or_o make_v perfect_a by_o charity_n and_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 19_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o design_n and_o mean_v of_o these_o three_o text_n be_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o these_o three_o expression_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o of_o faith_n perfect_v by_o charity_n and_o of_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n do_v certain_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o the_o new_a creature_n signify_v â—he_n change_v of_o our_o state_n from_o a_o state_n of_o disobedience_n and_o sin_n to_o a_o state_n of_o obedience_n and_o
cruelty_n of_o devil_n the_o severe_a lash_n and_o sting_n the_o rage_a anguish_n and_o horrible_a despair_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n without_o intermission_n without_o pity_n and_o without_o hope_n of_o ever_o see_v a_o end_n of_o that_o misery_n which_o yet_o be_v unsupportable_a for_o one_o moment_n can_v i_o represent_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o according_a to_o the_o terror_n of_o they_o what_o effect_n must_v they_o have_v upon_o we_o and_o with_o what_o patience_n can_v any_o man_n bear_v to_o think_v of_o plunge_v himself_o into_o this_o misery_n and_o by_o his_o own_o wilful_a fault_n and_o folly_n to_o endanger_v his_o come_n into_o this_o place_n and_o state_n of_o torment_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o the_o gospel_n have_v likewise_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v no_o avoid_v of_o this_o misery_n no_o hope_n of_o impunity_n if_o man_n go_v on_o and_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o be_v peremptory_a that_o except_o we_o repent_v we_o shall_v perish_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n that_o the_o unrighteous_a shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a press_a consideration_n and_o bring_v the_o matter_n to_o a_o short_a and_o plain_a issue_n either_o we_o must_v leave_v our_o sin_n or_o die_v in_o they_o either_o we_o must_v repent_v of_o they_o or_o be_v judge_v for_o they_o either_o we_o must_v forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o break_v off_o that_o wicked_a course_n which_o we_o have_v live_v in_o or_o we_o must_v quit_v all_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n nay_o we_o can_v escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n be_v so_o press_v a_o argument_n to_o repentance_n as_o no_o man_n can_v in_o reason_n resist_v that_o have_v not_o a_o mind_n to_o be_v miserable_a now_o say_v st._n paul_n to_o the_o athenian_n he_o straight_o charge_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o the_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n man_n may_v cheat_v themselves_o or_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v delude_v by_o other_o about_o several_a mean_n and_o device_n of_o reconcile_a a_o wicked_a life_n with_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o by_o mingle_v some_o pang_n of_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n and_o some_o hot_a fit_n of_o devotion_n with_o a_o sinful_a life_n which_o be_v only_o the_o interruption_n of_o a_o wicked_a course_n without_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n but_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v provide_v no_o other_o way_n to_o save_v man_n but_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n four_o this_o argument_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o most_o desperate_a and_o profligate_v sinner_n and_o still_o retain_v its_o force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o almost_o all_o other_o consideration_n fail_v and_o have_v lose_v their_o efficacy_n upon_o we_o many_o man_n be_v go_v so_o far_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n that_o neither_o shame_n of_o their_o vice_n nor_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n nor_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v of_o any_o force_n with_o they_o to_o reclaim_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o better_a mind_n but_o there_o be_v one_o handle_v yet_o leave_v whereby_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o they_o and_o that_o be_v their_o fear_n this_o be_v a_o passion_n that_o lie_v deep_a in_o our_o nature_n be_v found_v in_o self-preservation_n and_o stick_v so_o close_o to_o we_o that_o we_o can_v quit_v ourselves_o of_o it_o nor_o shake_v it_o off_o 〈…〉_z may_v put_v off_o ingenuity_n and_o 〈…〉_z all_o obligation_n of_o gratitude_n man_n may_v harden_v their_o forehead_n and_o conquer_v all_o sense_n of_o shame_n but_o they_o can_v never_o perfect_o stiâ—le_a and_o subdue_v their_o fear_n they_o can_v hardly_o so_o extinguish_v the_o fear_n of_o hell_n but_o that_o some_o spark_n of_o that_o fire_n will_v ever_o and_o anon_o be_v fly_v about_o in_o their_o conscience_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v make_v sober_a and_o bring_v to_o themselves_o by_o affliction_n and_o by_o the_o present_a apprehension_n of_o death_n have_v a_o near_a sight_n of_o another_o world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o hard_o for_o the_o heathen_a to_o conquer_v these_o apprehension_n how_o much_o hard_a must_v it_o be_v to_o christian_n who_o have_v so_o much_o great_a assurance_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o who_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v so_o clear_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o men._n five_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o urge_v this_o argument_n upon_o man_n with_o that_o force_n and_o advantage_n which_o christianity_n do_v the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_a give_v man_n no_o steady_a assurance_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o most_o know_a person_n among_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v about_o a_o future_a state_n the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o speak_v but_o doubtful_o concern_v another_o life_n and_o beside_o the_o natural_a jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n of_o mankind_n concern_v these_o thing_n they_o have_v only_o some_o fair_a probability_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o poet_n who_o talk_v they_o know_v not_o what_o about_o the_o elysian_a field_n and_o the_o infernal_a region_n and_o the_o three_o judge_n of_o hell_n so_o that_o the_o wise_a among_o they_o have_v hardly_o assurance_n enough_o in_o themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o press_v it_o upon_o other_o with_o any_o great_a confidence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o have_v any_o great_a efficacy_n upon_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n as_o for_o the_o jewish_a religion_n though_o that_o suppose_a and_o take_v for_o grant_v the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n as_o a_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n yet_o in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o be_v no_o particular_a and_o express_a revelation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o what_o be_v deduce_v from_o it_o be_v by_o remote_a and_o obscure_a consequence_n temporal_a promise_n and_o threaten_n it_o have_v many_o and_o clear_a and_o their_o eye_n be_v so_o dazzle_v with_o these_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o do_v but_o little_o consider_v a_o future_a state_n till_o they_o fall_v into_o great_a temporal_a calamity_n under_o the_o grecian_a and_o roman_a empire_n whereby_o they_o be_v almost_o necessary_o awaken_v to_o the_o consideration_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n to_o relieve_v they_o under_o their_o present_a evil_n and_o suffering_n and_o yet_o even_o in_o that_o time_n they_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o great_a faction_n about_o this_o matter_n the_o one_o affirm_v and_o the_o other_o as_o confident_o deny_v any_o life_n after_o this_o but_o the_o gospel_n have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n â—o_o light_a and_o we_o be_v assure_v from_o heaven_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o another_o state_n and_o a_o future_a judgement_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n for_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n to_o all_o mankind_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o consequent_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o no_o man_n ever_o doubt_v of_o that_o do_v firm_o believe_v a_o future_a state_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v be_v this_o the_o gospel_n have_v plain_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o salvation_n be_v by_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o this_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n that_o a_o sinful_a course_n expose_v man_n to_o since_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n continual_o hang_v over_o sinner_n and_o if_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n will_v certain_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o overwhelm_v they_o with_o misery_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o move_v by_o this_o argument_n be_v lose_v to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o urge_v this_o argument_n upon_o man_n and_o from_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o it_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o repent_v and_o reform_v their_o wicked_a life_n and_o be_v there_o ever_o age_n wherein_o this_o be_v more_o needful_a when_o iniquity_n do_v not_o only_o abound_v but_o even_o rage_n among_o we_o when_o infidelity_n and_o profaneness_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o lewdness_n and_o vice_n appear_v so_o bold_o and_o open_o and_o man_n commit_v the_o great_a abomination_n without_o blush_v at_o they_o
and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n here_o the_o danger_n object_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o the_o remedy_n prescribe_v by_o st._n peter_n be_v not_o to_o take_v â—â—om_o the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o ignorance_n â—ut_v after_o he_o have_v caution_v against_o the_o like_a weakness_n and_o error_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o that_o be_v see_v you_o be_v so_o plain_o tell_v and_o warn_v of_o this_o danger_n beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n believe_v it_o seem_v that_o the_o more_o knowledge_n they_o have_v in_o religion_n the_o less_o they_o will_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o damnable_a error_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o observation_n viz._n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o may_v and_o often_o be_v separate_v this_o likewise_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o text_n that_o man_n may_v and_o often_o do_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o their_o duty_n and_o yet_o fail_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n elsewhere_o suppose_v that_o many_o know_v their_o master_n will_n who_o do_v not_o do_v it_o and_o he_o compare_v those_o that_o hear_v his_o say_n and_o do_v they_o not_o to_o a_o foolish_a man_n that_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o st._n james_n speak_v of_o some_o who_o be_v hearer_n of_o the_o word_n only_o but_o not_o doer_n of_o it_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n fall_v short_a of_o happiness_n and_o this_o be_v no_o wonder_n because_o the_o attain_n to_o that_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v no_o difficult_a task_n a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o if_o we_o will_v as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o another_o state_n after_o this_o life_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v reward_v or_o punish_v according_a as_o we_o have_v live_v here_o in_o this_o world_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v to_o be_v pray_v to_o for_o what_o we_o want_v and_o to_o be_v praise_v for_o what_o we_o enjoy_v thus_o far_o nature_n instruct_v man_n in_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o morality_n as_o justice_n and_o temperance_n and_o the_o like_a and_o as_o for_o reveal_v religion_n as_o that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v in_o our_o nature_n to_o save_v we_o by_o reveal_v our_o duty_n more_o clear_o and_o full_o to_o we_o by_o give_v we_o a_o more_o perfect_a example_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n in_o his_o own_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o by_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n these_o be_v thing_n which_o man_n may_v easy_o understand_v and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o be_v difficulty_n bring_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o who_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o remarkable_o separate_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o for_o distinction_n sake_n i_o may_v call_v they_o by_o these_o three_o name_n the_o speculative_a the_o formal_a and_o the_o hypocritical_a christian_a the_o first_o of_o these_o make_v religion_n only_o a_o science_n the_o second_o take_v it_o up_o for_o a_o fashion_n the_o three_o make_v some_o worldly_a advantage_n of_o it_o and_o serve_v some_o secular_a interest_n and_o design_n by_o it_o all_o these_o be_v upon_o several_a account_n concern_v to_o understand_v something_o of_o religion_n but_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o who_o i_o call_v the_o speculative_a christian_a be_v he_o who_o make_v religion_n only_o a_o science_n and_o study_v it_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o learning_n and_o part_n of_o that_o general_a knowledge_n in_o which_o he_o affect_v the_o reputation_n of_o be_v a_o master_n he_o have_v no_o design_n to_o practise_v it_o but_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v a_o good_a ornament_n of_o conversation_n and_o will_v serve_v for_o discourse_n and_o entertainment_n among_o those_o who_o be_v dispose_v to_o be_v grave_a and_o serious_a and_o because_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o practise_v it_o he_o pass_v over_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o apply_v himself_o chief_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o abstruse_a and_o will_v afford_v matter_n of_o controversy_n and_o subtle_a dispute_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n predestination_n freewill_n and_o the_o like_a of_o this_o temper_n seem_v many_o of_o the_o schoolman_n of_o old_a to_o have_v be_v who_o make_v it_o their_o great_a study_n and_o business_n to_o puzzle_v religion_n and_o to_o make_v every_o thing_n in_o it_o intricate_a by_o start_v infinite_a question_n and_o difficulty_n about_o the_o plain_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o same_o rank_n usual_o be_v the_o head_n and_o leader_n of_o party_n and_o faction_n in_o religion_n who_o by_o needless_a controversy_n and_o endless_a dispute_n about_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o common_o of_o no_o great_a moment_n in_o religion_n hinder_v themselves_o and_o other_o from_o mind_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o great_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o a_o good_a life_n second_o there_o be_v the_o formal_n châ—istian_n who_o take_v up_o religion_n for_o a_o fashion_n he_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o a_o nation_n where_o christianity_n be_v profess_v and_o countenance_v and_o therefore_o think_v it_o convenient_a for_o he_o to_o know_v something_o of_o it_o of_o this_o sort_n there_o be_v i_o fear_v a_o great_a many_o who_o read_v the_o scripture_n sometime_o as_o other_o do_v to_o know_v the_o history_n of_o it_o and_o go_v to_o church_n and_o hear_v the_o gospel_n preach_v and_o by_o this_o mean_n come_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o understand_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o bend_v themselves_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o they_o do_v not_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o form_n and_o fashion_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o they_o think_v they_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n if_o they_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n profess_v their_o belief_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o though_o they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n these_o be_v they_o of_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v luke_n 6._o 46._o who_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n but_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v three_o hypocritical_a christian_n who_o make_v a_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o serve_v some_o worldly_a design_n by_o it_o these_o be_v concern_v to_o understand_v religion_n more_o than_o ordinary_a that_o they_o may_v counterfeit_v it_o handsome_o and_o may_v not_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n when_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o put_v on_o the_o garb_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o character_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v of_o those_o person_n who_o he_o foretell_v will_v appear_v in_o the_o last_o day_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 2._o he_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a heady_a highminded_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o now_o these_o man_n do_v not_o 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