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unless_o he_o except_v himself_o from_o a_o possibility_n of_o mislead_v you_o thus_o far_o i_o will_v not_o desire_v a_o fair_a adversary_n and_o if_o you_o think_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o except_v himself_o i_o can_v wish_v more_o equal_a judge_n than_o yourselves_o sure_o i_o be_o the_o doctor_n must_v either_o explain_v himself_o further_o or_o he_o must_v not_o debar_v you_o from_o try_v his_o doctrine_n and_o inquire_v whether_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o a_o blind_a guide_n who_o you_o may_v follow_v into_o the_o pit_n of_o destruction_n for_o what_o he_o say_v in_o general_a may_v be_v apply_v to_o he_o in_o particular_a that_o if_o he_o shall_v mislead_v you_o he_o can_v excuse_v you_o before_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n now_o the_o truth_n be_v although_o he_o
unquaint_v withal_o and_o by_o this_o he_o show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o despise_v his_o opinion_n concern_v grace_n have_v not_o be_v take_v up_o of_o late_a now_o i_o will_v not_o say_v how_o old_a the_o practice_n have_v be_v of_o make_v every_o quarrel_n a_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o equal_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o godly_a man_n who_o suffering_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o it_o be_v at_o lest_o as_o old_a as_o that_o faction_n which_o our_o author_n have_v espouse_v and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o one_o branch_n of_o a_o proud_a inclination_n let_v sober_a man_n judge_v it_o have_v be_v often_o observe_v of_o these_o man_n how_o dear_a they_o and_o their_o opinion_n be_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o doctor_n have_v here_o give_v you_o a_o good_a ordinary_a instance_n of_o it_o for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v bewitch_v with_o self-conceit_n he_o have_v never_o make_v this_o absurd_a parallel_n for_o what_o have_v abel_n or_o isaac_n to_o do_v with_o his_o cause_n if_o he_o have_v only_o call_v we_o the_o seed_n of_o cain_n and_o ishmael_n without_o say_v why_o who_o will_v have_v think_v the_o reason_n have_v be_v our_o question_n whether_o man_n be_v snatch_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v his_o great_a quarrel_n against_o we_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o conversion_n which_o here_o he_o pretend_v to_o explain_v i_o know_v he_o do_v more_o than_o insinuate_v and_o that_o more_o than_o once_o that_o we_o disow_v the_o very_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o i_o shall_v convince_v you_o in_o a_o fit_a place_n but_o this_o you_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o his_o rage_n which_o make_v he_o foam_v out_o calumny_n against_o we_o without_o any_o discretion_n for_o he_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o his_o adversary_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o too_o from_o his_o own_o word_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n be_v not_o the_o representative_a of_o such_o shameless_a writer_n as_o he_o be_v a_o example_n of_o as_o to_o what_o he_o say_v 287._o that_o such_o a_o work_n of_o god_n upon_o man_n as_o he_o contend_v for_o be_v expose_v to_o derision_n if_o upon_o that_o account_n he_o compare_v his_o adversary_n to_o scoff_a ishmael_n i_o think_v he_o do_v they_o great_a wrong_n for_o let_v he_o if_o he_o can_v name_v any_o of_o his_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n who_o have_v debate_v the_o point_n with_o any_o appearance_n of_o modesty_n and_o sobriety_n and_o be_v answer_v with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o contempt_n but_o as_o for_o those_o of_o who_o dr._n owen_n be_v one_o that_o instead_o of_o answer_v the_o argument_n of_o their_o adversary_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o do_v themselves_o fall_v upon_o they_o with_o the_o foul_a reproach_n as_o upon_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v sometime_o good_a to_o take_v down_o their_o haughty_a spirit_n and_o to_o render_v their_o arrogance_n contemptible_a lest_o other_o be_v encourage_v to_o hope_v that_o any_o cause_n may_v be_v carry_v by_o vapour_a in_o my_o opinion_n it_o be_v a_o difficult_a undertake_n to_o define_v in_o particular_a what_o be_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n because_o i_o think_v the_o scripture_n have_v not_o particular_o acquaint_v we_o what_o it_o be_v let_v other_o who_o have_v better_o consider_v the_o thing_n enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o think_v otherwise_o and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o shall_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n submit_v to_o further_a instruction_n but_o as_o for_o dr._n owen_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o favour_v his_o determination_n of_o the_o question_n which_o i_o shall_v the_o rather_o endeavour_v because_o i_o conceive_v this_o opinion_n that_o the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n especial_o as_o he_o have_v advance_v it_o to_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o proposition_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o will_v i_o think_v be_v easy_o grant_v by_o all_o sober_a christian_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v in_o general_n conclude_v what_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o power_n not_o that_o i_o think_v even_o this_o be_v needful_a if_o our_o author_n and_o those_o of_o his_o way_n have_v not_o fall_v into_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n by_o venture_v too_o far_o for_o that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o say_v seem_v to_o i_o to_o afford_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o godliness_n and_o comfort_n if_o all_o be_v not_o subvert_v again_o by_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o we_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n now_o i_o think_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o those_o general_a proposition_n wherein_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n on_o our_o mind_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o particular_a definition_n of_o it_o and_o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v this_o that_o 1._o faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o conversion_n to_o god_n together_o with_o perseverance_n in_o holiness_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o such_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o produce_v these_o qualification_n in_o our_o mind_n that_o it_o hinder_v they_o not_o from_o be_v the_o genuine_a effect_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o ought_v still_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o whereby_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n of_o work_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mindâ—_n of_o man_n now_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o produce_v these_o effect_n consist_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n in_o the_o authority_n and_o excellency_n of_o its_o law_n and_o in_o the_o weightiness_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o other_o motive_n to_o obedience_n wherefore_o if_o conversion_n be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o god_n word_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v 1._o only_o cooperate_v to_o the_o produce_v of_o that_o effect_n and_o 2._o in_o that_o manner_n as_o it_o may_v true_o be_v affirm_v to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o those_o consideration_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o supposition_n be_v manifest_a from_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n as_o for_o faith_n st._n paul_n plain_o tell_v we_o it_o come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10.17_o thus_o upon_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o unbeliever_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v mighty_o and_o prevail_v act_v 19.20_o i_o e._n the_o testimony_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n convince_v many_o that_o be_v in_o all_o appearance_n most_o likely_a to_o oppose_v it_o hence_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o have_v beget_v they_o through_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v first_o bring_v they_o over_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n furthermore_o our_o obedience_n be_v by_o st._n peter_n ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n where_o he_o say_v that_o we_o have_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n give_v to_o we_o that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o work_v effectual_o in_o those_o that_o believe_v 1_o thess._n 2.13_o i_o e._n by_o the_o force_n of_o those_o promise_n mention_v by_o st._n peter_n and_o other_o weighty_a consideration_n move_v to_o holiness_n final_o our_o regeneration_n be_v express_o ascribe_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o 1_o pet._n 1.23_o and_o our_o spiritual_a improvement_n be_v attribute_v not_o long_o after_o to_o the_o same_o cause_n as_o newborn_a babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o thus_o the_o increase_n of_o
christian_a virtue_n be_v ascribe_v both_o to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o prayer_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o the_o colossian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o full_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n col._n 1.9_o 10._o and_o the_o co-operation_n of_o both_o these_o cause_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o the_o same_o effect_n be_v yet_o more_o plain_o express_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n for_o his_o disciple_n sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n where_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o this_o that_o the_o holiness_n of_o believer_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o truth_n upon_o their_o mind_n viz._n that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n see_v then_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o only_o in_o itself_o a_o proper_a mean_n of_o convert_v the_o unbeliever_n and_o the_o disobedient_a of_o confirm_v and_o improve_n the_o sincere_a convert_n but_o as_o you_o see_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v those_o effect_n also_o which_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o ascribe_v to_o the_o weightiness_n of_o those_o reason_n and_o consideration_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o our_o understanding_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o define_v the_o manner_n whereby_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o produce_v these_o grace_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a effect_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v do_v by_o assign_v such_o a_o manner_n of_o operation_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o must_v needs_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o ascribe_v conversion_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o truth_n wherefore_o it_o be_v too_o bold_o do_v of_o dr._n owen_n and_o his_o party_n to_o affirm_v that_o conversion_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n as_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v convert_v and_o withal_o that_o conversion_n be_v impossible_a without_o such_o a_o irresistible_a operation_n for_o 1._o if_o a_o man_n must_v necessary_o resist_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o god_n word_n till_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v in_o he_o by_o a_o irresistible_a action_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o these_o man_n teach_v then_o it_o be_v plain_o absurd_a to_o make_v conversion_n to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n for_o upon_o this_o hypothesis_n it_o contribute_v no_o more_o to_o a_o man_n conversion_n than_o the_o hurl_v of_o a_o pibble_n do_v to_o the_o throw_v down_o of_o a_o mighty_a wall_n that_o be_v fall_v by_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o cannon_n if_o as_o the_o doctor_n say_v 262._o the_o will_n can_v make_v use_n of_o that_o grace_n for_o conversion_n which_o it_o can_v refuse_v if_o also_o it_o can_v resist_v all_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n reason_n argument_n and_o motive_n 261._o as_o he_o himself_o suppose_v and_o by_o consequence_n that_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o conversion_n be_v cause_v be_v irresistible_a what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o conversion_n must_v upon_o these_o term_n be_v only_o and_o whole_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o say_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n produce_v their_o effect_n irresistible_o because_o they_o be_v join_v with_o the_o word_n be_v to_o ascribe_v a_o irresistible_a operation_n to_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o spirit_n or_o rather_o to_o make_v the_o irresistibleness_n to_o arise_v from_o the_o concurrence_n of_o both_o those_o cause_n now_o beside_o that_o upon_o this_o hypothesis_n all_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v will_v be_v convert_v see_v we_o have_v prove_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o beside_o this_o i_o say_v these_o man_n do_v not_o place_v the_o irresistible_a force_n by_o which_o conversion_n as_o they_o say_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n but_o in_o the_o sole_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o that_o conversion_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n which_o as_o they_o say_v a_o man_n can_v but_o resist_v till_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o of_o such_o a_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n too_o as_o be_v altogether_o irresistible_a be_v to_o i_o as_o unintelligible_a as_o transubstantiation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o resist_v the_o operation_n of_o truth_n and_o withal_o grant_v that_o conversion_n must_v as_o well_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n as_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operate_n in_o our_o mind_n it_o will_v plain_o follow_v that_o his_o operation_n be_v resistible_a the_o reason_n be_v because_o where_o a_o effect_n depend_v upon_o the_o concurrence_n of_o two_o cause_n he_o that_o have_v it_o always_o in_o his_o power_n to_o resist_v the_o force_n of_o one_o be_v at_o any_o time_n able_a to_o frustrate_v the_o other_o and_o consequent_o to_o hinder_v the_o effect_n now_o they_o themselves_o grant_v and_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o daily_a experience_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v resist_v and_o hear_v in_o vain_a as_o it_o be_v even_o when_o preach_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n wherefore_o when_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n conspire_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n to_o convert_v a_o sinner_n if_o he_o can_v be_v obstinate_a against_o the_o latter_a he_o may_v also_o quench_v the_o former_a and_o then_o they_o be_v not_o irresistible_a furthermore_o it_o may_v be_v say_v if_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v irresistible_o by_o the_o sole_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n then_o the_o word_n which_o may_v be_v resist_v be_v unnecessary_a but_o if_o the_o word_n can_v but_o be_v resist_v till_o the_o effect_n be_v wrought_v by_o another_o power_n that_o be_v invincible_a viz._n that_o of_o the_o spirit_n then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o effect_n be_v owe_v only_o to_o that_o power_n which_o be_v to_o render_v the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n utter_o vain_a and_o useless_a and_o to_o contradict_v all_o those_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o attribute_n our_o conversion_n to_o the_o force_n of_o divine_a truth_n but_o 2._o it_o be_v further_a evident_a from_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o explain_v this_o irresistible_a operation_n that_o they_o exclude_v all_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n word_n from_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o conversion_n 254._o dr._n owen_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o immediate_a author_n and_o cause_n of_o regeneration_n and_o he_o be_v often_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v convert_v by_o a_o immediate_a physical_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v for_o many_o page_n together_o now_o a_o physical_a operation_n he_o oppose_v to_o moral_a and_o thereby_o exclude_v from_o it_o all_o use_n of_o any_o reason_n argument_n and_o motive_n whatsoever_o as_o he_o do_v industrious_o more_o than_o once_o 261._o now_o what_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o to_o ascribe_v conversion_n to_o such_o a_o operation_n as_o this_o be_v whole_o to_o exclude_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o be_v any_o way_n subordinate_a to_o that_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v convert_v for_o although_o the_o doctor_n tell_v we_o sometime_o that_o he_o grant_v a_o moral_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o he_o only_o deny_v the_o concurrence_n of_o that_o with_o the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o total_a cause_n of_o conversion_n yet_o by_o his_o leave_n 268._o he_o do_v not_o make_v it_o so_o much_o as_o a_o partial_a cause_n for_o if_o this_o physical_a operation_n only_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o can_v remove_v all_o obstacle_n and_o overcome_v all_o opposition_n and_o infallible_o produce_v the_o effect_n intend_v as_o he_o speak_v 270._o if_o this_o operation_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o use_n of_o any_o motive_n whatsoever_o contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n final_o if_o this_o operation_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n if_o nothing_o intervene_v between_o this_o operation_n and_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v then_o plain_a i_o conceive_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o conversion_n for_o neither_o be_v the_o use_n of_o any_o
few_o moment_n it_o can_v be_v procure_v at_o all_o it_o many_o time_n hinder_v a_o good_a beginning_n that_o a_o man_n find_v he_o can_v become_v a_o convert_n in_o a_o instant_n and_o thence_o conclude_v that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v better_o with_o he_o than_o it_o be_v at_o present_a which_o he_o will_v be_v the_o more_o ready_a to_o do_v if_o he_o have_v hear_v that_o conversion_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o come_v by_o a_o snatch_n and_o a_o instantaneous_a act_n and_o that_o unless_o the_o work_n be_v do_v all_o of_o a_o sudden_a which_o he_o find_v it_o will_v not_o be_v it_o can_v never_o be_v do_v but_o this_o be_v a_o doctrine_n so_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o the_o mischief_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o false_a for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v then_o in_o vain_a for_o a_o habitual_a sinner_n at_o least_o to_o attempt_v his_o own_o recovery_n since_o a_o custom_n in_o sin_n can_v be_v sudden_o break_v without_o a_o miracle_n but_o must_v be_v wear_v away_o by_o contrary_a practice_n or_o not_o at_o all_o it_o will_v require_v some_o time_n and_o much_o patience_n to_o unlearn_v a_o way_n of_o life_n that_o be_v grow_v customary_a and_o natural_a and_o to_o make_v the_o contrary_a habitual_a and_o easy_a but_o by_o assiduity_n and_o constancy_n the_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v therefore_o if_o a_o man_n have_v entertain_v any_o serious_a thought_n of_o repentance_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v himself_o though_o he_o find_v his_o affection_n to_o sin_n hard_o to_o put_v off_o nor_o to_o give_v up_o himself_o for_o a_o lose_a person_n when_o he_o be_v again_o overtake_v by_o a_o temptation_n but_o to_o renew_v his_o resolution_n more_o vigorous_o and_o to_o pray_v more_o frequent_o and_o earnest_o and_o to_o keep_v on_o thus_o in_o a_o way_n of_o well-doing_n for_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o doubt_n but_o by_o this_o mean_n every_o day_n something_o will_v be_v do_v to_o the_o better_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o make_n of_o a_o good_a life_n more_o easy_a and_o ready_a to_o he_o till_o he_o have_v gain_v the_o true_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o this_o very_a consideration_n which_o be_v of_o good_a use_n against_o despair_v to_o prevail_v if_o a_o man_n that_o have_v yet_o the_o opportunity_n desire_v to_o amend_v his_o life_n be_v also_o a_o good_a antidote_n against_o the_o madness_n of_o defer_v our_o repentance_n upon_o a_o presumption_n that_o we_o can_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n when_o we_o please_v for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n while_o he_o be_v thus_o flatter_v himself_o to_o repent_v this_o present_a moment_n he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o may_v sudden_o repent_v any_o time_n hereafter_o the_o most_o that_o be_v in_o his_o power_n at_o present_a be_v to_o do_v something_o in_o order_n to_o repentance_n or_o conversion_n but_o that_o be_v not_o to_o repent_v the_o utmost_a he_o can_v do_v be_v to_o begin_v well_o but_o that_o be_v not_o do_v the_o thing_n now_o the_o long_o he_o be_v thus_o trifle_v with_o himself_o his_o evil_a habit_n contract_v more_o stubbornness_n and_o will_v require_v more_o time_n to_o break_v they_o and_o yet_o he_o have_v less_o time_n to_o do_v it_o in_o than_o he_o have_v before_o nor_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o he_o will_v begin_v hereafter_o while_o he_o have_v any_o time_n before_o he_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o a_o man_n defer_v his_o reformation_n to_o another_o time_n be_v not_o because_o he_o intend_v to_o begin_v then_o but_o because_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o begin_v now_o and_o unless_o he_o be_v then_o in_o a_o better_a mind_n than_o he_o be_v at_o present_a he_o will_v certain_o defer_v his_o repentance_n still_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o probability_n that_o he_o will_v find_v himself_o better_a dispose_v after_o he_o have_v add_v iniquity_n to_o iniquity_n and_o make_v himself_o more_o a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n than_o he_o be_v before_o and_o indeed_o it_o common_o happen_v that_o they_o who_o cheat_v themselves_o in_o this_o manner_n run_v out_o their_o foolish_a presumption_n almost_o to_o the_o length_n of_o their_o life_n till_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n make_v they_o serious_a and_o then_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v too_o late_a to_o make_v a_o good_a beginning_n for_o what_o good_a shall_v it_o do_v a_o man_n to_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v mend_v his_o life_n now_o he_o can_v live_v no_o long_o or_o to_o resolve_v that_o he_o will_v spend_v his_o time_n better_o when_o he_o have_v no_o more_o to_o spend_v to_o conclude_v if_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v a_o work_n of_o some_o time_n and_o require_v much_o diligence_n and_o preparation_n if_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v by_o several_a promise_n and_o exhortation_n in_o holy_a writ_n and_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n move_v unregenerate_a man_n according_a to_o their_o present_a capacity_n for_o instance_n either_o to_o fear_v if_o they_o be_v yet_o fearless_a or_o to_o sorrow_n if_o they_o have_v yet_o little_a or_o no_o remorse_n or_o to_o care_n if_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o run_v upon_o temptation_n and_o the_o like_a if_o the_o holy_a spirit_n enable_v they_o to_o mend_v their_o state_n by_o such_o degree_n and_o mean_n till_o their_o lust_n and_o evil_a habit_n be_v subdue_v then_o as_o they_o that_o have_v live_v a_o wicked_a life_n and_o yet_o enjoy_v the_o opportunity_n of_o repentance_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o despair_v of_o their_o conversion_n mere_o because_o they_o can_v break_v the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n all_o at_o once_o so_o neither_o have_v any_o man_n the_o least_o reason_n to_o presume_v that_o he_o can_v repent_v when_o he_o please_v and_o thereupon_o to_o neglect_v the_o present_a opportunity_n for_o all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v at_o present_a be_v to_o make_v a_o good_a beginning_n and_o not_o to_o do_v that_o immediate_o when_o upon_o this_o moment_n my_o eternal_a state_n may_v depend_v what_o a_o madness_n be_v that_o sect_n 5._o to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v further_o add_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n move_v upon_o the_o mind_n oâ—_n man_n in_o a_o most_o familiar_a way_n and_o that_o his_o motion_n be_v not_o discernible_a by_o we_o from_o the_o natural_a operation_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o feel_v they_o no_o otherwise_o than_o we_o do_v our_o own_o thought_n and_o meditation_n we_o can_v distinguish_v they_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o affect_v we_o from_o our_o natural_a reason_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o truth_n upon_o our_o soul_n this_o imperceptibleness_n of_o the_o impression_n make_v upon_o our_o soul_n by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v that_o which_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o chap._n 3._o sect._n 10._o our_o saviour_n signify_v to_o nicodemus_n by_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o wind_n joh._n 3._o and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v move_v our_o soul_n when_o we_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o any_o supernatural_a influence_n which_o they_o be_v act_v by_o since_o he_o can_v communicate_v reason_n and_o persuasion_n to_o they_o without_o make_v use_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o bodily_a structure_n and_o much_o more_o of_o our_o external_a sense_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o convey_v our_o thought_n and_o reason_n to_o one_o another_o mind_n wherefore_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v intimate_a to_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o good_a expression_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v 272._o use_v to_o another_o purpose_n can_v affect_v we_o when_o we_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o and_o produce_v effect_n upon_o our_o mind_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v mere_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o own_o natural_a reason_n and_o such_o consideration_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o we_o can_v excite_v in_o ourselves_o and_o in_o one_o another_o such_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o we_o that_o if_o god_n have_v only_o design_v to_o give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o we_o without_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o his_o word_n we_o can_v never_o have_v know_v unless_o it_o have_v be_v communicate_v to_o we_o by_o some_o private_a revelation_n that_o our_o soul_n be_v move_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n which_o as_o i_o take_v it_o the_o doctor_n seem_v to_o grant_v in_o those_o word_n of_o he_o that_o this_o be_v a_o subject_n in_o the_o handle_n whereof_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o give_v we_o assistance_n but_o pure_a revelation_n which_o be_v large_a word_n
diligence_n in_o use_v the_o external_a mean_n of_o grace_n his_o operation_n in_o we_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o recover_v ourselves_o by_o degree_n and_o all_o the_o while_n there_o be_v no_o sensible_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o natural_a operation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v his_o assistance_n and_o help_n in_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v and_o without_o it_o can_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o save_v purpose_n to_o affirm_v more_o particular_o what_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o we_o i_o dare_v not_o unless_o i_o have_v warrant_v which_o i_o think_v i_o have_v not_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o to_o do_v and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o which_o the_o scripture_n let_v we_o know_v concern_v it_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o no_o more_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o sect_n 7._o thus_o i_o have_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n finish_v the_o first_o part_n of_o my_o undertake_n and_o give_v you_o a_o plain_a account_n of_o that_o which_o i_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v those_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o i_o have_v swerve_v in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n in_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_n and_o i_o be_o the_o more_o persuade_v that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v so_o be_v very_o confident_a that_o i_o have_v not_o at_o all_o depart_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o judgement_n whereof_o i_o be_o prepare_v to_o leave_v to_o my_o superior_n i_o have_v observe_v that_o some_o late_a writer_n especial_o have_v represent_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n under_o such_o notion_n as_o be_v either_o intricate_a and_o unintelligible_a or_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o fatal_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n those_o of_o they_o that_o can_v be_v understand_v serve_v only_o to_o the_o multiply_a of_o idle_a question_n and_o frivolous_a dispute_n and_o those_o that_o be_v minister_a either_o to_o unreasonable_a presumption_n or_o incurable_a despair_n therefore_o when_o the_o stream_n be_v so_o muddy_a and_o impure_a i_o think_v it_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o go_v to_o that_o fountain_n of_o truth_n the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o guide_v all_o my_o thought_n of_o this_o matter_n by_o what_o i_o can_v discern_v there_o and_o true_o i_o find_v that_o although_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n as_o it_o have_v be_v tamper_v withal_o by_o man_n that_o serve_v a_o cause_n and_o as_o it_o have_v be_v debase_v by_o humane_a mixture_n and_o invention_n be_v at_o best_a a_o subject_n of_o unprofitable_a talk_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a to_o the_o understanding_n and_o likewise_o a_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o godliness_n how_o near_o i_o have_v keep_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o holy_a writ_n i_o must_v leave_v you_o to_o judge_v as_o for_o the_o reader_n who_o be_v yet_o in_o any_o thing_n otherwise_o persuade_v than_o i_o be_o if_o he_o have_v use_v diligence_n and_o sincerity_n in_o examine_v as_o i_o know_v myself_o to_o have_v do_v in_o consider_v all_o i_o have_v write_v where_o we_o do_v not_o agree_v i_o hope_v god_n will_v pardon_v the_o error_n on_o which_o side_n soever_o it_o lie_v i_o think_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o i_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n express_v my_o meaning_n plain_o easy_o natural_o which_o a_o man_n need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o do_v who_o believe_v that_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n i_o have_v neither_o pretend_v to_o explain_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o intelligible_a nor_o make_v any_o thing_n difficult_a to_o understand_v by_o affect_v obscurity_n of_o expression_n as_o for_o the_o profitableness_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o can_v be_v better_a judge_v of_o than_o by_o that_o which_o shall_v be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o write_n of_o this_o nature_n viz._n the_o promote_a of_o true_a godliness_n and_o certain_o if_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v that_o which_o i_o have_v here_o offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n it_o do_v apparent_o render_v all_o wicked_a man_n inexcusable_a that_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v high_o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o religion_n this_o will_v appear_v by_o survey_v the_o three_o general_a head_n of_o this_o discourse_n for_o by_o so_o do_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v to_o make_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o it_o have_v be_v explain_v the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n that_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n of_o this_o promise_n and_o of_o those_o effect_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o in_o we_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v for_o they_o be_v all_o christian_a virtue_n whatsoever_o all_o sort_n of_o qualification_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v to_o strive_v against_o that_o sin_n which_o do_v most_o easy_o beset_v we_o nor_o sit_v down_o in_o despair_n of_o obtain_v that_o grace_n or_o virtue_n which_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o our_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o custom_n for_o if_o god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o all_o needful_a purpose_n he_o will_v bestow_v a_o more_o plentiful_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o the_o subdue_a of_o that_o sin_n and_o the_o gain_n of_o that_o virtue_n because_o here_o his_o assistance_n be_v most_o needful_a and_o he_o that_o have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o answer_v all_o our_o need_n will_v not_o deny_v we_o when_o we_o ask_v he_o to_o supply_v the_o great_a of_o all_o 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o make_v it_o such_o a_o motive_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v because_o it_o be_v make_v to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o one_o i_o say_v under_o a_o possible_a condition_n so_o that_o none_o of_o we_o can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o fear_v that_o we_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o promise_n for_o i_o have_v show_v you_o it_o lie_v open_a to_o all_o and_o we_o can_v lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o but_o by_o exclude_v ourselves_o beside_o the_o condition_n of_o obtain_v special_a grace_n from_o god_n be_v that_o of_o importunate_a ask_n we_o be_v hereby_o move_v to_o earnest_n and_o frequent_a prayer_n which_o you_o know_v be_v one_o branch_n of_o pious_a endeavour_n and_o then_o the_o condition_n of_o more_o plentiful_a communication_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v a_o careful_a improvement_n of_o those_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o have_v now_o obtain_v this_o also_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o powerful_a motive_n to_o every_o christian_a that_o have_v proceed_v more_o or_o less_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v as_o fruitful_a as_o he_o can_v in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o to_o follow_v after_o holiness_n look_v diligent_o lest_o he_o fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 3._o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v in_o this_o promise_n to_o make_v it_o a_o strong_a motive_n to_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o we_o which_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v will_v not_o be_v effectual_a without_o our_o own_o consideration_n and_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n because_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o assist_v our_o endeavour_n but_o not_o to_o make_v we_o good_a man_n without_o they_o and_o our_o recovery_n still_o depend_v as_o much_o upon_o our_o diligence_n in_o the_o event_n as_o if_o it_o depend_v upon_o nothing_o else_o wherefore_o in_o all_o respect_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o most_o prevalent_a motive_n to_o the_o study_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o since_o it_o be_v my_o design_n from_o the_o first_o to_o recover_v it_o to_o this_o use_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o man_n that_o have_v make_v it_o good_a for_o nothing_o i_o can_v not_o conclude_v better_o than_o with_o show_v you_o plain_o wherein_o the_o force_n of_o this_o promise_n lie_v to_o make_v we_o all_o careful_a to_o work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n o_o god_n forasmuch_o as_o without_o thou_o we_o be_v
do_v not_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n that_o he_o be_v infallible_a yet_o in_o that_o book_n which_o i_o have_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o consider_v he_o lay_v claim_v as_o you_o will_v see_v to_o such_o a_o illumination_n of_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o differ_v very_o little_a from_o that_o kind_n of_o inspiration_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v but_o this_o will_v not_o hinder_v you_o from_o try_v the_o doctor_n be_v spirit_n and_o way_n of_o teach_v if_o you_o consider_v what_o he_o very_o well_o observe_v in_o the_o forementioned_a book_n 44._o viz._n that_o the_o berean_o be_v high_o extol_v for_o search_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v our_o saviour_n preach_v by_o st._n paul_n be_v so_o or_o no_o for_o he_o must_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v believe_v more_o hasty_o than_o st._n paul_n do_v who_o we_o be_v sure_a speak_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n the_o more_o high_o any_o man_n pretend_v to_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o better_a testimony_n he_o have_v need_n to_o produce_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o pretence_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v light_o take_v up_o that_o belief_n of_o another_o which_o if_o he_o once_o give_v way_n to_o he_o must_v believe_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o the_o bright_a those_o illumination_n be_v which_o any_o teacher_n boast_v of_o the_o less_o reason_n you_o have_v to_o take_v his_o bare_a word_n for_o it_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a that_o you_o shall_v examine_v his_o doctrine_n he_o give_v you_o great_a cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o they_o will_v not_o abide_v the_o trial_n beside_o the_o doctor_n take_v notice_n that_o what_o be_v praise_v in_o the_o berean_o 44._o be_v commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n beloved_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a spirit_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o prophet_n then_o as_o he_o go_v on_o must_v be_v try_v before_o they_o be_v trust_v now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o hold_v still_o there_o be_v many_o false_a teacher_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n wherefore_o try_v every_o one_o try_v his_o spirit_n his_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o teach_v and_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o will_v only_o add_v that_o the_o reason_n hold_v more_o strong_o now_o for_o if_o false_a teacher_n pretend_v to_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n even_o whilst_o the_o apostle_n be_v alive_a to_o contradict_v they_o and_o discover_v they_o much_o more_o likely_a be_v they_o to_o do_v so_o now_o when_o they_o think_v they_o may_v do_v it_o more_o secure_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o use_v the_o more_o diligence_n in_o try_v those_o teacher_n that_o pretend_v lofty_o by_o that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v leave_v we_o in_o their_o write_n now_o if_o the_o doctor_n will_v have_v you_o to_o shut_v your_o own_o eye_n and_o then_o trust_v to_o that_o new_a save_a light_n by_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o explain_v gospel-truths_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v you_o suspect_v that_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v darkness_n or_o if_o he_o mean_v to_o except_v himself_o from_o be_v try_v when_o he_o bid_v you_o try_v the_o spirit_n for_o that_o reason_n he_o be_v least_o of_o all_o to_o be_v except_v i_o have_v obey_v the_o apostle_n advice_n and_o try_v he_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o follow_a book_n which_o i_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v public_a because_o those_o reason_n which_o satisfy_v i_o that_o he_o be_v very_o much_o out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o discourse_v upon_o spiritual_a thing_n after_o this_o manner_n may_v possible_o seem_v as_o clear_a to_o you_o as_o they_o do_v to_o myself_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sophistry_n in_o they_o or_o carnal_a reason_v or_o pervert_v of_o holy_a writ_n it_o be_v more_o than_o i_o know_v and_o i_o shall_v thank_v the_o doctor_n for_o make_v the_o discovery_n which_o i_o think_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v if_o he_o can_v not_o only_o for_o your_o sake_n but_o for_o i_o too_o for_o so_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v myself_o i_o be_o not_o less_o desirous_a to_o retract_v any_o error_n of_o my_o own_o than_o i_o be_o to_o convince_v you_o of_o he_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o be_v as_o willing_a as_o i_o be_o i_o shall_v in_o all_o probability_n hear_v further_o from_o he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o believe_v neither_o of_o we_o but_o to_o try_v we_o both_o if_o the_o doctor_n be_v friend_n shall_v be_v trouble_v to_o find_v he_o charge_v with_o nonsense_n in_o the_o follow_a book_n the_o author_n have_v this_o to_o say_v for_o himself_o that_o he_o know_v no_o other_o name_n so_o fit_a as_o nonsense_n to_o call_v nonsense_n by_o and_o he_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o say_v but_o prove_v also_o that_o the_o doctor_n be_v guilty_a of_o nonsense_n where_o he_o have_v charge_v he_o with_o it_o he_o hope_v also_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v offend_v with_o he_o for_o take_v occasion_n sometime_o to_o rebuke_v this_o man_n for_o those_o rude_a word_n and_o unjust_a reproach_n which_o he_o have_v pour_v forth_o for_o whole_a page_n together_o upon_o his_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o shall_v be_v teach_v at_o last_o to_o manage_v controversy_n in_o religion_n in_o a_o more_o christian_a manner_n than_o he_o have_v do_v hitherto_o and_o now_o the_o author_n will_v only_o say_v in_o behalf_n of_o himself_o that_o his_o design_n in_o this_o book_n be_v to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o question_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v to_o every_o ordinary_a understanding_n and_o thereby_o to_o promote_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o best_a thing_n he_o can_v say_v of_o the_o book_n itself_o be_v that_o it_o have_v be_v think_v by_o man_n of_o far_o better_a judgement_n than_o he_o can_v pretend_v to_o not_o to_o be_v altogether_o improper_a for_o that_o end_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o mistake_v may_v the_o alwise_a and_o good_a god_n prosper_v the_o design_n of_o it_o with_o his_o blessing_n the_o content_n of_o the_o introduction_n sect_n i._o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n a_o great_a motive_n to_o diligence_n in_o religion_n page_n 1_o that_o according_a to_o dr._n owen_n principle_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o p._n 3._o the_o author_n design_n p._n 4._o sect_n ii_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o doctor_n make_v by_o pretend_v that_o only_a the_o regenerate_v understand_v spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o p._n 5._o while_o he_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v regenerate_v by_o his_o spiritual_a understanding_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n p._n 6._o this_o artifice_n of_o his_o discover_v in_o some_o instance_n p._n 7._o that_o he_o allow_v only_o himself_o and_o his_o party_n to_o be_v competent_a judge_n of_o his_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n p._n 11._o sect_n iii_o his_o interpretation_n of_o 1_o cor._n 2.14_o explain_v p._n 15._o sect_n iv._o that_o his_o meaning_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v groundless_a p._n 20._o of_o his_o not_o receive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n absurd_a p._n 21._o and_o of_o their_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o blasphemous_a p._n 25._o the_o odd_a account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o his_o preface_n p._n 27._o other_o reflection_n upon_o his_o sense_n of_o the_o forementioned_a text_n p._n 30._o that_o the_o doctor_n be_v pretend_v gospel-mystery_n need_v his_o interpretation_n of_o that_o text_n but_o the_o real_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n need_v it_o not_o p._n 31._o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o his_o interpretation_n p._n 32._o sect_n v._o another_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n offer_v according_a to_o st._n chrysostome_n who_o authority_n the_o doctor_n pretend_v in_o favour_n of_o his_o own_o p._n 33._o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n large_o show_v p._n 34._o from_o whence_o it_o plain_o appear_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n p._n 40._o the_o scriptural_a notion_n of_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n p._n 42._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o their_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v p._n 43._o and_o by_o the_o spiritual_a man_n p._n 45._o the_o incoherence_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v sense_n with_o the_o context_n p._n 46._o dr._n hammond_n paraphrase_n upon_o the_o text_n vindicate_v from_o the_o exception_n of_o dr._n owen_n p._n 47._o and_o show_v to_o agree_v with_o those_o passage_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n which_o dr._n owen_n himself_o produce_v p._n 51._o that_o the_o follow_a book_n be_v not_o to_o be_v
thereof_o p._n 277._o a_o instance_n of_o his_o excessive_a boldness_n in_o this_o matter_n p._n 280._o the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n suitable_a to_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o mankind_n p._n 282._o which_o be_v in_o word_n grant_v but_o in_o effect_n deny_v by_o dr._n owen_n p._n 283._o his_o vain_a endeavour_n to_o reconcile_v this_o proposition_n with_o his_o physical_a immediate_a operation_n p._n 286._o isa._n 5.4_o discourse_v upon_o p._n 290._o the_o holy_a spirit_n operate_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o leave_v our_o diligence_n necessary_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o his_o operation_n p._n 292._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v p._n 293._o and_o by_o give_v a_o new_a heart_n p._n 296._o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n suit_v to_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n p._n 298._o that_o his_o grace_n be_v wrought_v gradual_o be_v a_o useful_a consideration_n p._n 302._o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v in_o themselves_o imperceptible_a and_o know_v only_o by_o their_o effect_n p._n 305._o that_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n p._n 309._o that_o man_n resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o they_o think_v of_o nothing_o less_o p._n 312._o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v assistance_n p._n 314._o dr._n owen_n false_o pretend_v that_o his_o adversary_n deny_v the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n p._n 315._o that_o his_o error_n be_v more_o just_o chargeable_a upon_o himself_o p._n 318._o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n a_o forcible_a motive_n to_o godliness_n show_v from_o the_o general_a head_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n p._n 324._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o part_n p._n 326._o the_o introduction_n sect_n i._o from_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a 13._o for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o divine_a assistance_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v be_v a_o pregnant_a motive_n to_o excite_v our_o great_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o i_o suppose_v no_o christian_n will_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n pretend_v to_o enforce_v his_o exhortation_n with_o a_o argument_n that_o have_v little_a or_o no_o force_n in_o it_o to_o persuade_v the_o forcibleness_n of_o this_o motive_n lie_v principal_o in_o this_o supposition_n that_o as_o they_o upon_o who_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v bestow_v may_v fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n so_o withal_o they_o may_v miscarry_v through_o their_o own_o negligence_n and_o then_o their_o sin_n become_v more_o inexcusable_a and_o their_o punishment_n will_v be_v more_o heavy_a and_o this_o be_v a_o clear_a reason_n why_o even_o those_o in_o who_o god_n work_v both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v be_v yet_o exhort_v to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v earnest_o exhort_v christian_n to_o perseverance_n in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o gospel_n 10.29_o for_o say_v he_o of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o have_v do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o say_v plain_o for_o this_o end_n to_o excite_v they_o to_o a_o effectual_a care_n in_o improve_n those_o spiritual_a aid_n whereby_o they_o be_v able_a to_o persevere_v this_o i_o think_v will_v easy_o be_v grant_v unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n talk_v at_o as_o strange_a a_o rate_n as_o dr._n john_n owen_n frequent_o do_v in_o his_o book_n concern_v the_o holy_a spirit_n j.o._n where_o he_o often_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o look_v upon_o he_o and_o divers_a of_o his_o notion_n in_o divinity_n to_o be_v senseless_a and_o fanatical_a for_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o his_o threaten_n have_v not_o that_o charitable_a meaning_n in_o they_o which_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o those_o by_o who_o regeneration_n i._n e._n his_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v expose_v to_o scorn_n 254._o will_v one_o day_n understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o although_o it_o may_v be_v not_o before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a to_o obtain_v any_o advantage_n by_o it_o now_o one_o will_v think_v it_o to_o be_v the_o doctor_n be_v opinion_n that_o those_o who_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v damn_v may_v by_o a_o timely_a care_n have_v prevent_v it_o and_o that_o he_o intend_v this_o warning_n to_o make_v they_o careful_a to_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_o but_o if_o you_o think_v so_o you_o be_v much_o mistake_v and_o you_o do_v not_o yet_o understand_v this_o man_n principle_n for_o throughout_o his_o whole_a book_n he_o suppose_v a_o certain_a powerful_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v to_o none_o but_o those_o that_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v to_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o regeneration_n and_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n the_o darkness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o be_v no_o less_o effectual_a to_o bind_v they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n 228._o than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o devil_n themselves_o now_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o the_o doctor_n be_v warning_n can_v be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o the_o devil_n themselves_o and_o i_o do_v as_o little_a understand_v why_o he_o make_v such_o frequent_a excursion_n as_o he_o do_v to_o threaten_v his_o adversary_n with_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n unless_o as_o one_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v by_o the_o insult_a language_n that_o go_v along_o with_o it_o it_o be_v some_o refresh_n to_o a_o man_n so_o natural_o vindictive_a to_o think_v he_o shall_v one_o day_n see_v they_o damn_v this_o be_v one_o great_a exception_n i_o have_v against_o this_o man_n book_n that_o whereas_o he_o contend_v so_o fierce_o for_o his_o opinion_n as_o he_o do_v all_o along_o pretend_v in_o particular_a 164._o that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n to_o we_o to_o inquire_v into_o and_o secure_a unto_o ourselves_o the_o promise_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o suppose_v his_o notion_n thereof_o to_o be_v true_a it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o they_o be_v inquire_v into_o or_o no_o for_o neither_o can_v we_o have_v a_o true_a understanding_n what_o they_o be_v nor_o if_o we_o can_v will_v that_o excite_v our_o endeavour_n to_o secure_v they_o for_o according_a to_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o understand_v a_o spiritual_a truth_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_o good_a unless_o he_o be_v 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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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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 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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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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 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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
evangelical_n faith_n and_o obedience_n until_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o reason_n be_v agree_v wherefore_o to_o speak_v plain_o in_o the_o case_n as_o we_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o reason_n in_o its_o corrupt_a state_n be_v all_o that_o any_o man_n have_v in_o that_o state_n whereby_o to_o understand_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n and_o truth_n of_o reveal_v doctrine_n etc._n etc._n so_o as_o to_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n themselves_o of_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o it_o if_o the_o doctor_n speak_v plain_o here_o then_o 1._o according_a to_o he_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o dispute_v with_o any_o who_o reason_n be_v corrupt_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o evangelical_n faith_n and_o obedience_n according_a to_o he_o also_o every_o man_n reason_n be_v corrupt_v who_o mind_n be_v not_o renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i._n e._n enlighten_v by_o a_o almighty_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o dispute_v with_o any_o such_o person_n about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n thereof_o will_v seem_v foolishness_n to_o he_o do_v what_o he_o can_v till_o the_o holy_a ghost_n renew_v he_o by_o his_o almightiness_n and_o thus_o the_o doctor_n have_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o he_o or_o any_o man_n to_o go_v about_o to_o convince_v a_o infidel_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o dispute_v it_o with_o he_o till_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o reason_n be_v agreeed_o on_o i._n e._n till_o it_o be_v agree_v to_o make_v renew_v reason_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n but_o the_o infidel_n have_v none_o of_o that_o reason_n for_o all_o the_o reason_n he_o have_v to_o judge_v of_o these_o matter_n by_o be_v corrupt_v reason_n as_o the_o doctor_n himself_o contend_v wherefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o agree_v that_o their_o renew_a reason_n shall_v be_v the_o judge_n in_o this_o case_n wherefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a one_o will_v think_v to_o dispute_v with_o he_o at_o all_o the_o only_a remedy_n in_o this_o case_n be_v for_o the_o infidel_n to_o make_v the_o doctor_n be_v renew_v reason_n the_o judge_n between_o they_o and_o when_o they_o be_v agree_v upon_o that_o they_o may_v fall_v to_o dispute_v i._n e._n when_o the_o dispute_n be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o if_o the_o doctor_n be_v reason_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o infidel_n have_v yield_v the_o cause_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n thus_o the_o doctor_n have_v leave_v no_o other_o way_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o convince_v a_o infidel_n but_o this_o ridiculous_a one_o of_o persuade_v the_o infidel_n to_o let_v he_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o they_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v here_o be_v like_a to_o be_v a_o dispute_n between_o you_o and_o i_o whether_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n now_o the_o gospel_n be_v indeed_o the_o true_a and_o reasonable_a religion_n but_o this_o be_v only_o discernible_a by_o renew_a reason_n such_o as_o i_o be_v and_o you_o be_v not_o wherefore_o before_o we_o dispute_v you_o must_v agree_v that_o my_o renew_a reason_n that_o be_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o till_o we_o be_v thus_o agree_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o dispute_v about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o evangelical_n faith_n and_o obedience_n i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o the_o doctor_n fall_v foul_a upon_o the_o quaker_n in_o his_o book_n for_o they_o and_o such_o sottish_a enthusiast_n as_o they_o be_v seem_v to_o be_v the_o only_a man_n beside_o himself_o that_o claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v if_o the_o doctor_n have_v it_o by_o himself_o without_o any_o competitor_n and_o his_o fanatic_a cause_n needs_o it_o as_o much_o as_o they_o though_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n the_o gospel_n need_v it_o not_o he_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n carry_v the_o world_n before_o he_o 2._o it_o be_v also_o according_a to_o the_o doctor_n in_o vain_a to_o dispute_v with_o a_o man_n about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n till_o he_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o already_o for_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n though_o the_o infidel_n shall_v make_v the_o doctor_n judge_n in_o his_o own_o cause_n he_o be_v yet_o never_o the_o near_o for_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o till_o he_o be_v himself_o enlighten_v by_o the_o irresistible_a work_n now_o when_o he_o be_v illuminate_v as_o the_o doctor_n be_v he_o shall_v believe_v and_o understand_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o reasonable_a dispensation_n as_o the_o doctor_n do_v but_o before_o he_o be_v so_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o dispute_v with_o he_o so_o that_o for_o aught_o i_o can_v see_v the_o regenerate_a man_n be_v even_o leave_v to_o dispute_v it_o among_o themselves_o that_o be_v who_o need_v not_o dispute_v it_o at_o all_o because_o they_o be_v already_o of_o one_o mind_n about_o it_o and_o thus_o the_o doctor_n have_v prove_v all_o dispute_v whatsoever_o upon_o this_o matter_n to_o be_v vain_a and_o useless_a which_o make_v i_o wonder_v why_o he_o have_v trouble_v the_o world_n with_o his_o great_a rail_a book_n wherein_o he_o have_v pretend_v to_o prove_v the_o wild_a opinion_n of_o his_o party_n to_o be_v gospel-mystery_n for_o if_o his_o reader_n be_v enlighten_v he_o be_v convince_v of_o they_o already_o if_o he_o be_v not_o his_o argument_n can_v enlighten_v he_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o doctor_n may_v pity_v he_o yet_o methinks_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v rail_v at_o he_o because_o his_o doctrine_n be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o since_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o with_o respect_n unto_o our_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o 4._o whereas_o he_o interpret_v those_o word_n he_o receive_v they_o not_o and_o he_o can_v know_v they_o by_o add_v spiritual_o thereunto_o he_o make_v the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v downright_a nonsense_n for_o he_o make_v he_o to_o say_v that_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n spiritual_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v or_o know_v for_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o he_o can_v know_v they_o spiritual_o because_o he_o can_v know_v they_o spiritual_o which_o i_o hope_v the_o doctor_n will_v grant_v to_o be_v nonsense_n and_o this_o be_v a_o defect_n which_o run_v through_o this_o whole_a paraphrase_n which_o i_o have_v charge_v he_o withal_o the_o short_a of_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v understand_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n no_o he_o can_v 5._o he_o do_v in_o effect_n clear_v the_o natural_a man_n from_o all_o blame_n for_o his_o not_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n 39_o for_o he_o roundly_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o impotency_n to_o discern_v they_o be_v absolute_o and_o natural_o insuperable_a what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o full_o to_o prove_v that_o a_o beast_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o not_o discern_v these_o thing_n than_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o and_o natural_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v but_o that_o which_o be_v still_o more_o absurd_a be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o ascribe_v his_o ignorance_n of_o these_o spiritual_a matter_n to_o a_o moral_a impotency_n likewise_o 41._o but_o he_o make_v the_o moral_a impotency_n to_o be_v great_a than_o the_o natural_a for_o though_o he_o have_v conclude_v this_o impotency_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o be_v absolute_o insuperable_a yet_o he_o say_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v more_o corrupt_v than_o the_o understanding_n that_o be_v more_o than_o most_o of_o all_o for_o what_o great_a corruption_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v imagine_v than_o that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a for_o it_o to_o understand_v and_o discern_v they_o that_o be_v unless_o i_o be_o turn_v into_o such_o a_o block_n as_o he_o speak_v of_o by_o read_v his_o unintelligible_a notion_n that_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n it_o quite_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o understanding_n and_o a_o beast_n may_v be_v assoon_o make_v to_o discern_v they_o as_o a_o man_n now_o i_o free_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v some_o opinion_n which_o the_o doctor_n will_v persuade_v we_o be_v gospel-mystery_n to_o which_o this_o his_o interpretation_n very_o well_o agree_v and_o if_o he_o have_v mean_v they_o only_o i_o have_v not_o go_v about_o to_o confute_v he_o here_o for_o indeed_o i_o look_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v as_o he_o say_v vnsuitable_a to_o the_o rational_a principle_n of_o
can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o god_n reveal_v they_o to_o we_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o revelation_n by_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o such_o argument_n as_o he_o oppose_v to_o those_o natural_a demonstration_n and_o way_n of_o prove_v thing_n which_o the_o philosopher_n use_v and_o how_o just_o may_v they_o have_v deride_v the_o apostle_n for_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o because_o they_o reject_v reveal_v religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o be_v knowable_a by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n if_o after_o so_o long_a a_o flourish_n about_o a_o high_a and_o better_a way_n of_o demonstrate_v those_o divine_a truth_n he_o speak_v of_o than_o from_o natural_a principle_n he_o have_v conclude_v that_o no_o man_n can_v understand_v their_o truth_n and_o sense_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v till_o god_n make_v he_o to_o understand_v they_o by_o a_o irresistible_a work_n upon_o his_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o doctor_n be_v sense_n of_o those_o word_n that_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v i_o put_v it_o also_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o this_o follow_a paraphrase_n upon_o these_o word_n which_o the_o doctor_n carp_v at_o be_v as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o wrest_n of_o the_o scripture_n at_o pleasure_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n they_o that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n the_o learned_a philosopher_n etc._n etc._n do_v absolute_o despise_v and_o so_o harken_v not_o after_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o seem_v folly_n to_o they_o chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 28._o nor_o can_v they_o by_o any_o study_n of_o their_o own_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v by_o understand_v the_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n and_o other_o such_o mean_n which_o depend_v on_o divine_a revelation_n the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o paraphrase_n of_o the_o reverend_n dr._n hammond_n and_o it_o full_o express_v that_o sense_n which_o by_o the_o context_n i_o have_v prove_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o text._n our_o author_n bring_v it_o in_o at_o last_o to_o examine_v it_o by_o his_o own_o comment_n which_o since_o i_o have_v disprove_v i_o may_v spare_v myself_o any_o further_a trouble_n in_o defend_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o paraphrase_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o he_o have_v to_o say_v against_o it_o 1._o he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o natural_a man_n intend_v not_o only_o the_o learned_a philosopher_n but_o every_o one_o of_o what_o sort_n and_o condition_n soever_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ._n to_o see_v what_o a_o man_n will_v say_v when_o he_o be_v set_v to_o wrangle_v dr._n owen_n himself_o more_o than_o once_o give_v his_o meaning_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n in_o such_o expression_n as_o these_o one_o which_o have_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o all_o his_o rational_a faculty_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o learned_a philosopher_n of_o old_a and_o the_o wise_a know_v and_o rational_a make_v the_o long_a opposition_n to_o they_o and_o he_o say_v himself_o in_o the_o very_a next_o exception_n the_o apostle_n give_v a_o account_n why_o so_o few_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n receive_v the_o gospel_n but_o if_o dr._n owen_n offence_n be_v take_v that_o they_o only_o be_v intend_v by_o dr._n hammond_n this_o offence_n be_v unreasonable_o take_v for_o the_o doctor_n intend_v as_o his_o word_n be_v very_o plain_a all_o those_o of_o whatsoever_o sort_n they_o be_v that_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n i._n e._n who_o either_o want_n or_o reject_v revelation_n 2._o he_o dislike_v the_o paraphrase_v of_o he_o receive_v not_o by_o he_o absolute_o despise_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v sometime_o his_o own_o paraphrase_n as_o where_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o receive_v they_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n tell_v they_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n and_o that_o to_o cast_v a_o contempt_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n by_o who_o it_o be_v despise_v and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n he_o use_v the_o same_o liberty_n but_o his_o chief_a exception_n against_o this_o part_n of_o the_o paraphrase_n be_v because_o it_o do_v not_o express_v the_o reason_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o receive_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o reason_n be_v his_o disability_n to_o receive_v they_o i._n e._n because_o it_o do_v not_o express_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o possible_o intend_v for_o he_o that_o bare_o say_v that_o any_o one_o believe_v or_o receive_v not_o such_o a_o doctrine_n will_v not_o unless_o he_o be_v a_o fool_n pretend_v that_o by_o say_v so_o he_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v not_o but_o dr._n hammond_n give_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n where_o st._n paul_n give_v a_o reason_n who_o say_v he_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o because_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o and_o he_o can_v because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v his_o five_o objection_n be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n with_o this_o for_o he_o say_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o receive_v not_o be_v give_v in_o the_o ensue_a reason_n and_o explanation_n of_o it_o he_o can_v know_v they_o which_o be_v nonsense_n for_o not_o to_o know_v a_o doctrine_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o know_v it_o be_v another_o and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o the_o former_a nor_o do_v i_o understand_v how_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o proposition_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o for_o i_o always_o think_v that_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o sentence_n must_v first_o be_v understand_v before_o the_o reason_n or_o truth_n of_o that_o meaning_n can_v be_v know_v it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o though_o dr._n owen_n take_v no_o care_n to_o speak_v truth_n he_o will_v yet_o make_v some_o conscience_n of_o speak_a sense_n 3._o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n treat_v not_o of_o what_o man_n can_v find_v out_o by_o any_o study_n of_o their_o own_o but_o of_o what_o they_o can_v not_o do_v they_o can_v not_o receive_v the_o spiritual_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o exception_n i_o be_o amaze_v at_o because_o neither_o dr._n hammond_n speak_v of_o what_o they_o can_v find_v out_o but_o of_o what_o they_o can_v not_o find_v out_o by_o any_o study_n of_o their_o own_o but_o say_v j.o._n they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o when_o the_o gospel_n be_v propose_v declare_v and_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o so_o the_o doctor_n suppose_v too_o and_o any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n must_v suppose_v it_o likewise_o for_o how_o else_o can_v they_o have_v call_v the_o gospel_n foolishness_n if_o it_o have_v never_o be_v know_v to_o they_o 4._o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o they_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o prophecy_n miracle_n and_o the_o like_a in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v what_o then_o why_o you_o may_v go_v look_n for_o he_o have_v only_o leave_v we_o to_o guess_v at_o the_o design_n of_o this_o exception_n but_o at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o five_o exception_n he_o say_v concern_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v spiritual_o discern_v to_o wrest_v this_o unto_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v direct_o design_v to_o express_v the_o internal_a manner_n of_o the_o mind_n reception_n of_o thing_n reveal_v be_v to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n at_o pleasure_n i_o answer_v 1._o if_o the_o word_n spiritual_o be_v design_v to_o express_v not_o the_o mean_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o receive_v gospel-mystery_n than_o dr._n h._n do_v wrest_v the_o scripture_n by_o make_v it_o to_o signify_v the_o outward_a mean_n of_o discern_v they_o viz._n miracle_n prophecy_n etc._n etc._n but_o then_o withal_o dr._n owen_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n too_o by_o make_v it_o to_o signify_v the_o inward_a mean_n of_o discern_v they_o viz._n the_o irresistible_a light_n by_o which_o he_o discern_v they_o for_o inward_a mean_n of_o do_v a_o thing_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o equal_o with_o outward_a mean_n and_o if_o dr._n owen_n say_v that_o the_o internal_a manner_n of_o the_o mind_n reception_n be_v express_v by_o his_o say_n that_o they_o be_v discern_v by_o irresistible_a light_n i_o ask_v he_o why_o i_o may_v not_o say_v too_o that_o the_o internal_a manner_n of_o the_o mind_n reception_n of_o they_o be_v express_v by_o dr._n hammond_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v discern_v by_o
that_o they_o may_v be_v witness_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o christ_n receive_v from_o the_o father_n act_v 2.23_o peculiar_o concern_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o this_o as_o i_o conceive_v the_o doctor_n acknowledge_v by_o say_v that_o christ_n shed_v forth_o what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v in_o the_o miraculous_a operation_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o now_o say_v he_o 157._o in_o this_o promise_n viz._n act_n 1._o vers_fw-la 4_o 8._o the_o lord_n christ_n found_v the_o church_n itself_o and_o by_o it_o he_o build_v it_o up_o and_o this_o be_v the_o hinge_v whereon_o the_o whole_a weight_n of_o it_o do_v turn_v and_o depend_v unto_o this_o day_n it_o be_v indeed_o certain_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n be_v at_o this_o day_n found_v upon_o the_o extraordinary_a testimony_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o which_o follow_v be_v absolute_o false_a take_v away_o this_o promise_n suppose_v it_o to_o cease_v as_o unto_o a_o continual_a accomplishment_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o absolute_a end_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n for_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o confess_v himself_o miracle_n be_v cease_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o church_n he_o proceed_v thus_o no_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n no_o church_n he_o that_o will_v utter_o separate_v the_o spirit_n from_o the_o word_n have_v as_o good_a burn_v his_o bible_n be_v not_o so_o hasty_a for_o although_o this_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o than_o you_o have_v prove_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v now_o be_v utter_o separate_v from_o the_o word_n for_o all_o act_n 1.4_o and_o although_o you_o very_o true_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v ingenerate_v faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yet_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o have_v here_o say_v it_o may_v for_o those_o text_n upon_o which_o you_o ground_n your_o confidence_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n whereby_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v now_o these_o be_v record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n together_o with_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o they_o may_v be_v as_o able_a to_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v when_o they_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o that_o of_o themselves_o too_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o have_v show_v to_o the_o contrary_a from_o act_n 1._o though_o the_o contrary_n may_v well_o be_v show_v from_o other_o scripture_n now_o i_o can_v see_v to_o what_o end_n these_o man_n when_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o will_v in_o all_o age_n be_v accomplish_v shall_v fly_v so_o often_o as_o they_o do_v to_o those_o text_n which_o mention_v those_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v bestow_v in_o the_o first_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v their_o follower_n believe_v that_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v inspire_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o that_o they_o preach_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v which_o because_o we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o they_o who_o do_v so_o to_o be_v sole_a owner_n of_o the_o privilege_n just_o as_o the_o papist_n support_v their_o pretence_n to_o miracle_n and_o infallibility_n by_o draw_v the_o promise_n peculiar_o make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o believer_n into_o consequence_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o every_o age_n and_o i_o fear_v by_o the_o like_a device_n our_o author_n have_v lay_v his_o plot_n to_o unchurch_n we_o quite_o and_o clean_o who_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n 158._o for_o say_v he_o let_v man_n cast_v themselves_o into_o what_o order_n they_o please_v institute_v what_o form_n of_o government_n and_o religious_a worship_n they_o please_v let_v they_o do_v it_o by_o a_o attendance_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o understand_n unto_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n i._n e._n let_v their_o government_n and_o worship_n be_v as_o near_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o can_v possible_o frame_v it_o yet_o if_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v disow_v or_o disclaim_v by_o they_o if_o they_o disow_v those_o extravagant_a pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n which_o you_o set_v up_o to_o magnify_v yourselves_o withal_o if_o there_o be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o upon_o they_o such_o a_o work_n of_o his_o as_o be_v promise_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v no_o church-state_n among_o they_o nor_o as_o such_o be_v it_o to_o be_v own_v and_o esteem_v and_o be_v this_o that_o you_o have_v be_v drive_v at_o all_o this_o while_n you_o have_v now_o find_v out_o a_o new_a colour_n for_o your_o schism_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v go_v forward_o upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n promise_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o upon_o we_o which_o in_o many_o place_n of_o your_o book_n also_o you_o spare_v not_o to_o say_v we_o reproach_n and_o disavow_v but_o i_o beseech_v you_o dare_v you_o say_v that_o you_o have_v that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o you_o and_o upon_o you_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o forementioned_a text_n if_o you_o say_v so_o we_o shall_v present_o desire_v you_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o it_o by_o miracle_n and_o such_o sign_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v if_o you_o dare_v not_o say_v it_o than_o it_o seem_v that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v no_o more_o in_o you_o and_o upon_o you_o than_o it_o be_v in_o we_o and_o then_o i_o hope_v we_o be_v not_o unchurch_v for_o not_o pretend_v to_o it_o nor_o fit_a to_o be_v account_v reprobate_n because_o we_o be_v not_o liar_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n mention_v by_o you_o in_o your_o next_o section_n matth._n 28.20_o 158._o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n prove_v the_o constant_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n by_o his_o spirit_n but_o then_o sir_n it_o do_v not_o prove_v nor_o i_o think_v be_v you_o able_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o forementioned_a promise_v make_v to_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o same_o promise_n with_o that_o which_o be_v here_o make_v now_o as_o to_o that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o will_v indeed_o continue_v through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v disow_v and_o disclaim_v it_o but_o we_o disow_v the_o prove_v it_o from_o such_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o you_o lay_v the_o great_a stress_n of_o your_o proof_n upon_o lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o pretend_v to_o those_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v pour_v forth_o upon_o the_o church_n at_o her_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a our_o pretence_n be_v laugh_v at_o for_o our_o pain_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o to_o say_v that_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o those_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n those_o extraordinary_a gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o believer_n have_v for_o it_o will_v be_v unanswerable_o return_v upon_o we_o that_o these_o text_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o speak_v of_o any_o but_o these_o and_o thus_o we_o shall_v disparage_v a_o good_a cause_n by_o argue_v no_o better_a for_o it_o therefore_o doctor_n if_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o and_o towards_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v open_o deride_v as_o you_o complain_v 118._o you_o may_v i_o doubt_v in_o great_a part_n thank_v yourself_o and_o such_o as_o you_o who_o by_o imprudent_a discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_n have_v give_v profane_a person_n occasion_n to_o make_v a_o question_n whether_o nowadays_o there_o be_v any_o work_n at_o all_o of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v and_o that_o by_o lay_v together_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v concern_v it_o all_o which_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o to_o who_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v make_v 3._o what_o be_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o operation_n by_o
that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o doctrine_n here_o by_o he_o maintain_v viz._n that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v righteousness_n without_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o without_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o then_o he_o must_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n which_o be_v one_o of_o those_o argument_n whereby_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o a_o state_n of_o regeneration_n be_v a_o state_n of_o inherent_a personal_a righteousness_n and_o which_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v produce_v do_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v regenerate_v as_o it_o signify_v the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o to_o be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v sect_n 8._o 2._o if_o we_o consider_v regeneration_n as_o a_o effect_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o that_o state_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v regeneration_n to_o be_v these_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v to_o be_v water_n and_o the_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 5._o viz._n when_o he_o repeat_v his_o doctrine_n to_o nicodemus_n concern_v which_o grotius_n well_o note_n exponit_fw-la jam_fw-la qualem_fw-la nativitatem_fw-la intelligat_fw-la nè_fw-la nicodemus_n diutius_fw-la allegoricae_fw-la locutionis_fw-la ignorantiâ_fw-la fallatur_fw-la our_o saviour_n now_o explain_v what_o birth_n he_o understand_v that_o nicodemus_n may_v no_o long_o be_v deceive_v by_o his_o ignorance_n that_o christ_n speak_v figurative_o for_o after_o it_o be_v tell_v he_o that_o this_o birth_n be_v effect_v by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v not_o dream_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v be_v bear_v again_o in_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n as_o he_o conceive_v at_o first_o when_o it_o be_v only_o tell_v he_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o be_v can_v etc._n etc._n now_o whether_o one_o cause_n of_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n or_o more_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o general_o agree_v upon_o there_o be_v some_o whereof_o grotius_n himself_o be_v one_o who_o conceive_v that_o by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o word_n signify_v the_o sanctify_a or_o cleanse_v spirit_n of_o god_n non_fw-la loquor_fw-la de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la say_v grotius_n but_o withal_o he_o say_v sed_fw-la locutiones_fw-la sunt_fw-la alludentes_fw-la ad_fw-la baptismum_fw-la our_o saviour_n allude_v to_o baptism_n as_o he_o suppose_v he_o to_o allude_v to_o the_o eucharist_n in_o those_o word_n except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n etc._n etc._n but_o by_o the_o leave_n of_o so_o great_a a_o man_n i_o think_v the_o other_o opinion_n more_o general_o receive_v and_o in_o particular_a maintain_v by_o dr._n hammond_n viz._n that_o by_o water_n baptism_n be_v here_o mean_v to_o be_v to_o say_v no_o more_o far_o more_o probable_a than_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o baptism_n be_v that_o ceremony_n of_o proselytism_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o our_o saviour_n borrow_v from_o they_o query_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n be_v no_o new_a name_n or_o notion_n as_o dr._n owen_n pretend_v for_o the_o jew_n call_v their_o proselyte_n recens_fw-la nati_fw-la as_o grotius_n himself_o observe_v new_a bear_v man_n and_o as_o such_o count_v they_o to_o have_v quit_v their_o relation_n to_o their_o former_a country_n parent_n and_o kindred_n and_o since_o the_o jewish_a proselyte_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o baptize_v person_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o immersion_n in_o water_n be_v one_o of_o the_o indispensible_a ceremony_n of_o his_o proselytism_n or_o regeneration_n we_o may_v well_o conceive_v that_o by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n our_o saviour_n mean_v become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o his_o church_n by_o baptism_n as_o by_o baptism_n the_o jew_n admit_v proselyte_n to_o they_o for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o strange_a that_o nicodemus_n a_o master_n of_o israel_n shall_v not_o understand_v what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n 2._o st._n paul_n do_v express_o call_v baptism_n the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n which_o what_o it_o signify_v but_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v or_o become_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v understand_v and_o then_o that_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n now_o where_o there_o be_v not_o only_o no_o necessity_n to_o find_v a_o figure_n in_o scripture-phrase_n but_o the_o proper_a sense_n also_o contain_v a_o truth_n very_o pertinent_a to_o the_o subject_a speak_v of_o in_o all_o reason_n there_o the_o proper_a sense_n and_o consequent_o here_o of_o the_o word_n water_n ought_v to_o be_v follow_v and_o then_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n signify_v our_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o engage_v to_o be_v so_o for_o the_o future_a by_o baptism_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v make_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o baptism_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o concern_v they_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o show_v therefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o they_o in_o this_o place_n but_o only_o add_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o our_o regeneration_n or_o become_v good_a christian_n but_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v those_o other_o cause_n viz._n those_o mean_n which_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v our_o regeneration_n unto_o to_o be_v include_v under_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o effect_n without_o who_o operation_n those_o mean_n can_v be_v effectual_a to_o their_o end_n and_o these_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o pet._n 1.23_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o but_o this_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o consider_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o be_v bear_v again_o both_o as_o it_o signify_v a_o state_n and_o as_o a_o effect_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v require_v we_o to_o become_v his_o sincere_a follower_n and_o disciple_n if_o we_o hope_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n sect_n 9_o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o become_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v express_v by_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o i_o shall_v likewise_o show_v how_o fit_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v express_v by_o the_o other_o metaphor_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o this_o because_o our_o author_n seem_v unable_a to_o conceive_v how_o so_o mean_v a_o thing_n as_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v intend_v by_o such_o grand_a and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n as_o those_o of_o the_o new_a birth_n the_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v first_o observe_v the_o similitude_n between_o our_o become_a true_a christian_n and_o be_v born_n first_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o alteration_n which_o be_v make_v in_o a_o man_n state_n by_o his_o become_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v one_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o state_n of_o such_o a_o disciple_n be_v express_v by_o this_o metaphor_n for_o it_o express_v a_o very_a great_a change_n thus_o mr._n baxter_n tell_v we_o very_o well_o that_o regeneration_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a term_n 8._o take_v from_o our_o natural_a generation_n because_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o change_n that_o a_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v another_o man_n if_o we_o consider_v how_o great_a this_o change_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o so_o to_o be_v there_o be_v first_o of_o all_o a_o intrinsic_a change_n peculiar_a to_o the_o state_n of_o adult_n christian_n their_o understanding_n be_v inform_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o truth_n concern_v god_n and_o themselves_o and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v which_o they_o be_v most_o of_o all_o concern_v to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ._n hereby_o also_o be_v produce_v a_o proportionable_a change_n in_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v wrought_v such_o effect_n upon_o that_o
the_o proper_a sense_n but_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o so_o learned_a a_o man_n as_o dr._n owen_n can_v excuse_v himself_o from_o dishonesty_n for_o make_v this_o construction_n of_o it_o which_o must_v appear_v ridiculous_a to_o any_o consider_a man_n however_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o have_v give_v a_o plain_a and_o reasonable_a account_n of_o the_o use_n of_o these_o metaphor_n by_o show_v wherein_o the_o similitude_n lie_v between_o the_o proper_a and_o figurative_a signification_n of_o they_o and_o hereby_o i_o may_v have_v help_v our_o author_n to_o conceive_v it_o a_o very_a possible_a thing_n that_o the_o scripture_n mean_v nothing_o more_o by_o those_o grand_a and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n as_o he_o call_v they_o of_o be_v regenerate_v etc._n etc._n then_o become_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o adversary_n notion_n of_o a_o regenerate_v man_n thus_o also_o i_o have_v show_v how_o far_o we_o may_v argue_v from_o these_o scripture_n metaphor_n if_o any_o man_n can_v go_v further_o and_o find_v out_o more_o similitude_n between_o the_o metaphor_n and_o that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v his_o adversary_n provide_v he_o keep_v himself_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o proper_a signification_n of_o any_o one_o or_o all_o these_o metaphor_n to_o conclude_v something_o parallel_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o believer_n to_o every_o thing_n which_o can_v proper_o be_v affirm_v of_o they_o be_v to_o run_v upon_o such_o wild_a and_o absurd_a consequence_n as_o any_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o and_o any_o good_a man_n will_v be_v afraid_a to_o fasten_v upon_o the_o scripture_n how_o our_o author_n argue_v from_o they_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o as_o to_o state_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o regeneration_n sect_n 10._o though_o i_o have_v as_o i_o conceive_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o be_v to_o become_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n yet_o for_o further_a confirmation_n and_o because_o it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o the_o ordinary_a reader_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o plain_a that_o this_o notion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n to_o nicodemus_n joh._n 3._o which_o be_v the_o most_o famous_a place_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n where_o this_o phrase_n be_v use_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a way_n of_o interpret_n any_o difficult_a passage_n in_o divine_a or_o humane_a author_n to_o observe_v the_o design_n of_o that_o whole_a discourse_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v and_o then_o to_o fix_v such_o a_o meaning_n upon_o that_o passage_n as_o be_v apparent_o suitable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o author_n if_o the_o word_n will_v bear_v that_o meaning_n that_o the_o phrase_n of_o be_v regenerate_v will_v bear_v that_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v assign_v to_o it_o i_o have_v show_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o clear_a argument_n from_o other_o scripture_n wherefore_o if_o i_o show_v also_o that_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o phrase_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o plain_a scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o discourse_n where_o he_o make_v the_o first_o mention_n of_o it_o that_o we_o read_v of_o nothing_o can_v be_v further_o desire_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n may_v easy_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o plain_a passage_n of_o it_o and_o then_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v this_o 1._o to_o show_v that_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n 2._o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o the_o former_a we_o find_v vers_fw-la 16._o for_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n i._n e._n this_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o save_v mankind_n viz._n by_o faith_n in_o his_o son_n who_o be_v to_o be_v lift_v up_o upon_o the_o cross_n as_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n a_o rude_a savage_a place_n and_o so_o fit_a to_o be_v the_o figure_n of_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o christ_n come_v to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 14_o 15._o now_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o man_n thus_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o no_o man_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v refuse_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o sacrifice_n for_o though_o indeed_o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v vers_fw-la 17._o yet_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o vers_fw-la 18._o be_v in_o a_o state_n to_o which_o condemnation_n belong_v and_o that_o a_o more_o severe_a one_o for_o refuse_v so_o gracious_a a_o opportunity_n of_o salvation_n as_o be_v now_o offer_v 2._o our_o saviour_n show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o man_n that_o believe_v not_o and_o that_o by_o note_v 1._o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o disbelieved_a 2._o the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o unbelief_n the_o former_a he_o admonish_v nicodemus_n of_o in_o these_o word_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o we_o speak_v that_o we_o do_v know_v and_o testify_v that_o we_o have_v see_v and_o you_o receive_v not_o our_o testimony_n vers_fw-la 11._o i._n e._n you_o believe_v not_o my_o doctrine_n concern_v that_o only_a way_n by_o which_o you_o must_v come_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n although_o it_o be_v evident_o true_a for_o this_o be_v that_o very_a message_n which_o i_o bring_v you_o from_o god_n this_o be_v that_o counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n which_o i_o come_v from_o he_o to_o testify_v unto_o you_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o that_o now_o this_o you_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v those_o miracle_n that_o i_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o v._n 2._o how_o strange_o incredulous_a therefore_o be_v you_o that_o yet_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o deliver_v that_o doctrine_n which_o by_o these_o testimony_n of_o my_o come_n from_o god_n i_o confirm_v for_o i_o prove_v that_o i_o have_v see_v and_o know_v what_o i_o testify_v i_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o say_v by_o those_o argument_n that_o convince_v you_o that_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n hence_o we_o may_v probable_o gather_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n and_o no_o man_n have_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n vers_n 13._o to_o be_v this_o no_o man_n have_v know_v the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o save_a mankind_n viz._n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n no_o man_n have_v thus_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o be_v come_v from_o heaven_n who_o god_n have_v send_v to_o reveal_v this_o to_o you_o even_o he_o who_o now_o speak_v to_o you_o who_o be_o in_o heaven_n who_o know_v the_o purpose_n and_o intention_n of_o my_o father_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o more_o probable_a interpretation_n of_o this_o difficult_a place_n than_o that_o which_o suppose_v our_o saviour_n to_o speak_v here_o of_o his_o local_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n afterward_o because_o 1._o the_o word_n themselves_o seem_v not_o well_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o future_a ascension_n 2._o as_o grotius_n have_v well_o show_v the_o phrase_n of_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n be_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n viz._n of_o gain_v knowledge_n from_o god_n as_o in_o prov._n 30.3_o 4._o and_o 3._o if_o thus_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n than_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v here_o have_v a_o clear_a connexion_n with_o vers_fw-la 11._o where_o he_o rebuke_v the_o jew_n for_o not_o believe_v his_o revelation_n tax_v they_o of_o unreasonableness_n for_o it_o since_o he_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o have_v see_v and_o know_v from_o god_n and_o also_o with_o the_o precedent_a verse_n where_o by_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n our_o saviour_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
and_o all_o mankind_n but_o i_o can_v go_v about_o to_o convince_v another_o of_o that_o truth_n which_o i_o know_v only_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n unless_o i_o can_v add_v the_o demonstration_n of_o power_n by_o do_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v my_o doctrine_n or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v myself_o as_o ridiculous_a as_o those_o champion_n of_o the_o roman_a fraternity_n make_v themselves_o who_o say_v their_o church_n be_v infallible_a in_o the_o conclusion_n though_o she_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o premise_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v sure_a their_o church_n be_v always_o in_o the_o right_n though_o sometime_o it_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v prove_v this_o may_v be_v say_v for_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o difficult_a place_n by_o study_n the_o use_n of_o which_o way_n be_v principal_o the_o duty_n of_o spiritual_a guide_n now_o the_o advantage_n thereof_o be_v this_o that_o they_o may_v easy_o communicate_v their_o knowledge_n to_o other_o there_o will_v be_v still_o less_o reason_n for_o private_a christian_n who_o want_v leisure_n or_o ability_n to_o use_v the_o former_a mean_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v teach_v they_o the_o true_a sense_n by_o inspiration_n since_o he_o may_v lead_v they_o to_o it_o by_o his_o minister_n and_o for_o this_o way_n it_o may_v be_v say_v further_o that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o god_n have_v establish_v a_o order_n of_o man_n who_o peculiar_a office_n it_o be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n act_v 20.28_o and_o that_o by_o take_v care_n to_o instruct_v they_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o necessary_a truth_n but_o in_o such_o as_o be_v profitable_a too_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v qualify_v to_o understand_v and_o improve_v by_o they_o for_o some_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n only_o and_o not_o with_o meat_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o 1_o cor._n 3.2_o which_o word_n to_o my_o understanding_n imply_v that_o god_n minister_n be_v to_o consider_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o capacity_n of_o their_o people_n and_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o most_o proper_a truth_n for_o they_o to_o understand_v and_o consequent_o that_o these_o be_v bind_v to_o attend_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o and_o who_o be_v to_o judge_v what_o kind_n of_o meat_n they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v what_o difficulty_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v propound_v and_o explain_v to_o they_o and_o what_o truth_n be_v profitable_a for_o they_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o beside_o those_o that_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v this_o be_v the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n for_o their_o edification_n who_o be_v least_o able_a to_o improve_v their_o knowledge_n in_o the_o scripture_n by_o their_o own_o read_n and_o study_v of_o they_o without_o further_a assistance_n therefore_o they_o must_v not_o expect_v knowledge_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n but_o by_o attend_v to_o their_o instruction_n who_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o watch_v for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o which_o be_v this_o that_o neither_o god_n minister_n nor_o any_o of_o their_o flock_n neither_o the_o learned_a nor_o the_o unlearned_a can_v ground_v any_o just_a pretence_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n upon_o this_o promise_n in_o st._n luke_n that_o god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o sect_n 2._o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o this_o promise_n that_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v obtainable_a by_o we_o while_o we_o be_v upon_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n my_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o assurance_n be_v neither_o needful_a as_o a_o condition_n of_o salvation_n nor_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o our_o duty_n nor_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o comfort_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o not_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o salvation_n for_o no_o such_o condition_n be_v require_v buton_n the_o contrary_n we_o be_v exhort_v to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a and_o how_o that_o and_o the_o like_a exhortation_n can_v consist_v with_o suppose_v this_o assurance_n to_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o be_v save_v i_o do_v not_o so_o well_o understand_v beside_o the_o friend_n of_o the_o contrary_a persuasion_n do_v not_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v discern_v pretend_v to_o this_o assurance_n by_o the_o spirit_n otherwise_o than_o by_o have_v also_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o regenerate_a estate_n clear_v up_o to_o their_o understanding_n wherefore_o a_o man_n must_v be_v actual_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n before_o he_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o now_o if_o assurance_n be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o be_v save_v then_o till_o we_o be_v assure_v we_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n so_o that_o if_o ever_o we_o be_v save_v upon_o these_o term_n we_o must_v either_o be_v assure_v before_o we_o be_v assure_v or_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n before_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n which_o inconvenience_n those_o divine_n who_o at_o first_o place_v the_o notion_n of_o justify_v faith_n in_o this_o assurance_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o that_o they_o general_o substitute_v that_o new_a notion_n of_o rely_v and_o roll_a upon_o christ_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v not_o revive_v this_o objection_n against_o it_o but_o that_o i_o find_v dr._n owen_n tax_v the_o want_n of_o this_o assurance_n 529._o by_o the_o name_n of_o unbelief_n which_o will_v cast_v we_o under_o spiritual_a sloth_n and_o slumber_n for_o he_o oppose_v this_o unbelief_n to_o a_o assurance_n of_o our_o personal_a election_n and_o the_o confidence_n we_o have_v from_o thence_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o utter_o and_o final_o miscarry_v he_o do_v not_o indeed_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n that_o we_o be_v not_o true_a believer_n till_o we_o be_v thus_o assure_v but_o his_o word_n imply_v as_o much_o though_o they_o look_v as_o if_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o speak_v it_o out_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v trouble_v you_o no_o further_o with_o this_o matter_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o needful_a as_o a_o motive_n to_o our_o duty_n for_o then_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v sufficient_a inducement_n to_o obedience_n since_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n there_o be_v all_o conditional_a and_o by_o consequence_n all_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v have_v of_o our_o reward_n from_o thence_o be_v but_o conditional_a beside_o a_o great_a assurance_n than_o that_o can_v be_v necessary_a to_o move_v we_o to_o well-doing_n in_o point_n of_o gratitude_n for_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o love_n god_n and_o be_v thankful_a to_o he_o because_o we_o may_v escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o in_o point_n of_o self-love_n for_o what_o consideration_n regard_v this_o matter_n can_v make_v we_o more_o careful_a of_o our_o duty_n than_o that_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n depend_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n of_o the_o event_n will_v be_v rather_o unprofitable_a for_o this_o purpose_n because_o it_o will_v take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o a_o most_o considerable_a motive_n wherewith_o the_o scripture_n persuade_v we_o so_o frequent_o to_o diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o that_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o fear_n our_o saviour_n exhortation_n will_v no_o long_o be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o fear_v he_o which_o have_v power_n to_o cast_v into_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o luke_n 12.5_o nor_o any_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o watch_z which_o imply_v that_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o temptation_n and_o danger_n now_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v under_o such_o circumstance_n assurance_n will_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v rather_o unprofitable_a since_o it_o will_v supplant_v the_o usefulness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o so_o profitable_a a_o consideration_n as_o that_o of_o god_n angry_a justice_n against_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o backslide_n christian_n but_o dr._n owen_n say_v 530._o man_n do_v but_o bewray_v their_o ignorance_n whilst_o they_o contend_v that_o the_o assurance_n we_o speak_v of_o do_v any_o way_n impeach_v or_o do_v not_o effectual_o promote_v the_o industry_n of_o believer_n in_o all_o duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o convince_v their_o ignorance_n he_o produce_v this_o admirable_a instance_n suppose_v a_o man_n that_o be_v
on_o his_o journey_n know_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o his_o right_a way_n and_o that_o pass_v on_o therein_o he_o shall_v certain_o and_o infallible_o come_v to_o his_o journey_n end_v especial_o if_o he_o will_v a_o little_a quicken_v his_o speed_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v will_v you_o say_v that_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v such_o a_o man_n careless_a and_o negligent_a and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o to_o his_o advantage_n to_o be_v lose_v and_o bewilder_v in_o uncertain_a path_n and_o way_n not_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v nor_o whether_o he_o shall_v ever_o arrive_v at_o his_o journey_n end_v common_a experience_n declare_v the_o contrary_a and_o common_a sense_n may_v have_v inform_v he_o that_o this_o similitude_n rather_o make_v against_o his_o opinion_n than_o for_o it_o for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n and_o that_o pass_v on_o therein_o he_o shall_v certain_o and_o infallible_o come_v to_o his_o journey_n end_v i._n e._n on_o supposition_n he_o keep_v on_o in_o the_o right_a way_n which_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o and_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o nothing_o can_v possible_o turn_v he_o out_o of_o the_o way_n whether_o he_o quicken_v his_o speed_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v or_o whether_o he_o let_v it_o alone_o now_o it_o be_v a_o assurance_n of_o this_o kind_n about_o which_o according_a to_o he_o we_o bewray_v our_o ignorance_n by_o say_v it_o do_v not_o effectual_o promote_v the_o industry_n of_o believer_n although_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a reason_n for_o it_o that_o the_o former_a assurance_n leave_v the_o traveller_n under_o a_o obligation_n to_o quicken_v his_o speed_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v if_o he_o hope_v to_o come_v to_o his_o journey_n end_n but_o the_o latter_a leave_v he_o under_o none_o at_o all_o wherefore_o i_o leave_v the_o doctor_n to_o judge_v what_o coherence_n there_o be_v between_o his_o similitude_n and_o that_o reddition_n of_o it_o which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o in_o these_o word_n it_o be_v that_o soul_n alone_o ordinary_o which_o have_v a_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o god_n eternal_a immutable_a elect_a love_n and_o thence_o of_o the_o bless_a end_n of_o its_o own_o course_n of_o obedience_n i._n e._n who_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o personal_a election_n and_o consequent_o of_o his_o perseverance_n that_o go_v on_o constant_o and_o even_o in_o a_o course_n of_o holiness_n here_o indeed_o he_o mince_v the_o matter_n by_o put_v in_o the_o word_n ordinary_o though_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o have_v conclude_v just_a before_o that_o impression_n of_o fear_n together_o with_o all_o resolution_n of_o conversion_n ground_v upon_o they_o still_o come_v to_o nothing_o but_o his_o similitude_n do_v not_o conclude_v that_o absolute_a assurance_n he_o speak_v of_o to_o be_v either_o ordinary_o or_o extraordinary_o needful_a to_o quicken_v we_o in_o a_o course_n of_o holiness_n because_o it_o suppose_v the_o traveller_n assurance_n of_o come_v to_o his_o journey_n end_v to_o be_v but_o conditional_a but_o from_o the_o similitude_n he_o proceed_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n viz._n heb._n 6._o from_o the_o 10_o vers._n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n where_o he_o say_v it_o be_v the_o very_a design_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o explain_v and_o confirm_v this_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o need_n of_o absolute_a assurance_n to_o move_v we_o to_o holiness_n which_o he_o say_v also_o be_v declare_v elsewhere_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v in_o his_o exercitation_n upon_o the_o hebrew_n which_o book_n i_o have_v not_o now_o by_o i_o but_o the_o bible_n i_o have_v and_o to_o that_o i_o will_v go_v the_o word_n which_o i_o suppose_v he_o chief_o aim_v at_o in_o that_o chapter_n be_v these_o and_o we_o desire_v that_o every_o one_o of_o you_o do_v show_v the_o same_o diligence_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n vers_n 11._o and_o let_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o main_a scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o chapter_n which_o be_v to_o exhort_v the_o hebrew_n to_o who_o he_o write_v to_o persevere_v in_o their_o christian_a profession_n and_o conversation_n and_o that_o by_o two_o argument_n the_o former_a from_o v_o 4._o to_o v_o 9_o be_v the_o desperateness_n of_o their_o condition_n who_o have_v revolt_v from_o their_o christian_a profession_n the_o latter_a from_o v_o 10._o to_o the_o end_n be_v the_o certainty_n of_o their_o reward_n who_o shall_v persevere_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v persuade_v those_o hebrew_n hitherto_o have_v do_v vers_fw-la 9_o whereof_o they_o have_v give_v good_a testimony_n by_o their_o liberality_n to_o the_o poor_a christian_n vers_fw-la 10._o now_o he_o will_v have_v they_o still_o be_v follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n vers_fw-la 12._o a_o example_n whereof_o they_o have_v in_o abraham_n who_o after_o he_o have_v patient_o endure_v obtain_v the_o promise_n vers_fw-la 15._o and_o then_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o our_o hope_n of_o a_o inheritance_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n and_o oath_n of_o god_n viz._n that_o we_o shall_v obtain_v if_o we_o be_v not_o slothful_a but_o continue_v in_o faith_n and_o patience_n as_o they_o do_v who_o now_o inherit_v wherefore_o his_o discourse_n here_o clear_o proceed_v upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o they_o have_v no_o other_o assurance_n of_o their_o reward_n but_o upon_o condition_n of_o perseverance_n in_o their_o duty_n and_o then_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n promise_n be_v their_o security_n this_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n desire_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o will_v show_v the_o same_o diligence_n to_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n unto_o the_o end_n i._n e._n that_o by_o perseverance_n they_o may_v arrive_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o they_o hope_v for_o for_o first_o of_o all_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n be_v to_o be_v consequent_a upon_o their_o show_v the_o same_o diligence_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n be_v the_o same_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v that_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o full_a assurance_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o it_o can_v from_o hence_o be_v conclude_v that_o this_o assurance_n whatever_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o incite_v they_o to_o diligence_n wherefore_o second_o by_o this_o full_a assurance_n of_o hope_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o assurance_n which_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o show_v the_o same_o diligence_n to_o the_o end_n i._n e._n the_o consummation_n of_o their_o hope_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v and_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text_n be_v this_o that_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v they_o be_v diligent_a to_o the_o very_a last_o that_o at_o last_o they_o may_v have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n i._n e._n enjoy_v what_o they_o hope_v for_o or_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n inherit_v the_o promise_n this_o be_v that_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n to_o which_o as_o i_o conceive_v we_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o word_n themselves_o and_o by_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o therefore_o from_o hence_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o the_o absolute_a assurance_n dr._n owen_n speak_v of_o be_v either_o ordinary_o or_o extraordinary_o needful_a to_o incite_v we_o to_o holiness_n and_o notwithstanding_o this_o place_n we_o may_v affirm_v that_o such_o assurance_n be_v more_o likely_a to_o impeach_v than_o to_o promote_v the_o industry_n of_o believer_n in_o all_o duty_n of_o obedience_n but_o the_o doctor_n appeal_v from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o they_o that_o say_v thus_o to_o the_o experience_n of_o they_o that_o find_v it_o otherwise_o i._n e._n he_o appeal_v from_o we_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o party_n now_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a way_n of_o argue_v than_o we_o who_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o our_o own_o infirmity_n as_o to_o know_v our_o need_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o motive_n not_o except_v that_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n threaten_n to_o make_v we_o watchful_a against_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n may_v appeal_v to_o our_o own_o experience_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o say_v from_o the_o ignorance_n of_o they_o that_o say_v the_o contrary_n but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o you_o or_o we_o shall_v be_v trust_v in_o this_o matter_n when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v before_o we_o which_o do_v so_o vehement_o urge_v we_o to_o fear_v he_o that_o can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n wherefore_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o contempt_n you_o cast_v upon_o serve_v god_n out_o of_o this_o principle_n we_o see_v our_o
consecrate_v to_o a_o life_n of_o obedience_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o for_o than_o they_o will_v find_v little_a excuse_n and_o a_o great_a punishment_n for_o their_o unchristian_a practice_n if_o be_v so_o great_o oblige_v they_o shall_v prove_v unthankful_a and_o disobedient_a the_o second_o place_n be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.16_o but_o 1._o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n 389._o be_v that_o public_a testimony_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o true_a christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n show_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o freewoman_n as_o he_o express_v it_o gal._n 4.28_o whereas_o the_o jew_n those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n answer_v the_o condition_n of_o ishmael_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o son_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n to_o who_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o a_o inheritance_n now_o that_o none_o but_o true_a christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_a inheritance_n be_v that_o which_o be_v testify_v against_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o miracle_n and_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a believer_n i._n e._n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o this_o text_n be_v very_o far_o from_o intend_v any_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n and_o yet_o 2._o all_o that_o be_v here_o affirm_v regard_v only_o our_o present_a state_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o if_o we_o be_v it_o be_v certain_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o nay_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n without_o our_o own_o fault_n since_o we_o have_v so_o plain_a a_o rule_n to_o try_v ourselves_o by_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n now_o our_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n be_v that_o which_o our_o own_o spirit_n or_o conscience_n must_v witness_v and_o then_o upon_o this_o condition_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o to_o be_v sure_a be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o our_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o forfeit_v our_o inheritance_n by_o any_o future_a miscarriage_n and_o therefore_o from_o this_o place_n it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o such_o assurance_n be_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n sect_n 6._o 3._o for_o the_o pretence_n of_o utter_v the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o extemporary_a prayer_n i_o know_v likewise_o but_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n common_o urge_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o the_o former_a be_v st._n paul_n saying_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o 1_o cor._n 14.15_o which_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o text_n that_o i_o never_o hear_v produce_v for_o this_o pretence_n but_o by_o those_o that_o have_v nothing_o but_o mere_a zeal_n to_o defend_v their_o opinion_n withal_o i_o mean_v some_o of_o the_o people_n that_o follow_v dr._n owen_n and_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o after_o they_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v they_o to_o word_n or_o sense_n or_o both_o in_o their_o prayer_n they_o conceit_n this_o text_n to_o be_v a_o proof_n for_o their_o purpose_n for_o the_o word_n sound_v that_o way_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v what_o they_o do_v about_o extemporary_a prayer_n beforehand_o but_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o they_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v their_o guide_n who_o pretend_v to_o learning_n and_o if_o they_o mind_v the_o text_n at_o all_o can_v hardly_o be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n there_o mean_v be_v use_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o pray_n by_o the_o understanding_n be_v pray_v in_o a_o language_n understand_v by_o the_o people_n that_o they_o i_o say_v shall_v suffer_v their_o people_n to_o run_v away_o so_o long_o together_o with_o a_o belief_n that_o this_o text_n give_v they_o authority_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v take_v care_n they_o shall_v speak_v good_a sense_n in_o their_o extemporary_a prayer_n this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o can_v but_o admire_v i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o be_v all_o so_o dishonest_a but_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v and_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o i_o suppose_v unless_o they_o grant_v that_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o talk_n of_o their_o follower_n better_a than_o they_o themselves_o be_v but_o dismiss_v this_o place_n which_o be_v so_o very_o wide_o from_o the_o purpose_n which_o it_o be_v produce_v for_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o which_o indeed_o carry_v a_o more_o likely_a appearance_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o dr._n owen_n contain_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n carry_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o believer_n in_o request_n which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v far_o above_o their_o natural_a contrivance_n and_o invention_n i._n e._n that_o when_o believer_n venture_v to_o pray_v extempore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n prompt_v they_o as_o they_o go_v along_o to_o pray_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v come_v to_o their_o mind_n for_o his_o word_n signify_v thus_o much_o at_o least_o if_o not_o that_o the_o very_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v communicate_v to_o they_o at_o that_o very_a instant_n before_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o that_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n the_o place_n be_v this_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v and_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o he_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.26_o 27._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n whether_o the_o foresay_a opinion_n of_o the_o doctor_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o they_o his_o other_o thought_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v not_o pretend_v to_o confute_v because_o i_o do_v not_o so_o well_o comprehend_v what_o he_o mean_v viz._n when_o he_o tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o subject_n of_o prayer_n the_o sanctify_a heart_n that_o by_o the_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v be_v mean_v 385._o that_o bend_v frame_n inclination_n and_o act_v of_o the_o inward_a man_n in_o prayer_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o themselves_o in_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v do_v not_o fathom_v nor_o reach_v the_o depth_n of_o unless_o he_o mean_v that_o a_o man_n may_v desire_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o inexpressible_a vehemence_n and_o yet_o not_o understand_v that_o he_o do_v so_o if_o he_o intend_v this_o i_o need_v only_o to_o tell_v he_o that_o because_o these_o groan_n be_v unutterable_a it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o be_v unintelligible_a if_o he_o intend_v it_o not_o i_o do_v not_o fathom_v nor_o reach_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o meaning_n again_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o object_n of_o prayer_n that_o the_o mysterious_a thing_n which_o believer_n pray_v for_o be_v now_o make_v nigh_o now_o realize_v unto_o they_o i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v whether_o he_o mean_v now_o at_o their_o prayer_n or_o now_o at_o some_o other_o time_n before_o if_o when_o they_o be_v pray_v it_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o spirit_n represent_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n as_o he_o say_v if_o at_o some_o other_o time_n before_o then_o certain_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v represent_v before_o too_o and_o they_o know_v they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o these_o thing_n and_o than_o it_o be_v above_o my_o apprehension_n how_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n shall_v be_v far_o above_o
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
motive_n include_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o operation_n nor_o do_v the_o spirit_n use_v any_o motive_n when_o he_o thus_o operate_v for_o as_o these_o man_n say_v this_o physical_a operation_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n tell_v i_o in_o what_o capacity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v stand_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o author_n if_o you_o will_v believe_v he_o pay_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o do_v not_o only_o render_v thus_o useless_a in_o general_n but_o many_o plain_a testimony_n whereof_o he_o contradict_v in_o particular_a and_o for_o instance_n that_o passage_n in_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n i_o desire_v he_o at_o his_o leisure_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o grace_n which_o our_o saviour_n pray_v for_o in_o his_o disciple_n behalf_n be_v a_o immediate_a physical_a operation_n if_o not_o whether_o we_o be_v now_o sanctify_v by_o another_o sort_n of_o operation_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n pray_v for_o now_o to_o say_v in_o express_a term_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n will_v sound_v so_o horrid_o in_o any_o sober_a christian_n ear_n that_o the_o doctor_n himself_o have_v not_o venture_v upon_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o be_v often_o persuade_v his_o reader_n that_o he_o attribute_n as_o much_o to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n as_o any_o of_o they_o all_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o 268._o whereas_o some_o contend_v that_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o effectual_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n they_o do_v not_o ascribe_v a_o great_a power_n unto_o the_o word_n than_o we_o do_v by_o who_o this_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o total_a cause_n of_o conversion_n for_o we_o assign_v the_o same_o power_n to_o the_o word_n as_o they_o do_v and_o more_o also_o only_o we_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o effect_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o this_o work_n which_o all_o this_o power_n if_o alone_o be_v insufficient_a for_o after_o a_o few_o such_o say_n as_o these_o a_o man_n need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n for_o 1._o they_o who_o contend_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o spirit_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o mind_n be_v insufficient_a to_o cause_v conversion_n and_o that_o there_o be_v another_o action_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherein_o no_o use_n be_v make_v of_o the_o word_n at_o all_o necessary_a to_o conversion_n do_v not_o attribute_v so_o much_o power_n to_o the_o word_n as_o they_o do_v who_o say_v the_o former_a be_v sufficient_a 2._o much_o less_o do_v they_o so_o if_o withal_o they_o pretend_v that_o this_o other_o operation_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n whereby_o the_o word_n be_v exclude_v from_o intervening_a as_o a_o mean_n 3._o and_o yet_o much_o less_o if_o they_o say_v this_o operation_n produce_v the_o effect_n irresistible_o and_o till_o this_o irresistible_a act_n have_v take_v place_n the_o word_n be_v utter_o ineffectual_a 4._o lest_o of_o all_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o assign_v more_o power_n to_o the_o word_n than_o their_o adversary_n do_v i_o wonder_v at_o this_o man_n confidence_n to_o venture_v such_o open_a falsehood_n abroad_o as_o these_o be_v it_o have_v be_v enough_o in_o conscience_n for_o a_o modest_a man_n to_o say_v that_o those_o of_o our_o author_n opinion_n ascribe_v as_o much_o power_n to_o the_o word_n as_o we_o do_v but_o to_o say_v they_o assign_v more_o to_o it_o be_v too_o much_o in_o all_o reason_n to_o go_v for_o a_o mere_a mistake_n and_o therefore_o one_o may_v well_o think_v he_o see_v clear_o enough_o that_o he_o defer_v not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o word_n as_o we_o and_o that_o because_o he_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a he_o resolve_v to_o put_v on_o a_o face_n for_o something_o and_o say_v withal_o that_o he_o ascribe_v more_o for_o true_o he_o may_v even_o say_v that_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o for_o this_o passage_n of_o he_o be_v but_o the_o next_o page_n before_o he_o assert_n and_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v for_o a_o great_a while_n together_o that_o till_o the_o soul_n be_v change_v by_o his_o physical_a operation_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v no_o more_o power_n to_o make_v a_o due_a impression_n on_o it_o no_o though_o the_o motive_n thereof_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o internal_a persuasion_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o you_o have_v to_o stir_v a_o rock_n by_o speak_v to_o it_o or_o to_o raise_v a_o dead_a body_n from_o the_o grave_a by_o a_o syllogiâ—â—â—_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o maâ—_n that_o just_a before_o will_v make_v you_o believe_v how_o he_o yield_v as_o much_o nay_o more_o efficacy_n to_o the_o word_n than_o we_o who_o say_v that_o mankind_n be_v not_o so_o incapable_a of_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o word_n but_o that_o when_o it_o be_v bless_v and_o use_v as_o he_o well_o enough_o express_v it_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 268._o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convert_v a_o man_n without_o any_o such_o physical_a operation_n as_o they_o talk_v of_o but_o you_o see_v this_o man_n make_v it_o to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o dead_a letter_n even_o when_o it_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n too_o and_o after_o all_o his_o flourish_v resolve_v conversion_n into_o a_o irresistible_a operation_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o the_o word_n at_o all_o and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v you_o what_o a_o irreverent_a opinion_n he_o have_v of_o it_o whatever_o he_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o proposition_n sect_n 2._o 2._o the_o manner_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o ratioâ—nal_a nature_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o full_o express_v and_o liberal_o grant_v by_o dr._n owen_n that_o i_o shall_v need_v to_o say_v the_o less_o of_o it_o 271._o for_o he_o say_v the_o power_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n put_v forth_o in_o our_o regeneration_n be_v such_o in_o its_o act_n or_o exercise_n as_o 〈◊〉_d mind_n will_n and_o affection_n be_v suit_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o to_o be_v affect_v by_o it_o according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o natural_a operation_n again_o he_o do_v not_o act_n in_o they_o otherwise_o than_o they_o themselves_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v act_v according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n power_n and_o ability_n he_o draw_v we_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n and_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o work_n itself_o be_v express_v by_o persuade_v and_o allure_a and_o that_o it_o carry_v no_o more_o repugnancy_n to_o our_o faculty_n than_o a_o prevalent_a persuasion_n do_v again_o that_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o mere_o passive_a instrument_n as_o former_o in_o prophetical_a inspiration_n move_v above_o their_o own_o natural_a capacity_n and_o activity_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o operation_n but_o he_o work_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o and_o by_o their_o own_o natural_a act_n through_o a_o immediate_a influence_n and_o impression_n of_o his_o power_n last_o that_o he_o offer_v no_o violence_n or_o compulsion_n to_o the_o will_n this_o he_o say_v that_o faculty_n be_v not_o natural_o capable_a to_o give_v admission_n unto_o if_o it_o be_v compel_v it_o be_v destroy_v these_o be_v very_o fair_a concession_n and_o â—â—less_v you_o have_v give_v over_o wonder_v at_o our_o author_n way_n of_o writing_n you_o will_v hardly_o believe_v they_o shall_v drop_v from_o his_o pen._n but_o they_o be_v his_o own_o word_n i_o assure_v you_o though_o light_n and_o darkness_n may_v be_v assoon_o reconcile_v as_o they_o can_v be_v to_o that_o opinion_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n which_o he_o so_o eager_o contend_v for_o for_o if_o a_o physical_a operation_n immediate_o and_o irresistible_o produce_v faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v utter_o unsuitable_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o natural_a faculty_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o which_o those_o effect_n be_v wrought_v then_o be_v it_o most_o evident_a that_o those_o concession_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o conversion_n by_o that_o physical_a work_n now_o let_v he_o tell_v i_o whether_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v according_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o natural_a operation_n suit_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o such_o a_o power_n as_o make_v not_o the_o least_o use_n of_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o least_o thought_n
persuasion_n which_o it_o may_v resist_v but_o it_o be_v force_v by_o that_o physical_a operation_n which_o it_o can_v resist_v and_o which_o do_v not_o leave_v any_o room_n either_o for_o accept_v or_o refuse_v so_o that_o because_o conversion_n thus_o wrought_v be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o our_o own_o choice_n therefore_o no_o violence_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o will_v when_o it_o be_v so_o convert_v which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o because_o conversion_n thus_o wrought_v be_v not_o choose_v by_o the_o will_n therefore_o it_o be_v choose_v by_o it_o this_o answer_n be_v so_o apparent_o absurd_a that_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o transcribe_v the_o whole_a paragraph_n lest_o they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o doctor_n be_v book_n at_o hand_n may_v suspect_v that_o i_o have_v wrong_v he_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o second_o answer_n be_v this_o that_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o will_n be_v act_v it_o act_v itself_o and_o by_o so_o do_v preserve_v its_o own_o liberty_n in_o its_o exercise_n to_o which_o i_o reply_v 1._o that_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o the_o will_n or_o the_o soul_n consider_v as_o a_o free_a agent_n do_v as_o such_o act_v any_o thing_n at_o that_o instant_n of_o time_n when_o it_o be_v immediate_o and_o irresistible_o convert_v by_o the_o physical_a act._n if_o he_o mean_v indeed_o that_o the_o soul_n act_v as_o my_o pen_n do_v when_o i_o be_o write_v or_o as_o a_o engine_n do_v when_o it_o be_v set_v a_o go_v i_o grant_v it_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o no_o such_o action_n can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n or_o a_o free_a action_n 2._o yet_o further_o whatever_o act_n you_o ascribe_v to_o the_o will_n at_o that_o time_n it_o can_v be_v true_o pretend_v that_o by_o this_o act_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o will_n be_v preserve_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o there_o be_v none_o to_o preserve_v about_o this_o matter_n of_o conversion_n since_o all_o the_o liberty_n which_o the_o soul_n have_v before_o that_o instantaneous_a act_n as_o he_o elsewhere_o call_v it_o be_v utter_o destroy_v by_o it_o for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o act_n that_o it_o convert_v by_o a_o great_a necessity_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n than_o that_o whereby_o mechanical_a cause_n produce_v their_o effect_n for_o it_o leave_v it_o natural_o impossible_a for_o the_o soul_n not_o to_o be_v convert_v now_o if_o such_o a_o act_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o there_o be_v the_o least_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n in_o this_o manner_n of_o conversion_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o seem_v plain_a that_o the_o soul_n be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o all_o kind_n of_o liberty_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o if_o she_o have_v no_o liberty_n leave_v to_o exercise_n she_o have_v none_o to_o preserve_v by_o any_o act_n you_o will_v have_v to_o be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o irresistible_a operation_n wherefore_o our_o author_n be_v say_v that_o the_o grace_n he_o speak_v of_o so_o act_v our_o will_n as_o that_o they_o also_o act_v themselves_o and_o that_o free_o be_v a_o mere_a beg_n of_o the_o question_n instead_o of_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n propound_v for_o whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v thus_o act_v to_o act_v free_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v the_o very_a thing_n in_o question_n perhaps_o he_o lay_v some_o stress_n upon_o those_o word_n use_v by_o he_o that_o there_o be_v herein_o a_o inward_a almighty_a secret_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o it_o be_v usual_a when_o man_n contend_v for_o inexplicable_a and_o unintelligible_a notion_n in_o divinity_n to_o pretend_v they_o be_v mystery_n and_o fly_v to_o god_n omnipotence_n to_o fetch_v themselves_o off_o now_o i_o think_v no_o man_n deny_v that_o god_n can_v convert_v the_o great_a sinner_n in_o a_o moment_n into_o a_o saint_n or_o if_o he_o please_v into_o a_o angel_n by_o such_o a_o physical_a act_n as_o this_o man_n speak_v of_o but_o then_o 1._o this_o can_v not_o be_v reconcile_v with_o suppose_v the_o rational_a use_n of_o our_o faculty_n in_o be_v convert_v to_o god_n conversion_n will_v only_o be_v a_o necessary_a effect_n of_o god_n power_n but_o no_o free_a act_n of_o our_o own_o 2._o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o god_n almighty_a can_v convert_v a_o sinner_n this_o way_n therefore_o he_o will_v do_v it_o but_o 3._o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o god_n always_o convert_v man_n in_o a_o intellectual_a manner_n and_o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n produce_v their_o effect_n in_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o mankind_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n never_o convert_v man_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o our_o author_n contend_v for_o because_o so_o to_o do_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o rational_a way_n of_o conversion_n and_o therefore_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o natural_a operation_n of_o our_o mind_n last_o since_o he_o grant_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n operate_v in_o our_o mind_n no_o otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v move_v according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o power_n it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o premise_n that_o by_o this_o concession_n he_o overthrow_v his_o own_o hypothesis_n of_o conversion_n by_o the_o immediate_a physical_a and_o irresistible_a work_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o matter_n with_o consider_v that_o remarkable_a expostulation_n of_o almighty_a god_n with_o the_o jew_n which_o we_o find_v in_o isa._n 5.4_o what_o can_v have_v be_v do_v more_o to_o my_o vineyard_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v in_o it_o by_o compare_v the_o parable_n with_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o vers_n 7._o you_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o have_v turn_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v give_v they_o all_o that_o internal_a grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o conversion_n otherwise_o he_o have_v not_o expect_v their_o conversion_n nor_o complain_v of_o their_o obstinacy_n much_o less_o punish_v they_o with_o that_o severity_n threaten_v vers_fw-la 5._o 2._o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o all_o necessary_a mean_n and_o help_n but_o even_o such_o as_o be_v moreover_o profitable_a and_o advantageous_a in_o the_o way_n of_o conversion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o consider_v what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o they_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a they_o will_v turn_v and_o this_o be_v clear_o signify_v by_o that_o greatness_n of_o expectation_n express_v by_o the_o make_n of_o a_o wine-press_n in_o the_o vineyard_n v_o 2._o nay_o 3._o god_n ask_v they_o what_o can_v be_v do_v more_o than_o have_v be_v do_v for_o they_o already_o and_o yet_o 4._o they_o be_v all_o this_o while_n unconvert_v and_o as_o bad_a as_o ever_o v_o 4_o 7._o now_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o it_o follow_v 1._o that_o man_n may_v be_v convert_v without_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v so_o for_o if_o as_o the_o doctor_n tell_v we_o the_o will_n can_v make_v use_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o it_o can_v refuse_v than_o god_n have_v not_o give_v these_o man_n that_o measure_v of_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o conversion_n for_o they_o refuse_v that_o be_v they_o be_v not_o convert_v by_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v impart_v to_o they_o now_o if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o conversion_n what_o reason_n have_v he_o to_o expect_v it_o how_o can_v it_o be_v say_v sincere_o what_o can_v have_v be_v do_v more_o what_o justice_n have_v there_o be_v in_o punish_v they_o with_o so_o much_o severity_n 2._o it_o follow_v also_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n not_o to_o be_v convert_v when_o god_n have_v do_v the_o utmost_a for_o his_o part_n that_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n for_o those_o word_n what_o can_v have_v be_v do_v more_o to_o my_o vineyard_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v in_o it_o strong_o imply_v that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o to_o make_v it_o fruitful_a that_o be_v any_o way_n proper_a for_o he_o to_o do_v and_o that_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o reply_v with_o truth_n that_o god_n have_v ever_o do_v more_o for_o the_o conversion_n of_o those_o that_o have_v actual_o repent_v than_o he_o have_v do_v for_o they_o indeed_o if_o god_n please_v he_o can_v have_v convert_v these_o obstinate_a creature_n by_o such_o a_o irresistible_a power_n as_o the_o doctor_n ascribe_v conversion_n to_o and_o therefore_o those_o word_n what_o can_v have_v be_v do_v more_o or_o as_o it_o
understand_v our_o be_v strong_o and_o deep_o affect_v with_o divine_a truth_n for_o where_o the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v rich_o there_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v too_o nay_o i_o may_v add_v further_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o be_v curious_a to_o mark_v what_o respect_n be_v principal_o aim_v at_o by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o use_n of_o these_o phrase_n throughout_o rom._n 8._o and_o likewise_o gal._n 5._o and_o other_o place_n and_o that_o because_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v curious_a in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o himself_o nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o so_o to_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v good_a of_o that_o conclusion_n against_o the_o jew_n which_o he_o aim_v at_o viz._n that_o justification_n be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n by_o be_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n in_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lusts._n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n his_o use_n of_o those_o phrase_n of_o be_v lead_v by_o and_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n indifferent_o for_o live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o his_o design_n of_o show_v that_o justification_n be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v obtain_v but_o by_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a for_o since_o mortify_v of_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o that_o degree_n which_o christianity_n now_o require_v be_v necessary_a to_o justification_n the_o jew_n who_o reject_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v under_o condemnation_n because_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o guidance_n and_o incitation_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o subdue_a of_o sin_n be_v give_v for_o that_o purpose_n to_o none_o that_o reject_v christianity_n wherefore_o as_o long_a as_o the_o jew_n will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n i._n e._n to_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o profession_n whereof_o the_o special_a promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v make_v he_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o death_n of_o sin_n because_o he_o refuse_v the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o subdue_a the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n viz._n the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o refuse_v the_o incitation_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o death_n because_o if_o we_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n we_o shall_v die_v this_o observation_n i_o think_v may_v not_o prove_v altogether_o unuseful_a to_o well-meaning_a person_n that_o have_v not_o hit_v on_o it_o before_o for_o a_o man_n may_v well_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o mistake_v the_o apostle_n design_n in_o this_o and_o other_o place_n where_o the_o forementioned_a phrase_n be_v promiscuous_o use_v if_o he_o expect_v that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a mystery_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o a_o sense_n quite_o different_a from_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o that_o which_o i_o chief_o intend_v be_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o promiscuous_a use_n of_o those_o phrase_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v extreme_o agreeable_a to_o that_o familiar_a way_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n move_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o if_o we_o be_v so_o move_v by_o he_o that_o we_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o any_o operation_n in_o our_o mind_n but_o that_o of_o divine_a truth_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o thereupon_o embrace_v by_o our_o understanding_n then_o we_o can_v better_o express_v our_o be_v lead_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n than_o by_o say_v that_o we_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v a_o further_a reason_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a and_o indifferent_a use_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a phrase_n and_o that_o take_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n as_o the_o former_a be_v from_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o point_n with_o infer_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v it_o that_o we_o resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n many_o time_n when_o we_o think_v of_o nothing_o less_o and_o we_o do_v not_o think_v of_o it_o because_o we_o do_v not_o feel_v that_o supernatural_a impression_n which_o be_v make_v upon_o we_o and_o can_v discern_v it_o from_o the_o free_a and_o natural_a operation_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o thus_o we_o quench_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n very_o often_o when_o we_o imagine_v that_o we_o only_o quarrel_v with_o our_o own_o thought_n or_o reject_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o a_o friend_n or_o the_o exhortation_n of_o a_o minister_n or_o the_o rebuke_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n now_o if_o we_o can_v hear_v or_o apprehend_v the_o holy_a spirit_n dissuade_v we_o from_o any_o wickedness_n as_o sensible_o as_o when_o a_o good_a man_n speak_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o dare_v sure_o to_o entertain_v one_o thought_n more_o of_o go_v forward_o a_o temptation_n can_v no_o more_o prevail_v against_o we_o if_o we_o be_v thus_o admonish_v than_o if_o god_n shall_v speak_v to_o we_o from_o heaven_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n in_o these_o word_n o_o do_v not_o that_o wicked_a thing_n which_o i_o hate_v but_o god_n do_v not_o use_v this_o method_n upon_o we_o because_o we_o be_v here_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n because_o he_o will_v prove_v we_o whether_o we_o believe_v his_o word_n or_o not_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o when_o we_o be_v sin_v against_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o our_o duty_n when_o we_o be_v baffle_v any_o good_a exhortation_n and_o counsel_n and_o our_o own_o hope_n of_o heaven_n or_o our_o fear_n of_o hell_n or_o the_o force_n of_o any_o seasonable_a good_a thought_n tend_v to_o repentance_n we_o do_v then_o as_o real_o contradict_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n as_o if_o we_o hear_v his_o voice_n sound_v in_o our_o ear_n shall_v we_o not_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a to_o do_v the_o former_a as_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o do_v the_o latter_a for_o it_o will_v not_o be_v admit_v in_o our_o excuse_n that_o we_o do_v not_o think_v of_o rebel_a against_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o our_o not_o think_v of_o it_o be_v another_o fault_n since_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o every_o sin_n we_o commit_v against_o the_o check_n of_o conscience_n have_v that_o aggravation_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o one_o fault_n will_v excuse_v another_o wherefore_o if_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o do_v of_o despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n must_v needs_o add_v a_o heavy_a weight_n to_o every_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v presumptuous_o and_o to_o every_o neglect_n of_o improve_n a_o inclination_n to_o repentance_n methinks_v we_o shall_v tremble_v to_o do_v the_o one_o or_o to_o delay_v the_o other_o final_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o matter_n if_o we_o have_v any_o due_a reverence_n of_o god_n will_v not_o fail_v of_o make_v all_o good_a counsel_n profitable_a to_o we_o of_o give_v strength_n to_o all_o our_o own_o good_a purpose_n and_o make_v we_o careful_a to_o improve_v by_o all_o reason_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o convince_v we_o by_o all_o example_n that_o be_v fit_a to_o instruct_v we_o and_o by_o all_o opportunity_n of_o serious_a reflection_n upon_o ourselves_o for_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v conspire_v with_o such_o familiar_a method_n as_o these_o be_v to_o produce_v his_o grace_n in_o we_o sect_n 6._o from_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o our_o mind_n be_v assistance_n or_o help_n as_o they_o be_v general_o call_v by_o christian_n of_o all_o persuasion_n not_o except_v our_o author_n and_o the_o friend_n of_o his_o way_n but_o i_o say_v also_o they_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v because_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v no_o more_o than_o assistance_n and_o that_o because_o his_o grace_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o the_o effect_n of_o other_o cause_n viz._n of_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o external_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n with_o all_o which_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n conspire_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o those_o effect_n in_o we_o the_o spirit_n be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o these_o effect_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v call_v his_o grace_n and_o ascribe_v to_o he_o as_o if_o we_o do_v nothing_o ourselves_o to_o gain_v they_o according_a to_o that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o labour_v abundant_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o
but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o can_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v this_o matter_n and_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v sufficient_o show_v that_o faith_n or_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a operation_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o the_o first_o preparation_n within_o we_o towards_o regeneration_n be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o semipelagian_a opinion_n introduce_v by_o the_o massilienses_n upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o pelagian_a controversy_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o prevent_a grace_n though_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v our_o faith_n fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n but_o that_o faith_n and_o the_o first_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v mere_o from_o ourselves_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n sect_n 2._o now_o when_o we_o be_v once_o persuade_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o which_o still_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o be_v to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n indeed_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o jesus_n we_o have_v entertain_v into_o our_o mind_n such_o forcible_a and_o prevail_a consideration_n as_o will_v not_o easy_o suffer_v we_o to_o disobey_v he_o in_o any_o thing_n and_o they_o have_v so_o much_o power_n to_o lead_v our_o affection_n after_o they_o and_o to_o govern_v our_o practice_n that_o i_o always_o think_v the_o semipelagian_o may_v with_o more_o appearance_n of_o reason_n have_v question_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v those_o divine_a operation_n by_o which_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v crown_v with_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n than_o concern_v those_o which_o be_v preparatory_a to_o faith_n itself_o for_o of_o the_o two_o he_o be_v a_o more_o unreasonable_a man_n who_o believe_v god_n word_n be_v yet_o so_o mad_a as_o to_o go_v on_o still_o in_o his_o sin_n than_o he_o who_o believe_v it_o not_o and_o since_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n make_v they_o so_o unwilling_a to_o attend_v to_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v against_o they_o we_o may_v think_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o keep_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n from_o enter_v into_o their_o heart_n than_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v once_o admit_v but_o now_o as_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o reason_n by_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v far_o from_o exclude_v all_o need_n of_o a_o divine_a influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o create_v a_o firm_a faith_n in_o we_o so_o neither_o do_v the_o power_n of_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o faith_n render_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n needless_a to_o move_v our_o will_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o upon_o good_a principle_n but_o still_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n without_o who_o grace_n the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o make_v we_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v the_o truth_n will_v always_o suppress_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o afterward_o thus_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o john_n 15.5_o but_o he_o do_v not_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v incapable_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o he_o too_o but_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o now_o that_o this_o power_n impart_v to_o they_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n to_o they_o be_v plain_a from_o hence_o that_o they_o already_o believe_v the_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v now_o you_o be_v clean_a through_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o vers_n 3._o and_o yet_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o without_o he_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o which_o must_v needs_o imply_v some_o grace_n distinct_a from_o the_o bare_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o they_o have_v already_o bear_v some_o fruit_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o bring_v forth_o more_o vers_n 2_o 3._o but_o that_o all_o those_o disposition_n and_o virtue_n wherein_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n do_v consist_v be_v as_o well_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v clear_o and_o full_o affirm_v in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 2.13_o it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v which_o be_v again_o speak_v to_o believer_n manifest_o suppose_v a_o divine_a operation_n distinct_a from_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v i._n e._n to_o perform_v that_o obedience_n from_o their_o very_a soul_n which_o will_v qualify_v they_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o this_o be_v the_o motive_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n encourage_v they_o to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n vers_fw-la 12._o by_o universal_a obedience_n as_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v now_o because_o the_o motive_n extend_v to_o engage_v we_o to_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n therefore_o god_n work_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v every_o way_n so_o dispose_v in_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o obedient_a in_o life_n as_o to_o become_v meet_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n wherefore_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n together_o with_o all_o christian_a virtue_n such_o as_o righteousness_n mercy_n patience_n love_n peace_n joy_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n and_o temperance_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherefore_o last_o our_o do_v that_o which_o god_n require_v and_o with_o that_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o he_o which_o he_o require_v too_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o operation_n in_o we_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v yet_o want_v to_o satisfy_v we_o full_o in_o this_o matter_n our_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v not_o enter_v into_o temptation_n and_o to_o pray_v always_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n will_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubt_v whether_o of_o ourselves_o we_o need_v or_o by_o promise_n have_v this_o great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n or_o not_o for_o these_o direction_n be_v unprofitable_a if_o we_o either_o need_v no_o strength_n from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n against_o our_o temptation_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v by_o our_o prayer_n much_o less_o will_v those_o prayer_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o other_o christian_n which_o we_o so_o often_o meet_v withal_o have_v signify_v any_o thing_n to_o their_o advantage_n or_o encouragement_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o divine_a grace_n obtainable_a by_o they_o for_o the_o produce_v of_o those_o effect_n which_o he_o so_o much_o desire_v to_o see_v in_o their_o conversation_n and_o these_o effect_n be_v no_o other_o than_o all_o kind_n of_o christian_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v by_o the_o follow_a place_n wherefore_o also_o we_o pray_v always_o for_o you_o that_o our_o god_n will_v count_v you_o worthy_a of_o this_o call_n and_o fulfil_v all_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n with_o power_n 2_o thess._n 1.11_o i_o e._n that_o god_n will_v make_v their_o faith_n fruitful_a of_o all_o good_a work_n acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o they_o as_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n again_o we_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o to_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n col._n 1.9_o 10._o thus_o in_o another_o place_n for_o this_o cause_n i_o bow_v my_o knee_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v you_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n now_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o in_o these_o and_o many_o like_a place_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o those_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v may_v attain_v all_o those_o qualification_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o believer_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o