of_o revelation_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o reveal_v doctrine_n by_o testimony_n of_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v one_o who_o reject_v reveal_v doctrine_n though_o as_o i_o intimate_v before_o he_o may_v be_v so_o call_v that_o be_v fain_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o mere_a natural_a reason_n for_o want_v of_o revelation_n because_o it_o be_v never_o propose_v to_o he_o for_o whether_o a_o man_n never_o have_v it_o or_o reject_v it_o be_v offer_v he_o be_v equal_o force_v to_o trust_v to_o natural_a reason_n in_o his_o enquiry_n after_o divine_a truth_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o doctor_n by_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n which_o he_o make_v such_o a_o clutter_v about_o all_o over_o his_o book_n mean_v the_o state_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o scriptural_a notion_n thereof_o though_o we_o do_v not_o find_v this_o very_a phrase_n the_o state_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v this_o viz._n the_o state_n of_o a_o heathen_a man_n who_o either_o want_n or_o reject_v divine_a revelation_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v fit_o oppose_v to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n as_o that_o signify_v be_v a_o believer_n or_o a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o both_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o state_n of_o judaisme_n or_o be_v under_o the_o law_n for_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o reject_v all_o divine_a revelation_n believe_v that_o which_o come_v by_o moses_n and_o so_o be_v not_o in_o a_o mere_a state_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o heathen_n be_v but_o as_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v under_o the_o law_n but_o not_o under_o grace_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 3._o i._n e._n they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n not_o as_o the_o phrase_n be_v take_v now_o adays_o but_o as_o it_o signify_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o those_o jew_n who_o receive_v not_o be_v under_o the_o law_n those_o heathen_n who_o receive_v not_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o natural_a man_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v of_o 2._o by_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o the_o natural_a man_n reject_v the_o apostle_n mean_v those_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v not_o discoverable_a by_o natural_a reason_n which_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 9_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n of_o god_n v_o 7._o but_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o revelation_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 10._o be_v they_o concern_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n that_o depend_v upon_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 11_o 12._o and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v only_o by_o divine_a testimony_n and_o argument_n by_o the_o demonstration_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 4._o in_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 13._o 3._o because_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o signify_v because_o they_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o wisdom_n which_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o by_o philosophical_a demonstration_n from_o natural_a principle_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 22._o 4._o by_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v be_v mean_v their_o be_v know_v and_o understand_v and_o judge_v of_o by_o the_o revelation_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o external_a to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o immediate_o inspire_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v which_o be_v clear_a from_o st._n paul_n former_a discourse_n for_o he_o propose_v this_o way_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n he_o also_o propose_v this_o way_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o viz._n by_o compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a that_o be_v believe_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o now_o this_o have_v be_v utter_o vain_a if_o those_o to_o who_o that_o evidence_n and_o this_o help_n be_v propose_v can_v not_o possible_o know_v spiritual_a thing_n without_o such_o a_o internal_a and_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v themselves_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n not_o immediate_o by_o the_o spirit_n but_o by_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v leave_v we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o holy_a write_n they_o prove_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v reveal_v those_o doctrine_n by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o prove_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o by_o compare_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o and_o this_o way_n of_o conviction_n st._n paul_n clear_o oppose_v to_o philosophical_a demonstration_n which_o it_o have_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o mean_v a_o external_a mean_n of_o conviction_n by_o it_o i._n e._n a_o mean_n by_o which_o one_o man_n may_v convince_v another_o which_o the_o doctor_n irresistible_a light_n can_v with_o any_o face_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v wherefore_o to_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v do_v according_a to_o the_o clear_a scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n signify_v to_o be_v discern_v and_o understand_v by_o the_o external_a revelation_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o thing_n that_o be_v natural_o discern_v be_v thing_n discernible_a by_o sense_n revelation_n or_o mere_a natural_a reason_n so_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v be_v those_o which_o be_v discernible_a only_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n i._n e._n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n &_o his_o apostle_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o by_o compare_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o apostle_n argument_n be_v this_o a_o natural_a man_n can_v understand_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o revelation_n from_o the_o spirit_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v i._n e._n because_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o know_v these_o thing_n but_o by_o revelation_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o reject_v now_o he_o who_o faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o this_o revelation_n the_o apostle_n call_v a_o spiritual_a man_n v_o 15._o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n and_o he_o say_v concern_v he_o that_o he_o judge_v all_o thing_n yet_o he_o himself_o be_v judge_v of_o no_o man_n i._n e._n either_o according_a to_o st._n chrysostome_n excellent_a note_n he_o judge_v both_o the_o doctrine_n that_o may_v be_v know_v by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n and_o those_o which_o can_v be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n for_o he_o have_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n equal_o with_o the_o natural_a man_n we_o and_o moreover_o he_o have_v further_a knowledge_n by_o revelation_n which_o the_o other_o have_v not_o or_o he_o judge_v all_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n be_v speak_v viz._n gospel-mystery_n he_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n by_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v divine_o reveal_v and_o thereby_o to_o confute_v their_o pretence_n who_o reject_v they_o because_o they_o can_v be_v know_v by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n but_o no_o man_n can_v confute_v he_o who_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v ground_v upon_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v divine_o reveal_v for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o can_v pretend_v to_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n better_a than_o god_n himself_o do_v and_o yet_o those_o must_v do_v so_o reveal_v who_o contradict_v what_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o certain_a foundation_n of_o our_o knowledge_n which_o must_v stand_v when_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n shall_v perish_v that_o we_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v instruct_v by_o christ_n himself_o who_o come_v from_o god_n thus_o have_v i_o large_o show_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o two_o chapter_n and_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n in_o hand_n which_o make_v the_o apostle_n discourse_v clear_o consistent_a and_o now_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o unprejudiced_a reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o the_o doctor_n be_v interpretation_n of_o it_o which_o i_o have_v already_o show_v to_o be_v absurd_a in_o itself_o be_v not_o also_o utter_o impertinent_a to_o the_o apostle_n main_a design_n for_o suppose_v the_o natural_a man_n to_o be_v one_o in_o who_o spiritual_a light_n be_v not_o create_v by_o a_o almighty_a work_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o mind_n how_o strange_o must_v the_o apostle_n have_v wander_v from_o his_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o reveal_v truth_n
in_o believe_v his_o gospel_n so_o as_o to_o yield_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n this_o be_v that_o regeneration_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o adult_v person_n as_o nicodemus_n be_v and_o as_o you_o may_v remember_v be_v one_o of_o those_o needful_a effect_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o in_o our_o mind_n god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o we_o if_o we_o ask_v he_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v what_o those_o qualification_n be_v for_o the_o effect_n of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v in_o st._n luke_n 11.13_o now_o though_o i_o have_v not_o pretend_v to_o prove_v from_o this_o place_n that_o god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o a_o good_a mind_n and_o good_a desire_n in_o we_o and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o since_o the_o spirit_n be_v here_o promise_v to_o believer_n and_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n yet_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o exclude_v they_o from_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o i_o shall_v immediate_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v for_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o those_o several_a grace_n be_v which_o the_o scripture_n particular_o ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v the_o second_o way_n propound_v for_o the_o resolve_v of_o the_o first_o question_n and_o will_v not_o only_o confirm_v what_o have_v be_v offer_v for_o that_o end_n from_o st._n luke_n but_o full_o satisfy_v the_o question_n we_o be_v upon_o chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o several_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n sect_n i._o in_o the_o first_o place_n faith_n itself_o as_o that_o signify_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n be_v a_o effect_n in_o our_o mind_n which_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o be_v the_o first_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o i_o mention_v because_o a_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n and_o i_o shall_v now_o show_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v give_v to_o prepare_v our_o mind_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v prepare_v that_o we_o may_v become_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ._n to_o speak_v clear_o to_o this_o matter_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v 1._o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o sufficient_a testimony_n that_o they_o be_v divine_o reveal_v be_v presuppose_v to_o our_o obligation_n of_o believe_v they_o and_o 2._o that_o teachableness_n and_o due_a attention_n be_v necessary_o require_v to_o faith_n or_o actual_a believe_v of_o those_o doctrine_n now_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o the_o teachableness_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o actual_a believe_v be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o i_o only_o say_v that_o faith_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o his_o operation_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v now_o reveal_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o man_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n or_o that_o he_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o truth_n by_o any_o immediate_a or_o any_o new_a testimony_n whatsoever_o that_o they_o may_v believe_v not_o the_o first_o because_o we_o have_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n themselves_o we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 2.10_o but_o not_o to_o we_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o apostle_n to_o they_o by_o inspiration_n to_o we_o by_o their_o write_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v full_o instruct_v in_o all_o necessary_a truth_n not_o the_o second_o because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v sufficient_o confirm_v already_o even_o by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n in_o the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o supernatural_a gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a believer_n have_v and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o i_o can_v find_v that_o god_n will_v give_v unto_o we_o any_o further_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o that_o which_o be_v give_v to_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o first_o wherefore_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o look_v for_o any_o private_a illumination_n and_o conviction_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v abundant_o confirm_v to_o our_o hand_n by_o so_o many_o divine_a testimony_n already_o it_o be_v the_o same_o light_n and_o the_o same_o evidence_n by_o which_o we_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o those_o to_o who_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v discern_v it_o by_o i._n e._n the_o testimony_n by_o which_o they_o prove_v their_o doctrine_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v they_o we_o know_v they_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o scripture_n our_o saviour_n say_v light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o man_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o reveal_v by_o he_o and_o he_o be_v clear_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o work_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o many_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o now_o this_o be_v that_o light_n which_o still_o continue_v in_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o testimony_n by_o which_o they_o be_v confirm_v for_o we_o have_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o evidence_n whereby_o man_n be_v at_o first_o convince_v of_o their_o truth_n therefore_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v faith_n in_o we_o by_o illuminate_v our_o mind_n with_o any_o new_a revelation_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o any_o new_a testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o for_o this_o be_v more_o than_o needs_o to_o be_v do_v and_o i_o conceive_v more_o than_o any_o body_n can_v prove_v but_o he_o do_v it_o by_o dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o attention_n and_o teachableness_n or_o to_o that_o temper_n which_o whosoever_o be_v of_o will_v believe_v truth_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o a_o understand_a man_n assent_n to_o a_o true_a proportion_n in_o philosophy_n than_o to_o explain_v the_o meaning_n and_o represent_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o to_o he_o intelligible_o and_o clear_o this_o ordinary_o be_v sufficient_a in_o that_o case_n but_o there_o be_v more_o assistance_n require_v towards_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o propound_v with_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n between_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o conclusion_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o other_o science_n that_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o worldly_a interest_n be_v thwart_v by_o those_o but_o not_o by_o these_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o rise_v up_o in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o latter_a as_o we_o be_v to_o the_o former_a though_o they_o may_v be_v both_o prove_v with_o equal_a evidence_n religion_n be_v to_o govern_v our_o life_n and_o bind_v we_o to_o deny_v the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o sin_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o god_n high_a displeasure_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n influence_n their_o judgement_n and_o blass_n their_o understanding_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o irreconcilable_a to_o a_o wicked_a life_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o only_o so_o often_o spoil_v the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n where_o it_o be_v but_o do_v also_o cause_v uncertainty_n and_o unbelief_n where_o faith_n be_v not_o but_o where_o in_o all_o reason_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o they_o make_v man_n unwilling_a to_o believe_v and_o this_o unwillingness_n do_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n hinder_v their_o attention_n to_o the_o force_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o prove_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o incline_v they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o lean_a to_o the_o weak_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v against_o it_o this_o be_v just_o the_o case_n of_o the_o great_a man_n among_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o that_o one_o instance_n in_o john_n 9_o among_o many_o for_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v
there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o our_o enter_v into_o the_o etc._n etc._n if_o we_o be_v unrighteous_a as_o for_o the_o deliverance_n from_o misery_n be_v not_o those_o doctrine_n discernible_o suit_v to_o that_o end_n that_o be_v suit_v to_o deliver_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o be_v not_o all_o these_o thing_n so_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n who_o have_v a_o improve_a mind_n and_o consider_v they_o as_o a_o understand_a man_n may_v not_o to_o discern_v they_o much_o more_o if_o he_o have_v consider_v the_o proposition_n themselves_o so_o as_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o what_o agreeableness_n and_o suitableness_n be_v it_o which_o this_o doctor_n mean_n be_v he_o able_a to_o explain_v it_o by_o such_o like_a instance_n as_o i_o have_v use_v if_o he_o be_v he_o shall_v see_v that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v it_o if_o he_o be_v not_o he_o cant_v like_o a_o quaker_n and_o pretend_v to_o know_v thing_n which_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o 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that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v proposition_n who_o sense_n and_o importance_n any_o rational_a man_n may_v understand_v and_o assent_v to_o their_o truth_n and_o so_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v they_o again_o if_o the_o doctor_n will_v take_v my_o word_n for_o it_o i_o assure_v he_o that_o i_o do_v assent_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o a_o apprehension_n of_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o suitableness_n to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v propose_v as_o the_o mean_n of_o accomplish_v if_o a_o natural_a man_n can_v do_v this_o than_o the_o doctor_n be_v something_o mistake_v to_o say_v that_o he_o can_v if_o he_o can_v than_o i_o be_o no_o natural_a man_n according_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o may_v i_o hope_v pretend_v to_o argue_v with_o he_o about_o spiritual_a thing_n 3._o he_o say_v that_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v foolishness_n unto_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o can_v receive_v they_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o mind_n now_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v perpetual_o the_o same_o but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n may_v apprehend_v they_o otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n disease_n as_o when_o they_o apprehend_v they_o to_o be_v foolishness_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o and_o this_o reason_n be_v not_o at_o all_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o from_o the_o mind_n mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o he_o in_o effect_n confess_v when_o he_o say_v that_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o that_o which_o he_o mean_v as_o we_o may_v see_v by_o his_o instance_n of_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a be_v this_o that_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o know_v any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o unready_a he_o be_v to_o 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to_o the_o rational_a principle_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o the_o doctor_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v but_o because_o it_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o their_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la and_o interest_n which_o sure_o be_v none_o of_o those_o principle_n the_o write_n of_o justin_n martyr_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o divers_a other_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v early_o receive_v by_o learned_a man_n and_o philosopher_n what_o wise_a man_n they_o be_v that_o reject_v it_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o doctor_n the_o principal_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n say_v he_o be_v by_o many_o look_v upon_o and_o reject_v as_o foolish_a because_o false_a and_o untrue_a though_o indeed_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o false_a but_o because_o they_o suppose_v they_o foolish_a now_o be_v not_o these_o excellent_a philosopher_n that_o reject_v a_o doctrine_n as_o foolish_a because_o it_o be_v false_a and_o then_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o think_v it_o false_a but_o because_o they_o suppose_v it_o foolish_a be_v not_o their_o reject_v the_o gospel_n a_o admirable_a instance_n whereby_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o be_v foolishness_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o know_v most_o if_o that_o which_o the_o doctor_n here_o say_v be_v true_a then_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n for_o he_o to_o improve_v his_o mind_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o reason_n since_o foolish_a and_o credulous_a person_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o give_v any_o entertainment_n to_o it_o which_o be_v the_o very_a charge_n of_o celsus_n and_o julian_n against_o christianity_n and_o if_o they_o can_v have_v make_v good_a this_o charge_n they_o and_o the_o doctor_n here_o have_v do_v very_o well_o to_o expose_v it_o to_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n as_o they_o 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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
miracle_n prophecy_n etc._n etc._n the_o true_a difference_n between_o dr._n h._n and_o dr._n o._n in_o this_o matter_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o manner_n or_o the_o mean_n of_o receive_v spiritual_a thing_n be_v signify_v by_o the_o word_n spiritual_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v design_v to_o express_v those_o mean_n which_o dr._n h._n affirm_v viz._n external_a testimony_n of_o divine_a revelation_n or_o those_o which_o dr._n o._n contend_v for_o viz._n the_o internal_a and_o irresistible_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o a_o man_n mind_n but_o 2._o i_o have_v show_v by_o the_o clear_a scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o outward_a mean_n be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v this_o i_o see_v be_v our_o author_n be_v great_a trouble_n that_o dr._n h._n suppose_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v because_o he_o will_v only_o be_v lead_v by_o his_o natural_a reason_n and_o will_v not_o attend_v to_o revelation_n and_o the_o outward_a mean_n whereby_o reveal_v doctrine_n may_v be_v prove_v whereas_o j._n owen_n meaning_n be_v that_o he_o can_v receive_v they_o because_o the_o new_a light_n be_v not_o yet_o create_v in_o his_o mind_n by_o a_o almighty_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o truth_n of_o dr._n hammond_n sense_n and_o the_o absurdity_n of_o dr._n owen_n i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o shall_v only_o add_v this_o to_o help_v our_o author_n understanding_n viz._n that_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o external_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n make_v equal_o to_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o gospel_n with_o they_o who_o receive_v it_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o they_o who_o reject_v it_o can_v not_o receive_v it_o because_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o enlighten_v by_o a_o omnipotent_a act_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o another_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o they_o can_v not_o viz._n the_o apostle_n reason_n because_o they_o seek_v after_o man_n wisdom_n and_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o that_o for_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o philosophical_a discourse_n by_o the_o authority_n he_o bring_v to_o confirm_v his_o own_o exposition_n and_o to_o confront_v dr._n hammond_n we_o may_v guess_v how_o pertinent_a the_o rest_n be_v that_o his_o book_n be_v stuff_v withal_o he_o produce_v that_o say_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n a_o natural_a man_n be_v he_o who_o live_v by_o the_o flesh_n and_o have_v not_o his_o mind_n yet_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n but_o only_o have_v that_o connatural_a humane_a understanding_n which_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n have_v endue_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n withal_o this_o exposition_n which_o he_o call_v better_a than_o dr._n hammond_n be_v clear_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n with_o it_o for_o here_o be_v not_o a_o word_n about_o that_o irresistible_a light_n which_o j._n o._n contend_v for_o and_o to_o be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o light_n of_o humane_a reason_n which_o be_v dr._n hammond_n word_n be_v perfect_o the_o same_o with_o have_v only_o the_o connatural_a humane_a understanding_n etc._n etc._n the_o follow_a passage_n of_o chrysostome_n which_o he_o quote_v be_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o same_o writer_n which_o he_o bring_v in_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o exposition_n the_o natural_a man_n be_v one_o that_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o do_v not_o think_v that_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o aid_n from_o above_o which_o be_v madness_n for_o god_n have_v give_v the_o soul_n that_o it_o shall_v learn_v and_o receive_v what_o he_o bestow_v or_o what_o be_v from_o he_o and_o not_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o itself_o eye_n be_v beautiful_a and_o profitable_a but_o if_o they_o will_v see_v without_o light_n this_o beauty_n and_o power_n will_v not_o profit_v but_o hurt_v they_o and_o the_o mind_n if_o it_o will_v see_v without_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o do_v but_o entangle_v itself_o this_o be_v clear_o against_o he_o for_o that_o which_o god_n be_v here_o say_v to_o bestow_v be_v not_o that_o irresistible_a light_n the_o doctor_n speak_v of_o but_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n which_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o i._n e._n reveal_v truth_n which_o st._n chrysostome_n say_v the_o soul_n be_v to_o learn_v but_o to_o learn_v that_o light_n he_o talk_v of_o be_v nonsense_n st._n chrysostome_n be_v so_o far_o from_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o receive_v what_o revelation_n god_n bestow_v unless_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n necessitate_v he_o to_o do_v it_o that_o he_o say_v god_n have_v give_v the_o soul_n that_o it_o may_v receive_v they_o when_o they_o be_v bestow_v and_o he_o reckon_v it_o madness_n for_o a_o man_n to_o think_v he_o need_v no_o divine_a revelation_n and_o consequent_o to_o reject_v they_o when_o they_o be_v offer_v with_o sufficient_a evidence_n now_o the_o only_a reason_n according_a to_o j._n o._n why_o he_o reject_v they_o be_v because_o the_o almighty_a work_n have_v not_o be_v yet_o upon_o his_o mind_n if_o st._n chrysostome_n have_v think_v so_o too_o he_o have_v be_v a_o mad_a man_n himself_o for_o accuse_v they_o of_o madness_n that_o fail_v of_o do_v what_o no_o power_n less_o than_o almighty_a can_v enable_v they_o to_o do_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o accuse_v they_o of_o madness_n because_o they_o be_v not_o almighty_a themselves_o st._n chrysostome_n similitude_n be_v very_o pertinent_a for_o as_o light_n be_v to_o bodily_a eye_n so_o be_v revelation_n to_o the_o mind_n in_o respect_n of_o reveal_v truth_n which_o be_v such_o as_o none_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v discover_v and_o therefore_o whoever_o refuse_v to_o attend_v to_o his_o revelation_n of_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o and_o will_v find_v himself_o entangle_v in_o many_o difficulty_n which_o he_o may_v have_v understand_v by_o harken_v to_o revelation_n this_o similitude_n st._n chrysostome_n use_v elsewhere_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n for_o he_o say_v as_o no_o man_n with_o his_o naked_a eye_n can_v learn_v the_o appearance_n in_o the_o heaven_n so_o the_o soul_n alone_o can_v learn_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n 7._o i._n e._n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n without_o the_o aid_n of_o revelation_n i_o now_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v with_o what_o conscience_n this_o man_n can_v pretend_v the_o authority_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n to_o countenance_v his_o own_o exposition_n of_o this_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o doctor_n be_v authority_n which_o any_o one_o may_v see_v be_v as_o convince_a as_o his_o reason_n and_o now_o at_o length_n i_o desire_v he_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o he_o to_o reject_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v concern_v spiritual_a thing_n contrary_a to_o his_o notion_n of_o they_o under_o pretence_n that_o i_o be_o a_o natural_a man_n for_o i_o thank_v god_n i_o be_o a_o christian_n and_o so_o long_o as_o i_o have_v the_o scripture_n by_o i_o i_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o understanding_n what_o revelation_n god_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o his_o son_n for_o they_o contain_v those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n these_o doctrine_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v foolishness_n to_o i_o or_o reject_v by_o i_o because_o they_o be_v not_o knowable_a by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o inexcusable_a madness_n if_o i_o shall_v not_o surrender_v up_o my_o belief_n unto_o they_o though_o i_o can_v not_o possible_o find_v they_o out_o nor_o have_v know_v they_o unless_o they_o have_v be_v reveal_v yet_o be_v reveal_v i_o discern_v the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o in_o they_o still_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o depth_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o my_o understanding_n can_v reach_v into_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o revelation_n i_o learn_v principal_o from_o the_o testimony_n give_v to_o they_o and_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o not_o exclude_v other_o subordinate_a help_n by_o compare_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o and_o the_o doctor_n have_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o discern_a of_o these_o thing_n aright_o but_o that_o new_a light_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o but_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v never_o a_o word_n of_o and_o let_v he_o make_v his_o best_a advantage_n of_o it_o but_o if_o the_o doctor_n be_v resolve_v to_o cant_n on_o still_o in_o his_o own_o defence_n and_o
be_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o more_o metaphor_n than_o he_o allow_v not_o as_o he_o pretend_v here_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o metaphor_n at_o all_o but_o since_o he_o will_v have_v it_o so_o he_o must_v not_o say_v hereafter_o that_o he_o intend_v only_o to_o prove_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o metaphorical_a since_o his_o argument_n conclude_v that_o they_o be_v all_o proper_a if_o it_o conclude_v any_o thing_n that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v proper_a we_o grant_v and_o it_o be_v well_o that_o it_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o be_v prove_v by_o he_o for_o his_o untoward_a way_n of_o prove_v will_v tempt_v a_o man_n to_o suspect_v the_o plain_a truth_n he_o meddle_v withal_o if_o he_o have_v not_o better_a reason_n of_o his_o own_o for_o second_o what_o consequence_n be_v there_o in_o this_o argue_n if_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n intend_v in_o the_o scripture_n then_o be_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v it_o plain_a and_o proper_a otherwise_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a for_o 1._o none_o of_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o may_v have_v be_v proper_a and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o plain_o and_o then_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o have_v be_v obscure_a in_o that_o thing_n for_o a_o figurative_a expression_n may_v be_v plain_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o a_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n sure_o our_o author_n will_v grant_v that_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v my_o body_n to_o be_v figurative_a and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v plain_a because_o it_o be_v figurative_a so_o that_o his_o argument_n by_o which_o he_o conclude_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v this_o mysterious_a work_n to_o be_v proper_a do_v not_o prove_v that_o any_o one_o be_v so_o 2._o if_o some_o of_o the_o expression_n be_v both_o plain_a and_o proper_a and_o other_o figurative_a some_o whereof_o be_v more_o and_o some_o less_o plain_a as_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o if_o those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o plain_a may_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o help_n of_o plain_a then_o may_v this_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n be_v sufficient_o understand_v by_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o scripture_n far_o from_o be_v the_o obscure_a book_n in_o the_o world_n because_o all_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v proper_o and_o literal_o but_o it_o seem_v our_o author_n have_v a_o opinion_n by_o himself_o that_o no_o writer_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o use_v the_o liberty_n of_o metaphorical_a expression_n three_o his_o way_n of_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mysterious_a work_n be_v a_o mere_a beg_n of_o the_o question_n this_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o consider_v what_o he_o must_v mean_v by_o a_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n viz._n such_o a_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v proper_o express_v by_o regenerate_v create_a quicken_a and_o draw_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n and_o this_o i_o grant_v to_o be_v a_o very_a mysterious_a work_n if_o these_o be_v all_o proper_a expression_n of_o it_o now_o he_o prove_v there_o be_v such_o a_o work_n by_o this_o argument_n that_o otherwise_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a why_o so_o because_o they_o be_v obscure_a if_o these_o be_v not_o proper_a expression_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o he_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o mysterious_a work_n i._n e._n a_o work_n proper_o express_v by_o regeneration_n creation_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o argument_n that_o these_o be_v proper_a expression_n of_o such_o a_o work_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v a_o thing_n by_o itself_o and_o he_o prove_v also_o that_o these_o be_v proper_a expression_n because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mysterious_a work_n that_o be_v a_o work_n proper_o express_v by_o they_o which_o be_v to_o beg_v the_o question_n so_o that_o if_o you_o will_v grant_v the_o doctor_n that_o they_o be_v proper_a expression_n he_o can_v then_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o a_o work_n proper_o express_v by_o they_o or_o if_o you_o will_v grant_v there_o be_v such_o a_o work_n he_o can_v prove_v those_o to_o be_v proper_a expression_n and_o now_o i_o understand_v the_o doctor_n when_o he_o say_v the_o difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n arise_v from_o their_o mysterious_a nature_n and_o not_o from_o any_o obscurity_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o and_o i_o be_o full_o of_o his_o mind_n for_o if_o any_o one_o tell_v i_o that_o a_o body_n may_v be_v great_a than_o itself_o and_o lesser_a than_o itself_o and_o that_o transubstantiation_n may_v be_v true_a doctrine_n or_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v proper_o regenerate_v create_v quicken_v draw_v and_o awaken_v all_o at_o once_o i_o grant_v he_o do_v not_o obscure_o declare_v his_o mind_n to_o i_o and_o that_o i_o find_v no_o difficulty_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n but_o the_o only_a difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n arise_v from_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n or_o rather_o the_o nonsense_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v under_o these_o plain_a expression_n for_o the_o more_o plain_a any_o nonsense_n be_v the_o more_o easy_o it_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v so_o this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o slender_a proof_n which_o the_o doctor_n bring_v for_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o party_n concern_v the_o propriety_n of_o these_o scripture-expression_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v how_o he_o represent_v the_o judgement_n of_o those_o other_o who_o he_o speak_v of_o for_o he_o say_v sect_n 4._o other_o think_v the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o to_o be_v mystical_a and_o figurative_a but_o the_o thing_n intend_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o every_o man_n so_o that_o if_o the_o doctor_n may_v be_v believe_v there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o express_v by_o any_o proper_a word_n at_o all_o in_o the_o scripture_n 183._o but_o as_o he_o say_v they_o turn_v all_o scripture-expression_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n into_o metaphor_n if_o any_o such_o senseless_a people_n there_o be_v they_o be_v i_o shall_v think_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v find_v among_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o many_o of_o their_o preacher_n if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o their_o sermon_n by_o their_o book_n do_v so_o train_v they_o up_o to_o metaphorical_a talk_n that_o some_o of_o they_o may_v possible_o believe_v the_o scripture_n afford_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o think_v the_o thing_n intend_v by_o these_o expression_n suppose_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o every_o man_n i_o never_o hear_v there_o be_v any_o such_o before_o if_o by_o obvious_a the_o doctor_n mean_v discoverable_a by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v by_o all_o grant_v to_o depend_v on_o divine_a revelation_n but_o be_v reveal_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o reason_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o withal_o beside_o our_o natural_a reason_n but_o if_o by_o ordinary_a and_o obvious_a he_o mean_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a by_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n i_o be_o one_o of_o those_o who_o think_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereof_o we_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o less_o but_o the_o more_o excellent_a for_o be_v so_o our_o author_n must_v grant_v unless_o he_o will_v revoke_v his_o argument_n that_o the_o expression_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o metaphorical_a take_v from_o hence_o that_o otherwise_o the_o gospel_n be_v dark_a and_o unintelligible_a so_o that_o we_o be_v both_o agree_v in_o word_n at_o least_o that_o perspicuity_n and_o intelligibleness_n be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v he_o and_o his_o party_n have_v a_o notion_n of_o intelligibleness_n and_o perspicuity_n by_o themselves_o as_o any_o one_o will_v guess_v by_o their_o write_n for_o example_n the_o doctor_n here_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o the_o gospel_n intend_v nothing_o but_o moral_a duty_n and_o their_o observance_n in_o its_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n than_o it_o be_v dark_a and_o unintelligible_a now_o this_o be_v very_o strange_a for_o â—f_n as_o it_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n moral_a duty_n be_v easy_o intelligible_a and_o if_o the_o scripture_n intend_v 〈◊〉_d more_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n than_o the_o performance_n of_o moral_a duty_n then_o be_v the_o scripture_n very_o intelligible_a in_o the_o point_n of_o
plain_a that_o no_o body_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o procure_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v at_o first_o necessary_a to_o put_v he_o into_o the_o way_n of_o well-doing_n the_o latter_a proposition_n be_v clear_a thus_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o eternal_a punishment_n much_o less_o to_o such_o punishment_n in_o a_o more_o intolerable_a degree_n for_o not_o believe_v what_o be_v always_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v and_o that_o without_o his_o own_o fault_n but_o every_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o eternal_a punishment_n if_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o and_o to_o a_o sore_a punishment_n for_o not_o believe_v it_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o always_o thus_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o believe_v the_o second_o proposition_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o forementioned_a passage_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o first_o be_v from_o the_o unchangeable_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o to_o say_v that_o god_n require_v impossible_a thing_n of_o any_o man_n and_o so_o take_v advantage_n against_o he_o to_o cast_v he_o into_o fierce_a flame_n where_o he_o must_v burn_v for_o ever_o be_v to_o blaspheme_v all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o those_o which_o make_v he_o great_a and_o powerful_a it_o be_v to_o rob_v he_o of_o all_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o which_o he_o have_v express_v so_o much_o delight_n for_o not_o to_o say_v that_o this_o fasten_v the_o reproach_n of_o insincerity_n and_o foul_a dissimulation_n upon_o the_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v to_o charge_v the_o creator_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n with_o tyranny_n and_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n with_o injustice_n god_n be_v please_v to_o expostulate_v with_o man_n because_o of_o their_o disobedience_n from_o that_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v to_o he_o as_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n if_o i_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v my_o honour_n and_o if_o i_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v my_o fear_n say_v the_o lord_n mal._n 1.6_o now_o can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o have_v give_v any_o man_n cause_n to_o retort_v that_o expostulation_n in_o this_o manner_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o father_n where_o be_v thy_o bowel_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o master_n where_o be_v thy_o justice_n for_o kindness_n belong_v as_o necessary_o to_o the_o character_n of_o a_o good_a father_n and_o justice_n to_o that_o of_o a_o good_a master_n as_o obedience_n and_o fear_n can_v to_o that_o of_o a_o good_a child_n or_o servant_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o forget_v that_o god_n have_v appeal_v to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n impress_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o justification_n of_o the_o equity_n and_o mercy_n of_o his_o proceed_n towards_o they_o the_o latter_a in_o isa._n 1.18_o come_v now_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n the_o former_a in_o ezekel_n 18.25_o be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a but_o to_o inflict_v a_o more_o grievous_a punishment_n and_o that_o eternal_a for_o not_o perform_v a_o impossible_a condition_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n cruel_a and_o unjust_a and_o therefore_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o father_n nor_o with_o the_o justice_n of_o a_o master_n nor_o with_o god_n plead_v with_o obstinate_a evil_a man_n from_o these_o relation_n and_o the_o appeal_v he_o make_v to_o their_o own_o mind_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o which_o upon_o these_o term_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o acknowledge_v unless_o they_o lie_v aside_o the_o bright_a principle_n of_o their_o reason_n if_o some_o thing_n be_v so_o evil_a that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v good_a than_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o can_v never_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n without_o blasphemy_n now_o if_o the_o inflict_a of_o eternal_a torment_n upon_o man_n for_o what_o they_o can_v never_o help_v be_v not_o one_o of_o those_o thing_n i_o desire_v any_o man_n to_o tell_v i_o what_o be_v beside_o be_v it_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v lie_v but_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o he_o that_o die_v but_o have_v rather_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v and_o what_o shadow_n of_o truth_n can_v there_o be_v in_o that_o say_n if_o he_o first_o prescribe_v impossible_a term_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o then_o damn_v the_o sinner_n with_o more_o severity_n for_o not_o perform_v they_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o debate_v this_o matter_n with_o dr._n owen_n in_o another_o place_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v he_o please_v to_o contrive_v some_o undeniable_a instance_n of_o barbarous_a injustice_n which_o without_o question_n he_o can_v easy_o do_v and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v we_o his_o idea_n of_o it_o i_o will_v undertake_v to_o reconcile_v the_o fasten_n it_o upon_o god_n with_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o attribute_n as_o easy_o as_o he_o can_v secure_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n while_o he_o make_v god_n to_o oblige_v man_n to_o impossibility_n under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o right_n and_o wrong_n if_o we_o know_v nothing_o so_o good_a or_o so_o evil_a but_o it_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v so_o then_o the_o divine_a perfection_n may_v cease_v too_o and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v mutable_a and_o so_o farewell_n to_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o last_o result_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o make_v believe_v and_o consequent_o obey_v the_o gospel_n impossible_a from_o the_o very_a first_o to_o they_o that_o will_v be_v damn_v for_o not_o do_v so_o i_o leave_v indifferent_a man_n to_o consider_v the_o conclusion_n be_v that_o believe_v be_v possible_a to_o all_o that_o hear_v now_o the_o possibility_n thereof_o must_v consist_v either_o in_o this_o that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v able_a to_o dispose_v our_o mind_n to_o that_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o that_o teachableness_n and_o attention_n which_o will_v cause_v actual_a believe_v assoon_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v plain_o and_o evident_o make_v know_v or_o else_o in_o this_o that_o by_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n we_o may_v be_v thus_o dispose_v and_o consequent_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n the_o former_a be_v the_o semipelagian_a doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n chap._n 4._o sect._n 1._o therefore_o the_o latter_a remain_v to_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o through_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v possible_a for_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n to_o believe_v and_o by_o force_n of_o the_o former_a argument_n it_o follow_v that_o common_a grace_n or_o that_o which_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o begin_v well_o and_o by_o believe_v to_o perform_v the_o first_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o i_o do_v not_o indeed_o find_v any_o such_o express_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n will_v give_v every_o man_n that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n grace_n to_o believe_v it_o as_o there_o be_v that_o he_o will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o believer_n and_o good_a man_n and_o this_o may_v be_v say_v why_o there_o be_v no_o such_o promise_n make_v express_o viz._n because_o it_o will_v have_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n either_o to_o those_o that_o believe_v already_o because_o they_o need_v not_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o beget_v faith_n at_o first_o but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o confirm_v and_o increase_v it_o or_o to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v for_o of_o whatsoever_o use_v such_o a_o promise_n can_v be_v to_o any_o man_n it_o must_v suppose_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o which_o he_o will_v want_v who_o do_v not_o yet_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o common_a grace_n express_o make_v to_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o implicit_a promise_n thereof_o contain_v partly_o under_o that_o obligation_n which_o the_o gospel_n lay_v upon_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o to_o believe_v and_o partly_o under_o those_o passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o suppose_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o we_o for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v just_o oblige_v to_o impossible_a term_n of_o forgiveness_n under_o pain_n of_o a_o more_o grievous_a punishment_n therefore_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n god_n will_v give_v his_o spirit_n in_o such_o measure_n
thereunto_o 206._o for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o pride_n and_o petulancy_n qualify_v man_n either_o to_o maintain_v argument_n or_o to_o answer_v they_o the_o doctor_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o opinion_n that_o they_o do_v and_o much_o good_a may_v his_o advantage_n do_v he_o but_o this_o i_o see_v that_o pride_n and_o petulancy_n be_v good_a help_n towards_o the_o write_n of_o a_o great_a book_n for_o if_o this_o man_n have_v spare_v himself_o the_o pain_n of_o charge_v his_o adversary_n with_o pelagianism_n ignorance_n impudence_n and_o ill_a manner_n and_o his_o frequent_a tautology_n into_o the_o bargain_n the_o bulk_n of_o his_o book_n have_v be_v take_v down_o so_o considerable_o that_o the_o smallness_n of_o the_o volume_n will_v have_v carry_v a_o even_a proportion_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o profitableness_n of_o his_o discourse_n and_o how_o much_o of_o that_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o he_o i_o will_v leave_v the_o indifferent_a reader_n to_o judge_v sect_n ii_o my_o design_n as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o work_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o remove_v one_o prejudice_n which_o the_o doctor_n have_v lay_v in_o every_o man_n way_n that_o shall_v pretend_v to_o write_v against_o he_o concern_v this_o or_o any_o other_o divine_a subject_n and_o that_o be_v that_o no_o man_n reason_v about_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v heed_v till_o his_o mind_n be_v illuminate_v by_o a_o almighty_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i._n e._n till_o he_o be_v regenerate_v this_o be_v the_o clear_a consequence_n of_o his_o affirm_v that_o without_o such_o illumination_n a_o man_n can_v understand_v spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o i._n e._n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v for_o if_o he_o himself_o can_v understand_v they_o spiritual_o neither_o can_v he_o explain_v they_o spiritual_o to_o other_o and_o then_o let_v he_o say_v what_o he_o will_v he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v regard_v and_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a advantage_n he_o make_v by_o this_o pretence_n for_o when_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o answer_v the_o objection_n that_o lie_v against_o he_o he_o despise_v they_o under_o the_o name_n of_o carnal_a reason_n and_o when_o he_o have_v run_v himself_o upon_o manifest_a absurdity_n he_o come_v off_o with_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v mystery_n not_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o natural_a man_n understand_v they_o not_o because_o they_o be_v not_o enlighten_v it_o be_v true_a he_o make_v use_v of_o scripture_n very_o often_o and_o he_o make_v a_o show_n of_o reason_v also_o i._n e._n of_o propound_v difficulty_n and_o give_v their_o solution_n and_o the_o like_a but_o than_o if_o you_o make_v it_o never_o so_o plain_a that_o he_o argue_v weak_o and_o that_o he_o allege_v scripture_n impertinent_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v your_o turn_n for_o you_o must_v know_v that_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o receive_v that_o new_a save_a light_n he_o speak_v of_o which_o can_v only_o make_v you_o to_o understand_v spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o for_o without_o the_o addition_n of_o this_o new_a light_n which_o only_o the_o regenerate_a have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n be_v utter_o insufficient_a to_o give_v you_o a_o spiritual_a understanding_n of_o they_o so_o that_o you_o can_v neither_o be_v convince_v that_o another_o understand_v they_o spiritual_o till_o security_n be_v give_v you_o that_o he_o be_v a_o regenerate_a man_n nor_o when_o you_o be_v certain_a of_o that_o be_v he_o able_a to_o make_v you_o understand_v they_o so_o till_o you_o be_v regenerate_v yourself_o now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o i_o have_v a_o very_a strange_a task_n for_o than_o i_o can_v confute_v dr._n owen_n till_o i_o can_v prove_v he_o to_o be_v a_o unregenerate_a man_n nor_o can_v i_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o what_o i_o be_o to_o say_v be_v true_a till_o i_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o own_o conversion_n both_o which_o argument_n i_o take_v to_o be_v very_o improper_a for_o a_o book_n for_o though_o i_o shall_v argue_v from_o principle_n common_a either_o to_o all_o christian_n or_o to_o all_o man_n with_o never_o such_o appearance_n of_o reason_n it_o may_v yet_o be_v reply_v that_o all_o this_o be_v but_o carnal_a reason_n which_o the_o doctor_n and_o his_o sanctify_a friend_n discover_v to_o be_v no_o better_o by_o that_o illumination_n which_o because_o i_o have_v not_o i_o can_v understand_v spiritual_a mystery_n spiritual_o but_o for_o this_o reason_n you_o will_v say_v our_o author_n ought_v consonant_o to_o his_o principle_n to_o have_v prove_v himself_o a_o regenerate_a man_n before_o he_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v surrender_v our_o belief_n to_o his_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a mystery_n you_o must_v know_v therefore_o that_o he_o have_v do_v something_o towards_o it_o in_o divers_a place_n of_o his_o book_n for_o he_o suppose_v that_o whoever_o understand_v gospel-mystery_n in_o that_o spiritual_a manner_n wherein_o he_o have_v explain_v they_o be_v thereby_o prove_v one_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o special_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o consequent_o regenerate_v so_o that_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o a_o man_n be_v qualify_v to_o understand_v and_o teach_v spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o you_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o especial_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o if_o you_o will_v then_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o doctor_n suppose_v be_v thus_o illuminate_v you_o must_v know_v it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o because_o he_o understand_v and_o teach_v spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o shameful_a circle_n now_o whether_o i_o have_v injure_v the_o doctor_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v hitherto_o charge_v he_o with_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_v by_o a_o few_o of_o many_o passage_n to_o that_o purpose_n which_o lie_v up_o and_o down_o in_o his_o book_n he_o say_v 209._o that_o without_o a_o effectual_a powerful_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n create_v and_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n induce_v a_o new_a save_a light_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v receive_v understand_v or_o believe_v save_o spiritual_a truth_n or_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o again_o 236._o such_o be_v the_o darkness_n of_o their_o unregenerate_a mind_n that_o they_o be_v powerful_o and_o as_o unto_o any_o light_n of_o their_o own_o i._n e._n till_o the_o almighty_a create_a work_n be_v do_v invincible_o keep_v off_o from_o receive_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n now_o i_o shall_v show_v by_o two_o or_o three_o instance_n that_o the_o doctor_n make_v his_o way_n of_o understand_v spiritual_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o regeneration_n and_o a_o argument_n that_o the_o irresistible_a work_n have_v be_v upon_o a_o man_n mind_n when_o he_o undertake_v to_o show_v why_o god_n do_v require_v holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o we_o and_o affirm_v that_o he_o do_v not_o require_v it_o in_o order_n to_o our_o justification_n he_o tell_v we_o carnal_a reason_n can_v discern_v of_o what_o use_v it_o shall_v be_v 334._o if_o it_o serve_v not_o to_o this_o purpose_n or_o one_o of_o those_o which_o he_o there_o reject_v now_o that_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a be_v one_o of_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o carnal_a reason_n may_v understand_v but_o if_o you_o understand_v this_o doctrine_n spiritual_o you_o must_v understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o justification_n and_o this_o forsooth_o carnal_a reason_n can_v discern_v but_o what_o follow_v make_v it_o plain_o yet_o but_o the_o first_o save_v light_n that_o shine_v by_o the_o gospel_n from_o jesus_n christ_n into_o our_o heart_n begin_v to_o undeceive_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n so_o that_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v require_v holiness_n of_o we_o as_o a_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o our_o be_v justify_v have_v have_v no_o save_a light_n shine_v into_o his_o heart_n by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o he_o have_v not_o have_v the_o first_o of_o all_o and_o this_o clear_o show_v how_o the_o doctor_n make_v the_o reject_v of_o his_o notion_n to_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n he_o say_v further_a and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o our_o receive_v a_o evangelical_n baptism_n or_o of_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o clear_a compliance_n of_o our_o mind_n with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n herein_o this_o be_v full_a and_o home_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o you_o see_v that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o discard_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n under_o that_o
two_o whole_a section_n he_o discourse_v concern_v the_o impotency_n of_o man_n to_o perform_v the_o command_n of_o god_n 29.30_o and_o make_v it_o equivalent_a to_o a_o inability_n of_o receive_v spiritual_a thing_n 27._o and_o quote_v rom._n 7.8_o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o parallel_n place_n to_o the_o text_n in_o hand_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v tie_v these_o incoherent_a thing_n together_o if_o the_o doctor_n can_v let_v he_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n 26._o that_o moral_a duty_n to_o be_v observe_v towards_o god_n ourselves_o and_o other_o man_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n here_o peculiar_o intend_v and_o that_o be_v right_a but_o the_o mystery_n depend_v on_o more_o sovereign_a supernatural_a revelation_n and_o that_o whole_o and_o in_o this_o notion_n i_o shall_v understand_v he_o for_o i_o can_v understand_v he_o in_o both_o together_o 3._o he_o explain_v receive_v of_o these_o thing_n by_o receive_v they_o spiritual_o 28._o and_o sometime_o by_o receive_v they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o by_o other_o phrase_n that_o be_v equivalent_a according_a to_o he_o but_o what_o mean_v he_o by_o spiritual_o he_o tell_v you_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v so_o receive_v they_o as_o to_o assent_v to_o their_o truth_n but_o that_o which_o he_o can_v do_v be_v to_o assent_v to_o they_o under_o a_o apprehension_n of_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v he_o discern_v their_o suitableness_n unto_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v propose_v as_o the_o mean_n of_o accomplish_v so_o that_o this_o it_o be_v to_o discern_v they_o spiritual_o and_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o he_o likewise_o tell_v we_o 42._o the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o receive_v not_o be_v he_o can_v know_v they_o and_o that_o impotency_n be_v double_a 41._o 1._o a_o natural_a impotency_n that_o of_o the_o understanding_n in_o respect_n whereof_o he_o be_v absolute_o unable_a so_o to_o do_v without_o a_o especial_a renovation_n by_o a_o irresistible_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o this_o impotency_n he_o say_v be_v absolute_o and_o natural_o insuperable_a and_o 2._o a_o moral_a impotency_n that_o of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o short_a of_o it_o be_v he_o neither_o will_v nor_o can_v if_o he_o will_v know_v they_o spiritual_o so_o that_o his_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v this_o that_o a_o man_n in_o who_o mind_n a_o eternal_a light_n be_v not_o create_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n although_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o with_o that_o evidence_n that_o he_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o yet_o he_o neither_o can_v nor_o will_v understand_v they_o to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o suitable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man._n 4._o this_o clause_n they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o he_o have_v perplex_v with_o various_a interpretation_n after_o give_v several_a account_n on_o which_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v esteem_v foolishness_n he_o tell_v we_o for_o one_o or_o other_o 31._o or_o all_o of_o these_o reason_n be_v spiritual_a thing_n foolishness_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v some_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v so_o though_o he_o can_v direct_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v if_o any_o of_o his_o reason_n will_v serve_v let_v we_o take_v one_o for_o instance_n that_o be_v look_v on_o as_o foolish_a which_o contain_v mean_n and_o end_v disproportionate_a now_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v foolishness_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o mind_n i_o think_v he_o mean_v thus_o that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o that_o a_o natural_a man_n must_v needs_o look_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v a_o mean_v unsuitable_a and_o disproportionate_a to_o the_o end_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o man_n good_a and_o then_o his_o interpretation_n run_v thus_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v one_o who_o for_o want_v of_o the_o irresistible_a light_n can_v discern_v the_o suitableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o those_o end_n because_o he_o can_v discern_v it_o be_v suitable_a to_o they_o but_o it_o may_v be_v his_o instance_n will_v make_v his_o mind_n more_o plain_a one_o be_v that_o of_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v foolishness_n now_o say_v he_o if_o spiritual_a thing_n have_v be_v suit_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o natural_a man_n than_o those_o who_o have_v most_o improve_v their_o mind_n will_v more_o ready_o have_v receive_v they_o than_o other_o by_o which_o i_o perceive_v he_o understand_v by_o these_o thing_n be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n their_o unsuitableness_n to_o their_o mind_n who_o have_v most_o improve_v they_o or_o be_v wise_a and_o know_v most_o but_o that_o which_o be_v somewhat_o stranger_n be_v his_o tell_n of_o we_o that_o thing_n of_o any_o worth_n in_o nature_n and_o morality_n be_v soon_o embrace_v by_o such_o person_n but_o here_o thing_n fall_v out_o quite_o otherwise_o they_o be_v the_o wise_a the_o rational_a that_o make_v the_o long_a opposition_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n i._n e._n if_o the_o doctor_n be_v instance_n be_v pertinent_a that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o so_o that_o the_o unsuitableness_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n to_o our_o mind_n do_v at_o last_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o know_v a_o man_n be_v the_o more_o unapt_a he_o be_v to_o receive_v they_o but_o then_o his_o other_o instance_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o he_o say_v foolishness_n 33._o viz._n that_o of_o his_o present_a adversary_n be_v to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a purpose_n for_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o profound_a ignorance_n and_o confidence_n which_o can_v be_v sufficient_o admire_v or_o despise_v and_o certain_o then_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o very_o much_o improve_v now_o i_o think_v he_o say_v concern_v these_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o foolish_a and_o unsuited_a to_o the_o rational_a principle_n of_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o all_o the_o light_n we_o have_v gain_v by_o the_o doctor_n be_v instance_n to_o discern_v his_o meaning_n of_o this_o clause_n be_v that_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o themselves_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o best_a improve_a reason_n and_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o to_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o rational_a principle_n of_o their_o mind_n who_o ignorance_n and_o confidence_n can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o despise_v and_o here_o i_o desire_v the_o doctor_n to_o make_v my_o peace_n with_o the_o reader_n for_o carry_v he_o along_o with_o i_o to_o grope_v after_o his_o meaning_n in_o such_o a_o tedious_a labyrinth_n as_o he_o have_v contrive_v to_o lose_v we_o in_o but_o i_o do_v not_o ask_v the_o doctor_n be_v pardon_n if_o i_o have_v miss_v of_o his_o meaning_n at_o last_o since_o if_o he_o please_v he_o may_v write_v more_o perspicuous_o if_o he_o can_v his_o friend_n will_v do_v well_o to_o find_v out_o a_o more_o natural_a employment_n for_o he_o 5._o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v he_o explain_v thus_o 38._o because_o they_o be_v discern_v by_o a_o spiritual_a light_n what_o light_n be_v that_o he_o tell_v you_o the_o light_n itself_o whereby_o alone_o spiritual_a thing_n can_v be_v spiritual_o discern_v be_v create_v in_o we_o by_o a_o almighty_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n now_o from_o the_o examination_n of_o his_o notion_n concern_v the_o several_a phrase_n his_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o a_o man_n in_o who_o mind_n a_o spiritual_a light_n be_v not_o create_v by_o the_o almighty_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v nor_o will_v understand_v the_o reveal_v doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o fit_a to_o procure_v man_n salvation_n because_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o he_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o the_o one_o and_o unfit_a for_o the_o other_o or_o because_o they_o be_v unsuitable_a or_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o rational_a principle_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a he_o shall_v discern_v that_o agreeableness_n and_o fitness_n without_o that_o new_a light_n create_v in_o his_o mind_n because_o such_o be_v the_o manner_n whereby_o
they_o must_v be_v discern_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o discern_v they_o without_o that_o new_a light_n and_o now_o that_o i_o have_v take_v this_o pain_n to_o bring_v the_o doctor_n out_o of_o the_o cloud_n i_o challenge_v he_o to_o show_v that_o this_o paraphrase_n be_v not_o the_o just_a sum_n of_o his_o talk_n concern_v the_o text_n before_o we_o now_o although_o the_o naked_a representation_n of_o this_o paraphrase_n be_v enough_o to_o expose_v it_o yet_o because_o this_o be_v the_o text_n which_o these_o man_n perpetual_o rely_v upon_o when_o they_o set_v themselves_o to_o cant_v down_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n i_o shall_v brief_o let_v the_o doctor_n see_v that_o his_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v either_o groundless_a or_o absurd_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o incoherent_a with_o the_o context_n sect_n iv._o 1._o whereas_o he_o make_v the_o natural_a man_n to_o be_v one_o in_o who_o spiritual_a light_n be_v not_o create_v by_o the_o almightiness_n of_o god_n it_o be_v altogether_o groundless_a for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o of_o itself_o signify_v one_o who_o want_v that_o light_n nor_o do_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d denote_v any_o almighty_a act_n whereby_o a_o man_n come_v to_o be_v spiritual_o enlighten_v nor_o can_v the_o doctor_n show_v from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n any_o reason_n for_o this_o his_o notion_n for_o those_o word_n neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o do_v not_o infer_v that_o a_o man_n can_v know_v they_o without_o such_o a_o irresistible_a light_n as_o he_o suppose_v nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a context_n 38._o he_o tell_v we_o indeed_o that_o st._n paul_n plentiful_o show_v elsewhere_o that_o this_o light_n must_v be_v create_v in_o we_o by_o almightiness_n and_o he_o instance_v in_o 2_o cor._n 4.6_o i_o shall_v in_o due_a place_n prove_v that_o st._n paul_n show_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o that_o text_n but_o admit_v he_o do_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o present_o follow_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o this_o place_n mean_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n one_o in_o who_o this_o light_n be_v not_o create_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v not_o speak_v one_o word_n of_o it_o throughout_o the_o whole_a chapter_n wherefore_o the_o doctor_n ought_v at_o least_o to_o have_v prove_v by_o compare_v both_o these_o text_n that_o he_o design_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o he_o have_v not_o once_o attempt_v and_o yet_o this_o arbitrary_a supposal_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o whole_a comment_n upon_o this_o place_n 2._o his_o grant_v that_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o deny_v that_o he_o can_v discern_v their_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o their_o fitness_n to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v palpable_o absurd_a for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n who_o exercise_v his_o rational_a faculty_n about_o divine_a thing_n which_o he_o grant_v the_o natural_a man_n may_v do_v shall_v believe_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o yet_o see_v no_o consistency_n in_o they_o with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o no_o suitableness_n in_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o man_n good_a the_o doctor_n whatever_o he_o say_v about_o those_o improvement_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n mind_n which_o he_o allow_v to_o he_o seem_v rather_o to_o take_v he_o for_o a_o natural_a fool_n than_o a_o rational_a man_n a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o evidence_n upon_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o a_o mean_n conducible_a to_o the_o recovery_n of_o man_n and_o if_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n themselves_o be_v not_o more_o evident_a to_o a_o man_n that_o can_v consider_v than_o that_o they_o be_v so_o why_o may_v not_o a_o consider_a man_n who_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n believe_v this_o of_o they_o or_o how_o can_v he_o believe_v the_o former_a without_o believe_v the_o latter_a i_o know_v not_o which_o way_n the_o doctor_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v but_o by_o pretend_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o a_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n the_o true_a reason_n whereof_o he_o do_v not_o discern_v for_o example_n that_o a_o man_n may_v assent_v to_o the_o creed_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o not_o discern_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o those_o proposition_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o but_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v he_o for_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v by_o he_o grant_v to_o be_v one_o who_o may_v have_v a_o improve_a reason_n and_o may_v exercise_v it_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o of_o such_o a_o man_n viz._n who_o be_v thus_o improve_v and_o consider_v i_o say_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o affirm_v that_o he_o may_v assent_v to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v discern_v that_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n be_v because_o this_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o as_o dull_a and_o ignorant_a as_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v know_v and_o rational_a before_o since_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n etc._n etc._n as_o for_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o that_o mean_a motive_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o teacher_n though_o for_o want_v of_o consider_v they_o do_v not_o discern_v its_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n yet_o they_o do_v believe_v it_o it_o be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a but_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o proposition_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o believe_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n but_o man_n that_o can_v tolerable_o well_o use_v their_o understanding_n in_o divine_a thing_n as_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v do_v to_o abate_v the_o philosophical_a improvement_n which_o the_o doctor_n be_v willing_a to_o cast_v into_o the_o bargain_n may_v not_o only_o believe_v but_o discern_v this_o agreeableness_n and_o it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o suppose_v they_o have_v exercise_v their_o rational_a faculty_n as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o withal_o to_o affirm_v that_o they_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o can_v discern_v that_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o put_v this_o out_o of_o question_n i_o will_v instance_n in_o these_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_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 in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n this_o a_o natural_a man_n according_a to_o the_o doctor_n may_v assent_v unto_o but_o i_o demand_v this_o proposition_n be_v reveal_v be_v it_o not_o very_o discernible_a that_o god_n give_v his_o son_n for_o mankind_n be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o his_o goodness_n and_o that_o his_o purpose_n of_o save_a mankind_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o son_n death_n be_v agreeable_a with_o his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o justice_n and_o that_o the_o demonstration_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n this_o way_n be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n 2._o that_o no_o unrighteous_a person_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n this_o also_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v assent_v to_o but_o i_o demand_v be_v it_o not_o very_o discernible_a that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v it_o not_o discernable_o agreeable_a with_o his_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o then_o why_o may_v not_o the_o wise_a and_o know_a man_n that_o believe_v these_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a revelation_n discern_v they_o to_o be_v agreeable_a with_o the_o divine_a perfection_n take_v the_o same_o doctrine_n again_o and_o i_o demand_v concern_v they_o be_v they_o not_o manifest_o suitable_a to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o end_v the_o doctor_n say_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o deliverance_n from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n as_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n they_o plain_o tend_v to_o the_o promote_a thereof_o because_o they_o manifest_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v observe_v before_o as_o for_o our_o deliverance_n from_o sin_n be_v not_o that_o doctrine_n plain_o suit_v to_o that_o end_n which_o assure_v we_o there_o be_v room_n for_o repentance_n since_o god_n have_v give_v his_o only_a son_n etc._n etc._n and_o which_o acquaint_v we_o
the_o mind_n unprofitable_a to_o man_n and_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n but_o then_o withal_o i_o can_v find_v they_o any_o where_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o he_o fancy_n of_o a_o possibility_n to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v which_o be_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n etc._n etc._n i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o believe_v they_o nor_o do_v i_o see_v any_o likelihood_n that_o i_o ever_o shall_v unless_o some_o irresistible_a power_n make_v another_o thing_n of_o i_o than_o i_o find_v myself_o to_o be_v at_o present_a and_o if_o this_o will_v content_v the_o doctor_n i_o have_v no_o quarrel_n with_o he_o but_o then_o if_o he_o pretend_v that_o the_o real_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n gospel_n viz._n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v crucify_v for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o must_v be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o etc._n etc._n be_v as_o unintelligible_a and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o they_o as_o indiscernible_a as_o that_o of_o his_o new-fashioned_a principle_n i_o must_v beg_v his_o pardon_n if_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o neither_o but_o reckon_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o doctor_n have_v cast_v a_o horrible_a reproach_n upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n while_o he_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n that_o bend_v his_o mind_n to_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o never_o so_o attentive_o and_o use_v his_o reason_n never_o so_o modest_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o to_o assent_v to_o they_o as_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o man_n if_o that_o be_v true_a than_o this_o pernicious_a consequence_n be_v unavoidable_a that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o a_o man_n to_o use_v any_o mean_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o pretend_v to_o he_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o right_a believer_n he_o have_v no_o way_n but_o to_o sit_v down_o in_o a_o lazy_a expectation_n of_o that_o light_n which_o the_o doctor_n say_v must_v be_v create_v in_o his_o mind_n by_o a_o almighty_a act_n of_o god_n before_o he_o can_v know_v and_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o be_v and_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v this_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v interpretation_n of_o st._n paul_n text_n and_o let_v any_o man_n but_o himself_o judge_n whether_o it_o do_v not_o infinite_o disparage_v the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o whether_o it_o do_v not_o offer_v great_a wrong_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o betray_v they_o either_o into_o a_o contempt_n of_o christianity_n or_o at_o least_o into_o a_o sluggish_a neglect_n of_o all_o that_o consideration_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o understand_v and_o believe_v it_o upon_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v be_v so_o punctual_a in_o find_v out_o and_o so_o long_o in_o confute_v his_o notion_n of_o this_o text_n which_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v altogether_o as_o pernicious_a as_o they_o be_v false_a i_o shall_v have_v leave_v they_o to_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o nonsense_n sect_n v._o the_o incoherence_n of_o his_o interpretation_n with_o the_o scope_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o that_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n must_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o observe_v what_o st._n paul_n design_n be_v in_o they_o which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o inquire_v into_o and_o thereby_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o the_o text._n to_o allay_v those_o contention_n that_o be_v among_o the_o corinthian_n about_o their_o teacher_n who_o they_o shall_v follow_v chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 11._o st._n paul_n remind_v they_o how_o he_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o they_o and_o by_o what_o argument_n they_o have_v be_v win_v to_o receive_v it_o not_o with_o wisdom_n of_o word_n vers_fw-la 17._o and_o again_o not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 4._o but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n note_n i._n e._n not_o with_o rhetorical_a oration_n or_o philosophical_a discourse_n such_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o gentile_n make_v use_v of_o to_o put_v off_o their_o opinion_n to_o the_o people_n withal_o he_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n but_o as_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o the_o gospel_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v he_o prove_v it_o to_o they_o by_o a_o divine_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o viz._n that_o of_o supernatural_a gift_n bestow_v now_o upon_o believer_n of_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o apparent_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o such_o testimony_n of_o god_n own_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o revelation_n from_o he_o as_o these_o be_v the_o consequence_n whereof_o be_v that_o their_o faith_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n i._n e._n that_o their_o faith_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o eloquence_n or_o the_o subtle_a reason_n of_o man_n but_o upon_o the_o plain_a testimony_n of_o god_n declare_v by_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v clear_o a_o good_a consideration_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o contend_v about_o the_o person_n of_o their_o teacher_n who_o never_o go_v about_o to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o themselves_o as_o vers_n 13._o by_o the_o ostentation_n of_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n but_o to_o win_v they_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n but_o hereupon_o the_o apostle_n take_v occasion_n to_o show_v 1._o the_o offence_n which_o they_o who_o be_v most_o in_o vogue_n for_o wisdom_n take_v at_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o way_n of_o preach_v it_o and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o that_o way_n notwithstanding_o above_o all_o other_o method_n to_o make_v man_n wise_a and_o good_a and_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o chap._n 1._o from_o vers_n 18._o to_o the_o end_n 2._o to_o vindicate_v this_o way_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n against_o their_o pretence_n who_o reject_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o chap._n 2._o that_o the_o former_a be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n be_v plain_a from_o what_o he_o say_v vers_fw-la 18._o and_o so_o forward_o for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foolishness_n and_o who_o these_o be_v we_o learn_v from_o vers_fw-la 20._o where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o scribe_n etc._n etc._n i_o e._n let_v those_o man_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n crucify_v come_v and_o compare_v the_o religion_n they_o teach_v and_o the_o reason_n they_o bring_v for_o it_o argument_n and_o the_o good_a they_o do_v by_o it_o with_o our_o doctrine_n and_o the_o testimony_n we_o confirm_v it_o withal_o and_o the_o advantage_n which_o it_o bring_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o for_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v vers_fw-la 21._o and_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 25._o i._n e._n let_v it_o be_v consider_v and_o you_o will_v see_v a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o convince_a of_o man_n that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o the_o bring_n of_o they_o to_o salvation_n by_o it_o vers_n 24._o you_o will_v see_v also_o what_o a_o infinite_a disparegement_n this_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o god_n will_v do_v to_o all_o the_o method_n of_o human_a wisdom_n when_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o for_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n those_o way_n of_o instruct_v and_o save_v mankind_n which_o be_v so_o far_o above_o all_o the_o invention_n and_o above_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o they_o now_o general_o reckon_v they_o to_o be_v foolish_a to_o confound_v the_o wise_a to_o put_v down_o all_o that_o wisdom_n of_o they_o which_o they_o so_o much_o glory_n in_o and_o thereby_o to_o show_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a than_o man_n v_o 27._o that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v glory_v in_o his_o presence_n vers_fw-la 29._o but_o the_o particular_a reason_n gospel_n why_o so_o few_o of_o those_o person_n who_o wisdom_n be_v in_o this_o manner_n baffle_v do_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v call_v vers_fw-la 26._o
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
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
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
saviour_n think_v it_o be_v needful_a for_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o we_o because_o we_o be_v afraid_a to_o provoke_v his_o angry_a justice_n nor_o disregard_n our_o care_n to_o do_v his_o will_n ever_o the_o more_o because_o we_o be_v move_v thereunto_o by_o fear_n since_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o he_o himself_o persuade_v we_o withal_o especial_o since_o the_o scripture_n make_v those_o divine_a benefit_n which_o challenge_v our_o utmost_a gratitude_n and_o that_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o which_o be_v so_o powerful_a a_o argument_n to_o make_v we_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n a_o reason_n also_o why_o we_o shall_v fear_v he_o for_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o psalmist_n we_o be_v to_o fear_n god_n because_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o he_o psal._n 130.4_o i_o e._n because_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o mercy_n will_v yet_o more_o provoke_v his_o displeasure_n and_o bring_v a_o more_o dreadful_a punishment_n upon_o we_o last_o since_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o begin_v but_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o that_o too_o in_o consideration_n of_o those_o promise_n whereby_o we_o be_v encourage_v to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o all_o this_o make_v i_o wonder_v at_o your_o presumption_n in_o say_v that_o by_o the_o want_n of_o your_o absolute_a assurance_n duty_n be_v discourage_v spiritual_a endeavour_n and_o diligence_n be_v impair_v delight_n in_o god_n weaken_v and_o love_v cool_v when_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_o against_o you_o and_o for_o your_o say_n that_o we_o bewray_v our_o ignorance_n while_o we_o make_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n threaten_n lest_o they_o fall_v upon_o we_o needful_a to_o quicken_v our_o industry_n in_o all_o duty_n of_o obedience_n may_v we_o not_o requite_v you_o by_o say_v more_o just_o that_o you_o do_v but_o bewray_v your_o confidence_n in_o make_v yourself_o wise_a than_o christ_n who_o think_v we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o this_o argument_n and_o will_v have_v it_o take_v impression_n in_o our_o mind_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o it_o be_v you_o say_v very_o sad_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v so_o far_o proclaim_v his_o inexperience_n and_o unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o gospel-grace_n the_o genius_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o be_v able_a thus_o to_o argue_v viz._n that_o the_o â—â—â—â—rance_n you_o speak_v of_o tend_v to_o carelessness_n etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v more_o sad_a that_o man_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o great_a acquaintance_n with_o gospel-grace_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o undermine_v the_o usefulness_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n threaten_n now_o as_o to_o that_o experience_n you_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o gospel-grace_n and_o of_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o which_o make_v you_o so_o confident_a i_o have_v a_o good_a while_n consider_v what_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o can_v find_v a_o more_o probable_a sense_n of_o your_o word_n than_o this_o that_o you_o find_v yourselves_o make_v new_a creature_n and_o put_v on_o to_o good_a work_n by_o a_o irresistible_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o darling_n opinion_n you_o contend_v so_o fierce_o for_o in_o your_o book_n and_o if_o that_o be_v your_o meaning_n and_o your_o meaning_n be_v true_a than_o i_o confess_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o argument_n of_o fear_n to_o constrain_v such_o as_o you_o and_o i_o will_v add_v also_o neither_o can_v there_o be_v any_o need_n of_o any_o motive_n whatsoever_o to_o make_v you_o as_o good_a as_o you_o say_v and_o as_o we_o hope_v some_o of_o you_o be_v 3._o neither_o be_v this_o assurance_n needful_a to_o encourage_v and_o comfort_v we_o while_o we_o be_v perform_v our_o duty_n nor_o must_v the_o want_n of_o it_o need_v cast_v we_o into_o perplexity_n discouragement_n and_o despondency_n as_o the_o doctor_n will_v have_v it_o 529._o for_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v that_o the_o conditional_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o comfort_n while_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o comfort_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o st._n john_n say_v we_o declare_v the_o gospel_n unto_o you_o that_o you_o may_v have_v fellowship_n with_o we_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n and_o these_o thing_n write_v we_o unto_o you_o that_o your_o joy_n may_v be_v full_a if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n 1_o john_n 1.3_o 4_o 6._o now_o that_o joy_n which_o be_v full_a be_v encouragement_n enough_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o yield_v sufficient_a comfort_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o apostle_n this_o fullness_n of_o joy_n may_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o conditional_a term_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o walk_v in_o darkness_n we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n if_o we_o obey_v the_o gospel_n god_n will_v love_v we_o and_o if_o we_o persevere_v therein_o he_o will_v save_v we_o eternal_o wherefore_o it_o may_v be_v have_v without_o absolute_a assurance_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o gospel_n will_v afford_v we_o no_o other_o comfort_n than_o that_o which_o depend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o see_v it_o have_v give_v we_o abundant_a encouragement_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o our_o duty_n it_o have_v also_o abundant_o provide_v for_o our_o comfort_n but_o it_o be_v a_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o pretend_v that_o we_o can_v begin_v to_o serve_v god_n with_o any_o comfort_n till_o we_o have_v a_o comfortable_a assurance_n as_o the_o doctor_n very_o true_o call_v it_o that_o we_o be_v personal_o elect_v and_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o miscarry_v for_o this_o be_v a_o comfort_n proper_a only_o for_o they_o that_o have_v finish_v their_o course_n and_o be_v now_o ready_a to_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n suppose_v a_o good_a man_n shall_v employ_v his_o servant_n in_o a_o business_n of_o some_o difficulty_n promise_v he_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o and_o for_o his_o reward_n a_o considerable_a inheritance_n in_o his_o family_n if_o after_o he_o have_v take_v the_o charge_n and_o before_o he_o have_v well_o begin_v it_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o his_o master_n and_o fall_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n entreat_v he_o to_o settle_v that_o inheri-upon_a he_o beforehand_o and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o absolute_a estate_n in_o it_o promise_v upon_o his_o ingenuity_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v the_o less_o careful_a of_o his_o work_n but_o think_v himself_o rather_o the_o more_o oblige_v to_o perform_v it_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n sure_o his_o master_n will_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o desire_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n since_o he_o have_v never_o find_v he_o worse_o than_o his_o word_n and_o there_o be_v some_o reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o his_o impatience_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o no_o honest_a intention_n in_o he_o but_o that_o for_o his_o own_o part_n he_o will_v give_v he_o no_o better_o assurance_n of_o his_o reward_n than_o upon_o condition_n lest_o afterward_o he_o must_v get_v somebody_o else_o to_o do_v his_o work_n now_o if_o for_o all_o this_o the_o loiter_a servant_n shall_v lie_v grovel_v upon_o the_o ground_n wring_v his_o hand_n and_o beat_v his_o breast_n protest_v that_o he_o can_v go_v about_o his_o work_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o it_o with_o any_o joy_n till_o he_o have_v full_a assurance_n that_o fair_a estate_n he_o be_v so_o enamour_a withal_o shall_v be_v he_o whether_o he_o do_v his_o service_n require_v of_o he_o or_o whether_o he_o do_v it_o not_o that_o nothing_o will_v comfort_v he_o and_o keep_v up_o his_o heart_n from_o sink_v within_o he_o but_o such_o a_o comfortable_a assurance_n that_o he_o be_v all_o over_o lame_a and_o stiff_a and_o can_v stir_v a_o foot_n nor_o move_v a_o hand_n in_o his_o master_n service_n as_o long_o as_o he_o have_v any_o the_o least_o fear_n of_o miss_v that_o reward_n by_o this_o time_n we_o may_v suppose_v the_o good_a man_n to_o have_v a_o better_a opinion_n of_o his_o servant_n than_o to_o think_v he_o a_o knave_n but_o he_o will_v certain_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v not_o very_o wise_a the_o parallel_n be_v so_o easy_a that_o i_o need_v not_o make_v it_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n be_v
may_v deserve_v they_o for_o live_v according_a to_o it_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v chance_v not_o to_o care_v for_o the_o doctor_n be_v boldness_n in_o call_v they_o out_o of_o their_o name_n he_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v to_o they_o and_o their_o conclusion_n all_o will_v be_v well_o and_o safe_a in_o the_o latter_a end_n which_o be_v all_o we_o need_v care_n for_o be_v in_o as_o good_a a_o condition_n as_o it_o be_v before_o he_o meddle_v with_o it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o inconsequence_n of_o their_o argue_v that_o must_v be_v show_v to_o free_v the_o doctor_n be_v opinion_n concern_v personal_a election_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o carnal_a security_n and_o this_o he_o be_v the_o more_o oblige_v to_o show_v because_o he_o say_v two_o page_n before_o that_o under_o this_o pretence_n chief_o 522._o his_o doctrine_n concern_v election_n be_v blaspheme_v and_o evil_o speak_v of_o it_o will_v therefore_o have_v be_v very_o kind_o do_v both_o to_o himself_o and_o we_o to_o show_v the_o forementioned_a argue_v to_o be_v inconsequent_a but_o i_o challenge_v he_o to_o show_v i_o one_o single_a line_n that_o look_v that_o way_n through_o all_o his_o pretend_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v yet_o above_o two_o page_n long_o and_o so_o may_v serve_v for_o one_o instance_n among_o many_o 524._o what_o a_o excellent_a faculty_n our_o author_n have_v when_o pertinent_a matter_n be_v scanty_a with_o he_o to_o confound_v a_o reader_n with_o a_o multitude_n of_o word_n there_o be_v many_o other_o way_n by_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o show_v that_o eternal_a election_n be_v a_o motive_n to_o holiness_n but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o let_v you_o see_v what_o he_o understand_v by_o eternal_a election_n where_o he_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v such_o a_o motive_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v god_n absolute_a purpose_n from_o eternity_n to_o save_v some_o person_n not_o consider_v under_o any_o good_a qualification_n i_o shall_v now_o show_v you_o his_o definition_n of_o it_o towards_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o chapter_n 520._o it_o be_v say_v he_o the_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a purpose_n of_o god_n that_o all_o who_o be_v his_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n all_o who_o he_o design_v to_o bring_v unto_o blessedness_n in_o the_o everlasting_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o shall_v antecedent_o thereunto_o be_v make_v holy_a these_o word_n be_v print_v in_o the_o italic_a character_n that_o the_o reader_n may_v observe_v they_o the_o better_a and_o take_v notice_n that_o they_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o i_o desire_v also_o the_o reader_n to_o observe_v that_o this_o be_v our_o author_n definition_n of_o that_o election_n which_o as_o he_o pretend_v be_v afterward_o prove_v to_o be_v a_o motive_n to_o holiness_n now_o this_o notion_n of_o election_n be_v plain_o different_a from_o that_o for_o he_o say_v it_o be_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o god_n that_o all_o who_o be_v he_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n etc._n etc._n he_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v so_o be_v they_o his_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n before_o they_o be_v elect_v or_o not_o if_o the_o former_a than_o they_o be_v god_n peculiar_a people_n before_o they_o be_v choose_v to_o be_v so_o and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o his_o election_n to_o make_v they_o so_o if_o the_o latter_a than_o i_o understand_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o say_v that_o election_n be_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o god_n that_o all_o who_o be_v his_o shall_v be_v holy_a viz._n that_o election_n be_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n that_o all_o who_o be_v elect_v already_o shall_v be_v make_v holy_a which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o election_n be_v election_n and_o they_o that_o be_v elect_v to_o be_v holy_a be_v elect_v to_o be_v holy_a to_o save_v himself_o from_o this_o nonsense_n he_o have_v but_o one_o way_n and_o that_o be_v by_o say_v that_o these_o all_o who_o he_o speak_v of_o be_v god_n people_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n by_o virtue_n of_o another_o decree_n of_o election_n than_o that_o which_o be_v here_o describe_v viz._n of_o that_o absolute_a decree_n to_o save_v they_o which_o he_o afterward_o show_v to_o be_v a_o motive_n unto_o holiness_n and_o then_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n eternal_a election_n be_v god_n decree_n that_o all_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v holy_a concern_v who_o he_o have_v already_o decree_v that_o they_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o say_v that_o he_o mean_v one_o thing_n by_o eternal_a election_n when_o he_o define_v it_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o his_o follow_a discourse_n and_o another_o thing_n by_o it_o when_o he_o enter_v upon_o the_o discourse_n itself_o and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o if_o he_o have_v define_v eternal_a election_n to_o be_v god_n absolute_a purpose_n to_o save_v so_o many_o certain_a person_n without_o regard_v how_o they_o be_v qualify_v before_o that_o his_o purpose_n he_o have_v find_v himself_o oblige_v to_o prove_v this_o bold_a assertion_n of_o he_o before_o he_o proceed_v to_o build_v his_o other_o opinion_n upon_o it_o but_o here_o he_o decline_v that_o work_n by_o substitute_v another_o proposition_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o which_o indeed_o sound_v as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o but_o real_o be_v very_o different_a from_o it_o as_o he_o have_v decline_v it_o before_o by_o pretend_v that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o elsewhere_o now_o if_o i_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o author_n he_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o concern_v to_o produce_v some_o evident_a proof_n out_o of_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v any_o there_o that_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v make_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o person_n of_o man_n and_o not_o their_o qualification_n for_o this_o be_v not_o only_o suppose_v by_o he_o in_o this_o chapter_n but_o it_o be_v the_o hypothesis_n upon_o which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o book_n run_v and_o which_o be_v more_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n he_o lay_v such_o a_o stress_n upon_o it_o as_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v to_o have_v meet_v with_o any_o man_n that_o do_v the_o like_a for_o in_o this_o chapter_n he_o say_v 526._o man_n may_v frame_v a_o holiness_n to_o themselves_o and_o be_v stir_v up_o unto_o it_o by_o motive_n of_o their_o own_o as_o there_o be_v a_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o run_v in_o a_o parallel_n line_n by_o that_o of_o evangelical_n truth_n but_o touch_v it_o not_o nor_o will_v do_v so_o to_o eternity_n but_o that_o which_o the_o gospel_n require_v be_v promote_v on_o the_o ground_n and_o by_o the_o motive_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o it_o whereof_o this_o of_o god_n free_a elect_a love_n and_o grace_n be_v among_o the_o principal_a which_o set_v aside_o the_o fantasticalness_n of_o his_o expression_n be_v plain_o to_o send_v all_o man_n to_o hell_n that_o question_n his_o doctrine_n of_o personal_a election_n let_v they_o be_v otherwise_o never_o so_o careful_a to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o instead_o of_o prove_v this_o necessary_a article_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o manful_o run_v away_o from_o it_o where_o any_o one_o will_v have_v expect_v to_o see_v he_o fall_v to_o work_v about_o it_o and_o then_o take_v occasion_n from_o his_o definition_n of_o election_n to_o prove_v that_o all_o who_o be_v ordain_v to_o glory_n be_v ordain_v to_o holiness_n in_o order_n to_o glory_n which_o be_v a_o proposition_n much_o better_a able_a to_o shift_v for_o itself_o than_o that_o there_o be_v any_o person_n who_o god_n have_v absolute_o elect_v to_o glory_n which_o be_v the_o notion_n he_o proceed_v upon_o after_o he_o have_v finish_v his_o proof_n of_o the_o other_o this_o be_v so_o bleak_a a_o business_n that_o although_o a_o man_n want_v common_a honesty_n and_o his_o conscience_n will_v suffer_v he_o to_o impose_v upon_o other_o yet_o if_o he_o have_v but_o ordinary_a wit_n he_o will_v hardly_o venture_v to_o expose_v himself_o in_o this_o manner_n unless_o he_o be_v furnish_v with_o such_o a_o vast_a measure_n of_o confidence_n as_o to_o think_v himself_o able_a to_o braze_v out_o any_o thing_n and_o now_o i_o must_v tell_v the_o doctor_n that_o all_o this_o be_v but_o a_o juggle_a plot_n of_o his_o own_o and_o not_o one_o of_o his_o usual_a mischance_n for_o not_o long_o after_o he_o have_v define_v eternal_a election_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o take_v the_o boldness_n to_o suppose_v god_n decree_n to_o run_v in_o this_o manner_n i_o do_v say_v god_n choose_v these_o poor_a lose_a sinner_n to_o be_v i_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n 521._o to_o save_v they_o by_o my_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
to_o all_o that_o shall_v hear_v that_o it_o will_v be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v which_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o consequence_n that_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o it_o will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a have_v not_o some_o man_n get_v a_o custom_n of_o impute_v the_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n to_o a_o defect_n on_o god_n part_n as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o give_v they_o grace_n enough_o to_o believe_v and_o repent_v etc._n etc._n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o phrase_n and_o the_o like_a if_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v not_o put_v it_o into_o their_o power_n to_o believe_v be_v so_o high_o dishonourable_a to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o i_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o show_v wherein_o it_o be_v so_o and_o thereby_o to_o prove_v the_o untruth_n of_o it_o final_o this_o implicit_a promise_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o put_v they_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n into_o the_o way_n of_o obtain_v salvation_n by_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o part_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n such_o as_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o believer_n and_o good_a man_n be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n annex_v to_o it_o thus_o that_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o mediator_n and_o which_o he_o be_v to_o seal_v with_o his_o blood_n but_o it_o be_v a_o absolute_a promise_n of_o a_o act_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o which_o depend_v not_o upon_o any_o condition_n require_v by_o it_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o saviour_n be_v indeed_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o of_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n to_o mankind_n in_o order_n to_o our_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n but_o it_o can_v be_v affirm_v to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n with_o any_o more_o propriety_n than_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o man_n be_v a_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o like_a manner_n that_o grace_n by_o which_o we_o be_v first_o put_v into_o a_o capacity_n of_o believe_v and_o consequent_o of_o obey_v the_o gospel_n after_o it_o be_v reveal_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o gospel_n otherwise_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v impossible_a which_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n such_o as_o that_o be_v whereof_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o mediator_n but_o although_o the_o promise_n of_o this_o grace_n be_v imply_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o any_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o it_o be_v a_o promise_n without_o condition_n sect_n 4._o 4._o from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v it_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o special_a grace_n be_v make_v to_o we_o all_o under_o possible_a condition_n for_o since_o a_o believer_n may_v by_o his_o prayer_n obtain_v that_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o sincere_a obedience_n since_o a_o obedient_a christian_a may_v obtain_v that_o further_a grace_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o perseverance_n see_v also_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o good_a beginning_n i._n e._n to_o excite_v good_a desire_n in_o we_o and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o faith_n be_v give_v absolute_o to_o all_o that_o live_v under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n it_o follow_v plain_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o special_a grace_n be_v make_v to_o all_o such_o under_o possible_a condition_n wherefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o all_o that_o live_v under_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o believe_v and_o pray_v for_o his_o further_a grace_n that_o to_o all_o who_o be_v thus_o qualify_v he_o will_v give_v his_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v overcome_v the_o world_n and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o that_o to_o all_o such_o sincere_a christian_n he_o will_v give_v his_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o second_o question_n chap._n vii_o concern_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n sect_n 1._o this_o question_n may_v easy_o be_v multiply_v into_o a_o great_a many_o more_o according_a as_o man_n be_v lead_v by_o their_o curiosity_n that_o which_o have_v be_v still_o most_o debate_v under_o this_o head_n be_v this_o how_o far_o or_o in_o what_o measure_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n conduce_v to_o those_o effect_n which_o be_v design_v to_o be_v produce_v by_o they_o now_o concern_v this_o and_o all_o other_o question_n of_o this_o kind_n i_o observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o silent_a in_o comparison_n to_o that_o clear_a and_o full_a account_n which_o they_o have_v give_v we_o of_o the_o former_a god_n have_v think_v it_o sufficient_a for_o our_o encouragement_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n to_o let_v we_o know_v assure_o that_o he_o will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o for_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a purpose_n without_o satisfy_v our_o curiosity_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o power_n wherefore_o in_o treat_v upon_o this_o subject_a a_o man_n shall_v not_o venture_v to_o affirm_v many_o thing_n or_o to_o conclude_v very_o particular_o much_o less_o to_o obtrude_v his_o opinion_n upon_o other_o man_n for_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o knowable_a but_o only_o by_o revelation_n and_o concern_v which_o there_o be_v but_o little_o reveal_v he_o that_o be_v most_o ready_a to_o affirm_v bold_o and_o particular_o be_v still_o most_o likely_a to_o miscarry_v and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o it_o argue_v a_o immodest_a temper_n to_o define_v peremptory_o in_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v reserve_v from_o our_o knowledge_n and_o this_o to_o be_v sure_a be_v none_o of_o those_o qualification_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o reward_v with_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n but_o yet_o i_o observe_v that_o some_o man_n have_v be_v as_o dogmatical_a and_o particular_a in_o determine_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n as_o if_o their_o conclusion_n be_v as_o clear_o ground_v upon_o revelation_n as_o the_o plain_a truth_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v thrust_v they_o upon_o the_o world_n with_o more_o fierceness_n and_o zeal_n than_o will_v have_v become_v a_o much_o better_a cause_n for_o a_o instance_n hereof_o we_o may_v take_v dr._n owen_n book_n where_o he_o do_v not_o only_o assert_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o brethren_n that_o the_o efficiency_n as_o he_o call_v it_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v irresistible_a 270._o and_o that_o grace_n be_v always_o prevalent_a or_o effectual_a and_o can_v be_v resist_v as_o to_o that_o end_n whereunto_o of_o god_n it_o be_v design_v and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o fall_v upon_o his_o adversary_n in_o this_o point_n with_o such_o insolent_a language_n and_o immodest_a reproach_n that_o they_o can_v hardly_o deserve_v to_o be_v worse_o use_v by_o he_o if_o they_o have_v affirm_v divine_a grace_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o regeneration_n as_o resolute_o as_o they_o maintain_v the_o contrary_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o stand_v up_o for_o against_o the_o new_a pelagian_n and_o a_o crew_n of_o socinianize_v arminian_n they_o be_v his_o own_o word_n as_o if_o to_o deny_v the_o personality_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o to_o contradict_v his_o opinion_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v irresistible_o produce_v the_o effect_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n but_o this_o you_o will_v less_o wonder_v at_o when_o you_o consider_v that_o he_o make_v nothing_o to_o compare_v those_o that_o oppose_v his_o opinion_n to_o cain_n and_o ishmael_n for_o he_o say_v 287._o the_o enmity_n of_o cain_n against_o abel_n be_v but_o a_o branch_n of_o this_o proud_a inclination_n the_o instance_n of_o ishmael_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o representative_a of_o all_o such_o as_o under_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n do_v scoff_n at_o those_o who_o be_v as_o isaac_n child_n of_o the_o promise_n do_v profess_v and_o evidence_n a_o interest_n in_o the_o internal_a power_n of_o it_o which_o they_o be_v
unquaint_v withal_o and_o by_o this_o he_o show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o despise_v his_o opinion_n concern_v grace_n have_v not_o be_v take_v up_o of_o late_a now_o i_o will_v not_o say_v how_o old_a the_o practice_n have_v be_v of_o make_v every_o quarrel_n a_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o equal_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o godly_a man_n who_o suffering_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o it_o be_v at_o lest_o as_o old_a as_o that_o faction_n which_o our_o author_n have_v espouse_v and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o one_o branch_n of_o a_o proud_a inclination_n let_v sober_a man_n judge_v it_o have_v be_v often_o observe_v of_o these_o man_n how_o dear_a they_o and_o their_o opinion_n be_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o doctor_n have_v here_o give_v you_o a_o good_a ordinary_a instance_n of_o it_o for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v bewitch_v with_o self-conceit_n he_o have_v never_o make_v this_o absurd_a parallel_n for_o what_o have_v abel_n or_o isaac_n to_o do_v with_o his_o cause_n if_o he_o have_v only_o call_v we_o the_o seed_n of_o cain_n and_o ishmael_n without_o say_v why_o who_o will_v have_v think_v the_o reason_n have_v be_v our_o question_n whether_o man_n be_v snatch_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v his_o great_a quarrel_n against_o we_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o conversion_n which_o here_o he_o pretend_v to_o explain_v i_o know_v he_o do_v more_o than_o insinuate_v and_o that_o more_o than_o once_o that_o we_o disow_v the_o very_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o i_o shall_v convince_v you_o in_o a_o fit_a place_n but_o this_o you_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o his_o rage_n which_o make_v he_o foam_v out_o calumny_n against_o we_o without_o any_o discretion_n for_o he_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o his_o adversary_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o too_o from_o his_o own_o word_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n be_v not_o the_o representative_a of_o such_o shameless_a writer_n as_o he_o be_v a_o example_n of_o as_o to_o what_o he_o say_v 287._o that_o such_o a_o work_n of_o god_n upon_o man_n as_o he_o contend_v for_o be_v expose_v to_o derision_n if_o upon_o that_o account_n he_o compare_v his_o adversary_n to_o scoff_a ishmael_n i_o think_v he_o do_v they_o great_a wrong_n for_o let_v he_o if_o he_o can_v name_v any_o of_o his_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n who_o have_v debate_v the_o point_n with_o any_o appearance_n of_o modesty_n and_o sobriety_n and_o be_v answer_v with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o contempt_n but_o as_o for_o those_o of_o who_o dr._n owen_n be_v one_o that_o instead_o of_o answer_v the_o argument_n of_o their_o adversary_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o do_v themselves_o fall_v upon_o they_o with_o the_o foul_a reproach_n as_o upon_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v sometime_o good_a to_o take_v down_o their_o haughty_a spirit_n and_o to_o render_v their_o arrogance_n contemptible_a lest_o other_o be_v encourage_v to_o hope_v that_o any_o cause_n may_v be_v carry_v by_o vapour_a in_o my_o opinion_n it_o be_v a_o difficult_a undertake_n to_o define_v in_o particular_a what_o be_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n because_o i_o think_v the_o scripture_n have_v not_o particular_o acquaint_v we_o what_o it_o be_v let_v other_o who_o have_v better_o consider_v the_o thing_n enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o think_v otherwise_o and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o shall_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n submit_v to_o further_a instruction_n but_o as_o for_o dr._n owen_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o favour_v his_o determination_n of_o the_o question_n which_o i_o shall_v the_o rather_o endeavour_v because_o i_o conceive_v this_o opinion_n that_o the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n especial_o as_o he_o have_v advance_v it_o to_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o proposition_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o will_v i_o think_v be_v easy_o grant_v by_o all_o sober_a christian_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v in_o general_n conclude_v what_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o power_n not_o that_o i_o think_v even_o this_o be_v needful_a if_o our_o author_n and_o those_o of_o his_o way_n have_v not_o fall_v into_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n by_o venture_v too_o far_o for_o that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o say_v seem_v to_o i_o to_o afford_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o godliness_n and_o comfort_n if_o all_o be_v not_o subvert_v again_o by_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o we_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n now_o i_o think_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o those_o general_a proposition_n wherein_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n on_o our_o mind_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o particular_a definition_n of_o it_o and_o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v this_o that_o 1._o faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o conversion_n to_o god_n together_o with_o perseverance_n in_o holiness_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o such_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o produce_v these_o qualification_n in_o our_o mind_n that_o it_o hinder_v they_o not_o from_o be_v the_o genuine_a effect_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o ought_v still_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o whereby_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n of_o work_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o 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
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
and_o demonstration_n viz._n ionas_n his_o tarry_v three_o day_n in_o the_o whale_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o always_o so_o signify_v for_o in_o st._n judas_n vers_fw-la 19_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sensual_a man_n man_n addict_v to_o their_o lust_n not_o those_o that_o reject_v revelation_n because_o they_o be_v there_o suppose_v to_o be_v professor_n and_o so_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o those_o who_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o 1_o cor._n 2._o who_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v chap._n 3._o who_o be_v meek_a peaceable_a christian_n they_o therefore_o in_o st._n judas_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n want_v those_o christian_a virtue_n of_o love_n meekness_n peaceableness_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v not_o unusual_a for_o the_o holy_a writer_n to_o use_v the_o same_o word_n under_o different_a signification_n and_o then_o the_o sense_n they_o intend_v by_o such_o a_o word_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o context_n now_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o st._n judas_n signify_v the_o sensual_a man_n who_o though_o a_o christian_n be_v yet_o want_v in_o christian_a temper_n and_o practice_n be_v not_o more_o clear_a from_o the_o context_n there_o than_o that_o here_o it_o signify_v one_o that_o be_v no_o christian_a at_o all_o or_o one_o that_o reject_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n here_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unfit_a once_o for_o all_o to_o observe_v a_o like_a variety_n in_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v by_o the_o apostle_n chap._n 2_o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o second_o chapter_n be_v oppose_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o signify_v one_o that_o admit_v of_o revelation_n and_o be_v thereby_o acquaint_v with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o concern_v he_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n say_v vers_fw-la 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o fit_a to_o do_v because_o he_o reject_v the_o only_a proper_a way_n whereby_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o be_v know_v but_o in_o the_o three_o chapt._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v oppose_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v vers_fw-la 1._o i_o can_v not_o speak_v unto_o you_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o consequent_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o unchristian_a temper_n be_v give_v to_o strife_n and_o debate_n can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v grow_v christian_n but_o be_v only_a babe_n in_o christ_n very_o imperfect_a christian_n wherefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o opposition_n to_o they_o signify_v not_o only_o one_o who_o have_v receive_v and_o believe_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o who_o mind_n also_o be_v thorough_o conform_v to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o so_o be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chap._n 2._o vers._n 26._o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n among_o those_o improve_a christian_n who_o be_v by_o their_o good_a temper_n qualify_v to_o receive_v high_a knowledge_n concern_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v chap._n 3._o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v thus_o st._n chrys._n tell_v we_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v those_o who_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n hom._n 8._o who_o be_v of_o the_o low_a rank_n among_o the_o spiritual_a and_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o of_o their_o evil_a lust_n and_o of_o these_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o carnality_n permit_v they_o not_o to_o hear_v high_a doctrine_n moreover_o he_o say_v you_o can_v bear_v they_o be_v put_v for_o you_o will_v not_o for_o say_v he_o if_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a impossibility_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n will_v pardon_v they_o perhaps_o but_o since_o their_o inability_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o their_o own_o choice_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v bereave_v of_o all_o excuse_n and_o it_o be_v from_o their_o own_o choice_n because_o it_o proceed_v from_o their_o lust_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o a_o impure_a life_n be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o sublime_a knowledge_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o he_o excellent_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o ought_v to_o purify_v himself_o from_o all_o lust_n who_o intend_v to_o pursue_v after_o truth_n and_o to_o purge_v himself_o in_o particular_a from_o the_o lust_n of_o strife_n and_o contention_n and_o unpeaceableness_n since_o as_o st._n chrysostome_n well_o observe_v the_o apostle_n can_v have_v tell_v they_o they_o be_v carnal_a because_o of_o their_o fornication_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o choose_v to_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v so_o because_o of_o their_o schism_n and_o contention_n the_o lust_n whereof_o make_v man_n as_o unmeet_a to_o labour_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n as_o any_o other_o impure_a affection_n whatsoever_o which_o j._n o._n and_o his_o brethren_n as_o spiritual_a as_o they_o seem_v to_o themselves_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v a_o little_a better_o than_o i_o fear_v they_o do_v do_v it_o shall_v have_v be_v remember_v before_o that_o although_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v before_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v preach_v be_v hide_v till_o god_n reveal_v it_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n yet_o this_o wisdom_n have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o their_o prophecy_n be_v revelation_n of_o it_o how_o then_o be_v it_o hide_v it_o be_v hide_v in_o comparison_n to_o that_o revelation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v make_v when_o those_o prophecy_n be_v accomplish_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n contain_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o as_o to_o cover_v it_o but_o now_o when_o these_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v than_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o be_v make_v plain_a the_o completion_n give_v light_a to_o the_o prophecy_n when_o the_o prophecy_n be_v make_v good_a by_o the_o completion_n and_o when_o those_o prophecy_n be_v clear_o fulfil_v and_o the_o wisdom_n hide_v in_o they_o be_v now_o manifest_v it_o be_v a_o very_a convince_a method_n which_o the_o apostle_n take_v to_o compare_v one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o that_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o that_o of_o the_o new_a in_o order_n to_o the_o demonstrate_v of_o their_o true_a meaning_n by_o their_o agreeableness_n to_o one_o another_o thus_o st._n chrysostome_n clear_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o the_o future_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o such_o resemblance_n and_o description_n as_o it_o be_v shadow_v 〈◊〉_d that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v they_o may_v be_v believe_v this_o be_v exact_o according_a to_o st._n chrysost._n note_v upon_o the_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v i._n e._n because_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n must_v necessary_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n and_o because_o they_o can_v be_v assent_v to_o from_o mere_a reason_n or_o because_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o philosophical_a discourse_n if_o they_o be_v assent_v to_o at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a revelation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o we_o know_v both_o our_o own_o thing_n and_o all_o those_o of_o unbeliever_n but_o they_o know_v not_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o we_o know_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n viz._n whatever_o it_o be_v his_o will_n we_o shall_v know_v and_o which_o he_o have_v reveal_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o 7._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 6._o 1_o cor._n and_o neither_o do_v we_o now_o persuade_v by_o syllogism_n but_o we_o prove_v what_o we_o say_v from_o the_o divine_a scripture_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v at_o first_o and_o the_o apostle_n persuade_v not_o only_o by_o sign_n but_o discourse_v also_o i._n e._n they_o reason_v and_o argue_v from_o those_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o st._n chrysost._n so_o often_o reject_v be_v not_o simple_o all_o reason_n and_o syllogism_n but_o such_o only_a as_o admit_v not_o of_o revelation_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o these_o be_v altogether_o improper_a when_o reveal_v doctrine_n be_v inquire_v into_o 1_o joh._n 4.13_o p._n 87._o ibid._n p._n 80._o p._n 85._o p._n 86._o p._n 15._o chap._n 4._o b._n 1._o ibid._n ch._n 1._o b._n 2._o p._n 116_o 117._o ch._n 34._o b._n 2._o p._n 10._o p._n 166._o 1_o cor._n 12.11_o p._n 157._o p._n 158._o p._n 158._o p._n 118._o p._n 184._o sect._n 21._o pag._n 183._o pag._n 173._o ibid._n p._n 175._o p._n 183._o p._n 175._o p._n 183._o p._n 181._o pag._n 183._o pag._n 181._o p._n 181._o p._n 183._o august_n lib._n de_fw-fr gratia_n christi_fw-la c._n 41._o hierom._n ep._n ad_fw-la ctesiph_n de_fw-fr pecc_fw-la orig._n c._n 17_o 18_o etc._n etc._n vid._n dr._n hammond_n in_o loc_n &_o resol_n of_o 6_o query_n treat_n of_o conu._n p._n 8._o pag._n 177._o the_o opinion_n of_o grotius_n that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o similitude_n of_o the_o natural_a birth_n and_o the_o wind_n which_o our_o saviour_n use_v and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d divine_a thing_n speak_v without_o this_o condescension_n by_o the_o use_n of_o metaphor_n etc._n etc._n want_v not_o its_o probability_n nor_o that_o of_o dr._n hammond_n who_o suppose_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v thing_n ordinary_a in_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o notion_n seem_v to_o be_v countenance_v by_o vers_n 31._o but_o then_o by_o believe_v they_o be_v both_o force_v to_o mean_a understanding_n whereas_o this_o notion_n do_v not_o only_o equal_o if_o not_o better_o agree_v with_o the_o context_n but_o may_v without_o use_v that_o liberty_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o word_n p._n 174._o p._n 529._o p._n 530._o p._n 529._o p._n 349._o vid._n knowl_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 389._o p._n 385._o p._n 349._o p._n 349_o 385._o chrys._n in_o rom._n 8._o hom._n 14._o august_n ep._n ad_fw-la probam_fw-la 121._o c._n 14._o ad_fw-la probam_fw-la c._n 15._o de_fw-fr anim._n etc._n etc._n orig._n lib._n 4._o hierom_n in_o locum_fw-la ambrose_n com._n in_o râ—m_n theod._n in_o rom._n orig._n in_o ep._n ad_fw-la rom._n lib._n 7._o between_o v_o 19_o and_o v_o 24_o there_o be_v some_o difficult_a passage_n viz._n the_o creature_n be_v subject_a to_o vanity_n and_o the_o groan_a of_o the_o creation_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v make_v very_o clear_a and_o plain_a in_o dr._n hammond_n be_v annotation_n where_o that_o which_o i_o have_v here_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o general_a meaning_n of_o the_o whole_a period_n be_v particular_o explain_v and_o therefore_o because_o i_o be_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v the_o reader_n with_o the_o solution_n of_o difficulty_n somewhat_o remote_a from_o my_o main_a design_n i_o refer_v he_o thither_o see_v dr._n ham._n an._n p._n 182._o p._n 86._o p._n 358._o p._n 357._o p._n 361._o p._n 361._o p._n 358._o p._n 172._o p._n 521._o p._n 580._o p._n 525._o p._n 522._o p._n 525._o p._n 526._o p._n 522._o p._n 523_o 524._o p._n 520._o p._n 526._o p._n 521._o p._n 524._o p._n 205._o p._n 270._o p._n 287._o p._n 287._o p._n 262._o p._n 261._o p._n 254._o p._n 269_o etc._n etc._n p._n 261._o p._n 268._o p._n 270._o p._n 268._o p._n 268._o p._n 270_o 271._o p._n 271._o p._n 470._o 470._o if_o i_o forget_v not_o he_o acknowledge_v it_o somewhere_o in_o express_a term_n p._n 272._o pres._n j._n o._n p._n 21._o p._n 266._o p._n 470._o p._n 166._o p._n 167._o
we_o find_v in_o vers_fw-la 22_o 23._o for_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n and_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n but_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n here_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o man_n concern_v who_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o he_o show_v concern_v each_o of_o they_o why_o they_o reject_v the_o gospel_n 1._o the_o jew_n be_v offend_v at_o it_o because_o it_o require_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o crucify_a messiah_n but_o their_o pretence_n be_v that_o they_o want_v a_o sign_n i._n e._n some_o prodigy_n from_o heaven_n or_o some_o such_o amaze_a appearance_n as_o accompany_v the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n to_o moses_n upon_o mount_n sinai_n 2._o the_o greek_a philosopher_n of_o those_o day_n be_v offend_v at_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v who_o naked_o represent_v their_o doctrine_n without_o any_o such_o philosophical_a subtlety_n and_o reason_n as_o they_o use_v themselves_o for_o that_o which_o they_o seek_v after_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o want_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v wisdom_n or_o demonstration_n from_o natural_a principle_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o these_o peculiar_o say_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v foolishness_n unto_o they_o viz._n because_o they_o look_v for_o wisdom_n or_o discourse_n mere_o philosophical_a now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n chief_a design_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n be_v to_o vindicate_v his_o way_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n against_o the_o fault_n which_o the_o greek_n find_v with_o it_o for_o to_o this_o purpose_n he_o begin_v direct_o thus_o and_o i_o brethren_n when_o i_o come_v to_o you_o ibid._n come_v not_o with_o excellency_n of_o speech_n or_o wisdom_n declare_v unto_o you_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n ay_o e._n i_o answer_v not_o their_o expectation_n who_o look_v for_o eloquence_n or_o philosophy_n for_o i_o determine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v v_o 2._o not_o to_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o any_o other_o doctrine_n but_o those_o which_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o particular_o that_o the_o crucify_a jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n and_o these_o doctrine_n i_o prove_v by_o miracle_n and_o other_o divine_a testimony_n now_o this_o way_n of_o prove_v they_o the_o apostle_n justify_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v preach_v unto_o they_o show_v that_o they_o have_v depend_v altogether_o upon_o the_o free_a and_o sovereign_a will_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v to_o those_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v not_o immediate_o reveal_v otherwise_o than_o by_o sufficient_a testimony_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o other_o such_o as_o miracle_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v why_o he_o reject_v excellency_n of_o speech_n and_o wisdom_n already_o viz._n because_o it_o be_v a_o improper_a way_n of_o prove_v thing_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o thus_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n even_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n which_o god_n ordain_v before_o the_o world_n unto_o our_o glory_n v_o 7._o i._n e._n we_o declare_v those_o counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v conceal_v from_o former_a age_n and_o which_o god_n have_v now_o honour_v we_o with_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o revelation_n which_o none_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n know_v for_o have_v they_o but_o as_o it_o be_v write_v eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n what_o thing_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o i_o e._n if_o it_o can_v have_v be_v find_v out_o by_o natural_a sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n that_o god_n will_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n the_o chief_a man_n among_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o instead_o of_o crucify_a he_o they_o will_v have_v become_v his_o disciple_n themselves_o but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 10._o but_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o no_o man_n by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n can_v attain_v god_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o revelation_n of_o his_o spirit_n so_o that_o this_o contrivance_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v no_o long_o hide_v now_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o we_o may_v therefore_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o as_o many_o of_o they_o as_o the_o spirit_n reveal_v unto_o we_o for_o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 11._o i._n e._n what_o man_n know_v the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o another_o man_n till_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o discover_v they_o himself_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n i._n e._n his_o counsel_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n which_o depend_v mere_o upon_o his_o own_o will_n and_o choice_n none_o can_v know_v but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n mean_v be_v plain_a from_o the_o argument_n which_o he_o use_v here_o for_o those_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v common_a to_o humane_a nature_n one_o man_n may_v know_v concern_v another_o without_o be_v acquaint_v by_o he_o what_o they_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n without_o particular_a revelation_n a_o man_n may_v understand_v the_o natural_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o by_o the_o mere_a use_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v thence_o infer_v wherefore_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n here_o mean_v be_v those_o intention_n and_o design_n of_o god_n which_o by_o natural_a reason_n can_v be_v infer_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n because_o they_o depend_v only_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o be_v therefore_o only_o to_o be_v know_v by_o revelation_n and_o this_o be_v further_a express_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 12_o vers_n we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v free_o give_v to_o we_o of_o god_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v know_v which_o thing_n also_o we_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a i._n e._n there_o be_v then_o no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v offend_v that_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o prove_v these_o divine_a matter_n by_o philosophical_a argument_n but_o by_o such_o argument_n only_o as_o be_v proper_a to_o prove_v they_o by_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o revelation_n we_o prove_v by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n vers_fw-la 4._o the_o sense_n of_o revelation_n we_o prove_v by_o compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a etc._n i._n e._n one_o divine_a revelation_n with_o another_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o new_a then_o the_o apostle_n add_v but_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o text_n to_o be_v explain_v now_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v consistent_o we_o be_v 1._o by_o the_o natural_a man_n to_o understand_v one_o who_o reject_v revelation_n do_v not_o exclude_v he_o that_o never_o have_v it_o offer_v to_o he_o but_o the_o former_a seem_v principal_o to_o be_v intend_v though_o upon_o the_o matter_n it_o come_v all_o to_o one_o viz._n he_o who_o reject_v the_o testimony_n whereby_o any_o thing_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v which_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o philosophical_a wisdom_n thus_o do_v the_o greek_a philosopher_n who_o count_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n foolishness_n as_o here_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v he_o to_o who_o the_o apostle_n offer_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n against_o the_o excellency_n of_o speech_n and_o wisdom_n wherefore_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v he_o against_o who_o st._n paul_n be_v prove_v the_o necessity_n