hearer_n be_v there_o in_o our_o congregation_n who_o be_v stick_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o world_n can_v get_v neither_o backward_o nor_o forward_o be_v now_o where_o they_o be_v many_o year_n ago_o they_o dare_v not_o cast_v off_o religion_n altogether_o neither_o dare_v they_o come_v up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o it_o they_o come_v and_o go_v to_o and_o from_o the_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o converse_v only_o with_o the_o dead_a letter_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o yet_o bring_v under_o the_o glorious_a ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n give_v life_n by_o bring_v in_o gospel_n truth_n in_o their_o natural_a live_a principle_n into_o the_o heart_n then_o we_o live_v and_o the_o word_n live_v in_o we_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o word_n be_v quicken_v together_o one_o be_v in_o a_o dead_a frame_n the_o other_o lie_v in_o a_o dead_a letter_n before_o but_o now_o both_o do_v live_v together_o and_o agree_v with_o each_o other_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o soul_n they_o both_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n they_o fall_v in_o with_o each_o other_o they_o dwell_v together_o in_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n there_o be_v but_o one_o spirit_n between_o they_o what_o one_o say_v the_o other_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o regeneration_n to_o make_v our_o heart_n thus_o to_o agree_v with_o his_o word_n by_o cast_v they_o into_o the_o mould_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o ever_o the_o word_n be_v ingraft_v upon_o the_o soul_n it_o must_v be_v ingraft_v upon_o a_o live_a principle_n of_o holiness_n that_o suit_v with_o it_o for_o nothing_o else_o can_v receive_v it_o or_o hold_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n in_o regeneration_n chap._n ii_o subject_n of_o regeneration_n ii_o the_o subject_n of_o regeneration_n who_o they_o be_v viz._n the_o elect_n only_o the_o elect_n and_o all_o the_o elect_n rom._n 8._o 30._o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o also_o call_v etc._n etc._n let_v their_o outward_a circumstance_n be_v what_o they_o will_v whether_o bond_n or_o free_a male_a or_o female_a 1_o cor._n 12._o 13._o gal._n 6._o 15._o regeneration_n will_v reach_v they_o all_o first_o or_o last_o i_o prove_v it_o thus_o it_o must_v be_v either_o by_o god_n election_n or_o by_o man_n election_n put_v himself_o by_o his_o own_o freewill_n into_o this_o state_n or_o by_o accident_n no_o body_n know_v how_o i_o will_v prove_v it_o must_v be_v one_o of_o these_o three_o way_n because_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o all_o by_o nature_n be_v bear_v in_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n and_o that_o the_o devil_n do_v carry_v away_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n into_o hell_n in_o their_o unregenerate_a state_n these_o truth_n be_v plain_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o clear_a demonstration_n from_o thence_o since_o neither_o of_o they_o need_v any_o proof_n i_o will_v take_v they_o both_o for_o grant_v and_o i_o argue_v thus_o from_o they_o if_o all_o be_v bear_v in_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a part_n by_o far_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n who_o make_v the_o difference_n and_o from_o whence_o do_v it_o arise_v it_o must_v come_v either_o from_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o god_n elect_v some_o and_o not_o other_o or_o from_o man_n own_o choice_a elect_n himself_o and_o put_v himself_o into_o this_o state_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o own_o freewill_n so_o that_o he_o be_v regenerate_v because_o he_o will_v be_v so_o he_o will_v regenerate_v himself_o and_o change_v his_o own_o nature_n and_o make_v himself_o a_o new_a creature_n the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v by_o and_o by_o or_o else_o it_o be_v by_o a_o unaccountable_a contingency_n no_o body_n know_v how_o or_o why_o it_o can_v be_v by_o the_o two_o latter_a way_n ergo_fw-la by_o the_o first_o viz._n god_n election_n 1._o it_o can_v be_v by_o man_n own_o freewill_n for_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o corrupt_a nature_n shall_v ever_o will_v its_o own_o destruction_n the_o flesh_n be_v not_o so_o divide_v against_o itself_o satan_n will_v not_o cast_v out_o satan_n the_o devil_n be_v more_o at_o unity_n with_o himself_o than_o so_o he_o will_v indeed_o set_v himself_o above_o god_n and_o dethrone_v he_o if_o possible_a as_o he_o be_v he_o will_v be_v a_o god_n he_o will_v have_v the_o use_n of_o god_n power_n that_o he_o may_v abuse_v it_o and_o play_v the_o devil_n the_o more_o so_o far_o he_o will_v be_v like_a unto_o the_o most_o high_a but_o he_o be_v so_o much_o a_o devil_n such_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o godliness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o exchange_v his_o devilish_a nature_n for_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n act_v 13._o 10._o oh_o thou_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n thou_o enemy_n of_o all_o righteousness_n a_o natural_a man_n will_v be_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o be_v he_o like_v himself_o too_o well_o to_o part_v with_o his_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v such_o a_o self-destroying_a inclination_n in_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o nature_n to_o will_v a_o change_n of_o itself_o a_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n run_v through_o the_o whole_a creation_n of_o god_n the_o toad_n as_o full_a of_o poison_n as_o it_o be_v will_v be_v a_o toad_n still_o so_o sinful_a man_n be_v as_o tender_v of_o himself_o as_o much_o in_o love_n with_o himself_o as_o the_o holy_a angel_n in_o heaven_n be_v with_o himself_o whence_o shall_v such_o a_o actual_a will_v arise_v in_o man_n as_o to_o desire_v his_o own_o annihilation_n that_o he_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n there_o must_v be_v another_o nature_n put_v into_o he_o before_o he_o can_v desire_v to_o be_v another_o man_n all_o do_v follow_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o can_v do_v otherwise_o therefore_o till_o nature_n be_v change_v the_o course_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o same_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v good_a inclination_n be_v never_o find_v in_o deprave_a nature_n a_o evil_a tree_n can_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n fig_n grow_v not_o upon_o thistle_n nor_o grape_n upon_o thorn_n to_o suppose_v a_o man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o will_v his_o own_o conversion_n be_v to_o suppose_v he_o already_o convert_v if_o the_o will_v be_v change_v the_o man_n be_v change_v the_o will_n be_v the_o man._n can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n jer._n 13._o 23._o they_o may_v as_o soon_o do_v this_o as_o one_o bear_v in_o sin_n can_v cease_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n we_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o first_o for_o a_o sinful_a nature_n will_v never_o carry_v a_o man_n out_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n nature_n be_v a_o constant_a fix_a principle_n always_o keep_v within_o its_o own_o sphere_n it_o be_v not_o a_o mutable_a fancy_n that_o may_v be_v take_v up_o or_o lay_v down_o at_o pleasure_n we_o see_v all_o thing_n keep_v their_o own_o shape_n and_o form_n and_o it_o will_v be_v monstrous_a be_v it_o otherwise_o the_o whole_a creation_n will_v be_v confound_v if_o thing_n can_v run_v one_o into_o another_o and_o metamorphize_v themselves_o into_o what_o different_a species_n they_o please_v the_o god_n of_o nature_n have_v fix_v thing_n otherwise_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a none_o but_o the_o god_n of_o grace_n can_v alter_v the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o fall_v man._n it_o can_v be_v by_o chance_n by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o i_o know_v not_o what_o none_o but_o a_o downright_a atheist_n will_v resolve_v it_o into_o this_o it_o be_v such_o a_o denial_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o chief_a design_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o no_o christian_a ever_o can_v bear_v what_o be_v regenerate_v grace_n but_o a_o special_a providence_n towards_o the_o elect_n carry_v on_o with_o wonderful_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n where_o know_v cause_n and_o special_a end_n may_v be_v assign_v there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o chance_n we_o may_v steady_o look_v from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n of_o such_o a_o production_n and_o trace_v back_o the_o effect_n step_n by_o step_n to_o its_o first_o original_a cause_n he_o that_o be_v a_o christian_n by_o chance_n not_o know_v how_o or_o why_o he_o come_v to_o be_v so_o will_v give_v but_o a_o sorry_a account_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o may_v as_o sudden_o with_o more_o reason_n turn_v infidel_n again_o therefore_o since_o regeneration_n do_v not_o happen_v by_o a_o
our_o head_n nor_o out_o of_o our_o heart_n they_o lie_v close_o they_o lie_v next_o we_o always_o in_o our_o view_n my_o sin_n be_v ever_o before_o i_o christ_n dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n we_o have_v the_o whole_a state_n of_o our_o soul_n before_o we_o from_o first_o to_o last_o faith_n show_v we_o where_o our_o true_a interest_n lie_v what_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n we_o see_v all_o this_o in_o christ_n who_o be_v god_n and_o man_n make_v sin_n for_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o 21._o in_o christ_n we_o see_v how_o matter_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o man_n we_o see_v all_o that_o pass_v between_o god_n and_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o recovery_n the_o whole_a method_n way_n and_o manner_n of_o our_o restauration_n from_o first_o to_o last_o we_o see_v the_o wage_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n we_o see_v the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n both_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n god_n infinite_a justice_n and_o mercy_n high_o exalt_v and_o glorify_v in_o he_o it_o be_v a_o please_a ravish_a sight_n to_o behold_v god_n in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n unto_o himself_o to_o observe_v the_o mystery_n of_o his_o manifold_a hide_a wisdom_n in_o carry_v on_o the_o great_a work_n of_o man_n redemption_n all_o this_o faith_n discover_v to_o we_o in_o some_o measure_n fill_v we_o with_o a_o holy_a admiration_n of_o god_n unspeakable_a kindness_n and_o love_n to_o we_o provoke_v we_o to_o pursue_v after_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o busy_a be_v the_o soul_n how_o full_a of_o discourse_n with_o itself_o what_o secret_a inference_n do_v a_o enlighten_v conscience_n draw_v from_o what_o it_o believe_v this_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ_n take_v in_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o his_o office_n take_v in_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n all_o his_o precept_n all_o his_o promise_n apply_v all_o to_o the_o soul_n thou_o be_v the_o man_n speak_v of_o and_o speak_v to_o in_o the_o gospel_n hear_v and_o thy_o soul_n shall_v live_v now_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n faith_n admit_v of_o no_o delay_n will_v give_v we_o one_o day_n respite_n from_o the_o work_n it_o have_v cut_v out_o for_o we_o so_o faith_n wrought_v in_o paul_n when_o christ_n be_v reveal_v in_o he_o immediate_o he_o consult_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n faith_n change_v our_o counsel_n alter_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o man_n be_v a_o new_a man_n bear_v again_o into_o a_o new_a world_n into_o a_o new_a nature_n quite_o of_o another_o spirit_n this_o be_v the_o regenerate_a power_n of_o faith._n let_v we_o then_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o great_a change_n that_o it_o always_o make_v in_o those_o who_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o this_o marvellous_a light_n shall_v we_o ask_v some_o professor_n what_o effect_n their_o faith_n have_v upon_o they_o whether_o upon_o their_o believe_v in_o christ_n they_o find_v themselves_o bear_v again_o make_v new_a creature_n it_o may_v be_v they_o will_v say_v they_o hope_v they_o be_v the_o better_a for_o believe_v that_o their_o faith_n have_v not_o be_v without_o some_o good_a effect_n alas_o what_o a_o slender_a account_n be_v this_o how_o short_a of_o a_o new_a birth_n you_o may_v be_v the_o same_o man_n that_o ever_o you_o be_v for_o all_o this_o in_o the_o same_o state_n in_o which_o you_o be_v first_o bear_v be_v thou_o bear_v again_o bear_v of_o god_n speak_v to_o this_o some_o outward_a reformation_n there_o may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o inward_a regeneration_n have_v thou_o a_o new_a heart_n do_v thou_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n be_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o thy_o life_n change_v be_v all_o thing_n become_v new_a within_o and_o without_o faith_n in_o christ_n change_v we_o into_o the_o same_o image_n transform_v we_o into_o his_o likeness_n le_fw-fr we_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n further_a and_o further_o into_o the_o soul_n till_o we_o be_v so_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o there_o will_v be_v at_o last_o no_o room_n for_o a_o worldly_a spirit_n to_o breathe_v in_o we_o it_o will_v be_v quite_o extinct_a and_o die_v away_o the_o more_o we_o see_v of_o this_o newness_n of_o spirit_n in_o any_o the_o more_o of_o the_o new_a creature_n appear_v in_o they_o when_o the_o apostle_n will_v take_v off_o the_o ephesian_n from_o a_o vain_a 20._o worldly_a course_n of_o life_n he_o show_v the_o inconsistency_n of_o such_o a_o course_n with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ._n you_o have_v not_o so_o learned_a christ_n you_o have_v be_v teach_v better_a thing_n by_o he_o than_o to_o walk_v as_o the_o gentile_n do_v in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n faith_n in_o christ_n work_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n and_o in_o our_o outward_a conversation_n too_o that_o a_o true_a believer_n may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o from_o the_o newness_n of_o life_n that_o appear_v in_o he_o and_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n from_o the_o holiness_n spirituality_n and_o heavenly_a nature_n of_o that_o life_n which_o he_o now_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god._n till_o the_o regenerate_a power_n of_o faith_n do_v thus_o appear_v in_o we_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v we_o be_v bear_v again_o 4._o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 4._o overcome_v the_o world_n etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d omne_fw-la quod_fw-la ex_fw-la deo_fw-la genitum_fw-la est_fw-la he_o use_v the_o neuter_a gender_n to_o comprehend_v all_o sort_n state_n and_o degree_n of_o mankind_n he_o do_v not_o say_v he_o or_o she_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n etc._n etc._n but_o whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n every_o man_n woman_n and_o child_n rich_a or_o poor_a bond_n or_o free_a whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n have_v power_n and_o strength_n from_o christ_n to_o overcome_v the_o world_n they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o victory_n at_o their_o first_o set_v out_o because_o great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o they_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world._n they_o know_v they_o be_v of_o the_o strong_a side_n christ_n have_v overcome_v the_o world_n already_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o conquer_v it_o in_o and_o by_o the_o saint_n 44._o he_o will_v appear_v so_o great_a in_o they_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v before_o they_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n and_o you_o in_o i_o have_v overcome_v it_o 33._o and_o by_o i_o you_o shall_v personal_o overcome_v it_o yourselves_o i_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o regeneration_n thus_o that_o which_o overcome_v the_o world_n must_v be_v of_o a_o high_a extraction_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a descent_n than_o the_o world_n itself_o in_o its_o present_a corrupt_a state_n it_o must_v be_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o world_n and_o above_o it_o whatever_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v but_o flesh_n fall_v in_o with_o the_o world_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v and_o of_o which_o it_o be_v a_o part_n but_o god_n have_v choose_v some_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o call_v they_o to_o a_o heavenly_a life_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v they_o a_o heavenly_a nature_n to_o beget_v they_o again_o unto_o himself_o to_o put_v his_o own_o spirit_n into_o they_o that_o they_o may_v walk_v as_o new_a creature_n who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n though_o they_o live_v in_o it_o they_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v bear_v his_o image_n their_o heart_n be_v mould_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o word_n they_o can_v do_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n but_o every_o thing_n for_o the_o truth_n these_o be_v they_o who_o overcome_v the_o world_n the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n the_o spirit_n &_o principle_n of_o the_o world_n the_o fear_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o world_n the_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v dead_a to_o all_o these_o not_o move_v by_o they_o but_o do_v steer_v their_o course_n by_o a_o high_a light_n let_v down_o from_o heaven_n into_o their_o heart_n and_o this_o be_v their_o victory_n even_o their_o faith_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o oppose_v against_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o may_v disquiet_v and_o discompose_v their_o spirit_n but_o their_o faith_n and_o by_o believe_v 3._o they_o enter_v into_o rest_n all_o who_o
a_o discourse_n of_o regeneration_n faith_n and_o repentance_n preach_v at_o the_o merchants-lecture_n in_o broad-street_n by_o thomas_n cole_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o london_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n cockerill_n at_o the_o three_o leg_n in_o the_o poultry_n over-against_o the_o stock-market_n mdclxxxix_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n what_o have_v be_v already_o publish_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o many_o by_o preach_v be_v now_o put_v into_o private_a hand_n by_o print_v and_o because_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o please_v many_o hearer_n than_o one_o reader_n let_v i_o whoever_o thou_o be_v bespeak_v thy_o candour_n in_o a_o few_o word_n reader_n shall_v be_v courteous_a there_o be_v a_o civility_n due_a to_o book_n as_o well_o as_o person_n it_o be_v not_o manner_n to_o interrupt_v a_o man_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o his_o discourse_n and_o to_o censure_v a_o book_n before_o you_o have_v read_v it_o our_o be_v much_o the_o same_o he_o that_o answer_v a_o matter_n before_o he_o hear_v it_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o shame_n unto_o he_o prov._n 18._o 13._o if_o what_o be_v here_o deliver_v fall_v not_o in_o with_o your_o thought_n i_o can_v only_o say_v this_o that_o my_o design_n be_v to_o write_v down_o my_o own_o thought_n and_o not_o other_o man_n submit_v all_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o scripture_n every_o one_o know_v best_a what_o he_o think_v what_o he_o believe_v and_o be_v persuade_v of_o a_o plain_a proposal_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o present_a judgement_n leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o weight_n in_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v to_o act_v like_o man_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o communicate_v light_n to_o those_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o learn._n we_o can_v differ_v about_o the_o conclusion_n when_o once_o we_o agree_v in_o the_o premise_n but_o to_o resolve_v upon_o conclusion_n first_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o ourselves_o whilst_o we_o do_v seek_v so_o much_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n as_o to_o make_v good_a our_o own_o invention_n to_o be_v bear_v again_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n nicodemus_n can_v not_o receive_v it_o know_v not_o how_o to_o make_v sense_n of_o it_o have_v christ_n intend_v only_o a_o outward_a reformation_n of_o life_n and_o not_o a_o inward_a renovation_n of_o nature_n he_o will_v not_o have_v explain_v our_o be_v bear_v again_o by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n verse_n 5._o which_o be_v evangelical_n term_n of_o a_o much_o high_a signification_n and_o do_v imply_v a_o deep_a change_n than_o that_o of_o manner_n which_o at_o best_o reduce_v we_o but_o to_o a_o practical_a conformity_n to_o those_o inbred_a moral_a principle_n belong_v to_o our_o first_o birth_n as_o man_n this_o be_v still_o but_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o principle_n that_o ever_o we_o be_v where_o be_v the_o new_a nature_n that_o spirit_n which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n those_o supernatural_a principle_n that_o be_v above_o all_o our_o natural_a notion_n carry_v we_o out_o direct_o to_o god_n in_o christ_n it_o be_v faith_n that_o gather_v up_o these_o supernatural_a truth_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o set_v they_o home_o upon_o the_o conscience_n with_o power_n subject_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o word_n without_o consult_v flesh_n and_o blood_n about_o these_o high_a mystery_n reveal_v truth_n be_v strange_a thing_n to_o a_o natural_a man_n and_o will_v never_o find_v acceptance_n with_o he_o till_o his_o mind_n be_v suit_v to_o they_o by_o a_o supernatural_a irradiation_n heavenly_a thing_n can_v be_v see_v but_o by_o a_o heavenly_a light_n when_o god_n shine_v in_o our_o heart_n than_o we_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o very_a image_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o that_o light_n discover_v to_o we_o and_o do_v experimental_o know_v what_o that_o renovation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v which_o the_o word_n speak_v of_o such_o gospel_n truth_n be_v put_v into_o our_o inward_a part_n as_o be_v never_o there_o before_o this_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n to_o read_v they_o with_o pleasure_n we_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o our_o inward_a man_n this_o man_n within_o a_o man_n this_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o new_a creature_n the_o genuine_a birth_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god._n if_o thou_o be_v such_o a_o man_n thou_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a reader_n indeed_o willing_a to_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o christ_n who_o speak_v what_o he_o know_v and_o testify_v that_o which_o he_o have_v see_v joh._n 3._o 11._o i_o have_v write_v this_o follow_a discourse_n to_o you_o not_o because_o you_o know_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o because_o you_o know_v it_o and_o that_o no_o lie_n be_v of_o the_o truth_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 21._o if_o any_o who_o may_v be_v yet_o spiritual_o unborn_a shall_v take_v up_o this_o book_n and_o read_v it_o they_o may_v see_v what_o they_o be_v not_o how_o short_a they_o come_v of_o that_o character_n the_o gospel_n give_v of_o newborn_a soul_n there_o be_v more_o nicodemuss_n than_o one_o who_o can_v unriddle_v the_o mystery_n of_o regeneration_n they_o will_v understand_v nothing_o by_o it_o but_o what_o they_o can_v bring_v bring_v emselve_n unto_o by_o a_o outward_a baptism_n there_o be_v no_o reason_v with_o these_o man_n while_o they_o live_v in_o one_o nature_n and_o talk_v of_o another_o they_o say_v they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v a_o real_a feel_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o be_v not_o in_o we_o he_o be_v a_o skilful_a limner_n who_o draw_v to_o the_o life_n though_o life_n itself_o can_v never_o be_v draw_v some_o resemblance_n of_o life_n there_o may_v be_v the_o cast_n and_o colour_n of_o a_o live_a face_n but_o no_o breath_n like_o paint_a fire_n without_o heat_n or_o the_o picture_n of_o a_o man_n run_v without_o any_o actual_a motion_n he_o be_v fix_v in_o his_o first_o step_n you_o will_v always_o find_v his_o foot_n where_o your_o pencil_n leave_v they_o stand_v still_o in_o a_o run_a posture_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o many_o professor_n they_o be_v as_o picture_n hang_v upon_o a_o wall_n dress_v up_o in_o all_o the_o outward_a formality_n of_o religion_n you_o will_v take_v they_o to_o be_v real_a saint_n they_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v indeed_o dead_a without_o any_o inward_a live_a principle_n of_o grace_n to_o animate_v and_o quicken_v those_o form_n fill_v they_o up_o with_o true_a real_a holiness_n act_n flow_v from_o a_o live_a principle_n within_o do_v carry_v their_o own_o evidence_n along_o with_o they_o give_v a_o please_a sensation_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o reality_n as_o the_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o nothing_o that_o be_v force_v or_o counterfeit_n can_v do_v the_o heart_n flow_v out_o with_o those_o action_n that_o come_v from_o it_o but_o secret_o turn_v away_o as_o unconcerned_a in_o every_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o correspond_v to_o the_o inward_a sense_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n this_o will_v help_v we_o to_o judge_n of_o our_o regeneration_n by_o observe_v the_o consent_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o those_o outward_a act_n of_o religion_n we_o pass_v through_o what_o complacency_n and_o delight_n we_o have_v in_o they_o or_o what_o secret_a aversion_n to_o they_o which_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v privy_a to_o all_o mere_a imitation_n of_o nature_n be_v defective_a somewhere_o this_o be_v more_o easy_o discernible_a when_o we_o practice_v upon_o ourselves_o seem_v to_o be_v what_o we_o be_v not_o as_o actor_n upon_o a_o stage_n under_o a_o disguise_n who_o know_v we_o be_v not_o the_o person_n we_o go_v for_o when_o the_o new_a nature_n come_v into_o we_o how_o kind_o be_v the_o motion_n of_o our_o heart_n towards_o christ_n how_o welcome_a be_v he_o to_o we_o we_o be_v never_o more_o in_o our_o own_o element_n than_o when_o we_o be_v in_o close_a communion_n with_o he_o our_o joy_n be_v then_o full_a because_o we_o have_v the_o very_a desire_n of_o our_o heart_n we_o be_v where_o we_o will_v be_v we_o have_v what_o we_o long_v for_o every_o unregenerate_a man_n in_o the_o very_a height_n of_o his_o outward_a profession_n be-lies_a his_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n and_o say_v that_o of_o his_o heart_n which_o he_o know_v he_o do_v not_o speak_v from_o his_o heart_n when_o a_o humble_v overwhelm_a sense_n of_o original_a sin_n come_v upon_o we_o discover_v the_o universal_a pravity_n of_o our_o degenerate_a nature_n how_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o flesh_n stain_v how_o vile_a and_o mean_a a_o thing_n be_v man_n bear_v of_o a_o woman_n he_o may_v well_o lie_v down_o in_o his_o own_o shame_n
among_o grow_v person_n if_o you_o take_v the_o day_n of_o conversion_n more_o large_o as_o the_o scripture_n often_o do_v for_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n for_o the_o day_n of_o their_o outward_a calling_n general_o term_v the_o day_n of_o grace_n i._n e._n of_o outward_a grace_n so_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o conversion_n they_o be_v bring_v home_o to_o christ_n within_o that_o time_n or_o never_o though_o they_o do_v not_o all_o come_v in_o at_o the_o same_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n but_o more_o of_o this_o by_o and_o by_o when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o our_o regeneration_n which_o to_o avoid_v all_o coincidence_n of_o matter_n i_o shall_v comprehend_v under_o this_o head_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o regeneration_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o some_o light_n into_o we_o may_v know_v something_o of_o it_o the_o manner_n of_o regeneration_n one_a that_o a_o marvellous_a work_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o upon_o we_o we_o see_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o what_o we_o now_o be_v and_o what_o we_o former_o be_v even_o in_o our_o own_o remembrance_n 25._o whereas_o i_o be_v blind_a now_o i_o see_v 11._o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v remember_v that_o you_o be_v in_o time_n pass_v gentile_n in_o the_o flesh_n 3_o but_o now_o in_o christ_n jesus_n 9_o call_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n this_o be_v something_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o regeneration_n which_o all_o saint_n have_v some_o experience_n of_o the_o change_n be_v so_o great_a so_o universal_a in_o every_o part_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n 17._o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a that_o it_o can_v be_v altogether_o hide_v from_o a_o consider_v christian_a he_o can_v resolve_v the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o into_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v his_o do_n wonderful_a in_o our_o eye_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n know_v and_o love_v he_o that_o beget_v he_o 15._o do_v natural_o cry_v abba_n father_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n receive_v in_o regeneration_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n he_o breathe_v and_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n ever_o after_o his_o heart_n be_v instruct_v and_o quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o call_v god_n father_n 16._o 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 two_o regeneration_n do_v not_o only_o show_v the_o wide_a difference_n between_o the_o two_o state_n the_o regenerate_v and_o unregenerate_v but_o it_o come_v in_o a_o different_a manner_n upon_o the_o regenerate_v themselves_o i_o say_v a_o different_a manner_n for_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n essence_n and_o principle_n in_o all_o who_o be_v regenerate_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o circumstance_n attend_v regeneration_n sometime_o wherein_o one_o regenerate_v person_n may_v great_o differ_v from_o another_o even_o in_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o regeneration_n e._n g._n some_o may_v be_v regenerate_v and_o convert_v into_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o their_o conversion_n than_o some_o other_o though_o as_o true_o regenerate_v as_o they_o may_v attain_v to_o all_o their_o day_n all_o in_o regeneration_n do_v receive_v one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o grace_n but_o not_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n paul_n be_v convert_v into_o a_o eminency_n in_o grace_n he_o be_v never_o a_o babe_n in_o christ_n but_o be_v bear_v a_o strong_a man_n in_o christ_n the_o very_a first_o moment_n of_o his_o conversion_n god_n have_v present_a use_n of_o paul_n he_o have_v design_v he_o for_o eminent_a service_n which_o he_o be_v immediate_o to_o enter_v upon_o and_o therefore_o god_n furnish_v he_o according_o let_v not_o weak_a saint_n question_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o regeneration_n because_o they_o be_v not_o present_o raise_v up_o to_o such_o degree_n of_o actual_a grace_n as_o they_o see_v in_o other_o another_o reason_n i_o conceive_v of_o this_o difference_n between_o saint_n and_o saint_n in_o their_o first_o conversion_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o different_a circumstance_n grace_n find_v they_o under_o in_o respect_n 1._o of_o their_o year_n 2._o of_o their_o temptation_n 3._o of_o their_o employment_n and_o calling_n one_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o year_n some_o may_v be_v regenerate_v in_o their_o infancy_n as_o be_v at_o first_o grant_v they_o be_v capable_a only_o of_o habitual_a faith_n of_o the_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o grace_n a_o man_n be_v no_o further_o capable_a of_o grace_n than_o he_o be_v of_o reason_n it_o be_v reason_n that_o make_v a_o man_n a_o subject_n natural_o capable_a of_o grace_n and_o grace_n usual_o come_v in_o in_o a_o degree_n proportionable_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n where_o there_o be_v but_o a_o principle_n of_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v a_o principle_n of_o grace_n bring_v into_o that_o soul_n and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o actual_a understanding_n there_o may_v be_v actual_a faith_n proportionable_a to_o our_o actual_a understanding_n i_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o infant_n who_o be_v but_o habitual_o rational_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v but_o habitual_o gracious_a but_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o those_o who_o be_v next_o to_o infant_n new_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n some_o be_v more_o early_o convert_v than_o other_o mr._n cotton_n in_o his_o exposition_n of_o 1_o john_n 2._o 13._o say_v that_o child_n may_v act_v grace_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o act_n reason_n may_v be_v make_v to_o know_v their_o heavenly_a father_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o do_v their_o natural_a parent_n this_o be_v early_o indeed_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o so_o it_o may_v be_v only_o let_v i_o put_v in_o this_o observation_n by_o the_o way_n viz._n observe_v the_o near_a our_o second_o birth_n lie_v to_o our_o first_o the_o more_o undisernable_a it_o be_v in_o its_o first_o rise_n and_o original_n here_o grace_n seem_v to_o grow_v up_o with_o nature_n howbeit_o that_o be_v not_o first_o which_o be_v spiritual_a 46._o but_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o afterward_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a the_o apostle_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o i_o may_v as_o fit_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o spiritual_a resurrection_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o regeneration_n so_o that_o you_o see_v the_o new_a creature_n be_v still_o the_o young_a man_n if_o compare_v to_o the_o old_a man._n the_o new_a creature_n be_v of_o a_o late_a extraction_n a_o after_o birth_n or_o a_o second_o birth_n but_o every_o man_n in_o his_o own_o order_n 23._o shall_v grace_n come_v in_o with_o our_o first_o be_v the_o first_o introduction_n of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v call_v regeneration_n god_n do_v proportion_v his_o gift_n of_o actual_a and_o efficacious_a grace_n according_a to_o the_o strength_n and_o ripeness_n of_o our_o active_a faculty_n though_o all_o convert_v have_v the_o same_o principle_n of_o grace_n yet_o the_o young_a sort_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o act_v so_o distinct_o as_o other_o may_v who_o be_v of_o full_a age_n and_o have_v their_o sense_n better_o exercise_v by_o reason_n of_o use_n it_o be_v say_v of_o john_n 8._o that_o the_o child_n grow_v and_o wax_v strong_a in_o spirit_n 52._o so_o of_o christ_n himself_o though_o he_o be_v fill_v with_o internal_a habitual_a grace_n at_o his_o first_o conception_n yet_o proportionable_o to_o his_o age_n his_o grace_n do_v actual_o and_o more_o powerful_o manifest_v itself_o so_o it_o be_v with_o all_o young_a christian_n grace_n in_o the_o active_a part_n of_o it_o keep_v peace_n with_o nature_n and_o do_v not_o offer_v violence_n to_o it_o grace_n may_v elevate_v and_o quicken_v our_o rational_a faculty_n and_o bring_v they_o soon_o to_o maturity_n but_o it_o always_o take_v our_o understanding_n and_o will_v along_o with_o it_o in_o every_o act_n we_o put_v forth_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a grace_n a_o understand_a grace_n a_o wise_a grace_n there_o be_v much_o of_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o man_n rational_a soul_n go_v out_o in_o every_o act_n of_o faith._n though_o faith_n be_v above_o reason_n yet_o faith_n can_v give_v a_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v thing_n above_o reason_n and_o so_o one_o way_n or_o other_o faith_n do_v deal_v with_o man_n reason_n even_o when_o it_o lift_v up_o man_n above_o reason_n this_o may_v be_v one_o ground_n of_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o actual_a grace_n among_o some_o at_o their_o first_o conversion_n i_o say_v actual_a grace_n because_o that_o only_o be_v capable_a of_o degree_n a_o principle_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o but_o various_o
not_o say_v that_o all_o be_v unregenerate_a who_o see_v not_o all_o these_o mark_n in_o themselves_o but_o those_o who_o have_v they_o not_o to_o be_v whole_o defective_a in_o any_o one_o of_o they_o overthrow_v our_o state_n these_o mark_n be_v so_o link_v together_o as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o be_v that_o they_o be_v inseparable_a though_o as_o to_o our_o perceive_v be_v otherwise_o we_o may_v not_o so_o clear_o discern_v some_o of_o these_o in_o ourselves_o as_o we_o may_v some_o other_o i_o will_v carry_v it_o with_o as_o gentle_a a_o hand_n as_o i_o can_v i_o perceive_v these_o mark_n in_o the_o right_a application_n of_o they_o will_v bear_v hard_a upon_o we_o all_o and_o it_o may_v be_v leave_v we_o under_o a_o godly_a jealousy_n of_o ourselves_o examine_v our_o state_n with_o tremble_v true_o this_o i_o aim_v at_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o shall_v suffer_v no_o loss_n or_o damage_n by_o it_o in_o the_o end_n god_n have_v put_v his_o own_o stamp_n upon_o his_o own_o workmanship_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v he_o show_v i_o your_o regeneration_n under_o god_n seal_n and_o mark_n and_o i_o shall_v rejoice_v with_o you_o in_o it_o and_o pronounce_v it_o to_o be_v his_o workmanship_n indeed_o and_o now_o brethren_n produce_v your_o evidence_n such_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n call_v for_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o mark_n 1._o he_o do_v not_o commit_v sin_n 9_o he_o can_v sin_v he_o sin_v not_o 18._o but_o do_v righteousness_n here_o be_v a_o negative_a and_o a_o positive_a mark_n 29._o what_o he_o do_v and_o what_o he_o do_v not_o i_o shall_v first_o speak_v joint_o of_o they_o both_o together_o and_o then_z separately_z of_o each_z apart_z by_o themselves_o the_o sense_n in_o general_n of_o this_o scripture_n be_v that_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v so_o far_o express_v his_o image_n and_o take_v after_o his_o holy_a nature_n as_o to_o hate_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o to_o love_v that_o which_o be_v good_a he_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n 24._o escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n 29._o if_o you_o know_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a you_o know_v that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o he_o he_o prove_v the_o newborn_a soul_n to_o be_v a_o true_a child_n of_o god_n because_o he_o so_o much_o resemble_v his_o heavenly_a father_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n we_o can_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o we_o must_v be_v also_o partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n they_o be_v inseparable_a but_o to_o keep_v to_o the_o negative_a mark_n he_o commit_v not_o sin_n etc._n etc._n the_o common_a interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n be_v that_o such_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o with_o full_a consent_n and_o allowance_n they_o go_v not_o on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n they_o sin_v not_o the_o sin_n unto_o death_n etc._n etc._n all_o this_o be_v true_a and_o do_v belong_v to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n yet_o i_o conceive_v there_o be_v something_o further_o intend_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o this_o viz._n that_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n as_o such_o sin_v not_o at_o all_o he_o that_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n may_v sin_v but_o not_o as_o a_o new_a creature_n this_o be_v a_o absolute_a truth_n contain_v in_o the_o text._n under_o all_o the_o distinction_n limitation_n and_o soft_a interpretation_n that_o be_v give_v of_o this_o scripture_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o maintain_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n as_o they_o be_v expressive_a of_o a_o certain_a absolute_a truth_n else_o we_o shall_v quite_o lose_v the_o mark_n here_o lay_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o regeneration_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v first_o fix_v that_o and_o make_v it_o as_o plain_a as_o i_o can_v that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a judge_n of_o our_o state_n by_o it_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o life_n or_o death_n all_o be_v now_o upon_o trial_n your_o eternal_a interest_n lie_v at_o stake_n therefore_o in_o so_o great_a a_o case_n we_o have_v need_n go_v by_o sure_a mark_n and_o sign_n and_o none_o so_o sure_a as_o those_o that_o be_v in_o express_a term_n lay_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o regeneration_n as_o we_o must_v not_o raise_v they_o too_o high_a in_o contradiction_n to_o other_o scripture_n so_o neither_o must_v we_o sink_v they_o too_o low_o lest_o we_o lose_v that_o characteristical_a difference_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o put_v between_o the_o regenerate_v and_o unregenerate_v the_o mark_n lie_v here_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v in_o every_o regenerate_v soul_n a_o inward_a live_a principle_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n incline_v we_o to_o good_a but_o never_o to_o evil_a always_o give_v check_n to_o sin_n never_o approve_v or_o allow_v of_o it_o a_o regenerate_v person_n may_v fall_v into_o act_n of_o sin_n through_o humane_a infirmity_n but_o can_v give_v himself_o over_o to_o sin_n in_o a_o constant_a habitual_a way_n he_o can_v go_v on_o in_o sin_n it_o be_v against_o his_o nature_n he_o may_v be_v surprise_v into_o a_o act_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o new_a nature_n will_v quick_o recover_v itself_o and_o cast_v out_o that_o sin_n by_o repentance_n a_o good_a tree_n can_v bring_v forth_o evil_a fruit_n sin_n be_v not_o so_o connatural_a to_o a_o regenerate_v 18._o person_n he_o can_v brook_v it_o his_o heart_n rise_v against_o it_o from_o the_o antipathy_n he_o have_v to_o it_o when_o he_o do_v sin_n he_o will_v not_o sin_v and_o this_o we_o say_v be_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n the_o assertor_n of_o free_a will_n do_v hold_v that_o man_n can_v incline_v to_o good_a without_o the_o general_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o they_o own_o only_a such_o a_o assistance_n as_o may_v be_v resist_v by_o we_o and_o leave_v it_o to_o our_o option_n whether_o we_o will_v do_v good_a or_o evil_n but_o that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v determine_v by_o god_n to_o a_o good_a act_n and_o yet_o act_v free_o under_o that_o determination_n be_v that_o which_o some_o will_n not_o understand_v suppose_v such_o a_o overrule_a efficacy_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will._n the_o prevail_a efficacy_n of_o sin_n in_o fall_v man_n be_v undeniable_a who_o thought_n and_o imagination_n be_v evil_a only_o evil_a and_o that_o continual_o yet_o those_o thought_n and_o imagination_n with_o all_o outward_a act_n proceed_v from_o they_o be_v free_a so_o that_o what_o they_o deny_v to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n they_o allow_v to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o sin_n that_o it_o seem_v do_v not_o destroy_v the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n but_o the_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n do_v the_o mistake_n lie_v in_o a_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o irresistibility_n grace_n be_v irresistible_a not_o because_o it_o can_v be_v resist_v but_o because_o it_o can_v be_v overcome_v else_o it_o will_v not_o be_v effectual_a the_o efficacy_n of_o save_v grace_n lie_v in_o gain_v over_o the_o free_a consent_n of_o the_o will_v to_o follow_v its_o motion_n and_o inclination_n god_n make_v man_n perfect_a and_o that_o he_o may_v not_o impose_v upon_o his_o rational_a nature_n leave_v he_o a_o free_a agent_n give_v he_o liberty_n to_o good_a or_o evil_n his_o perfection_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o have_v liberty_n to_o evil_n but_o in_o not_o use_v it_o in_o abstain_v free_o from_o evil_a out_o of_o choice_n when_o he_o fall_v god_n withdraw_v and_o leave_v he_o perpetual_o incline_v to_o his_o own_o first_o choice_n which_o nothing_o can_v draw_v he_o off_o from_o but_o effectual_a grace_n not_o by_o force_v but_o change_v his_o will._n it_o be_v never_o the_o intent_n of_o god_n in_o our_o first_o creation_n that_o man_n shall_v exert_v his_o power_n both_o way_n to_o do_v good_a and_o evil_a but_o that_o he_o shall_v free_o choose_v his_o own_o way_n at_o his_o first_o set_v out_o and_o be_v deliver_v up_o into_o that_o power_n which_o he_o shall_v first_o exercise_n by_o his_o obedience_n he_o will_v have_v be_v confirm_v in_o good_a never_o to_o have_v fall_v from_o it_o so_o by_o his_o disobedience_n he_o be_v confirm_v in_o evil_a never_o to_o be_v recover_v out_o of_o it_o till_o free_a grace_n of_o its_o own_o accord_n relieve_v he_o and_o this_o it_o do_v gradual_o not_o all_o at_o once_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o saint_n in_o their_o imperfect_a state_n here_o do_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n grace_n have_v the_o predominancy_n because_o it_o enter_v in_o
be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v thus_o live_v by_o faith_n here_o below_o they_o consult_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n their_o affection_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o their_o faith_n they_o be_v fill_v with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n by_o believe_v they_o see_v good_a day_n a_o come_n when_o all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v from_o their_o eye_n they_o wait_v patient_o till_o then_o rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god._n till_o we_o get_v into_o this_o frame_n walk_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v we_o shall_v never_o overcome_v the_o world_n for_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v conceive_v they_o in_o what_o shape_n or_o posture_n you_o please_v have_v their_o emptiness_n and_o vanity_n in_o they_o will_v never_o satisfy_v they_o be_v but_o finite_a and_o temporal_a the_o present_a fashion_n of_o this_o world_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v pass_v away_o into_o something_o else_o while_o we_o be_v a_o behold_v it_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o moulder_v and_o crumble_v away_o in_o our_o hand_n perish_v in_o the_o use_n be_v always_o the_o worse_a for_o wear_v which_o show_v they_o can_v last_v long_o when_o they_o be_v in_o their_o best_a state_n they_o be_v altogether_o vanity_n the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o the_o creature_n tend_v to_o corruption_n and_o indeed_o dispose_v to_o it_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a to_o die_v as_o to_o be_v bear_v there_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o turn_a point_n that_o stop_v the_o further_a growth_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o make_v it_o to_o decline_v ever_o after_o till_o its_o fade_a glory_n be_v quite_o extinguish_v therefore_o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n that_o perish_v but_o for_o that_o which_o nourish_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n till_o we_o come_v to_o live_v upon_o eternal_a unseen_a thing_n we_o live_v but_o mean_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o earthly_a sufficiency_n we_o be_v in_o straits_n still_o want_v something_o till_o christ_n be_v we_o and_o then_o all_o be_v we_o there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v then_o for_o any_o further_a design_n in_o he_o we_o have_v plenary_a satisfaction_n and_o perfect_a rest_n we_o shall_v never_o have_v true_a heart_n ease_v till_o then_o but_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o bring_v over_o our_o heart_n to_o this_o newness_n of_o life_n to_o this_o noble_a life_n of_o faith_n that_o fetch_v all_o its_o comfort_n from_o heaven_n cast_v up_o its_o anchor_n within_o the_o veil_n which_o be_v sure_a and_o steadfast_a flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v do_v this_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o nature_n that_o dispose_v we_o to_o it_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n before_o we_o shall_v favour_v the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n and_o such_o be_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n where_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n that_o it_o always_o work_v this_o change_n in_o they_o they_o find_v it_o and_o feel_v it_o in_o themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o whether_o we_o have_v any_o certain_a experience_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n in_o our_o own_o soul_n we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v that_o even_o upon_o our_o knee_n and_o give_v god_n no_o rest_n day_n nor_o night_n till_o we_o see_v some_o better_a symptom_n of_o eternal_a life_n in_o ourselves_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o our_o life_n whether_o it_o be_v eternal_a or_o no_o by_o the_o thing_n we_o live_v in_o and_o live_v upon_o they_o who_o be_v of_o the_o earth_n be_v earthly_a they_o who_o be_v bear_v from_o above_o be_v heavenly_a to_o be_v carnal_o mindedis_fw-la death_n but_o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v be_v life_n and_o peace_n the_o inward_a frame_n of_o the_o mind_n discover_v what_o kind_n of_o creature_n we_o be_v 23._o whether_o old_a or_o new_a flesh_n or_o spirit_n the_o issue_n of_o life_n be_v from_o the_o heart_n as_o the_o pulse_n of_o your_o soul_n beat_v upward_o or_o downward_o so_o you_o may_v judge_v of_o your_o state_n as_o you_o find_v yourselves_o most_o concern_v in_o thing_n above_o or_o thing_n below_o till_o you_o have_v get_v above_o the_o world_n and_o have_v overcome_v it_o you_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o five_o every_o one_o that_o love_v be_v bear_v of_o god_n 23._o and_o know_v god._n that_o which_o be_v intend_v here_o be_v first_o love_n to_o the_o saint_n as_o such_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o that_o we_o be_v indeed_o bear_v again_o second_o love_n to_o all_o man_n it_o be_v due_a to_o all_o 8._o owe_v no_o man_n any_o thing_n but_o love_n that_o we_o owe_v to_o all_o every_o man_n may_v challenge_v it_o every_o man_n be_v our_o neighbour_n in_o that_o sense_n to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n we_o must_v extend_v it_o to_o our_o very_a enemy_n it_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n the_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o man_n prescribe_v in_o the_o second_o table_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o it_o love_n be_v above_o all_o illumination_n and_o knowledge_n 16._o a_o more_o sure_a mark_n of_o regeneration_n he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o love_n be_v one_o of_o the_o communicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n 1._o shed_v abroad_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o be_v follower_n of_o god_n when_o we_o walk_v in_o love_n common_a professor_n have_v some_o love_n one_o to_o another_o but_o if_o you_o trace_v it_o up_o to_o its_o original_n you_o will_v find_v it_o a_o selfish_n mercenary_a love_n in_o which_o they_o rather_o respect_v themselves_o than_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o for_o his_o sake_n but_o for_o some_o outward_a respect_n of_o relation_n neighbourhood_n or_o usefulness_n in_o the_o common_a concern_v of_o this_o life_n it_o may_v be_v for_o their_o agreement_n in_o opinion_n about_o some_o low_a matter_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v but_o the_o friendship_n of_o the_o world_n and_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o real_a enmity_n against_o god_n and_o good_a man_n as_o such_o but_o perfect_a love_n i._n e._n real_a sincere_a 32._o christian_a love_n be_v for_o god_n sake_n because_o he_o have_v so_o love_v we_o and_o give_v we_o a_o new_a command_n to_o love_v one_o another_o there_o be_v no_o true_a love_n among_o man_n till_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o he_o exhort_v those_o who_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n and_o be_v renew_v in_o spirit_n to_o put_v away_o all_o bitterness_n wrath_n etc._n etc._n before_o regeneration_n 3._o we_o be_v foolish_a disobedient_a live_v in_o malice_n and_o envy_n hatesul_n and_o hate_v one_o another_o 15._o bite_a devour_a consume_v one_o another_o it_o look_v rather_o like_o a_o description_n of_o wild_a beast_n than_o man_n so_o savage_a and_o fierce_a be_v we_o by_o nature_n nothing_o but_o a_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n will_v sweeten_v and_o mollify_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o which_o unite_v we_o to_o christ_n unite_v we_o one_o to_o another_o we_o be_v all_o one_o in_o christ_n but_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v all_o one_o among_o ourselves_o till_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n then_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n rule_v in_o our_o heart_n 23._o to_o which_o we_o be_v call_v in_o one_o body_n there_o be_v no_o true_a good_a nature_n among_o man_n but_o what_o flow_v from_o grace_n sin_n have_v so_o poison_v and_o sour_v man_n nature_n that_o till_o that_o serpentine_a venom_n be_v purge_v out_o and_o a_o better_a spirit_n be_v put_v into_o we_o there_o will_v be_v little_a harmony_n or_o concord_n among_o man_n have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n 13._o put_v on_o therefore_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n etc._n etc._n vide_fw-la loc._n be_v this_o mark_n of_o regeneration_n more_o visible_a in_o our_o day_n it_o will_v be_v a_o token_n for_o good_a of_o a_o more_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o we_o than_o for_o aught_o i_o see_v do_v yet_o appear_v hatred_n variance_n etc._n etc._n be_v reckon_v up_o among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n as_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o will_v show_v how_o this_o love_a disposition_n arise_v out_o of_o regeneration_n that_o the_o fundamental_a ground_n of_o it_o be_v our_o conformity_n to_o christ_n which_o necessary_o follow_v upon_o our_o regeneration_n christ_n be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n the_o saint_n be_v in_o their_o finite_a capacity_n the_o express_a image_n of_o christ_n in_o who_o they_o see_v the_o father_n who_o as_o god_n be_v one_o with_o the_o son_n whilst_o they_o behold_v the_o son_n as_o god-man_n they_o see_v their_o humane_a nature_n hypostatical_o unite_v to_o the_o divine_a they_o see_v their_o humane_a person_n
we_o of_o our_o own_o tenant_n even_o when_o we_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o evil_a for_o good_a thing_n must_v be_v as_o we_o have_v put_v they_o at_o this_o rate_n the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n will_v quick_o be_v lose_v among_o we_o unless_o both_o be_v better_o exemplify_v in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o gospel_n be_v set_v before_o we_o as_o a_o new_a mould_n into_o which_o we_o ourselves_o must_v be_v cast_v it_o come_v to_o work_v a_o great_a change_n in_o we_o not_o of_o our_o opinion_n only_o but_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o nature_n to_o create_v we_o again_o in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n be_v this_o do_v where_o this_o be_v not_o do_v that_o man_n pretend_a interest_n in_o religion_n will_v deceive_v he_o and_o come_v to_o nothing_o you_o may_v be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o persuasion_n of_o this_o or_o that_o party_n have_v excellent_a notion_n of_o divine_a thing_n in_o your_o head_n and_o yet_o not_o have_v one_o tittle_n of_o the_o truth_n write_v upon_o your_o heart_n i_o do_v ask_v what_o you_o hold_v or_o what_o you_o profess_v or_o what_o you_o know_v but_o what_o you_o be_v what_o newness_n of_o spirit_n do_v you_o find_v in_o yourselves_o my_o text_n speak_v of_o something_o to_o be_v do_v in_o you_o and_o upon_o you_o be_v that_o do_v be_v thou_o bear_v again_o be_v thou_o a_o new_a creature_n i_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o god_n to_o you_o a_o new_a creature_n be_v that_o which_o you_o must_v be_v before_o you_o die_v else_o you_o will_v be_v undo_v for_o ever_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o look_v what_o that_o be_v do_v you_o look_v to_o that_o a_o new_a creature_n you_o must_v be_v else_o you_o perish_v eternal_o better_a you_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v if_o you_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o before_o you_o die_v let_v not_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o expression_n nor_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o take_v you_o off_o from_o seek_v after_o this_o regeneration_n in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v something_a must_v be_v wrought_v in_o you_o you_o need_v not_o go_v further_o than_o your_o own_o self_n for_o a_o proof_n of_o it_o let_v every_o one_o view_v his_o own_o heart_n well_o wait_v for_o a_o change_n there_o carry_v thy_o old_a carnal_a unbelieving_a heart_n to_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n create_v in_o i_o a_o clean_a heart_n take_v away_o this_o heart_n of_o stone_n i_o lay_v it_o down_o at_o thy_o foot_n i_o dare_v not_o take_v it_o back_o again_o i_o dare_v not_o go_v from_o thou_o in_o my_o old_a sinful_a corrupt_a nature_n o_o let_v thy_o create_a power_n pass_v upon_o i_o this_o instant_n that_o i_o may_v become_v a_o new_a creature_n do_v we_o come_v with_o raise_a expectation_n of_o such_o a_o work_n we_o shall_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o some_o inward_a astonish_a effect_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n upon_o our_o heart_n he_o that_o command_v light_a to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n and_o call_v thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v give_v they_o a_o be_v by_o his_o create_a power_n thing_n that_o be_v not_o do_v answer_n to_o this_o call_n of_o god_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v there_o before_o they_o come_v forth_o out_o of_o their_o own_o nothingness_n derive_v a_o real_a be_v and_o existence_n from_o the_o operative_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o speak_v and_o it_o be_v do_v so_o able_a be_v god_n to_o raise_v up_o child_n unto_o abraham_n even_o out_o of_o stone_n a_o stone_n may_v as_o soon_o turn_v itself_o into_o a_o live_a creature_n as_o a_o natural_a man_n turn_v himself_o into_o a_o new_a creature_n only_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n a_o stone_n have_v no_o sense_n to_o perceive_v any_o such_o change_n bring_v upon_o it_o but_o a_o natural_a man_n have_v he_o be_v a_o live_a soul_n and_o when_o convert_v grace_n come_v upon_o a_o man_n live_v in_o sin_n to_o turn_v he_o from_o it_o he_o must_v needs_o feel_v the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v to_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o conflict_n that_o be_v between_o two_o live_a contrary_a principle_n be_v feel_v on_o both_o side_n sin_n feel_v it_o and_o grace_n feel_v it_o the_o flesh_n lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n the_o flesh_n be_v hinder_v from_o do_v all_o the_o evil_a it_o will_v do_v and_o the_o spirit_n from_o do_v all_o the_o good_a it_o will_v do_v they_o retard_v each_o other_o motion_n one_o pull_v one_o way_n and_o the_o other_o another_o these_o two_o be_v contrary_a they_o never_o agree_v in_o any_o thing_n a_o sinner_n find_v himself_o die_v to_o sin_n under_o the_o quicken_a regenerate_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n though_o corrupt_a nature_n perceive_v not_o the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o grace_n yet_o it_o see_v and_o feel_v the_o contrariety_n of_o grace_n to_o itself_o and_o be_v full_a of_o enmity_n against_o it_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v assist_v our_o die_a grace_n so_o the_o devil_n that_o evil_a spirit_n do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o keep_v alive_a our_o die_a sin_n he_o will_v fain_o prevent_v the_o utter_a mortification_n of_o sin_n in_o believer_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a you_o see_v what_o strive_v and_o struggle_v there_o be_v in_o every_o regenerate_a soul_n two_o live_a man_n contend_v with_o each_o other_o the_o old_a man_n and_o the_o new_a there_o be_v a_o mighty_a strength_n in_o the_o old_a man_n but_o the_o new_a man_n be_v strong_a than_o he_o enters_z in_o upon_o he_o by_o a_o irresistible_a force_n bind_v he_o and_o at_o last_o cast_v he_o quite_o out_o let_v we_o either_o throw_v away_o our_o bibles_n and_o resolve_v never_o to_o look_v into_o they_o more_o or_o else_o submit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o so_o great_a a_o case_n as_o this_o be_v very_o very_o etc._n etc._n the_o end_n a_o discourse_n of_o faith_n in_o two_o point_n viz._n i._o how_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v ii_o how_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith._n by_o thomas_n cole_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n london_n print_v for_o thomas_n cockerill_n at_o the_o three_o leg_n over_o against_o the_o stock-market_n 1689._o a_o discourse_n of_o faith_n rome_n 10._o 17._o so_o then_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god._n the_o apostle_n towards_o the_o close_a of_o the_o nine_o chapter_n speak_v of_o a_o twofold_a righteousness_n of_o work_n and_o of_o faith_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o gentile_n do_v attain_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o work_n which_o they_o so_o much_o trust_v in_o for_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o have_v not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n rom._n 10._o 3._o hence_o the_o apostle_n take_v a_o occasion_n to_o compare_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n with_o that_o of_o faith_n call_v one_o our_o own_o righteousness_n the_o other_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o the_o law_n do_v tacit_o point_v to_o promise_v life_n to_o perfect_a obedience_n this_o not_o be_v find_v in_o any_o mere_a man_n since_o the_o fall_n we_o be_v direct_v to_o seek_v it_o in_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o law_n to_o every_o one_o who_o believe_v ver_fw-la 4._o he_o bring_v in_o moses_n verse_n the_o 5_o describe_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v of_o the_o law_n that_o the_o man_n which_o do_v thsoe_o thing_n shall_v live_v by_o they_o such_o doer_n of_o the_o law_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o can_v look_v for_o nothing_o but_o death_n by_o law._n verse_n 6_o he_o bring_v in_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n by_o a_o prosopopeia_fw-la speak_v itself_o to_o a_o affright_v deject_a sinner_n who_o be_v also_o bring_v in_o muse_v upon_o his_o wretched_a condition_n full_a of_o sad_a thought_n say_v over_o many_o dismal_a thing_n to_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o heart_n about_o his_o eternal_a state_n how_o shall_v i_o get_v to_o heaven_n how_o shall_v i_o escape_v hell_n how_o shall_v i_o dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n which_o i_o see_v no_o way_n to_o avoid_v by_o law_n the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n meet_v this_o convince_a sinner_n in_o this_o great_a distress_n of_o conscience_n commune_v with_o he_o discourse_n of_o christ_n to_o he_o mind_v he_o of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n you_o seem_v say_v the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n to_o deny_v both_o in_o talk_v at_o this_o rate_n your_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v plain_a christ_n be_v ascend_v you_o shall_v as_o sure_o go_v to_o heaven_n if_o you_o
command_v there_o be_v no_o save_v knowledge_n of_o gospel_n truth_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n and_o no_o other_o reason_n for_o faith_n in_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o god._n that_o faith_n be_v knowledge_n i_o prove_v thus_o because_o in_o scripture_n it_o be_v oppose_v to_o folly_n blindness_n and_o ignorance_n act_v 17._o 23_o 30._o joh._n 17._o 3._o jer._n 31._o 34._o isa._n 9_o 1_o 2._o beside_o it_o have_v all_o the_o effect_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o give_v full_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n removes_z all_o doubt_n establish_v the_o heart_n in_o a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n humane_a knowledge_n be_v liable_a to_o many_o mistake_v but_o a_o divine_a faith_n admit_v of_o no_o falsehood_n therefore_o faith_n perfect_v man_n understanding_n because_o it_o bring_v in_o nothing_o but_o truth_n no_o man_n error_n do_v proceed_v from_o faith_n he_o may_v err_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v not_o from_o his_o faith_n but_o his_o unbelief_n therefore_o faith_n be_v knowledge_n unerring_a knowledge_n we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a we_o may_v be_v so_o if_o we_o right_o understand_v ourselves_o in_o a_o act_n of_o believe_v no_o demonstration_n of_o reason_n do_v give_v that_o evidence_n of_o truth_n as_o faith_n do_v as_o man_n understanding_n be_v too_o low_a to_o take_v in_o divine_a truth_n so_o god_n understanding_n be_v too_o high_a for_o man_n to_o comprehend_v therefore_o we_o be_v call_v to_o yield_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n to_o his_o reveal_v will_n god_n govern_v man_n rather_o by_o give_v he_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n then_o lift_v he_o up_o into_o his_o own_o infinite_a understanding_n that_o be_v above_o our_o capacity_n our_o duty_n lie_v not_o in_o know_v what_o god_n know_v but_o in_o do_v what_o god_n command_v who_o give_v no_o account_n of_o his_o matter_n to_o we_o only_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v his_o word_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n when_o we_o hear_v it_o preach_v to_o we_o ii_o because_o god_n have_v appoint_v hear_v the_o word_n as_o a_o necessary_a mean_n of_o faith_n he_o will_v not_o immediate_o speak_v to_o our_o heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n but_o have_v appoint_v his_o word_n to_o be_v first_o speak_v to_o our_o ear_n and_o promise_v that_o way_n to_o let_v it_o down_o into_o our_o heart_n thus_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v quest._n how_o shall_v hear_v of_o thing_n above_o our_o reason_n contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o believe_v they_o one_o will_v think_v the_o often_o we_o hear_v they_o the_o more_o absurd_a we_o shall_v count_v they_o to_o be_v and_o reject_v they_o with_o great_a indignation_n have_v so_o often_o try_v they_o by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o pronounce_v they_o unintelligible_a answ._n hear_v alone_o will_v not_o let_v in_o these_o divine_a mystery_n into_o our_o understanding_n isa._n 6._o 9_o 10._o god_n must_v inward_o teach_v we_o and_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n before_o we_o can_v believe_v they_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o three_o head_n viz._n iii_o how_o faith_n be_v wrought_v by_o our_o hear_v the_o word_n 1._o by_o a_o special_a appearance_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul._n 2._o by_o open_v the_o heart_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o persuade_v the_o will_n to_o a_o thorough_a closure_n with_o christ_n upon_o gospel_n term_n to_o these_o two_o head_n may_v be_v refer_v all_o that_o fall_v under_o our_o discern_a and_o experience_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o beget_v faith_n in_o we_o 1._o faith_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o special_a appearance_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n what_o this_o appearance_n of_o god_n be_v how_o it_o rise_v out_o of_o the_o word_n in_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v let_v into_o the_o soul_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o open_v to_o the_o experience_n of_o those_o who_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o hear_v his_o word_n there_o be_v some_o co-incidence_a in_o the_o particular_n abovementioned_a yet_o not_o without_o some_o distinction_n which_o i_o leave_v to_o your_o own_o observation_n the_o less_o of_o art_n or_o method_n there_o be_v in_o handle_v experimental_a point_n the_o better_a they_o come_v with_o most_o power_n to_o the_o conscience_n in_o their_o own_o simplicity_n therefore_o i_o shall_v in_o a_o joint_a discourse_n run_v the_o matter_n close_o together_o look_v sometime_o on_o one_o side_n and_o sometime_o on_o other_o till_o i_o have_v view_v it_o round_o that_o i_o may_v present_v the_o whole_a truth_n to_o you_o in_o so_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o point_n we_o can_v have_v no_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o in_o and_o by_o his_o word_n we_o must_v look_v through_o that_o glass_n upon_o he_o and_o that_o appearance_n of_o god_n we_o meet_v with_o there_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o word_n never_o come_v with_o power_n to_o our_o conscience_n till_o god_n appear_v in_o it_o how_o that_o be_v i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v whilst_o we_o be_v hear_v his_o word_n we_o see_v god_n stand_v forth_o in_o his_o own_o word_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o this_o draw_v in_o our_o attention_n add_v that_o weight_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o word_n that_o we_o can_v but_o receive_v it_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o set_v our_o seal_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o we_o see_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n from_o this_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o to_o our_o soul_n thus_o god_n wrought_v faith_n in_o abraham_n gen._n 17._o 1._o by_o appear_v to_o he_o several_a time_n as_o god_n almighty_a and_o all-sufficient_a that_o abraham_n may_v not_o doubt_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o such_o a_o god_n shall_v promise_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v rom._n 4._o 3._o that_o abraham_n believe_v god_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v he_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v ver_fw-la 21._o thus_o god_n appear_v to_o samuel_n reveal_v himself_o to_o he_o by_o his_o word_n 1_o sam._n 3._o 21._o so_o christ_n appear_v to_o paul_n by_o a_o voice_n and_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n i_o be_o jesus_n act_v 9_o there_o be_v spiritual_a appearance_n of_o god_n now_o to_o our_o soul_n under_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n answerable_a to_o these_o vision_n of_o old._n god_n let_v himself_o down_o into_o our_o heart_n through_o the_o apprehension_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o frame_v in_o our_o heart_n a_o right_a image_n of_o god_n answerable_a to_o that_o character_n he_o give_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o word_n he_o shine_v through_o the_o word_n in_o all_o his_o glory_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o old_a to_o the_o patriarch_n by_o a_o articulate_a voice_n the_o unwritten_a word_n than_o be_v accompany_v with_o such_o convince_a sign_n of_o his_o presence_n that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o believe_v it_o and_o so_o be_v the_o write_a word_n now_o as_o capable_a of_o represent_v god_n to_o we_o when_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v see_v by_o we_o as_o that_o be_v then_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o word_n be_v but_o a_o creature_n but_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v eternal_a and_o do_v all_o centre_n in_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o essential_a word_n thus_o god_n rise_v out_o of_o the_o word_n and_o look_v a_o man_n in_o the_o face_n tell_v he_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o that_o lord_n god_n almighty_a who_o now_o speak_v unto_o you_o he_o leave_v no_o objection_n unanswered_a show_v what_o sure_a ground_n of_o faith_n we_o have_v in_o he_o shall_v god_n say_v and_o not_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v it_o must_v be_v so_o as_o god_n say_v it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v soon_o pass_v away_o than_o one_o tittle_n of_o the_o word_n be_v break_v thus_o in_o god_n we_o praise_v his_o word_n psal._n 56._o 4._o 10._o consider_v the_o word_n out_o of_o god_n it_o will_v puzzle_v man_n and_o angel_n to_o make_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o to_o think_v the_o thing_n speak_v of_o possible_a or_o likely_a to_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n and_o to_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o god_n they_o stick_v at_o nothing_o they_o be_v sure_a omnipotency_n know_v no_o difficulty_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v stand_v his_o thought_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v a_o soul_n thus_o strike_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n presence_n yield_v immediate_o i_o believe_v lord_n with_o all_o my_o heart_n be_o ready_a to_o do_v whatever_o
thou_o require_v of_o i_o so_o paul_n oh_o that_o god_n will_v so_o manifest_v himself_o to_o every_o one_o of_o your_o heart_n this_o day_n that_o he_o will_v show_v himself_o come_v up_o close_o to_o you_o look_v you_o in_o the_o face_n and_o say_v i_o be_o jesus_n you_o can_v not_o withstand_v this_o mighty_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n o_o speak_v lord_n it_o be_v but_o thy_o say_n to_o each_o of_o we_o i_o be_o jesus_n and_o we_o shall_v all_o be_v make_v to_o know_v the_o lord_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a i_o hope_v the_o quicken_a voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v now_o sound_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o your_o faith_n while_o i_o be_o speak_v to_o you_o and_o that_o you_o do_v receive_v the_o word_n not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n in_o every_o one_o of_o your_o heart_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n eph._n 4._o 21._o be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o ink_n and_o paper_n be_v another_o they_o be_v the_o same_o truth_n but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n they_o lie_v in_o the_o dead_a letter_n as_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n they_o be_v see_v in_o their_o live_a root_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o spring_v mere_a scriptural_a knowledge_n be_v but_o historical_a we_o look_v upon_o the_o thing_n we_o read_v and_o hear_v rather_o as_o notion_n than_o reality_n till_o god_n fill_v up_o all_o expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v himself_o with_o a_o divine_a presence_n answerable_a thereunto_o we_o believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v say_v of_o he_o but_o such_o a_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n captivate_v our_o heart_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o we_o must_v believe_v he_o to_o be_v such_o a_o god_n as_o the_o word_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v before_o we_o shall_v count_v all_o his_o say_n true_a we_o must_v fetch_v strength_n from_o the_o name_n of_o god_n rev._n 2._o 13._o to_o support_v our_o faith_n in_o all_o its_o act_n upon_o any_o part_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o we_o never_o deny_v any_o truth_n plain_o reveal_v but_o we_o deny_v his_o name_n rev._n 3._o 8._o and_o question_v his_o attribute_n some_o truth_n bare_a more_o upon_o one_o attribute_n some_o more_o upon_o another_o but_o all_o be_v found_v in_o god_n and_o in_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n from_o whence_o they_o have_v their_o verification_n and_o accomplishment_n so_o that_o till_o god_n appear_v and_o show_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o we_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o unknown_a god_n affect_v we_o not_o because_o it_o want_v that_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o its_o credibility_n no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 3._o he_o can_v say_v so_o and_o think_v so_o he_o can_v say_v so_o and_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v till_o the_o father_n reveal_v his_o son_n in_o he_o paul_n by_o the_o light_n of_o that_o revelation_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o know_v all_o gospel_n mystery_n and_o without_o such_o a_o inward_a spiritual_a manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o our_o soul_n give_v we_o a_o sight_n of_o he_o who_o be_v invisible_a it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o divinity_n spring_v from_o god_n lead_v to_o he_o nay_o it_o look_v he_o direct_o in_o the_o face_n and_o can_v be_v consider_v apart_o from_o he_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o faith_n god_n must_v be_v in_o the_o view_n of_o our_o faith_n whensoever_o we_o real_o act_v it_o neither_o can_v we_o have_v that_o inward_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n convince_a we_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o this_o special_a appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n while_o we_o be_v hear_v the_o word_n god_n have_v invisible_a way_n of_o access_n to_o our_o heart_n he_o convey_v himself_o through_o his_o truth_n to_o our_o soul_n his_o divinity_n lead_v the_o way_n without_o some_o appearance_n of_o this_o the_o content_n of_o the_o word_n will_v have_v no_o place_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o come_v with_o so_o great_a a_o presence_n in_o so_o great_a a_o name_n and_o with_o so_o strong_a a_o impression_n god_n himself_o write_v they_o upon_o the_o heart_n we_o can_v but_o receive_v his_o testimony_n the_o word_n come_v into_o our_o heart_n sudden_o before_o we_o be_v aware_a and_o seize_v they_o for_o god_n we_o can_v but_o think_v speak_v act_n and_o judge_v as_o god_n do_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o soul_n so_o far_o as_o the_o word_n be_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o read_v it_o without_o the_o least_o variation_n the_o copy_n answer_v the_o original_a hence_o arise_v that_o habitual_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n to_o believe_v god_n create_v this_o new_a heart_n i_o say_v this_o infuse_a habit_n or_o principle_n of_o faith_n be_v antecedent_n to_o all_o act_n of_o faith_n put_v forth_o by_o we_o and_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o sole_a act_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o in_o our_o first_o conversion_n it_o be_v from_o this_o supernatural_a principle_n thus_o infuse_v that_o the_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n viz._n the_o understanding_n and_o the_o will_n be_v enable_v to_o take_v in_o thing_n pure_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a nature_n never_o act_v above_o its_o sphere_n those_o inbred_a common_a notion_n that_o be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o natural_a truth_n in_o all_o their_o consequence_n will_v never_o lead_v we_o to_o grant_v or_o admit_v that_o which_o be_v supernatural_a when_o we_o do_v this_o it_o be_v always_o from_o some_o high_a principle_n when_o we_o see_v man_n act_v above_o themselves_o we_o may_v conclude_v they_o be_v act_v by_o something_o high_a than_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n dwell_v in_o they_o this_o special_a appearance_n of_o god_n with_o those_o inward_a effect_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o soul_n which_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o may_v be_v know_v to_o believer_n they_o discern_v it_o in_o other_o act_v 11._o 17_o 18._o and_o do_v when_o they_o give_v a_o true_a reason_n of_o their_o faith_n see_v it_o in_o themselves_o that_o all_o spring_n from_o the_o father_n reveal_v his_o son_n in_o they_o they_o can_v give_v no_o other_o reason_n why_o they_o believe_v in_o jesus_n it_o be_v god_n that_o open_v the_o door_n of_o faith_n and_o make_v it_o effectual_a act_v 14._o 27._o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v take_v with_o any_o appearance_n of_o man_n in_o a_o sermon_n this_o we_o look_v after_o what_o word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n how_o man_n acquit_v himself_o in_o reason_v of_o this_o or_o that_o point_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o skill_n require_v in_o plant_v and_o water_v but_o all_o the_o increase_n come_v from_o god_n your_o faith_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n if_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o appear_v as_o a_o witness_n to_o his_o own_o truth_n as_o the_o great_a undertaker_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v what_o we_o say_v will_v prevail_v little_a your_o faith_n must_v terminate_v in_o god_n himself_o and_o in_o that_o ability_n that_o be_v in_o he_o to_o perform_v his_o word_n this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o abraham_n faith_n paul_n know_v he_o who_o he_o believe_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 12._o and_o so_o must_v you_o if_o ever_o you_o believe_v to_o the_o save_n of_o your_o soul_n do_v you_o go_v out_o of_o the_o congregation_n after_o every_o sermon_n you_o hear_v under_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o this_o appearance_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n speak_v to_o you_o from_o heaven_n and_o show_v himself_o to_o your_o soul_n in_o some_o spiritual_a resemblance_n suit_v and_o adapt_v to_o that_o word_n you_o be_v hear_v how_o can_v you_o reject_v such_o a_o word_n so_o full_a of_o god_n so_o exact_o correspond_v to_o what_o you_o see_v in_o god_n himself_o you_o must_v yield_v and_o cry_v out_o each_o of_o you_o who_o be_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v withstand_v god_n this_o be_v the_o first_o way_n that_o god_n take_v to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o by_o our_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v to_o we_o second_o faith_n be_v wrought_v by_o open_v the_o heart_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o persuade_v the_o will_n to_o a_o through_o closure_n with_o christ_n upon_o gospel_n term_n
i_o shall_v now_o show_v you_o how_o god_n thus_o appear_v to_o we_o in_o hear_v the_o word_n do_v open_v the_o heart_n enlighten_v the_o mind_n and_o thorough_o persuade_v the_o will_n to_o a_o through_o closure_n with_o christ_n upon_o gospel_n term_n natural_o our_o heart_n be_v shut_v up_o against_o the_o gospel_n our_o mind_n be_v blind_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 4._o till_o god_n shine_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ver_fw-la 6._o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n eph._n 1._o 17_o 18._o quest._n what_o be_v this_o light_n of_o faith_n and_o how_o do_v it_o differ_v from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n answ._n the_o light_n of_o reason_n lie_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o it_o fall_v under_o a_o humane_a understanding_n argue_v from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n draw_v certain_a conclusion_n from_o undeniable_a premise_n grant_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o man_n to_o be_v truth_n in_o nature_n upon_o such_o concession_n they_o build_v all_o their_o acquire_v knowledge_n and_o do_v put_v the_o stamp_n of_o truth_n upon_o all_o fair_a inference_n from_o thence_o which_o they_o judge_v agreeable_a to_o those_o first_o principle_n and_o notion_n of_o truth_n that_o pass_v for_o currant_n under_o that_o name_n among_o credulous_a man_n who_o do_v but_o think_v they_o know_v and_o do_v rather_o guess_v than_o judge_n so_o great_a be_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o humane_a knowledge_n we_o have_v little_a cause_n to_o glory_n in_o it_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n lie_v in_o the_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o divine_a testimony_n faith_n see_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o in_o god_n alone_o to_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a faith_n excel_v all_o other_o knowledge_n in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o see_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o first_o cause_n god_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o they_o by_o the_o very_a root_n from_o whence_o they_o first_o spring_n argue_v from_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o his_o say_n we_o know_v that_o god_n have_v speak_v thus_o and_o thus_o as_o joh._n 9_o 29._o we_o know_v the_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n joh._n 7._o 17._o and_o that_o no_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 20_o 21._o under_o this_o conviction_n we_o can_v but_o yield_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n to_o every_o word_n of_o god_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o experience_n may_v and_o do_v give_v believer_n some_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o this_o belong_v rather_o to_o their_o after_o edification_n then_o to_o the_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o conversion_n by_o which_o they_o close_o in_o with_o christ_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o bare_a word_n of_o promise_n from_o he_o who_o can_v lie_v object_n since_o these_o sublime_a supernatural_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o much_o above_o and_o so_o seem_o contrary_a to_o humane_a reason_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v own_v they_o for_o truth_n and_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o power_n of_o they_o answ._n it_o be_v by_o a_o divine_a faith_n i_o call_v it_o divine_a because_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o we_o believe_v his_o testimony_n joh._n 6._o 29._o quest._n do_v not_o this_o operation_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n in_o work_a faith_n in_o we_o offer_v violence_n to_o man_n nature_n and_o force_v the_o will_v to_o consent_v to_o that_o which_o be_v above_o the_o understanding_n or_o how_o can_v the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o determine_v man_n will_n to_o such_o a_o spiritual_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o will._n answ._n many_o intricate_a dispute_n there_o be_v about_o this_o point_n manage_v by_o subtle_a head_n not_o without_o some_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o reason_n who_o to_o secure_v the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n have_v deny_v the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n grace_n place_v the_o power_n of_o believe_v in_o man_n himself_o to_o avoid_v the_o force_n that_o otherwise_o they_o think_v must_v be_v offer_v to_o his_o will._n but_o to_o clear_v the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n grace_n from_o this_o imputation_n i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o but_o this_o viz._n that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n enter_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o therefore_o can_v put_v any_o force_n upon_o he_o nature_n work_v kind_o in_o all_o by_o inclination_n not_o by_o violence_n as_o nature_n be_v from_o generation_n so_o the_o new_a nature_n be_v from_o regeneration_n one_o be_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o other_o of_o the_o spirit_n as_o we_o be_v bear_v man_n by_o our_o first_o birth_n so_o we_o be_v bear_v christian_n by_o our_o second_o birth_n artificial_a christian_n be_v all_o name_n without_o any_o live_a nature_n answerable_a to_o it_o be_v not_o true_o bear_v of_o god_n and_o thereby_o make_v partaker_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n the_o breathe_n in_o of_o this_o new_a nature_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v that_o new_a creation_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o god_n in_o our_o conversion_n it_o be_v sole_o the_o act_n of_o god_n without_o any_o concurrence_n of_o we_o we_o have_v only_o a_o passive_a obediential_a power_n to_o receive_v the_o impression_n it_o be_v god_n that_o make_v it_o upon_o this_o supernatural_a principle_n be_v ground_v all_o after_o proceed_n in_o bring_v the_o soul_n forward_o to_o a_o actual_a closure_n with_o christ_n all_o the_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v gather_v into_o this_o supernatural_a principle_n do_v act_n under_o it_o be_v move_v by_o it_o and_o direct_v in_o all_o their_o free_a motion_n to_o a_o supernatural_a end_n which_o they_o can_v not_o of_o themselves_o tend_v unto_o and_o let_v it_o not_o seem_v incredible_a to_o we_o that_o god_n shall_v do_v this_o he_o can_v do_v no_o evil_a from_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n all_o good_a must_v needs_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o hand_n the_o great_a good_a that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o fall_v man_n be_v thus_o to_o restore_v he_o in_o this_o new_a nature_n be_v wrap_v up_o the_o seed_n of_o all_o grace_n which_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v draw_v out_o into_o act_n with_o the_o free_a consent_n of_o man_n will_n shall_v god_n determine_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o a_o good_a act_n whilst_o it_o be_v in_o a_o bad_a state_n and_o under_o a_o corrupt_a nature_n this_o will_v imply_v force_n and_o violence_n but_o to_o lead_v out_o a_o man_n according_a to_o his_o new_a nature_n be_v not_o to_o put_v a_o force_n upon_o he_o if_o sin_n have_v that_o efficacy_n upon_o man_n in_o his_o perfect_a state_n to_o incline_v his_o will_n to_o evil_a why_o shall_v not_o grace_n have_v the_o like_a efficacy_n upon_o man_n fall_v to_o incline_v his_o will_n to_o good_a though_o a_o inclination_n to_o evil_a in_o man_n stand_v be_v possible_a from_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o will_n in_o which_o he_o be_v create_v yet_o such_o a_o actual_a inclination_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o perfect_a state_n and_o leave_v such_o a_o inherent_a crookedness_n in_o his_o pervert_v nature_n that_o nothing_o but_o grace_n can_v rectify_v and_o make_v straight_o again_o what_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o grace_n but_o liberty_n to_o good_a restore_v to_o fall_v man_n from_o whence_o a_o actual_a inclination_n to_o choose_v what_o be_v good_a do_v follow_v of_o course_n when_o god_n call_v and_o excite_v he_o thereunto_o here_o be_v no_o force_n put_v upon_o man_n will_n it_o act_v free_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o good_a and_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o since_o grace_n enter_v as_o a_o new_a nature_n ingenerate_v a_o powerful_a principle_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o do_v incline_v a_o man_n free_o to_o comply_v which_o the_o efficacious_a grace_n of_o god_n exciting_a he_o to_o those_o act_n of_o holiness_n so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n as_o sin_n reign_v unto_o death_n so_o grace_n will_v reign_v through_o righteousness_n unto_o eternal_a life_n rom._n 5._o 21._o shall_v not_o he_o that_o raise_v the_o dead_a be_v able_a to_o quicken_v a_o dead_a soul_n but_o we_o be_v more_o sensible_a of_o that_o power_n that_o god_n put_v forth_o upon_o the_o body_n of_o man_n then_o of_o that_o which_o he_o put_v forth_o upon_o their_o soul_n that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n
to_o we_o and_o show_v we_o its_o meaning_n i_o wish_v we_o can_v a_o little_a better_o understand_v the_o act_n of_o our_o faith_n understand_v the_o reason_n the_o sense_n of_o it_o the_o importance_n the_o intent_n of_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n what_o a_o thing_n faith_n be_v three_o they_o suppose_v a_o double_a justification_n and_o a_o double_a justify_v righteousness_n the_o first_o to_o justify_v we_o from_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o law_n the_o other_o to_o justify_v the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o here_o come_v in_o all_o our_o inherent_a righteousness_n this_o be_v specious_a too_o but_o i_o will_v not_o have_v man_n coin_v new_a head_n of_o divinity_n to_o make_v good_a their_o own_o notion_n we_o know_v but_o of_o one_o justification_n i_o say_v the_o second_o justification_n which_o they_o talk_v of_o it_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o needless_a and_o unscriptural_a for_o since_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n infidelity_n and_o unbelief_n be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v enjoin_v as_o a_o duty_n by_o the_o moral_a law_n by_o which_o we_o take_v god_n to_o be_v our_o god_n and_o consequent_o do_v bind_v ourselves_o over_o to_o believe_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v or_o hereafter_o shall_v reveal_v to_o be_v his_o will._n this_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o by_o the_o moral_a law_n therefore_o if_o we_o be_v as_o they_o themselves_o affirm_v free_v by_o justification_n from_o the_o law_n of_o work_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n than_o we_o be_v on_o our_o first_o justification_n absolute_o free_v from_o infidelity_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v sufficient_o approve_v to_o be_v true_a and_o what_o then_o need_v a_o second_o justification_n unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v a_o error_n in_o the_o first_o judgement_n which_o be_v impious_a to_o suppose_v as_o if_o god_n shall_v acquit_v we_o from_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o work_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n which_o upon_o after_o examination_n christ_n discover_v to_o be_v false_a and_o unsound_a so_o that_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o hang_v together_o four_o they_o say_v that_o faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v condition_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o title_n to_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o come_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o part_v of_o our_o justify_v righteousness_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o understand_v the_o strength_n of_o some_o man_n reason_n but_o grant_v all_o this_o it_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o but_o christ_n and_o a_o title_n to_o christ_n so_o far_o we_o be_v agree_v for_o we_o desire_v no_o more_o but_o how_o they_o will_v make_v faith_n which_o be_v our_o title_n to_o christ_n and_o unto_o which_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n be_v by_o the_o gospel_n grant_v promise_a and_o make_v over_o how_o they_o will_v make_v this_o title_n never_o so_o well_o evidence_v to_o be_v part_n of_o our_o justify_n righteousness_n i_o see_v not_o a_o title_n add_v nothing_o to_o the_o inheritance_n make_v it_o neither_o more_o nor_o less_o but_o convey_v it_o down_o to_o we_o according_a to_o the_o intrinsic_a value_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o a_o title_n to_o land_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o land_n only_o we_o be_v invest_v in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o our_o title_n now_o therefore_o if_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o justify_v we_o i_o see_v not_o how_o a_o good_a title_n mend_v the_o matter_n for_o if_o the_o estate_n be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o we_o have_v no_o good_a title_n to_o it_o it_o be_v worth_a nothing_o to_o we_o and_o if_o our_o title_n be_v never_o so_o good_a we_o can_v have_v no_o more_o than_o be_v and_o belong_v to_o the_o title_n so_o that_o after_o all_o this_o stir_n about_o condition_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o title_n to_o christ_n the_o result_n of_o all_o be_v this_o we_o have_v a_o title_n a_o good_a title_n be_v under_o all_o the_o condition_n and_o evidence_n of_o a_o good_a title_n but_o to_o what_o to_o a_o inheritance_n that_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o maintain_v we_o to_o a_o righteousness_n that_o be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o alone_o to_o justify_v we_o and_o where_o be_v we_o now_o with_o our_o condition_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o title_n for_o ever_o destitute_a of_o a_o complete_a justify_v righteousness_n be_v this_o to_o preach_v christ_n to_o preach_v the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v this_o the_o way_n to_o quiet_a and_o settle_v the_o conscience_n of_o poor_a distress_a sinner_n sure_o no._n five_o they_o urge_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o some_o few_o scripture_n that_o seem_v to_o speak_v for_o they_o especial_o two_o and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v of_o more_o in_o the_o whole_a bible_n as_o to_o the_o literal_a signification_n if_o there_o be_v we_o shall_v hear_v enough_o of_o it_o i_o know_v they_o quote_v many_o other_o which_o add_v no_o weight_n at_o all_o to_o the_o argument_n they_o will_v ground_v upon_o they_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o speak_v to_o they_o those_o two_o be_v mat._n 12._o 37._o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o by_o thy_o word_n thou_o shall_v be_v condemn_v and_o that_o in_o james_n where_o it_o be_v say_v abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n jam._n 2._o 23._o for_o that_o in_o matthew_n calvin_n charge_v the_o papist_n with_o very_a great_a weakness_n in_o offer_v to_o draw_v a_o argument_n from_o that_o text_n for_o justification_n by_o work_n maldonate_fw-it a_fw-la learned_a jesuit_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v very_o angry_a with_o calvin_n for_o suppose_v any_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o be_v so_o weak_a and_o injudicious_a as_o to_o argue_v so_o from_o that_o scripture_n for_o say_v he_o we_o very_o well_o understand_v that_o this_o text_n do_v not_o speak_v de_fw-fr justificatione_n qua_fw-la justi_fw-la efficimur_fw-la sed_fw-la de_fw-la judicis_fw-la sententia_fw-la qua_fw-la sumpto_fw-la ex_fw-la verbis_fw-la nostris_fw-la argumento_fw-la justi_fw-la declaramur_fw-la so_o say_v the_o jesuit_n we_o know_v this_o text_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o justification_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o which_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o we_o become_v just_a and_o righteous_a only_o here_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o our_o righteousness_n by_o our_o word_n and_o we_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v righteous_a so_o that_o this_o do_v not_o touch_v this_o cause_n of_o justification_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o main_a text_n bring_v for_o it_o the_o main_a proof_n repeat_v again_o and_o again_o to_o prove_v inherent_a righteousness_n to_o have_v a_o influence_n into_o our_o justification_n i_o say_v let_v they_o take_v the_o answer_n from_o the_o papist_n or_o protestant_n which_o they_o please_v they_o be_v both_o against_o they_o in_o this_o thing_n as_o for_o the_o other_o scripture_n they_o will_v take_v it_o in_o no_o other_o sense_n but_o what_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o case_n the_o whole_a current_n of_o scripture_n be_v against_o work_n in_o justification_n and_o lead_v we_o to_o a_o fair_a construction_n of_o that_o in_o james_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o justification_n before_o man_n and_o not_o of_o a_o justification_n before_o god._n protestant_n writer_n have_v sufficient_o clear_v up_o this_o to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o but_o such_o who_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v convince_v certain_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o care_n how_o they_o abound_v too_o much_o in_o their_o own_o sense_n the_o learned_a lord_n bacon_n say_v that_o a_o little_a philosophy_n make_v man_n atheist_n but_o a_o great_a deal_n will_v convince_v they_o of_o a_o deity_n some_o man_n logic_n and_o school_n learning_n overthrow_v reason_n which_o due_o improve_v and_o well_o manage_v will_v teach_v they_o to_o argue_v otherwise_o certain_o in_o our_o reason_n about_o divine_a thing_n we_o shall_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o abound_v too_o much_o in_o our_o own_o sense_n it_o be_v better_a for_o we_o to_o leave_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o mystery_n where_o we_o find_v it_o than_o to_o seek_v to_o draw_v it_o out_o and_o so_o to_o explain_v it_o as_o to_o force_v it_o into_o the_o mould_n of_o humane_a reason_n shape_a it_o on_o every_o side_n to_o a_o exact_a conformity_n to_o the_o thought_n and_o conception_n of_o our_o weak_a imperfect_a understanding_n i_o say_v no_o gospel_n truth_n will_v bear_v this_o after_o all_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o there_o be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o gospel_n truth_n a_o mystery_n something_o that_o be_v pass_v our_o understanding_n that_o call_v for_o