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truth_n absolute_a design_n great_a 19 3 2.0729 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
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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son_n and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o i_o decree_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v holy_a now_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o probable_a that_o he_o shall_v so_o soon_o forget_v that_o he_o have_v solemn_o make_v eternal_a election_n to_o consist_v only_o in_o god_n purpose_n to_o regenerate_a all_o that_o be_v he_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n now_o that_o his_o design_n begin_v to_o be_v open_v all_o those_o that_o be_v absolute_o elect_v to_o glory_n only_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o put_v these_o plain_a word_n into_o the_o definion_n for_o then_o every_o ordinary_a reader_n will_v have_v discover_v there_o be_v another_o decree_n of_o election_n antecedent_n to_o that_o which_o the_o doctor_n have_v define_v and_o perhaps_o may_v be_v so_o uncivil_a as_o to_o expect_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o supposition_n but_o instead_o of_o these_o plain_a word_n it_o be_v more_o prudent_o do_v to_o put_v in_o those_o who_o be_v he_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n which_o be_v somewhat_o obscure_a word_n and_o those_o who_o he_o design_v to_o bring_v to_o blessedness_n which_o express_v but_o half_o his_o meaning_n for_o he_o suppose_v the_o design_n he_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v absolute_a this_o care_n be_v take_v that_o which_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o confirm_v brief_o as_o he_o say_v be_v this_o viz._n that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o personal_o holy_a we_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o that_o decree_n of_o god_n whereby_o any_o person_n be_v design_v unto_o glory_n which_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n but_o by_o the_o way_n most_o false_a according_a to_o his_o principle_n for_o while_o a_o person_n who_o be_v absolute_o elect_v remain_v unholy_a as_o he_o do_v till_o he_o be_v regenerate_v he_o have_v as_o full_a a_o interest_n in_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o glory_n as_o he_o can_v have_v after_o he_o be_v regenerate_v since_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o he_o who_o be_v elect_v upon_o no_o consideration_n of_o holiness_n can_v have_v the_o less_o interest_n in_o that_o election_n for_o not_o be_v holy_a but_o this_o i_o see_v that_o our_o author_n be_v unhappy_a way_n of_o express_v himself_o sometime_o make_v he_o hit_v upon_o a_o better_a say_n than_o he_o intend_v that_o which_o he_o mean_v to_o say_v as_o be_v plain_a from_o his_o definition_n be_v this_o that_o all_o who_o be_v elect_v to_o glory_n shall_v be_v make_v holy_a which_o while_o he_o be_v prove_v he_o do_v very_o careful_o drop_v in_o a_o word_n now_o and_o then_o as_o if_o he_o be_v prove_v absolute_a election_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o for_o a_o very_a good_a reason_n viz._n that_o he_o may_v by_o convenient_a degree_n slip_v into_o that_o notion_n of_o election_n against_o his_o turn_n come_v to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o motive_n unto_o holiness_n but_o such_o unintelligible_a work_n he_o have_v make_v by_o mingle_v these_o thing_n together_o in_o his_o three_o sect._n where_o his_o design_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o elect_n shall_v be_v make_v holy_a that_o any_o one_o may_v see_v how_o his_o thought_n be_v puddle_v while_o he_o be_v contrive_v to_o come_v off_o in_o this_o business_n and_o he_o come_v off_o very_o fair_o for_o thus_o he_o wind_v up_o that_o section_n the_o council_n of_o god_n therefore_o concern_v we_o i_o e._n his_o elect_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o our_o holiness_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v not_o conditional_a but_o absolute_a but_o upon_o our_o holiness_n our_o future_a happiness_n depend_v in_o the_o council_n of_o god_n which_o be_v say_v quite_o backward_o that_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a for_o to_o say_v that_o our_o future_a happiness_n depend_v upon_o our_o holiness_n in_o the_o council_n of_o god_n be_v in_o plain_a english_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o council_n concern_v we_o that_o our_o happiness_n shall_v depend_v on_o our_o holiness_n which_o can_v true_o be_v say_v if_o it_o depend_v upon_o a_o absolute_a decree_n therefore_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v conditional_a for_o if_o it_o be_v absolute_a then_o according_a to_o that_o decree_n a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o any_o holiness_n at_o all_o which_o the_o doctor_n deny_v and_o thus_o he_o come_v off_o with_o contradict_v himself_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o three_o line_n as_o you_o can_v but_o see_v unless_o you_o be_v so_o take_v with_o the_o chime_a of_o his_o word_n that_o you_o be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o examine_v the_o sense_n from_o all_o this_o it_o may_v i_o think_v be_v presume_v without_o any_o uncharitableness_n that_o the_o doctor_n do_v not_o write_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o satisfy_v his_o reader_n and_o what_o other_o end_n he_o propose_v to_o himself_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o his_o own_o conscience_n for_o his_o evasion_n when_o he_o be_v to_o prove_v the_o chief_a matter_n in_o question_n and_o his_o obscurity_n when_o it_o be_v inconvenient_a to_o speak_v plain_o can_v without_o a_o incredible_a reproach_n to_o his_o part_n and_o ability_n be_v look_v on_o otherwise_o than_o as_o study_v artifices_fw-la to_o serve_v his_o cause_n withal_o especial_o if_o you_o consider_v how_o seasonable_o he_o contradict_v himself_o when_o his_o design_n require_v it_o and_o of_o this_o i_o will_v give_v he_o one_o instance_n more_o out_o of_o his_o present_a discourse_n and_o then_o leave_v his_o friend_n to_o judge_v of_o his_o honesty_n as_o they_o please_v in_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n against_o his_o opinion_n that_o indeed_o it_o render_v holiness_n unnecessary_a among_o other_o thing_n he_o think_v good_a to_o say_v that_o as_o for_o a_o man_n own_o personal_a election_n 524._o he_o can_v believe_v it_o nor_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o any_o otherwise_o but_o as_o god_n reveal_v it_o by_o its_o effect_n i_o e._n in_o plain_a term_n no_o man_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o elect_n till_o he_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n for_o that_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o election_n now_o suppose_v this_o do_v something_o to_o satisfy_v the_o former_a objection_n yet_o the_o doctor_n see_v well_o enough_o that_o it_o will_v raise_v another_o viz._n that_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o no_o man_n personal_a election_n can_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o he_o to_o become_v a_o holy_a person_n because_o he_o can_v believe_v it_o till_o he_o be_v so_o already_o the_o doctor_n do_v not_o indeed_o propound_v this_o objection_n but_o he_o forestals_n it_o as_o you_o will_v see_v present_o what_o reason_n he_o have_v so_o to_o do_v by_o a_o downright_a contradiction_n to_o what_o he_o have_v immediate_o say_v before_o for_o he_o go_v on_o thus_o no_o man_n ought_v no_o man_n can_v just_o question_v his_o own_o election_n doubt_v of_o it_o or_o disbelieve_v it_o until_o he_o be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o effect_n of_o election_n shall_v ever_o be_v wrought_v in_o he_o if_o such_o a_o condition_n there_o be_v in_o this_o world_n now_o this_o be_v very_o strange_a can_v a_o man_n believe_v his_o election_n till_o he_o see_v it_o in_o the_o effect_n and_o yet_o can_v he_o just_o doubt_v of_o it_o before_o those_o effect_n be_v wrought_v in_o he_o be_v he_o not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o till_o then_o and_o be_v it_o yet_o true_a that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o disbelieve_v it_o till_o it_o be_v impossible_a those_o effect_n shall_v be_v wrought_v and_o yet_o perhaps_o there_o be_v no_o such_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n i_o hope_v our_o author_n will_v not_o say_v that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o mystery_n which_o we_o can_v understand_v without_o his_o new_a light_n but_o rather_o confess_v against_o himself_o what_o he_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o accuse_v s._n p._n of_o 205._o viz._n that_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o one_o who_o seem_v not_o much_o to_o consider_v what_o he_o say_v so_o as_o that_o it_o may_v serve_v his_o present_a turn_n for_o he_o do_v not_o use_v to_o contradict_v himself_o for_o nothing_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a why_o it_o be_v necessary_a here_o in_o the_o next_o page_n he_o be_v to_o show_v that_o personal_a election_n be_v a_o motive_n to_o holiness_n in_o point_n of_o gratitude_n now_o that_o the_o motive_n may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v use_v upon_o every_o body_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o say_v that_o no_o body_n have_v cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o his_o election_n which_o part_n of_o the_o contradiction_n look_v forward_o to_o encounter_v a_o second_o objection_n as_o the_o
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
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 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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 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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 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a_o reason_n why_o he_o can_v receive_v they_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o mind_n now_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v perpetual_o the_o same_o but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n may_v apprehend_v they_o otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n disease_n as_o when_o they_o apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v foolishness_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o and_o this_o reason_n be_v not_o at_o all_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o from_o the_o mind_n mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o he_o in_o effect_n confess_v when_o he_o say_v that_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o he_o mean_v as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o his_o instance_n of_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a be_v this_o that_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o know_v any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o unready_a he_o be_v to_o 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to_o the_o rational_a principle_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o the_o doctor_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v but_o because_o it_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o their_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la and_o interest_n which_o sure_o be_v none_o of_o those_o principle_n the_o write_n of_o justin_n martyr_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o divers_a other_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v early_o receive_v by_o learned_a man_n and_o philosopher_n what_o wise_a man_n they_o be_v that_o reject_v it_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o doctor_n the_o principal_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n say_v he_o be_v by_o many_o look_v upon_o and_o reject_v as_o foolish_a because_o false_a and_o untrue_a though_o indeed_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o false_a but_o because_o they_o suppose_v they_o foolish_a now_o be_v not_o these_o excellent_a philosopher_n that_o reject_v a_o doctrine_n as_o foolish_a because_o it_o be_v false_a and_o then_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o think_v it_o false_a but_o because_o they_o suppose_v it_o foolish_a be_v not_o their_o reject_v the_o gospel_n a_o admirable_a instance_n whereby_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o 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 of_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o know_v most_o if_o that_o which_o the_o doctor_n here_o say_v be_v true_a then_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n for_o he_o to_o improve_v his_o mind_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o reason_n since_o foolish_a and_o credulous_a person_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o give_v any_o entertainment_n to_o it_o which_o be_v the_o very_a charge_n of_o celsus_n and_o julian_n against_o christianity_n and_o if_o they_o can_v have_v make_v good_a this_o charge_n they_o and_o the_o doctor_n here_o have_v do_v very_o well_o to_o expose_v it_o to_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n as_o they_o and_o he_o have_v do_v by_o represent_v it_o to_o be_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o the_o more_o a_o man_n exercise_n his_o reason_n about_o it_o the_o further_o he_o be_v from_o believe_v it_o for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o doctor_n mean_v by_o say_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_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 viz._n that_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n such_o thing_n that_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o know_v a_o man_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a he_o be_v to_o despise_v and_o scorn_v they_o which_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o blasphemy_n i_o now_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v here_o i_o can_v but_o remember_v what_o the_o doctor_n premise_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o that_o i_o know_v of_o deny_v by_o any_o that_o christian_a religion_n be_v high_o reasonable_a i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v by_o any_o christian._n but_o now_o as_o he_o add_v present_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o what_o it_o be_v with_o relation_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o large_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o reason_n enlighten_v but_o foolishness_n i._n e._n unreasonable_a to_o the_o natural_a man_n who_o reason_n be_v unenlightn_v by_o the_o irresistible_a work_n say_v you_o so_o doctor_n how_o come_v it_o then_o about_o that_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o any_o that_o christian_a religion_n be_v high_o reasonable_a can_v they_o not_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v high_o reasonable_a and_o yet_o must_v they_o necessary_o esteem_v it_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a he_o say_v also_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o dispute_v with_o any_o about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o
speak_v of_o we_o agree_v that_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o his_o revelation_n be_v mean_v but_o this_o by_o the_o by_o it_o be_v however_o clear_a that_o our_o saviour_n challenge_v the_o jew_n of_o unreasonable_a incredulity_n for_o disbelieve_v what_o be_v sufficient_o testify_v and_o prove_v to_o they_o 2._o christ_n assign_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o unbelief_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a vers_fw-la 19_o i._n e._n the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o i_o bring_v be_v so_o bright_a and_o clear_a that_o the_o cause_n why_o man_n believe_v it_o not_o be_v not_o because_o they_o want_v reason_n and_o argument_n to_o induce_v they_o thereunto_o or_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v himself_o by_o light_n it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o i_o be_o the_o son_n god_n that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o perceive_v it_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o mean_n of_o conviction_n but_o because_o your_o deed_n be_v evil_a because_o my_o doctrine_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o your_o lust_n and_o vice_n that_o you_o be_v not_o will_v it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o so_o you_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o therefore_o great_a shall_v be_v your_o condemnation_n every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v sincere_o dispose_v to_o do_v whatever_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v manifest_a be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o have_v his_o action_n prove_v that_o they_o be_v wrought_v of_o god_n whether_o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o not_o i_o think_v it_o be_v thus_o sufficient_o plain_a that_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o his_o discourse_n to_o nicodemus_n be_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o come_v to_o he_o or_o believe_v in_o he_o i._n e._n of_o be_v his_o disciple_n in_o order_n to_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o to_o convince_v those_o of_o unreasonable_a obstinacy_n and_o incredulity_n who_o will_v not_o be_v his_o disciple_n it_o be_v therefore_o plain_a that_o suppose_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o regenerate_v man_n than_o the_o beginning_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n be_v consonant_a to_o his_o plain_a design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v why_o we_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o how_o inexcusable_a we_o be_v if_o we_o be_v not_o but_o that_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o whole_a may_v be_v clear_o see_v i_o shall_v here_o subjoin_v a_o paraphrase_n of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o concern_v regeneration_n proceed_v upon_o our_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v probable_a as_o grotius_n observe_v that_o after_o nicodemus_n have_v acknowledge_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n he_o ask_v he_o what_o qualification_n a_o man_n must_v have_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o in_o his_o preach_n he_o have_v make_v so_o much_o mention_v of_o to_o which_o question_n our_o saviour_n answer_n be_v 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 as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v no_o man_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n except_o he_o become_v my_o disciple_n which_o you_o seem_v unwilling_a to_o be_v because_o you_o come_v secret_o to_o i_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o you_o to_o acknowledge_v to_o i_o that_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n but_o withal_o you_o must_v become_v one_o of_o my_o disciple_n and_o own_o yourself_o so_o to_o be_v though_o you_o forfeit_v thereby_o the_o honour_n you_o have_v in_o the_o jewish_a state_n for_o you_o must_v forsake_v all_o to_o follow_v i_o nicodemus_n not_o understand_v this_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n reply_v as_o if_o it_o be_v require_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v bear_v again_o in_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v when_o he_o be_v old_a as_o i_o be_o can_v he_o etc._n etc._n jesus_n answer_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n q._n d._n it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o birth_n that_o i_o mean_v but_o that_o of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n you_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o water_n you_o must_v by_o baptism_n become_v a_o profess_a disciple_n of_o i_o who_o you_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o you_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n too_o it_o be_v equal_o necessary_a that_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o promise_n whereof_o be_v part_n of_o my_o doctrine_n you_o become_v obedient_a in_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o those_o law_n which_o i_o deliver_v which_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o divine_a that_o they_o be_v hate_v by_o they_o who_o deed_n be_v evil_a who_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n vers_fw-la 6._o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n as_o when_o a_o infant_n be_v bear_v of_o his_o mother_n be_v discernible_a to_o your_o eye_n and_o the_o change_n make_v thereby_o be_v evident_a to_o your_o grosser_n sense_n it_o be_v not_o this_o change_n which_o i_o mean_v but_o i_o say_v you_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a change_n that_o i_o mean_v thereby_o viz._n that_o of_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o life_n which_o change_n together_o with_o those_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o it_o be_v produce_v be_v not_o discernible_a the_o same_o way_n in_o which_o the_o natural_a birth_n be_v vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o marvel_v not_o that_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o you_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o lift_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o spirit_n by_o this_o it_o shall_v seem_v that_o which_o be_v most_o troublesome_a to_o nicodemus_n to_o understand_v be_v this_o viz._n how_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o he_o stick_v at_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o imperceptibleness_n of_o that_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o this_o change_n be_v produce_v for_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n know_v when_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v suppose_v our_o saviour_n answer_n to_o he_o remove_v the_o doubt_n for_o it_o show_v 1._o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o they_o be_v not_o perceptible_a to_o the_o sense_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v otherways_o know_v to_o this_o purpose_n he_o use_v a_o familiar_a similitude_n to_o explain_v himself_o by_o viz._n that_o of_o the_o wind_n which_o blow_v hither_o and_o thither_o but_o be_v not_o discernible_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o though_o we_o see_v it_o not_o yet_o we_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n because_o we_o hear_v it_o now_o as_o every_o body_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o its_o proper_a sense_n so_o be_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o its_o proper_a faculty_n and_o as_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o some_o body_n because_o they_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o one_o sense_n if_o they_o be_v evident_a to_o another_o so_o we_o be_v not_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o some_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o our_o sense_n if_o they_o be_v evident_a to_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v 2._o our_o saviour_n answer_n show_v that_o we_o may_v know_v a_o effect_n the_o immediate_a cause_n whereof_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o similitude_n of_o the_o wind_n the_o natural_a cause_n whereof_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o be_v yet_o sure_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v ignorant_a of_o now_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o may_v perceive_v or_o feel_v a_o effect_n in_o our_o mind_n viz._n that_o change_n which_o the_o spirit_n make_v there_o though_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v and_o in_o that_o sense_n do_v not_o know_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n themselves_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n
open_v the_o eye_n of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o pharisee_n will_v believe_v never_o the_o more_o that_o he_o be_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o pretence_n they_o can_v find_v against_o he_o be_v because_o this_o cure_n be_v wrought_v on_o the_o sabbath-day_n vers_fw-la 16._o for_o when_o they_o have_v strict_o examine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o the_o heal_v person_n in_o conclusion_n talk_v such_o unanswerable_a reason_n against_o they_o herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o whence_o he_o be_v etc._n etc._n since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v it_o not_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o i._n e._n he_o can_v do_v no_o such_o work_n as_o these_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o give_v he_o the_o hear_n no_o long_o but_o first_o bitter_o reproach_v he_o and_o then_o cast_v he_o out_o now_o our_o saviour_n frequent_o tell_v these_o man_n that_o their_o prejudice_n against_o he_o arise_v from_o their_o lust_n how_o say_v he_o can_v you_o believe_v who_o receive_v honour_n from_o one_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n only_o john_n 5.44_o i_o e._n so_o long_o as_o your_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n which_o if_o you_o can_v compass_v you_o care_v not_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n whether_o god_n approve_v of_o you_o or_o not_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o you_o reject_v my_o doctrine_n who_o come_v not_o to_o answer_v your_o ambitious_a and_o worldly_a expectation_n although_o i_o come_v with_o testimony_n from_o god_n and_o the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o vers_fw-la 36._o thus_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4.4_o where_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a reason_n give_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n why_o some_o believe_v not_o who_o have_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v about_o they_o i._n e._n who_o have_v it_o preach_v to_o they_o with_o its_o proper_a evidence_n viz._n because_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v their_o mind_n i._n e._n because_o they_o be_v blind_v with_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o prevail_a lust_n and_o passion_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n rule_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n wherefore_o as_o faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o that_o more_o perfect_a victory_n over_o our_o lust_n which_o include_v the_o universal_a do_v of_o god_n will_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n our_o mind_n must_v in_o some_o degree_n be_v disengage_v from_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lust_n before_o we_o can_v hearty_o believe_v viz._n so_o far_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n how_o contrary_a sooner_o it_o prove_v to_o our_o sensual_a and_o worldly_a affection_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o hinder_v our_o attention_n and_o consideration_n when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v offer_v to_o be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o of_o this_o teachable_a disposition_n we_o have_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o act_n 16.14_o the_o lord_n open_v lydia_n be_v heart_n that_o she_o attend_v unto_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o paul_n where_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o her_o be_v qualify_v to_o hear_v which_o be_v here_o express_v by_o the_o open_n of_o her_o heart_n be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o divine_a operation_n which_o prevent_v even_o her_o attention_n to_o what_o she_o hear_v 2._o that_o the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o the_o lord_n open_v her_o heart_n be_v not_o her_o believe_v but_o her_o attend_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o paul_n i._n e._n she_o hear_v he_o diligent_o without_o prejudice_n and_o passion_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o whoever_o be_v thus_o dispose_v will_v believe_v the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o because_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v all_o that_o our_o saviour_n desire_v to_o find_v among_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o convince_a of_o they_o that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a prophet_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o joh._n 7.17_o i_o e._n if_o a_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o do_v whatsoever_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v not_o prejudice_v against_o the_o truth_n by_o his_o lust_n such_o a_o one_o will_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o my_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n and_o because_o this_o temper_n come_v from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n therefore_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v exact_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n what_o our_o saviour_n say_v john_n 8.47_o he_o that_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v god_n word_n you_o therefore_o hear_v they_o not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n he_o make_v to_o that_o question_n of_o his_o own_o if_o i_o say_v the_o truth_n why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v i_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n himself_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v plain_a from_o vers_n 44._o you_o be_v of_o your_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o your_o father_n you_o will_v do_v he_o be_v a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o to_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o be_v wed_v to_o our_o lust_n and_o enrage_v against_o the_o truth_n that_o contradict_v they_o and_o therefore_o the_o contrary_a state_n or_o temper_n to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v plain_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o perform_v all_o duty_n and_o to_o believe_v all_o truth_n and_o whoever_o be_v thus_o dispose_v will_v hear_v god_n word_n and_o believe_v they_o vers_n 47._o thus_o after_o our_o saviour_n have_v appeal_v to_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v before_o his_o enemy_n joh._n 10.25_o he_o tell_v they_o but_o you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o my_o sheep_n where_o by_o sheep_n can_v be_v mean_v actual_a disciple_n for_o then_o the_o sense_n be_v you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o believe_v not_o but_o such_o as_o be_v by_o a_o teachable_a spirit_n dispose_v to_o be_v so_o and_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n for_o such_o as_o these_o will_v follow_v he_o assoon_o as_o he_o call_v they_o because_o he_o be_v the_o true_a shepherd_n now_o that_o this_o preparedness_n of_o mind_n to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v clear_o imply_v in_o vers_fw-la 29._o my_o father_n who_o give_v they_o i_o i._n e._n who_o have_v thus_o dispose_v and_o qualify_v they_o to_o hear_v my_o voice_n be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o none_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o father_n hand_n to_o defeat_v they_o of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v v_o 28._o all_o these_o place_n be_v compare_v with_o john_n 6.37_o give_v a_o clear_a light_n to_o the_o true_a interpretation_n thereof_o all_o that_o the_o father_n give_v i_o shall_v come_v unto_o i_o i._n e._n will_v believe_v in_o i_o and_o become_v my_o disciple_n and_o then_o to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n joh._n 7.17_o and_o be_v of_o god_n joh._n 8.47_o and_o be_v christ_n sheep_n joh._n 10.26_o all_o which_o phrase_n signify_v that_o humility_n and_o teachableness_n of_o mind_n whereby_o man_n be_v prepare_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n only_o the_o father_n give_v such_o person_n to_o christ_n be_v a_o expression_n note_v that_o divine_a grace_n whereby_o their_o mind_n be_v thus_o dispose_v for_o which_o reason_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o temper_n be_v call_v vers_fw-la 44._o be_v draw_v by_o the_o father_n no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o except_o the_o father_n who_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o i._n e._n unless_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v so_o far_o prevail_v over_o his_o affection_n as_o to_o endue_v he_o with_o a_o impartial_a love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v thereby_o open_v to_o attend_v to_o god_n word_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v use_v those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v upon_o another_o occasion_n no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_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 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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
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