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 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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
a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n together_o with_o a_o confutation_n of_o some_o part_n of_o dr._n owen_n book_n upon_o that_o subject_a imprimatur_fw-la may_v four_o 1677._o guil._n jane_n r.p.d._n hen._n episc._n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la dome_v london_n print_v by_o j._n c._n for_o hen._n brome_n at_o the_o gun_n at_o the_o west-end_n of_o st._n paul_n 1678._o the_o preface_n among_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v usual_o aim_v at_o in_o a_o preface_n one_o be_v to_o invite_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o book_n the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n do_v not_o think_v it_o worthy_a of_o every_o man_n perusal_n into_o who_o hand_n it_o may_v chance_v to_o come_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o commend_v it_o to_o all._n it_o be_v write_v principal_o for_o their_o sake_n who_o have_v be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v depart_v from_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o 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not_o that_o spiritual_a thing_n can_v be_v so_o understand_v and_o where_o it_o be_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o understand_v now_o then_o if_o you_o ask_v how_o the_o doctor_n prove_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o regenerate_a man_n he_o prove_v it_o clear_o by_o his_o understanding_n the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n in_o that_o spiritual_a manner_n wherein_o he_o understand_v it_o and_o at_o this_o rate_n i_o think_v a_o man_n may_v prove_v any_o thing_n thus_o the_o doctor_n tell_v we_o how_o the_o purify_n virtue_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v apply_v to_o we_o by_o faith_n 401._o but_o in_o so_o mystical_a a_o manner_n that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v it_o himself_o and_o therefore_o say_v he_o when_o you_o understand_v these_o thing_n you_o will_v not_o think_v it_o so_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v appoint_v this_o way_n of_o believe_v only_o as_o the_o mean_n to_o interest_n we_o in_o the_o purify_n virtue_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o 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to_o discard_v all_o other_o way_n and_o pretence_n of_o cleanse_v viz._n a_o sincere_a reformation_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n what_o it_o be_v to_o give_v unto_o god_n against_o all_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n i._n e._n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o absurd_a to_o imagine_v this_o make_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o attribute_n in_o find_v out_o this_o way_n for_o we_o again_o after_o he_o have_v give_v such_o a_o description_n of_o gospel-holiness_n as_o any_o one_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o that_o pretend_v to_o a_o intelligible_a religion_n he_o hope_v to_o make_v up_o all_o with_o say_v 421._o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v be_v deep_a and_o mysterious_a not_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o the_o aid_n of_o spiritual_a light_n in_o our_o mind_n so_o that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o the_o doctor_n say_v the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o you_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o at_o this_o rate_n any_o man_n may_v write_v nonsense_n safe_o enough_o and_o put_v it_o off_o for_o a_o gospel-mystery_n when_o he_o have_v do_v for_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v understand_v though_o you_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o for_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o aid_n of_o spiritual_a light_n and_o if_o you_o understand_v it_o not_o it_o be_v because_o you_o rely_v upon_o carnal_a reason_n and_o have_v not_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o thus_o the_o doctor_n tell_v we_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n have_v other_o notion_n of_o holiness_n than_o he_o have_v be_v their_o ignorance_n and_o hatred_n of_o the_o only_a true_a real_a principle_n of_o evangelical_n holiness_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v for_o what_o the_o world_n know_v not_o in_o these_o thing_n it_o always_o hate_v and_o they_o can_v discern_v it_o clear_o or_o in_o its_o own_o light_n and_o evidence_n for_o it_o must_v be_v spiritual_o discern_v this_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v do_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o and_o in_o that_o false_a light_n of_o corrupt_a reason_n wherein_o they_o discern_v and_o judge_v it_o they_o esteem_v it_o foolishness_n and_o fancy_n so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n what_o the_o natural_a man_n a_o man_n that_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n he_o can_v to_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o these_o matter_n till_o that_o new_a light_n be_v create_v in_o his_o mind_n by_o the_o help_n whereof_o this_o author_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v talk_v of_o sublime_a mystery_n which_o we_o use_v to_o call_v nonsense_n and_o yet_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o though_o he_o confess_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v otherwise_o now_o the_o doctor_n be_v as_o safe_a as_o may_v be_v if_o he_o can_v thus_o make_v his_o reader_n believe_v that_o to_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n spiritual_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o according_a to_o his_o apprehension_n of_o they_o and_o that_o to_o contradict_v he_o be_v a_o infallible_a sign_n of_o one_o that_o want_v the_o special_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o upon_o these_o term_n whoever_o go_v about_o to_o write_v against_o he_o must_v do_v it_o at_o the_o peril_n of_o be_v reckon_v a_o unregenerate_a man_n and_o then_o the_o doctor_n be_v secure_a for_o we_o have_v often_o see_v as_o it_o be_v say_v by_o he_o that_o such_o a_o man_n because_o he_o want_v special_a illumination_n can_v understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n spiritual_o and_o then_o he_o can_v discourse_v of_o they_o spiritual_o and_o then_o i_o think_v he_o may_v as_o well_o hold_v his_o tongue_n for_o any_o good_a he_o be_v likely_a to_o do_v with_o his_o carnal_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v that_o prejudice_n which_o i_o be_o in_o danger_n of_o lie_v under_o with_o the_o doctor_n be_v party_n while_o i_o treat_v concern_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o he_o use_v the_o same_o artifice_n to_o support_v his_o notion_n in_o this_o matter_n thus_o he_o tell_v we_o 336._o a_o command_n they_o suppose_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o a_o promise_n at_o least_o such_o a_o promise_n as_o wherein_o god_n shall_v take_v upon_o himself_o to_o work_v in_o we_o what_o the_o command_n require_v of_o we_o and_o a_o promise_v they_o think_v take_v off_o all_o the_o influence_a authority_n of_o the_o command_n if_o holiness_n be_v our_o duty_n there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o grace_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o duty_n but_o all_o these_o arguing_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n now_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o in_o these_o word_n he_o belie_v those_o who_o he_o write_v against_o for_o they_o suppose_v no_o such_o matter_n as_o he_o talk_v of_o but_o the_o doctor_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v do_v in_o other_o place_n mean_v by_o grace_n a_o irresistible_a force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n though_o he_o conceal_v it_o here_o dishonest_o to_o slander_v 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illuminate_v by_o a_o almighty_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o none_o but_o the_o doctor_n and_o he_o enlighten_v one_o can_v possible_o either_o give_v or_o receive_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o than_o if_o we_o reject_v his_o talk_n it_o be_v because_o we_o want_v that_o spiritual_a power_n without_o which_o the_o mind_n can_v receive_v it_o if_o you_o ask_v yet_o further_o what_o this_o spiritual_a power_n be_v he_o give_v you_o a_o admirable_a description_n of_o it_o 432._o the_o spiritual_a power_n of_o the_o mind_n consist_v in_o a_o spiritual_a light_n and_o ability_n to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n so_o that_o spiritual_a light_n be_v spiritual_a power_n and_o spiritual_a power_n be_v spiritual_a light_n this_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v utter_o void_a of_o 433._o but_o any_o one_o that_o be_v true_o sanctify_v have_v light_n enough_o to_o understand_v the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n for_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n what_o other_o may_v think_v of_o this_o i_o know_v not_o but_o methinks_v it_o will_v grieve_v any_o christian_a heart_n to_o observe_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o divine_a mean_n of_o make_v man_n true_o wise_a and_o good_a thus_o debase_v and_o dishonour_v by_o such_o a_o senseless_a use_n of_o scripture-phrase_n as_o this_o man_n make_v of_o they_o who_o write_v himself_o d._n d._n for_o that_o which_o set_v off_o all_o this_o wild_a and_o confuse_a talk_n of_o he_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o puzzle_v any_o man_n at_o the_o first_o blush_n be_v his_o pervert_n the_o true_a use_n of_o these_o phrase_n viz._n the_o natural_a man_n and_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n spiritual_a thing_n and_o discern_v they_o spiritual_o with_o which_o he_o ring_v the_o change_n so_o often_o in_o his_o book_n leave_v a_o noise_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o fancy_n of_o his_o reader_n instead_o of_o the_o true_a i._n e._n the_o scriptural_a notion_n belong_v to_o they_o imprint_v on_o their_o mind_n that_o i_o may_v therefore_o reconcile_v the_o reader_n to_o a_o opinion_n that_o i_o may_v possible_o write_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n with_o more_o truth_n than_o this_o man_n have_v do_v i_o shall_v prepare_v my_o way_n by_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o 2.14_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v for_o it_o be_v chief_o upon_o this_o place_n as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v that_o the_o doctor_n build_v his_o confidence_n that_o we_o can_v spiritual_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n and_o as_o by_o expound_v thereof_o the_o use_n of_o those_o phrase_n and_o such_o as_o be_v equivalent_a to_o they_o will_v be_v understand_v so_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o will_v be_v conducible_a also_o to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o book_n i_o shall_v first_o examine_v the_o doctor_n be_v interpretation_n of_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o offer_v that_o sense_n of_o it_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v true_a than_o he_o before_o i_o attempt_v either_o of_o which_o thing_n i_o must_v beg_v his_o pardon_n if_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o follow_v he_o as_o oft_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o leave_v the_o argument_n and_o fall_v a_o rail_n against_o those_o that_o have_v other_o thought_n of_o the_o text_n than_o he_o have_v especial_o where_o he_o spend_v almost_o two_o whole_a page_n upon_o nothing_o else_o 223._o charge_v his_o adversary_n with_o the_o want_n of_o those_o virtue_n particular_o enumerate_v by_o he_o which_o they_o great_o praise_v and_o extol_v and_o accuse_v they_o of_o pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n vanity_n and_o profaneness_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o vice_n more_o now_o what_o be_v all_o this_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o of_o the_o like_a stuff_n which_o he_o have_v swell_v his_o discourse_n withal_o to_o the_o explanation_n of_o st._n paul_n text_n which_o he_o be_v endeavour_v suppose_v i_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o retaliate_v have_v so_o large_a a_o subject_a as_o dr._n owen_n prank_n from_o the_o year_n 1648_o to_o this_o present_a time_n to_o expatiate_v upon_o what_o goodly_a work_n be_v here_o for_o the_o reader_n therefore_o all_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o whereas_o his_o lewd_a and_o notorious_a practice_n against_o the_o church_n and_o state_n have_v be_v expose_v in_o print_n and_o these_o charge_v upon_o he_o not_o from_o tale_n pick_v up_o in_o the_o street_n and_o at_o gossiping-meeting_n but_o from_o his_o own_o public_a action_n and_o write_n he_o have_v no_o way_n to_o be_v revenge_v upon_o the_o gentleman_n that_o have_v do_v he_o this_o kindness_n but_o by_o let_v fly_n upon_o his_o whole_a order_n with_o all_o sort_n of_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n though_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fasten_v his_o accusation_n upon_o any_o one_o of_o those_o who_o he_o thus_o bespatter_n since_o his_o plentiful_a rage_n against_o they_o may_v satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o his_o will_n be_v not_o want_v wherefore_o it_o be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n to_o attempt_v the_o confutation_n of_o such_o loose_a and_o general_a calumny_n as_o it_o have_v be_v to_o have_v answer_v the_o doctor_n if_o he_o can_v have_v satisfy_v his_o implacable_a malice_n with_o be_v at_o a_o word_n and_o call_v we_o once_o for_o all_o rogue_n and_o villain_n i_o shall_v leave_v he_o in_o the_o quiet_a possession_n of_o his_o talon_n at_o lie_v and_o defamation_n and_o shall_v now_o only_o try_v whether_o his_o reason_n be_v as_o unanswerable_a as_o his_o rail_n sect_n iii_o i_o often_o find_v it_o very_o difficult_a to_o fasten_v any_o meaning_n upon_o so_o slippery_a a_o writer_n as_o this_o but_o to_o my_o best_a understanding_n he_o thus_o explain_v the_o phrase_n of_o the_o text._n 1._o by_o the_o natural_a man_n he_o mean_v one_o that_o have_v the_o use_n of_o all_o his_o rational_a faculty_n 218._o or_o every_o one_o that_o be_v so_o and_o that_o be_v no_o more_o than_o so_o that_o be_v every_o one_o who_o be_v not_o a_o spiritual_a man_n be_v not_o one_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n one_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n enable_v he_o to_o know_v thing_n natural_a civil_a or_o political_n but_o not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o know_v thing_n spiritual_a so_o that_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v not_o a_o spiritual_a man_n but_o a_o natural_a man_n only_o as_o the_o spiritual_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v not_o only_o a_o natural_a man_n or_o thus_o the_o natural_a man_n concern_v who_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o he_o can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v one_o who_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o if_o the_o doctor_n have_v rest_v in_o this_o explication_n i_o think_v he_o have_v be_v safe_a enough_o for_o ever_o be_v confute_v but_o he_o have_v a_o further_a meaning_n which_o discover_v not_o itself_o till_o we_o come_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o comment_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n have_v no_o ability_n to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n be_v because_o the_o light_n itself_o 38._o whereby_o alone_o spiritual_a thing_n can_v be_v spiritual_o discern_v be_v create_v in_o we_o by_o a_o almighty_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n so_o that_o at_o last_o this_o be_v his_o notion_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o book_n that_o he_o be_v one_o in_o who_o mind_n spiritual_a light_n be_v not_o create_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n 26._o 2._o by_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o depend_v whole_o on_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o i_o think_v this_o be_v the_o only_a phrase_n he_o understand_v right_a if_o he_o mean_v honest_o by_o supernatural_a revelation_n viz._n that_o revelation_n which_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o world_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o not_o any_o particular_a revelation_n make_v to_o himself_o and_o his_o party_n by_o a_o irresistible_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o their_o mind_n but_o such_o a_o custom_n he_o have_v get_v to_o confound_v every_o thing_n that_o within_o two_o page_n he_o understand_v by_o it_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n whatsoever_o for_o through_o
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 make_v sense_n of_o when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v they_o but_o may_v a_o natural_a man_n understand_v and_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n yes_o say_v the_o doctor_n he_o may_v for_o instance_n he_o may_v assent_v unto_o this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v crucify_v but_o now_o it_o be_v another_o proposition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o to_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v be_v to_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 7._o it_o be_v also_o another_o that_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o they_o that_o be_v save_v be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 18._o now_o if_o he_o may_v understand_v and_o assent_v to_o these_o proposition_n he_o may_v believe_v the_o conformity_n of_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o its_o efficacy_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o salvation_n which_o the_o doctor_n say_v he_o can_v and_o thereby_o revoke_v his_o concession_n 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 embrace_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o say_v express_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n and_o morality_n of_o any_o worth_n be_v embrace_v soon_a by_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o know_v most_o but_o here_o thing_n fall_v out_o quite_o otherwise_o well_o suppose_v they_o do_v yet_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o philosopher_n reject_v the_o gospel_n be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o know_a man_n but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o revelation_n as_o such_o nor_o yield_v that_o to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v which_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v their_o great_a pride_n and_o folly_n so_o the_o pharisee_n reject_v our_o saviour_n 5._o not_o because_o they_o be_v learned_a and_o know_v man_n but_o because_o their_o lust_n and_o interest_n prejudice_v they_o against_o his_o doctrine_n as_o he_o frequent_o tell_v they_o so_o that_o neither_o those_o nor_o these_o oppose_v the_o gospel_n because_o it_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o rational_a principle_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o the_o doctor_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v but_o because_o it_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o their_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la and_o interest_n which_o sure_o be_v none_o of_o those_o principle_n the_o write_n of_o justin_n martyr_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o divers_a other_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v early_o receive_v by_o learned_a man_n and_o philosopher_n what_o wise_a man_n they_o be_v that_o reject_v it_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o doctor_n the_o principal_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n say_v he_o be_v by_o many_o look_v upon_o and_o reject_v as_o foolish_a because_o false_a and_o untrue_a though_o indeed_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o false_a but_o because_o they_o suppose_v they_o foolish_a now_o be_v not_o these_o excellent_a philosopher_n that_o reject_v a_o doctrine_n as_o foolish_a because_o it_o be_v false_a and_o then_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o think_v it_o false_a but_o because_o they_o suppose_v it_o foolish_a be_v not_o their_o reject_v the_o gospel_n a_o admirable_a instance_n whereby_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o be_v foolishness_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o know_v most_o if_o that_o which_o the_o doctor_n here_o say_v be_v true_a then_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n for_o he_o to_o improve_v his_o mind_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o reason_n since_o foolish_a and_o credulous_a person_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o give_v any_o entertainment_n to_o it_o which_o be_v the_o very_a charge_n of_o celsus_n and_o julian_n against_o christianity_n and_o if_o they_o can_v have_v make_v good_a this_o charge_n they_o and_o the_o doctor_n here_o have_v do_v very_o well_o to_o expose_v it_o to_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n as_o they_o and_o he_o have_v do_v by_o represent_v it_o to_o be_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o the_o more_o a_o man_n exercise_n his_o reason_n about_o it_o the_o further_o he_o be_v from_o believe_v it_o for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o doctor_n mean_v by_o say_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v foolishness_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o mind_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n such_o thing_n that_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o know_v a_o man_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a he_o be_v to_o despise_v and_o scorn_v they_o which_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o blasphemy_n i_o now_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v here_o i_o can_v but_o remember_v what_o the_o doctor_n premise_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o that_o i_o know_v of_o deny_v by_o any_o that_o christian_a religion_n be_v high_o reasonable_a i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v by_o any_o christian._n but_o now_o as_o he_o add_v present_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o what_o it_o be_v with_o relation_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o large_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o reason_n enlighten_v but_o foolishness_n i._n e._n unreasonable_a to_o the_o natural_a man_n who_o reason_n be_v unenlightn_v by_o the_o irresistible_a work_n say_v you_o so_o doctor_n how_o come_v it_o then_o about_o that_o it_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o any_o that_o christian_a religion_n be_v high_o reasonable_a can_v they_o not_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v high_o reasonable_a and_o yet_o must_v they_o necessary_o esteem_v it_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a he_o say_v also_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o dispute_v with_o any_o about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o
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
that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o doctrine_n here_o by_o he_o maintain_v viz._n that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v righteousness_n without_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o without_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o then_o he_o must_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n which_o be_v one_o of_o those_o argument_n whereby_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o a_o state_n of_o regeneration_n be_v a_o state_n of_o inherent_a personal_a righteousness_n and_o which_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v produce_v do_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v regenerate_v as_o it_o signify_v the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o to_o be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v sect_n 8._o 2._o if_o we_o consider_v regeneration_n as_o a_o effect_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o that_o state_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v regeneration_n to_o be_v these_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v to_o be_v water_n and_o the_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 5._o viz._n when_o he_o repeat_v his_o doctrine_n to_o nicodemus_n concern_v which_o grotius_n well_o note_n exponit_fw-la jam_fw-la qualem_fw-la nativitatem_fw-la intelligat_fw-la nè_fw-la nicodemus_n diutius_fw-la allegoricae_fw-la locutionis_fw-la ignorantiâ_fw-la fallatur_fw-la our_o saviour_n now_o explain_v what_o birth_n he_o understand_v that_o nicodemus_n may_v no_o long_o be_v deceive_v by_o his_o ignorance_n that_o christ_n speak_v figurative_o for_o after_o it_o be_v tell_v he_o that_o this_o birth_n be_v effect_v by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v not_o dream_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v be_v bear_v again_o in_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n as_o he_o conceive_v at_o first_o when_o it_o be_v only_o tell_v he_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o be_v can_v etc._n etc._n now_o whether_o one_o cause_n of_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n or_o more_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o general_o agree_v upon_o there_o be_v some_o whereof_o grotius_n himself_o be_v one_o who_o conceive_v that_o by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o word_n signify_v the_o sanctify_a or_o cleanse_v spirit_n of_o god_n non_fw-la loquor_fw-la de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la say_v grotius_n but_o withal_o he_o say_v sed_fw-la locutiones_fw-la sunt_fw-la alludentes_fw-la ad_fw-la baptismum_fw-la our_o saviour_n allude_v to_o baptism_n as_o he_o suppose_v he_o to_o allude_v to_o the_o eucharist_n in_o those_o word_n except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n etc._n etc._n but_o by_o the_o leave_n of_o so_o great_a a_o man_n i_o think_v the_o other_o opinion_n more_o general_o receive_v and_o in_o particular_a maintain_v by_o dr._n hammond_n viz._n that_o by_o water_n baptism_n be_v here_o mean_v to_o be_v to_o say_v no_o more_o far_o more_o probable_a than_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o baptism_n be_v that_o ceremony_n of_o proselytism_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o our_o saviour_n borrow_v from_o they_o query_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n be_v no_o new_a name_n or_o notion_n as_o dr._n owen_n pretend_v for_o the_o jew_n call_v their_o proselyte_n recens_fw-la nati_fw-la as_o grotius_n himself_o observe_v new_a bear_v man_n and_o as_o such_o count_v they_o to_o have_v quit_v their_o relation_n to_o their_o former_a country_n parent_n and_o kindred_n and_o since_o the_o jewish_a proselyte_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o baptize_v person_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o immersion_n in_o water_n be_v one_o of_o the_o indispensible_a ceremony_n of_o his_o proselytism_n or_o regeneration_n we_o may_v well_o conceive_v that_o by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n our_o saviour_n mean_v become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o his_o church_n by_o baptism_n as_o by_o baptism_n the_o jew_n admit_v proselyte_n to_o they_o for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o strange_a that_o nicodemus_n a_o master_n of_o israel_n shall_v not_o understand_v what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n 2._o st._n paul_n do_v express_o call_v baptism_n the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n which_o what_o it_o signify_v but_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v or_o become_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v understand_v and_o then_o that_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n now_o where_o there_o be_v not_o only_o no_o necessity_n to_o find_v a_o figure_n in_o scripture-phrase_n but_o the_o proper_a sense_n also_o contain_v a_o truth_n very_o pertinent_a to_o the_o subject_a speak_v of_o in_o all_o reason_n there_o the_o proper_a sense_n and_o consequent_o here_o of_o the_o word_n water_n ought_v to_o be_v follow_v and_o then_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n signify_v our_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o engage_v to_o be_v so_o for_o the_o future_a by_o baptism_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v make_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o baptism_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o concern_v they_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o show_v therefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o they_o in_o this_o place_n but_o only_o add_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o our_o regeneration_n or_o become_v good_a christian_n but_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v those_o other_o cause_n viz._n those_o mean_n which_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v our_o regeneration_n unto_o to_o be_v include_v under_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o effect_n without_o who_o operation_n those_o mean_n can_v be_v effectual_a to_o their_o end_n and_o these_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o pet._n 1.23_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o but_o this_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o consider_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o be_v bear_v again_o both_o as_o it_o signify_v a_o state_n and_o as_o a_o effect_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v require_v we_o to_o become_v his_o sincere_a follower_n and_o disciple_n if_o we_o hope_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n sect_n 9_o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o become_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v express_v by_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o i_o shall_v likewise_o show_v how_o fit_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v express_v by_o the_o other_o metaphor_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o this_o because_o our_o author_n seem_v unable_a to_o conceive_v how_o so_o mean_v a_o thing_n as_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v intend_v by_o such_o grand_a and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n as_o those_o of_o the_o new_a birth_n the_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v first_o observe_v the_o similitude_n between_o our_o become_a true_a christian_n and_o be_v born_n first_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o alteration_n which_o be_v make_v in_o a_o man_n state_n by_o his_o become_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v one_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o state_n of_o such_o a_o disciple_n be_v express_v by_o this_o metaphor_n for_o it_o express_v a_o very_a great_a change_n thus_o mr._n baxter_n tell_v we_o very_o well_o that_o regeneration_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a term_n 8._o take_v from_o our_o natural_a generation_n because_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o change_n that_o a_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v another_o man_n if_o we_o consider_v how_o great_a this_o change_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o so_o to_o be_v there_o be_v first_o of_o all_o a_o intrinsic_a change_n peculiar_a to_o the_o state_n of_o adult_n christian_n their_o understanding_n be_v inform_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o truth_n concern_v god_n and_o themselves_o and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v which_o they_o be_v most_o of_o all_o concern_v to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ._n hereby_o also_o be_v produce_v a_o proportionable_a change_n in_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v wrought_v such_o effect_n upon_o that_o
the_o proper_a sense_n but_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o so_o learned_a a_o man_n as_o dr._n owen_n can_v excuse_v himself_o from_o dishonesty_n for_o make_v this_o construction_n of_o it_o which_o must_v appear_v ridiculous_a to_o any_o consider_a man_n however_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o have_v give_v a_o plain_a and_o reasonable_a account_n of_o the_o use_n of_o these_o metaphor_n by_o show_v wherein_o the_o similitude_n lie_v between_o the_o proper_a and_o figurative_a signification_n of_o they_o and_o hereby_o i_o may_v have_v help_v our_o author_n to_o conceive_v it_o a_o very_a possible_a thing_n that_o the_o scripture_n mean_v nothing_o more_o by_o those_o grand_a and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n as_o he_o call_v they_o of_o be_v regenerate_v etc._n etc._n then_o become_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o adversary_n notion_n of_o a_o regenerate_v man_n thus_o also_o i_o have_v show_v how_o far_o we_o may_v argue_v from_o these_o scripture_n metaphor_n if_o any_o man_n can_v go_v further_o and_o find_v out_o more_o similitude_n between_o the_o metaphor_n and_o that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v his_o adversary_n provide_v he_o keep_v himself_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o proper_a signification_n of_o any_o one_o or_o all_o these_o metaphor_n to_o conclude_v something_o parallel_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o believer_n to_o every_o thing_n which_o can_v proper_o be_v affirm_v of_o they_o be_v to_o run_v upon_o such_o wild_a and_o absurd_a consequence_n as_o any_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o and_o any_o good_a man_n will_v be_v afraid_a to_o fasten_v upon_o the_o scripture_n how_o our_o author_n argue_v from_o they_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o as_o to_o state_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o regeneration_n sect_n 10._o though_o i_o have_v as_o i_o conceive_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o be_v to_o become_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n yet_o for_o further_a confirmation_n and_o because_o it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o the_o ordinary_a reader_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o plain_a that_o this_o notion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n to_o nicodemus_n joh._n 3._o which_o be_v the_o most_o famous_a place_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n where_o this_o phrase_n be_v use_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a way_n of_o interpret_n any_o difficult_a passage_n in_o divine_a or_o humane_a author_n to_o observe_v the_o design_n of_o that_o whole_a discourse_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v and_o then_o to_o fix_v such_o a_o meaning_n upon_o that_o passage_n as_o be_v apparent_o suitable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o author_n if_o the_o word_n will_v bear_v that_o meaning_n that_o the_o phrase_n of_o be_v regenerate_v will_v bear_v that_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v assign_v to_o it_o i_o have_v show_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o clear_a argument_n from_o other_o scripture_n wherefore_o if_o i_o show_v also_o that_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o phrase_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o plain_a scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o discourse_n where_o he_o make_v the_o first_o mention_n of_o it_o that_o we_o read_v of_o nothing_o can_v be_v further_o desire_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n may_v easy_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o plain_a passage_n of_o it_o and_o then_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v this_o 1._o to_o show_v that_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n 2._o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o the_o former_a we_o find_v vers_fw-la 16._o for_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n i._n e._n this_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o save_v mankind_n viz._n by_o faith_n in_o his_o son_n who_o be_v to_o be_v lift_v up_o upon_o the_o cross_n as_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n a_o rude_a savage_a place_n and_o so_o fit_a to_o be_v the_o figure_n of_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o christ_n come_v to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 14_o 15._o now_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o man_n thus_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o no_o man_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v refuse_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o sacrifice_n for_o though_o indeed_o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v vers_fw-la 17._o yet_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o vers_fw-la 18._o be_v in_o a_o state_n to_o which_o condemnation_n belong_v and_o that_o a_o more_o severe_a one_o for_o refuse_v so_o gracious_a a_o opportunity_n of_o salvation_n as_o be_v now_o offer_v 2._o our_o saviour_n show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o man_n that_o believe_v not_o and_o that_o by_o note_v 1._o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o disbelieved_a 2._o the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o unbelief_n the_o former_a he_o admonish_v nicodemus_n of_o in_o these_o word_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o we_o speak_v that_o we_o do_v know_v and_o testify_v that_o we_o have_v see_v and_o you_o receive_v not_o our_o testimony_n vers_fw-la 11._o i._n e._n you_o believe_v not_o my_o doctrine_n concern_v that_o only_a way_n by_o which_o you_o must_v come_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n although_o it_o be_v evident_o true_a for_o this_o be_v that_o very_a message_n which_o i_o bring_v you_o from_o god_n this_o be_v that_o counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n which_o i_o come_v from_o he_o to_o testify_v unto_o you_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o that_o now_o this_o you_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v those_o miracle_n that_o i_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o v._n 2._o how_o strange_o incredulous_a therefore_o be_v you_o that_o yet_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o deliver_v that_o doctrine_n which_o by_o these_o testimony_n of_o my_o come_n from_o god_n i_o confirm_v for_o i_o prove_v that_o i_o have_v see_v and_o know_v what_o i_o testify_v i_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o say_v by_o those_o argument_n that_o convince_v you_o that_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n hence_o we_o may_v probable_o gather_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n and_o no_o man_n have_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n vers_n 13._o to_o be_v this_o no_o man_n have_v know_v the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o save_a mankind_n viz._n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n no_o man_n have_v thus_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o be_v come_v from_o heaven_n who_o god_n have_v send_v to_o reveal_v this_o to_o you_o even_o he_o who_o now_o speak_v to_o you_o who_o be_o in_o heaven_n who_o know_v the_o purpose_n and_o intention_n of_o my_o father_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o more_o probable_a interpretation_n of_o this_o difficult_a place_n than_o that_o which_o suppose_v our_o saviour_n to_o speak_v here_o of_o his_o local_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n afterward_o because_o 1._o the_o word_n themselves_o seem_v not_o well_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o future_a ascension_n 2._o as_o grotius_n have_v well_o show_v the_o phrase_n of_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n be_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n viz._n of_o gain_v knowledge_n from_o god_n as_o in_o prov._n 30.3_o 4._o and_o 3._o if_o thus_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n than_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v here_o have_v a_o clear_a connexion_n with_o vers_fw-la 11._o where_o he_o rebuke_v the_o jew_n for_o not_o believe_v his_o revelation_n tax_v they_o of_o unreasonableness_n for_o it_o since_o he_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o have_v see_v and_o know_v from_o god_n and_o also_o with_o the_o precedent_a verse_n where_o by_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n our_o saviour_n
open_v the_o eye_n of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o pharisee_n will_v believe_v never_o the_o more_o that_o he_o be_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o pretence_n they_o can_v find_v against_o he_o be_v because_o this_o cure_n be_v wrought_v on_o the_o sabbath-day_n vers_fw-la 16._o for_o when_o they_o have_v strict_o examine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o the_o heal_v person_n in_o conclusion_n talk_v such_o unanswerable_a reason_n against_o they_o herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o whence_o he_o be_v etc._n etc._n since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v it_o not_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o i._n e._n he_o can_v do_v no_o such_o work_n as_o these_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o give_v he_o the_o hear_n no_o long_o but_o first_o bitter_o reproach_v he_o and_o then_o cast_v he_o out_o now_o our_o saviour_n frequent_o tell_v these_o man_n that_o their_o prejudice_n against_o he_o arise_v from_o their_o lust_n how_o say_v he_o can_v you_o believe_v who_o receive_v honour_n from_o one_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n only_o john_n 5.44_o i_o e._n so_o long_o as_o your_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n which_o if_o you_o can_v compass_v you_o care_v not_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n whether_o god_n approve_v of_o you_o or_o not_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o you_o reject_v my_o doctrine_n who_o come_v not_o to_o answer_v your_o ambitious_a and_o worldly_a expectation_n although_o i_o come_v with_o testimony_n from_o god_n and_o the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o vers_fw-la 36._o thus_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4.4_o where_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a reason_n give_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n why_o some_o believe_v not_o who_o have_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v about_o they_o i._n e._n who_o have_v it_o preach_v to_o they_o with_o its_o proper_a evidence_n viz._n because_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v their_o mind_n i._n e._n because_o they_o be_v blind_v with_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o prevail_a lust_n and_o passion_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n rule_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n wherefore_o as_o faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o that_o more_o perfect_a victory_n over_o our_o lust_n which_o include_v the_o universal_a do_v of_o god_n will_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n our_o mind_n must_v in_o some_o degree_n be_v disengage_v from_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lust_n before_o we_o can_v hearty_o believe_v viz._n so_o far_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n how_o contrary_a sooner_o it_o prove_v to_o our_o sensual_a and_o worldly_a affection_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o hinder_v our_o attention_n and_o consideration_n when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v offer_v to_o be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o of_o this_o teachable_a disposition_n we_o have_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o act_n 16.14_o the_o lord_n open_v lydia_n be_v heart_n that_o she_o attend_v unto_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o paul_n where_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o her_o be_v qualify_v to_o hear_v which_o be_v here_o express_v by_o the_o open_n of_o her_o heart_n be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o divine_a operation_n which_o prevent_v even_o her_o attention_n to_o what_o she_o hear_v 2._o that_o the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o the_o lord_n open_v her_o heart_n be_v not_o her_o believe_v but_o her_o attend_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o paul_n i._n e._n she_o hear_v he_o diligent_o without_o prejudice_n and_o passion_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o whoever_o be_v thus_o dispose_v will_v believe_v the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o because_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v all_o that_o our_o saviour_n desire_v to_o find_v among_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o convince_a of_o they_o that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a prophet_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o joh._n 7.17_o i_o e._n if_o a_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o do_v whatsoever_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v not_o prejudice_v against_o the_o truth_n by_o his_o lust_n such_o a_o one_o will_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o my_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n and_o because_o this_o temper_n come_v from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n therefore_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v exact_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n what_o our_o saviour_n say_v john_n 8.47_o he_o that_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v god_n word_n you_o therefore_o hear_v they_o not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n he_o make_v to_o that_o question_n of_o his_o own_o if_o i_o say_v the_o truth_n why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v i_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n himself_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v plain_a from_o vers_n 44._o you_o be_v of_o your_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o your_o father_n you_o will_v do_v he_o be_v a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o to_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o be_v wed_v to_o our_o lust_n and_o enrage_v against_o the_o truth_n that_o contradict_v they_o and_o therefore_o the_o contrary_a state_n or_o temper_n to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v plain_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o perform_v all_o duty_n and_o to_o believe_v all_o truth_n and_o whoever_o be_v thus_o dispose_v will_v hear_v god_n word_n and_o believe_v they_o vers_n 47._o thus_o after_o our_o saviour_n have_v appeal_v to_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v before_o his_o enemy_n joh._n 10.25_o he_o tell_v they_o but_o you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o my_o sheep_n where_o by_o sheep_n can_v be_v mean_v actual_a disciple_n for_o then_o the_o sense_n be_v you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o believe_v not_o but_o such_o as_o be_v by_o a_o teachable_a spirit_n dispose_v to_o be_v so_o and_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n for_o such_o as_o these_o will_v follow_v he_o assoon_o as_o he_o call_v they_o because_o he_o be_v the_o true_a shepherd_n now_o that_o this_o preparedness_n of_o mind_n to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v clear_o imply_v in_o vers_fw-la 29._o my_o father_n who_o give_v they_o i_o i._n e._n who_o have_v thus_o dispose_v and_o qualify_v they_o to_o hear_v my_o voice_n be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o none_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o father_n hand_n to_o defeat_v they_o of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v v_o 28._o all_o these_o place_n be_v compare_v with_o john_n 6.37_o give_v a_o clear_a light_n to_o the_o true_a interpretation_n thereof_o all_o that_o the_o father_n give_v i_o shall_v come_v unto_o i_o i._n e._n will_v believe_v in_o i_o and_o become_v my_o disciple_n and_o then_o to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n joh._n 7.17_o and_o be_v of_o god_n joh._n 8.47_o and_o be_v christ_n sheep_n joh._n 10.26_o all_o which_o phrase_n signify_v that_o humility_n and_o teachableness_n of_o mind_n whereby_o man_n be_v prepare_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n only_o the_o father_n give_v such_o person_n to_o christ_n be_v a_o expression_n note_v that_o divine_a grace_n whereby_o their_o mind_n be_v thus_o dispose_v for_o which_o reason_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o temper_n be_v call_v vers_fw-la 44._o be_v draw_v by_o the_o father_n no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o except_o the_o father_n who_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o i._n e._n unless_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v so_o far_o prevail_v over_o his_o affection_n as_o to_o endue_v he_o with_o a_o impartial_a love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v thereby_o open_v to_o attend_v to_o god_n word_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v use_v those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v upon_o another_o occasion_n no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n
be_v in_o general_n promise_v by_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 11.13_o and_o prove_v also_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n several_o ascribe_v to_o his_o operation_n now_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n of_o this_o divine_a grace_n god_n have_v make_v we_o a_o very_a large_a and_o bountiful_a promise_n thereof_o and_o give_v thereby_o such_o a_o abundant_a demonstration_n of_o his_o goodwill_n towards_o we_o that_o indeed_o he_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o have_v rather_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v with_o our_o utmost_a thanks_o and_o praise_n but_o after_o all_o this_o it_o will_v be_v pretend_v by_o some_o man_n that_o if_o we_o say_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v limit_v to_o those_o effect_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o we_o confine_v the_o promise_n within_o too_o narrow_a a_o compass_n and_o do_v in_o effect_n deny_v several_a divine_a grace_n and_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n people_n such_o as_o dart_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n into_o their_o mind_n suggest_v word_n and_o matter_n to_o they_o when_o they_o pray_v extempore_o and_o give_v they_o absolute_a assurance_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v at_o last_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o if_o we_o take_v the_o liberty_n of_o dissent_v from_o their_o sense_n of_o a_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o next_o thing_n we_o hear_v be_v that_o we_o want_v the_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o all_o that_o we_o can_v say_v be_v at_o once_o turn_v off_o for_o carnal_a reason_n if_o we_o dare_v not_o pretend_v to_o any_o other_o than_o a_o conditional_a assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n we_o be_v those_o that_o have_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o if_o we_o make_v use_v of_o pious_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n we_o do_v not_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o inquire_v upon_o what_o ground_n they_o pretend_v to_o these_o spiritual_a gift_n but_o before_o i_o do_v so_o i_o shall_v premise_v by_o way_n of_o caution_n these_o follow_a thing_n 1._o that_o those_o disposition_n which_o qualify_v we_o for_o a_o profitable_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n such_o as_o teachableness_n humility_n attention_n and_o industry_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o that_o our_o success_n in_o endeavour_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n depend_v upon_o his_o blessing_n and_o grace_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o labour_v after_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n and_o that_o this_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 3._o that_o those_o affection_n which_o make_v our_o prayer_n acceptable_a to_o god_n such_o as_o love_v to_o god_n trust_v in_o he_o hatred_n of_o sin_n zeal_n and_o fervency_n and_o the_o like_a be_v likewise_o the_o effect_n of_o divine_a grace_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o hearty_o acknowledge_v and_o they_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o what_o may_v be_v conclude_v easy_o from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n concern_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o that_o which_o i_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o question_n be_v this_o whether_o we_o can_v conclude_v that_o the_o spirit_n will_v convey_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o any_o man_n mind_n by_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o or_o that_o he_o will_v give_v to_o some_o man_n a_o absolute_a assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n while_o they_o live_v here_o upon_o their_o trial_n or_o that_o he_o suggest_v to_o they_o by_o inspiration_n what_o they_o say_v in_o their_o extemporary_a prayer_n for_o whatever_o he_o may_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o he_o have_v promise_v any_o where_o so_o to_o do_v and_o i_o 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understanding_n of_o a_o difficult_a place_n by_o blessing_n my_o industry_n in_o read_v hear_v confer_v with_o other_o meditate_v and_o compare_v place_n with_o place_n this_o will_n in_o all_o probability_n be_v more_o useful_a to_o other_o not_o to_o say_v to_o myself_o than_o if_o he_o give_v it_o to_o i_o by_o immediate_a illumination_n because_o the_o knowledge_n which_o be_v gain_v the_o former_a way_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o impart_v to_o another_o than_o that_o which_o may_v be_v obtain_v by_o the_o latter_a for_o i_o can_v lead_v another_o into_o my_o knowledge_n of_o scripture_n which_o come_v by_o the_o way_n of_o industry_n and_o study_n by_o show_v he_o the_o reason_n that_o convince_v i_o and_o discover_v the_o method_n of_o my_o come_n to_o it_o now_o reason_v you_o know_v be_v a_o thing_n common_a to_o you_o and_o i_o
and_o all_o mankind_n but_o i_o can_v go_v about_o to_o convince_v another_o of_o that_o truth_n which_o i_o know_v only_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n unless_o i_o can_v add_v the_o demonstration_n of_o power_n by_o do_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v my_o doctrine_n or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v myself_o as_o ridiculous_a as_o those_o champion_n of_o the_o roman_a fraternity_n make_v themselves_o who_o say_v their_o church_n be_v infallible_a in_o the_o conclusion_n though_o she_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o premise_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v sure_a their_o church_n be_v always_o in_o the_o right_n though_o sometime_o it_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v prove_v this_o may_v be_v say_v for_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o difficult_a place_n by_o study_n the_o use_n of_o which_o way_n be_v principal_o the_o duty_n of_o spiritual_a guide_n now_o the_o advantage_n thereof_o be_v this_o that_o they_o may_v easy_o communicate_v their_o 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condition_n of_o be_v save_v then_o till_o we_o be_v assure_v we_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n so_o that_o if_o ever_o we_o be_v save_v upon_o these_o term_n we_o must_v either_o be_v assure_v before_o we_o be_v assure_v or_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n before_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n which_o inconvenience_n those_o divine_n who_o at_o first_o place_v the_o notion_n of_o justify_v faith_n in_o this_o assurance_n be_v so_o sensible_a of_o that_o they_o general_o substitute_v that_o new_a notion_n of_o rely_v and_o roll_a upon_o christ_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v not_o revive_v this_o objection_n against_o it_o but_o that_o i_o find_v dr._n owen_n tax_v the_o want_n of_o this_o assurance_n 529._o by_o the_o name_n of_o unbelief_n which_o will_v cast_v we_o under_o spiritual_a sloth_n and_o slumber_n for_o he_o oppose_v this_o unbelief_n to_o a_o assurance_n of_o our_o personal_a election_n and_o the_o confidence_n we_o have_v from_o thence_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o utter_o and_o final_o miscarry_v he_o do_v not_o indeed_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n that_o we_o be_v not_o true_a believer_n till_o we_o be_v thus_o assure_v but_o his_o word_n imply_v as_o much_o though_o they_o look_v as_o if_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o speak_v it_o out_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v trouble_v you_o no_o further_o with_o this_o matter_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o needful_a as_o a_o motive_n to_o our_o duty_n for_o then_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v sufficient_a inducement_n to_o obedience_n since_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n there_o be_v all_o conditional_a and_o by_o consequence_n all_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v have_v of_o our_o reward_n from_o thence_o be_v but_o conditional_a beside_o a_o great_a assurance_n than_o that_o can_v be_v necessary_a to_o move_v we_o to_o well-doing_n in_o point_n of_o gratitude_n for_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o love_n god_n and_o be_v thankful_a to_o he_o because_o we_o may_v escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o in_o point_n of_o self-love_n for_o what_o consideration_n regard_v this_o matter_n can_v make_v we_o more_o careful_a of_o our_o duty_n than_o that_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n depend_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n of_o the_o event_n will_v be_v rather_o unprofitable_a for_o this_o purpose_n because_o it_o will_v take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o a_o most_o considerable_a motive_n wherewith_o the_o scripture_n persuade_v we_o so_o frequent_o to_o diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o that_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o fear_n our_o saviour_n exhortation_n will_v no_o long_o be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o fear_v he_o which_o have_v power_n to_o cast_v into_o hell_n yea_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o fear_v he_o luke_n 12.5_o nor_o any_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o watch_z which_o imply_v that_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o temptation_n and_o danger_n now_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v under_o such_o circumstance_n assurance_n will_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v rather_o unprofitable_a since_o it_o will_v supplant_v the_o usefulness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o so_o profitable_a a_o consideration_n as_o that_o of_o god_n angry_a justice_n against_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o backslide_n christian_n but_o dr._n owen_n say_v 530._o man_n do_v but_o bewray_v their_o ignorance_n whilst_o they_o contend_v that_o the_o assurance_n we_o speak_v of_o do_v any_o way_n impeach_v or_o do_v not_o effectual_o promote_v the_o industry_n of_o believer_n in_o all_o duty_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o convince_v their_o ignorance_n he_o produce_v this_o admirable_a instance_n suppose_v a_o man_n that_o be_v
consecrate_v to_o a_o life_n of_o obedience_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o for_o than_o they_o will_v find_v little_a excuse_n and_o a_o great_a punishment_n for_o their_o unchristian_a practice_n if_o be_v so_o great_o oblige_v they_o shall_v prove_v unthankful_a and_o disobedient_a the_o second_o place_n be_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.16_o but_o 1._o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n 389._o be_v that_o public_a testimony_n which_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o true_a christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n which_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n show_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n to_o be_v this_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o freewoman_n as_o he_o express_v it_o gal._n 4.28_o whereas_o the_o jew_n those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n answer_v the_o condition_n of_o ishmael_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o son_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n to_o who_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o a_o inheritance_n now_o that_o none_o but_o true_a christian_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o promise_a inheritance_n be_v that_o which_o be_v testify_v against_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o miracle_n and_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a believer_n i._n e._n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o this_o text_n be_v very_o far_o from_o intend_v any_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v god_n child_n and_o yet_o 2._o all_o that_o be_v here_o affirm_v regard_v only_o our_o present_a state_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n which_o if_o we_o be_v it_o be_v certain_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o nay_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o spiritual_a condition_n without_o our_o own_o fault_n since_o we_o have_v so_o plain_a a_o rule_n to_o try_v ourselves_o by_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n now_o our_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n be_v that_o which_o our_o own_o spirit_n or_o conscience_n must_v witness_v and_o then_o upon_o this_o condition_n the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o to_o be_v sure_a be_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n witness_v to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o our_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o forfeit_v our_o inheritance_n by_o any_o future_a miscarriage_n and_o therefore_o from_o this_o place_n it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o such_o assurance_n be_v give_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n sect_n 6._o 3._o for_o the_o pretence_n of_o utter_v the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o extemporary_a prayer_n i_o know_v likewise_o but_o two_o place_n of_o scripture_n common_o urge_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o the_o former_a be_v st._n paul_n saying_n i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o 1_o cor._n 14.15_o which_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o text_n that_o i_o never_o hear_v produce_v for_o this_o pretence_n but_o by_o those_o that_o have_v nothing_o but_o mere_a zeal_n to_o defend_v their_o opinion_n withal_o i_o mean_v some_o of_o the_o people_n that_o follow_v dr._n owen_n and_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o separation_n i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o after_o they_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o a_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n help_v they_o to_o word_n or_o sense_n or_o both_o in_o their_o prayer_n they_o conceit_n this_o text_n to_o be_v a_o proof_n for_o their_o purpose_n for_o the_o word_n sound_v that_o way_n if_o a_o man_n believe_v what_o they_o do_v about_o extemporary_a prayer_n beforehand_o but_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o they_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v their_o guide_n who_o pretend_v to_o learning_n and_o if_o they_o mind_v the_o text_n at_o all_o can_v hardly_o be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n there_o mean_v be_v use_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o pray_n by_o the_o understanding_n be_v pray_v in_o a_o language_n understand_v by_o the_o people_n that_o they_o i_o say_v shall_v suffer_v their_o people_n to_o run_v away_o so_o long_o together_o with_o a_o belief_n that_o this_o text_n give_v they_o authority_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v take_v care_n they_o shall_v speak_v good_a sense_n in_o their_o extemporary_a prayer_n this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o can_v but_o admire_v i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o be_v all_o so_o dishonest_a but_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v and_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o i_o suppose_v unless_o they_o grant_v that_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o talk_n of_o their_o follower_n better_a than_o they_o themselves_o be_v but_o dismiss_v this_o place_n which_o be_v so_o very_o wide_o from_o the_o purpose_n which_o it_o be_v produce_v for_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o which_o indeed_o carry_v a_o more_o likely_a appearance_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o dr._n owen_n contain_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n carry_v out_o the_o mind_n of_o believer_n in_o request_n which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v far_o above_o their_o natural_a contrivance_n and_o invention_n i._n e._n that_o when_o believer_n venture_v to_o pray_v extempore_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n prompt_v they_o as_o they_o go_v along_o to_o pray_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v come_v to_o their_o mind_n for_o his_o word_n signify_v thus_o much_o at_o least_o if_o not_o that_o the_o very_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v communicate_v to_o they_o at_o that_o very_a instant_n before_o they_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o that_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n the_o place_n be_v this_o likewise_o the_o spirit_n also_o help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o shall_v pray_v for_o as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n itself_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o with_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v and_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n because_o he_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o saint_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.26_o 27._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o these_o word_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n whether_o the_o foresay_a opinion_n of_o the_o doctor_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o they_o his_o other_o thought_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v not_o pretend_v to_o confute_v because_o i_o do_v not_o so_o well_o comprehend_v what_o he_o mean_v viz._n when_o he_o tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o subject_n of_o prayer_n the_o sanctify_a heart_n that_o by_o the_o groan_n which_o can_v be_v utter_v be_v mean_v 385._o that_o bend_v frame_n inclination_n and_o act_v of_o the_o inward_a man_n in_o prayer_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o themselves_o in_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v do_v not_o fathom_v nor_o reach_v the_o depth_n of_o unless_o he_o mean_v that_o a_o man_n may_v desire_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o inexpressible_a vehemence_n and_o yet_o not_o understand_v that_o he_o do_v so_o if_o he_o intend_v this_o i_o need_v only_o to_o tell_v he_o that_o because_o these_o groan_n be_v unutterable_a it_o follow_v not_o that_o they_o be_v unintelligible_a if_o he_o intend_v it_o not_o i_o do_v not_o fathom_v nor_o reach_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o meaning_n again_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o object_n of_o prayer_n that_o the_o mysterious_a thing_n which_o believer_n pray_v for_o be_v now_o make_v nigh_o now_o realize_v unto_o they_o i_o do_v not_o well_o know_v whether_o he_o mean_v now_o at_o their_o prayer_n or_o now_o at_o some_o other_o time_n before_o if_o when_o they_o be_v pray_v it_o be_v somewhat_o hard_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o spirit_n represent_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o and_o by_o the_o word_n as_o he_o say_v if_o at_o some_o other_o time_n before_o then_o certain_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v represent_v before_o too_o and_o they_o know_v they_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o these_o thing_n and_o than_o it_o be_v above_o my_o apprehension_n how_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n shall_v be_v far_o above_o
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
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
more_o sensible_o affect_v with_o those_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o increase_n the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o confirm_v he_o in_o every_o divine_a disposition_n 2._o this_o be_v further_a evident_a from_o those_o passage_n in_o holy_a writ_n where_o we_o be_v require_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n for_o these_o place_n and_o the_o like_a do_v strong_o imply_v that_o we_o can_v on_o a_o sudden_a arrive_n to_o any_o degree_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o fall_v great_o short_a of_o at_o present_a much_o less_o that_o we_o can_v present_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n wherefore_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o affect_v our_o mind_n when_o we_o begin_v the_o christian_a life_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o measure_n that_o he_o move_v we_o in_o after_o we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o or_o shall_v arrive_v to_o such_o a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o christianity_n as_o may_v answer_v that_o expression_n of_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n for_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o than_o we_o may_v become_v man_n in_o christ_n assoon_o as_o we_o be_v babe_n and_o come_v to_o the_o fullness_n of_o our_o stature_n without_o grow_v and_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n it_o be_v further_a observable_a that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v affirm_v to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o increase_n in_o holiness_n we_o must_v desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v grow_v thereby_o as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o and_o in_o col._n 1.9_o st._n paul_n instruct_v we_o that_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n make_v we_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n be_v by_o fill_v we_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n from_o whence_o i_o observe_v that_o our_o improvement_n in_o holiness_n be_v great_a or_o lesser_a according_a as_o we_o consider_v and_o meditate_v upon_o divine_a truth_n viz._n for_o this_o end_n of_o govern_v our_o life_n by_o they_o which_o be_v to_o know_v they_o in_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n now_o since_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o our_o mind_n be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n serious_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o we_o according_a to_o that_o measure_n wherein_o divine_a truth_n be_v consider_v by_o we_o therefore_o since_o our_o fruitfulness_n depend_v upon_o our_o increase_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o that_o spiritual_a understanding_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o work_v in_o we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o arrive_v to_o that_o state_n of_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o well-pleasing_a all_o at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n viz._n as_o we_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o daily_a meditation_n last_o since_o by_o the_o experience_n we_o have_v of_o humane_a nature_n we_o see_v that_o custom_n be_v not_o easy_o and_o present_o put_v off_o and_o that_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n can_v be_v make_v familiar_a to_o we_o but_o by_o use_n and_o practice_n more_o particular_o that_o they_o who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a can_v of_o a_o sudden_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o that_o ill_a habit_n be_v not_o waste_v but_o by_o degree_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n press_v most_o upon_o we_o when_o we_o first_o enter_v upon_o it_o and_o that_o they_o wear_v away_o insensible_o by_o continuance_n in_o well-doing_n likewise_o that_o virtue_n be_v improve_v by_o exercise_n and_o that_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v be_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n i_o say_v this_o be_v consider_v we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o produce_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n all_o at_o once_o but_o that_o he_o accommodate_v his_o operation_n to_o the_o state_n in_o which_o they_o be_v at_o present_a prompt_v they_o to_o that_o amendment_n which_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o capacity_n will_v admit_v and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o term_n consequence_n also_o of_o what_o the_o doctor_n so_o full_o grant_v viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n act_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n only_o as_o they_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v act_v according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n power_n and_o ability_n and_o according_a to_o their_o natural_a operation_n for_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v the_o constant_a experience_n of_o mankind_n both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a although_o a_o evil_a habit_n be_v soon_o contract_v than_o a_o good_a one_o yet_o none_o be_v gain_v without_o some_o use_n and_o exercise_n and_o ordinary_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o now_o if_o the_o spirit_n move_v we_o no_o otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n power_n and_o ability_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o by_o his_o grace_n we_o may_v leap_v out_o of_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n in_o a_o moment_n into_o the_o habit_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o he_o be_v in_o that_o manner_n present_a with_o we_o as_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v a_o good_a beginning_n and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o that_o by_o his_o more_o abundant_a grace_n we_o may_v proceed_v and_o so_o by_o degree_n come_v to_o a_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v in_o a_o instant_n change_v the_o most_o vicious_a man_n into_o a_o saint_n but_o we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o than_o that_o he_o shall_v work_v new_a miracle_n to_o convert_v we_o but_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v so_o for_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o special_a grace_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o qualify_v and_o prepare_v person_n or_o by_o the_o command_v of_o the_o scripture_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n or_o by_o the_o general_a experience_n of_o humane_a nature_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o a_o habitual_a sinner_n can_v become_v a_o good_a man_n in_o a_o instant_n he_o must_v first_o learn_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n angry_a justice_n he_o must_v be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n he_o must_v deep_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o must_v avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o fortify_v himself_o with_o vehement_a resolution_n to_o forsake_v his_o wicked_a course_n and_o he_o must_v make_v many_o earnest_a prayer_n before_o he_o can_v subdue_v his_o lust_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o yield_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n he_o can_v expect_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v make_v he_o a_o holy_a man_n but_o by_o the_o former_a mean_n and_o therefore_o by_o degree_n this_o consideration_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v omit_v because_o it_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o two_o very_a different_a sort_n of_o man_n 1._o to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n and_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o recover_v themselves_o although_o they_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o amendment_n before_o they_o for_o it_o happen_v sometime_o that_o such_o man_n wish_v they_o have_v take_v a_o early_a care_n to_o live_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n but_o they_o believe_v it_o be_v now_o in_o vain_a to_o strive_v against_o those_o fatal_a habit_n which_o be_v so_o deep_o root_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o they_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o carelessness_n and_o desperation_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v common_o this_o that_o when_o they_o attempt_v their_o own_o reformation_n and_o have_v purpose_v to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n they_o soon_o find_v themselves_o surprise_v again_o by_o their_o former_a temptation_n and_o carry_v away_o as_o strong_o by_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v before_o which_o make_v they_o conclude_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o take_v any_o more_o pain_n with_o themselves_o as_o if_o because_o their_o freedom_n from_o the_o servitude_n of_o sin_n can_v not_o be_v effect_v in_o a_o
few_o moment_n it_o can_v be_v procure_v at_o all_o it_o many_o time_n hinder_v a_o good_a beginning_n that_o a_o man_n find_v he_o can_v become_v a_o convert_n in_o a_o instant_n and_o thence_o conclude_v that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v better_o with_o he_o than_o it_o be_v at_o present_a which_o he_o will_v be_v the_o more_o ready_a to_o do_v if_o he_o have_v hear_v that_o conversion_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o come_v by_o a_o snatch_n and_o a_o instantaneous_a act_n and_o that_o unless_o the_o work_n be_v do_v all_o of_o a_o sudden_a which_o he_o find_v it_o will_v not_o be_v it_o can_v never_o be_v do_v but_o this_o be_v a_o doctrine_n so_o pernicious_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o the_o mischief_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o false_a for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v then_o in_o vain_a for_o a_o habitual_a sinner_n at_o least_o to_o attempt_v his_o own_o recovery_n since_o a_o custom_n in_o sin_n can_v be_v sudden_o break_v without_o a_o miracle_n but_o must_v be_v wear_v away_o by_o contrary_a practice_n or_o not_o at_o all_o it_o will_v require_v some_o time_n and_o much_o patience_n to_o unlearn_v a_o way_n of_o life_n that_o be_v grow_v customary_a and_o natural_a and_o to_o make_v the_o contrary_a habitual_a and_o easy_a but_o by_o assiduity_n and_o constancy_n the_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v therefore_o if_o a_o man_n have_v entertain_v any_o serious_a thought_n of_o repentance_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v himself_o though_o he_o find_v his_o affection_n to_o sin_n hard_o to_o put_v off_o nor_o to_o give_v up_o himself_o for_o a_o lose_a person_n when_o he_o be_v again_o overtake_v by_o a_o temptation_n but_o to_o renew_v his_o resolution_n more_o vigorous_o and_o to_o pray_v more_o frequent_o and_o earnest_o and_o to_o keep_v on_o thus_o in_o a_o way_n of_o well-doing_n for_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o doubt_n but_o by_o this_o mean_n every_o day_n something_o will_v be_v do_v to_o the_o better_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o make_n of_o a_o good_a life_n more_o easy_a and_o ready_a to_o he_o till_o he_o have_v gain_v the_o true_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o this_o very_a consideration_n which_o be_v of_o good_a use_n against_o despair_v to_o prevail_v if_o a_o man_n that_o have_v yet_o the_o opportunity_n desire_v to_o amend_v his_o life_n be_v also_o a_o good_a antidote_n against_o the_o madness_n of_o defer_v our_o repentance_n upon_o a_o presumption_n that_o we_o can_v repent_v and_o turn_v to_o god_n when_o we_o please_v for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n while_o he_o be_v thus_o flatter_v himself_o to_o repent_v this_o present_a moment_n he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o may_v sudden_o repent_v any_o time_n hereafter_o the_o most_o that_o be_v in_o his_o power_n at_o present_a be_v to_o do_v something_o in_o order_n to_o repentance_n or_o conversion_n but_o that_o be_v not_o to_o repent_v the_o utmost_a he_o can_v do_v be_v to_o begin_v well_o but_o that_o be_v not_o do_v the_o thing_n now_o the_o long_o he_o be_v thus_o trifle_v with_o himself_o his_o evil_a habit_n contract_v more_o stubbornness_n and_o will_v require_v more_o time_n to_o break_v they_o and_o yet_o he_o have_v less_o time_n to_o do_v it_o in_o than_o he_o have_v before_o nor_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o he_o will_v begin_v hereafter_o while_o he_o have_v any_o time_n before_o he_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o a_o man_n defer_v his_o reformation_n to_o another_o time_n be_v not_o because_o he_o intend_v to_o begin_v then_o but_o because_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o begin_v now_o and_o unless_o he_o be_v then_o in_o a_o better_a mind_n than_o he_o be_v at_o present_a he_o will_v certain_o defer_v his_o repentance_n still_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o probability_n that_o he_o will_v find_v himself_o better_a dispose_v after_o he_o have_v add_v iniquity_n to_o iniquity_n and_o make_v himself_o more_o a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n than_o he_o be_v before_o and_o indeed_o it_o common_o happen_v that_o they_o who_o cheat_v themselves_o in_o this_o manner_n run_v out_o their_o foolish_a presumption_n almost_o to_o the_o length_n of_o their_o life_n till_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n make_v they_o serious_a and_o then_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v too_o late_a to_o make_v a_o good_a beginning_n for_o what_o good_a shall_v it_o do_v a_o man_n to_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v mend_v his_o life_n now_o he_o can_v live_v no_o long_o or_o to_o resolve_v that_o he_o will_v spend_v his_o time_n better_o when_o he_o have_v no_o more_o to_o spend_v to_o conclude_v if_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v a_o work_n of_o some_o time_n and_o require_v much_o diligence_n and_o preparation_n if_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v by_o several_a promise_n and_o exhortation_n in_o holy_a writ_n and_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n move_v unregenerate_a man_n according_a to_o their_o present_a capacity_n for_o instance_n either_o to_o fear_v if_o they_o be_v yet_o fearless_a or_o to_o sorrow_n if_o they_o have_v yet_o little_a or_o no_o remorse_n or_o to_o care_n if_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o run_v upon_o temptation_n and_o the_o like_a if_o the_o holy_a spirit_n enable_v they_o to_o mend_v their_o state_n by_o such_o degree_n and_o mean_n till_o their_o lust_n and_o evil_a habit_n be_v subdue_v then_o as_o they_o that_o have_v live_v a_o wicked_a life_n and_o yet_o enjoy_v the_o opportunity_n of_o repentance_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o despair_v of_o their_o conversion_n mere_o because_o they_o can_v break_v the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n all_o at_o once_o so_o neither_o have_v any_o man_n the_o least_o reason_n to_o presume_v that_o he_o can_v repent_v when_o he_o please_v and_o thereupon_o to_o neglect_v the_o present_a opportunity_n for_o all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v at_o present_a be_v to_o make_v a_o good_a beginning_n and_o not_o to_o do_v that_o immediate_o when_o upon_o this_o moment_n my_o eternal_a state_n may_v depend_v what_o a_o madness_n be_v that_o sect_n 5._o to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v further_o add_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n move_v upon_o the_o mind_n oâ—_n man_n in_o a_o most_o familiar_a way_n and_o that_o his_o motion_n be_v not_o discernible_a by_o we_o from_o the_o natural_a operation_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o feel_v they_o no_o otherwise_o than_o we_o do_v our_o own_o thought_n and_o meditation_n we_o can_v distinguish_v they_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o affect_v we_o from_o our_o natural_a reason_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o truth_n upon_o our_o soul_n this_o imperceptibleness_n of_o the_o impression_n make_v upon_o our_o soul_n by_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v that_o which_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o chap._n 3._o sect._n 10._o our_o saviour_n signify_v to_o nicodemus_n by_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o wind_n joh._n 3._o and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o wonder_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v move_v our_o soul_n when_o we_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o any_o supernatural_a influence_n which_o they_o be_v act_v by_o since_o he_o can_v communicate_v reason_n and_o persuasion_n to_o they_o without_o make_v use_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o bodily_a structure_n and_o much_o more_o of_o our_o external_a sense_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o convey_v our_o thought_n and_o reason_n to_o one_o another_o mind_n wherefore_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v intimate_a to_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o good_a expression_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v 272._o use_v to_o another_o purpose_n can_v affect_v we_o when_o we_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o it_o and_o produce_v effect_n upon_o our_o mind_n in_o that_o manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v mere_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o own_o natural_a reason_n and_o such_o consideration_n of_o divine_a truth_n as_o we_o can_v excite_v in_o ourselves_o and_o in_o one_o another_o such_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o we_o that_o if_o god_n have_v only_o design_v to_o give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o we_o without_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o his_o word_n we_o can_v never_o have_v know_v unless_o it_o have_v be_v communicate_v to_o we_o by_o some_o private_a revelation_n that_o our_o soul_n be_v move_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n when_o we_o love_v god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n which_o as_o i_o take_v it_o the_o doctor_n seem_v to_o grant_v in_o those_o word_n of_o he_o that_o this_o be_v a_o subject_n in_o the_o handle_n whereof_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o give_v we_o assistance_n but_o pure_a revelation_n which_o be_v large_a word_n
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