of_o it_o imperceptible_a then_o every_o admonition_n from_o the_o pulpit_n every_o wholesome_a law_n every_o advice_n from_o a_o friend_n or_o a_o parent_n every_o good_a book_n every_o pious_a example_n every_o motion_n and_o intention_n to_o do_v well_o every_o conviction_n or_o check_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n be_v a_o blow_v of_o this_o wind_n a_o call_v or_o impulse_n from_o above_o and_o as_o often_o as_o any_o man_n refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o these_o thing_n so_o often_o he_o resist_v god_n and_o quench_v his_o spirit_n within_o himself_o three_o this_o show_v we_o what_o course_n man_n shall_v take_v in_o order_n to_o get_v or_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n for_o since_o god_n work_v by_o and_o with_o his_o ordinance_n our_o business_n must_v be_v to_o use_v the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o other_o mean_n of_o grace_n diligent_o to_o seek_v he_o there_o to_o put_v to_o the_o shoulder_n and_o do_v our_o part_n resolute_o and_o manful_o and_o then_o not_o doubt_v his_o assistance_n for_o upon_o these_o term_n we_o may_v depend_v upon_o it_o that_o he_o will_v forward_o and_o strengthen_v our_o good_a intention_n and_o since_o he_o create_v all_o our_o work_n in_o we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o finish_v what_o he_o himself_o have_v begin_v but_o will_v perform_v and_o continue_v it_o until_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o in_o that_o day_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o merit_n will_v most_o assure_o crown_v we_o and_o our_o labour_n with_o everlasting_a glory_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n viii_o the_o condition_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o second_o birth_n st._n john_n i._n 12_o 13._o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n the_o evangelist_n after_o have_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n with_o great_a exactness_n declare_v the_o eternal_a divinity_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a person_n testify_v of_o by_o the_o baptist_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o word_n be_v no_o other_o than_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a and_o have_v likewise_o speak_v of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n he_o mention_n here_o with_o what_o different_a success_n he_o do_v it_o some_o that_o be_v more_o peculiar_o oblige_v and_o most_o near_o relate_v to_o he_o from_o who_o a_o honourable_a reception_n may_v most_o reasonable_o be_v expect_v give_v he_o no_o respect_n no_o entertainment_n at_o all_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o perverse_a jew_n who_o god_n have_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o and_o single_v out_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o which_o reason_n they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o 11_o verse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o proper_a possession_n christ_n be_v refuse_v there_o be_v a_o indignity_n like_o that_o of_o a_o man_n be_v drive_v or_o shut_v out_o of_o his_o demesne_n or_o dwellinghouse_n he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o the_o loss_n however_o be_v not_o he_o but_o they_o in_o deny_v he_o they_o deny_v their_o own_o happiness_n which_o be_v so_o great_a so_o evident_a that_o st._n john_n think_v no_o other_o expression_n of_o their_o misery_n and_o punishment_n be_v needful_a than_o only_o to_o describe_v the_o privilege_n of_o those_o who_o behave_v themselves_o more_o kind_o and_o dutiful_o to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o text_n itself_o but_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n and_o due_a improvement_n whereof_o it_o will_v be_v expedient_a to_o consider_v the_o follow_a particular_n first_o the_o person_n who_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o benefit_n by_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n they_o who_o receive_v he_o and_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n second_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o benefit_n which_o they_o obtain_v by_o so_o do_v to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n three_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o sonship_n be_v confer_v they_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n four_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o privilege_n he_o give_v it_o to_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v and_o believe_v on_o he_o i._o the_o first_o thing_n we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v upon_o this_o occasion_n be_v who_o those_o person_n be_v to_o who_o the_o advantage_n of_o christianity_n belong_v or_o what_o that_o condition_n be_v which_o must_v qualify_v man_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n this_o the_o text_n have_v express_v in_o those_o word_n who_o receive_v he_o and_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n now_o these_o be_v term_n explanatory_a of_o one_o another_o and_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v therefore_o say_v not_o to_o have_v receive_v he_o because_o they_o believe_v he_o not_o but_o reject_v his_o authority_n and_o doctrine_n so_o faith_n in_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o obedience_n to_o what_o he_o have_v command_v be_v the_o mark_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o receive_v he_o and_o these_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o mere_a give_v he_o the_o hear_n and_o forbear_v all_o public_a and_o malicious_a opposition_n to_o his_o word_n but_o in_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o his_o promise_n expect_v salvation_n from_o that_o name_n and_o no_o other_o and_o diligent_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v all_o that_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n all_z that_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v any_o way_n contribute_v to_o the_o render_v what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v effectual_a in_o our_o own_o particular_a case_n that_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o phrase_n be_v manifest_a to_o any_o man_n who_o will_v consider_v it_o close_o for_o to_o receive_v christ_n be_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o he_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o he_o in_o all_o those_o capacity_n which_o god_n have_v place_v he_o over_o we_o in_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o our_o prophet_n imply_v a_o firm_a adherence_n to_o the_o whole_a of_o that_o message_n which_o he_o have_v bring_v we_o from_o heaven_n to_o own_o his_o divine_a commission_n and_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o our_o priest_n be_v to_o rely_v upon_o his_o most_o meritorious_a sacrifice_n to_o confess_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o atonement_n and_o to_o detest_v and_o forsake_v those_o sin_n for_o which_o he_o have_v make_v so_o perfect_a but_o withal_o so_o severe_a and_o painful_a a_o expiation_n to_o receive_v he_o as_o our_o king_n be_v to_o own_o his_o legislative_a power_n to_o pay_v he_o strict_a fidelity_n and_o allegiance_n to_o bring_v all_o our_o passion_n and_o interest_n under_o subjection_n to_o his_o will_n and_o suffer_v no_o rebellious_a appetite_n to_o raise_v wicked_a sedition_n or_o tempt_v we_o to_o unfaithfulness_n and_o disloyalty_n against_o he_o the_o same_o be_v likewise_o necessary_o consequent_a upon_o believe_v for_o since_o the_o object_n of_o all_o faith_n be_v credible_a testimony_n and_o that_o of_o religious_a faith_n be_v divine_a revelation_n he_o who_o act_n or_o entertain_v persuasion_n contrary_a to_o or_o derogate_a from_o what_o god_n have_v declare_v in_o christ_n can_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o believer_n on_o his_o name_n if_o therefore_o god_n have_v make_v something_o else_o necessary_a beside_o a_o bare_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n all_o that_o must_v needs_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n and_o be_v include_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n if_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o in_o one_o place_n as_o he_o do_v here_o particular_o that_o by_o believe_a man_n acquire_v the_o privilege_n of_o become_a son_n of_o god_n and_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n say_v positive_o in_o another_o as_o in_o the_o three_o of_o this_o gospel_n at_o the_o five_o verse_n we_o find_v he_o do_v that_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o this_o belief_n must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v accompany_v with_o and_o evidence_v by_o a_o solemn_a enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o baptism_n
as_o ever_o we_o have_v do_v former_o to_o that_o of_o our_o lust_n by_o stem_v the_o torrent_n of_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n and_o endeavour_v with_o all_o our_o might_n to_o promote_v goodness_n in_o the_o world_n particular_o by_o be_v eminent_o conspicuous_a in_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v most_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o vice_n we_o former_o indulge_v and_o by_o our_o active_a indefatigable_a charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o brethren_n give_v testimony_n how_o just_a a_o value_n we_o set_v upon_o the_o deliverance_n of_o our_o own_o in_o our_o mighty_a care_n to_o rescue_v they_o thus_o far_o st._n peter_n example_n lead_v we_o but_o even_o when_o we_o have_v follow_v it_o thus_o far_o we_o may_v not_o suppose_v that_o our_o pardon_n and_o good_a acceptance_n be_v due_a to_o any_o desert_n of_o our_o own_o good_a work_n or_o that_o our_o deep_a sorrow_n can_v proper_o speak_v have_v in_o it_o any_o thing_n of_o satisfaction_n for_o as_o 32._o as_o luke_n xxii_o 32._o st._n peter_n faith_n do_v therefore_o not_o fail_v because_o christ_n pray_v that_o it_o may_v not_o so_o our_o restoration_n and_o the_o essicacy_n of_o our_o repentance_n be_v entire_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o merit_n and_o intercession_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a saviour_n he_o only_o can_v take_v up_o this_o quarrel_n between_o offend_a god_n and_o sinful_a man_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v god_n most_o easy_a of_o access_n and_o be_v suffer_v to_o draw_v so_o near_o as_o even_o to_o be_v mystical_o unite_v to_o he_o and_o feed_v by_o he_o let_v we_o not_o forget_v to_o beg_v that_o the_o intolerable_a burden_n of_o our_o sin_n may_v be_v remove_v not_o in_o presumption_n of_o our_o own_o righteousness_n but_o in_o confidence_n of_o his_o manifold_a and_o great_a mercy_n humble_o beseech_v he_o that_o for_o his_o son_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sake_n he_o will_v forgive_v we_o all_o that_o be_v past_a and_o grant_v that_o we_o may_v ever_o hereafter_o serve_v and_o please_v he_o in_o newness_n of_o life_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o holy_a name_n through_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o sermon_n vii_o the_o certainty_n and_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n st._n john_n iii_o 8._o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o lift_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n when_o we_o read_v of_o nicodemus_n adventure_v to_o visit_n jesus_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o conviction_n his_o miracle_n have_v wrought_v upon_o some_o of_o the_o beholder_n that_o they_o conclude_v from_o hence_o his_o mission_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v divine_a it_o be_v plain_a somewhat_o more_o than_o mere_a curiosity_n draw_v he_o to_o this_o conference_n desire_v he_o have_v though_o as_o yet_o but_o imperfect_a of_o better_a instruction_n but_o such_o as_o they_o be_v our_o saviour_n do_v not_o disdain_v to_o gratify_v they_o in_o enter_v upon_o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o kingdom_n which_o it_o be_v his_o design_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o that_o god_n from_o who_o he_o come_v a_o teacher_n whether_o nicodemus_n have_v inquire_v into_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o prepare_v man_n for_o and_o admit_v they_o into_o this_o kingdom_n we_o know_v not_o or_o whether_o christ_n of_o his_o own_o accord_n fall_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o point_n the_o most_o improve_n the_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v first_o understand_v and_o most_o pertinent_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o steal_v this_o visit_n nor_o be_v it_o material_a for_o st._n john_n to_o acquaint_v we_o that_o which_o be_v of_o much_o great_a consequence_n be_v that_o he_o make_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o see_v that_o kingdom_n v._n 3_o and_o this_o deserve_v the_o great_a attention_n because_o a_o master_n in_o israel_n mistake_v it_o as_o if_o god_n have_v intend_v the_o impossibility_n or_o at_o least_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o absurd_a to_o propose_v it_o of_o go_v through_o the_o course_n of_o a_o natural_a birth_n the_o second_o time_n v._n 4._o from_o that_o wild_a misconstruction_n our_o lord_n deliver_v himself_o and_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n that_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o wash_v of_o baptism_n outward_o and_o the_o inward_a sanctification_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o principle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v effect_v v._n 5._o that_o can_v it_o be_v compass_v in_o that_o gross_a way_n nicodemus_n misapprehend_v yet_o that_o will_v be_v of_o no_o efficacy_n no_o advantage_n at_o all_o in_o this_o case_n for_o since_o in_o all_o production_n the_o thing_n bear_v receive_v the_o nature_n and_o resemblance_n of_o that_o whence_o it_o be_v be_v be_v derive_v flesh_n can_v only_o produce_v flesh_n but_o the_o new_a creature_n which_o god_n require_v consist_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o to_o bring_v forth_o a_o new_a spirit_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o vital_a principle_n shall_v be_v a_o spirit_n v._n 6._o and_o however_o he_o may_v find_v some_o difficulty_n in_o assent_v to_o this_o because_o neither_o the_o cause_n nor_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o the_o bodily_a sense_n yet_o be_v not_o that_o any_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o fact_n a_o very_a familiar_a instance_n whereof_o he_o allege_v in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n which_o be_v thus_o introduce_v by_o the_o seven_o verse_n marvel_v not_o that_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o you_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n plain_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n a_o similitude_n and_o the_o application_n and_o my_o discourse_n upon_o they_o shall_v according_o distribute_v itself_o into_o these_o two_o head_n first_o from_o the_o similitude_n i_o shall_v draw_v some_o general_a conclusion_n which_o may_v direct_v we_o in_o our_o contemplation_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o especial_o that_o of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o our_o lord_n argument_n with_o nicodemus_n second_o from_o the_o application_n i_o shall_v consider_v how_o far_o the_o property_n of_o the_o wind_n mention_v here_o will_v give_v we_o any_o just_a ground_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v working_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n i._o i_o begin_v with_o some_o general_n conclusion_n draw_v from_o the_o similitude_n itself_o such_o as_o may_v direct_v we_o in_o our_o contemplation_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o that_o of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o our_o lord_n argument_n with_o nicodemus_n and_o these_o conclusion_n be_v as_o follow_v 1._o first_o a_o man_n may_v have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o assure_v himself_o that_o a_o thing_n real_o be_v without_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v indeed_o one_o and_o a_o very_a satisfactory_a way_n of_o come_v to_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o its_o nature_n but_o this_o be_v but_o one_o way_n of_o many_o and_o some_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v come_v at_o this_o way_n may_v be_v so_o certain_a to_o we_o that_o it_o will_v be_v the_o extremity_n of_o a_o obstinate_a singularity_n to_o deny_v they_o for_o as_o thing_n have_v cause_n so_o have_v they_o likewise_o effect_n and_o property_n and_o other_o character_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v and_o it_o be_v enough_o in_o all_o conscience_n if_o any_o of_o these_o give_v evidence_n of_o their_o exi_n for_o we_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o sure_a that_o what_o have_v no_o be_v of_o its_o own_n can_v have_v property_n and_o effect_n as_o we_o be_v that_o it_o can_v never_o have_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v able_a to_o assign_v any_o such_o property_n or_o effect_n that_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o instance_n very_o few_o if_o any_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a have_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o original_a of_o wind_n but_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o one_o philosopher_n be_v dislike_v and_o explode_v by_o another_o now_o though_o these_o curious_a searcher_n into_o nature_n can_v agree_v whence_o they_o come_v and_o whither_o they_o go_v yet_o herein_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o come_v and_o go_v they_o do_v this_o they_o know_v without_o any_o search_n and_o the_o unlettered_a part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v neither_o capacity_n
not_o visible_a to_o we_o yet_o the_o fruit_n be_v and_o since_o those_o practice_n be_v the_o genuine_a product_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o can_v be_v produce_v from_o any_o other_o principle_n to_o attribute_v they_o to_o nature_n or_o to_o any_o thing_n beside_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o grape_n may_v be_v gather_v of_o thorn_n and_o fig_n of_o thistle_n for_o it_o be_v this_o good_a tree_n alone_o that_o can_v bring_v forth_o those_o good_a fruit_n and_o if_o by_o the_o fruit_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_o to_o be_v know_v our_o saviour_n will_v never_o have_v confirm_v nor_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n have_v agree_v in_o make_v good_a and_o evil_a action_n a_o infallible_a character_n whereby_o to_o distinguish_v the_o spirit_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v and_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o this_o particular_a be_v that_o if_o such_o good_a practice_n where_o they_o be_v conspicuous_a declare_v that_o they_o 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nicety_n and_o mere_a speculation_n let_v we_o put_v the_o case_n that_o a_o pilot_n or_o a_o husbandman_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o dark_a cavern_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o see_v vapour_n there_o engender_v into_o wind_n what_o benefit_n will_v humane_a life_n receive_v from_o any_o intelligence_n he_o can_v bring_v from_o thence_o can_v such_o a_o one_o swell_v his_o sail_n or_o make_v more_o way_n with_o a_o convenient_a gale_n can_v he_o bid_v the_o tempest_n be_v still_o or_o smooth_v the_o face_n of_o the_o deep_a for_o be_v let_v into_o this_o secret_n can_v the_o farmer_n secure_v his_o fruit_n from_o a_o blast_n any_o more_o than_o he_o can_v now_o the_o same_o method_n will_v still_o obtain_v in_o each_o profession_n and_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o efficacy_n they_o will_v have_v why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v so_o in_o religion_n too_o the_o cause_n when_o see_v will_v be_v the_o same_o they_o be_v now_o our_o knowledge_n can_v not_o add_v new_a force_n and_o vigour_n but_o they_o must_v act_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o they_o do_v unseen_a can_v we_o distinct_o feel_v and_o see_v and_o make_v reflection_n upon_o our_o second_o birth_n this_o will_v profit_v we_o no_o more_o the_o want_n of_o it_o can_v prejudice_v we_o no_o more_o than_o it_o do_v in_o the_o natural_a the_o infant_n be_v perfect_o in_o the_o dark_a while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o womb_n he_o know_v not_o what_o be_v do_v when_o the_o embryo_n be_v form_v and_o nourish_v there_o he_o come_v to_o maturity_n and_o struggle_v for_o freedom_n and_o force_n his_o passage_n into_o the_o world_n without_o be_v sensible_a why_o or_o how_o this_o be_v do_v when_o he_o arrive_v at_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n he_o have_v not_o the_o least_o remembrance_n of_o this_o kind_n yet_o nature_n keep_v her_o course_n and_o perform_v her_o charge_n faithful_o and_o with_o great_a exactness_n and_o all_o he_o can_v collect_v be_v that_o he_o be_v bear_v a_o man_n and_o this_o he_o be_v infallible_o sure_a of_o because_o he_o live_v and_o move_v and_o act_n as_o a_o man._n in_o like_a manner_n the_o child_n of_o god_n know_v they_o be_v bear_v of_o he_o because_o they_o govern_v themselves_o by_o a_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a principle_n and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o one_o whit_n the_o less_o notwithstanding_o they_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o method_n of_o this_o birth_n the_o efficient_a cause_n they_o know_v be_v the_o spirit_n and_o can_v be_v none_o else_o and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n be_v the_o consideration_n which_o must_v deter_v they_o from_o resist_v his_o motion_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o his_o grace_n and_o quench_v that_o life_n he_o have_v give_v they_o they_o can_v show_v all_o the_o sign_n of_o such_o a_o birth_n the_o meek_a and_o dovelike_a disposition_n the_o pious_a and_o heavenly_a conversation_n which_o none_o but_o they_o who_o be_v of_o god_n can_v have_v and_o the_o advantage_n at_o last_o will_v be_v the_o same_o too_o for_o as_o the_o husbandman_n gather_v in_o that_o corn_n which_o though_o of_o his_o own_o sow_v come_v up_o he_o know_v not_o how_o so_o they_o who_o sow_v to_o the_o spirit_n shall_v of_o the_o spirit_n reap_v life_n everlasting_a 8._o galat._n vi_o 8._o though_o they_o understand_v not_o all_o the_o mysterious_a way_n by_o which_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o put_v forth_o the_o precious_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n well_o be_v it_o if_o these_o few_o consideration_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o discreet_o observe_v they_o will_v restrain_v that_o bold_a and_o busy_a temper_n that_o insolent_a licentious_a argue_v which_o under_o colour_n of_o reason_n and_o free_a think_v bring_v holy_a mystery_n into_o contempt_n and_o shipwreck_n number_n of_o unwary_a soul_n those_o divine_a truth_n above_o our_o comprehension_n will_v then_o be_v receive_v with_o meekness_n or_o at_o least_o dispute_v with_o modesty_n for_o though_o we_o can_v fathom_v this_o abyss_n yet_o it_o come_v to_o we_o confirm_v with_o proper_a testimony_n and_o such_o as_o how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o no_o mean_n confute_v or_o weaken_v this_o nicodemus_n urge_v to_o christ_n against_o a_o spiritual_a and_o second_a birth_n and_o yet_o our_o lord_n do_v not_o allow_v the_o objection_n nay_o even_o this_o birth_n itself_o have_v suffer_v too_o and_o be_v ill_o represent_v by_o dare_a attempt_n of_o man_n who_o have_v undertake_v to_o show_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o speak_v very_o positive_o where_o god_n be_v silent_a in_o opposition_n to_o who_o dangerous_a error_n i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o my_o ii_o second_o head_n and_o from_o the_o application_n will_v consider_v how_o far_o the_o property_n of_o the_o wind_n mention_v in_o this_o similitude_n will_v give_v we_o any_o just_a ground_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v working_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o application_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o last_o clause_n of_o the_o verse_n so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n carry_v great_a resemblance_n to_o what_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o wind_n for_o as_o there_o we_o gather_v its_o blow_v from_o the_o sound_n and_o other_o effect_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v the_o blast_n nor_o its_o rise_n and_o passage_n nor_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o cause_n that_o set_v it_o on_o so_o may_v a_o child_n of_o god_n know_v he_o be_v such_o by_o the_o effect_n and_o character_n of_o that_o relation_n though_o he_o do_v not_o see_v the_o spirit_n that_o renew_v he_o though_o the_o operation_n by_o which_o he_o be_v renew_v be_v such_o as_o fall_v not_o under_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o outward_a sense_n nor_o be_v perhaps_o his_o own_o mind_n conscious_a to_o many_o thing_n by_o
i_o hope_v too_o that_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v will_v be_v able_a to_o support_v the_o honest_a and_o the_o feeble-minded_n christian_n that_o though_o they_o be_v sad_o sensible_a of_o some_o remain_v of_o unbelief_n in_o their_o soul_n which_o need_v to_o be_v help_v yet_o the_o case_n be_v not_o so_o bad_a with_o they_o neither_o but_o that_o they_o may_v without_o vanity_n that_o profession_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o text_n and_o say_v very_o true_o lord_n i_o believe_v this_o be_v my_o intention_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n will_v not_o so_o well_o bear_v to_o have_v the_o argument_n branch_v out_o to_o these_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o person_n distinct_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o prove_v that_o no_o man_n arrive_v at_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o faith_n do_v likewise_o prove_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o despair_v because_o he_o discover_v some_o imperfection_n of_o faith_n in_o himself_o since_o at_o that_o rate_n every_o one_o circumstance_n will_v be_v desperate_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o worthy_a and_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o world_n i_o must_v therefore_o content_v myself_o with_o handle_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o general_n and_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o at_o present_a the_o best_a method_n for_o do_v it_o effectual_o be_v to_o insist_v on_o these_o three_o head_n i._n first_o to_o assign_v some_o reason_n for_o the_o weakness_n of_o man_n faith_n and_o these_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o every_o one_o of_o we_o will_v find_v himself_o more_o or_o less_o concern_v in_o ii_o second_o to_o show_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o many_o people_n be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v as_o sign_n of_o unbelief_n or_o that_o they_o have_v not_o true_a faith_n be_v not_o in_o reality_n any_o such_o sign_n and_o iii_o three_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n whereby_o the_o weakness_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o want_n of_o it_o and_o here_o i_o will_v show_v how_o any_o man_n by_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n careful_o may_v discern_v whether_o his_o belief_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n or_o not_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o one_a and_o here_o by_o faith_n i_o understand_v not_o only_o 1_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o those_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o dependence_n on_o his_o truth_n and_o goodness_n nor_o bare_o 2._o a_o outward_a and_o express_a profession_n of_o all_o such_o article_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o order_n to_o make_v we_o christian_n but_o also_o 3_o such_o a_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a assent_n as_o may_v prevail_v upon_o man_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o may_v influence_n their_o heart_n and_o practice_n powerful_o such_o as_o may_v put_v we_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o make_v good_a those_o engagement_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n which_o we_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o when_o we_o thus_o enter_v covenant_n with_o god_n for_o all_o this_o be_v comprehend_v under_o believe_v and_o several_a account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o our_o fail_v in_o sundry_a instance_n of_o this_o faith_n particular_o these_o that_o follow_v 1._o as_o first_o one_o reason_n of_o this_o may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o believe_v for_o some_o of_o these_o be_v very_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a truth_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o our_o mind_n shall_v adhere_v to_o they_o with_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v use_v to_o do_v in_o such_o other_o matter_n as_o fall_v within_o our_o comprehension_n and_o of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o more_o distinct_a knowledge_n the_o attribute_n and_o excellency_n of_o god_n the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n a_o eternal_a state_n of_o bliss_n or_o woe_n hereafter_o and_o the_o restore_a to_o we_o these_o fleshly_a body_n again_o at_o the_o general_n resurrection_n notwithstanding_o the_o infinite_a and_o unconceivable_a change_n which_o time_n and_o corruption_n bring_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n these_o and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o christianity_n the_o prime_n and_o most_o necessary_a truth_n to_o be_v entertain_v and_o firm_o embrace_v but_o it_o be_v manifest_a withal_o that_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o which_o one_o can_v have_v any_o just_a and_o adequate_a notion_n because_o they_o be_v not_o commensurate_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o mortal_a man_n the_o large_a mind_n be_v too_o narrow_a to_o receive_v they_o the_o most_o penetrate_a wit_n can_v sound_v all_o their_o depth_n nor_o the_o most_o indefatigable_a study_n conquer_v all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o may_v be_v charge_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o since_o man_n assent_n be_v always_o govern_v by_o their_o apprehension_n the_o mind_n will_v never_o find_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v far_o above_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n that_o it_o do_v for_o other_o which_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o daily_o converse_v with_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o level_n with_o ourselves_o and_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o tolerable_a good_a account_n of_o by_o our_o own_o serious_a thought_n and_o nice_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o this_o that_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a motive_n for_o our_o belief_n even_o of_o those_o truth_n which_o we_o be_v least_o able_a to_o comprehend_v for_o when_o we_o be_v once_o persuade_v of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o convince_v that_o these_o be_v his_o revelation_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o equitable_a than_o to_o submit_v our_o own_o reason_v to_o his_o declaration_n this_o single_a reflection_n that_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v be_v mistake_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n can_v lead_v other_o into_o mistake_n nor_o perfect_a truth_n lie_v be_v a_o foundation_n strong_a enough_o to_o build_v the_o firm_a faith_n upon_o but_o still_o the_o urge_n of_o this_o reflection_n upon_o ourselves_o must_v be_v the_o work_n of_o much_o application_n and_o though_o we_o be_v exceed_o to_o blame_n if_o any_o objection_n which_o the_o obscurity_n of_o those_o great_a important_a doctrine_n be_v wont_a to_o raise_v in_o we_o be_v suffer_v to_o overthrow_v our_o faith_n or_o dangerous_o to_o shake_v it_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o where_o sense_n or_o demonstration_n do_v not_o represent_v thing_n to_o we_o plain_o and_o beyond_o all_o contradiction_n there_o scruple_n and_o cavil_n will_v now_o and_o then_o arise_v and_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o occasion_n and_o try_v by_o they_o to_o loosen_v and_o dissettle_v we_o from_o that_o firmness_n of_o persuasion_n which_o be_v due_a to_o such_o a_o revelation_n even_o they_o who_o struggle_n most_o successful_o against_o such_o attempt_n of_o he_o may_v yet_o sometime_o find_v a_o tendency_n to_o doubt_v or_o some_o little_a disturbance_n from_o they_o but_o those_o man_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v a_o very_a great_a deal_n who_o overlook_a the_o credibility_n of_o the_o testimony_n and_o revelation_n itself_o which_o be_v reason_n proper_a province_n in_o these_o matter_n they_o expect_v their_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o put_v their_o enquiry_n upon_o a_o wrong_a scent_n to_o require_v a_o evidence_n of_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o this_o subject_n be_v not_o capable_a and_o to_o destroy_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o faith_n which_o in_o strict_a speak_n can_v not_o be_v faith_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n unseen_a now_o if_o such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o faith_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o very_a first_o act_n that_o of_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o difficulty_n grow_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o it_o when_o it_o come_v to_o influence_n our_o practice_n and_o to_o govern_v our_o affection_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v very_o evident_o if_o we_o consider_v 2._o second_o after_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o truth_n come_v to_o gain_v a_o power_n over_o our_o will_n and_o to_o command_v our_o action_n one_o will_v think_v that_o to_o be_v once_o thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o duty_n it_o enjoin_v be_v enough_o to_o fix_v a_o man_n all_o his_o life_n long_o and_o perhaps_o in_o matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n it_o be_v so_o after_o any_o point_n have_v be_v due_o consider_v and_o all_o the_o argument_n for_o