open_v the_o eye_n of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o pharisee_n will_v believe_v never_o the_o more_o that_o he_o be_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o all_o the_o pretence_n they_o can_v find_v against_o he_o be_v because_o this_o cure_n be_v wrought_v on_o the_o sabbath-day_n vers_fw-la 16._o for_o when_o they_o have_v strict_o examine_v all_o circumstance_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o the_o heal_v person_n in_o conclusion_n talk_v such_o unanswerable_a reason_n against_o they_o herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o whence_o he_o be_v etc._n etc._n since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v it_o not_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o i._n e._n he_o can_v do_v no_o such_o work_n as_o these_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o give_v he_o the_o hear_n no_o long_o but_o first_o bitter_o reproach_v he_o and_o then_o cast_v he_o out_o now_o our_o saviour_n frequent_o tell_v these_o man_n that_o their_o prejudice_n against_o he_o arise_v from_o their_o lust_n how_o say_v he_o can_v you_o believe_v who_o receive_v honour_n from_o one_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n only_o john_n 5.44_o i_o e._n so_o long_o as_o your_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n which_o if_o you_o can_v compass_v you_o care_v not_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n whether_o god_n approve_v of_o you_o or_o not_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o you_o reject_v my_o doctrine_n who_o come_v not_o to_o answer_v your_o ambitious_a and_o worldly_a expectation_n although_o i_o come_v with_o testimony_n from_o god_n and_o the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o vers_fw-la 36._o thus_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 4.4_o where_o we_o have_v a_o plain_a reason_n give_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n why_o some_o believe_v not_o who_o have_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n shine_v about_o they_o i._n e._n who_o have_v it_o preach_v to_o they_o with_o its_o proper_a evidence_n viz._n because_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v their_o mind_n i._n e._n because_o they_o be_v blind_v with_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o prevail_a lust_n and_o passion_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n rule_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n wherefore_o as_o faith_n be_v necessary_a to_o that_o more_o perfect_a victory_n over_o our_o lust_n which_o include_v the_o universal_a do_v of_o god_n will_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n our_o mind_n must_v in_o some_o degree_n be_v disengage_v from_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lust_n before_o we_o can_v hearty_o believe_v viz._n so_o far_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n how_o contrary_a sooner_o it_o prove_v to_o our_o sensual_a and_o worldly_a affection_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o hinder_v our_o attention_n and_o consideration_n when_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v offer_v to_o be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o of_o this_o teachable_a disposition_n we_o have_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o act_n 16.14_o the_o lord_n open_v lydia_n be_v heart_n that_o she_o attend_v unto_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o paul_n where_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o her_o be_v qualify_v to_o hear_v which_o be_v here_o express_v by_o the_o open_n of_o her_o heart_n be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o divine_a operation_n which_o prevent_v even_o her_o attention_n to_o what_o she_o hear_v 2._o that_o the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o the_o lord_n open_v her_o heart_n be_v not_o her_o believe_v but_o her_o attend_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o paul_n i._n e._n she_o hear_v he_o diligent_o without_o prejudice_n and_o passion_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o whoever_o be_v thus_o dispose_v will_v believe_v the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o because_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v all_o that_o our_o saviour_n desire_v to_o find_v among_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o convince_a of_o they_o that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a prophet_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o joh._n 7.17_o i_o e._n if_o a_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o do_v whatsoever_o shall_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v not_o prejudice_v against_o the_o truth_n by_o his_o lust_n such_o a_o one_o will_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o my_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n and_o because_o this_o temper_n come_v from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n therefore_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v exact_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n what_o our_o saviour_n say_v john_n 8.47_o he_o that_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v god_n word_n you_o therefore_o hear_v they_o not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n he_o make_v to_o that_o question_n of_o his_o own_o if_o i_o say_v the_o truth_n why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v i_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n himself_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o god_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v plain_a from_o vers_n 44._o you_o be_v of_o your_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o your_o father_n you_o will_v do_v he_o be_v a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o to_o be_v of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o be_v wed_v to_o our_o lust_n and_o enrage_v against_o the_o truth_n that_o contradict_v they_o and_o therefore_o the_o contrary_a state_n or_o temper_n to_o be_v of_o god_n be_v plain_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o perform_v all_o duty_n and_o to_o believe_v all_o truth_n and_o whoever_o be_v thus_o dispose_v will_v hear_v god_n word_n and_o believe_v they_o vers_n 47._o thus_o after_o our_o saviour_n have_v appeal_v to_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v before_o his_o enemy_n joh._n 10.25_o he_o tell_v they_o but_o you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o my_o sheep_n where_o by_o sheep_n can_v be_v mean_v actual_a disciple_n for_o then_o the_o sense_n be_v you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o believe_v not_o but_o such_o as_o be_v by_o a_o teachable_a spirit_n dispose_v to_o be_v so_o and_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n for_o such_o as_o these_o will_v follow_v he_o assoon_o as_o he_o call_v they_o because_o he_o be_v the_o true_a shepherd_n now_o that_o this_o preparedness_n of_o mind_n to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v clear_o imply_v in_o vers_fw-la 29._o my_o father_n who_o give_v they_o i_o i._n e._n who_o have_v thus_o dispose_v and_o qualify_v they_o to_o hear_v my_o voice_n be_v great_a than_o all_o and_o none_o be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o father_n hand_n to_o defeat_v they_o of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o christ_n have_v promise_v v_o 28._o all_o these_o place_n be_v compare_v with_o john_n 6.37_o give_v a_o clear_a light_n to_o the_o true_a interpretation_n thereof_o all_o that_o the_o father_n give_v i_o shall_v come_v unto_o i_o i._n e._n will_v believe_v in_o i_o and_o become_v my_o disciple_n and_o then_o to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o father_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n joh._n 7.17_o and_o be_v of_o god_n joh._n 8.47_o and_o be_v christ_n sheep_n joh._n 10.26_o all_o which_o phrase_n signify_v that_o humility_n and_o teachableness_n of_o mind_n whereby_o man_n be_v prepare_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n only_o the_o father_n give_v such_o person_n to_o christ_n be_v a_o expression_n note_v that_o divine_a grace_n whereby_o their_o mind_n be_v thus_o dispose_v for_o which_o reason_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o temper_n be_v call_v vers_fw-la 44._o be_v draw_v by_o the_o father_n no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o except_o the_o father_n who_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o i._n e._n unless_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v so_o far_o prevail_v over_o his_o affection_n as_o to_o endue_v he_o with_o a_o impartial_a love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o his_o heart_n be_v thereby_o open_v to_o attend_v to_o god_n word_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v use_v those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v upon_o another_o occasion_n no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o lord_n
christian_a virtue_n be_v ascribe_v both_o to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o prayer_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o the_o colossian_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o they_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o full_a understanding_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n col._n 1.9_o 10._o and_o the_o co-operation_n of_o both_o these_o cause_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o the_o same_o effect_n be_v yet_o more_o plain_o express_v in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n for_o his_o disciple_n sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n where_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o this_o that_o the_o holiness_n of_o believer_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o truth_n upon_o their_o mind_n viz._n that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n see_v then_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o only_o in_o itself_o a_o proper_a mean_n of_o convert_v the_o unbeliever_n and_o the_o disobedient_a of_o confirm_v and_o improve_n the_o sincere_a convert_n but_o as_o you_o see_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v those_o effect_n also_o which_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o ascribe_v to_o the_o weightiness_n of_o those_o reason_n and_o consideration_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o our_o understanding_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o define_v the_o manner_n whereby_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o produce_v these_o grace_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a effect_n of_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v do_v by_o assign_v such_o a_o manner_n of_o operation_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o must_v needs_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o ascribe_v conversion_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o truth_n wherefore_o it_o be_v too_o bold_o do_v of_o dr._n owen_n and_o his_o party_n to_o affirm_v that_o conversion_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n as_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v convert_v and_o withal_o that_o conversion_n be_v impossible_a without_o such_o a_o irresistible_a operation_n for_o 1._o if_o a_o man_n must_v necessary_o resist_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o god_n word_n till_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v in_o he_o by_o a_o irresistible_a action_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o these_o man_n teach_v then_o it_o be_v plain_o absurd_a to_o make_v conversion_n to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n for_o upon_o this_o hypothesis_n it_o contribute_v no_o more_o to_o a_o man_n conversion_n than_o the_o hurl_v of_o a_o pibble_n do_v to_o the_o throw_v down_o of_o a_o mighty_a wall_n that_o be_v fall_v by_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o cannon_n if_o as_o the_o doctor_n say_v 262._o the_o will_n can_v make_v use_n of_o that_o grace_n for_o conversion_n which_o it_o can_v refuse_v if_o also_o it_o can_v resist_v all_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n reason_n argument_n and_o motive_n 261._o as_o he_o himself_o suppose_v and_o by_o consequence_n that_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o conversion_n be_v cause_v be_v irresistible_a what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o conversion_n must_v upon_o these_o term_n be_v only_o and_o whole_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o not_o at_o all_o of_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o say_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n produce_v their_o effect_n irresistible_o because_o they_o be_v join_v with_o the_o word_n be_v to_o ascribe_v a_o irresistible_a operation_n to_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o spirit_n or_o rather_o to_o make_v the_o irresistibleness_n to_o arise_v from_o the_o concurrence_n of_o both_o those_o cause_n now_o beside_o that_o upon_o this_o hypothesis_n all_o man_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v will_v be_v convert_v see_v we_o have_v prove_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o that_o hear_v it_o beside_o this_o i_o say_v these_o man_n do_v not_o place_v the_o irresistible_a force_n by_o which_o conversion_n as_o they_o say_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o spirit_n but_o in_o the_o sole_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o that_o conversion_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n which_o as_o they_o say_v a_o man_n can_v but_o resist_v till_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o of_o such_o a_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n too_o as_o be_v altogether_o irresistible_a be_v to_o i_o as_o unintelligible_a as_o transubstantiation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o resist_v the_o operation_n of_o truth_n and_o withal_o grant_v that_o conversion_n must_v as_o well_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n as_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operate_n in_o our_o mind_n it_o will_v plain_o follow_v that_o his_o operation_n be_v resistible_a the_o reason_n be_v because_o where_o a_o effect_n depend_v upon_o the_o concurrence_n of_o two_o cause_n he_o that_o have_v it_o always_o in_o his_o power_n to_o resist_v the_o force_n of_o one_o be_v at_o any_o time_n able_a to_o frustrate_v the_o other_o and_o consequent_o to_o hinder_v the_o effect_n now_o they_o themselves_o grant_v and_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o daily_a experience_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v resist_v and_o hear_v in_o vain_a as_o it_o be_v even_o when_o preach_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n wherefore_o when_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n conspire_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n to_o convert_v a_o sinner_n if_o he_o can_v be_v obstinate_a against_o the_o latter_a he_o may_v also_o quench_v the_o former_a and_o then_o they_o be_v not_o irresistible_a furthermore_o it_o may_v be_v say_v if_o conversion_n be_v wrought_v irresistible_o by_o the_o sole_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n then_o the_o word_n which_o may_v be_v resist_v be_v unnecessary_a but_o if_o the_o word_n can_v but_o be_v resist_v till_o the_o effect_n be_v wrought_v by_o another_o power_n that_o be_v invincible_a viz._n that_o of_o the_o spirit_n then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o effect_n be_v owe_v only_o to_o that_o power_n which_o be_v to_o render_v the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n utter_o vain_a and_o useless_a and_o to_o contradict_v all_o those_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o attribute_n our_o conversion_n to_o the_o force_n of_o divine_a truth_n but_o 2._o it_o be_v further_a evident_a from_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o explain_v this_o irresistible_a operation_n that_o they_o exclude_v all_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n word_n from_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o conversion_n 254._o dr._n owen_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o immediate_a author_n and_o cause_n of_o regeneration_n and_o he_o be_v often_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v convert_v by_o a_o immediate_a physical_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v for_o many_o page_n together_o now_o a_o physical_a operation_n he_o oppose_v to_o moral_a and_o thereby_o exclude_v from_o it_o all_o use_n of_o any_o reason_n argument_n and_o motive_n whatsoever_o as_o he_o do_v industrious_o more_o than_o once_o 261._o now_o what_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o to_o ascribe_v conversion_n to_o such_o a_o operation_n as_o this_o be_v whole_o to_o exclude_v the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o be_v any_o way_n subordinate_a to_o that_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v convert_v for_o although_o the_o doctor_n tell_v we_o sometime_o that_o he_o grant_v a_o moral_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o he_o only_o deny_v the_o concurrence_n of_o that_o with_o the_o word_n to_o be_v the_o total_a cause_n of_o conversion_n yet_o by_o his_o leave_n 268._o he_o do_v not_o make_v it_o so_o much_o as_o a_o partial_a cause_n for_o if_o this_o physical_a operation_n only_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o can_v remove_v all_o obstacle_n and_o overcome_v all_o opposition_n and_o infallible_o produce_v the_o effect_n intend_v as_o he_o speak_v 270._o if_o this_o operation_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o use_n of_o any_o motive_n whatsoever_o contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n final_o if_o this_o operation_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n if_o nothing_o intervene_v between_o this_o operation_n and_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v then_o plain_a i_o conceive_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v whole_o exclude_v from_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o conversion_n for_o neither_o be_v the_o use_n of_o any_o
more_o sensible_o affect_v with_o those_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o increase_n the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o confirm_v he_o in_o every_o divine_a disposition_n 2._o this_o be_v further_a evident_a from_o those_o passage_n in_o holy_a writ_n where_o we_o be_v require_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n for_o these_o place_n and_o the_o like_a do_v strong_o imply_v that_o we_o can_v on_o a_o sudden_a arrive_n to_o any_o degree_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o fall_v great_o short_a of_o at_o present_a much_o less_o that_o we_o can_v present_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n wherefore_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o affect_v our_o mind_n when_o we_o begin_v the_o christian_a life_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o measure_n that_o he_o move_v we_o in_o after_o we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o or_o shall_v arrive_v to_o such_o a_o 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two_o whole_a section_n he_o discourse_v concern_v the_o impotency_n of_o man_n to_o perform_v the_o command_n of_o god_n 29.30_o and_o make_v it_o equivalent_a to_o a_o inability_n of_o receive_v spiritual_a thing_n 27._o and_o quote_v rom._n 7.8_o the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o parallel_n place_n to_o the_o text_n in_o hand_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v tie_v these_o incoherent_a thing_n together_o if_o the_o doctor_n can_v let_v he_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n 26._o that_o moral_a duty_n to_o be_v observe_v towards_o god_n ourselves_o and_o other_o man_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n here_o peculiar_o intend_v and_o that_o be_v right_a but_o the_o mystery_n depend_v on_o more_o sovereign_a supernatural_a revelation_n and_o that_o whole_o and_o in_o this_o notion_n i_o shall_v understand_v he_o for_o i_o can_v understand_v he_o in_o both_o together_o 3._o he_o explain_v receive_v of_o these_o thing_n by_o 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the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man._n 4._o this_o clause_n they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o he_o have_v perplex_v with_o various_a interpretation_n after_o give_v several_a account_n on_o which_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v esteem_v foolishness_n he_o tell_v we_o for_o one_o or_o other_o 31._o or_o all_o of_o these_o reason_n be_v spiritual_a thing_n foolishness_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v some_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v so_o though_o he_o can_v direct_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v if_o any_o of_o his_o reason_n will_v serve_v let_v we_o take_v one_o for_o instance_n that_o be_v look_v on_o as_o foolish_a which_o contain_v mean_n and_o end_v disproportionate_a now_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v foolishness_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o mind_n i_o think_v he_o mean_v thus_o that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o that_o a_o 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contrary_a purpose_n for_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o profound_a ignorance_n and_o confidence_n which_o can_v be_v sufficient_o admire_v or_o despise_v and_o certain_o then_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o very_o much_o improve_v now_o i_o think_v he_o say_v concern_v these_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o foolish_a and_o unsuited_a to_o the_o rational_a principle_n of_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o all_o the_o light_n we_o have_v gain_v by_o the_o doctor_n be_v instance_n to_o discern_v his_o meaning_n of_o this_o clause_n be_v that_o the_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o themselves_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o best_a improve_a reason_n and_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o to_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o rational_a principle_n of_o their_o mind_n who_o ignorance_n and_o confidence_n can_v never_o be_v sufficient_o despise_v and_o here_o i_o desire_v the_o doctor_n to_o make_v my_o peace_n with_o the_o reader_n for_o carry_v he_o along_o with_o i_o to_o grope_v after_o his_o meaning_n in_o such_o a_o tedious_a labyrinth_n as_o he_o have_v contrive_v to_o lose_v we_o in_o but_o i_o do_v not_o ask_v the_o doctor_n be_v pardon_n if_o i_o have_v miss_v of_o his_o meaning_n at_o last_o since_o if_o he_o please_v he_o may_v write_v more_o perspicuous_o if_o he_o can_v his_o friend_n will_v do_v well_o to_o find_v out_o a_o more_o natural_a employment_n for_o he_o 5._o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v he_o explain_v thus_o 38._o because_o they_o be_v discern_v by_o a_o spiritual_a light_n what_o light_n be_v that_o he_o tell_v you_o the_o light_n itself_o whereby_o alone_o spiritual_a thing_n can_v be_v spiritual_o discern_v be_v create_v in_o we_o by_o a_o almighty_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n now_o from_o the_o examination_n of_o his_o notion_n concern_v the_o several_a phrase_n his_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o a_o man_n in_o who_o mind_n a_o spiritual_a light_n be_v not_o create_v by_o the_o almighty_a act_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v nor_o will_v understand_v the_o reveal_v doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o fit_a to_o procure_v man_n salvation_n because_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o he_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v disagreeable_a to_o the_o one_o and_o unfit_a for_o the_o other_o or_o because_o they_o be_v unsuitable_a or_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o rational_a principle_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a he_o shall_v discern_v that_o agreeableness_n and_o fitness_n without_o that_o new_a light_n create_v in_o his_o mind_n because_o such_o be_v the_o manner_n whereby_o
the_o mind_n unprofitable_a to_o man_n and_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n but_o then_o withal_o i_o can_v find_v they_o any_o where_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o he_o fancy_n of_o a_o possibility_n to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v which_o be_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n etc._n etc._n i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o believe_v they_o nor_o do_v i_o see_v any_o likelihood_n that_o i_o ever_o shall_v unless_o some_o irresistible_a power_n make_v another_o thing_n of_o i_o than_o i_o find_v myself_o to_o be_v at_o present_a and_o if_o this_o will_v content_v the_o doctor_n i_o have_v no_o quarrel_n with_o he_o but_o then_o if_o he_o pretend_v that_o the_o real_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n gospel_n viz._n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v crucify_v for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o must_v be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o etc._n etc._n be_v as_o unintelligible_a and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o they_o as_o indiscernible_a as_o that_o of_o his_o new-fashioned_a principle_n i_o must_v beg_v his_o pardon_n if_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o neither_o but_o reckon_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o doctor_n have_v cast_v a_o horrible_a reproach_n upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n while_o he_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n that_o bend_v his_o mind_n to_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o never_o so_o attentive_o and_o use_v his_o reason_n never_o so_o modest_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o to_o assent_v to_o they_o as_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o man_n if_o that_o be_v true_a than_o this_o pernicious_a consequence_n be_v unavoidable_a that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o a_o man_n to_o use_v any_o mean_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o pretend_v to_o he_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o right_a believer_n he_o have_v no_o way_n but_o to_o sit_v down_o in_o a_o lazy_a expectation_n of_o that_o light_n which_o the_o doctor_n say_v must_v be_v create_v in_o his_o mind_n by_o a_o almighty_a act_n of_o god_n before_o he_o can_v know_v and_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o be_v and_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v this_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v interpretation_n of_o st._n paul_n text_n and_o let_v any_o man_n but_o himself_o judge_n whether_o it_o do_v not_o infinite_o disparage_v the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o whether_o it_o do_v not_o offer_v great_a wrong_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o betray_v they_o either_o into_o a_o contempt_n of_o christianity_n or_o at_o least_o into_o a_o sluggish_a neglect_n of_o all_o that_o consideration_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o understand_v and_o believe_v it_o upon_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v be_v so_o punctual_a in_o find_v out_o and_o so_o long_o in_o confute_v his_o notion_n of_o this_o text_n which_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v altogether_o as_o pernicious_a as_o they_o be_v false_a i_o shall_v have_v leave_v they_o to_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o nonsense_n sect_n v._o the_o incoherence_n of_o his_o interpretation_n with_o the_o scope_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o that_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n must_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o observe_v what_o st._n paul_n design_n be_v in_o they_o which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o inquire_v into_o and_o thereby_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o the_o text._n to_o allay_v those_o contention_n that_o be_v among_o the_o corinthian_n about_o their_o teacher_n who_o they_o shall_v follow_v chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 11._o st._n paul_n remind_v they_o how_o he_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o they_o and_o by_o what_o argument_n they_o have_v be_v win_v to_o receive_v it_o not_o with_o wisdom_n of_o word_n vers_fw-la 17._o and_o again_o not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 4._o but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n note_n i._n e._n not_o with_o rhetorical_a oration_n or_o philosophical_a discourse_n such_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o gentile_n make_v use_v of_o to_o put_v off_o their_o opinion_n to_o the_o people_n withal_o he_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n but_o as_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o the_o gospel_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v he_o prove_v it_o to_o they_o by_o a_o divine_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o viz._n that_o of_o supernatural_a gift_n bestow_v now_o upon_o believer_n of_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o apparent_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o such_o testimony_n of_o god_n own_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o revelation_n from_o he_o as_o these_o be_v the_o consequence_n whereof_o be_v that_o their_o faith_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n i._n e._n that_o their_o faith_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o eloquence_n or_o the_o subtle_a reason_n of_o man_n but_o upon_o the_o plain_a testimony_n of_o god_n declare_v by_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v clear_o a_o good_a consideration_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o contend_v about_o the_o person_n of_o their_o teacher_n who_o never_o go_v about_o to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o themselves_o as_o vers_n 13._o by_o the_o ostentation_n of_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n but_o to_o win_v they_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n but_o hereupon_o the_o apostle_n take_v occasion_n to_o show_v 1._o the_o offence_n which_o they_o who_o be_v most_o in_o vogue_n for_o wisdom_n take_v at_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o way_n of_o preach_v it_o and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o that_o way_n notwithstanding_o above_o all_o other_o method_n to_o make_v man_n wise_a and_o good_a and_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o chap._n 1._o from_o vers_n 18._o to_o the_o end_n 2._o to_o vindicate_v this_o way_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n against_o their_o pretence_n who_o reject_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o chap._n 2._o that_o the_o former_a be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n be_v plain_a from_o what_o he_o say_v vers_fw-la 18._o and_o so_o forward_o for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foolishness_n and_o who_o these_o be_v we_o learn_v from_o vers_fw-la 20._o where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o scribe_n etc._n etc._n i_o e._n let_v those_o man_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n crucify_v come_v and_o compare_v the_o religion_n they_o teach_v and_o the_o reason_n they_o bring_v for_o it_o argument_n and_o the_o good_a they_o do_v by_o it_o with_o our_o doctrine_n and_o the_o testimony_n we_o confirm_v it_o withal_o and_o the_o advantage_n which_o it_o bring_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o for_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v vers_fw-la 21._o and_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 25._o i._n e._n let_v it_o be_v consider_v and_o you_o will_v see_v a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o convince_a of_o man_n that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o the_o bring_n of_o they_o to_o salvation_n by_o it_o vers_n 24._o you_o will_v see_v also_o what_o a_o infinite_a disparegement_n this_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o god_n will_v do_v to_o all_o the_o method_n of_o human_a wisdom_n when_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o for_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n those_o way_n of_o instruct_v and_o save_v mankind_n which_o be_v so_o far_o above_o all_o the_o invention_n and_o above_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o they_o now_o general_o reckon_v they_o to_o be_v foolish_a to_o confound_v the_o wise_a to_o put_v down_o all_o that_o wisdom_n of_o they_o which_o they_o so_o much_o glory_n in_o and_o thereby_o to_o show_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a than_o man_n v_o 27._o that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v glory_v in_o his_o presence_n vers_fw-la 29._o but_o the_o particular_a reason_n gospel_n why_o so_o few_o of_o those_o person_n who_o wisdom_n be_v in_o this_o manner_n baffle_v do_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v call_v vers_fw-la 26._o
that_o they_o may_v be_v witness_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o christ_n receive_v from_o the_o father_n act_v 2.23_o peculiar_o concern_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o this_o as_o i_o conceive_v the_o doctor_n acknowledge_v by_o say_v that_o christ_n shed_v forth_o what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v in_o the_o miraculous_a operation_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o now_o say_v he_o 157._o in_o this_o promise_n viz._n act_n 1._o vers_fw-la 4_o 8._o the_o lord_n christ_n found_v the_o church_n itself_o and_o by_o it_o he_o build_v it_o up_o and_o this_o be_v the_o hinge_v whereon_o the_o whole_a weight_n of_o it_o do_v turn_v and_o depend_v unto_o this_o day_n it_o be_v indeed_o certain_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n be_v at_o this_o day_n found_v upon_o the_o extraordinary_a testimony_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o which_o follow_v be_v absolute_o false_a take_v away_o this_o promise_n suppose_v it_o to_o cease_v as_o unto_o a_o continual_a accomplishment_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o absolute_a end_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n for_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o confess_v himself_o miracle_n be_v cease_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o church_n he_o proceed_v thus_o no_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n no_o church_n he_o that_o will_v utter_o separate_v the_o spirit_n from_o the_o word_n have_v as_o good_a burn_v his_o bible_n be_v not_o so_o hasty_a for_o although_o this_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o than_o you_o have_v prove_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v now_o be_v utter_o separate_v from_o the_o word_n for_o all_o act_n 1.4_o and_o although_o you_o very_o true_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v ingenerate_v faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yet_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o have_v here_o say_v it_o may_v for_o those_o text_n upon_o which_o you_o ground_n your_o confidence_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n whereby_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v now_o these_o be_v record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n together_o with_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o they_o may_v be_v as_o able_a to_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v when_o they_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o that_o of_o themselves_o too_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o have_v show_v to_o the_o contrary_a from_o act_n 1._o though_o the_o contrary_n may_v well_o be_v show_v from_o other_o scripture_n now_o i_o can_v see_v to_o what_o end_n these_o man_n when_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o will_v in_o all_o age_n be_v accomplish_v shall_v fly_v so_o often_o as_o they_o do_v to_o those_o text_n which_o mention_v those_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v bestow_v in_o the_o first_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v their_o follower_n believe_v that_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v inspire_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o that_o they_o preach_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v which_o because_o we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o they_o who_o do_v so_o to_o be_v sole_a owner_n of_o the_o privilege_n just_o as_o the_o papist_n support_v their_o pretence_n to_o miracle_n and_o infallibility_n by_o draw_v the_o promise_n peculiar_o make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o believer_n into_o consequence_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o every_o age_n and_o i_o fear_v by_o the_o like_a device_n our_o author_n have_v lay_v his_o plot_n to_o unchurch_n we_o quite_o and_o clean_o who_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n 158._o for_o say_v he_o let_v man_n cast_v themselves_o into_o what_o order_n they_o please_v institute_v what_o form_n of_o government_n and_o religious_a worship_n they_o please_v let_v they_o do_v it_o by_o a_o attendance_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o understand_n unto_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n i._n e._n let_v their_o government_n and_o worship_n be_v as_o near_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o can_v possible_o frame_v it_o yet_o if_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v disow_v or_o disclaim_v by_o they_o if_o they_o disow_v those_o extravagant_a pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n which_o you_o set_v up_o to_o magnify_v yourselves_o withal_o if_o there_o be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o upon_o they_o such_o a_o work_n of_o his_o as_o be_v promise_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v no_o church-state_n among_o they_o nor_o as_o such_o be_v it_o to_o be_v own_v and_o esteem_v and_o be_v this_o that_o you_o have_v be_v drive_v at_o all_o this_o while_n you_o have_v now_o find_v out_o a_o new_a colour_n for_o your_o schism_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v go_v forward_o upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n promise_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o upon_o we_o which_o in_o many_o place_n of_o your_o book_n also_o you_o spare_v not_o to_o say_v we_o reproach_n and_o disavow_v but_o i_o beseech_v you_o dare_v you_o say_v that_o you_o have_v that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o you_o and_o upon_o you_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o forementioned_a text_n if_o you_o say_v so_o we_o shall_v present_o desire_v you_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o it_o by_o miracle_n and_o such_o sign_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v if_o you_o dare_v not_o say_v it_o than_o it_o seem_v that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v no_o more_o in_o you_o and_o upon_o you_o than_o it_o be_v in_o we_o and_o then_o i_o hope_v we_o be_v not_o unchurch_v for_o not_o pretend_v to_o it_o nor_o fit_a to_o be_v account_v reprobate_n because_o we_o be_v not_o liar_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n mention_v by_o you_o in_o your_o next_o section_n matth._n 28.20_o 158._o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n prove_v the_o constant_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n by_o his_o spirit_n but_o then_o sir_n it_o do_v not_o prove_v nor_o i_o think_v be_v you_o able_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o forementioned_a promise_v make_v to_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o same_o promise_n with_o that_o which_o be_v here_o make_v now_o as_o to_o that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o will_v indeed_o continue_v through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v disow_v and_o disclaim_v it_o but_o we_o disow_v the_o prove_v it_o from_o such_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o you_o lay_v the_o great_a stress_n of_o your_o proof_n upon_o lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o pretend_v to_o those_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v pour_v forth_o upon_o the_o church_n at_o her_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a our_o pretence_n be_v laugh_v at_o for_o our_o pain_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o to_o say_v that_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o those_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n those_o extraordinary_a gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o believer_n have_v for_o it_o will_v be_v unanswerable_o return_v upon_o we_o that_o these_o text_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o speak_v of_o any_o but_o these_o and_o thus_o we_o shall_v disparage_v a_o good_a cause_n by_o argue_v no_o better_a for_o it_o therefore_o doctor_n if_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o and_o towards_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v open_o deride_v as_o you_o complain_v 118._o you_o may_v i_o doubt_v in_o great_a part_n thank_v yourself_o and_o such_o as_o you_o who_o by_o imprudent_a discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_n have_v give_v profane_a person_n occasion_n to_o make_v a_o question_n whether_o nowadays_o there_o be_v any_o work_n at_o all_o of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v and_o that_o by_o lay_v together_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v concern_v it_o all_o which_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o to_o who_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v make_v 3._o what_o be_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o operation_n by_o
be_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o more_o metaphor_n than_o he_o allow_v not_o as_o he_o pretend_v here_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o metaphor_n at_o all_o but_o since_o he_o will_v have_v it_o so_o he_o must_v not_o say_v hereafter_o that_o he_o intend_v only_o to_o prove_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o metaphorical_a since_o his_o argument_n conclude_v that_o they_o be_v all_o proper_a if_o it_o conclude_v any_o thing_n that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v proper_a we_o grant_v and_o it_o be_v well_o that_o it_o stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o be_v prove_v by_o he_o for_o his_o untoward_a way_n of_o prove_v will_v tempt_v a_o man_n to_o suspect_v the_o plain_a truth_n he_o meddle_v withal_o if_o he_o have_v not_o better_a reason_n of_o his_o own_o for_o second_o what_o consequence_n be_v there_o in_o this_o argue_n if_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n intend_v in_o the_o scripture_n then_o be_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v it_o plain_a and_o proper_a otherwise_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a for_o 1._o none_o of_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o may_v have_v be_v proper_a and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o plain_o and_o then_o the_o scripture_n will_v not_o have_v be_v obscure_a in_o that_o thing_n for_o a_o figurative_a expression_n may_v be_v plain_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o a_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n sure_o our_o author_n will_v grant_v that_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v my_o body_n to_o be_v figurative_a and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v plain_a because_o it_o be_v figurative_a so_o that_o his_o argument_n by_o which_o he_o conclude_v all_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v this_o mysterious_a work_n to_o be_v proper_a do_v not_o prove_v that_o any_o one_o be_v so_o 2._o if_o some_o of_o the_o expression_n be_v both_o plain_a and_o proper_a and_o other_o figurative_a some_o whereof_o be_v more_o and_o some_o less_o plain_a as_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o if_o those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o plain_a may_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o help_n of_o plain_a then_o may_v this_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n be_v sufficient_o understand_v by_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o scripture_n far_o from_o be_v the_o obscure_a book_n in_o the_o world_n because_o all_o the_o expression_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v proper_o and_o literal_o but_o it_o seem_v our_o author_n have_v a_o opinion_n by_o himself_o that_o no_o writer_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o use_v the_o liberty_n of_o metaphorical_a expression_n three_o his_o way_n of_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mysterious_a work_n be_v a_o mere_a beg_n of_o the_o question_n this_o we_o shall_v see_v by_o consider_v what_o he_o must_v mean_v by_o a_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n viz._n such_o a_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v proper_o express_v by_o regenerate_v create_a quicken_a and_o draw_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n and_o this_o i_o grant_v to_o be_v a_o very_a mysterious_a work_n if_o these_o be_v all_o proper_a expression_n of_o it_o now_o he_o prove_v there_o be_v such_o a_o work_n by_o this_o argument_n that_o otherwise_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a why_o so_o because_o they_o be_v obscure_a if_o these_o be_v not_o proper_a expression_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o he_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o mysterious_a work_n i._n e._n a_o work_n proper_o express_v by_o regeneration_n creation_n etc._n etc._n by_o this_o argument_n that_o these_o be_v proper_a expression_n of_o such_o a_o work_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v a_o thing_n by_o itself_o and_o he_o prove_v also_o that_o these_o be_v proper_a expression_n because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mysterious_a work_n that_o be_v a_o work_n proper_o express_v by_o they_o which_o be_v to_o beg_v the_o question_n so_o that_o if_o you_o will_v grant_v the_o doctor_n that_o they_o be_v proper_a expression_n he_o can_v then_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o a_o work_n proper_o express_v by_o they_o or_o if_o you_o will_v grant_v there_o be_v such_o a_o work_n he_o can_v prove_v those_o to_o be_v proper_a expression_n and_o now_o i_o understand_v the_o doctor_n when_o he_o say_v the_o difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n arise_v from_o their_o mysterious_a nature_n and_o not_o from_o any_o obscurity_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o and_o i_o be_o full_o of_o his_o mind_n for_o if_o any_o one_o tell_v i_o that_o a_o body_n may_v be_v great_a than_o itself_o and_o lesser_a than_o itself_o and_o that_o transubstantiation_n may_v be_v true_a doctrine_n or_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v proper_o regenerate_v create_v quicken_v draw_v and_o awaken_v all_o at_o once_o i_o grant_v he_o do_v not_o obscure_o declare_v his_o mind_n to_o i_o and_o that_o i_o find_v no_o difficulty_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n but_o the_o only_a difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n arise_v from_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n or_o rather_o the_o nonsense_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v under_o these_o plain_a expression_n for_o the_o more_o plain_a any_o nonsense_n be_v the_o more_o easy_o it_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v so_o this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o slender_a proof_n which_o the_o doctor_n bring_v for_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o party_n concern_v the_o propriety_n of_o these_o scripture-expression_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v how_o he_o represent_v the_o judgement_n of_o those_o other_o who_o he_o speak_v of_o for_o he_o say_v sect_n 4._o other_o think_v the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o to_o be_v mystical_a and_o figurative_a but_o the_o thing_n intend_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o every_o man_n so_o that_o if_o the_o doctor_n may_v be_v believe_v there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o express_v by_o any_o proper_a word_n at_o all_o in_o the_o scripture_n 183._o but_o as_o he_o say_v they_o turn_v all_o scripture-expression_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n into_o metaphor_n if_o any_o such_o senseless_a people_n there_o be_v they_o be_v i_o shall_v think_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v find_v among_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o many_o of_o their_o preacher_n if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o their_o sermon_n by_o their_o book_n do_v so_o train_v they_o up_o to_o metaphorical_a talk_n that_o some_o of_o they_o may_v possible_o believe_v the_o scripture_n afford_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o think_v the_o thing_n intend_v by_o these_o expression_n suppose_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o every_o man_n i_o never_o hear_v there_o be_v any_o such_o before_o if_o by_o obvious_a the_o doctor_n mean_v discoverable_a by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v by_o all_o grant_v to_o depend_v on_o divine_a revelation_n but_o be_v reveal_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o reason_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v they_o withal_o beside_o our_o natural_a reason_n but_o if_o by_o ordinary_a and_o obvious_a he_o mean_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a by_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n i_o be_o one_o of_o those_o who_o think_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereof_o we_o be_v speak_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o less_o but_o the_o more_o excellent_a for_o be_v so_o our_o author_n must_v grant_v unless_o he_o will_v revoke_v his_o argument_n that_o the_o expression_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o metaphorical_a take_v from_o hence_o that_o otherwise_o the_o gospel_n be_v dark_a and_o unintelligible_a so_o that_o we_o be_v both_o agree_v in_o word_n at_o least_o that_o perspicuity_n and_o intelligibleness_n be_v a_o excellent_a thing_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v he_o and_o his_o party_n have_v a_o notion_n of_o intelligibleness_n and_o perspicuity_n by_o themselves_o as_o any_o one_o will_v guess_v by_o their_o write_n for_o example_n the_o doctor_n here_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o the_o gospel_n intend_v nothing_o but_o moral_a duty_n and_o their_o observance_n in_o its_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n than_o it_o be_v dark_a and_o unintelligible_a now_o this_o be_v very_o strange_a for_o â—f_n as_o it_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n moral_a duty_n be_v easy_o intelligible_a and_o if_o the_o scripture_n intend_v 〈◊〉_d more_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n than_o the_o performance_n of_o moral_a duty_n then_o be_v the_o scripture_n very_o intelligible_a in_o the_o point_n of_o
that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o doctrine_n here_o by_o he_o maintain_v viz._n that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v righteousness_n without_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o without_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o then_o he_o must_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n which_o be_v one_o of_o those_o argument_n whereby_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o a_o state_n of_o regeneration_n be_v a_o state_n of_o inherent_a personal_a righteousness_n and_o which_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n i_o have_v produce_v do_v prove_v that_o to_o be_v regenerate_v as_o it_o signify_v the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o to_o be_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v sect_n 8._o 2._o if_o we_o consider_v regeneration_n as_o a_o effect_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o mean_n of_o that_o state_n which_o we_o have_v describe_v regeneration_n to_o be_v these_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v to_o be_v water_n and_o the_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 5._o viz._n when_o he_o repeat_v his_o doctrine_n to_o nicodemus_n concern_v which_o grotius_n well_o note_n exponit_fw-la jam_fw-la qualem_fw-la nativitatem_fw-la intelligat_fw-la nè_fw-la nicodemus_n diutius_fw-la allegoricae_fw-la locutionis_fw-la ignorantiâ_fw-la fallatur_fw-la our_o saviour_n now_o explain_v what_o birth_n he_o understand_v that_o nicodemus_n may_v no_o long_o be_v deceive_v by_o his_o ignorance_n that_o christ_n speak_v figurative_o for_o after_o it_o be_v tell_v he_o that_o this_o birth_n be_v effect_v by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v not_o dream_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v be_v bear_v again_o in_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n as_o he_o conceive_v at_o first_o when_o it_o be_v only_o tell_v he_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o be_v can_v etc._n etc._n now_o whether_o one_o cause_n of_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n or_o more_o be_v express_v in_o these_o word_n by_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o general_o agree_v upon_o there_o be_v some_o whereof_o grotius_n himself_o be_v one_o who_o conceive_v that_o by_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o word_n signify_v the_o sanctify_a or_o cleanse_v spirit_n of_o god_n non_fw-la loquor_fw-la de_fw-fr baptismo_fw-la say_v grotius_n but_o withal_o he_o say_v sed_fw-la locutiones_fw-la sunt_fw-la alludentes_fw-la ad_fw-la baptismum_fw-la our_o saviour_n allude_v to_o baptism_n as_o he_o suppose_v he_o to_o allude_v to_o the_o eucharist_n in_o those_o word_n except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n etc._n etc._n but_o by_o the_o leave_n of_o so_o great_a a_o man_n i_o think_v the_o other_o opinion_n more_o general_o receive_v and_o in_o particular_a maintain_v by_o dr._n hammond_n viz._n that_o by_o water_n baptism_n be_v here_o mean_v to_o be_v to_o say_v no_o more_o far_o more_o probable_a than_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o baptism_n be_v that_o ceremony_n of_o proselytism_n among_o the_o jew_n which_o our_o saviour_n borrow_v from_o they_o query_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n be_v no_o new_a name_n or_o notion_n as_o dr._n owen_n pretend_v for_o the_o jew_n call_v their_o proselyte_n recens_fw-la nati_fw-la as_o grotius_n himself_o observe_v new_a bear_v man_n and_o as_o such_o count_v they_o to_o have_v quit_v their_o relation_n to_o their_o former_a country_n parent_n and_o kindred_n and_o since_o the_o jewish_a proselyte_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o baptize_v person_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o immersion_n in_o water_n be_v one_o of_o the_o indispensible_a ceremony_n of_o his_o proselytism_n or_o regeneration_n we_o may_v well_o conceive_v that_o by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n our_o saviour_n mean_v become_v a_o proselyte_n to_o his_o church_n by_o baptism_n as_o by_o baptism_n the_o jew_n admit_v proselyte_n to_o they_o for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o strange_a that_o nicodemus_n a_o master_n of_o israel_n shall_v not_o understand_v what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n 2._o st._n paul_n do_v express_o call_v baptism_n the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n which_o what_o it_o signify_v but_o a_o mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v or_o become_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v understand_v and_o then_o that_o be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n now_o where_o there_o be_v not_o only_o no_o necessity_n to_o find_v a_o figure_n in_o scripture-phrase_n but_o the_o proper_a sense_n also_o contain_v a_o truth_n very_o pertinent_a to_o the_o subject_a speak_v of_o in_o all_o reason_n there_o the_o proper_a sense_n and_o consequent_o here_o of_o the_o word_n water_n ought_v to_o be_v follow_v and_o then_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n signify_v our_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n as_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o engage_v to_o be_v so_o for_o the_o future_a by_o baptism_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v make_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o true_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o baptism_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o concern_v they_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o show_v therefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o they_o in_o this_o place_n but_o only_o add_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o our_o regeneration_n or_o become_v good_a christian_n but_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v those_o other_o cause_n viz._n those_o mean_n which_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v our_o regeneration_n unto_o to_o be_v include_v under_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o effect_n without_o who_o operation_n those_o mean_n can_v be_v effectual_a to_o their_o end_n and_o these_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o pet._n 1.23_o that_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o but_o this_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o consider_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o those_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n whereby_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o be_v bear_v again_o both_o as_o it_o signify_v a_o state_n and_o as_o a_o effect_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v require_v we_o to_o become_v his_o sincere_a follower_n and_o disciple_n if_o we_o hope_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n sect_n 9_o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o become_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v express_v by_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o i_o shall_v likewise_o show_v how_o fit_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v express_v by_o the_o other_o metaphor_n that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o this_o because_o our_o author_n seem_v unable_a to_o conceive_v how_o so_o mean_v a_o thing_n as_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v intend_v by_o such_o grand_a and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n as_o those_o of_o the_o new_a birth_n the_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v first_o observe_v the_o similitude_n between_o our_o become_a true_a christian_n and_o be_v born_n first_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o alteration_n which_o be_v make_v in_o a_o man_n state_n by_o his_o become_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n be_v one_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o state_n of_o such_o a_o disciple_n be_v express_v by_o this_o metaphor_n for_o it_o express_v a_o very_a great_a change_n thus_o mr._n baxter_n tell_v we_o very_o well_o that_o regeneration_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a term_n 8._o take_v from_o our_o natural_a generation_n because_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o change_n that_o a_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v another_o man_n if_o we_o consider_v how_o great_a this_o change_n be_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o so_o to_o be_v there_o be_v first_o of_o all_o a_o intrinsic_a change_n peculiar_a to_o the_o state_n of_o adult_n christian_n their_o understanding_n be_v inform_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o truth_n concern_v god_n and_o themselves_o and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v which_o they_o be_v most_o of_o all_o concern_v to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ._n hereby_o also_o be_v produce_v a_o proportionable_a change_n in_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v wrought_v such_o effect_n upon_o that_o
speak_v of_o we_o agree_v that_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o his_o revelation_n be_v mean_v but_o this_o by_o the_o by_o it_o be_v however_o clear_a that_o our_o saviour_n challenge_v the_o jew_n of_o unreasonable_a incredulity_n for_o disbelieve_v what_o be_v sufficient_o testify_v and_o prove_v to_o they_o 2._o christ_n assign_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o unbelief_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a vers_fw-la 19_o i._n e._n the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o i_o bring_v be_v so_o bright_a and_o clear_a that_o the_o cause_n why_o man_n believe_v it_o not_o be_v not_o because_o they_o want_v reason_n and_o argument_n to_o induce_v they_o thereunto_o or_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v himself_o by_o light_n it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o i_o be_o the_o son_n god_n that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o perceive_v it_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o mean_n of_o conviction_n but_o because_o your_o deed_n be_v evil_a because_o my_o doctrine_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o your_o lust_n and_o vice_n that_o you_o be_v not_o will_v it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o so_o you_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o therefore_o great_a shall_v be_v your_o condemnation_n every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o truth_n that_o be_v sincere_o dispose_v to_o do_v whatever_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v manifest_a be_v not_o unwilling_a to_o have_v his_o action_n prove_v that_o they_o be_v wrought_v of_o god_n whether_o they_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o not_o i_o think_v it_o be_v thus_o sufficient_o plain_a that_o the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o his_o discourse_n to_o nicodemus_n be_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o come_v to_o he_o or_o believe_v in_o he_o i._n e._n of_o be_v his_o disciple_n in_o order_n to_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o to_o convince_v those_o of_o unreasonable_a obstinacy_n and_o incredulity_n who_o will_v not_o be_v his_o disciple_n it_o be_v therefore_o plain_a that_o suppose_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o regenerate_v man_n than_o the_o beginning_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n be_v consonant_a to_o his_o plain_a design_n which_o be_v to_o show_v why_o we_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o how_o inexcusable_a we_o be_v if_o we_o be_v not_o but_o that_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o whole_a may_v be_v clear_o see_v i_o shall_v here_o subjoin_v a_o paraphrase_n of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o concern_v regeneration_n proceed_v upon_o our_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v probable_a as_o grotius_n observe_v that_o after_o nicodemus_n have_v acknowledge_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n he_o ask_v he_o what_o qualification_n a_o man_n must_v have_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n which_o in_o his_o preach_n he_o have_v make_v so_o much_o mention_v of_o to_o which_o question_n our_o saviour_n answer_n be_v except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v no_o man_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n except_o he_o become_v my_o disciple_n which_o you_o seem_v unwilling_a to_o be_v because_o you_o come_v secret_o to_o i_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o you_o to_o acknowledge_v to_o i_o that_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n but_o withal_o you_o must_v become_v one_o of_o my_o disciple_n and_o own_o yourself_o so_o to_o be_v though_o you_o forfeit_v thereby_o the_o honour_n you_o have_v in_o the_o jewish_a state_n for_o you_o must_v forsake_v all_o to_o follow_v i_o nicodemus_n not_o understand_v this_o to_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n reply_v as_o if_o it_o be_v require_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v bear_v again_o in_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v when_o he_o be_v old_a as_o i_o be_o can_v he_o etc._n etc._n jesus_n answer_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n q._n d._n it_o be_v not_o such_o a_o birth_n that_o i_o mean_v but_o that_o of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n you_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o water_n you_o must_v by_o baptism_n become_v a_o profess_a disciple_n of_o i_o who_o you_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o you_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n too_o it_o be_v equal_o necessary_a that_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o promise_n whereof_o be_v part_n of_o my_o doctrine_n you_o become_v obedient_a in_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o those_o law_n which_o i_o deliver_v which_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o divine_a that_o they_o be_v hate_v by_o they_o who_o deed_n be_v evil_a who_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o leave_v their_o sin_n vers_fw-la 6._o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n as_o when_o a_o infant_n be_v bear_v of_o his_o mother_n be_v discernible_a to_o your_o eye_n and_o the_o change_n make_v thereby_o be_v evident_a to_o your_o grosser_n sense_n it_o be_v not_o this_o change_n which_o i_o mean_v but_o i_o say_v you_o must_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a change_n that_o i_o mean_v thereby_o viz._n that_o of_o the_o disposition_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o life_n which_o change_n together_o with_o those_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o it_o be_v produce_v be_v not_o discernible_a the_o same_o way_n in_o which_o the_o natural_a birth_n be_v vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o 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 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 and_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o spirit_n by_o this_o it_o shall_v seem_v that_o which_o be_v most_o troublesome_a to_o nicodemus_n to_o understand_v be_v this_o viz._n how_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o he_o stick_v at_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v the_o imperceptibleness_n of_o that_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o this_o change_n be_v produce_v for_o how_o shall_v a_o man_n know_v when_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v suppose_v our_o saviour_n answer_n to_o he_o remove_v the_o doubt_n for_o it_o show_v 1._o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n though_o they_o be_v not_o perceptible_a to_o the_o sense_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v otherways_o know_v to_o this_o purpose_n he_o use_v a_o familiar_a similitude_n to_o explain_v himself_o by_o viz._n that_o of_o the_o wind_n which_o blow_v hither_o and_o thither_o but_o be_v not_o discernible_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o though_o we_o see_v it_o not_o yet_o we_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n because_o we_o hear_v it_o now_o as_o every_o body_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o its_o proper_a sense_n so_o be_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o its_o proper_a faculty_n and_o as_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o some_o body_n because_o they_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o one_o sense_n if_o they_o be_v evident_a to_o another_o so_o we_o be_v not_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o some_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o our_o sense_n if_o they_o be_v evident_a to_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v 2._o our_o saviour_n answer_n show_v that_o we_o may_v know_v a_o effect_n the_o immediate_a cause_n whereof_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o similitude_n of_o the_o wind_n the_o natural_a cause_n whereof_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o be_v yet_o sure_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v ignorant_a of_o now_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o may_v perceive_v or_o feel_v a_o effect_n in_o our_o mind_n viz._n that_o change_n which_o the_o spirit_n make_v there_o though_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v and_o in_o that_o sense_n do_v not_o know_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n themselves_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n
but_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o cor._n 12.3_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o can_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v this_o matter_n and_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v sufficient_o show_v that_o faith_n or_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a operation_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o the_o first_o preparation_n within_o we_o towards_o regeneration_n be_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o semipelagian_a opinion_n introduce_v by_o the_o massilienses_n upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o pelagian_a controversy_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o prevent_a grace_n though_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v our_o faith_n fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n but_o that_o faith_n and_o the_o first_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v mere_o from_o ourselves_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n sect_n 2._o now_o when_o we_o be_v once_o persuade_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o which_o still_o remain_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o be_v to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n indeed_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o jesus_n we_o have_v entertain_v into_o our_o mind_n such_o forcible_a and_o prevail_a consideration_n as_o will_v not_o easy_o suffer_v we_o to_o disobey_v he_o in_o any_o thing_n and_o they_o have_v so_o much_o power_n to_o lead_v our_o affection_n after_o they_o and_o to_o govern_v our_o practice_n that_o i_o always_o think_v the_o semipelagian_o may_v with_o more_o appearance_n of_o reason_n have_v question_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v those_o divine_a operation_n by_o which_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v crown_v with_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n than_o concern_v those_o which_o be_v preparatory_a to_o faith_n itself_o for_o of_o the_o two_o he_o be_v a_o more_o unreasonable_a man_n who_o believe_v god_n word_n be_v yet_o so_o mad_a as_o to_o go_v on_o still_o in_o his_o sin_n than_o he_o who_o believe_v it_o not_o and_o since_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n make_v they_o so_o unwilling_a to_o attend_v to_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v against_o they_o we_o may_v think_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o keep_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n from_o enter_v into_o their_o heart_n than_o to_o resist_v the_o power_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v once_o admit_v but_o now_o as_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o reason_n by_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v far_o from_o exclude_v all_o need_n of_o a_o divine_a influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o create_v a_o firm_a faith_n in_o we_o so_o neither_o do_v the_o power_n of_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o faith_n render_v the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n needless_a to_o move_v our_o will_n to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o upon_o good_a principle_n but_o still_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n without_o who_o grace_n the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o make_v we_o unwilling_a to_o entertain_v the_o truth_n will_v always_o suppress_v the_o force_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o afterward_o thus_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o john_n 15.5_o but_o he_o do_v not_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v incapable_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o he_o too_o but_o that_o they_o have_v power_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v from_o he_o now_o that_o this_o power_n impart_v to_o they_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n to_o they_o be_v plain_a from_o hence_o that_o they_o already_o believe_v the_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v now_o you_o be_v clean_a through_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o vers_n 3._o and_o yet_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o without_o he_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o which_o must_v needs_o imply_v some_o grace_n distinct_a from_o the_o bare_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o they_o have_v already_o bear_v some_o fruit_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o bring_v forth_o more_o vers_n 2_o 3._o but_o that_o all_o those_o disposition_n and_o virtue_n wherein_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n do_v consist_v be_v as_o well_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v clear_o and_o full_o affirm_v in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 2.13_o it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v which_o be_v again_o speak_v to_o believer_n manifest_o suppose_v a_o divine_a operation_n distinct_a from_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v i._n e._n to_o perform_v that_o obedience_n from_o their_o very_a soul_n which_o will_v qualify_v they_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o this_o be_v the_o motive_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n encourage_v they_o to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n vers_fw-la 12._o by_o universal_a obedience_n as_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v now_o because_o the_o motive_n extend_v to_o engage_v we_o to_o every_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n therefore_o god_n work_v in_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v every_o way_n so_o dispose_v in_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o obedient_a in_o life_n as_o to_o become_v meet_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n wherefore_o the_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o true_a repentance_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n together_o with_o all_o christian_a virtue_n such_o as_o righteousness_n mercy_n patience_n love_n peace_n joy_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n and_o temperance_n be_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherefore_o last_o our_o do_v that_o which_o god_n require_v and_o with_o that_o fear_n and_o love_n of_o he_o which_o he_o require_v too_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o operation_n in_o we_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v yet_o want_v to_o satisfy_v we_o full_o in_o this_o matter_n our_o be_v teach_v to_o pray_v that_o we_o may_v not_o enter_v into_o temptation_n and_o to_o pray_v always_o that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n will_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubt_v whether_o of_o ourselves_o we_o need_v or_o by_o promise_n have_v this_o great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n or_o not_o for_o these_o direction_n be_v unprofitable_a if_o we_o either_o need_v no_o strength_n from_o the_o divine_a spirit_n against_o our_o temptation_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v gain_v by_o our_o prayer_n much_o less_o will_v those_o prayer_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o other_o christian_n which_o we_o so_o often_o meet_v withal_o have_v signify_v any_o thing_n to_o their_o advantage_n or_o encouragement_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o divine_a grace_n obtainable_a by_o they_o for_o the_o produce_v of_o those_o effect_n which_o he_o so_o much_o desire_v to_o see_v in_o their_o conversation_n and_o these_o effect_n be_v no_o other_o than_o all_o kind_n of_o christian_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v by_o the_o follow_a place_n wherefore_o also_o we_o pray_v always_o for_o you_o that_o our_o god_n will_v count_v you_o worthy_a of_o this_o call_n and_o fulfil_v all_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n with_o power_n 2_o thess._n 1.11_o i_o e._n that_o god_n will_v make_v their_o faith_n fruitful_a of_o all_o good_a work_n acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o they_o as_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n again_o we_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o and_o to_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n that_o you_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n col._n 1.9_o 10._o thus_o in_o another_o place_n for_o this_o cause_n i_o bow_v my_o knee_n unto_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v you_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inner_a man_n now_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n pray_v for_o in_o these_o and_o many_o like_a place_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o those_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v may_v attain_v all_o those_o qualification_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o believer_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o
purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o god_n dwell_n thus_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n be_v call_v his_o dwell_n among_o the_o israelite_n thus_o when_o he_o command_v the_o build_n of_o the_o ark_n let_v they_o say_v he_o make_v i_o a_o sanctuary_n that_o i_o may_v dwell_v among_o they_o exod._n 25.8_o and_o after_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o sanctify_v the_o tabernacle_n with_o his_o glory_n he_o tell_v moses_n and_o i_o will_v dwell_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n exod._n 29.45_o now_o that_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o favour_n towards_o they_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o promise_n appear_v by_o the_o follow_a word_n and_o they_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n that_o bring_v they_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n i._n e._n he_o will_v so_o manifest_v his_o power_n in_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o from_o all_o their_o enemy_n that_o they_o shall_v know_v he_o have_v the_o same_o care_n of_o they_o which_o he_o show_v in_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o egyptian_a bondage_n but_o this_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_o signify_v by_o those_o word_n in_o all_o place_n where_o i_o record_v my_o name_n i_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o and_o bless_v thou_o exod._n 20.24_o for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o we_o find_v in_o 2_o sam._n 6.2_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n that_o dwell_v between_o the_o cherubim_n and_o this_o be_v that_o account_n which_o the_o psalmist_n give_v of_o god_n dwelling_n in_o zion_n where_o the_o ark_n of_o his_o presence_n be_v the_o lord_n have_v choose_v zion_n he_o have_v desire_v it_o for_o his_o habitation_n this_o be_v my_o rest_n for_o ever_o here_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o i_o have_v desire_v it_o i_o will_v abundant_o satisfy_v her_o poor_a with_o bread_n i_o will_v clothe_v her_o priest_n with_o salvation_n and_o her_o saint_n shall_v shout_v aloud_o for_o joy_n psal._n 132.13_o thus_o in_o time_n of_o distress_n and_o danger_n they_o begin_v their_o prayer_n for_o deliverance_n by_o invoke_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n that_o dwell_v between_o the_o cherubim_n 2_o king_n 19.15_o and_o psal._n 80.1_o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n dwell_v there_o signify_v the_o peculiar_a favour_n which_o he_o have_v towards_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n before_o all_o other_o people_n and_o according_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v use_v to_o express_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n among_o they_o when_o they_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o sin_n not_o by_o dwell_v with_o they_o but_o by_o visit_v they_o which_o you_o know_v be_v a_o word_n that_o do_v not_o imply_v continuance_n and_o long_a abode_n as_o the_o other_o do_v and_o be_v therefore_o much_o fit_a than_o that_o to_o express_v the_o presence_n of_o his_o angry_a justice_n who_o delight_v not_o in_o vengeance_n but_o in_o mercy_n and_o who_o be_v more_o easy_o prevail_v with_o to_o withdraw_v his_o displeasure_n than_o his_o favour_n and_o kindness_n thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o i_o dwell_v with_o he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n which_o that_o it_o signify_v the_o last_a presence_n of_o his_o favour_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o follow_a word_n for_o i_o will_v not_o contend_v for_o ever_o neither_o will_v i_o be_v always_o wroth_a for_o the_o spirit_n shall_v fail_v before_o i_o and_o the_o soul_n which_o i_o have_v make_v isa._n 57.15_o 16._o although_o god_n be_v say_v to_o visit_v man_n both_o when_o he_o be_v present_a to_o punish_v they_o as_o in_o exod._n 32.34_o psal._n 89.36_o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o he_o be_v present_a to_o deliver_v and_o bless_v they_o as_o in_o exod._n 3.16_o psal._n 106.4_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o latter_a only_o that_o he_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v among_o they_o now_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o the_o apostle_n cite_v that_o promise_n of_o god_n make_v to_o the_o israelite_n that_o he_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o you_o may_v see_v 2_o cor._n 6.16_o wherefore_o god_n dwelling_n in_o man_n as_o this_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n signify_v also_o his_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o favour_n towards_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n himself_o explain_v it_o by_o subjoyn_v that_o other_o place_n thereto_o and_o i_o will_v be_v a_o father_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n and_o daughter_n say_v the_o lord_n god_n almighty_n and_o this_o be_v that_o testimony_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o hereof_o that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n 1.14_o by_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v god_n blessing_n and_o favour_n and_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n more_o free_o than_o the_o israelite_n ever_o do_v by_o the_o dwell_n of_o the_o ark_n among_o they_o they_o pray_v towards_o their_o most_o holy_a place_n where_o god_n be_v extraordinary_o present_a that_o he_o will_v stir_v up_o his_o strength_n and_o come_v and_o save_v they_o but_o we_o look_v up_o to_o the_o more_o holy_a mercy-seat_n where_o god_n be_v more_o glorious_o present_a than_o he_o be_v between_o the_o cherubim_n even_o to_o jesus_n who_o all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o in_o who_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v bodily_a that_o through_o he_o we_o may_v have_v help_n and_o salvation_n the_o name_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v now_o record_v among_o we_o be_v the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o this_o name_n we_o invoke_v he_o that_o he_o will_v come_v unto_o we_o and_o bless_v we_o and_o there_o be_v as_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o blessing_n that_o god_n come_v to_o we_o and_o dwell_v among_o we_o imply_v and_o those_o which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o israelite_n as_o between_o the_o testimony_n themselves_o of_o god_n presence_n among_o they_o and_o among_o we_o they_o be_v temporal_a favour_n and_o deliverance_n which_o they_o promise_v to_o themselves_o from_o god_n presence_n in_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n but_o we_o look_v for_o a_o salvation_n incomparable_o more_o excellent_a god_n have_v bless_v we_o through_o christ_n with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o thing_n that_o concern_v heaven_n eph._n 1.3_o the_o enemy_n we_o be_v to_o subdue_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n be_v those_o which_o will_v hinder_v we_o of_o our_o heavenly_a canaan_n viz._n our_o sensual_a lust_n and_o earthly_a affection_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n for_o we_o wrestle_v not_o against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o against_o principality_n against_o power_n against_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n eph._n 6.12_o against_o all_o the_o suggestion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n whether_o to_o more_o gross_a and_o sensual_a or_o to_o more_o refine_a and_o spiritual_a vice_n and_o they_o be_v enemy_n so_o much_o more_o dangerous_a than_o those_o which_o the_o israelite_n have_v to_o deal_v withal_o that_o they_o do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v call_v principality_n etc._n etc._n when_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o here_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n thus_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o twice_o mention_v by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 8.9_o 11._o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o presence_n of_o his_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v constant_o enable_v to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n vers_fw-la 13._o for_o than_o our_o body_n shall_v have_v a_o bless_a resurrection_n vers_fw-la 11._o and_o the_o spirit_n be_v life_n because_o of_o righteousness_n vers_fw-la 10._o our_o soul_n shall_v then_o be_v qualify_v for_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n now_o this_o be_v certain_a to_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o which_o be_v signify_v thereby_o be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n which_o if_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v die_v and_o enable_v to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n to_o subdue_v our_o spiritual_a enemy_n more_o perfect_o and_o to_o prevail_v final_o against_o they_o that_o we_o may_v live_v vers_fw-la 13._o therefore_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n as_o god_n dwelling_n among_o the_o israelite_n signify_v his_o peculiar_a favour_n to_o they_o in_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o blessing_n they_o with_o plenty_n and_o increase_n etc._n etc._n so_o be_v the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o his_o grace_n
and_o all_o mankind_n but_o i_o can_v go_v about_o to_o convince_v another_o of_o that_o truth_n which_o i_o know_v only_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n unless_o i_o can_v add_v the_o demonstration_n of_o power_n by_o do_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v my_o doctrine_n or_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v myself_o as_o ridiculous_a as_o those_o champion_n of_o the_o roman_a fraternity_n make_v themselves_o who_o say_v their_o church_n be_v infallible_a in_o the_o conclusion_n though_o she_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o premise_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v sure_a their_o church_n be_v always_o in_o the_o right_n though_o sometime_o it_o be_v more_o than_o they_o can_v prove_v this_o may_v be_v say_v for_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o difficult_a place_n by_o study_n the_o use_n of_o which_o way_n be_v principal_o the_o duty_n of_o spiritual_a guide_n now_o the_o advantage_n thereof_o be_v this_o that_o they_o may_v easy_o communicate_v their_o knowledge_n to_o other_o there_o will_v be_v still_o less_o reason_n for_o private_a christian_n who_o want_v leisure_n or_o ability_n to_o use_v the_o former_a mean_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v teach_v they_o the_o true_a sense_n by_o inspiration_n since_o he_o may_v lead_v they_o to_o it_o by_o his_o minister_n and_o for_o this_o way_n it_o may_v be_v say_v further_o that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o god_n have_v establish_v a_o order_n of_o man_n who_o peculiar_a office_n it_o be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n act_v 20.28_o and_o that_o by_o take_v care_n to_o instruct_v they_o out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o necessary_a truth_n but_o in_o such_o as_o be_v profitable_a too_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v qualify_v to_o understand_v and_o improve_v by_o they_o for_o some_o be_v to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n only_o and_o not_o with_o meat_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v it_o 1_o cor._n 3.2_o 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the_o confidence_n we_o have_v from_o thence_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o utter_o and_o final_o miscarry_v he_o do_v not_o indeed_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n that_o we_o be_v not_o true_a believer_n till_o we_o be_v thus_o assure_v but_o his_o word_n imply_v as_o much_o though_o they_o look_v as_o if_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o speak_v it_o out_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v trouble_v you_o no_o further_o with_o this_o matter_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o needful_a as_o a_o motive_n to_o our_o duty_n for_o then_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v sufficient_a inducement_n to_o obedience_n since_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n there_o be_v all_o conditional_a and_o by_o consequence_n all_o the_o assurance_n we_o can_v have_v of_o our_o reward_n from_o thence_o be_v but_o conditional_a beside_o a_o great_a assurance_n than_o that_o can_v be_v necessary_a to_o move_v we_o to_o well-doing_n in_o point_n of_o gratitude_n for_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o love_n god_n and_o be_v 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other_o part_n of_o it_o look_v backward_o to_o keep_v off_o the_o first_o and_o at_o this_o rate_n a_o child_n may_v confute_v all_o the_o argument_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n have_v thus_o discover_v our_o author_n fallacious_a way_n of_o proceed_v upon_o this_o head_n and_o his_o art_n in_o decline_v the_o proof_n of_o what_o he_o so_o bold_o affirm_v concern_v personal_a election_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n be_v make_v to_o his_o elect_n it_o may_v not_o now_o be_v unnecessary_a to_o put_v the_o reader_n in_o mind_n that_o i_o have_v not_o be_v wander_v all_o this_o while_n from_o the_o design_n of_o this_o section_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v god_n special_a grace_n such_o as_o that_o be_v whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o be_v not_o on_o our_o part_n qualify_v to_o receive_v it_o now_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o this_o can_v be_v admit_v for_o a_o certain_a truth_n on_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v any_o absolute_a promise_n in_o the_o scripture_n make_v to_o some_o particular_a man_n that_o god_n will_v regenerate_v they_o or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a person_n who_o without_o consideration_n of_o any_o quality_n in_o they_o god_n decree_v to_o save_v but_o if_o these_o be_v groundless_a supposition_n themselves_o i_o understand_v not_o which_o way_n any_o man_n shall_v think_v to_o obtain_v the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n but_o by_o perform_v the_o condition_n on_o which_o it_o be_v promise_v and_o then_o i_o say_v with_o dr._n owen_n that_o believer_n be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o sanctification_n and_o subject_n of_o gospel-holiness_n not_o mean_v by_o believer_n as_o he_o do_v holy_a person_n though_o the_o word_n be_v and_o may_v be_v so_o use_v but_o those_o mere_o that_o be_v persuade_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ._n i_o only_o add_v that_o these_o believer_n 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communicate_v those_o full_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o they_o while_o they_o be_v thus_o unreformed_a which_o be_v signify_v by_o his_o dwell_n in_o we_o sect_n 3._o have_v thus_o show_v you_o who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o special_a grace_n i_o proceed_v to_o a_o three_o conclusion_n which_o be_v prove_v nothing_o else_o seem_v necessary_a for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o this_o question_n to_o who_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v wherefore_o i_o add_v 3._o that_o common_a grace_n or_o that_o which_o be_v not_o suspend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o condition_n require_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v give_v to_o all_o those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n my_o meaning_n be_v they_o be_v all_o prevent_v with_o that_o grace_n which_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o begin_v well_o i._n e._n to_o desire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n way_n with_o a_o purpose_n of_o walk_v in_o they_o when_o they_o be_v know_v and_o then_o to_o be_v convince_v 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it_o but_o all_o i_o say_v be_v this_o that_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o prevent_v our_o first_o good_a inclination_n and_o desire_n and_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o learn_v the_o truth_n be_v give_v to_o as_o many_o as_o have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o so_o that_o until_o by_o their_o obstinacy_n they_o have_v utter_o forfeit_v the_o divine_a grace_n and_o blessing_n it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o lay_v aside_o prejudice_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n out_o of_o many_o argument_n which_o the_o scripture_n afford_v to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v choose_v but_o one_o have_v already_o draw_v out_o this_o part_n into_o a_o great_a length_n than_o i_o expect_v but_o that_o conclude_v strong_o enough_o to_o spare_v i_o the_o labour_n of_o produce_v any_o more_o the_o argument_n i_o mean_v be_v found_v upon_o those_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o those_o to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v make_v know_v be_v threaten_v with_o eternal_a damnation_n if_o they_o believe_v it_o not_o and_o with_o more_o grievous_a punishment_n than_o have_v be_v inflict_v on_o they_o if_o the_o gospel_n have_v never_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o thus_o say_v our_o saviour_n to_o his_o apostle_n go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_v 16.15_o 16._o if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v not_o but_o reject_v i_o the_o word_n that_o i_o have_v speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v he_o in_o the_o last_o day_n john_n 12.47_o 48._o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n john_n 3.18_o further_o the_o severity_n of_o that_o punishment_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o who_o believe_v not_o be_v intimate_v plain_o in_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o fault_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v accuse_v of_o this_o particular_a sin_n of_o not_o believe_v in_o i_o and_o that_o will_v have_v mitigate_v their_o other_o fault_n but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v every_o way_n inexcusable_a and_o therefore_o the_o more_o punishable_a john_n 15.22_o but_o it_o be_v full_o express_v in_o matth._n 11.20_o where_o we_o find_v our_o saviour_n upbraid_v the_o city_n that_o reject_v he_o and_o declare_v it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n and_o sodom_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o they_o vers_n 22_o 23._o these_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v premise_v i_o argue_v thus_o if_o all_o that_o prevent_a grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v be_v not_o sometime_o give_v 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unquaint_v withal_o and_o by_o this_o he_o show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o despise_v his_o opinion_n concern_v grace_n have_v not_o be_v take_v up_o of_o late_a now_o i_o will_v not_o say_v how_o old_a the_o practice_n have_v be_v of_o make_v every_o quarrel_n a_o man_n be_v concern_v in_o equal_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o those_o godly_a man_n who_o suffering_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v that_o it_o be_v at_o lest_o as_o old_a as_o that_o faction_n which_o our_o author_n have_v espouse_v and_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o one_o branch_n of_o a_o proud_a inclination_n let_v sober_a man_n judge_v it_o have_v be_v often_o observe_v of_o these_o man_n how_o dear_a they_o and_o their_o opinion_n be_v to_o themselves_o and_o the_o doctor_n have_v here_o give_v you_o a_o good_a ordinary_a instance_n of_o it_o for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v bewitch_v with_o self-conceit_n he_o have_v never_o make_v this_o absurd_a parallel_n for_o what_o have_v abel_n or_o isaac_n to_o do_v with_o his_o cause_n if_o he_o have_v only_o call_v we_o the_o seed_n of_o cain_n and_o ishmael_n without_o say_v why_o who_o will_v have_v think_v the_o reason_n have_v be_v our_o question_n whether_o man_n be_v snatch_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v his_o great_a quarrel_n against_o we_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o conversion_n which_o here_o he_o pretend_v to_o explain_v i_o know_v he_o do_v more_o than_o insinuate_v and_o that_o more_o than_o once_o that_o we_o disow_v the_o very_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o i_o shall_v convince_v you_o in_o a_o fit_a place_n but_o this_o you_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o his_o rage_n which_o make_v he_o foam_v out_o calumny_n against_o we_o without_o any_o discretion_n for_o he_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o his_o adversary_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o too_o from_o his_o own_o word_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v desire_v he_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n be_v not_o the_o representative_a of_o such_o shameless_a writer_n as_o he_o be_v a_o example_n of_o as_o to_o what_o he_o say_v 287._o that_o such_o a_o work_n of_o god_n upon_o man_n as_o he_o contend_v for_o be_v expose_v to_o derision_n if_o upon_o that_o account_n he_o compare_v his_o adversary_n to_o scoff_a ishmael_n i_o think_v he_o do_v they_o great_a wrong_n for_o let_v he_o if_o he_o can_v name_v any_o of_o his_o opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n who_o have_v debate_v the_o point_n with_o any_o appearance_n of_o modesty_n and_o sobriety_n and_o be_v answer_v with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o contempt_n but_o as_o for_o those_o of_o who_o dr._n owen_n be_v one_o that_o instead_o of_o answer_v the_o argument_n of_o their_o adversary_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v laugh_v at_o and_o do_v themselves_o fall_v upon_o they_o with_o the_o foul_a reproach_n as_o upon_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v sometime_o good_a to_o take_v down_o their_o haughty_a spirit_n and_o to_o render_v their_o arrogance_n contemptible_a lest_o other_o be_v encourage_v to_o hope_v that_o any_o cause_n may_v be_v carry_v by_o vapour_a in_o my_o opinion_n it_o be_v a_o difficult_a undertake_n to_o define_v in_o particular_a what_o be_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n because_o i_o think_v the_o scripture_n have_v not_o particular_o acquaint_v we_o what_o it_o be_v let_v other_o who_o have_v better_o consider_v the_o thing_n enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o think_v otherwise_o and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o shall_v with_o all_o thankfulness_n submit_v to_o further_a instruction_n but_o as_o for_o dr._n owen_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o favour_v his_o determination_n of_o the_o question_n which_o i_o shall_v the_o rather_o endeavour_v because_o i_o conceive_v this_o opinion_n that_o the_o spirit_n work_v upon_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n especial_o as_o he_o have_v advance_v it_o to_o be_v of_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o proposition_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o will_v i_o think_v be_v easy_o grant_v by_o all_o sober_a christian_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v in_o general_n conclude_v what_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o power_n not_o that_o i_o think_v even_o this_o be_v needful_a if_o our_o author_n and_o those_o of_o his_o way_n have_v not_o fall_v into_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n by_o venture_v too_o far_o for_o that_o which_o have_v be_v already_o say_v seem_v to_o i_o to_o afford_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o godliness_n and_o comfort_n if_o all_o be_v not_o subvert_v again_o by_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o we_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n now_o i_o think_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o those_o general_a proposition_n wherein_o they_o agree_v with_o we_o concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n on_o our_o mind_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o particular_a definition_n of_o it_o and_o the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v this_o that_o 1._o faith_n and_o repentance_n or_o conversion_n to_o god_n together_o with_o perseverance_n in_o holiness_n be_v true_o and_o proper_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n word_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherefore_o such_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o produce_v these_o qualification_n in_o our_o mind_n that_o it_o hinder_v they_o not_o from_o be_v the_o genuine_a effect_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o ought_v still_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o whereby_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n of_o work_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mindâ—_n of_o man_n now_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o produce_v these_o effect_n consist_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n in_o the_o authority_n and_o excellency_n of_o its_o law_n and_o in_o the_o weightiness_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o other_o motive_n to_o obedience_n wherefore_o if_o conversion_n be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o god_n word_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v 1._o only_o cooperate_v to_o the_o produce_v of_o that_o effect_n and_o 2._o in_o that_o manner_n as_o it_o may_v true_o be_v affirm_v to_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o those_o consideration_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o supposition_n be_v manifest_a from_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n as_o for_o faith_n st._n paul_n plain_o tell_v we_o it_o come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n rom._n 10.17_o thus_o upon_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o unbeliever_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v mighty_o and_o prevail_v act_v 19.20_o i_o e._n the_o testimony_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n convince_v many_o that_o be_v in_o all_o appearance_n most_o likely_a to_o oppose_v it_o hence_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o in_o christ_n jesus_n he_o have_v beget_v they_o through_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v first_o bring_v they_o over_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n furthermore_o our_o obedience_n be_v by_o st._n peter_n ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n where_o he_o say_v that_o we_o have_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n give_v to_o we_o that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n 2_o pet._n 1.4_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o work_v effectual_o in_o those_o that_o believe_v 1_o thess._n 2.13_o i_o e._n by_o the_o force_n of_o those_o promise_n mention_v by_o st._n peter_n and_o other_o weighty_a consideration_n move_v to_o holiness_n final_o our_o regeneration_n be_v express_o ascribe_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o live_v and_o abide_v for_o ever_o 1_o pet._n 1.23_o and_o our_o spiritual_a improvement_n be_v attribute_v not_o long_o after_o to_o the_o same_o cause_n as_o newborn_a babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o thus_o the_o increase_n of_o
motive_n include_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o operation_n nor_o do_v the_o spirit_n use_v any_o motive_n when_o he_o thus_o operate_v for_o as_o these_o man_n say_v this_o physical_a operation_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n tell_v i_o in_o what_o capacity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v stand_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o author_n if_o you_o will_v believe_v he_o pay_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o do_v not_o only_o render_v thus_o useless_a in_o general_n but_o many_o plain_a testimony_n whereof_o he_o contradict_v in_o particular_a and_o for_o instance_n that_o passage_n in_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n i_o desire_v he_o at_o his_o leisure_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o grace_n which_o our_o saviour_n pray_v for_o in_o his_o disciple_n behalf_n be_v a_o immediate_a physical_a operation_n if_o not_o whether_o we_o be_v now_o sanctify_v by_o another_o sort_n of_o operation_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n pray_v for_o now_o to_o say_v in_o express_a term_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n will_v sound_v so_o horrid_o in_o any_o sober_a christian_n ear_n that_o the_o doctor_n himself_o have_v not_o venture_v upon_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o be_v often_o persuade_v his_o reader_n that_o he_o attribute_n as_o much_o to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n as_o any_o of_o they_o all_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o 268._o whereas_o some_o contend_v that_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o effectual_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n they_o do_v not_o ascribe_v a_o great_a power_n unto_o the_o word_n than_o we_o do_v by_o who_o this_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o total_a cause_n of_o conversion_n for_o we_o assign_v the_o same_o power_n to_o the_o word_n as_o they_o do_v and_o more_o also_o only_o we_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o effect_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o this_o work_n which_o all_o this_o power_n if_o alone_o be_v insufficient_a for_o after_o a_o few_o such_o say_n as_o these_o a_o man_n need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n for_o 1._o they_o who_o contend_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o spirit_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o mind_n be_v insufficient_a to_o cause_v conversion_n and_o that_o there_o be_v another_o action_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherein_o no_o use_n be_v make_v of_o the_o word_n at_o all_o necessary_a to_o conversion_n do_v not_o attribute_v so_o much_o power_n to_o the_o word_n as_o they_o do_v who_o say_v the_o former_a be_v sufficient_a 2._o much_o less_o do_v they_o so_o if_o withal_o they_o pretend_v that_o this_o other_o operation_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n whereby_o the_o word_n be_v exclude_v from_o intervening_a as_o a_o mean_n 3._o and_o yet_o much_o less_o if_o they_o say_v this_o operation_n produce_v the_o effect_n irresistible_o and_o till_o this_o irresistible_a act_n have_v take_v place_n the_o word_n be_v utter_o ineffectual_a 4._o lest_o of_o all_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o assign_v more_o power_n to_o the_o word_n than_o their_o adversary_n do_v i_o wonder_v at_o this_o man_n confidence_n to_o venture_v such_o open_a falsehood_n abroad_o as_o these_o be_v it_o have_v be_v enough_o in_o conscience_n for_o a_o modest_a man_n to_o say_v that_o those_o of_o our_o author_n opinion_n ascribe_v as_o much_o power_n to_o the_o word_n as_o we_o do_v but_o to_o say_v they_o assign_v more_o to_o it_o be_v too_o much_o in_o all_o reason_n to_o go_v for_o a_o mere_a mistake_n and_o therefore_o one_o may_v well_o think_v he_o see_v clear_o enough_o that_o he_o defer_v not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o word_n as_o we_o and_o that_o because_o he_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a he_o resolve_v to_o put_v on_o a_o face_n for_o something_o and_o say_v withal_o that_o he_o ascribe_v more_o for_o true_o he_o may_v even_o say_v that_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o for_o this_o passage_n of_o he_o be_v but_o the_o next_o page_n before_o he_o assert_n and_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v for_o a_o great_a while_n together_o that_o till_o the_o soul_n be_v change_v by_o his_o physical_a operation_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v no_o more_o power_n to_o make_v a_o due_a impression_n on_o it_o no_o though_o the_o motive_n thereof_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o internal_a persuasion_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o you_o have_v to_o stir_v a_o rock_n by_o speak_v to_o it_o or_o to_o raise_v a_o dead_a body_n from_o the_o grave_a by_o a_o syllogiâ—â—â—_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o maâ—_n that_o just_a before_o will_v make_v you_o believe_v how_o he_o yield_v as_o much_o nay_o more_o efficacy_n to_o the_o word_n than_o we_o who_o say_v that_o mankind_n be_v not_o so_o incapable_a of_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o word_n but_o that_o when_o it_o be_v bless_v and_o use_v as_o he_o well_o enough_o express_v it_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 268._o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convert_v a_o man_n without_o any_o such_o physical_a operation_n as_o they_o talk_v of_o but_o you_o see_v this_o man_n make_v it_o to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o dead_a letter_n even_o when_o it_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n too_o and_o after_o all_o his_o flourish_v resolve_v conversion_n into_o a_o irresistible_a operation_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o the_o word_n at_o all_o and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v you_o what_o a_o irreverent_a opinion_n he_o have_v of_o it_o whatever_o he_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o proposition_n sect_n 2._o 2._o the_o manner_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o ratioâ—nal_a nature_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o full_o express_v and_o liberal_o grant_v by_o dr._n owen_n that_o i_o shall_v need_v to_o say_v the_o less_o of_o it_o 271._o for_o he_o say_v the_o power_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n put_v forth_o in_o our_o regeneration_n be_v such_o in_o its_o act_n or_o exercise_n as_o 〈◊〉_d mind_n will_n and_o affection_n be_v suit_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o to_o be_v affect_v by_o it_o according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o natural_a operation_n again_o he_o do_v not_o act_n in_o they_o otherwise_o than_o they_o themselves_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v act_v according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n power_n and_o ability_n he_o draw_v we_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n and_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o work_n itself_o be_v express_v by_o persuade_v and_o allure_a and_o that_o it_o carry_v no_o more_o repugnancy_n to_o our_o faculty_n than_o a_o prevalent_a persuasion_n do_v again_o that_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o mere_o passive_a instrument_n as_o former_o in_o prophetical_a inspiration_n move_v above_o their_o own_o natural_a capacity_n and_o activity_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o operation_n but_o he_o work_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o and_o by_o their_o own_o natural_a act_n through_o a_o immediate_a influence_n and_o impression_n of_o his_o power_n last_o that_o he_o offer_v no_o violence_n or_o compulsion_n to_o the_o will_n this_o he_o say_v that_o faculty_n be_v not_o natural_o capable_a to_o give_v admission_n unto_o if_o it_o be_v compel_v it_o be_v destroy_v these_o be_v very_o fair_a concession_n and_o â—â—less_v you_o have_v give_v over_o wonder_v at_o our_o author_n way_n of_o writing_n you_o will_v hardly_o believe_v they_o shall_v drop_v from_o his_o pen._n but_o they_o be_v his_o own_o word_n i_o assure_v you_o though_o light_n and_o darkness_n may_v be_v assoon_o reconcile_v as_o they_o can_v be_v to_o that_o opinion_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n which_o he_o so_o eager_o contend_v for_o for_o if_o a_o physical_a operation_n immediate_o and_o irresistible_o produce_v faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v utter_o unsuitable_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o natural_a faculty_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o which_o those_o effect_n be_v wrought_v then_o be_v it_o most_o evident_a that_o those_o concession_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o conversion_n by_o that_o physical_a work_n now_o let_v he_o tell_v i_o whether_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v according_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o natural_a operation_n suit_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o such_o a_o power_n as_o make_v not_o the_o least_o use_n of_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o least_o thought_n
persuasion_n which_o it_o may_v resist_v but_o it_o be_v force_v by_o that_o physical_a operation_n which_o it_o can_v resist_v and_o which_o do_v not_o leave_v any_o room_n either_o for_o accept_v or_o refuse_v so_o that_o because_o conversion_n thus_o wrought_v be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o our_o own_o choice_n therefore_o no_o violence_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o will_v when_o it_o be_v so_o convert_v which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o because_o conversion_n thus_o wrought_v be_v not_o choose_v by_o the_o will_n therefore_o it_o be_v choose_v by_o it_o this_o answer_n be_v so_o apparent_o absurd_a that_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o transcribe_v the_o whole_a paragraph_n lest_o they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o doctor_n be_v book_n at_o hand_n may_v suspect_v that_o i_o have_v wrong_v he_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o second_o answer_n be_v this_o that_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n of_o time_n wherein_o the_o will_n be_v act_v it_o act_v itself_o and_o by_o so_o do_v preserve_v its_o own_o liberty_n in_o its_o exercise_n to_o which_o i_o reply_v 1._o that_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o the_o will_n or_o the_o soul_n consider_v as_o a_o free_a agent_n do_v as_o such_o act_v any_o thing_n at_o that_o instant_n of_o time_n when_o it_o be_v immediate_o and_o irresistible_o convert_v by_o the_o physical_a act._n if_o he_o mean_v indeed_o that_o the_o soul_n act_v as_o my_o pen_n do_v when_o i_o be_o write_v or_o as_o a_o engine_n do_v when_o it_o be_v set_v a_o go_v i_o grant_v it_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o no_o such_o action_n can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n or_o a_o free_a action_n 2._o yet_o further_o whatever_o act_n you_o ascribe_v to_o the_o will_n at_o that_o time_n it_o can_v be_v true_o pretend_v that_o by_o this_o act_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o will_n be_v preserve_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o there_o be_v none_o to_o preserve_v about_o this_o matter_n of_o conversion_n since_o all_o the_o liberty_n which_o the_o 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