that_o of_o st._n james_n chap._n 2._o 22._o by_o work_n be_v faith_n make_v perfect_a sometime_o and_o that_o also_o very_o frequent_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v express_v by_o word_n which_o import_n and_o signify_v the_o change_n of_o our_o state_n as_o by_o repentance_n conversion_n regeneration_n renovation_n sanctification_n the_o new_a creature_n and_o the_o new_a man_n which_o expression_n be_v all_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o refer_v to_o particular_a text_n sometime_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v express_v by_o the_o visible_a and_o sensible_a effect_n of_o this_o inward_a change_n in_o our_o outward_a liâ—e_z and_o action_n as_o namely_o by_o obedience_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n so_o heb._n 5._o 9_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o where_o obedience_n be_v plain_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o performance_n whereof_o entitle_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n now_o that_o by_o these_o various_a expression_n one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v certain_o intend_v and_o mean_v viz._n the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o which_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o full_a and_o perfect_a justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o denial_n by_o compare_v the_o three_o different_a way_n whereby_o st._n paul_n do_v express_v the_o same_o proposition_n for_o sense_n and_o substance_n in_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v that_o will_v avail_v to_o our_o justification_n under_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v neither_o here_o nor_o there_o that_o it_o signify_v nothing_o whether_o a_o man_n be_v circumcise_a or_o not_o but_o that_o we_o be_v so_o qualify_v as_o the_o gospel_n require_v that_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v promise_v be_v find_v in_o we_o and_o there_o be_v three_o text_n wherein_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v plain_o intend_v in_o three_o very_a different_a expression_n gal._n 5._o 6._o in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o be_v consummate_v or_o make_v perfect_a by_o charity_n gal._n 6._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 1_o cor._n 7._o 19_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o these_o three_o text_n the_o apostle_n design_n to_o say_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o consequent_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v make_v perfect_a by_o charity_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o keep_v of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o in_o sense_n and_o substance_n viz._n the_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n under_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a by_o god_n assistance_n handle_v the_o second_o of_o these_o text_n 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 and_o here_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v express_v to_o we_o by_o the_o change_n of_o our_o state_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v our_o regeneration_n or_o become_v new_a creature_n and_o new_a men._n circumcision_n be_v but_o a_o outward_a sign_n and_o mark_v upon_o the_o body_n and_o the_o flesh_n though_o it_o do_v indeed_o prefigure_v and_o typify_v the_o inward_a circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o give_v of_o man_n new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n under_o the_o more_o perfect_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o now_o in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o presence_n or_o the_o want_n of_o this_o outward_a mark_n will_v avail_v nothing_o to_o our_o justification_n but_o that_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o the_o renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n our_o become_a new_a creature_n be_v now_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n the_o false_a apostle_n indeed_o do_v lay_v great_a stress_n upon_o the_o business_n of_o circumcision_n not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o zeal_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o to_o avoid_v persecution_n ver_fw-la 12._o they_o constrain_v you_o to_o be_v circumcise_a only_o leave_v they_o shall_v suffer_v persecution_n for_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n for_o at_o that_o time_n though_o the_o christian_n be_v persecute_v yet_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o roman_a edict_n have_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o glory_v in_o this_o external_a mark_n of_o circumcision_n because_o it_o exempt_v they_o from_o suffer_v but_o st._n paul_n glory_v in_o his_o suffering_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o mark_n of_o that_o upon_o his_o body_n ver_fw-la 14._o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_n save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o v_o 17._o i_o bear_v in_o my_o body_n the_o mark_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n he_o tell_v they_o what_o necessity_n soever_o they_o may_v pretend_v of_o circumcision_n either_o for_o their_o justification_n or_o salvation_n the_o true_a ground_n of_o all_o be_v to_o save_v themselves_o from_o temporal_a suffering_n and_o that_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n whether_o they_o be_v circumcise_a or_o not_o nothing_o will_v be_v available_a to_o this_o purpose_n but_o the_o renovation_n and_o change_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n 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 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o new_a creation_n to_o intimate_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o change_n which_o christianity_n thorough_o entertain_v make_v in_o men._n have_v thus_o clear_v the_o occasion_n and_o meaâ—ing_n of_o these_o word_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o particular_n contain_v in_o they_o namely_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n second_o that_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n nothing_o will_v avail_v to_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n but_o the_o real_a renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n 1._o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v now_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n there_o be_v never_o any_o general_a obligation_n upon_o mankind_n to_o this_o rite_n of_o circumcision_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n but_o yet_o upon_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n many_o of_o the_o jewish_a christian_n will_v have_v bring_v the_o gentile_n under_o this_o yoke_n pretend_v that_o christianity_n be_v but_o a_o superstructure_n upon_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o together_o with_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o there_o be_v some_o colour_n for_o this_o because_o our_o saviour_n himself_o submit_v to_o this_o rite_n and_o be_v circumcise_a which_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o 4_o the_o chap._n of_o this_o epist_n ver_fw-la 4._o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n that_o be_v circumcise_a and_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v circumcise_a but_o not_o to_o signify_v to_o we_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o under_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o for_o a_o quite_o different_a end_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o his_o obedience_n to_o that_o law_n which_o though_o afterward_o it_o be_v to_o expire_v yet_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v whilst_o it_o be_v in_o force_n by_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v under_o it_o he_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n and_o it_o become_v he_o who_o come_v to_o teach_v mankind_n obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n himself_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o epistle_n where_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n give_v this_o reason_n of_o it_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o â—itter_a to_o free_v those_o who_o be_v under_o it_o from_o the_o servitude_n of_o it_o he_o be_v make_v under_o the_o law_n that_o
do_v for_o justice_n be_v a_o strict_a debt_n but_o mercy_n be_v favour_n and_o kindness_n and_o this_o perhaps_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o different_a expression_n in_o the_o text_n that_o when_o god_n bare_o command_v we_o to_o do_v just_o he_o require_v we_o shall_v love_v mercy_n that_o be_v take_v a_o particular_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o virtue_n which_o be_v so_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a to_o mankind_n that_o we_o common_o call_v it_o humanity_n give_v it_o its_o name_n from_o our_o very_a nature_n in_o short_a it_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o virtue_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o sorry_a that_o any_o religion_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o pretend_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o more_o than_o our_o own_o 3._o piety_n to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n to_o walk_v humble_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n render_v these_o word_n and_o this_o phrase_n may_v comprehend_v all_o those_o act_n of_o religion_n which_o refer_v immediate_o to_o god_n a_o firm_a belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o perfection_n a_o awful_a sense_n of_o he_o as_o the_o dread_a sovereign_n and_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n a_o due_a regard_n to_o his_o service_n and_o a_o reverend_a behaviour_n of_o ourselves_o towards_o he_o in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o atheism_n and_o a_o profane_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n a_o new_a and_o monstrous_a kind_n of_o impiety_n which_o of_o late_a year_n have_v break_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o get_v head_n among_o we_o not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o example_n of_o former_a age_n but_o in_o despite_n of_o the_o very_a genius_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o be_v natural_o devout_a and_o zealous_a in_o religion_n or_o else_o this_o phrase_n of_o walk_v humble_o with_o god_n may_v refer_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o posture_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o that_o time_n who_o be_v fall_v under_o the_o heavy_a displeasure_n of_o god_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o then_o the_o duty_n require_v be_v that_o be_v sensible_a how_o high_o god_n have_v be_v offend_v by_o we_o by_o the_o general_a corruption_n and_o viciousness_n of_o the_o age_n which_o like_o a_o leprosy_n have_v spread_v itself_o almost_o over_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o by_o that_o open_a lewdness_n and_o those_o insolent_a impiety_n which_o be_v daily_o commit_v among_o we_o i_o say_v that_o be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o this_o we_o do_v with_o all_o humility_n acknowledge_v our_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o resolve_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o turn_v every_o one_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o our_o way_n and_o from_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o our_o hand_n which_o god_n grant_v we_o may_v every_o one_o do_v fâ—â—â—â—_n this_o day_n according_a to_o the_o pious_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a in_o this_o resolution_n who_o can_v tell_v but_o god_n may_v turn_v and_o repent_v and_o turn_v away_o his_o anger_n from_o we_o that_o we_o perish_v not_o nay_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v be_v pacify_v towards_o we_o so_o he_o have_v declare_v isa_n 1._o 16._o 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 seek_v judgement_n relieve_v the_o oppress_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a plead_v for_o the_o widow_n come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o white_a as_o snow_n though_o they_o be_v red_a like_o crimson_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o wool_n but_o if_o we_o continue_v unreformed_a god_n will_v say_v to_o we_o as_o he_o do_v there_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o your_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n and_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v to_o which_o let_v i_o add_v that_o excellent_a say_v of_o the_o son_n of_o syrach_n to_o this_o purpose_n ecclesiastic_a 34._o 25_o 26._o he_o that_o wash_v himself_o after_o the_o touch_v of_o a_o dead_a body_n if_o he_o touch_v it_o again_o what_o avail_v his_o wash_n so_o be_v it_o with_o a_o man_n that_o fast_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o go_v again_o and_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n who_o will_v hear_v his_o prayer_n or_o what_o do_v his_o humble_v profit_v he_o ii_o let_v we_o consider_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v god_n have_v make_v know_v these_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o the_o goodness_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o they_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o i_o shall_v mention_v five_o way_n whereby_o god_n have_v discover_v this_o to_o we_o 1._o by_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a instinct_n 2._o by_o natural_a reason_n 3._o by_o the_o general_a vote_n and_o consent_n of_o mankind_n 4._o by_o external_a revelation_n 5._o by_o the_o inward_a dictate_v and_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n first_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a instinct_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v a_o secret_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o be_v natural_o carry_v to_o approve_v some_o thing_n as_o good_a and_o fit_a and_o to_o dislike_v other_o thing_n as_o have_v a_o native_a evil_n and_o deformity_n in_o they_o and_o this_o i_o call_v a_o natural_a instinct_n because_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o proceed_v so_o much_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n as_o from_o a_o natural_a propension_n and_o inclination_n like_o those_o instinct_n which_o be_v in_o brute_n creature_n of_o natural_a affection_n and_o care_n towards_o their_o young_a one_o and_o that_o these_o inclination_n be_v precedent_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o discourse_n about_o they_o evident_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o they_o do_v put_v forth_o themselves_o every_o whit_n as_o vigorous_o in_o young_a person_n as_o in_o those_o of_o ripe_a reason_n in_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n as_o in_o those_o who_o be_v more_o polish_a and_o refine_a for_o we_o see_v plain_o that_o the_o young_a and_o ignorant_a have_v as_o strong_a impression_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n as_o true_a a_o sense_n of_o gratitude_n and_o justice_n and_o pity_n as_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o know_a part_n of_o mankind_n a_o plain_a indication_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v prevent_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a instinct_n and_o anticipation_n concern_v the_o good_a or_o evil_n the_o comeliness_n or_o deformity_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o though_o this_o do_v not_o equal_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o our_o duty_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o great_a line_n and_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o mankind_n hardly_o need_v to_o consult_v any_o other_o oracle_n than_o the_o mere_a propension_n and_o inclination_n of_o their_o nature_n as_o whether_o we_o ought_v to_o reverence_v the_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v grateful_a to_o those_o who_o have_v confer_v benefit_n upon_o we_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o our_o promise_n to_o restore_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o we_o in_o trust_n to_o pity_v and_o relieve_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o do_v to_o we_o and_o this_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o man_n be_v natural_o innocent_a or_o guilty_a to_o themselves_o according_a to_o what_o they_o do_v in_o these_o thing_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o when_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o and_o do_v show_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n by_o turn_n that_o be_v according_a as_o they_o do_v well_o or_o ill_a accuse_v or_o excuse_v they_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a comfort_n in_o innocence_n and_o a_o strange_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o be_v acquit_v by_o our_o own_o mind_n for_o what_o we_o do_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o contradict_v these_o natural_a dictate_v what_o uneasiness_n do_v we_o find_v in_o our_o own_o breast_n nay_o even_o before_o the_o
so_o with_o other_o nation_n neither_o have_v the_o heathen_a such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n law_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v very_o short_a and_o defective_a very_o weak_a and_o infectual_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o to_o raise_v man_n to_o that_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n of_o which_o humane_a nature_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v capable_a and_o therefore_o there_o want_v a_o more_o perfect_a institution_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n and_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n even_o of_o that_o divine_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o real_o to_o effect_v and_o accomplish_v that_o which_o the_o jewish_a religion_n attempt_v and_o aim_v at_o and_o be_v but_o as_o i_o may_v say_v rude_o begin_v under_o that_o imperfect_a institution_n and_o this_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n reveal_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n have_v full_o effect_v as_o will_v evident_o appear_v by_o a_o particular_a survey_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o main_a defect_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o i_o shall_v show_v to_o be_v all_o perfect_o make_v up_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n in_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o it_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n that_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o be_v mere_o external_a concern_v the_o purification_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o only_o figurative_a of_o that_o inward_a purity_n and_o real_a righteousness_n which_o render_v man_n true_o good_a and_o like_a to_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o jewish_a institution_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o law_n of_o a_o carnal_a commandment_n heb._n 7._o 16_o and_o ch._n 9_o 10_o be_v say_v to_o consist_v only_o that_o be_v chief_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o divers_a wash_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n impose_v on_o they_o until_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n that_o be_v till_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v and_o give_v such_o law_n as_o shall_v real_o tend_v to_o reform_v the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o these_o law_n and_o ordinance_n be_v call_v poor_a pitiful_a element_n and_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n fit_v rather_o for_o child_n in_o understanding_n and_o goodness_n than_o to_o bring_v man_n to_o any_o maturity_n and_o perfection_n in_o goodness_n all_o their_o rite_n of_o purification_n do_v only_o sanctify_v to_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o do_v not_o purge_v the_o conscience_n from_o dead_a work_n as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n speak_v ch._n 9_o 13_o 14._o they_o can_v not_o make_v those_o that_o perform_v and_o observe_v they_o perfect_a as_o pertain_v to_o the_o conscience_n v_o 9_o that_o be_v these_o law_n have_v no_o effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o make_v they_o real_o better_a to_o cure_v they_o of_o their_o moral_a defect_n and_o impurity_n their_o sin_n and_o vice_n but_o the_o christian_a institution_n do_v perfect_o supply_v this_o defect_n by_o take_v we_o off_o from_o those_o carnal_a and_o external_n observance_n and_o principal_o require_v that_o we_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n by_o give_v we_o such_o law_n as_o whole_o tend_v to_o advance_v real_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n such_o as_o main_o tend_v to_o reform_v the_o mind_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o to_o make_v we_o like_a to_o that_o holy_a and_o perfect_a be_v who_o we_o worship_v and_o beside_o a_o external_a humble_a and_o reverend_a demeanour_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o which_o natural_a religion_n do_v likewise_o direct_a christianity_n have_v only_o institute_v two_o solemn_a external_n rite_n viz._n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n whereby_o we_o solemn_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n i_o say_v only_o these_o two_o that_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o external_a observance_n christian_n may_v not_o be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o mind_v of_o the_o real_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v extreme_o abate_v and_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o christianity_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n by_o amuse_v they_o with_o external_n rite_n which_o they_o have_v multiply_v to_o that_o excessive_a degree_n as_o to_o make_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n real_o heavy_a than_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o more_o external_a and_o carnal_a commandment_n than_o that_o of_o the_o law_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n have_v divert_v and_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o the_o main_a design_n of_o christianity_n insomuch_o that_o they_o be_v so_o employ_v and_o take_v up_o with_o matter_n of_o external_a ceremony_n that_o they_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o think_v of_o be_v good_a man_n and_o to_o mind_v the_o great_a and_o substantial_a duty_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n so_o that_o they_o have_v spoil_v the_o christian_a religion_n of_o one_o of_o its_o chief_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n i_o mean_v the_o simplicity_n of_o its_o worship_n which_o they_o have_v now_o encumber_a with_o so_o many_o foolish_a and_o frivolous_a rite_n and_o observance_n as_o do_v not_o only_o render_v it_o more_o burdensome_a but_o less_o apt_a to_o make_v man_n inward_o and_o substantial_o good_a than_o even_o judaisme_n itself_o this_o be_v so_o true_a and_o so_o visible_a that_o the_o wise_a and_o better_a sort_n of_o they_o have_v complain_v of_o it_o for_o several_a age_n and_o still_o do_v as_o much_o as_o they_o dare_v for_o fear_v of_o the_o inquisition_n or_o some_o other_o censure_n second_o another_o defect_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v encouragement_n enough_o to_o repentance_n by_o declare_v and_o assure_v to_o we_o any_o certain_a way_n and_o method_n for_o the_o expiation_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n this_o the_o rite_n of_o all_o religion_n aim_v at_o and_o pretend_v to_o but_o be_v very_o ineffectual_a to_o that_o end_n the_o heathen_a sacrifice_n and_o all_o the_o cruel_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n belong_v to_o they_o do_v all_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o many_o way_n of_o appease_v the_o offend_a deity_n and_o of_o make_v atonement_n and_o expiation_n for_o sin_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o make_v a_o external_a and_o legal_a expiation_n and_o to_o be_v type_n and_o shadow_n of_o a_o better_a and_o more_o perfect_a sacrifice_n which_o shall_v real_o expiate_v sin_n but_o even_o this_o be_v very_o dark_o and_o imperfect_o discover_v to_o they_o beside_o that_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o law_n do_v only_o extend_v to_o the_o least_o sort_n of_o sin_n those_o of_o ignorance_n and_o inadvertency_n but_o not_o at_o all_o to_o presumptuous_a sin_n and_o such_o as_o be_v commit_v with_o a_o high_a hand_n not_o to_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n except_o in_o some_o very_a few_o and_o rare_a case_n particular_o mention_v in_o the_o law_n so_o that_o though_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o religious_a rite_n both_o of_o the_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a religion_n aim_v at_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n yet_o be_v they_o real_o ineffectual_a to_o that_o end_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n mankind_n though_o they_o conceive_v good_a hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n in_o case_n of_o repentance_n who_o can_v tell_v if_o god_n will_v turn_v and_o repent_v and_o turn_v away_o from_o his_o anger_n yet_o they_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o any_o certain_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o that_o purpose_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o this_o great_a blessing_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v never_o sufficient_o declare_v and_o assure_v to_o mankind_n but_o through_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n so_o st._n paul_n express_o assert_n act_n 13._o 38_o 39_o be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o therefore_o man_n and_o brethren_n that_o through_o this_o man_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o thing_n from_o which_o you_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o gospel_n have_v provide_v a_o expiation_n for_o all_o sin_n in_o general_a and_o that_o by_o a_o sacrifice_n of_o inestimable_a value_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o repentance_n and_o one_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o their_o sin_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v indemnify_v for_o what_o be_v past_a and_o this_o the_o apostle_n mean_v when_o he_o say_v gal._n 3._o 13._o that_o
uncircumcision_n barbarian_a scythian_a bond_n nor_o free_a but_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v here_o in_o the_o text_n that_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 that_o be_v these_o external_a mark_n and_o difference_n signify_v nothing_o but_o this_o inward_a change_n the_o new_a creature_n christ_n form_v in_o we_o this_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v all_o in_o all_o but_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o clear_o understand_v the_o just_a importance_n of_o this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n or_o a_o new_a creation_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v what_o it_o do_v certain_o signify_v by_o compare_v this_o metaphorical_a phrase_n with_o other_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o second_o that_o it_o do_v not_o import_v what_o some_o will_v extend_v it_o to_o so_o as_o to_o find_v doctrine_n of_o great_a consequence_n upon_o the_o single_a strength_n of_o this_o and_o the_o like_a metaphor_n in_o scripture_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o countenance_n from_o plain_a text_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o this_o metaphor_n do_v certain_o import_v so_o as_o to_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o other_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a text_n of_o sripture_n namely_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o change_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v effect_v and_o wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n 1._o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o change_n it_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o new_a creation_n as_o if_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n firm_o entertain_v and_o believe_v do_v as_o it_o be_v mould_n and_o fashion_n man_n over_o again_o transform_v they_o into_o a_o quite_o other_o sort_n of_o person_n than_o what_o they_o be_v before_o and_o make_v such_o a_o change_n in_o they_o as_o the_o create_a power_n of_o god_n do_v in_o bring_v this_o beautiful_a and_o orderly_a frame_n of_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o dark_a and_o rude_a chaos_n thus_o the_o apostle_n represent_v it_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n allude_v to_o the_o first_o creation_n have_v shine_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v translate_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o act_v 26._o 18._o when_o our_o lord_n send_v paul_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n he_o tell_v he_o what_o a_o change_n it_o will_v make_v in_o they_o by_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n and_o st._n peter_n express_v the_o change_n which_o christianity_n make_v in_o man_n by_o their_o be_v call_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o a_o marvellous_a light_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o and_o so_o st._n paul_n eph._n 5._o 8._o you_o be_v sometime_o darkness_n but_o now_o be_v you_o light_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o indeed_o wherever_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v its_o full_a effect_n and_o perfect_a work_n it_o make_v a_o mighty_a change_n both_o in_o their_o inward_a principle_n and_o outward_a practice_n it_o dart_v a_o new_a light_n into_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o they_o see_v thing_n otherwise_o than_o they_o do_v before_o and_o form_v a_o different_a judgement_n of_o thing_n from_o what_o they_o do_v before_o it_o endue_v they_o with_o a_o new_a principle_n and_o new_a resolution_n give_v they_o another_o spirit_n and_o another_o temper_n a_o quite_o different_a sense_n and_o gust_n of_o thing_n from_o what_o they_o former_o have_v and_o this_o inward_a change_n of_o their_o mind_n necessary_o produce_v a_o proportionable_a change_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n so_o that_o the_o man_n steer_v quite_o another_o course_n act_n after_o another_o rate_n and_o drive_v on_o quite_o other_o design_n from_o what_o he_o do_v before_o and_o this_o be_v remarkable_o see_v in_o those_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o impiety_n and_o profaneness_n to_o religion_n and_o from_o a_o vicious_a to_o a_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n the_o change_n be_v great_a and_o real_a in_o all_o but_o not_o so_o sensible_a and_o visible_a in_o some_o as_o other_o in_o those_o who_o be_v make_v good_a by_o the_o insensible_a step_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n as_o in_o those_o who_o be_v translate_v out_o of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a state_n and_o tâ—rned_v from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n and_o translate_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n in_o their_o first_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n second_o this_o change_n be_v effect_v and_o wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o that_o which_o create_v the_o world_n and_o raise_v up_o christ_n jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a two_o great_a and_o glorious_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o to_o these_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o allude_v when_o it_o speak_v of_o this_o new_a creation_n god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v into_o our_o heart_n like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n so_o we_o also_o be_v raise_v to_o newness_n of_o life_n say_v st._n paul_n rom._n 6._o 4._o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 1._o 19_o 20._o and_o that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o us-ward_n who_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o our_o renovation_n and_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n be_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o same_o glorious_a power_n which_o exert_v itself_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o not_o altogether_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v under_o the_o next_o head_n i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n proceed_v to_o show_v that_o this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creation_n do_v not_o import_v what_o some_o man_n will_v extend_v it_o to_o so_o as_o to_o find_v doctrine_n of_o great_a consequence_n upon_o the_o single_a strength_n of_o this_o and_o other_o like_a metaphor_n of_o scripture_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o countenance_n and_o confirmation_n from_o plain_a text_n but_o this_o i_o reserve_v to_o another_o discourse_n sermon_n vi._n 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 in_o these_o word_n be_v contain_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n have_v take_v away_o the_o sign_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o be_v circumcision_n second_o that_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n nothing_o will_v avail_v to_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n but_o the_o real_a renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o i_o propound_v to_o do_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o to_o show_v what_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o phrase_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n ii_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o sense_n and_o substance_n with_o those_o other_o expression_n in_o the_o two_o parallel_a text_n of_o faith_n perfect_v by_o charity_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n iii_o that_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n to_o show_v what_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o phrase_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n as_o to_o which_o i_o show_v first_o what_o this_o metaphor_n do_v certain_o import_v so_o as_o to_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o other_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a text_n of_o scripture_n namely_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o change_n and_o that_o it_o be_v effect_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n i_o now_o proceed_v second_o to_o show_v that_o it_o do_v not_o import_v what_o some_o will_v extend_v it_o to_o and_o that_o so_o as_o to_o find_v doctrine_n of_o great_a consequence_n upon_o the_o mere_a and_o single_a strength_n of_o this_o and_o other_o like_a metaphor_n of_o scripture_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o countenance_n
to_o ourselves_o as_o concur_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o this_o work_n hence_o we_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v and_o repent_v to_o turn_v from_o our_o evil_a way_n and_o to_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n to_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v our_o self_n hence_o likewise_o be_v those_o frequent_a command_n in_o scripture_n to_o amend_v our_o way_n and_o do_n to_o wash_v our_o heart_n from_o wickedness_n to_o repent_v and_o turn_v ourselves_o and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n so_o that_o all_o these_o cause_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n his_o minister_n his_o word_n and_o we_o ourselves_o do_v all_o some_o way_n or_o other_o concur_v and_o contribute_v to_o this_o effect_n god_n indeed_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o hand_n in_o this_o work_n from_o beginning_n to_o end_n that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n and_o we_o do_v well_o to_o ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o whole_a glory_n of_o it_o that_o no_o flesh_n may_v glory_v in_o his_o sight_n but_o nevertheless_o in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n sufficient_o warrant_v by_o scripture_n the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o we_o ourselves_o do_v all_o cooperate_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n and_o by_o ascribe_v to_o any_o of_o these_o such_o part_n as_o they_o true_o have_v in_o this_o work_n god_n be_v not_o rob_v of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n much_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a much_o less_o be_v it_o the_o ascribe_v it_o all_o to_o ourselves_o who_o we_o affirm_v to_o have_v the_o least_o part_n in_o it_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v mention_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n towards_o we_o and_o yet_o unless_o we_o do_v something_o what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o make_v ourselves_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n be_v it_o only_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v passive_a to_o the_o irresistible_a operation_n of_o god_n grace_n that_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o hinder_v what_o we_o can_v neither_o hinder_v nor_o promote_v that_o we_o shall_v so_o demean_v ourselves_o as_o of_o necessity_n we_o must_v whether_o we_o will_v or_o no._n so_o then_o to_o make_v ourselves_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n be_v to_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o towards_o the_o hindrance_n or_o furtherance_n of_o this_o work_n and_o if_o this_o be_v thâ—_n meaning_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n just_a as_o fit_v for_o stone_n as_o for_o man_n that_o be_v very_o improper_a for_o either_o 2._o objection_n but_o however_o we_o do_v extenuate_v and_o lessen_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o there_o be_v any_o active_a concurrence_n and_o endeavour_n on_o our_o part_n towards_o this_o change_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o three_o thing_n deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o it_o be_v very_o well_o worthy_a our_o consideration_n that_o they_o who_o make_v this_o objection_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o pretend_v that_o they_o do_v not_o dâ—minish_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o confine_v it_o to_o a_o very_a small_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o comparison_n nay_o they_o will_v needs_o face_v we_o down_o that_o by_o this_o very_a thing_n they_o do_v very_o much_o exalt_v and_o magnify_v it_o and_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a by_o how_o much_o the_o few_o they_o be_v that_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o but_o i_o hope_v they_o only_o mean_v that_o the_o grace_n be_v great_a to_o themselves_o in_o which_o conceit_n there_o be_v common_o as_o much_o of_o envy_n as_o gratitude_n but_o sure_o they_o can_v mean_v that_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v limit_v to_o a_o few_o be_v great_a in_o itself_o and_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n than_o that_o which_o be_v extend_v to_o a_o great_a many_o it_o be_v a_o downright_a contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v magnify_v by_o be_v confine_v for_o at_o this_o rate_n of_o reason_v the_o lesser_a it_o be_v the_o great_a it_o must_v be_v and_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n will_v be_v great_a of_o all_o if_o it_o be_v none_o at_o all_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v extenuate_v in_o favour_n of_o ourselves_o but_o when_o we_o do_v so_o we_o must_v say_v we_o magnify_v it_o second_o but_o to_o come_v close_o to_o the_o objection_n though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o god_n grace_n in_o our_o conversion_n do_v not_o do_v all_o it_o do_v not_o do_v so_o much_o as_o if_o it_o do_v all_o yet_o this_o be_v real_o no_o injury_n or_o dishonour_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o though_o in_o some_o sense_n it_o do_v extenuate_v it_o it_o do_v not_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n take_v off_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o my_o opinion_n the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o a_o prince_n be_v not_o the_o less_o in_o offer_v a_o pardon_n to_o a_o traitor_n who_o put_v forth_o his_o hand_n and_o glad_o receive_v it_o than_o if_o he_o force_v it_o upon_o he_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o no._n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o case_n much_o fit_a to_o give_v it_o and_o he_o on_o who_o it_o be_v confer_v much_o better_o qualify_v to_o receive_v it_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o a_o prince_n favour_n that_o it_o be_v bestow_v on_o one_o who_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n qualify_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o in_o one_o case_n than_o the_o other_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o both_o case_n the_o man_n owe_v his_o life_n to_o the_o great_a grace_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o prince_n and_o i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o lessen_v the_o grace_n that_o the_o miserable_a object_n of_o it_o the_o guilty_a and_o condemn_a person_n be_v either_o by_o his_o humble_a submission_n or_o thankful_a acceptance_n of_o it_o in_o some_o degree_n better_o qualify_v to_o receive_v such_o a_o favour_n than_o a_o obstinate_a refuser_n of_o it_o three_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a consideration_n of_o all_o we_o must_v take_v great_a heed_n that_o while_o we_o endeavour_v to_o make_v god_n to_o do_v all_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n we_o do_v not_o by_o this_o mean_n charge_v upon_o he_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o impenitent_a sinner_n which_o i_o doubt_v we_o shall_v do_v if_o we_o make_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o impenitency_n and_o ruin_n their_o utter_a impotency_n and_o disability_n to_o repent_v and_o we_o certain_o make_v this_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o impenitency_n and_o ruin_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n but_o this_o between_o penitent_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n namely_o that_o in_o the_o one_o god_n work_v repentance_n by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o his_o power_n so_o that_o he_o can_v but_o repent_v and_o deny_v this_o grace_n to_o the_o other_o without_o which_o he_o can_v possible_o repent_v but_o the_o scripture_n charge_v the_o destruction_n of_o man_n upon_o themselves_o and_o lay_v their_o impenitency_n at_o their_o own_o door_n oh_o israel_n thou_o have_v destroy_v thyself_o but_o in_o i_o be_v thy_o help_n hosea_n 13._o 9_o but_o where_o be_v the_o help_n when_o the_o grace_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o repentance_n be_v deny_v and_o how_o be_v their_o destruction_n of_o themselves_o if_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a let_v they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v isa_n 5._o 3_o 4._o god_n appeal_v to_o his_o people_n israel_n that_o nothing_o be_v want_v on_o his_o part_n that_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v that_o they_o may_v bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n and_o better_a obedience_n and_o now_o o_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o man_n of_o judah_n judge_n i_o pray_v you_o between_o i_o and_o my_o vineyard_n what_o can_v have_v be_v do_v more_o to_o my_o vineyard_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v in_o it_o wherefore_o when_o i_o look_v that_o it_o shall_v bring_v forth_o grape_n bring_v it_o forth_o wild_a grape_n be_v it_o true_a that_o god_n have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n then_o if_o irresistible_a grace_n be_v necessary_a he_o afford_v they_o that_o but_o that_o be_v not_o afford_v they_o because_o than_o they_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v repent_v and_o there_o have_v be_v no_o cause_n for_o this_o complaint_n if_o he_o do_v not_o afford_v it_o but_o only_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o repentance_n without_o the_o inward_a grace_n as_o some_o say_v then_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v why_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v because_o they_o can_v not_o and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o cause_n either_o of_o wonder_n or_o complaint_n beside_o that_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o justify_v that_o say_v what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v more_o
inconvenience_n in_o it_o first_o that_o this_o supposition_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n as_o to_o any_o real_a effect_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n because_o not_o one_o person_n more_o be_v save_v notwithstanding_o this_o universal_a sufficient_a grace_n which_o they_o say_v be_v afford_v to_o all_o for_o they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v it_o be_v never_o effectual_a and_o then_o it_o seem_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o a_o mean_v sufficient_a to_o its_o end_n shall_v universal_o prove_v ineffectual_a nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v next_o to_o a_o demonstration_n against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o mean_n if_o perpetual_o and_o in_o all_o instance_n it_o fail_v of_o its_o end_n this_o will_v tempt_v any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o sure_o there_o be_v some_o defect_n in_o it_o or_o something_o that_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o if_o be_v perpetual_o and_o general_o afford_v it_o do_v perpetual_o and_o universal_o miscarry_v without_o so_o much_o as_o one_o instance_n among_o so_o many_o million_o to_o the_o contrary_n so_o that_o this_o opinion_n seem_v rather_o to_o be_v contrive_v for_o a_o colour_n and_o shelter_v against_o some_o absurdity_n which_o man_n know_v not_o how_o to_o avoid_v otherwise_o than_o to_o sâ—rve_v any_o good_a purpose_n or_o to_o be_v embrace_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o probability_n of_o it_o the_o other_o middle_a opinion_n be_v that_o some_o be_v convert_v in_o a_o irresistible_a manner_n when_o god_n please_v and_o who_o he_o design_n to_o be_v extraordinary_a example_n and_o instrument_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o that_o sufficient_a grace_n be_v afford_v to_o other_o which_o be_v effectual_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o many_o and_o reject_v by_o a_o great_a many_o and_o this_o avoid_v all_o the_o inconveniency_n of_o the_o other_o opinion_n and_o be_v evident_o most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o tenor_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o best_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v concern_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o give_v great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o endeavour_n of_o men._n it_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n that_o god_n be_v not_o want_v on_o his_o part_n to_o afford_v man_n sufficient_a mean_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n that_o he_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v from_o his_o wickedness_n and_o live_v that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v not_o that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n that_o man_n destruction_n be_v of_o themselves_o and_o this_o make_v all_o the_o exhortation_n and_o motive_n of_o scripture_n to_o repentance_n to_o be_v of_o some_o force_n and_o significancy_n and_o give_v encouragement_n to_o the_o resolution_n and_o endeavour_n of_o man_n to_o become_v better_o this_o clear_o acquit_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o six_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o ruin_n upon_o their_o own_o choice_n this_o perfect_o reconcile_v the_o operation_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n in_o our_o sanctification_n and_o perseverance_n in_o a_o good_a course_n with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o our_o own_o endeavour_n and_o make_v those_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n have_v some_o sense_n and_o significancy_n in_o they_o work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n repent_v and_o turn_v yourselves_o from_o all_o your_o evil_a way_n make_v you_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n these_o be_v more_o than_o a_o thousand_o metaphor_n to_o convince_v a_o man_n that_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v something_o towards_o our_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v sure_a that_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o work_n than_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o these_o text_n signify_v nothing_o final_o these_o text_n which_o speak_v most_o clear_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o our_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_o good_a do_v suppose_v something_o to_o be_v do_v on_o our_o part_n that_o of_o our_o saviour_n without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o imply_v that_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n we_o can_v that_o of_o st._n paul_n i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o imply_v that_o what_o we_o do_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n be_v true_o our_o own_o act_n i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n and_o this_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o prejudice_n nor_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n st._n paul_n it_o seem_v know_v very_o well_o how_o to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o and_o to_o give_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n its_o due_a without_o reject_v all_o concurrence_n of_o our_o own_o industry_n and_o endeavour_n 1_o corin._n 15._o 10._o but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o and_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o i_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a not_o because_o it_o be_v irresistible_a and_o he_o mere_o passive_a in_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o but_o because_o he_o do_v concur_v and_o cooperate_v with_o it_o so_o he_o tell_v we_o his_o grace_n that_o be_v bestow_v upon_o i_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a but_o i_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o they_o all_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o so_o that_o our_o concurrence_n and_o endeavour_n in_o the_o do_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a do_v not_o derogate_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n provide_v that_o we_o ascribe_v the_o good_a which_o we_o do_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o which_o it_o be_v incomparable_o more_o due_a than_o to_o our_o own_o activity_n and_o endeavour_n and_o so_o st._n paul_n do_v i_o labour_v abundant_o yet_o not_o i_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v with_o i_o so_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n may_v be_v advance_v to_o its_o due_a pitch_n without_o assert_v that_o we_o be_v mere_o passive_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o it_o god_n grace_n may_v be_v abundant_o bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o yet_o we_o may_v labour_v abundant_o god_n may_v work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v and_o yet_o we_o may_v work_v out_o our_o own_o salvation_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o second_o doctrine_n ground_v upon_o this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n sermon_n viii_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 in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n that_o which_o i_o be_v last_o upon_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n do_v not_o import_v what_o some_o will_v extend_v it_o to_o and_o that_o so_o as_o to_o find_v doctrine_n of_o great_a consequence_n upon_o the_o single_a strength_n of_o this_o and_o other_o like_a metaphor_n viz._n such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o three_o first_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 the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n second_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 thereto_o no_o more_o do_v we_o to_o our_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n three_o that_o as_o the_o creation_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n only_o by_o the_o powerful_a word_n of_o god_n so_o this_o new_a creation_n be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o admit_v of_o no_o degree_n the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o and_o show_v that_o as_o they_o have_v no_o necessary_a foundation_n in_o this_o and_o the_o like_a metaphor_n of_o scripture_n so_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o experience_n and_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o three_o doctrine_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o this_o metaphor_n namely_o that_o as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o several_a rank_n and_o order_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 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 be_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o admit_v of_o no_o step_n and_o degree_n and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o far_a pursuit_n of_o the_o metaphor_n and_o admit_v the_o two_o former_a doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a and_o well_o ground_v upon_o this_o
and_o virtue_n be_v able_a to_o withstand_v but_o where_o man_n be_v sincere_o good_a and_o honest_o resolve_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v ward_n off_o these_o fierce_a blow_n and_o put_v by_o these_o violent_a thrust_n and_o by_o a_o secret_a disposal_n of_o thing_n keep_v they_o from_o be_v assault_v by_o these_o irresistible_a kind_n of_o temptation_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o be_v sincere_o good_a so_o likewise_o a_o great_a argument_n for_o a_o continual_a dependence_n upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o confidence_n in_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o this_o use_v the_o apostle_n make_v of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 12._o wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v that_o be_v confident_a that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o shake_v he_o or_o throw_v he_o down_o take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v there_o have_v no_o temptation_n take_v you_o but_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o what_o be_v humane_a nothing_o but_o what_o a_o humane_a strength_n assist_v by_o a_o ordinary_a grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v able_a to_o resist_v and_o conquer_v but_o there_o be_v great_a and_o more_o violent_a temptation_n than_o these_o which_o you_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v try_v with_o and_o when_o those_o happen_v we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o god_n for_o a_o extraordinary_a assistance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o way_n i_o mention_v whereby_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v secure_a good_a man_n in_o case_n of_o extraordinary_a temptation_n which_o no_o humane_a strength_n can_v probable_o resist_v and_o this_o the_o same_o apostle_n assure_v we_o of_o in_o the_o very_a next_o word_n god_n be_v faithful_a who_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o you_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o that_o be_v in_o case_n of_o great_a and_o violent_a temptation_n such_o as_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o height_n of_o their_o persecution_n be_v expose_v to_o god_n will_v secret_o minister_v strength_n and_o support_v equal_a to_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o the_o temptation_n and_o this_o god_n do_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o the_o christian_a martyr_n and_o that_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o make_v they_o joyful_o to_o embrace_v their_o suffering_n and_o with_o the_o great_a cheerfulness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o endure_v those_o torment_n which_o no_o humane_a patience_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o where_o god_n do_v thus_o secure_a man_n against_o temptation_n or_o support_v they_o under_o they_o it_o be_v no_o reflection_n at_o all_o upon_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v thus_o tempt_v second_o god_n permit_v other_o to_o be_v thus_o tempt_v by_o way_n of_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n for_o some_o former_a great_a sin_n and_o provocation_n which_o they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o thus_o many_o time_n god_n punish_v great_a and_o notorious_a offender_n by_o permit_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o great_a temptation_n which_o meet_v with_o a_o vicious_a disposition_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o they_o especial_o consider_v how_o by_o a_o long_a habit_n of_o wickedness_n and_o wilful_a commission_n of_o great_a and_o notorious_a sin_n they_o have_v make_v themselves_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o every_o temptation_n and_o have_v drive_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o they_o and_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o thoâ—e_a aid_n and_o restraint_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o he_o ordinary_o afford_v not_o only_o to_o good_a man_n but_o likewise_o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o very_o bad_a and_o thus_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v harden_v pharaoh_n by_o those_o plague_n and_o judgement_n which_o he_o send_v upon_o he_o and_o his_o kingdom_n but_o if_o we_o careful_o read_v the_o story_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o first_o harden_v himself_o and_o then_o that_o god_n harden_v he_o that_o be_v he_o be_v harden_v under_o the_o first_o judgement_n of_o god_n god_n send_v more_o which_o meet_v with_o his_o obstinacy_n have_v this_o unnatural_a effect_n upon_o he_o to_o harden_v he_o yet_o more_o not_o that_o god_n do_v infuse_v any_o wickedness_n or_o obstinacy_n into_o he_o but_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n send_v more_o plague_n upon_o he_o which_o harden_v he_o yet_o more_o and_o which_o be_v likely_a to_o have_v that_o effect_n upon_o he_o consider_v the_o ill_a temper_n of_o the_o man._n and_o it_o be_v just_a by_o way_n of_o punishment_n that_o they_o shall_v and_o so_o likewise_o joshua_n 11._o 19_o 20._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o city_n of_o the_o canaanite_n do_v not_o make_v peace_n with_o joshua_n because_o it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v come_v against_o israel_n in_o battle_n that_o he_o may_v destroy_v they_o utter_o that_o be_v for_o their_o former_a iniquity_n the_o measure_n whereof_o be_v now_o full_a the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v just_o bring_v they_o into_o and_o leave_v they_o under_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v they_o obstinate_a against_o all_o term_n of_o peace_n and_o this_o prove_v fatal_a to_o they_o and_o in_o the_o like_a sense_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v several_a other_o expression_n in_o scripture_n which_o likewise_o may_v seem_v very_o harsh_a as_o isaiah_n 6._o 10._o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a and_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o shut_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v all_o which_o expression_n signify_v no_o more_o but_o that_o god_n for_o the_o former_a provocation_n and_o impenitency_n of_o that_o people_n do_v leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o hardness_n and_o blindness_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o understand_v and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o recovery_n so_o likewise_o rom._n 1._o 24._o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v give_v up_o the_o idolatrous_a heathen_a to_o uncleanness_n to_o vile_a and_o unnatural_a lust_n and_o ver._n 28._o to_o a_o reprobate_n and_o injudicious_a mind_n that_o be_v as_o a_o punishment_n of_o their_o idolatry_n he_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o those_o temptation_n which_o betray_v they_o to_o the_o vile_a lust_n and_o to_o mention_v but_o one_o text_n more_o 2_o thes_n 2._o 11._o the_o apostle_n threaten_v those_o that_o reject_v the_o truth_n that_o for_o this_o cause_n god_n will_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n the_o efficacy_n of_o error_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n that_o be_v as_o a_o just_a punishment_n for_o their_o renounce_v the_o truth_n god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o the_o power_n of_o delusion_n their_o error_n have_v its_o full_a scope_n at_o they_o to_o tempt_v they_o with_o all_o its_o colour_n and_o pretence_n but_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o all_o these_o place_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v god_n be_v say_v to_o give_v man_n up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n as_o a_o punishment_n of_o some_o former_a great_a crime_n and_o provocation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o unjust_a with_o god_n thus_o to_o deal_v with_o man_n to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n when_o they_o have_v first_o wilful_o forsake_v he_o and_o in_o this_o case_n god_n do_v not_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o themselves_o to_o be_v tempt_v by_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o if_o they_o yield_v and_o be_v conquer_a it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n because_o they_o have_v neglect_v god_n grace_n whereby_o they_o may_v have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v resist_v those_o temptation_n and_o have_v force_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o they_o and_o to_o leave_v they_o open_a and_o naked_a to_o those_o assault_n of_o temptation_n against_o which_o they_o may_v otherwise_o have_v be_v sufficient_o arm_v three_o the_o last_o end_n of_o temptation_n which_o i_o mention_v be_v to_o try_v man_n with_o a_o direct_a purpose_n and_o intention_n to_o seduce_v man_n to_o sin_n thus_o wicked_a man_n tempt_v other_o and_o thus_o the_o devil_n tempt_v men._n thus_o he_o tempt_v our_o first_o parent_n and_o seduce_v they_o from_o their_o obedience_n and_o allegiance_n to_o god_n thus_o he_o tempt_v job_n by_o bring_v he_o into_o those_o circumstance_n which_o be_v very_o likely_a to_o have_v force_v he_o into_o impatience_n and_o discontent_n and_o thus_o he_o tempt_v our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o find_v