Selected quad for the lemma: virtue_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
virtue_n	act_n	grace_n	habit_n	906	5	9.7429	5	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A62632	Several discourses viz. Of the great duties of natural religion. Instituted religion not intended to undermine natural. Christianity not destructive; but perfective of the law of Moses. The nature and necessity of regeneration. The danger of all known sin. Knowledge and practice necessary in religion. The sins of men not chargeable on God. By the most reverend Dr. John Tillotson, late lord arch-bishop of Canterbury. Being the fourth volume; published from the originals, by Ralph Barker, D.D. chaplain to his Grace.	Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708.; White, Robert, 1600-1690, engraver.	1697 (1697)	Wing T1261A; ESTC R221745	169,748	495

metaphor_n this_o three_o doctrine_n follow_v well_o enough_o from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v agreeable_a enough_o that_o that_o which_o be_v effect_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o omnipotence_n without_o any_o concurrence_n or_o operation_n on_o our_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o all_o at_o once_o not_o that_o this_o be_v necessary_a but_o that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o why_o shall_v omnipotence_n use_v delay_n and_o take_v time_n and_o proceed_v by_o degree_n in_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o with_o the_o same_o ease_n it_o can_v do_v at_o once_o and_o in_o a_o instant_n especial_o consider_v how_o well_o this_o suit_n with_o the_o other_o metaphor_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o with_o this_o of_o a_o new_a creation_n viz._n the_o metaphor_n of_o regeneration_n and_o resurrection_n a_o child_n be_v bear_v at_o once_o and_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v raise_v in_o a_o moment_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o plausible_a appearance_n and_o conspiracy_n of_o metaphor_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v effect_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o all_o at_o once_o be_v not_o well_o ground_v either_o upon_o scripture_n or_o experience_n not_o but_o that_o god_n can_v do_v so_o if_o he_o please_v and_o work_v this_o change_n in_o some_o much_o soon_o and_o quick_a than_o in_o other_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o scripture_n or_o experience_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o usual_a much_o less_o the_o constant_a and_o unalterable_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n to_o bring_v it_o about_o in_o a_o instant_n without_o any_o sensible_a step_n and_o degree_n but_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n first_o i_o shall_v show_v upon_o what_o mistake_a ground_n and_o principle_n this_o doctrine_n rely_v beside_o the_o metaphor_n already_o mention_v which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o prove_v the_o thing_n second_o i_o shall_v plain_o show_v what_o regeneration_n be_v by_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o effect_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o at_o once_o but_o admit_v of_o degree_n three_o that_o it_o be_v evident_o so_o in_o experience_n of_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n both_o in_o those_o who_o be_v regenerate_v by_o a_o pious_a and_o religious_a education_n and_o in_o those_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n four_o that_o all_o this_o be_v very_a consonant_n and_o agreeable_a to_o what_o the_o scripture_n plain_o and_o constant_o declare_v concern_v it_o first_o i_o shall_v discover_v several_a mistake_v upon_o which_o this_o doctrine_n be_v ground_v beside_o the_o metaphor_n already_o mention_v and_o which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o prove_v the_o thing_n viz._n that_o regeneration_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o admit_v of_o no_o degree_n as_o 1._o that_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v not_o only_o different_a expression_n but_o do_v signify_v two_o thing_n real_o different_a but_o this_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n for_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v but_o different_a expression_n of_o the_o self_n self_n same_o thing_n for_o regeneration_n be_v a_o metaphor_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o express_v our_o translation_n and_o change_n from_o one_o state_n to_o another_o from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n as_o if_o we_o be_v bear_v over_o again_o and_o be_v the_o child_n of_o another_o father_n and_o from_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n do_v become_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o sanctification_n be_v our_o be_v make_v holy_a our_o be_v purify_v and_o cleanse_v from_o sin_n and_o impurity_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o same_o cause_n principal_a and_o instrumental_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o they_o as_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o if_o sanctification_n be_v the_o make_n of_o we_o holy_a and_o regeneration_n make_v we_o holy_a then_o regeneration_n be_v sanctification_n 2._o it_o be_v say_v that_o regeneration_n only_o signify_v our_o first_o entrance_n into_o this_o state_n and_o sanctification_n our_o progress_n and_o continuance_n in_o it_o but_o this_o likewise_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o regeneration_n do_v signify_v our_o first_o entrance_n into_o this_o state_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o it_o only_o signify_v that_o for_o it_o be_v use_v likewise_o in_o scripture_n to_o signify_v our_o continuance_n in_o that_o state_n for_o christian_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o regenerate_a state_n not_o only_o in_o the_o instant_n of_o this_o change_n but_o during_o their_o continuance_n in_o it_o beside_o that_o our_o first_o change_n be_v as_o well_o call_v our_o sanctification_n as_o our_o progress_n and_o continuance_n in_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n so_o that_o neither_o in_o this_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n they_o do_v both_o of_o they_o signify_v both_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o a_o holy_a state_n and_o our_o continuance_n and_o progress_n in_o it_o '_o thou_o regeneration_n do_v more_o frequent_o denote_v the_o make_n of_o this_o change_n and_o our_o first_o entrance_n into_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v say_v that_o one_o of_o the_o main_a difference_n between_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n be_v this_o that_o regeneration_n be_v incapable_a of_o degree_n and_o all_o that_o be_v regenerate_v be_v equal_o so_o and_o one_o regenerate_v person_n be_v not_o more_o or_o less_o regenerate_v than_o another_o whereas_o sanctification_n be_v a_o gradual_a progress_n from_o one_o degree_n of_o holiness_n to_o another_o and_o of_o ●hem_n that_o be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o holy_a one_o may_v be_v more_o sanctify_a and_o more_o holy_a than_o another_o but_o this_o likewise_o be_v a_o mere_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n without_o any_o real_a ground_n for_o as_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n do_v plain_o admit_v of_o degree_n so_o likewise_o do_v the_o regenerate_a and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n admit_v of_o degree_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o some_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v more_o wicked_a than_o other_o and_o thereby_o more_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o devil_n than_o other_o which_o be_v the_o scripture_n expression_n concern_v the_o degree_n of_o man_n wickedness_n and_o impiety_n in_o like_a manner_n they_o that_o be_v more_o holy_a and_o more_o like_a god_n be_v more_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v more_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v sure_o to_o be_v more_o regenerate_v that_o be_v more_o renew_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o consist_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a precarious_a assertion_n and_o evident_o false_a to_o affirm_v that_o regeneration_n do_v not_o admit_v of_o degree_n and_o that_o one_o be_v not_o more_o regenerate_v than_o another_o 4_o thly_a and_o last_o they_o ground_n this_o conceit_n upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n which_o teach_v that_o in_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n all_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v infuse_v simul_fw-la &_o semel_fw-la together_o and_o at_o once_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v no_o regard_n much_o less_o a_o veneration_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n where_o it_o differ_v from_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o say_v not_o one_o word_n of_o infuse_a habit_n which_o yet_o be_v much_o talk_v of_o in_o divinity_n and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n these_o word_n serve_v only_o to_o obscure_v the_o thing_n for_o to_o say_v that_o in_o conversion_n the_o habit_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v infuse_v together_o and_o at_o once_o be_v to_o say_v that_o in_o a_o instant_a man_n that_o be_v vicious_a before_o in_o several_a kind_n be_v by_o a_o omnipotent_a act_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o by_o a_o new_a principle_n infuse_v into_o they_o endue_v with_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o contra●y_a grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o be_v as_o chaste_a and_o temperate_a and_o just_o and_o meek_a and_o humble_a as_o if_o by_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n they_o have_v become_v so_o that_o

this_o may_v be_v and_o sometime_o be_v i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o deny_v that_o i_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o some_o man_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o god_n grace_n upon_o their_o heart_n be_v sudden_o change_v and_o strange_o reclaim_v from_o a_o very_a wicked_a and_o vicious_a to_o a_o very_a religious_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n and_o that_o which_o other_o attain_v to_o by_o slow_a degree_n and_o great_a conflict_n with_o themselves_o before_o they_o can_v gain_v the_o upper_a hand_n of_o their_o lust_n these_o arrive_n at_o all_o on_o the_o sudden_a by_o a_o mighty_a resolution_n wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a bias_n and_o inclination_n put●_n upon_o their_o soul_n equal_a to_o a_o habit_n gain_v by_o long_a use_n and_o custom_n this_o god_n sometime_o do_v and_o when_o he_o do_v this_o it_o may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v call_v the_o infusion_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n together_o and_o at_o once_o because_o the_o man_n be_v hereby_o endow_v with_o a_o principle_n of_o equal_a force_n and_o power_n with_o habit_n that_o be_v acquire_v by_o long_a use_n and_o practice_n a_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a faith_n be_v the_o principle_n and_o root_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o may_v have_v such_o a_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o government_n of_o our_o action_n that_o from_o this_o principle_n all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n may_v spring_v and_o grow_v up_o by_o degree_n into_o habit_n but_o then_o this_o principle_n be_v not_o formal_o but_o virtual_o in_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o the_o infusion_n of_o the_o habit_n of_o every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o even_o in_o those_o person_n in_o who_o this_o change_n be_v so_o sudden_o and_o as_o it_o be_v at_o once_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o the_o habit_n of_o several_a grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v afterward_o attain_v by_o the_o frequent_a practice_n of_o they_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o this_o powerful_a principle_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v very_o frequent_a and_o visible_a in_o many_o of_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n especial_o of_o those_o who_o from_o the_o abominable_a idolatry_n and_o impiety_n of_o heathenism_n be_v gain_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v then_o work_v very_o miraculous_o as_o well_o in_o the_o cure_n of_o spiritual_a as_o of_o bodily_a disease_n but_o then_o to_o make_v this_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o god_n ordinary_a proceed_n in_o the_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n of_o man_n be_v equal_o unreasonable_a as_o still_o to_o expect_v miracle_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o disease_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a in_o experience_n that_o this_o be_v not_o god_n ordinary_a method_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n as_o i_o shall_v full_o show_v by_o and_o by_o second_o i_o shall_v show_v what_o regeneration_n be_v by_o which_o it_o will_v plain_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v effect_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o at_o once_o but_o that_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o degree_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o at_o once_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o and_o sometime_o do_v it_o very_o thorough_o and_o very_o sudden_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o always_o be_v so_o now_o regeneration_n be_v the_o change_n of_o a_o man_n state_n from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n to_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n which_o because_o it_o be_v a_o entrance_n upon_o a_o new_a kind_n or_o course_n of_o life_n it_o be_v fit_o resemble_v to_o regeneration_n or_o a_o new_a birth_n to_o a_o new_a creation_n the_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v quite_o charge_v or_o make_v over_o again_o so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v as_o to_o the_o main_a purpose_n and_o design_n of_o his_o life_n the_o same_o man_n he_o be_v before_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a sensible_a account_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o every_o one_o may_v easy_o understand_v now_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o reason_n why_o a_o man_n may_v not_o gradual_o be_v change_v and_o arrive_v at_o this_o state_n by_o degree_n as_o well_o as_o after_o this_o change_n be_v make_v and_o he_o arrive_v at_o this_o state_n of_o a_o regenerate_v man_n he_o may_v by_o degree_n grow_v and_o improve_v in_o it_o but_o the_o latter_a no_o man_n doubt_v of_o but_o that_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n may_v grow_v and_o improve_v in_o grace_n and_o there_o be_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o question_v why_o a_o man_n may_v not_o come_v to_o this_o state_n by_o degree_n as_o well_o as_o leap_v into_o it_o at_o once_o all_o the_o difficulty_n i_o know_v of_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v a_o mere_a nicety_n that_o there_o be_v a_o instant_n in_o which_o every_o thing_n begin_v and_o therefore_o regeneration_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n so_o that_o the_o instant_n before_o the_o man_n arrive_v at_o this_o state_n it_o can_v not_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v regenerate_v and_o the_o instant_a after_o he_o be_v in_o this_o state_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o he_o be_v so_o but_o this_o be_v idle_a subtilety_n just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v prove_v that_o a_o house_n be_v build_v in_o a_o instant_n because_o it_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v till_o the_o instant_n it_o be_v finish_v though_o for_o all_o this_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o it_o be_v build_v by_o degree_n or_o suppose_v the_o time_n of_o arrive_v at_o man_n estate_n be_v at_o one_o and_o twenty_o do_v it_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o a_o man_n do_v not_o grow_v to_o be_v a_o man_n by_o degree_n but_o be_v make_v a_o man_n in_o a_o instant_n because_o just_a before_o one_o and_o twenty_o he_o be_v not_o at_o man_n estate_n and_o just_a than_o he_o be_v not_o but_o that_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v make_v a_o man_n in_o a_o instant_n as_o he_o do_v adam_n but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a from_o this_o example_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v make_v so_o much_o less_o do_v it_o follow_v from_o this_o vain_a subtilety_n this_o be_v just_a the_o case_n all_o the_o while_n the_o man_n be_v tend_v towards_o a_o regenerate_v state_n and_o be_v struggle_v with_o his_o lust_n till_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o his_o own_o resolution_n he_o get_v the_o victory_n all_o the_o while_o he_o be_v under_o the_o sense_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a state_n and_o sorrow_v for_o the_o folly_n of_o his_o past_a life_n and_o come_v to_o a_o effectual_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o change_v his_o course_n and_o it_o may_v be_v several_a time_n throw_v back_o by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n and_o the_o weakness_n and_o instability_n of_o his_o own_o purpose_n till_o at_o last_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n follow_v and_o assist_v he_o he_o come_v to_o a_o firm_a resolution_n of_o a_o better_a life_n which_o resolution_n govern_v he_o for_o the_o future_a i_o say_v all_o this_o while_n which_o in_o some_o person_n be_v long_o in_o other_o short_a according_a to_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a habit_n and_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o god_n grace_n afford_v to_o man_n all_o this_o time_n the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v go_v on_o and_o though_o a_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o a_o regenerate_v state_n till_o that_o very_a instant_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n and_o his_o good_a resolution_n have_v get_v the_o upper_a hand_n of_o his_o lust_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a for_o all_o this_o that_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v not_o effect_v in_o a_o instant_n this_o be_v plain_o and_o true_o the_o case_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o three_o particular_a i_o propound_v namely_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o experience_n of_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n both_o in_o those_o who_o be_v regenerate_v by_o a_o pious_a and_o religious_a education_n and_o those_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n the_o first_o sort_n namely_o those_o who_o be_v bring_v to_o goodness_n by_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n these_o at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o my_o observation_n reach_v make_v up_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o regenerate_v that_o be_v of_o good_a men._n and_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a consider_v the_o universal_a corruption_n

and_o degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a change_n make_v in_o they_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n upon_o their_o mind_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a in_o experience_n that_o this_o change_n be_v make_v in_o very_a many_o by_o very_o silent_a and_o insensible_a degree_n till_o at_o length_n the_o seed_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plant_v in_o they_o by_o a_o good_a education_n do_v visible_o prevail_v over_o all_o the_o evil_a inclination_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n so_o as_o to_o sway_v and_o govern_v the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n and_o when_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n and_o goodness_n do_v apparent_o prevail_v we_o may_v conclude_v they_o to_o be_v in_o a_o regenerate_v s●ate_n though_o perhaps_o very_a few_o of_o these_o can_v give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o change_n for_o thing_n may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o effect_n which_o be_v never_o very_o sensible_a in_o their_o cause_n and_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o such_o person_n who_o never_o live_v in_o any_o evil_a course_n shall_v escape_v those_o pang_n and_o terror_n which_o unavoidable_o happen_v unto_o other_o from_o a_o course_n of_o actual_a sin_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o person_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v who_o be_v in_o this_o gradual_a and_o insensible_a manner_n regenerate_v and_o make_v good_a this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o this_o change_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o instant_n it_o be_v so_o frequent_o find_v to_o be_v otherwise_o in_o experience_n and_o as_o for_o other_o who_o be_v visible_o reclaim_v from_o a_o notorious_a wicked_a course_n in_o these_o we_o likewise_o frequent_o see_v this_o change_n gradual_o make_v by_o strong_a impression_n make_v upon_o their_o mind_n most_o frequent_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n sometime_o by_o his_o providence_n whereby_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o their_o course_n and_o awaken_v to_o consideration_n and_o melt_v into_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n and_o perhaps_o exercise_v with_o great_a terror_n of_o conscience_n till_o at_o length_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o come_v to_o a_o fix_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o after_o many_o struggle_n and_o conflict_n with_o their_o lust_n and_o the_o strong_a bias_n of_o evil_a habit_n this_o resolution_n assist_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v effectual_o prevail_v and_o make_v a_o real_a change_n both_o in_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v and_o not_o before_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v regenerate_v but_o all_o the_o while_n this_o be_v a_o do_v the_o new_a man_n be_v form_v and_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v go_v on_o and_o it_o be_v perhaps_o a_o very_a considerable_a time_n from_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o it_o till_o it_o come_v to_o a_o fix_a and_o settle_a state_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o in_o experience_n of_o most_o person_n who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o usual_a and_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o their_o conversion_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n which_o by_o so_o manifold_a experience_n be_v find_v to_o take_v up_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n and_o to_o be_v effect_v by_o degree_n and_o whereas_o some_o man_n be_v please_v to_o call_v all_o this_o the_o preparatory_a work_n to_o regeneration_n but_o not_o the_o regeneration_n itself_o this_o be_v a_o idle_a contention_n about_o word_n for_o if_o these_o preparation_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o goodness_n and_o a_o gradual_a tendency_n towards_o it_o than_o the_o work_n be_v begin_v by_o they_o and_o during_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o be_v all_o the_o while_n a_o do_v and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o fix_v the_o point_n or_o instant_n when_o a_o man_n just_o arrive_v at_o this_o state_n and_o not_o before_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o sensible_a when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o it_o and_o this_o change_n when_o it_o be_v real_o make_v will_v soon_o discover_v itself_o by_o plain_a and_o sensible_a effect_n four_o and_o last_o all_o this_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n isa_n 1._o 16._o where_o the_o prophet_n exhort_v to_o this_o change_n he_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o gradual_a thing_n wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o that_o be_v break_v off_o evil_a and_o vicious_a habit_n and_o gain_v the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o some_o as_o far_a from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o jer._n 13._o 23._o can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a plain_o declare_v the_o great_a difficulty_n equal_a almost_o to_o a_o natural_a impossibility_n of_o reclaim_v those_o to_o goodness_n who_o have_v be_v long_o habituate_v to_o a_o evil_a course_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o some_o as_o near_a to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o say_v he_o have_v keep_v the_o command_n of_o god_n from_o his_o youth_n that_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o now_o if_o by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o god_n power_n this_o change_n be_v make_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o can_v otherwise_o be_v make_v how_o be_v one_o man_n near_o to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o far_o from_o it_o than_o another_o if_o all_o that_o be_v make_v good_a must_v be_v make_v so_o in_o a_o instant_n or_o not_o at_o all_o than_o no_o man_n be_v near_o be_v make_v good_a than_o another_o for_o if_o he_o be_v near_o to_o it_o he_o may_v soon_o be_v make_v so_o but_o that_o can_v be_v if_o all_o must_v be_v make_v good_a in_o a_o instant_n for_o soon_o than_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v make_v so_o if_o the_o similitude_n of_o our_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n be_v strict_o take_v no_o man_n be_v near_a a_o resurrection_n to_o a_o new_a life_n than_o another_o as_o he_o that_o die_v but_o a_o week_n ago_o be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v raise_v to_o life_n again_o as_o he_o that_o die_v a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o the_o resurrection_n of_o both_o require_v a_o omnipotent_a act_n and_o to_o that_o both_o be_v equal_o easy_a the_o two_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 13._o 31_o 33._o be_v by_o many_o interpreter_n understand_v of_o the_o gradual_a operation_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o men._n that_o wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n which_o be_v sow_v be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n but_o by_o degree_n grow_v up_o to_o be_v the_o great_a of_o herb_n and_o to_o leaven_n which_o a_o woman_n take_v and_o hide_v in_o three_o measure_n of_o meal_n till_o the_o whole_a be_v leaven_v intimate_v the_o progress_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o by_o degree_n diffuse_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a temper_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n into_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n to_o be_v sure_a the_o parable_n of_o the_o seed_n which_o fall_v upon_o good_a ground_n do_v represent_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n accompany_v by_o his_o grace_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o that_o be_v say_v to_o spring_v up_o and_o increase_v and_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n which_o sure_o do_v express_v to_o we_o the_o gradual_a operation_n of_o god_n word_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o renovation_n and_o change_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n the_o new_a testament_n indeed_o speak_v of_o the_o sudden_a change_n of_o many_o upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o be_v not_o a_o standard_n of_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n the_o not_o consider_v of_o which_o have_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v true_a those_o which_o be_v thus_o convert_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n their_o faith_n be_v a_o virtual_a principle_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n though_o not_o formal_o the_o habit_n of_o every_o particular_a grace_n st._n paul_n himself_o who_o be_v a_o prime_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n speak_v as_o if_o he_o acquire_v

and_o confirmation_n from_o plain_a text_n such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o three_o 1._o that_o as_o the_o creation_n be_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n so_o be_v this_o new_a creation_n or_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n 2._o that_o as_o creature_n be_v mere_o passive_a in_o their_o be_v make_v and_o contribute_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o it_o no_o more_o do_v we_o to_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n 3._o that_o as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o several_a rank_n and_o kind_n of_o creature_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o effect_v by_o the_o powerful_a word_n of_o god_n only_o say_v let_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n be_v and_o immediate_o they_o be_v so_o this_o new_a creation_n or_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o admit_v of_o no_o degree_n concern_v these_o three_o doctrine_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n in_o divinity_n i_o shall_v show_v with_o all_o the_o clearness_n and_o brevity_n i_o can_v that_o they_o be_v build_v sole_o ●pon_n metaphor_n of_o scriptu●e_n ●or●●●ed_a a●d_n strain_v too_o far_o without_o any_o real_a ground_n and_o foundation_n from_o scripture_n or_o reason_n nay_o contrary_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o other_o nay_o indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a experience_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o their_o conversion_n first_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o as_o the_o creation_n be_v by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n so_o be_v the_o new_a creation_n or_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o this_o be_v sole_o argue_v from_o the_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v conversion_n such_o as_o be_v call_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o light_n allude_v to_o that_o powerful_a word_n of_o god_n which_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n be_v quicken_v and_o raise_v to_o a_o new_a life_n and_o from_o this_o metaphor_n here_o in_o the_o text_n of_o a_o new_a creation_n but_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n in_o divinity_n to_o build_v doctrine_n upon_o metaphor_n especial_o if_o we_o strain_v they_o to_o all_o the_o similitude_n which_o a_o quick_a and_o lively_a imagination_n can_v find_v out_o whereas_o some_o one_o obvious_a thing_n be_v common_o intend_v in_o the_o metaphor_n and_o the_o meaning_n be_v absolve_v and_o acquit_v in_o that_o and_o it_o be_v folly_n to_o pursue_v it_o into_o all_o those_o similitude_n which_o a_o good_a fancy_n may_v suggest_v when_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o he_o will_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n it_o be_v plain_a what_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v surprise_v the_o careless_a world_n when_o they_o least_o look_v for_o it_o that_o he_o will_v come_v at_o a_o hour_n when_o they_o be_v not_o aware_a and_o though_o he_o resemble_v his_o come_n to_o that_o of_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n yet_o here_o be_v nothing_o of_o robbery_n in_o the_o case_n so_o here_o when_o the_o change_n which_o christianity_n make_v in_o man_n be_v call_v a_o new_a creation_n this_o only_a import_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o change_n which_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n grace_n be_v make_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o the_o metaphor_n be_v sufficient_o absolve_v in_o this_o plain_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o agreeable_a to_o the_o literal_a expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v this_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o this_o change_n shall_v in_o all_o other_o respect_v answer_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v effect_v in_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n or_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v altogether_o passive_a in_o this_o change_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v no_o way_n concur_v to_o it_o by_o any_o act_n of_o our_o own_o or_o that_o this_o work_n shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o admit_v of_o no_o step_n and_o degree_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o this_o change_n shall_v be_v effect_v in_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n god_n may_v do_v so_o when_o he_o please_v without_o any_o injury_n to_o his_o creature_n for_o it_o be_v certain_o no_o wrong_a to_o any_o man_n to_o be_v make_v good_a and_o happy_a against_o his_o will_n and_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o god_n sometime_o do_v so_o the_o call_v of_o the_o disciple_n to_o follow_v christ_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o very_a sudden_a and_o forcible_a impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n without_o any_o appear_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a for_o any_o man_n to_o leave_v his_o call_v and_o follow_v every_o one_o that_o bid_v he_o do_v so_o the_o conversion_n of_o saul_n from_o a_o persecutor_n of_o christianity_n to_o a_o zealous_a preacher_n of_o it_o be_v certain_o effect_v if_o not_o in_o a_o irresistible_a yet_o in_o a_o very_a forcible_a and_o violent_a manner_n the_o conversion_n of_o three_o thousand_o at_o one_o sermon_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v in_o a_o visible_a manner_n upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v certain_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o mighty_a and_o overpower_v degree_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o sudden_a conversion_n of_o so_o many_o person_n from_o heathenism_n and_o great_a wickedness_n and_o impiety_n of_o life_n to_o the_o sincere_a profession_n of_o christianity_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n afterward_o but_o that_o this_o be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n nor_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o so_o overpower_v much_o less_o in_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n can_v be_v both_o from_o experience_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o find_v that_o many_o perhaps_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a be_v make_v so_o by_o the_o insensible_a step_n and_o degree_n of_o a_o religious_a education_n and_o have_v be_v never_o vicious_a can_v give_v no_o great_a account_n of_o any_o sensible_a change_n only_o that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n they_o consider_v thing_n more_o and_o the_o principle_n that_o be_v instill_a into_o they_o in_o their_o young_a year_n do_v put_v forth_o themselves_o more_o vigorous_o at_o that_o time_n as_o seed_n sprout_v out_o of_o the_o ground_n after_o they_o have_v a_o good_a while_n be_v bury_v and_o lie_v hide_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n to_o make_v a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o divine_a power_n necessary_a to_o our_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n because_o this_o necessary_o involve_v in_o it_o two_o thing_n which_o seem_v very_o unreasonable_a first_o that_o no_o man_n repent_v upon_o consideration_n and_o choice_n but_o upon_o mere_a force_n and_o violent_a necessity_n which_o quite_o take_v away_o the_o virtue_n of_o repentance_n whatever_o virtue_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o consequent_a act_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n second_o it_o imply_v that_o the_o conversion_n and_o repentance_n of_o those_o upon_o who_o god_n do_v not_o work_v irresistible_o be_v impossible_a which_o be_v the_o utmost_a can_v be_v say_v to_o excuse_v the_o impenitency_n of_o man_n by_o take_v it_o off_o from_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o lay_v it_o upon_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o a_o utter_a disability_n in_o they_o to_o choose_v and_o do_v otherwise_o and_o it_o be_v likewise_o contrary_a to_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o suppose_v that_o man_n do_v very_o frequent_o resist_v the_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o pharisee_n by_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 7._o 30._o that_o they_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o that_o be_v the_o merciful_a design_n of_o god_n for_o their_o salvation_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n act_n 7._o 51._o that_o they_o always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o some_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n be_v resistible_a and_o such_o as_o if_o man_n do_v not_o resist_v they_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o faith_n and_o repentance_n else_o why_o be_v the_o pharisee_n say_v to_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o that_o be_v to_o their_o own_o ruin_n imply_v that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o reject_v it_o they_o may_v have_v be_v save_v and_o if_o they_o have_v it_o have_v be_v without_o irresistible_a grace_n for_o that_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o be_v actual_o resist_v by_o they_o other_o text_n plain_o show_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n be_v not_o

the_o grace_n of_o contentment_n by_o great_a consideration_n and_o diligent_a care_n of_o himself_o in_o several_a condition_n not_o as_o if_o the_o habit_n of_o this_o grace_n have_v be_v infuse_v into_o he_o at_o once_o phil._n 4._o 11_o 12._o i_o have_v learn_v in_o whatsoever_o state_n i_o be_o therewith_o to_o be_v content_a i_o know_v both_o how_o to_o be_v abase_v and_o i_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n i_o be_o instruct_v both_o to_o be_v full_a and_o to_o be_v hungry_a both_o to_o abound_v and_o to_o suffer_v need_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o consider_v namely_o the_o true_a and_o just_a importance_n of_o this_o metaphor_n of_o the_o new_a creation_n the_o two_o particular_n which_o remain_v i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n finish_v in_o my_o next_o discourse_n sermon_n ix_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n and_o its_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o justification_n and_o salvation_n galat._n vi_o 15._o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n the_o observation_n i_o be_o still_o upon_o from_o these_o word_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n nothing_o will_v avail_v to_o our_o justification_n but_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n express_v here_o by_o a_o new_a creature_n in_o treat_v of_o which_o i_o propose_v the_o do_v of_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v the_o ●rue_a import_n of_o this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n second_o to_o show_v that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a condition_n of_o o●●_n justification_n and_o three_o that_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o in_o treat_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o particular_n i_o have_v consider_v some_o doctrine_n as_o found_v upon_o this_o metaphor_n which_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a not_o only_o to_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n or_o experience_n but_o also_o to_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n whether_o by_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n or_o in_o those_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o notorious_a wicked_a course_n of_o life_n and_o that_o i_o have_v so_o long_o insist_v upon_o this_o argument_n and_o handle_v it_o in_o a_o more_o contentious_a way_n than_o be_v usual_a with_o i_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o love_n to_o controversy_n which_o i_o be_o less_o fond_a of_o every_o day_n than_o other_o but_o from_o a_o great_a desire_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o these_o controversy_n and_o quarrelling_n in_o the_o dark_a by_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o clear_a state_n and_o plain_a issue_n and_o likewise_o to_o undeceive_v good_a man_n concern_v some_o current_a notion_n and_o doctrine_n which_o i_o do_v real_o believe_v to_o be_v dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n and_o a_o cause_n of_o great_a perplexity_n and_o discomfort_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o a_o real_a discouragement_n to_o the_o resolution_n and_o endeavour_n of_o become_v better_o upon_o which_o consideration_n i_o be_v strong_o urgent_a to_o search_v these_o doctrine_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o to_o contribute_v what_o in_o i_o lay_v to_o the_o rescue_v of_o good_a man_n from_o the_o disquiet_n and_o entanglement_n of_o they_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o matter_n with_o a_o few_o caution_n not_o unworthy_a to_o be_v remember_v by_o we_o that_o we_o will_v be_v careful_a so_o to_o ascribe_v all_o good_a to_o god_n that_o we_o be_v sure_a we_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o he_o that_o be_v evil_a or_o any_o way_n unworthy_a of_o he_o that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v he_o the_o sole_a author_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o will_v unavoidable_o charge_v upon_o he_o the_o final_a impenitency_n and_o ruin_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n that_o we_o do_v not_o so_o magnify_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o to_o make_v his_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n signify_v nothing_o such_o as_o these_o make_v you_o new_a he●●ts_n and_o new_a spirit_n strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n where_o if_o by_o the_o strait_a gate_n be_v mean_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n that_o be_v of_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n i_o can_v imagine_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o reconcile_v our_o be_v mere_o passive_a in_o this_o work_n and_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o it_o with_o our_o saviour_n precept_n of_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n unless_o to_o be_v very_o active_a and_o to_o be_v mere_o passive_a about_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v all_o one_o and_o a_o earnest_a contention_n and_o endeavour_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o do_v nothing_o again_o that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v the_o utmost_a degeneracy_n and_o depravation_n which_o man_n ever_o arrive_v at_o by_o the_o great_a abuse_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o wicked_a practice_n the_o standard_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a state_n and_o of_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n and_o last_o that_o we_o do_v not_o make_v some_o particular_a instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o the_o strange_a and_o sudden_a conversion_n of_o some_o person_n as_o namely_o of_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o jailor_n in_o the_o act_n the_o common_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o every_o man_n conversion_n so_o that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v strike_v down_o by_o a_o light_n and_o power_n from_o heaven_n and_o take_v with_o a_o fit_a of_o tremble_a and_o fright_v almost_o out_o of_o his_o wit_n or_o find_v in_o himself_o something_o equal_a to_o this_o he_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o his_o conversion_n whereas_o a_o much_o sure_a judgement_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o man_n conversion_n by_o the_o real_a effect_n of_o this_o change_n than_o by_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o this_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o by_o that_o apt_a resemblance_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o the_o blow_n of_o the_o wind_n of_o the_o original_a cause_n whereof_o and_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o its_o cease_n or_o continuance_n and_o why_o it_o blow_v strong_a or_o gentle_a this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n we_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a but_o that_o it_o be_v we_o be_v sensible_a from_o the_o sound_n of_o it_o john_n 3._o 8._o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o it_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n be_v sensible_a though_o the_o manner_n and_o degree_n of_o his_o operation_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v so_o various_a that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o they_o by_o which_o one_o will_v think_v our_o saviour_n have_v sufficient_o caution_v we_o not_o to_o reduce_v the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n to_o any_o certain_a rule_n or_o standard_n but_o chief_o to_o regard_v the_o sensible_a effect_n of_o this_o secret_a work_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o men._n and_o after_o all_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o contend_v by_o any_o argument_n against_o clear_a and_o certain_a experience_n if_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o many_o be_v insensible_o change_v and_o make_v good_a by_o pious_a education_n in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o som●_n who_o have_v long_o live_v in_o a_o profane_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n be_v by_o the_o secret_a power_n of_o god_n word_n and_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o calm_a consideration_n without_o any_o great_a terror_n and_o amazement_n visible_o change_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o better_a mind_n and_o course_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o these_o case_n to_o pretend_v that_o this_o change_n be_v not_o real_a because_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v not_o answerable_a to_o some_o instance_n which_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n or_o which_o we_o have_v observe_v in_o our_o experience_n and_o because_o these_o person_n can_v give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o these_o instance_n which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o i_o shall_v meet_v a_o man_n beyond_o sea_n who_o i_o have_v know_v in_o england_n and_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v cross_v the_o sea_n because_o he_o say_v he_o have_v a_o smooth_a and_o easy_a

we_o in_o break_a piece_n or_o mix_v and_o adulterate_v here_o a_o lesson_n of_o scripture_n and_o there_o a_o legend_n but_o whole_a and_o entire_a sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o as_o he_o do_v the_o heathen_a for_o many_o age_n to_o the_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a direction_n of_o natural_a light_n nor_o have_v he_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o dark_a type_n and_o shadow_n but_o have_v make_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o we_o the_o dispensation_n which_o we_o be_v under_o have_v no_o vail_n upon_o it_o the_o darkness_n be_v past_a and_o the_o true_a light_n now_o shine_v we_o be_v of_o the_o day_n and_o of_o the_o light_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v just_o be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v put_v off_o the_o work_v of_o darkness_n and_o walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n every_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n commit_v against_o it_o and_o when_o our_o lord_n come_v to_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o we_o will_v add_v to_o the_o number_n of_o our_o stripe_n nay_o if_o god_n shall_v inflict_v no_o positive_a torment_n upon_o sinner_n yet_o their_o own_o mind_n will_v deal_v most_o severe_o with_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n and_o nothing_o will_v gall_v their_o conscience_n more_o than_o to_o remember_v against_o what_o light_n they_o do_v offend_v for_o herein_o lie_v the_o very_a nature_n and_o sting_n of_o all_o guilt_n to_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v and_o do_v it_o not_o the_o vice_n and_o corruption_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n before_o will_v be_v pardonable_a in_o comparison_n of_o we_o the_o time_n of_o that_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o he_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v mankind_n have_v some_o excuse_n for_o their_o error_n before_o and_o god_n be_v please_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o overlook_v they_o but_o if_o we_o continue_v still_o in_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o they_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o light_n which_o we_o enjoy_v be_v so_o many_o talent_n commit_v to_o we_o by_o our_o lord_n for_o the_o improve_n whereof_o he_o will_v call_v we_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o he_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o and_o nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o man_n shall_v account_v for_o all_o the_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n they_o have_v have_v of_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o as_o their_o knowledge_n be_v increase_v so_o their_o sorrow_n and_o punishment_n shall_v proportionable_o rise_v if_o they_o sin_n against_o it_o the_o ignorance_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v deserve_o pity_v and_o lament_v by_o we_o but_o the_o condemnation_n of_o none_o be_v so_o sad_a as_o of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n neglect_v to_o do_v it_o how_o much_o better_a have_v it_o be_v for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v kuow_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o if_o we_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o will_n we_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o now_o we_o have_v but_o now_o that_o we_o see_v our_o sin_n remain_v this_o will_v aggravate_v our_o condemnation_n beyond_o measure_n that_o we_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n so_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n lie_v plain_o before_o we_o we_o know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n we_o believe_v the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o judgement_n and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o he_o may_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n not_o only_o to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n but_o on_o they_o that_o have_v know_v he_o and_o yet_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n and_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o move_v we_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o do_v our_o lord_n will_n we_o deserve_v to_o have_v our_o stripe_n multiply_v no_o condemnation_n can_v be_v too_o heavy_a for_o those_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o their_o duty_n let_v we_o then_o be_v persuade_v to_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o we_o know_v let_v the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o our_o understanding_n descend_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n let_v we_o not_o dare_v to_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n nor_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v convince_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o neither_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n nor_o for_o rebel_a against_o the_o light_n of_o god_n truth_n shine_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o glare_v upon_o our_o conscience_n then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n sermon_n fourteen_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n not_o chargeable_a upon_o god_n but_o upon_o themselves_o james_n i._n 13_o 14._o let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v next_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o fundamental_o necessary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n than_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o two_o principle_n that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o every_o man_n sin_n lie_v at_o his_o own_o door_n and_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o blame_v himself_o for_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o do_v first_o that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v no_o way_n accessary_a to_o our_o fault_n either_o by_o tempt_v or_o force_v we_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o for_o if_o he_o be_v they_o will_v neither_o proper_o be_v sin_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v just_o punish_v they_o will_v not_o proper_o be_v sin_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o suppose_v man_n to_o be_v either_o tempt_v or_o necessitate_v thereto_o that_o which_o we_o call_v sin_n will_v either_o be_v a_o mere_a passive_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o a_o active_a compliance_n with_o it_o but_o neither_o way_n a_o contradiction_n to_o it_o nor_o can_v these_o action_n be_v just_o punish_v for_o all_o punishment_n suppose_v a_o fault_n and_o a_o fault_n suppose_v liberty_n and_o freedom_n from_o force_n and_o necessity_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v just_o punish_v for_o that_o which_o he_o can_v help_v and_o no_o man_n can_v help_v that_o which_o he_o be_v necessitate_v and_o compel_v to_o and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o the_o case_n but_o only_a temptation_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a for_o the_o same_o person_n to_o tempt_v and_o punish_v for_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n than_o to_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n so_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o against_o justice_n and_o goodness_n than_o first_o to_o draw_v man_n into_o a_o fault_n and_o then_o to_o chastise_v they_o for_o it_o so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o religion_n that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o men._n and_o then_o second_o that_o every_o man_n fault_n lie_v at_o his_o own_o door_n and_o he_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o blame_v himself_o for_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o do_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v man_n proper_o guilty_a that_o when_o they_o have_v do_v amiss_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o it_o be_v their_o own_o act_n and_o they_o may_v have_v do_v otherwise_o and_o guilt_n be_v that_o which_o make_v man_n liable_a to_o punishment_n and_o fear_v of_o punishment_n be_v the_o great_a restraint_n from_o sin_n and_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a argument_n for_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n and_o both_o these_o principle_n our_o apostle_n st._n james_n do_v here_o full_o assert_v in_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v unto_o you_o l●t_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o