16._o and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o duty_n whatever_o sect._n 12_o it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o that_o whereas_o god_n be_v holy_a if_o we_o be_v not_o so_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o design_n or_o intend_v to_o perform_v towards_o he_o be_v everlasting_o lose_v as_o unto_o their_o proper_a ends._n for_o there_o be_v no_o intercourse_n nor_o communion_n between_o light_n and_o darkness_n god_n be_v light_a and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o and_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n as_o all_o unholy_a person_n do_v we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n we_o have_v fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o and_o true_o our_o fellowship_n be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n 1_o joh._n 1._o 6_o 7._o v._n 3._o now_o what_o man_n that_o shall_v consider_v this_o unless_o he_o be_v infatuate_v will_v for_o the_o love_n of_o any_o one_o sin_n or_o out_o of_o conformity_n to_o the_o world_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n whereby_o the_o essence_n and_o truth_n of_o holiness_n be_v impeach_v utter_o lose_v and_o forfeit_v all_o the_o benefit_n and_o fruit_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n wherein_o perhaps_o he_o have_v labour_v and_o which_o he_o have_v it_o may_v be_v be_v at_o no_o small_a charge_n withal_o but_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o man_n who_o come_v short_a in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v essential_o necessary_a unto_o universal_a holiness_n all_o they_o do_v all_o they_o suffer_v all_o the_o pain_n they_o take_v in_o and_o about_o religious_a duty_n all_o their_o compliance_n with_o conviction_n and_o what_o they_o do_v therein_o within_o door_n and_o without_o be_v all_o lose_v as_o unto_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o eternal_a blessedness_n as_o sure_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a sect._n 13_o 3_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o respect_n unto_o our_o future_a everlasting_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o this_o be_v out_o utmost_a end_n which_o if_o we_o come_v short_a of_o life_n itself_o be_v the_o great_a loss_n better_a ten_o thousand_o time_n we_o have_v never_o be_v for_o without_o it_o a_o continuance_n in_o everlasting_a misery_n be_v inseparable_a from_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n now_o this_o be_v never_o attainable_a by_o any_o unholy_a person_n follow_v holiness_n say_v our_o apostle_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n for_o it_o be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n only_o that_o shall_v see_v god_n matth._n 5._o 8._o it_o be_v hereby_o that_o we_o be_v make_v meet_v for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n col._n 1._o 12._o neither_o can_v we_o attain_v it_o before_o we_o be_v thus_o make_v meet_v for_o it_o no_o unclean_a thing_n nothing_o that_o defile_v or_o be_v defile_v shall_v ever_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o this_o holy_a god_n there_o be_v no_o imagination_n wherewith_o mankind_n be_v besot_v more_o foolish_a none_o so_o pernicious_a as_o this_o that_o person_n not_o purify_v not_o sanctify_v not_o make_v holy_a in_o this_o life_n shall_v afterward_o be_v take_v into_o that_o state_n of_o blessedness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o thought_n more_o reproachful_a to_o his_o glory_n nor_o more_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o neither_o can_v such_o person_n enjoy_v he_o nor_o will_v god_n himself_o be_v a_o reward_n unto_o they_o they_o can_v have_v nothing_o whereby_o they_o shall_v adhere_v unto_o he_o as_o their_o chief_a good_a nor_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n in_o he_o that_o shall_v give_v they_o rest_n or_o satisfaction_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o medium_fw-la whereby_o god_n shall_v communicate_v himself_o unto_o they_o suppose_v they_o to_o contue_n thus_o unholy_a as_o all_o must_v do_v who_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o life_n in_o that_o condition_n holiness_n indeed_o be_v perfect_v in_o heaven_n but_o the_o beginning_n of_o it_o be_v inviolable_o and_o unalterable_o confine_v to_o this_o world_n and_o where_o this_o fail_v no_o hand_n shall_v be_v put_v unto_o that_o work_n unto_o eternity_n all_o unholy_a person_n therefore_o who_o seed_n and_o refresh_v themselves_o with_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n do_v it_o mere_o on_o false_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o blessedness_n whereby_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o heaven_n be_v a_o place_n where_o as_o well_o they_o will_v not_o be_v as_o they_o can_v be_v in_o itself_o it_o be_v neither_o desire_v by_o they_o nor_o fit_a for_o they_o he_o that_o have_v this_o hope_n indeed_o that_o he_o shall_v see_v god_n purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 1_o joh._n 3._o 2._o 3._o there_o be_v therefore_o a_o manifold_a necessity_n of_o holiness_n impress_v on_o we_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v and_o hope_v to_o enjoy_v which_o be_v holy_a sect._n 14_o i_o can_v pass_v over_o this_o consideration_n without_o make_v some_o especial_a improvement_n of_o it_o we_o have_v see_v how_o all_o our_o concernment_n and_o interest_n in_o god_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o do_v depend_v on_o our_o being_n holy_a they_o invent_v a_o very_a effectual_a mean_n for_o the_o prejudice_a yea_o indeed_o a_o fatal_a engine_n for_o the_o ruin_n of_o true_a holiness_n in_o the_o world_n who_o build_v it_o on_o no_o other_o bottom_n nor_o press_v it_o on_o any_o other_o motive_n but_o that_o the_o act_n and_o fruit_n of_o it_o be_v meritorious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o whether_o this_o be_v believe_v and_o comply_v withal_o or_o not_o true_a holiness_n be_v ruin_v if_o no_o other_o more_o effectual_a reason_n be_v substitute_v in_o its_o room_n reject_v this_o motive_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o which_o i_o be_o persuade_v have_v real_o take_v place_n in_o many_o who_o be_v teach_v that_o good_a deed_n be_v not_o meritorious_a have_v conclude_v they_o useless_a comply_v with_o it_o and_o you_o destroy_v he_o nature_n of_o true_a holiness_n and_o turn_v all_o the_o pretend_a duty_n of_o it_o into_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o blind_a superstition_n but_o we_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o with_o respect_n unto_o god_n have_v other_o foundation_n suit_v unto_o and_o consistent_a with_o the_o grace_n and_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o shall_v full_o show_v in_o our_o progress_n that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o motive_n unto_o it_o that_o be_v of_o any_o real_a force_n or_o efficacy_n but_o perfect_o complye_v with_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o free_a undeserved_a grace_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o of_o they_o which_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o any_o thing_n of_o worth_n in_o ourselves_o as_o from_o ourselves_o or_o that_o shall_v take_v we_o off_o from_o a_o absolute_a and_o universal_a dependence_n on_o christ_n for_o life_n and_o salvation_n but_o yet_o such_o they_o be_v as_o render_v it_o as_o necessary_a unto_o we_o to_o be_v holy_a that_o be_v to_o be_v sanctify_v as_o to_o be_v justify_v he_o that_o think_v to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o without_o holiness_n make_v he_o a_o unholy_a god_n put_v the_o high_a indignity_n and_o dishonour_v imaginable_a upon_o he_o god_n deliver_v poor_a sinner_n from_o this_o deceit_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n you_o must_v leave_v your_o sin_n or_o your_o god_n you_o may_v as_o easy_o reconcile_v heaven_n and_o hell_n the_o one_o remain_v heaven_n and_o the_o other_o hell_n as_o easy_o take_v away_o all_o difference_n between_o light_n and_o darkness_n good_a and_o evil_a as_o procure_v acceptance_n for_o unholy_a person_n with_o our_o god_n some_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n whether_o they_o have_v any_o notion_n of_o his_o be_v or_o no_o be_v not_o material_a they_o live_v without_o any_o regard_n unto_o he_o either_o as_o unto_o his_o present_a rule_n over_o they_o or_o his_o future_a disposal_n of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o holiness_n both_o name_n and_o thing_n be_v universal_o despise_v by_o these_o person_n their_o design_n be_v to_o serve_v their_o lust_n to_o the_o utmost_a and_o immerse_v themselves_o in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n without_o once_o take_v god_n into_o their_o thought_n they_o can_v do_v no_o otherwise_o but_o for_o man_n who_o live_v under_o some_o constant_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o a_o eternal_a accountableness_n unto_o he_o and_o thereon_o do_v many_o thing_n he_o require_v and_o abstain_v from_o many_o sin_n that_o their_o inclination_n and_o opportunity_n will_v suggest_v
the_o baptismal_a regeneration_n of_o infant_n which_o be_v so_o plain_o profess_v by_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v dignify_v but_o this_o be_v public_o declare_v avow_a and_o vend_v as_o allow_v doctrine_n among_o we_o and_o therefore_o deserve_v to_o be_v notice_v though_o the_o person_n that_o give_v it_o out_o be_v at_o irreconcilable_a feud_n with_o himself_o and_o his_o church_n of_o morality_n and_o grace_n a_o account_n shall_v be_v give_v elsewhere_o at_o present_v the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v that_o which_o be_v under_o our_o consideration_n and_o concern_v this_o those_o so_o severe_o treat_v teach_v no_o other_o doctrine_n but_o what_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o europe_n and_o which_o so_o many_o learned_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n confirm_v with_o their_o suffrage_n at_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n whether_o this_o deserve_v all_o the_o scorn_n which_o this_o haughty_a person_n pour_v upon_o it_o by_o his_o swell_a word_n of_o vanity_n will_v to_o indifferent_a person_n be_v make_v appear_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n as_o also_o what_o be_v to_o be_v think_v of_o the_o description_n of_o it_o give_v by_o that_o author_n which_o whether_o it_o savour_v more_o of_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n or_o of_o pride_n and_o fulsome_a error_n be_v hard_o to_o determine_v i_o know_v some_o word_n in_o it_o be_v use_v with_o the_o old_a pelagian_a trick_n of_o ambiguity_n so_o as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v another_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n put_v upon_o they_o than_o their_o present_a use_n and_o design_n will_v admit_v of_o but_o that_o artifice_n will_v be_v immdiate_o render_v useless_a sect._n 2_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a state_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o god_n which_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o individual_n in_o the_o world_n for_o all_o man_n be_v either_o unregenerate_a or_o regenerate_v there_o be_v a_o affirmation_n and_o a_o negation_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n in_o the_o scripture_n one_o of_o they_o may_v be_v use_v concern_v every_o capable_a subject_n every_o man_n live_v be_v so_o or_o he_o be_v not_o so_o and_o herein_o as_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o general_a consent_n of_o christian_n again_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o in_o our_o way_n that_o all_o man_n be_v bear_v in_o a_o unregenerate_a condition_n this_o be_v so_o positive_o declare_v by_o our_o saviour_n that_o there_o be_v no_o rise_n up_o against_o it_o joh._n 3._o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o now_o regeneration_n be_v the_o delivery_n of_o man_n or_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o from_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o they_o be_v bear_v or_o be_v by_o nature_n we_o can_v discover_v wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v without_o a_o declaration_n of_o that_o state_n which_o it_o give_v we_o deliverance_n from_o and_o this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o shall_v insist_v upon_o at_o large_a give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o lapse_v nature_n under_o a_o loss_n of_o the_o original_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o these_o thing_n i_o shall_v handle_v practical_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o believer_n and_o not_o in_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o school_n which_o yet_o shall_v be_v do_v elsewhere_o sect._n 3_o in_o the_o 3_o declaration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n after_o the_o fall_n and_o before_o the_o reparation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o scripture_n principal_o insist_o on_o 3_o thing_n 1_o the_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o it_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o darkness_n and_o blindness_n with_o the_o consequent_n of_o vanity_n ignorance_n and_o folly_n 2_o the_o depravation_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o it_o express_v several_a way_n as_o by_o weakness_n or_o impotency_n and_o stubbornness_n or_o obstinacy_n 3_o by_o the_o general_a name_n of_o death_n extend_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n and_o these_o have_v various_a effect_n and_o consequence_n as_o in_o our_o explanation_n of_o they_o will_v appear_v sect._n 4_o 1._o all_o man_n by_o nature_n not_o enlighten_v not_o renew_v in_o their_o mind_n by_o the_o save_a effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o darkness_n and_o blindness_n with_o respect_n unto_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n with_o the_o way_n of_o please_v he_o and_o live_v unto_o he_o be_v man_n otherwise_o and_o in_o other_o thing_n never_o so_o wise_a know_v learned_a and_o skilful_a in_o spiritual_a thing_n they_o be_v dark_a blind_a ignorant_a unless_o they_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n which_o the_o world_n can_v endure_v to_o hear_v of_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o fall_v into_o a_o tumult_n upon_o its_o mention_n they_o think_v it_o but_o a_o artifice_n which_o some_o weak_a man_n have_v get_v to_o reflect_v on_o and_o condemn_v they_o who_o be_v wise_a than_o themselves_o on_o the_o like_a occasion_n do_v the_o pharisee_n ask_v of_o our_o saviour_n that_o question_n with_o pride_n and_o scorn_n be_v we_o blind_a also_o joh._n 9_o 40._o but_o as_o he_o let_v they_o know_v that_o their_o presumption_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n will_v serve_v only_o to_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o condemnation_n v_o 41._o so_o he_o plain_o tell_v they_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o boast_n they_o have_v not_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n at_o any_o time_n nor_o see_v his_o shape_n joh._n 5._o 37._o sect._n 5_o some_o at_o present_a talk_n much_o about_o the_o power_n of_o the_o intellectual_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o though_o they_o be_v neither_o debase_v corrupt_v impair_v nor_o deprave_a all_o that_o disadvantage_n which_o be_v befall_v our_o anture_n by_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o in_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o the_o inferior_a sensitive_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o tumultuate_v and_o rebel_v against_o that_o poor_a untainted_a light_n which_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o this_o they_o speak_v of_o it_o without_o respect_n unto_o its_o renovation_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o if_o they_o include_v that_o also_o they_o be_v in_o their_o discourse_n most_o notorious_a confuse_a trifler_n indeed_o some_o of_o they_o write_v as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o deign_v once_o to_o consult_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o other_o be_v plain_o go_v over_o into_o the_o tent_n of_o the_o pelagian_n but_o set_v aside_o their_o modern_a artifices_fw-la of_o confident_a boast_n contemptuous_a reproach_n and_o scurrilous_a rail_n it_o be_v no_o difficult_a undertake_n so_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o depravation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o nature_n and_o their_o impotency_n thence_o to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n 7._o without_o a_o save_a effectual_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o their_o renovation_n as_o that_o the_o proud_a and_o most_o petulant_a of_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o return_v any_o thing_n of_o a_o solid_a answer_n thereunto_o and_o herein_o we_o plead_v for_o nothing_o but_o the_o know_a doctrine_n of_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n church_n declare_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a father_n and_o determination_n of_o council_n against_o the_o pelagian_n who_o error_n and_o heresy_n be_v again_o revive_v among_o we_o by_o a_o crew_n of_o socinianize_v arminian_n sect._n 6_o we_o may_v to_o this_o purpose_n first_o consider_v the_o testimony_n give_v in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o the_o assertion_n as_o lay_v down_o in_o general_a matth._n 4._o 16._o the_o people_n which_o sit_v in_o darkness_n see_v great_a light_n and_o to_o they_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o region_n and_o shadow_n of_o death_n light_n be_v spring_v up_o of_o what_o kind_n this_o darkness_n be_v in_o particular_a shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v for_o the_o present_a it_o answer_v what_o be_v propose_v that_o before_o the_o illumination_n give_v they_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n the_o people_n mention_v sit_v in_o darkness_n or_o live_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o such_o as_o be_v the_o light_n whereby_o they_o be_v relieve_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v the_o darkness_n under_o which_o they_o be_v detain_v and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n when_o christ_n preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o light_n shine_v into_o darkness_n &_o the_o darkness_n comprehend_v it_o not_o john_n 1._o 5._o give_v not_o place_n to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o truth_n declare_v by_o he_o that_o it_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n the_o commission_n which_o he_o give_v to_o paul_n
with_o the_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n whereof_o we_o treat_v sect._n 15_o 1._o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o mind_n this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lead_v and_o rule_v faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v that_o in_o we_o which_o look_v out_o after_o proper_a object_n for_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v hereby_o we_o have_v our_o first_o apprehension_n of_o all_o thing_n whence_o deduction_n be_v make_v to_o our_o practice_n and_o hereunto_o be_v ascribe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vanity_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v say_v to_o be_v vain_a which_o be_v useless_a and_o fruitless_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vain_a be_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o no_o purpose_n matth._n 15._o 9_o hence_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o rite_n use_v in_o their_o worship_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vain_a thing_n act_n 14._o 15._o so_o he_o express_v the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ionas_n 2._o 8._o lie_a vanity_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o thing_n altogether_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a according_a to_o the_o description_n give_v of_o they_o 1_o sam._n 12._o 21._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vain_a thing_n which_o can_v profit_v nor_o deliver_v for_o they_o be_v vain_a there_o be_v no_o profit_n in_o nor_o use_v of_o that_o which_o be_v vain_a as_o the_o mind_n be_v say_v to_o be_v vain_a or_o under_o the_o power_n of_o vanity_n two_o thing_n be_v intend_v 1._o it_o be_v natural_a inclination_n unto_o thing_n that_o be_v vain_a that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a nor_o useful_a object_n unto_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o affection_n it_o seek_v about_o to_o lead_v the_o soul_n to_o rest_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o always_o unto_o vain_a thing_n and_o that_o in_o great_a variety_n sin_n the_o world_n pleasure_n the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o flesh_n with_o pride_n of_o life_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o it_o natural_o pursue_v and_o in_o act_n of_o this_o nature_n a_o vain_a mind_n abound_v it_o multiply_v vain_a imagination_n like_o the_o sand_n on_o the_o seashore_n these_o be_v call_v the_o figment_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n gen._n 6._o 5._o which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v only_o evil_a continual_o these_o it_o feign_v and_o frame_v abundant_o bring_v they_o forth_o as_o the_o earth_n do_v grass_n or_o as_o a_o cloud_n pour_v out_o drop_v of_o water_n and_o herein_o 2._o it_o be_v unstable_a for_o that_o which_o be_v vain_a be_v various_a inconstant_a unfixed_a light_a as_o a_o natural_a mind_n be_v so_o that_o it_o be_v like_a hell_n itself_o for_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n or_o the_o whorish_a woman_n describe_v by_o solomon_n prov._n 7._o 11_o 12._o and_o this_o have_v befall_v it_o by_o the_o loss_n of_o that_o fix_a regularity_n which_o it_o be_v create_v in_o there_o be_v the_o same_o cogitative_a or_o imaginative_a faculty_n in_o we_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n as_o there_o remain_v under_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n but_o then_o all_o the_o act_n of_o it_o be_v orderly_o and_o regular_a the_o mind_n be_v able_a to_o direct_v they_o all_o unto_o the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v make_v god_n be_v and_o will_v have_v be_v the_o principal_a object_n of_o they_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o order_n unto_o he_o but_o now_o be_v turn_v off_o from_o he_o the_o mind_n in_o they_o engage_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o confusion_n and_o they_o all_o end_n in_o vanity_n or_o disappointment_n they_o offer_v as_o it_o be_v their_o service_n unto_o the_o soul_n to_o bring_v it_o in_o satisfaction_n and_o although_o they_o be_v reject_v one_o after_o another_o as_o not_o answer_v what_o they_o pretend_v unto_o yet_o they_o constant_o arise_v under_o the_o same_o notion_n and_o keep_v the_o whole_a soul_n under_o everlasting_a disappointment_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o mind_n can_v assent_v unto_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n which_o yet_o it_o can_v deny_v this_o will_v be_v further_o clear_v afterward_o hereon_o in_o conversion_n unto_o god_n we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v our_o mind_n renew_v rom._n 12._o 2._o and_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n ephes._n 4._o 23._o by_o the_o mind_n the_o faculty_n itself_o be_v intend_v the_o rational_a principle_n in_o we_o of_o apprehension_n of_o think_v discourse_v and_o assent_v this_o be_v renew_v by_o grace_n or_o bring_v into_o another_o habitude_n and_o frame_n by_o the_o implantation_n of_o a_o rule_v guide_v spiritual_a light_n in_o it_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o inclination_n and_o disposition_n in_o the_o act_n of_o it_o these_o also_o must_v be_v regulate_v by_o grace_n sect._n 16_o 2._o there_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o understanding_n this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o directive_n discern_v judging-faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o lead_v it_o unto_o practice_n it_o guide_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o notion_n which_o it_o receive_v by_o the_o mind_n and_o this_o be_v more_o corrupt_a than_o the_o mind_n itself_o for_o the_o near_a thing_n come_v to_o practice_n the_o more_o prevalent_a in_o they_o be_v the_o power_n of_o sin_n this_o therefore_o be_v say_v to_o be_v darken_v and_o be_v so_o it_o be_v whole_o in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v a_o sufficiency_n in_o it_o to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n without_o a_o supernatural_a illumination_n light_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v or_o cast_v out_o some_o ray_n of_o itself_o into_o this_o darken_a understanding_n of_o man_n but_o that_o receive_v it_o not_o john_n 1._o 5._o sect._n 17_o 3._o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o heart_n this_o in_o scripture_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o soul_n the_o practical_a principle_n of_o operation_n and_o so_o include_v the_o will_n also_o it_o be_v the_o actual_a compliance_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n with_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o object_n propose_v by_o they_o light_n be_v receive_v by_o the_o mind_n apply_v by_o the_o understanding_n use_v by_o the_o heart_n upon_o this_o say_v the_o apostle_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d blindness_n it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a ignorance_n or_o incomprehensiveness_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v intend_v but_o a_o stubborn_a resistance_n of_o light_n and_o conviction_n a_o obstinate_a and_o obdurate_a hardness_n be_v upon_o the_o heart_n whence_o it_o reject_v all_o the_o impression_n that_o come_v upon_o it_o from_o notion_n of_o truth_n and_o on_o these_o consideration_n man_n themselves_o before_o conversion_n be_v say_v to_o be_v darkness_n ephes._n 5._o 8._o there_o may_v be_v degree_n in_o a_o moral_a privation_n but_o when_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o abstract_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o it_o be_v at_o its_o height_n that_o it_o be_v total_a and_o absolute_a and_o this_o be_v speak_v with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a and_o save_v light_n only_o or_o a_o save_a apprehension_n of_o spiritual_a truth_n there_o be_v not_o in_o such_o person_n so_o much_o as_o any_o disposition_n remain_v to_o receive_v save_v knowledge_n no_o more_o than_o there_o be_v a_o disposition_n in_o darkness_n itself_o to_o receive_v light_n the_o mind_n indeed_o remain_v a_o capable_a subject_n to_o receive_v it_o but_o have_v no_o active_a power_n nor_o disposition_n in_o itself_o towards_o it_o and_o therefore_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o a_o new_a ability_n to_o understand_v and_o perceive_v spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n he_o be_v say_v to_o give_v we_o a_o new_a faculty_n because_o of_o the_o utter_a disability_n of_o our_o mind_n natural_o to_o receive_v they_o 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o let_v vain_a man_n boast_v whilst_o they_o please_v of_o the_o perfection_n and_o ability_n of_o their_o rational_a faculty_n with_o respect_n unto_o religion_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o they_o by_o nature_n upon_o his_o judgement_n that_o must_v stand_v for_o ever_o sect._n 18_o and_o by_o the_o way_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o divert_v here_o a_o little_a unto_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o exposition_n which_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o give_v unto_o this_o text_n and_o testimony_n concern_v the_o mind_n of_o natural_a man_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o vanity_n for_o this_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o all_o that_o vanity_n which_o the_o world_n
jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o glory_n may_v give_v unto_o you_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n be_v open_v that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o hope_n of_o his_o call_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v those_o effect_n in_o we_o we_o have_v before_o evince_v and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o revelation_n here_o intend_v be_v subjective_n in_o the_o enable_v we_o to_o apprehend_v what_o be_v reveal_v and_o not_o objective_n in_o new_a revelation_n which_o the_o apostle_n pray_v not_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v and_o this_o be_v further_a evidence_v by_o the_o ensue_a description_n of_o it_o the_o eye_n of_o your_o understanding_n be_v open_v there_o be_v a_o eye_n in_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n that_o be_v the_o natural_a power_n and_o ability_n that_o be_v in_o it_o to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n but_o this_o eye_n be_v sometime_o say_v to_o be_v blind_a sometime_o to_o be_v darkness_n sometime_o to_o be_v shut_v or_o close_v and_o nothing_o but_o the_o impotency_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o know_v god_n saving_o or_o discern_v thing_n spiritual_o when_o propose_v unto_o we_o can_v be_v intend_v thereby_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n to_o open_v this_o eye_n luke_n 4._o 18._o act_n 26._o 18._o 25._o and_o this_o be_v the_o powerful_a effectual_a removal_n of_o that_o depravation_n of_o our_o mind_n with_o all_o its_o effect_n which_o we_o before_o describe_v and_o how_o be_v we_o make_v partaker_n hereof_o it_o be_v of_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n free_o and_o effectual_o work_v of_o it_o for_o 1._o he_o give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n to_o that_o end_n and_o 2._o work_v the_o thing_n itself_o in_o we_o he_o give_v we_o a_o heart_n to_o know_v he_o jer._n 24._o 7._o without_o which_o we_o can_v so_o do_v or_o he_o will_v not_o himself_o undertake_v to_o work_v it_o in_o we_o for_o that_o end_n there_o be_v therefore_o a_o effectual_a powerful_a create_v act_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n put_v forth_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o their_o conversion_n unto_o god_n enable_v they_o spiritual_o to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n wherein_o the_o seed_n and_o substance_n of_o divine_a faith_n be_v contain_v sect._n 53_o 2._o this_o be_v call_v the_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n ephes._n 4._o 23._o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n col._n 3._o 10._o and_o this_o renovation_n of_o our_o mind_n have_v in_o it_o a_o transform_a power_n to_o change_v the_o whole_a soul_n into_o a_o obediential_a frame_n towards_o god_n rom._n 12._o 2._o and_o the_o work_n of_o renew_v our_o mind_n be_v peculiar_o ascribe_v unto_o the_o holy_a spirit_n tit._n 3._o 5._o the_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n some_o man_n seem_v to_o fancy_n yea_o do_v declare_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o depravation_n in_o or_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o that_o he_o be_v able_a by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v receive_v and_o discern_v those_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v objective_o propose_v unto_o it_o but_o of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o its_o ability_n to_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o proposition_n and_o force_v of_o inference_n in_o thing_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o at_o present_a i_o only_o inquire_v whether_o man_n unregenerate_a be_v of_o themselves_o able_a spiritual_o to_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o their_o knowledge_n may_v be_v save_v in_o and_o unto_o themselves_o and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o without_o any_o especial_a internal_a effectual_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n in_o they_o and_o upon_o they_o if_o they_o say_v they_o be_v as_o they_o plain_o plead_v they_o to_o be_v and_o will_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o ascription_n unto_o they_o of_o that_o notional_a doctrinal_a knowledge_n which_o none_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v they_o say_v to_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v all_o those_o gracious_a act_n of_o god_n in_o they_o before_o recount_v he_o that_o shall_v consider_v what_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o concern_v the_o blindness_n darkness_n impotency_n of_o our_o mind_n with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n when_o propose_v unto_o we_o as_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o on_o the_o other_o what_o it_o affirm_v concern_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o their_o renovation_n and_o change_n in_o give_v they_o new_a power_n new_a ability_n a_o new_a active_a understanding_n will_v not_o be_v much_o move_v with_o the_o groundless_a confident_a unproved_a dictate_v of_o some_o concern_v the_o power_n of_o reason_n in_o itself_o to_o apprehend_v and_o discern_v religious_a thing_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v require_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n this_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v that_o if_o the_o sun_n shine_v clear_a and_o bright_a every_o blind_a man_n be_v able_a to_o see_v sect._n 54_o god_n herein_o be_v say_v to_o communicate_v a_o light_n unto_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o so_o as_o that_o we_o see_v by_o it_o or_o perceive_v by_o it_o the_o thing_n propose_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n useful_o and_o save_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v in_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 do_v god_n no_o otherwise_o work_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o by_o a_o external_a objective_n proposal_n of_o truth_n unto_o they_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v the_o apostle_n mention_v the_o almighty_a act_n of_o create_a power_n which_o he_o put_v forth_o and_o exercise_v in_o the_o first_o production_n of_o natural_a light_n out_o of_o darkness_n what_o allusion_n be_v there_o between_o that_o work_n and_o the_o doctrinal_a proposal_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o confidence_n not_o to_o be_v contend_v with_o if_o any_o will_v deny_v that_o the_o act_n of_o god_n in_o the_o spiritual_a illumination_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n as_o to_o efficacy_n and_o efficiency_n with_o that_o whereby_o he_o create_v light_a at_o the_o begin_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o because_o the_o effect_v produce_v in_o we_o be_v call_v light_n the_o act_n itself_o be_v describe_v by_o shine_v god_n have_v shine_v into_o our_o heart_n that_o be_v our_o mind_n so_o he_o convey_v light_a unto_o they_o by_o a_o act_n of_o omnipotent_a efficiency_n and_o as_o that_o which_o be_v so_o wrought_v in_o our_o mind_n be_v call_v light_n so_o the_o apostle_n leave_v his_o metaphor_n plain_o declare_v what_o he_o intend_v hereby_o namely_o the_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v as_o god_n be_v reveal_v in_o christ_n by_o the_o gospel_n as_o he_o declare_v v_o 4._o have_v therefore_o 1_o compare_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o nature_n with_o a_o respect_n unto_o a_o power_n of_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n to_o the_o state_n of_o all_o thing_n under_o darkness_n before_o the_o creation_n of_o light_n and_o 2._o the_o powerful_a work_n of_o god_n in_o illumination_n unto_o the_o act_n of_o his_o omnipotency_n in_o the_o production_n or_o creation_n of_o light_n natural_a he_o ascribe_v our_o ability_n to_o know_v and_o our_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n unto_o his_o real_a efficiency_n and_o operation_n and_o these_o thing_n in_o part_n direct_v we_o towards_o a_o apprehension_n of_o that_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o their_o conversion_n unto_o god_n whereby_o their_o depravation_n be_v cure_v and_o without_o which_o it_o will_v not_o so_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n and_o no_o otherwise_o do_v we_o who_o be_v darkness_n become_v light_n in_o the_o lord_n or_o come_v to_o know_v god_n in_o christ_n saving_o look_v into_o and_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o a_o proper_a intuitive_a sight_n whereby_o all_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v guide_v and_o influence_v unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n sect._n 55_o it_o be_v principal_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o will_n and_o its_o depravation_n by_o nature_n that_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v
their_o condition_n but_o when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o carry_v on_o his_o work_n of_o light_n and_o grace_n in_o they_o they_o can_v call_v to_o mind_n and_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v with_o they_o in_o their_o former_a darkness_n then_o will_v they_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o truth_n they_o never_o have_v serious_a steady_a thought_n of_o god_n but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v occasional_a and_o transient_a wheresore_n god_n begin_v here_o with_o they_o and_o thereby_o to_o subduct_v they_o from_o under_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o he_o fix_v in_o they_o steady_a thought_n concern_v himself_o and_o their_o relation_n unto_o he_o and_o there_o be_v several_a way_n which_o he_o proceed_v in_o for_o the_o effect_n hereof_o as_o sect._n 13_o 1._o by_o some_o sudden_a amaze_a judgement_n whereby_o he_o reveal_v his_o wrath_n from_o heaven_n against_o the_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n rom._n 1._o 18._o so_o waldo_n be_v affect_v when_o his_o companion_n be_v strike_v dead_a as_o he_o walk_v with_o he_o in_o the_o field_n which_o prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o conversion_n unto_o god_n so_o the_o psalmist_n describe_v the_o affection_n and_o thought_n of_o man_n when_o they_o be_v surprise_v with_o a_o storm_n at_o sea_n psal._n 107._o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28._o a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o mariner_n of_o jona_n ship_n chap._n 1._o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o that_o pharaoh_n who_o despise_v one_o day_n say_v who_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o shall_v regard_v he_o be_v the_o next_o day_n terrify_v with_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n cry_v out_o entreat_v the_o lord_n for_o i_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o no_o more_o exod._n 9_o 28._o and_o such_o like_a impression_n from_o divine_a power_n most_o man_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o have_v experience_n of_o 2._o by_o personal_a affliction_n job_n 33._o 19_o 20._o psal._n 78._o 34_o 35._o hos._n 5._o 15._o affliction_n natural_o speak_v anger_n and_o anger_n respect_v sin_n it_o bespeak_v itself_o to_o be_v god_n messenger_n to_o call_v sin_n to_o remembrance_n 1_o king_n 17._o 8._o gen._n 42._o 21_o 22._o the_o time_n of_o affliction_n be_v a_o time_n of_o consideration_n eccles._n 7._o 14._o and_o if_o man_n be_v not_o obdurate_a and_o harden_a almost_o unto_o practical_a atheism_n by_o a_o course_n of_o sin_v they_o can_v but_o bethink_v themselves_o who_o send_v affliction_n and_o for_o what_o end_v it_o be_v send_v hence_o great_a thought_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n with_o some_o sense_n of_o man_n own_o gild_n and_o especial_a crime_n will_v arise_v and_o these_o effect_n many_o time_n prove_v preparatory_a and_o material_o dispositive_a unto_o conversion_n and_o not_o what_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o able_a to_o operate_v be_v to_o be_v consider_v but_o what_o they_o be_v design_v unto_o and_o make_v effectual_a for_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 3._o by_o remarkable_a deliverance_n and_o mercy_n so_o it_o be_v with_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a 2_o king_n 2._o 15_o 16_o 17._o sudden_a change_n from_o great_a danger_n and_o distress_n by_o unexpected_a relief_n deep_o affect_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n convince_a they_o of_o the_o power_n presence_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o produce_v a_o sense_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v hence_o also_o some_o temporary_a effect_n of_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o gratitude_n do_v proceed_v 4._o a_o observation_n of_o the_o conversation_n of_o other_o have_v affect_v many_o to_o seek_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o end_n of_o it_o and_o this_o incline_v they_o unto_o imitation_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 1_o 2._o 5._o the_o word_n in_o the_o read_n or_o preach_v of_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a mean_n hereof_o this_o the_o holy_a spirit_n employ_v and_o make_v use_v of_o in_o his_o entrance_n into_o this_o work_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 24_o 25._o for_o those_o conviction_n befall_v not_o man_n from_o the_o word_n universal_o or_o promiscuous_o but_o as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v and_o design_v it_o be_v by_o the_o law_n that_o man_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n rom._n 7._o 7._o yet_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n be_v despise_v by_o the_o most_o that_o hear_v it_o wherefore_o it_o have_v not_o in_o itself_o a_o force_n or_o virtue_n always_o to_o work_v conviction_n of_o sin_n in_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v outward_o propose_v only_o towards_o some_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o put_v forth_o a_o especial_a energy_n in_o the_o dispensation_n thereof_o sect._n 14_o by_o these_o and_o the_o like_a mean_n do_v god_n ofttimes_o put_v the_o wildness_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n unto_o a_o stand_n and_o stir_v up_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o a_o effectual_a though_o not_o save_v impression_n upon_o they_o serious_o to_o consider_v of_o its_o self_n and_o its_o relation_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o will._n and_o hereby_o be_v man_n ofttimes_o incite_v and_o engage_v unto_o many_o duty_n of_o religion_n as_o prayer_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n with_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n and_o although_o these_o thing_n in_o some_o be_v subordinate_v unto_o a_o further_o and_o more_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o yet_o with_o many_o they_o prove_v evanid_v and_o fade_a their_o goodness_n in_o they_o be_v as_o a_o morning_n cloud_n or_o as_o the_o early_a dew_n which_o pass_v away_o hos._n 6._o 4._o and_o the_o reason_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n cast_v off_o these_o warning_n of_o god_n and_o pursue_v not_o their_o own_o intention_n under_o they_o nor_o answer_v what_o they_o lead_v unto_o be_v obvious_a for_o sect._n 15_o 1._o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v yet_o uncured_a they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o these_o divine_a intimation_n and_o instruction_n but_o after_o a_o while_o regard_v they_o not_o or_o reject_v they_o as_o the_o occasion_n of_o needless_a scruple_n and_o fear_n 2._o presumption_n of_o their_o present_a condition_n that_o it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o it_o need_v be_v or_o as_o be_v convenient_a in_o their_o present_a circumstance_n and_o occasion_n make_v they_o neglect_v the_o improvement_n of_o their_o warn_n 3._o profane_a society_n and_o relation_n such_o as_o it_o may_v be_v scoff_n at_o and_o deride_v all_o tremble_n at_o divine_a warning_n with_o ignorant_a minister_n that_o undertake_v to_o teach_v what_o they_o have_v not_o learned_a be_v great_a mean_n of_o harden_v man_n in_o their_o sin_n and_o of_o forfeit_v the_o benefit_n of_o these_o divine_a intimation_n 4._o they_o will_v as_o to_o all_o efficacy_n and_o the_o motion_n they_o bring_v on_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n decay_n and_o expire_v of_o themselves_o if_o they_o be_v not_o diligent_o improve_v wherefore_o in_o many_o they_o perish_v through_o mere_a sloth_n and_o negligence_n 5._o satan_n apply_v all_o his_o engine_n to_o the_o defeatment_n of_o these_o beginning_n of_o any_o good_a in_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n 6._o that_o which_o effectual_o and_o utter_o overthrow_v this_o work_n which_o cause_v they_o to_o cast_v off_o these_o heavenly_a warning_n be_v mere_a love_n of_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n or_o the_o unconquered_a adherence_n of_o a_o corrupt_a heart_n unto_o sensual_a and_o sinful_a object_n that_o offer_v present_a satisfaction_n unto_o its_o carnal_a desire_n by_o this_o mean_n be_v this_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o many_o utter_o defeat_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o gild_n a_o addition_n to_o their_o natural_a hardness_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o soul_n but_o in_o some_o of_o they_o he_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o renew_v his_o work_n and_o by_o more_o effectual_a mean_n to_o carry_v it_o on_o to_o perfection_n as_o shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v sect._n 16_o now_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o of_o these_o instance_n of_o the_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n of_o god_n over_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n who_o he_o design_n either_o to_o convince_v or_o convert_v for_o the_o end_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n but_o the_o holy_a person_n who_o we_o have_v propose_v as_o a_o example_n give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o in_o and_o towards_o himself_o declare_v in_o like_a manner_n how_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_v mention_v they_o be_v frustrate_a and_o come_v to_o nothing_o such_o be_v the_o warning_n which_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n give_v he_o by_o the_o persuasion_n and_o exhortation_n of_o his_o mother_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 3._o such_o be_v those_o which_o he_o have_v in_o sickness_n of_o his_o own_o and_o in_o the_o death_n of_o his_o dear_a
necessity_n of_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o therein_o of_o turn_v unto_o god_n will_v be_v lay_v open_a in_o our_o declaration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o for_o the_o present_a the_o ensue_a reason_n will_v serve_v to_o remove_v it_o out_o of_o our_o way_n sect._n 16_o 1._o regeneration_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v only_o outward_a sign_n and_o token_n of_o it_o or_o at_o most_o institute_v mean_n of_o effect_v it_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v different_a and_o distinct_a from_o the_o mean_n and_o evidence_n or_o pledge_n of_o they_o but_o such_o only_o be_v baptism_n with_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o have_v treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o sacrament_n 2._o the_o apostle_n peter_n real_o state_v this_o case_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 21._o in_o answer_v whereunto_o even_o baptism_n do_v also_o now_o save_v we_o not_o the_o put_v away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n towards_o god_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o outward_a administration_n of_o this_o ordinance_n consider_v material_o reach_v no_o far_o but_o to_o the_o wash_n away_o of_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o more_o be_v signify_v thereby_o there_o be_v denote_v in_o it_o the_o restipulation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n unto_o god_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a or_o a_o conscience_n purge_v from_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n heb._n 9_o 14._o and_o quicken_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o resurrection_n unto_o holy_a obedience_n see_v rom._n 6_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o 3._o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v plain_o distinguish_v between_o the_o outward_a ordinance_n with_o what_o belong_v unto_o a_o due_a participation_n of_o they_o and_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n itself_o gal._n 6._o 15._o in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n for_o as_o by_o circumcision_n the_o whole_a system_n of_o moysaicall_a ordinance_n be_v intend_v so_o the_o state_n of_o uncircumcision_n as_o than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o profess_v gentile_n suppose_v a_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o from_o they_o all_o he_o distinguish_v the_o new_a creation_n as_o that_o which_o they_o may_v be_v without_o and_o which_o be_v so_o they_o be_v not_o available_a in_o christ_n jesus_n 4._o it_o this_o be_v so_o than_o all_o that_o be_v due_o baptise_a and_o do_v thereon_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o that_o be_v of_o repentance_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v regenerate_v but_o this_o we_o know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o for_o instance_n simon_n the_o megician_n be_v right_o and_o due_o baptise_a for_o he_o be_v so_o by_o philip_n the_o evangelist_n which_o he_o can_v not_o be_v without_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n according_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o believe_v act_v 8._o 13._o that_o be_v make_v a_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o regenerate_v for_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o have_v no_o part_n or_o lot_n in_o that_o matter_n his_o heart_n not_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n v_o 21_o 23._o which_o be_v not_o the_o description_n of_o a_o person_n new_o regenerate_v and_o bear_v again_o hence_o the_o cabbalistical_a jew_n who_o grope_v in_o darkness_n after_o the_o old_a notion_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v among_o their_o forefather_n do_v say_v that_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n wherein_o a_o man_n be_v make_v a_o proselyte_n of_o righteousness_n there_o come_v a_o new_a soul_n into_o he_o from_o heaven_n his_o old_a pagan_a soul_n vanish_v or_o be_v take_v away_o the_o introduction_n of_o a_o new_a spiritual_a principle_n to_o be_v that_o unto_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o soul_n be_v unto_o the_o body_n natural_o be_v that_o which_o they_o understand_v or_o they_o choose_v thus_o to_o express_v the_o reiterated_a promise_n of_o take_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o sect._n 17_o second_o regeneration_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o moral_a reformation_n life_n and_o conversation_n let_v we_o suppose_v such_o a_o reformation_n to_o be_v extensive_a unto_o all_o know_a instance_n suppose_v a_o man_n be_v change_v from_o sensuality_n unto_o temperance_n from_o rapine_n to_o righteousness_n from_o pride_n and_o the_o dominion_n of_o irregular_a passion_n unto_o humility_n and_o moderation_n with_o all_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o we_o can_v imagine_v or_o be_v prescribe_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o strict_a moralist_n suppose_v this_o change_n be_v labour_v exact_a and_o accurate_a and_o so_o of_o great_a use_n in_o the_o world_n suppose_v also_o that_o a_o man_n have_v be_v bring_v and_o persuade_v unto_o it_o through_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o escape_v the_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n even_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n or_o the_o direction_n of_o his_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n yet_o i_o say_v all_o this_o and_o all_o this_o add_v unto_o baptism_n accompany_v with_o a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v not_o regeneration_n nor_o do_v they_o comprise_v it_o in_o they_o and_o i_o have_v extend_v this_o assertion_n beyond_o what_o some_o among_o we_o so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v do_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v unto_o in_o their_o confuse_a notion_n and_o sophistical_a expression_n about_o morality_n when_o they_o make_v it_o the_o same_o with_o grace_n but_o whatever_o there_o may_v be_v of_o actual_a righteousness_n in_o these_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o express_v a_o inherent_a habitual_a righteousness_n which_o whosoever_o deny_v overthrow_v the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n but_o we_o must_v stay_v a_o while_n this_o assertion_n of_o we_o be_v by_o some_o not_o only_o deny_v but_o deride_v neither_o be_v that_o all_o but_o whoever_o maintain_v it_o be_v expose_v as_o a_o enemy_n to_o morality_n righteousness_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n all_o virtue_n they_o say_v be_v hereby_o exclude_v to_o introduce_v i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a godliness_n but_o whether_o we_o oppose_v or_o exclude_v moral_a virtue_n or_o no_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n or_o any_o other_o god_n and_o christ_n will_v in_o due_a time_n judge_n and_o declare_v yea_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o the_o truth_n consistent_a with_o their_o interest_n the_o decision_n of_o this_o doubt_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o their_o own_o conscience_n but_o be_v not_o free_a to_o commit_v any_o thing_n to_o that_o tribunal_n unless_o we_o have_v better_a security_n of_o its_o freedom_n from_o corrupt_a principle_n and_o prejudices_fw-la than_o we_o have_v we_o shall_v at_o present_a leave_n all_o the_o world_n to_o judge_n of_o our_o doctrine_n with_o respect_n unto_o virtue_n and_o morality_n by_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o compare_v with_o they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v deny_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o affirm_v that_o we_o design_v nothing_o in_o virtue_n and_o morality_n but_o to_o improve_v they_o by_o fix_v they_o on_o a_o proper_a foundation_n or_o engraft_v they_o into_o that_o stock_n whereon_o alone_o they_o will_v thrive_v and_o grow_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n neither_o shall_v we_o be_v move_v in_o this_o design_n by_o the_o clamorous_a or_o calumnious_a out-cry_n of_o ignorant_a or_o profligate_v person_n and_o for_o the_o assertion_n lay_v down_o i_o desire_v that_o those_o who_o despise_v and_o reproach_v it_o will_v attempt_v a_o answer_n unto_o the_o ensue_a argument_n whereby_o it_o be_v confirm_v with_o those_o other_o which_o shall_v be_v insist_v on_o in_o our_o description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n itself_o and_o that_o upon_o such_o ground_n and_o principle_n as_o be_v not_o destructive_a of_o christian_a religion_n nor_o introductive_a of_o atheism_n before_o they_o be_v too_o confident_a of_o their_o success_n sect._n 19_o if_o there_o be_v in_o and_o require_v unto_o regeneration_n the_o roman_n infusion_n of_o a_o new_a real_a spiritual_a principle_n into_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o faculty_n of_o spiritual_a life_n light_n holiness_n and_o righteousness_n dispose_v unto_o and_o suit_v for_o the_o destruction_n or_o expulsion_n of_o a_o contrary_a inbred_a habitual_a principle_n of_o sin_n and_o enmity_n against_o god_n
the_o apostle_n when_o he_o send_v he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v to_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o to_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n act_v 26._o 18._o not_o a_o light_n within_o they_o for_o internal_a light_n be_v the_o eye_n or_o see_v of_o the_o soul_n but_o the_o darkness_n be_v such_o as_o consist_v in_o their_o blindness_n in_o not_o have_v their_o eye_n open_a to_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n ephes._n 5._o 8._o you_o be_v sometime_o darkness_n but_o now_o be_v you_o light_v in_o the_o lord_n what_o be_v the_o change_n and_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n intend_v in_o this_o expression_n will_v afterward_o appear_v but_o that_o a_o great_a change_n be_v propose_v none_o can_v doubt_v col._n 1._o 13._o who_o have_v deliver_v we_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o also_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o who_o have_v call_v we_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n and_o the_o darkness_n which_o be_v in_o these_o testimony_n ascribe_v unto_o person_n in_o a_o unregenerate_a condition_n be_v by_o paul_n compare_v to_o that_o which_o be_v at_o the_o beginning_n before_o the_o creation_n of_o light_n gen._n 1._o 2._o darkness_n be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a there_o be_v no_o creature_n that_o have_v a_o visive_n faculty_n there_o be_v darkness_n subjective_o in_o all_o and_o there_o be_v no_o light_n to_o see_v by_o but_o all_o be_v objective_o wrap_v up_o in_o darkness_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n god_n by_o a_o almighty_a act_n of_o his_o power_n create_v light_n vers_n 3._o god_n say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o there_o be_v light_n and_o no_o otherwise_o be_v it_o in_o this_o new_a creation_n god_n who_o command_v then_o light_a to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n shine_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o give_v they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o spiritual_a darkness_n be_v in_o and_o upon_o all_o man_n until_o god_n by_o a_o almighty_a and_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n shine_v into_o they_o or_o create_v light_n in_o they_o and_o this_o darkness_n be_v that_o light_n within_o which_o some_o boast_n to_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o other_o sect._n 7_o to_o clear_v our_o way_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o must_v consider_v first_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o spiritual_a darkness_n what_o it_o be_v and_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v and_o then_o second_o show_v its_o efficacy_n and_o power_n in_o and_o on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o how_o they_o be_v corrupt_v by_o it_o first_o the_o term_n of_o darkness_n in_o this_o case_n be_v metaphorical_a and_o borrow_v from_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a what_o natural_a darkness_n be_v and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v all_o man_n know_v if_o they_o know_v it_o not_o in_o its_o cause_n and_o reason_n yet_o they_o know_v it_o by_o its_o effect_n they_o know_v it_o be_v that_o which_o hinder_v man_n from_o all_o regular_a operation_n which_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o outward_a sense_n and_o it_o be_v twofold_a 1._o when_o man_n have_v not_o light_a to_o see_v by_o or_o when_o the_o usual_a light_n the_o only_a external_a medium_fw-la for_o the_o discovery_n of_o distant_a object_n be_v take_v from_o they_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o egyptian_n during_o the_o three_o day_n darkness_n that_o be_v on_o their_o land_n they_o can_v not_o see_v for_o want_v of_o light_n they_o have_v their_o visive_n faculty_n continue_v unto_o they_o yet_o have_v no_o light_n they_o see_v not_o one_o another_o nor_o arise_v any_o from_o his_o place_n exod._n 10._o 23._o for_o god_n probable_o to_o augment_v the_o terror_n of_o his_o judgement_n restrain_v the_o virtue_n of_o artificial_a light_n as_o well_o as_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v natural_a 2._o there_o be_v darkness_n unto_o man_n when_o they_o be_v blind_a either_o bear_v so_o or_o make_v so_o psal._n 69._o 29._o let_v their_o eye_n be_v darken_v that_o they_o may_v not_o see_v so_o the_o angel_n smite_v the_o sodomite_n with_o blindness_n gen._n 19_o 11._o and_o paul_n the_o sorcerer_n act_v 13._o 11._o however_o the_o sun_n shine_v it_o be_v all_o one_o perpetual_a night_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v blind_a sect._n 8_o answerable_a hereunto_o spiritual_a darkness_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o two_o head_n for_o there_o be_v a_o objective_a darkness_n a_o darkness_n that_o be_v on_o man_n and_o a_o subjective_a darkness_n a_o darkness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o the_o first_o consist_v in_o the_o want_n of_o those_o mean_n whereby_o alone_o they_o may_v be_v enlighten_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n this_o be_v intend_v mat._n 4._o 16._o this_o mean_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o light_n psal._n 119._o 105._o and_o be_v say_v to_o give_v light_n psal._n 19_o 8._o or_o to_o be_v a_o light_n shine_v in_o a_o dark_a place_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 19_o and_o it_o be_v so_o term_v because_o it_o be_v the_o outward_a mean_n of_o communicate_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n what_o the_o sun_n be_v unto_o the_o world_n as_o unto_o thing_n natural_a that_o be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o unto_o man_n as_o to_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o hence_o our_o apostle_n apply_v what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n as_o to_o the_o enlighten_v of_o the_o world_n psal._n 19_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o it_o rom._n 10._o 15_o 18._o sect._n 9_o and_o this_o darkness_n be_v upon_o many_o in_o the_o world_n even_o all_o unto_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o declare_v or_o by_o who_o it_o be_v not_o receive_v where_o it_o be_v or_o have_v be_v so_o some_o i_o know_v have_v entertain_v a_o vain_a imagination_n about_o a_o saving-revelation_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n object_v to_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n it_o be_v not_o my_o purpose_n here_o to_o divert_v unto_o the_o confutation_n of_o that_o fancy_n be_v it_o so_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o save_v revelation_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n unto_o sinner_n but_o as_o he_o be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n unto_o himself_o and_o that_o so_o he_o be_v not_o make_v know_v but_o by_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n commit_v unto_o the_o dispenser_n of_o the_o gospel_n whatever_o knowledge_n therefore_o of_o god_n may_v be_v attain_v by_o the_o mean_v mention_v as_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o nature_n rule_v over_o man_n and_o require_v obedience_n from_o they_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o law_n of_o their_o creation_n yet_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o as_o a_o god_n in_o christ_n pardon_v sin_n and_o save_a sinner_n be_v attainable_a by_o the_o gospel_n only_o but_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v and_o confirm_v elsewhere_o sect._n 10_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o this_o darkness_n which_o until_o it_o be_v do_v no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o send_v the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o any_o nation_n country_n place_n or_o city_n as_o he_o please_v the_o gospel_n do_v not_o get_v ground_n in_o any_o place_n nor_o be_v restrain_v from_o any_o place_n or_o people_n by_o accident_n 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o endeavour_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v send_v and_o dispose_v of_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o gift_v call_v and_o send_v man_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v it_o act_n 13._o 2_o 4._o and_o dispose_v they_o unto_o the_o place_n where_o they_o shall_v declare_v it_o either_o by_o express_a revelation_n as_o of_o old_a act_v 16._o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o or_o guide_v they_o by_o the_o secret_a operation_n of_o his_o providence_n thus_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o time_n place_n and_o person_n depend_v on_o his_o sovereign_a pleasure_n psal._n 147._o 19_o 20._o wherefore_o although_o we_o be_v to_o take_v care_n and_o pray_v much_o about_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o any_o place_n and_o its_o propagation_n in_o other_o yet_o need_v we_o not_o to_o be_v over-solicitous_a about_o it_o this_o work_n and_o care_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v take_v on_o himself_o and_o will_v carry_v it_o on_o according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o his_o purpose_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n
christ_n in_o this_o world_n and_o thus_o far_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v only_o a_o causa_fw-la sine_fw-la qua_fw-la non_fw-la of_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n and_o the_o grant_n of_o it_o depend_v sole_o on_o the_o will_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n sect._n 11_o it_o be_v subjective_a darkness_n which_o be_v of_o more_o direct_a and_o immediate_a consideration_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o nature_n whereof_o with_o what_o it_o do_v respect_n and_o the_o influence_n of_o it_o on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n must_v be_v declare_v before_o we_o can_v right_o apprehend_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o its_o removal_n by_o regeneration_n this_o be_v that_o whereby_o the_o scripture_n express_v the_o natural_a depravation_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o the_o duty_n that_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v to_o our_o consideration_n of_o it_o as_o sect._n 12_o 1._o that_o i_o shall_v not_o treat_v of_o the_o depravation_n or_o corruption_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o fall_n with_o respect_n unto_o thing_n natural_a civil_a political_n or_o moral_a but_o mere_o with_o regard_n to_o thing_n spiritual_a heavenly_a and_o evangelical_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o evince_v not_o only_o by_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n build_v on_o reason_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o instance_n innumerable_a that_o the_o whole_a rational_a soul_n of_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n and_o by_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n be_v weaken_v impair_v vitiate_a in_o all_o its_o faculty_n and_o all_o their_o operation_n about_o their_o proper_a and_o natural_a object_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o relief_n against_o these_o evil_n with_o all_o those_o unavoidable_a perturbation_n wherewith_o it_o be_v possess_v and_o actual_o disorder_v in_o all_o its_o work_n but_o by_o some_o secret_a and_o hide_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n such_o as_o he_o continual_o exert_v in_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o impotency_n defect_n depravation_n and_o perversity_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n alone_o that_o we_o shall_v treat_v at_o present_a i_o say_v then_o sect._n 13_o 2._o that_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o vice_n corruption_n or_o depravation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o unregenerate_a man_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v darkness_n and_o blindness_n they_o be_v not_o able_a of_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n however_o exercise_v and_o improve_v to_o discern_v receive_v understand_v or_o believe_v save_o spiritual_a thing_n or_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o and_o as_o they_o be_v outward_o reveal_v unto_o they_o without_o a_o effectual_a powerful_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n create_v or_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n induce_v a_o new_a save_v light_n into_o they_o cantie_a let_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n be_v no_o way_n hurt_v or_o impair_v by_o any_o natural_a defect_n such_o as_o do_v not_o attend_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n but_o be_v personal_a only_a and_o accidental_a suppose_v it_o free_a from_o contract_a habit_n of_o vice_n or_o voluntary_a prejudices_fw-la yet_o upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n let_v it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o most_o skilful_a master_n of_o the_o assembly_n with_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o able_a of_o itself_o spiritual_o and_o save_o to_o receive_v understand_v and_o assent_v unto_o they_o without_o the_o especial_a 25._o aid_n and_o assistance_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o evince_v this_o truth_n we_o may_v consider_v in_o one_o instance_n the_o description_n give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o mind_n itself_o and_o of_o its_o operation_n with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n this_o we_o have_v ephes._n 4._o 17._o 18._o this_o i_o say_v therefore_o and_o testify_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o henceforth_o walk_v not_o as_o other_o gentile_n walk_v in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n have_v the_o understanding_n darken_v be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v of_o the_o gentile_n that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v but_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o which_o be_v common_a unto_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n for_o he_o treat_v of_o their_o condition_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o faculty_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o soul_n wherein_o there_o be_v as_o unto_o the_o life_n of_o god_n or_o spiritual_a thing_n no_o difference_n natural_o among_o man_n and_o their_o operation_n and_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o the_o same_o sect._n 14_o some_o indeed_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o this_o text_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v do_v we_o not_o live_v after_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o vileness_n of_o those_o practice_n and_o in_o their_o idol_n worship_n that_o long_a course_n of_o sin_n have_v blind_v their_o understanding_n so_o that_o they_o see_v not_o that_o which_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o see_v and_o by_o that_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o obduration_n of_o heart_n run_v into_o all_o impiety_n be_v far_o remove_v from_o that_o life_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n require_v of_o they_o it_o be_v suppose_v in_o this_o exposition_n 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v respect_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o gentile_n not_o to_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n 2._o that_o this_o practice_n concern_v only_o their_o idolatry_n and_o idol-worship_n 3._o that_o what_o be_v here_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o come_v upon_o they_o by_o a_o long_a course_n of_o sin_v 4._o that_o the_o darkness_n mention_v consist_v in_o a_o not_o discern_v of_o what_o may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 5._o that_o their_o alienation_n from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o run_v into_o that_o impiety_n which_o be_v distant_a or_o remove_v from_o the_o life_n that_o god_n and_o nature_n require_v but_o all_o these_o sentiment_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o text_n as_o that_o they_o be_v express_o contrary_a unto_o it_o for_o 1._o although_o the_o apostle_n do_v carry_v on_o his_o description_n of_o this_o state_n of_o the_o gentile_n unto_o the_o vile_a practice_n that_o ensue_v thereon_o on_o v_o 19_o yet_o it_o be_v their_o state_n by_o nature_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o life_n of_o god_n which_o be_v first_o intend_v by_o he_o this_o be_v apparent_a from_o what_o he_o prescribe_v unto_o christian_n in_o opposition_n thereunto_o namely_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o rightcousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n v_o 24._o 2._o the_o vanity_n mention_v be_v subjective_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o idol-worship_n but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n thereof_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v the_o principle_n whereof_o this_o walk_n be_v what_o it_o will_v be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequent_a 3._o here_o be_v no_o mention_n nor_o intimation_n of_o any_o long_a course_n of_o sin_v much_o less_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o other_o thing_n ascribe_v to_o the_o gentile_n whereof_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n the_o description_n give_v be_v that_o of_o the_o state_n of_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o chap._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3._o 4._o the_o darkness_n here_o mention_v be_v oppose_v unto_o be_v light_n in_o the_o lord_n chap._n 5._o 8._o which_o be_v not_o mere_a natural_a light_n nor_o can_v any_o by_o that_o light_n alone_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n or_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n 5._o the_o life_n of_o god_n here_o be_v not_o that_o life_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n require_v but_o that_o life_n which_o god_n reveal_v in_o require_v and_o communicate_v by_o the_o gospel_n through_o jesus_n christ_n as_o all_o learned_a expositor_n acknowledge_v wherefore_o the_o apostle_n treat_v here_o of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n by_o nature_n with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a thing_n and_o three_o head_n he_o reduce_v all_o thing_n in_o man_n unto_o 1._o he_o mention_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o mind_n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o understanding_n and_o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o heart_n and_o all_o these_o be_v one_o entire_a principle_n of_o all_o our_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a operation_n and_o be_v all_o affect_v
reason_n of_o the_o darkness_n that_o it_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o can_v neither_o discern_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o be_v propose_v unto_o it_o nor_o have_v any_o affection_n whereunto_o they_o be_v proper_a and_o suit_v so_o that_o the_o soul_n shall_v go_v forth_o after_o they_o hereby_o this_o prejudice_n become_v invincible_a in_o their_o soul_n they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v nor_o will_v admit_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o all_o thing_n wherein_o they_o hope_v or_o look_v for_o satisfaction_n and_o man_n do_v but_o please_v themselves_o with_o dream_n and_o fancy_n who_o talk_v of_o such_o a_o reasonableness_n and_o excellency_n in_o gospel-truths_n as_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n will_v discern_v such_o a_o suitableness_n in_o they_o unto_o itself_o so_o as_o thereon_o to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v they_o nor_o do_v any_o for_o the_o most_o part_n give_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o prevalency_n of_o the_o darkness_n and_o enmity_n that_o be_v in_o carnal_a mind_n against_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o their_o life_n and_o power_n than_o those_o who_o most_o pride_n and_o please_v themselves_o in_o such_o discourse_n sect._n 55_o 2_o the_o mind_n by_o this_o darkness_n be_v fill_v with_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n the_o hide_a spiritual_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o it_o as_o natural_a man_n can_v receive_v so_o they_o do_v despise_v it_o and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o its_o declaration_n they_o look_v upon_o as_o empty_a and_o unintelligible_a notion_n and_o this_o be_v that_o prejudice_n whereby_o this_o darkness_n prevail_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n otherwise_o know_v and_o learned_a it_o have_v do_v so_o in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o none_o more_o effectual_o than_o in_o that_o which_o be_v present_a but_o there_o be_v a_o sacred_a mysterious_a spiritual_a wisdom_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o this_o be_v fanatical_a chimerical_a and_o foolish_a to_o the_o wise_a in_o the_o world_n whilst_o they_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o darkness_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n hereof_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 1_o cor._n 1_o &_o 2._o for_o he_o direct_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n that_o this_o wisdom_n can_v be_v discern_v nor_o understand_v by_o the_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o be_v weakness_n and_o foolishness_n unto_o they_o and_o that_o which_o be_v foolish_a be_v to_o be_v despise_v yea_o folly_n be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o contempt_n and_o hence_o we_o see_v that_o some_o with_o the_o great_a pride_n scorn_n and_o contempt_n imaginable_a do_v despise_v the_o purity_n simplicity_n and_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o yet_o profess_v they_o believe_v it_o but_o to_o clear_v the_o whole_a nature_n of_o this_o prejudice_n some_o few_o thing_n may_v be_v distinct_o observe_v sect._n 56_o 1._o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o thing_n declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n first_o such_o as_o be_v absolute_o its_o own_o that_o be_v proper_a and_o peculiar_a unto_o it_o such_o as_o have_v no_o footstep_n in_o the_o law_n or_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o be_v of_o a_o pure_a revelation_n peculiar_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v all_o thing_n concern_v the_o love_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o mystery_n of_o his_o incarnation_n of_o his_o office_n and_o whole_a mediation_n of_o the_o dispensation_n on_o the_o spirit_n and_o our_o participation_n thereof_o and_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n thereby_o our_o adoption_n justification_n and_o effectual_a sanctification_n thence_o proceed_v in_o brief_a every_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o purchase_n and_o application_n of_o saving-grace_n be_v of_o this_o sort_n these_o thing_n be_v pure_o and_o proper_o evangelical_n peculiar_a to_o the_o gospel_n alone_o hence_o the_o apostle_n paul_n unto_o who_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v put_v that_o eminency_n upon_o they_o that_o in_o comparison_n he_o resolve_v to_o insist_v on_o nothing_o else_o in_o his_o preach_v 1_o cor._n 2._o 2._o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n do_v he_o describe_v his_o ministry_n ephes._n 3._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o sect._n 57_o 2._o there_o be_v such_o thing_n declare_v and_o enjoin_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n such_o be_v all_o the_o moral_a duty_n which_o be_v teach_v therein_o and_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v observe_v concern_v they_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n know_v unto_o man_n aliunde_fw-la from_o other_o principle_n the_o inbred_a concreated_a light_n of_o nature_n do_v though_o obscure_o teach_v and_o confirm_v they_o so_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o mankind_n in_o general_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 1._o 19_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o themselves_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o god_n render_v our_o moral_a duty_n to_o he_o necessary_a be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o same_o light_n be_v man_n able_a to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o their_o action_n whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o light_n which_o some_o boast_n of_o as_o they_o will_v one_o day_n find_v to_o their_o disappointment_n 2._o there_o be_v on_o all_o man_n a_o obligation_n unto_o obedience_n answerable_a to_o their_o light_n concern_v these_o thing_n the_o same_o law_n and_o light_n which_o discover_v these_o thing_n do_v also_o enjoin_v their_o observance_n thus_o be_v it_o with_o all_o man_n antecedent_o unto_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o they_o in_o this_o estate_n of_o gospel_n superadd_v two_o thing_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n 1._o it_o direct_v we_o unto_o a_o right_a performance_n of_o these_o thing_n from_o a_o right_a principle_n by_o a_o right_a rule_n and_o to_o a_o right_a end_n and_o purpose_n so_o that_o they_o and_o we_o in_o they_o may_v obtain_v acceptance_n with_o god_n hereby_o it_o give_v they_o a_o new_a nature_n and_o turn_v moral_a duty_n into_o evangelical_n obedience_n 2._o by_o a_o communication_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o be_v annex_v unto_o its_o dispensation_n it_o supply_v we_o with_o strength_n for_o their_o performance_n in_o the_o manner_n it_o prescribe_v sect._n 58_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n first_o it_o propose_v and_o declare_v thing_n which_o be_v proper_o and_o peculiar_o its_o own_o so_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o the_o constant_a entrance_n of_o his_o preach_v 1_o cor._n 15._o 3._o it_o reveal_v its_o own_o mystery_n to_o lay_v they_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n it_o inlaye_v they_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o thereby_o conform_v the_o whole_a soul_n unto_o they_o see_v rom._n 6._o 17._o gal._n 4._o 19_o tit._n 2._o 11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 11._o 2_o cor._n 3._o 18._o this_o foundation_n be_v lay_v without_o which_o it_o have_v as_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nor_o will_v proceed_v unto_o any_o other_o thing_n with_o they_o by_o who_o this_o its_o first_o work_n be_v refuse_v it_o than_o graft_v all_o duty_n of_o moral_a obedience_n on_o this_o stock_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n jesus_n this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n observe_v in_o all_o his_o epistle_n first_o he_o declare_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o descend_v unto_o those_o moral_a duty_n which_o be_v regulate_v thereby_o but_o the_o prejudice_n we_o mention_v invert_v the_o order_n of_o these_o thing_n those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o when_o on_o various_a account_n they_o give_v admittance_n unto_o the_o gospel_n in_o general_n yet_o they_o fix_v their_o mind_n first_o and_o principal_o on_o the_o thing_n which_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n these_o they_o know_v and_o have_v some_o acquaintance_n with_o in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o cry_v they_o up_o although_o not_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n nor_o to_o their_o proper_a end_n these_o they_o make_v the_o foundation_n according_a to_o the_o place_n which_o they_o hold_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o covenant_n of_o work_n whereas_o the_o gospel_n allow_v they_o to_o be_v only_o necessary_a superstruction_n on_o the_o foundation_n but_o resolve_v to_o give_v unto_o moral_a duty_n the_o
pre-eminence_n in_o their_o mind_n they_o consider_v afterward_o the_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o effect_n for_o 1._o some_o in_o a_o manner_n whole_o despise_v they_o reproach_v those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v singular_o profess_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o be_v of_o no_o importance_n in_o their_o judgement_n compare_v with_o the_o more_o necessary_a duty_n of_o morality_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o embrace_v and_o to_o acquit_v themselves_o of_o the_o trouble_n of_o a_o search_n into_o they_o reject_v they_o as_o unintelligible_a or_o unnecessary_a or_o 2._o they_o will_v by_o force_a interpretation_n enervate_v the_o spirit_n and_o pervert_v the_o mystery_n of_o they_o square_a and_o fit_v they_o to_o their_o own_o low_a and_o carnal_a apprehension_n they_o will_v reduce_v the_o gospel_n and_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o to_o their_o own_o light_n as_o some_o to_o reason_n as_o other_o to_o philosophy_n as_o the_o rest_n and_o let_v they_o who_o comply_v not_o with_o their_o weak_a and_o carnal_a notion_n of_o thing_n expect_v all_o the_o contemptuous_a reproach_n which_o the_o proud_a pretender_n unto_o science_n and_o wisdom_n of_o old_a cast_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n hereby_o advance_v morality_n above_o the_o mystery_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o at_o once_o reject_v the_o gospel_n and_o destroy_v morality_n also_o for_o take_v it_o off_o from_o its_o proper_a foundation_n it_o fall_v into_o the_o dirt_n whereof_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o persuasion_n be_v no_o small_a evidence_n sect._n 59_o from_o this_o prejudice_n it_o be_v that_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v by_o many_o despise_a and_o contemn_v so_o god_n speak_v of_o ephraim_n hos._n 8._o 12._o i_o have_v write_v to_o he_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n but_o they_o be_v count_v as_o a_o strange_a thing_n the_o thing_n intend_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a manifold_a various_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n that_o which_o the_o law_n be_v then_o unto_o that_o people_n that_o be_v the_o gospel_n now_o unto_o we_o the_o torah_n be_v the_o entire_a mean_n of_o god_n communicate_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o they_o as_o his_o whole_a counsel_n be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n these_o thing_n he_o write_v unto_o they_o or_o make_v they_o in_o themselves_o and_o their_o revelation_n plain_a and_o perspicuous_a but_o when_o all_o be_v do_v they_o be_v esteem_v by_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v also_o the_o gospel_n a_o thing_n foreign_a and_o alien_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o they_o intend_v not_o to_o concern_v themselves_o in_o they_o will_v heed_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v cognate_n unto_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o nature_n thing_n moral_o good_a or_o evil_a but_o for_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v esteem_v by_o they_o as_o a_o strange_a thing_n and_o innumerable_a other_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o same_o nature_n do_v this_o darkness_n fill_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n withal_o whereby_o they_o be_v powerful_o and_o as_o unto_o any_o light_n or_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o invincible_o keep_v off_o from_o receive_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n sect._n 60_o again_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o this_o darkness_n in_o and_o upon_o the_o soul_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n will_v be_v far_o evidence_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o especial_a subject_n or_o the_o nature_n and_o use_v of_o that_o faculty_n which_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o this_o be_v the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n light_a and_o knowledge_n be_v intellectual_a virtue_n or_o perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o that_o in_o every_o kind_a whatever_o whether_o in_o thing_n natural_a moral_a or_o spiritual_a the_o darkness_n whereof_o we_o treat_v be_v the_o privation_n of_o spiritual_a light_n or_o the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v they_o oppose_v unto_o one_o another_o you_o be_v darkness_n but_o be_v light_n in_o the_o lord_n ephes._n 5._o 8._o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n which_o be_v affect_v with_o this_o darkness_n which_o be_v vitiate_a and_o deprave_a by_o it_o now_o the_o mind_n may_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n 1._o as_o it_o be_v theoretical_a or_o contemplative_a discern_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n propose_v unto_o it_o so_o it_o be_v its_o office_n to_o find_v out_o consider_v discern_v and_o apprehend_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o apprehend_v understand_v and_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o be_v propose_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o and_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o proposal_n this_o as_o we_o have_v manifest_v by_o reason_n of_o its_o depravation_n it_o neither_o do_v nor_o be_v able_a to_o do_v john_n 1._o 5._o 2_o cor._n 2._o 14._o 2._o it_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o it_o be_v practical_a as_o to_o the_o power_n it_o have_v to_o direct_v the_o whole_a soul_n and_o determine_v the_o will_n unto_o actual_a operation_n according_a to_o its_o light_n i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v at_o present_a whether_o the_o will_v as_o to_o the_o specification_n of_o its_o act_n do_v necessary_o follow_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o practical_a understanding_n i_o be_o at_o no_o more_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o directive_n faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o unto_o all_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a operation_n hence_o it_o follow_v sect._n 61_o 1._o that_o nothing_o in_o the_o soul_n not_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n can_v will_n desire_n or_o cleave_v unto_o any_o good_a but_o what_o be_v present_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o mind_n and_o as_o it_o be_v present_v that_o good_a whatever_o it_o be_v which_o the_o mind_n can_v discover_v the_o will_n can_v choose_v nor_o the_o affection_n cleave_v unto_o all_o their_o act_n about_o and_o concern_v they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o answer_v their_o duty_n this_o our_o saviour_n direct_v we_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o mat._n 6._o 22_o 23._o the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n be_v the_o eye_n if_o therefore_o thy_o eye_n be_v single_a the_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o light_n but_o if_o thy_o eye_n be_v evil_a the_o whole_a body_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o darkness_n if_o therefore_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n how_o great_a be_v that_o darkness_n as_o the_o eye_n be_v natural_o the_o light_n of_o the_o body_n or_o the_o mean_n thereof_o so_o be_v the_o mind_n unto_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o darkness_n be_v in_o the_o eye_n not_o only_o the_o eye_n but_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v in_o darkness_n because_o in_o the_o eye_n alone_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o if_o the_o mind_n be_v under_o darkness_n the_o whole_a soul_n be_v so_o also_o because_o it_o have_v no_o light_n but_o by_o the_o mind_n and_o hence_o both_o be_v illumination_n sometime_o take_v for_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o conversion_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o spiritual_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v constant_o propose_v as_o those_o which_o precede_v any_o gracious_a act_n in_o the_o will_n heart_n and_o life_n as_o we_o shall_v show_v afterward_o 2._o as_o the_o soul_n can_v no_o way_n by_o any_o other_o of_o its_o faculty_n receive_v embrace_v or_o adhere_v unto_o that_o good_a in_o a_o save_a manner_n which_o the_o mind_n do_v not_o saving_o apprehend_v so_o where_o the_o mind_n be_v practical_o deceive_v or_o any_o way_n captivate_v under_o the_o power_n of_o prejudices_fw-la the_o will_n and_o the_o affection_n can_v no_o way_n free_v themselves_o from_o entertain_v that_o evil_n which_o the_o mind_n have_v perverse_o assent_v unto_o thus_o where_o the_o mind_n be_v reprobate_a or_o void_a of_o a_o sound_a judgement_n so_o as_o to_o call_v god_n evil_a and_o evil_a good_a the_o heart_n affection_n and_o conversation_n will_v be_v conformable_a thereunto_o rom._n 1._o 28_o 29._o and_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o deceit_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v common_o lay_v down_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o sin_n whatever_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 14._o heb._n 3._o 12_o 13._o 2_o cor._n 11._o 3._o sect._n 62_o and_o this_o be_v a_o brief_a delineation_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whilst_o unregenerate_a with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o from_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v we_o do_v conclude_v that_o the_o mind_n in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n be_v so_o deprave_a vitiate_a and_o corrupt_a that_o it_o be_v not_o able_a upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n unto_o it_o in_o the_o dispensation_n