that_o they_o may_v be_v witness_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o christ_n receive_v from_o the_o father_n act_v 2.23_o peculiar_o concern_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o this_o as_o i_o conceive_v the_o doctor_n acknowledge_v by_o say_v that_o christ_n shed_v forth_o what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v in_o the_o miraculous_a operation_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o now_o say_v he_o 157._o in_o this_o promise_n viz._n act_n 1._o vers_fw-la 4_o 8._o the_o lord_n christ_n found_v the_o church_n itself_o and_o by_o it_o he_o build_v it_o up_o and_o this_o be_v the_o hinge_v whereon_o the_o whole_a weight_n of_o it_o do_v turn_v and_o depend_v unto_o this_o day_n it_o be_v indeed_o certain_a that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n be_v at_o this_o day_n found_v upon_o the_o extraordinary_a testimony_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o that_o which_o follow_v be_v absolute_o false_a take_v away_o this_o promise_n suppose_v it_o to_o cease_v as_o unto_o a_o continual_a accomplishment_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o absolute_a end_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n for_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o confess_v himself_o miracle_n be_v cease_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o church_n he_o proceed_v thus_o no_o dispensation_n of_o the_o spirit_n no_o church_n he_o that_o will_v utter_o separate_v the_o spirit_n from_o the_o word_n have_v as_o good_a burn_v his_o bible_n be_v not_o so_o hasty_a for_o although_o this_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o truth_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o than_o you_o have_v prove_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n may_v now_o be_v utter_o separate_v from_o the_o word_n for_o all_o act_n 1.4_o and_o although_o you_o very_o true_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v ingenerate_v faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n yet_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o have_v here_o say_v it_o may_v for_o those_o text_n upon_o which_o you_o ground_n your_o confidence_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n whereby_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v now_o these_o be_v record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n together_o with_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v prove_v by_o they_o may_v be_v as_o able_a to_o assure_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v when_o they_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o that_o of_o themselves_o too_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o have_v show_v to_o the_o contrary_a from_o act_n 1._o though_o the_o contrary_n may_v well_o be_v show_v from_o other_o scripture_n now_o i_o can_v see_v to_o what_o end_n these_o man_n when_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o will_v in_o all_o age_n be_v accomplish_v shall_v fly_v so_o often_o as_o they_o do_v to_o those_o text_n which_o mention_v those_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v bestow_v in_o the_o first_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v their_o follower_n believe_v that_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v inspire_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o that_o they_o preach_v in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v which_o because_o we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o they_o who_o do_v so_o to_o be_v sole_a owner_n of_o the_o privilege_n just_o as_o the_o papist_n support_v their_o pretence_n to_o miracle_n and_o infallibility_n by_o draw_v the_o promise_n peculiar_o make_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o believer_n into_o consequence_n for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o every_o age_n and_o i_o fear_v by_o the_o like_a device_n our_o author_n have_v lay_v his_o plot_n to_o unchurch_n we_o quite_o and_o clean_o who_o conform_v to_o the_o law_n 158._o for_o say_v he_o let_v man_n cast_v themselves_o into_o what_o order_n they_o please_v institute_v what_o form_n of_o government_n and_o religious_a worship_n they_o please_v let_v they_o do_v it_o by_o a_o attendance_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o understand_n unto_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n i._n e._n let_v their_o government_n and_o worship_n be_v as_o near_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o they_o can_v possible_o frame_v it_o yet_o if_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v disow_v or_o disclaim_v by_o they_o if_o they_o disow_v those_o extravagant_a pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n which_o you_o set_v up_o to_o magnify_v yourselves_o withal_o if_o there_o be_v not_o in_o they_o and_o upon_o they_o such_o a_o work_n of_o his_o as_o be_v promise_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v no_o church-state_n among_o they_o nor_o as_o such_o be_v it_o to_o be_v own_v and_o esteem_v and_o be_v this_o that_o you_o have_v be_v drive_v at_o all_o this_o while_n you_o have_v now_o find_v out_o a_o new_a colour_n for_o your_o schism_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n must_v go_v forward_o upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n promise_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o upon_o we_o which_o in_o many_o place_n of_o your_o book_n also_o you_o spare_v not_o to_o say_v we_o reproach_n and_o disavow_v but_o i_o beseech_v you_o dare_v you_o say_v that_o you_o have_v that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o you_o and_o upon_o you_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o forementioned_a text_n if_o you_o say_v so_o we_o shall_v present_o desire_v you_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o it_o by_o miracle_n and_o such_o sign_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v if_o you_o dare_v not_o say_v it_o than_o it_o seem_v that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v no_o more_o in_o you_o and_o upon_o you_o than_o it_o be_v in_o we_o and_o then_o i_o hope_v we_o be_v not_o unchurch_v for_o not_o pretend_v to_o it_o nor_o fit_a to_o be_v account_v reprobate_n because_o we_o be_v not_o liar_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n mention_v by_o you_o in_o your_o next_o section_n matth._n 28.20_o 158._o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n prove_v the_o constant_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n by_o his_o spirit_n but_o then_o sir_n it_o do_v not_o prove_v nor_o i_o think_v be_v you_o able_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o forementioned_a promise_v make_v to_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o same_o promise_n with_o that_o which_o be_v here_o make_v now_o as_o to_o that_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o will_v indeed_o continue_v through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v disow_v and_o disclaim_v it_o but_o we_o disow_v the_o prove_v it_o from_o such_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o you_o lay_v the_o great_a stress_n of_o your_o proof_n upon_o lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o pretend_v to_o those_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v pour_v forth_o upon_o the_o church_n at_o her_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n to_o confirm_v the_o christian_a faith_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v good_a our_o pretence_n be_v laugh_v at_o for_o our_o pain_n it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o to_o say_v that_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o those_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n those_o extraordinary_a gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o believer_n have_v for_o it_o will_v be_v unanswerable_o return_v upon_o we_o that_o these_o text_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o speak_v of_o any_o but_o these_o and_o thus_o we_o shall_v disparage_v a_o good_a cause_n by_o argue_v no_o better_a for_o it_o therefore_o doctor_n if_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o and_o towards_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v open_o deride_v as_o you_o complain_v 118._o you_o may_v i_o doubt_v in_o great_a part_n thank_v yourself_o and_o such_o as_o you_o who_o by_o imprudent_a discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_n have_v give_v profane_a person_n occasion_n to_o make_v a_o question_n whether_o nowadays_o there_o be_v any_o work_n at_o all_o of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v and_o that_o by_o lay_v together_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n say_v concern_v it_o all_o which_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n god_n will_v give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o to_o who_o this_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v make_v 3._o what_o be_v the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o operation_n by_o
thereof_o p._n 277._o a_o instance_n of_o his_o excessive_a boldness_n in_o this_o matter_n p._n 280._o the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n suitable_a to_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o mankind_n p._n 282._o which_o be_v in_o word_n grant_v but_o in_o effect_n deny_v by_o dr._n owen_n p._n 283._o his_o vain_a endeavour_n to_o reconcile_v this_o proposition_n with_o his_o physical_a immediate_a operation_n p._n 286._o isa._n 5.4_o discourse_v upon_o p._n 290._o the_o holy_a spirit_n operate_v in_o that_o manner_n as_o to_o leave_v our_o diligence_n necessary_a to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o his_o operation_n p._n 292._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v p._n 293._o and_o by_o give_v a_o new_a heart_n p._n 296._o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n suit_v to_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n p._n 298._o that_o his_o grace_n be_v wrought_v gradual_o be_v a_o useful_a consideration_n p._n 302._o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v in_o themselves_o imperceptible_a and_o know_v only_o by_o their_o effect_n p._n 305._o that_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o by_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o a_o good_a conscience_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n p._n 309._o that_o man_n resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n when_o they_o think_v of_o nothing_o less_o p._n 312._o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v assistance_n p._n 314._o dr._n owen_n false_o pretend_v that_o his_o adversary_n deny_v the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n p._n 315._o that_o his_o error_n be_v more_o just_o chargeable_a upon_o himself_o p._n 318._o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n a_o forcible_a motive_n to_o godliness_n show_v from_o the_o general_a head_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n p._n 324._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o part_n p._n 326._o the_o introduction_n sect_n i._o from_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v work_v out_o your_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a 13._o for_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o divine_a assistance_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v be_v a_o pregnant_a motive_n to_o excite_v our_o great_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o i_o suppose_v no_o christian_n will_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n pretend_v to_o enforce_v his_o exhortation_n with_o a_o argument_n that_o have_v little_a or_o no_o force_n in_o it_o to_o persuade_v the_o forcibleness_n of_o this_o motive_n lie_v principal_o in_o this_o supposition_n that_o as_o they_o upon_o who_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v bestow_v may_v fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n so_o withal_o they_o may_v miscarry_v through_o their_o own_o negligence_n and_o then_o their_o sin_n become_v more_o inexcusable_a and_o their_o punishment_n will_v be_v more_o heavy_a and_o this_o be_v a_o clear_a reason_n why_o even_o those_o in_o who_o god_n work_v both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v be_v yet_o exhort_v to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v earnest_o exhort_v christian_n to_o perseverance_n in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o gospel_n 10.29_o for_o say_v he_o of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o have_v do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o say_v plain_o for_o this_o end_n to_o excite_v they_o to_o a_o effectual_a care_n in_o improve_n those_o spiritual_a aid_n whereby_o they_o be_v able_a to_o persevere_v this_o i_o think_v will_v easy_o be_v grant_v unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n talk_v at_o as_o strange_a a_o rate_n as_o dr._n john_n owen_n frequent_o do_v in_o his_o book_n concern_v the_o holy_a spirit_n j.o._n where_o he_o often_o threaten_v they_o with_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o look_v upon_o he_o and_o divers_a of_o his_o notion_n in_o divinity_n to_o be_v senseless_a and_o fanatical_a for_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o his_o threaten_n have_v not_o that_o charitable_a meaning_n in_o they_o which_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v he_o tell_v we_o that_o those_o by_o who_o regeneration_n i._n e._n his_o notion_n of_o it_o be_v expose_v to_o scorn_n 254._o will_v one_o day_n understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o although_o it_o may_v be_v not_o before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a to_o obtain_v any_o advantage_n by_o it_o now_o one_o will_v think_v it_o to_o be_v the_o doctor_n be_v opinion_n that_o those_o who_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v damn_v may_v by_o a_o timely_a care_n have_v prevent_v it_o and_o that_o he_o intend_v this_o warning_n to_o make_v they_o careful_a to_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_o but_o if_o you_o think_v so_o you_o be_v much_o mistake_v and_o you_o do_v not_o yet_o understand_v this_o man_n principle_n for_o throughout_o his_o whole_a book_n he_o suppose_v a_o certain_a powerful_a illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v to_o none_o but_o those_o that_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v to_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o a_o save_a knowledge_n of_o regeneration_n and_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n the_o darkness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o be_v no_o less_o effectual_a to_o bind_v they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n 228._o than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o devil_n themselves_o now_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o the_o doctor_n be_v warning_n can_v be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o the_o devil_n themselves_o and_o i_o do_v as_o little_a understand_v why_o he_o make_v such_o frequent_a excursion_n as_o he_o do_v to_o threaten_v his_o adversary_n with_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n unless_o as_o one_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v by_o the_o insult_a language_n that_o go_v along_o with_o it_o it_o be_v some_o refresh_n to_o a_o man_n so_o natural_o vindictive_a to_o think_v he_o shall_v one_o day_n see_v they_o damn_v this_o be_v one_o great_a exception_n i_o have_v against_o this_o man_n book_n that_o whereas_o he_o contend_v so_o fierce_o for_o his_o opinion_n as_o he_o do_v all_o along_o pretend_v in_o particular_a 164._o that_o it_o be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n to_o we_o to_o inquire_v into_o and_o secure_a unto_o ourselves_o the_o promise_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o suppose_v his_o notion_n thereof_o to_o be_v true_a it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o they_o be_v inquire_v into_o or_o no_o for_o neither_o can_v we_o have_v a_o true_a understanding_n what_o they_o be_v nor_o if_o we_o can_v will_v that_o excite_v our_o endeavour_n to_o secure_v they_o for_o according_a to_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o understand_v a_o spiritual_a truth_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_o good_a unless_o he_o be_v enable_v by_o such_o a_o almighty_a power_n as_o leave_v it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n impossible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v spiritual_o blind_a and_o dead_a any_o long_o for_o this_o power_n he_o say_v be_v irresistible_a and_o he_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v false_a that_o the_o will_n can_v make_v use_n of_o that_o grace_n for_o conversion_n which_o it_o can_v refuse_v 262._o now_o the_o doctor_n confess_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o blindness_n and_o deadness_n with_o respect_n unto_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v a_o matter_n which_o the_o world_n can_v endure_v to_o hear_v of_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o fall_v into_o a_o tumult_n upon_o the_o mention_n of_o it_o 206._o and_o if_o he_o say_v true_a i_o be_o very_o glad_a on_o it_o because_o if_o the_o world_n can_v not_o endure_v to_o hear_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o be_v we_o may_v hope_v to_o see_v a_o great_a many_o man_n wise_a and_o better_a than_o they_o be_v for_o he_o have_v state_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o that_o manner_n that_o instead_o of_o exciting_a man_n thereby_o to_o hearty_a endeavour_n after_o true_a goodness_n he_o have_v lay_v down_o principle_n that_o will_v excuse_v they_o if_o they_o be_v never_o so_o careless_a and_o so_o have_v betray_v this_o great_a encouragement_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o lazy_a and_o wicked_a man_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o better_a account_n of_o what_o the_o holy_a scripture_n teach_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n than_o i_o think_v he_o have_v do_v and_o i_o shall_v withal_o examine_v those_o argument_n wherewith_o he_o pretend_v so_o to_o demonstrate_v his_o notion_n that_o the_o proud_a and_o most_o petulant_a of_o his_o adversary_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o return_v any_o thing_n of_o a_o solid_a answer_n
show_v what_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v these_o thing_n i_o hope_v the_o reader_n who_o have_v not_o so_o well_o consider_v they_o may_v gain_v a_o profitable_a knowledge_n of_o this_o part_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o that_o be_v a_o profitable_a knowledge_n of_o it_o which_o will_v incite_v he_o to_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o virtue_n for_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o encourage_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o the_o principal_a end_n which_o i_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o undertake_n be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v what_o great_a reason_n they_o have_v to_o endeavour_v earnest_o after_o true_a goodness_n since_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n ii_o concern_v those_o effect_n for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v to_o believer_n sect_n i._o doctor_n o._n say_v well_o that_o when_o we_o treat_v of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n we_o be_v exercise_v in_o such_o a_o subject_a as_o wherein_o we_o have_v no_o rule_n nor_o guide_n nor_o any_o thing_n to_o give_v we_o assistance_n but_o pure_a revelation_n for_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v by_o these_o word_n that_o all_o our_o knowledge_n concern_v this_o matter_n depend_v upon_o revelation_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o branch_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n therefore_o our_o knowledge_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o revelation_n of_o it_o and_o by_o god_n assistance_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o govern_v myself_o by_o that_o rule_n while_o i_o be_o debate_v those_o question_n i_o have_v propound_v concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v to_o man_n and_o this_o i_o the_o rather_o begin_v withal_o because_o the_o end_n of_o his_o operation_n be_v well_o understand_v we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o text_n which_o tell_v we_o who_o they_o be_v to_o who_o the_o spirit_n be_v promise_v and_o what_o be_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n what_o the_o effect_n themselves_o be_v for_o which_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v may_v be_v know_v 1._o in_o great_a part_n from_o that_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n luke_n 11.13_o 2._o they_o may_v be_v full_o know_v from_o those_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o mention_n the_o several_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o promise_n in_o st._n luke_n whereby_o we_o may_v understand_v for_o what_o purpose_v the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o christ._n the_o text_n be_v this_o how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o these_o word_n deserve_v our_o attention_n the_o more_o because_o they_o be_v the_o first_o wherein_o we_o find_v our_o saviour_n mention_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o consider_v their_o connexion_n with_o the_o precedent_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n to_o come_v by_o that_o mean_n to_o their_o true_a meaning_n and_o hereby_o also_o we_o shall_v plain_o see_v what_o those_o effect_n be_v for_o the_o produce_v of_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o this_o place_n we_o find_v vers_fw-la 1._o that_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n say_v unto_o he_o lord_n teach_v we_o to_o pray_v whereupon_o he_o teach_v they_o that_o form_n of_o prayer_n our_o father_n etc._n etc._n have_v thus_o answer_v their_o desire_n he_o take_v this_o occasion_n to_o require_v they_o to_o pray_v fervent_o and_o importunate_o urge_v his_o command_n with_o this_o argument_n that_o if_o they_o do_v so_o they_o shall_v certain_o be_v hear_v and_o their_o request_n shall_v be_v grant_v for_o thus_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o vers_n 9_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v etc._n etc._n this_o argument_n be_v enforce_v by_o two_o similitude_n whereof_o the_o former_a make_v way_n for_o the_o latter_a to_o proceed_v with_o more_o strength_n towards_o the_o prove_v of_o this_o thing_n that_o god_n will_v hear_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o a_o man_n that_o go_v to_o his_o friend_n at_o midnight_n to_o beg_v three_o loaf_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o another_o friend_n of_o he_o vers_fw-la 5_o 6._o now_o it_o be_v here_o observe_v that_o the_o request_n be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o unseasonable_a vers_fw-la 7._o trouble_v i_o not_o the_o door_n be_v now_o shut_v and_o my_o child_n be_v with_o i_o in_o bed_n and_o withal_o the_o trouble_n be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o bare_a friendship_n that_o be_v between_o they_o will_v not_o have_v prevail_v vers_fw-la 8._o he_o will_v not_o rise_v and_o give_v he_o because_o he_o be_v his_o friend_n yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v observe_v that_o two_o consideration_n prevail_v with_o he_o viz._n that_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o that_o of_o the_o importunity_n of_o his_o friend_n yet_o because_o of_o his_o importunity_n he_o will_v rise_v and_o give_v he_o as_o many_o as_o he_o need_v now_o from_o hence_o our_o saviour_n conclude_v vers_fw-la 9_o that_n if_o we_o ask_v we_o shall_v have_v i._n e._n god_n will_v give_v we_o whatsoever_o thing_n we_o ask_v of_o he_o importunate_o if_o those_o thing_n be_v needful_a for_o we_o and_o this_o with_o great_a reason_n for_o 1._o god_n be_v our_o best_a friend_n and_o great_a benefactor_n 2._o we_o be_v never_o unseasonable_a to_o he_o and_o the_o give_v of_o what_o we_o ask_v be_v never_o uneasy_a to_o himself_o wherefore_o if_o a_o man_n will_v grant_v to_o his_o friend_n what_o he_o be_v importunate_a with_o he_o for_o if_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o he_o though_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n to_o himself_o much_o more_o will_v god_n who_o love_v we_o more_o than_o a_o man_n can_v do_v his_o friend_n bestow_v such_o thing_n upon_o we_o as_o be_v needful_a if_o we_o earnest_o desire_v he_o since_o he_o can_v without_o any_o trouble_n to_o himself_o grant_v our_o request_n in_o the_o next_o similitude_n the_o argument_n be_v improve_v if_o a_o son_n shall_v ask_v bread_n of_o any_o of_o you_o that_o be_v a_o father_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o ask_v a_o fish_n will_v he_o for_o a_o fish_n give_v he_o a_o serpent_n or_o if_o he_o shall_v ask_v a_o egg_n will_v he_o offer_v he_o a_o scorpion_n vers_fw-la 11_o 12._o now_o here_o 1._o the_o son_n ask_v of_o the_o father_n where_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o natural_a affection_n be_v great_a between_o a_o father_n and_o his_o son_n and_o on_o the_o other_o the_o dependence_n great_a in_o the_o son_n upon_o his_o father_n than_o in_o one_o friend_n upon_o another_o 2._o the_o son_n request_v food_n necessary_a to_o sustain_v himself_o not_o for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o another_o as_o in_o the_o former_a similitude_n wherefore_o see_v here_o be_v great_a love_n on_o his_o part_n that_o be_v ask_v great_a dependence_n and_o necessity_n on_o his_o that_o ask_v our_o saviour_n conclude_v he_o will_v prevail_v so_o that_o the_o father_n instead_o of_o give_v that_o which_o be_v necessary_a will_v not_o give_v that_o which_o be_v unprofitable_a as_o a_o stone_n instead_o of_o bread_n much_o less_o will_v he_o instead_o of_o that_o which_o be_v profitable_a give_v that_o which_o be_v hurtful_a as_o a_o serpent_n for_o a_o fish_n and_o a_o scorpion_n for_o a_o egg._n from_o hence_o our_o saviour_n argue_v if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o argument_n proceed_v à _fw-la minori_fw-la and_o the_o force_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o earthly_a parent_n who_o may_v be_v tenacious_a towards_o other_o and_o envy_v what_o they_o enjoy_v for_o in_o that_o sense_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v be_v thy_o eye_n evil_a because_o i_o be_v good_a will_v not_o yet_o be_v so_o towards_o their_o child_n when_o they_o ask_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o need_v much_o less_o will_v god_n who_o be_v in_o this_o similitude_n affirm_v to_o be_v our_o father_n as_o in_o the_o former_a he_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v our_o friend_n and_o who_o
extemporary_a pray_n and_o to_o pass_v for_o one_o that_o have_v a_o double_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o they_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o ascribe_v all_o heat_n and_o eloquence_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o divine_a principle_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o to_o undervalue_v any_o man_n ability_n in_o this_o kind_n but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o they_o may_v be_v set_v too_o high_a as_o for_o they_o that_o do_v so_o they_o may_v undeceive_v themselves_o by_o observe_v the_o very_a prayer_n of_o those_o person_n who_o gift_n this_o way_n be_v most_o remarkable_a for_o although_o these_o man_n be_v sometime_o please_v to_o decry_v the_o use_n of_o form_n as_o not_o savour_v of_o the_o spirit_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a enough_o that_o their_o own_o prayer_n as_o spiritual_a as_o they_o look_v may_v be_v as_o pure_o humane_a as_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o book_n be_v by_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o tie_v up_o themselves_o to_o those_o usual_a topic_n of_o prayer_n and_o head_n of_o devotion_n according_a to_o which_o book-prayer_n as_o they_o call_v they_o be_v frame_v they_o usual_o begin_v with_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o then_o they_o run_v through_o the_o common_a place_n of_o confession_n petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n that_o furnish_v set_v form_n of_o prayer_n they_o confess_v the_o same_o sin_n they_o beg_v the_o same_o grace_n they_o praise_v god_n for_o the_o same_o blessing_n in_o all_o their_o prayer_n now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o i_o suppose_v none_o of_o they_o will_v deny_v and_o then_o i_o think_v they_o must_v confess_v that_o their_o prayer_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v as_o formal_a as_o those_o of_o the_o liturgy_n but_o further_a as_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n be_v confine_v to_o certain_a head_n so_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o use_v the_o same_o expression_n only_o with_o this_o condition_n that_o they_o be_v lay_v in_o with_o such_o good_a store_n of_o they_o that_o they_o need_v not_o use_v they_o all_o at_o once_o but_o may_v keep_v some_o against_o another_o time_n and_o thus_o indeed_o they_o do_v not_o tie_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o form_n of_o word_n because_o they_o have_v as_o many_o form_n to_o use_v as_o may_v be_v make_v by_o the_o shift_a and_o transpose_n of_o those_o phrase_n which_o they_o have_v in_o stock_n and_o so_o many_o form_n they_o have_v more_o or_o few_o according_a as_o that_o stock_n increase_v more_o or_o less_o and_o thus_o as_o we_o pray_v out_o of_o our_o book_n so_o do_v they_o out_o of_o their_o memory_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o their_o way_n and_o we_o for_o i_o speak_v now_o of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o use_v to_o talk_v idle_o and_o extravagant_o in_o their_o extemporary_a prayer_n be_v this_o that_o we_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o safety_n and_o they_o of_o popularity_n and_o ostentation_n but_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o divine_v what_o that_o be_v in_o extemporary_a pray_v as_o that_o be_v distinguish_v from_o use_v a_o set_a form_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o immediate_a suggestion_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o matter_n of_o such_o prayer_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o considerable_a and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o we_o see_v may_v come_v another_o way_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o mind_n too_o of_o the_o late_a assembly_n who_o although_o they_o throw_v aside_o the_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n to_o make_v way_n for_o extemporary_a performance_n yet_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v the_o minister_n a_o directory_n for_o the_o matter_n without_o leave_v he_o to_o be_v guide_v in_o that_o by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o make_v some_o man_n think_v they_o may_v even_o as_o well_o have_v prescribe_v a_o set_a form_n unless_o they_o intend_v to_o leave_v the_o mean_a office_n of_o supply_v he_o with_o word_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o i_o have_v show_v you_o may_v come_v from_o a_o more_o familiar_a principle_n and_o then_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o that_o shift_a and_o change_v of_o place_n with_o they_o which_o make_v the_o great_a show_n of_o variety_n but_o this_o be_v so_o unworthy_a to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o divine_a principle_n that_o i_o may_v conclude_v extemporary_a prayer_n allow_v they_o to_o be_v never_o so_o useful_a and_o profitable_a need_v not_o to_o be_v dictate_v by_o inspiration_n and_o therefore_o no_o such_o inspiration_n be_v promise_v by_o our_o saviour_n when_o be_v promise_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o all_o his_o disciple_n thus_o have_v i_o show_v that_o neither_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n come_v under_o the_o promise_n in_o st._n luke_n 11.13_o for_o they_o be_v not_o gift_n of_o that_o kind_n which_o be_v there_o promise_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v the_o spirit_n and_o i_o add_v it_o may_v be_v strong_o presume_v that_o they_o be_v promise_v nowhere_o else_o since_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o this_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o comprehend_v all_o the_o rest_n but_o because_o there_o be_v some_o man_n so_o vehement_o persuade_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v give_v for_o these_o purpose_n that_o they_o reckon_v it_o little_o better_a than_o blasphemy_n to_o gainsay_v it_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n upon_o which_o such_o mighty_a confidence_n be_v ground_v to_o see_v whether_o they_o afford_v any_o reason_n for_o it_o sect_n 4._o and_o first_o as_o to_o those_o testimony_n which_o be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n in_o favour_n of_o interpret_n or_o understand_v scripture_n by_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n whole_o to_o dr._n hammond_n postscript_n concern_v new_a light_n and_o divine_a illumination_n annex_v to_o his_o paraphrase_n etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o they_o be_v all_o consider_v and_o show_v to_o infer_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v desire_v to_o be_v conclude_v from_o they_o but_o if_o after_o all_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o he_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o interpretation_n which_o dr._n hammond_n have_v give_v of_o those_o text_n to_o be_v nothing_o better_o than_o carnal_a reason_v and_o come_v over_o with_o dr._n owen_n talk_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o understand_v the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o gospel-truth_n without_o the_o almighty_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n i_o confess_v it_o will_v prove_v a_o matter_n of_o as_o great_a difficulty_n to_o reply_v to_o such_o a_o pretender_n as_o it_o be_v to_o find_v out_o a_o way_n to_o convince_v a_o quaker_n for_o what_o success_n can_v any_o man_n promise_v himself_o by_o reply_v to_o a_o confident_a enthusiast_n who_o perpetual_o appeal_v from_o the_o most_o evident_a reason_n the_o plain_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o most_o rational_a inference_n from_o they_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n however_o this_o i_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v impossible_a to_o understand_v these_o text_n without_o that_o new_a light_n which_o the_o papist_n call_v a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o dr._n owen_n and_o his_o party_n a_o almighty_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o in_o effect_n they_o be_v both_o the_o same_o thing_n than_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v withal_o that_o these_o text_n be_v impertinent_o produce_v to_o convince_v we_o who_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o this_o infallible_a spirit_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n upon_o who_o god_n bestow_v that_o privilege_n for_o that_o they_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o we_o but_o by_o rational_a mean_n i._n e._n either_o by_o argue_v from_o the_o original_a word_n or_o the_o context_n or_o parallel_a place_n or_o the_o like_a or_o else_o by_o some_o clear_a divine_a testimony_n proper_a to_o convince_v we_o that_o they_o in_o particular_a be_v inspire_v such_o as_o real_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n this_o latter_a way_n be_v pretend_v to_o only_a by_o the_o papist_n and_o though_o the_o fraud_n they_o have_v be_v deprehend_v in_o sufficient_o show_v those_o among_o they_o that_o have_v raise_v the_o noise_n of_o their_o miracle_n to_o be_v impostor_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o pretend_v to_o offer_v a_o rational_a mean_n of_o conviction_n that_o their_o church_n interpret_v the_o scripture_n by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n which_o the_o man_n i_o be_o at_o present_a speak_v of_o do_v not_o offer_v in_o the_o least_o as_o for_o the_o former_a way_n of_o convince_a we_o by_o rational_a evidence_n from_o the_o text_n itself_o it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v
more_o sensible_o affect_v with_o those_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o increase_n the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o confirm_v he_o in_o every_o divine_a disposition_n 2._o this_o be_v further_a evident_a from_o those_o passage_n in_o holy_a writ_n where_o we_o be_v require_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n to_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n for_o these_o place_n and_o the_o like_a do_v strong_o imply_v that_o we_o can_v on_o a_o sudden_a arrive_n to_o any_o degree_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o fall_v great_o short_a of_o at_o present_a much_o less_o that_o we_o can_v present_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n wherefore_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o affect_v our_o mind_n when_o we_o begin_v the_o christian_a life_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o measure_n that_o he_o move_v we_o in_o after_o we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o or_o shall_v arrive_v to_o such_o a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o christianity_n as_o may_v answer_v that_o expression_n of_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n for_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o than_o we_o may_v become_v man_n in_o christ_n assoon_o as_o we_o be_v babe_n and_o come_v to_o the_o fullness_n of_o our_o stature_n without_o grow_v and_o go_v on_o to_o perfection_n it_o be_v further_a observable_a that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v affirm_v to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o increase_n in_o holiness_n we_o must_v desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o we_o may_v grow_v thereby_o as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o and_o in_o col._n 1.9_o st._n paul_n instruct_v we_o that_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n make_v we_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n be_v by_o fill_v we_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n from_o whence_o i_o observe_v that_o our_o improvement_n in_o holiness_n be_v great_a or_o lesser_a according_a as_o we_o consider_v and_o meditate_v upon_o divine_a truth_n viz._n for_o this_o end_n of_o govern_v our_o life_n by_o they_o which_o be_v to_o know_v they_o in_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n now_o since_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n in_o our_o mind_n be_v as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n serious_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o we_o according_a to_o that_o measure_n wherein_o divine_a truth_n be_v consider_v by_o we_o therefore_o since_o our_o fruitfulness_n depend_v upon_o our_o increase_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o that_o spiritual_a understanding_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o work_v in_o we_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o arrive_v to_o that_o state_n of_o walk_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o well-pleasing_a all_o at_o once_o but_o by_o degree_n viz._n as_o we_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o daily_a meditation_n last_o since_o by_o the_o experience_n we_o have_v of_o humane_a nature_n we_o see_v that_o custom_n be_v not_o easy_o and_o present_o put_v off_o and_o that_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n can_v be_v make_v familiar_a to_o we_o but_o by_o use_n and_o practice_n more_o particular_o that_o they_o who_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a can_v of_o a_o sudden_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o that_o ill_a habit_n be_v not_o waste_v but_o by_o degree_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n press_v most_o upon_o we_o when_o we_o first_o enter_v upon_o it_o and_o that_o they_o wear_v away_o insensible_o by_o continuance_n in_o well-doing_n likewise_o that_o virtue_n be_v improve_v by_o exercise_n and_o that_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v be_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o perfect_a day_n i_o say_v this_o be_v consider_v we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o produce_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n all_o at_o once_o but_o that_o he_o accommodate_v his_o operation_n to_o the_o state_n in_o which_o they_o be_v at_o present_a prompt_v they_o to_o that_o amendment_n which_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o capacity_n will_v admit_v and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o term_n consequence_n also_o of_o what_o the_o doctor_n so_o full_o grant_v viz._n that_o the_o spirit_n act_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n only_o as_o they_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v act_v according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n power_n and_o ability_n and_o according_a to_o their_o natural_a operation_n for_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v the_o constant_a experience_n of_o mankind_n both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a although_o a_o evil_a habit_n be_v soon_o contract_v than_o a_o good_a one_o yet_o none_o be_v gain_v without_o some_o use_n and_o exercise_n and_o ordinary_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o now_o if_o the_o spirit_n move_v we_o no_o otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n power_n and_o ability_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o by_o his_o grace_n we_o may_v leap_v out_o of_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n in_o a_o moment_n into_o the_o habit_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o he_o be_v in_o that_o manner_n present_a with_o we_o as_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o make_v a_o good_a beginning_n and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o that_o by_o his_o more_o abundant_a grace_n we_o may_v proceed_v and_o so_o by_o degree_n come_v to_o a_o divine_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v in_o a_o instant_n change_v the_o most_o vicious_a man_n into_o a_o saint_n but_o we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v do_v so_o than_o that_o he_o shall_v work_v new_a miracle_n to_o convert_v we_o but_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v so_o for_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o manner_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n by_o the_o promise_n of_o special_a grace_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o qualify_v and_o prepare_v person_n or_o by_o the_o command_v of_o the_o scripture_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n or_o by_o the_o general_a experience_n of_o humane_a nature_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o a_o habitual_a sinner_n can_v become_v a_o good_a man_n in_o a_o instant_n he_o must_v first_o learn_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n angry_a justice_n he_o must_v be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n he_o must_v deep_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o must_v avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o fortify_v himself_o with_o vehement_a resolution_n to_o forsake_v his_o wicked_a course_n and_o he_o must_v make_v many_o earnest_a prayer_n before_o he_o can_v subdue_v his_o lust_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o yield_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n he_o can_v expect_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n shall_v make_v he_o a_o holy_a man_n but_o by_o the_o former_a mean_n and_o therefore_o by_o degree_n this_o consideration_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v omit_v because_o it_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o two_o very_a different_a sort_n of_o man_n 1._o to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n and_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o recover_v themselves_o although_o they_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o amendment_n before_o they_o for_o it_o happen_v sometime_o that_o such_o man_n wish_v they_o have_v take_v a_o early_a care_n to_o live_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n but_o they_o believe_v it_o be_v now_o in_o vain_a to_o strive_v against_o those_o fatal_a habit_n which_o be_v so_o deep_o root_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o they_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o carelessness_n and_o desperation_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v common_o this_o that_o when_o they_o attempt_v their_o own_o reformation_n and_o have_v purpose_v to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n they_o soon_o find_v themselves_o surprise_v again_o by_o their_o former_a temptation_n and_o carry_v away_o as_o strong_o by_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v before_o which_o make_v they_o conclude_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o take_v any_o more_o pain_n with_o themselves_o as_o if_o because_o their_o freedom_n from_o the_o servitude_n of_o sin_n can_v not_o be_v effect_v in_o a_o
do_v not_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n that_o he_o be_v infallible_a yet_o in_o that_o book_n which_o i_o have_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o consider_v he_o lay_v claim_v as_o you_o will_v see_v to_o such_o a_o illumination_n of_o mind_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o differ_v very_o little_a from_o that_o kind_n of_o inspiration_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v but_o this_o will_v not_o hinder_v you_o from_o try_v the_o doctor_n be_v spirit_n and_o way_n of_o teach_v if_o you_o consider_v what_o he_o very_o well_o observe_v in_o the_o forementioned_a book_n 44._o viz._n that_o the_o berean_o be_v high_o extol_v for_o search_v whether_o the_o doctrine_n concern_v our_o saviour_n preach_v by_o st._n paul_n be_v so_o or_o no_o for_o he_o must_v not_o desire_v to_o be_v believe_v more_o hasty_o than_o st._n paul_n do_v who_o we_o be_v sure_a speak_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n the_o more_o high_o any_o man_n pretend_v to_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o better_a testimony_n he_o have_v need_n to_o produce_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o pretence_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v light_o take_v up_o that_o belief_n of_o another_o which_o if_o he_o once_o give_v way_n to_o he_o must_v believe_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o the_o bright_a those_o illumination_n be_v which_o any_o teacher_n boast_v of_o the_o less_o reason_n you_o have_v to_o take_v his_o bare_a word_n for_o it_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a that_o you_o shall_v examine_v his_o doctrine_n he_o give_v you_o great_a cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o they_o will_v not_o abide_v the_o trial_n beside_o the_o doctor_n take_v notice_n that_o what_o be_v praise_v in_o the_o berean_o 44._o be_v commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n beloved_n believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o many_o false_a spirit_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o prophet_n then_o as_o he_o go_v on_o must_v be_v try_v before_o they_o be_v trust_v now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o hold_v still_o there_o be_v many_o false_a teacher_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n wherefore_o try_v every_o one_o try_v his_o spirit_n his_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o teach_v and_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o will_v only_o add_v that_o the_o reason_n hold_v more_o strong_o now_o for_o if_o false_a teacher_n pretend_v to_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n even_o whilst_o the_o apostle_n be_v alive_a to_o contradict_v they_o and_o discover_v they_o much_o more_o likely_a be_v they_o to_o do_v so_o now_o when_o they_o think_v they_o may_v do_v it_o more_o secure_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o use_v the_o more_o diligence_n in_o try_v those_o teacher_n that_o pretend_v lofty_o by_o that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v leave_v we_o in_o their_o write_n now_o if_o the_o doctor_n will_v have_v you_o to_o shut_v your_o own_o eye_n and_o then_o trust_v to_o that_o new_a save_a light_n by_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o explain_v gospel-truths_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v you_o suspect_v that_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v darkness_n or_o if_o he_o mean_v to_o except_v himself_o from_o be_v try_v when_o he_o bid_v you_o try_v the_o spirit_n for_o that_o reason_n he_o be_v least_o of_o all_o to_o be_v except_v i_o have_v obey_v the_o apostle_n advice_n and_o try_v he_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o follow_a book_n which_o i_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v public_a because_o those_o reason_n which_o satisfy_v i_o that_o he_o be_v very_o much_o out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o discourse_v upon_o spiritual_a thing_n after_o this_o manner_n may_v possible_o seem_v as_o clear_a to_o you_o as_o they_o do_v to_o myself_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sophistry_n in_o they_o or_o carnal_a reason_v or_o pervert_v of_o holy_a writ_n it_o be_v more_o than_o i_o know_v and_o i_o shall_v thank_v the_o doctor_n for_o make_v the_o discovery_n which_o i_o think_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v if_o he_o can_v not_o only_o for_o your_o sake_n but_o for_o i_o too_o for_o so_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v myself_o i_o be_o not_o less_o desirous_a to_o retract_v any_o error_n of_o my_o own_o than_o i_o be_o to_o convince_v you_o of_o he_o and_o therefore_o if_o he_o be_v as_o willing_a as_o i_o be_o i_o shall_v in_o all_o probability_n hear_v further_o from_o he_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o believe_v neither_o of_o we_o but_o to_o try_v we_o both_o if_o the_o doctor_n be_v friend_n shall_v be_v trouble_v to_o find_v he_o charge_v with_o nonsense_n in_o the_o follow_a book_n the_o author_n have_v this_o to_o say_v for_o himself_o that_o he_o know_v no_o other_o name_n so_o fit_a as_o nonsense_n to_o call_v nonsense_n by_o and_o he_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o say_v but_o prove_v also_o that_o the_o doctor_n be_v guilty_a of_o nonsense_n where_o he_o have_v charge_v he_o with_o it_o he_o hope_v also_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v offend_v with_o he_o for_o take_v occasion_n sometime_o to_o rebuke_v this_o man_n for_o those_o rude_a word_n and_o unjust_a reproach_n which_o he_o have_v pour_v forth_o for_o whole_a page_n together_o upon_o his_o adversary_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o shall_v be_v teach_v at_o last_o to_o manage_v controversy_n in_o religion_n in_o a_o more_o christian_a manner_n than_o he_o have_v do_v hitherto_o and_o now_o the_o author_n will_v only_o say_v in_o behalf_n of_o himself_o that_o his_o design_n in_o this_o book_n be_v to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o question_n which_o he_o have_v undertake_v to_o every_o ordinary_a understanding_n and_o thereby_o to_o promote_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o best_a thing_n he_o can_v say_v of_o the_o book_n itself_o be_v that_o it_o have_v be_v think_v by_o man_n of_o far_o better_a judgement_n than_o he_o can_v pretend_v to_o not_o to_o be_v altogether_o improper_a for_o that_o end_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o mistake_v may_v the_o alwise_a and_o good_a god_n prosper_v the_o design_n of_o it_o with_o his_o blessing_n the_o content_n of_o the_o introduction_n sect_n i._o that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n a_o great_a motive_n to_o diligence_n in_o religion_n page_n 1_o that_o according_a to_o dr._n owen_n principle_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o p._n 3._o the_o author_n design_n p._n 4._o sect_n ii_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o doctor_n make_v by_o pretend_v that_o only_a the_o regenerate_v understand_v spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o p._n 5._o while_o he_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v regenerate_v by_o his_o spiritual_a understanding_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n p._n 6._o this_o artifice_n of_o his_o discover_v in_o some_o instance_n p._n 7._o that_o he_o allow_v only_o himself_o and_o his_o party_n to_o be_v competent_a judge_n of_o his_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n p._n 11._o sect_n iii_o his_o interpretation_n of_o 1_o cor._n 2.14_o explain_v p._n 15._o sect_n iv._o that_o his_o meaning_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v groundless_a p._n 20._o of_o his_o not_o receive_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n absurd_a p._n 21._o and_o of_o their_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o blasphemous_a p._n 25._o the_o odd_a account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o his_o preface_n p._n 27._o other_o reflection_n upon_o his_o sense_n of_o the_o forementioned_a text_n p._n 30._o that_o the_o doctor_n be_v pretend_v gospel-mystery_n need_v his_o interpretation_n of_o that_o text_n but_o the_o real_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n need_v it_o not_o p._n 31._o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o his_o interpretation_n p._n 32._o sect_n v._o another_o sense_n of_o the_o text_n offer_v according_a to_o st._n chrysostome_n who_o authority_n the_o doctor_n pretend_v in_o favour_n of_o his_o own_o p._n 33._o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o that_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n large_o show_v p._n 34._o from_o whence_o it_o plain_o appear_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n p._n 40._o the_o scriptural_a notion_n of_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n p._n 42._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o their_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v p._n 43._o and_o by_o the_o spiritual_a man_n p._n 45._o the_o incoherence_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v sense_n with_o the_o context_n p._n 46._o dr._n hammond_n paraphrase_n upon_o the_o text_n vindicate_v from_o the_o exception_n of_o dr._n owen_n p._n 47._o and_o show_v to_o agree_v with_o those_o passage_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n which_o dr._n owen_n himself_o produce_v p._n 51._o that_o the_o follow_a book_n be_v not_o to_o be_v
the_o mind_n unprofitable_a to_o man_n and_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n but_o then_o withal_o i_o can_v find_v they_o any_o where_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o he_o fancy_n of_o a_o possibility_n to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v which_o be_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n etc._n etc._n i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o believe_v they_o nor_o do_v i_o see_v any_o likelihood_n that_o i_o ever_o shall_v unless_o some_o irresistible_a power_n make_v another_o thing_n of_o i_o than_o i_o find_v myself_o to_o be_v at_o present_a and_o if_o this_o will_v content_v the_o doctor_n i_o have_v no_o quarrel_n with_o he_o but_o then_o if_o he_o pretend_v that_o the_o real_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n gospel_n viz._n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v crucify_v for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o must_v be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o etc._n etc._n be_v as_o unintelligible_a and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o they_o as_o indiscernible_a as_o that_o of_o his_o new-fashioned_a principle_n i_o must_v beg_v his_o pardon_n if_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o neither_o but_o reckon_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o doctor_n have_v cast_v a_o horrible_a reproach_n upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n while_o he_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n that_o bend_v his_o mind_n to_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o never_o so_o attentive_o and_o use_v his_o reason_n never_o so_o modest_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o to_o assent_v to_o they_o as_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o man_n if_o that_o be_v true_a than_o this_o pernicious_a consequence_n be_v unavoidable_a that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o a_o man_n to_o use_v any_o mean_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o pretend_v to_o he_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o right_a believer_n he_o have_v no_o way_n but_o to_o sit_v down_o in_o a_o lazy_a expectation_n of_o that_o light_n which_o the_o doctor_n say_v must_v be_v create_v in_o his_o mind_n by_o a_o almighty_a act_n of_o god_n before_o he_o can_v know_v and_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o be_v and_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v know_v this_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o doctor_n be_v interpretation_n of_o st._n paul_n text_n and_o let_v any_o man_n but_o himself_o judge_n whether_o it_o do_v not_o infinite_o disparage_v the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o whether_o it_o do_v not_o offer_v great_a wrong_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o betray_v they_o either_o into_o a_o contempt_n of_o christianity_n or_o at_o least_o into_o a_o sluggish_a neglect_n of_o all_o that_o consideration_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o understand_v and_o believe_v it_o upon_o its_o proper_a ground_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v be_v so_o punctual_a in_o find_v out_o and_o so_o long_o in_o confute_v his_o notion_n of_o this_o text_n which_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v altogether_o as_o pernicious_a as_o they_o be_v false_a i_o shall_v have_v leave_v they_o to_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o nonsense_n sect_n v._o the_o incoherence_n of_o his_o interpretation_n with_o the_o scope_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o that_o and_o the_o former_a chapter_n must_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o observe_v what_o st._n paul_n design_n be_v in_o they_o which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o inquire_v into_o and_o thereby_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o the_o text._n to_o allay_v those_o contention_n that_o be_v among_o the_o corinthian_n about_o their_o teacher_n who_o they_o shall_v follow_v chap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 11._o st._n paul_n remind_v they_o how_o he_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o they_o and_o by_o what_o argument_n they_o have_v be_v win_v to_o receive_v it_o not_o with_o wisdom_n of_o word_n vers_fw-la 17._o and_o again_o not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n chap._n 2._o vers_fw-la 4._o but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n note_n i._n e._n not_o with_o rhetorical_a oration_n or_o philosophical_a discourse_n such_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o gentile_n make_v use_v of_o to_o put_v off_o their_o opinion_n to_o the_o people_n withal_o he_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n but_o as_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o the_o gospel_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v he_o prove_v it_o to_o they_o by_o a_o divine_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o viz._n that_o of_o supernatural_a gift_n bestow_v now_o upon_o believer_n of_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o apparent_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o such_o testimony_n of_o god_n own_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v a_o revelation_n from_o he_o as_o these_o be_v the_o consequence_n whereof_o be_v that_o their_o faith_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n i._n e._n that_o their_o faith_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o eloquence_n or_o the_o subtle_a reason_n of_o man_n but_o upon_o the_o plain_a testimony_n of_o god_n declare_v by_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o be_v clear_o a_o good_a consideration_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o contend_v about_o the_o person_n of_o their_o teacher_n who_o never_o go_v about_o to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o themselves_o as_o vers_n 13._o by_o the_o ostentation_n of_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n but_o to_o win_v they_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n but_o hereupon_o the_o apostle_n take_v occasion_n to_o show_v 1._o the_o offence_n which_o they_o who_o be_v most_o in_o vogue_n for_o wisdom_n take_v at_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o way_n of_o preach_v it_o and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o that_o way_n notwithstanding_o above_o all_o other_o method_n to_o make_v man_n wise_a and_o good_a and_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o chap._n 1._o from_o vers_n 18._o to_o the_o end_n 2._o to_o vindicate_v this_o way_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n against_o their_o pretence_n who_o reject_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o chap._n 2._o that_o the_o former_a be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n be_v plain_a from_o what_o he_o say_v vers_fw-la 18._o and_o so_o forward_o for_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foolishness_n and_o who_o these_o be_v we_o learn_v from_o vers_fw-la 20._o where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o scribe_n etc._n etc._n i_o e._n let_v those_o man_n who_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n crucify_v come_v and_o compare_v the_o religion_n they_o teach_v and_o the_o reason_n they_o bring_v for_o it_o argument_n and_o the_o good_a they_o do_v by_o it_o with_o our_o doctrine_n and_o the_o testimony_n we_o confirm_v it_o withal_o and_o the_o advantage_n which_o it_o bring_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o for_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v vers_fw-la 21._o and_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 25._o i._n e._n let_v it_o be_v consider_v and_o you_o will_v see_v a_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o convince_a of_o man_n that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o the_o bring_n of_o they_o to_o salvation_n by_o it_o vers_n 24._o you_o will_v see_v also_o what_o a_o infinite_a disparegement_n this_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o god_n will_v do_v to_o all_o the_o method_n of_o human_a wisdom_n when_o they_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o for_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n those_o way_n of_o instruct_v and_o save_v mankind_n which_o be_v so_o far_o above_o all_o the_o invention_n and_o above_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o they_o now_o general_o reckon_v they_o to_o be_v foolish_a to_o confound_v the_o wise_a to_o put_v down_o all_o that_o wisdom_n of_o they_o which_o they_o so_o much_o glory_n in_o and_o thereby_o to_o show_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a than_o man_n v_o 27._o that_o no_o flesh_n shall_v glory_v in_o his_o presence_n vers_fw-la 29._o but_o the_o particular_a reason_n gospel_n why_o so_o few_o of_o those_o person_n who_o wisdom_n be_v in_o this_o manner_n baffle_v do_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v call_v vers_fw-la 26._o
literal_o and_o proper_o and_o i_o prove_v it_o thus_o 1._o because_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o absurd_a so_o to_o understand_v they_o 2._o because_o they_o can_v be_v so_o understand_v without_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o absurd_a so_o to_o understand_v they_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o these_o expression_n of_o be_v regenerate_v i._n e._n bear_v again_o and_o be_v create_v do_v proper_o note_v divers_a thing_n and_o yet_o our_o author_n will_v confess_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o when_o they_o be_v use_v to_o express_v the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n qualify_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o to_o note_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o state_n wherefore_o to_o say_v also_o that_o they_o be_v proper_o to_o be_v understand_v be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o and_o not_o the_o same_o that_o they_o proper_o note_v divers_a thing_n be_v plain_a for_o to_o be_v bear_v be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v create_v be_v another_o adam_n by_o be_v create_v can_v not_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v nor_o when_o a_o infant_n be_v bear_v can_v it_o be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v create_v therefore_o to_o create_v and_o regenerate_v and_o to_o be_v create_v and_o regenerate_v can_v proper_o be_v understand_v when_o they_o be_v use_v to_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o by_o all_o they_o be_v confess_v to_o do_v in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o because_o proper_o they_o do_v not_o signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o but_o divers_a thing_n this_o will_v far_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o other_o expression_n the_o scripture_n use_v to_o note_v our_o be_v regenerate_v and_o create_v anew_o it_o be_v call_v our_o be_v draw_v to_o christ_n john_n 6.44_o and_o our_o be_v awaken_v 1_o cor._n 15.34_o and_o our_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a col._n 3.1_o ephes._n 2.1_o now_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o that_o be_v regenerate_v and_o create_v and_o have_v a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n and_o understanding_n must_v be_v proper_o understand_v all_o those_o other_o expression_n must_v be_v proper_o understand_v too_o and_o then_o what_o monstrous_a absurdity_n do_v we_o charge_v upon_o the_o scripture_n for_o no_o man_n can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v not_o create_v before_o how_o can_v it_o then_o be_v proper_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o create_v by_o the_o same_o act_n no_o man_n can_v be_v say_v proper_o to_o be_v awaken_v who_o be_v not_o alive_a how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o to_o give_v life_n and_o to_o awaken_v shall_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o those_o word_n or_o how_o can_v all_o these_o thing_n be_v proper_o draw_v which_o in_o the_o literal_a sense_n be_v not_o akin_a to_o any_o of_o they_o but_o now_o according_a to_o a_o figurative_a use_n of_o these_o expression_n they_o may_v be_v all_o use_v to_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n without_o any_o absurdity_n at_o all_o as_o any_o man_n may_v see_v that_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o and_o which_o i_o shall_v erelong_o endeavour_v to_o explain_v wherefore_o to_o retort_v the_o doctor_n be_v charge_n upon_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v lay_v against_o those_o who_o contend_v that_o these_o be_v metaphorical_a expression_n 175._o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o they_o be_v as_o he_o say_v proper_a expression_n than_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v so_o far_o from_o bring_v the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n to_o more_o light_n by_o what_o he_o teach_v concern_v it_o that_o he_o cast_v it_o thereby_o into_o more_o obscurity_n and_o darkness_n than_o ever_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o before_o and_o again_o if_o all_o these_o expression_n be_v proper_o to_o be_v understand_v the_o scripture_n must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v obscure_a beyond_o those_o of_o any_o other_o writer_n whatsoever_o always_o except_v our_o author_n be_v upon_o this_o subject_n 2._o these_o expression_n can_v be_v literal_o understand_v without_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n which_o i_o thus_o prove_v if_o he_o that_o be_v regenerate_v be_v a_o new_a creature_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n and_o have_v proper_o a_o new_a nature_n then_o there_o must_v either_o be_v a_o removal_n of_o the_o former_a nature_n and_o a_o introduction_n of_o a_o new_a one_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o or_o else_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n to_o the_o former_a but_o to_o affirm_v either_o of_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o proper_a sense_n be_v to_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n that_o the_o former_a nature_n be_v proper_o renew_v and_o another_o introduce_v into_o the_o room_n of_o it_o be_v contrary_a 1._o to_o those_o text_n which_o clear_o affirm_v that_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v now_o regenerate_v be_v once_o unregenerate_a as_o when_o st._n paul_n say_v such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 6.11_o that_o be_v they_o be_v the_o same_o person_n though_o now_o regenerate_v but_o if_o in_o regeneration_n literal_o and_o proper_o one_o nature_n be_v take_v away_o and_o another_o give_v regeneration_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o change_n of_o the_o same_o man_n but_o the_o annihilation_n of_o one_o man_n and_o the_o creation_n of_o another_o for_o to_o take_v away_o one_o nature_n and_o to_o give_v another_o to_o take_v away_o one_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o to_o put_v in_o another_o be_v proper_o to_o put_v one_o soul_n into_o the_o body_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o another_o 2._o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o scripture_n which_o suppose_v sin_n to_o remain_v in_o the_o regenerate_v as_o when_o st._n james_n say_v in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o james_z 3.2_o and_o then_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v who_o tell_v we_o that_o those_o word_n in_o rom._n 7.14_o but_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n to_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n for_o suppose_v the_o old_a nature_n to_o be_v take_v away_o which_o be_v the_o only_a nature_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o new_a nature_n give_v which_o be_v the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o corruption_n and_o sin_n shall_v remain_v behind_o for_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n from_o whence_o it_o shall_v proceed_v none_o in_o the_o new_a nature_n for_o that_o be_v the_o divine_a nature_n none_o in_o the_o old_a for_o that_o be_v take_v away_o but_o this_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v the_o notion_n in_o which_o the_o doctor_n own_v the_o literal_a sense_n but_o those_o passage_n of_o he_o which_o we_o have_v already_o note_v will_v incline_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o favour_v the_o other_o viz._n that_o regeneration_n do_v signify_v the_o addition_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n to_o the_o old_a for_o the_o new_a creature_n according_a to_o he_o have_v a_o be_v and_o subsistence_n of_o its_o own_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v superinduce_v into_o the_o essential_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o our_o former_a soul_n do_v remain_v still_o and_o if_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v literal_o to_o be_v understand_v then_o according_a to_o our_o author_n there_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n add_v to_o the_o old_a and_o indeed_o this_o be_v clear_o the_o consequence_n of_o his_o argue_v for_o when_o he_o undertake_v to_o explain_v that_o text_n of_o st._n paul_n 183._o 2_o cor._n 5.17_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o new_a creature_n which_o he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v have_v a_o be_v and_o subsistence_n of_o its_o own_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v superinduce_v etc._n etc._n wherefore_o 1._o the_o former_a creature_n remain_v i._n e._n the_o essential_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o 2._o the_o new_a creature_n be_v a_o creature_n or_o be_v proper_o distinct_a from_o the_o essential_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n i._n e._n from_o the_o former_a creature_n wherefore_o the_o regenerate_v man_n be_v proper_o two_o creature_n he_o be_v the_o old_a creature_n because_o the_o essential_a faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n remain_v he_o be_v the_o new_a creature_n as_o the_o apostle_n himself_o say_v i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o doctor_n be_v explication_n a_o creature_n that_o be_v superinduce_v into_o the_o old_a and_o have_v a_o be_v and_o subsistence_n of_o its_o own_o now_o beside_o the_o absurdity_n of_o make_v a_o regenerate_a man_n to_o be_v two_o creature_n proper_o distinct_a from_o one_o another_o the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a the_o literal_a sense_n this_o
way_n clear_o contradict_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v concern_v the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o be_o concern_v to_o prove_v for_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n to_o consist_v in_o have_v the_o heart_n of_o stone_n take_v away_o as_o well_o as_o the_o heart_n of_o flesh_n give_v in_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n as_o well_o as_o in_o put_v on_o the_o new_a and_o when_o st._n paul_n say_v he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o be_v the_o old_a creature_n too_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o all_o old_a thing_n be_v pass_v away_o and_o all_o thing_n be_v become_v new_a now_o thus_o i_o argue_v if_o these_o expression_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v literal_o than_o it_o be_v literal_o true_a that_o the_o old_a man_n the_o old_a creature_n be_v put_v off_o etc._n etc._n as_o well_o as_o the_o new_a man_n put_v on_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n to_o affirm_v regeneration_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n literal_o understand_v to_o the_o old_a last_o since_o the_o scripture_n do_v express_v the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n by_o phrase_n which_o literal_o and_o proper_o take_v do_v some_o of_o they_o signify_v the_o addition_n of_o a_o new_a nature_n to_o the_o old_a and_o other_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o old_a nature_n with_o a_o substitution_n of_o the_o new_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o literal_a and_o proper_a sense_n shall_v be_v intend_v thus_o i_o have_v prove_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o these_o expression_n to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v before_o prove_v the_o absurd_a consequence_n which_o understand_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n be_v chargeable_a with_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v the_o consequence_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v clear_a that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o and_o proper_o then_o be_v they_o to_o be_v understand_v figurative_o and_o metaphorical_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v reasonable_o desire_v for_o the_o far_o clear_n of_o this_o point_n but_o to_o answer_v our_o author_n argument_n against_o it_o which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n propose_v sect_n 3._o all_o that_o he_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a which_o can_v pretend_v to_o 〈◊〉_d argue_v 175._o we_o have_v sect._n 7._o where_o his_o argument_n against_o the_o metaphorical_a use_n of_o these_o expression_n be_v two_o though_o they_o be_v there_o jumble_v together_o by_o he_o without_o any_o distinction_n whereof_o one_o lie_n against_o affirm_v regeneration_n to_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n or_o rather_o such_o a_o expression_n of_o what_o he_o say_v his_o adversary_n understand_v by_o it_o the_o other_o lie_v against_o the_o supposition_n of_o any_o metaphorical_a expression_n whatsoever_o whereby_o the_o scripture_n be_v say_v to_o represent_v the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o former_a argument_n be_v to_o this_o purpose_n if_o regeneration_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o amendment_n of_o life_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o our_o saviour_n propose_v unto_o nicodemus_n a_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v perfect_o well_o before_o only_o under_o a_o new_a name_n and_o notion_n which_o he_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o so_o to_o take_v a_o advantage_n of_o charge_v he_o of_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o indeed_o he_o full_a well_o know_v and_o understand_v but_o this_o he_o say_v be_v a_o blasphemous_a imagination_n therefore_o regeneration_n be_v no_o metaphorical_a expression_n of_o etc._n etc._n the_o latter_a argument_n if_o you_o will_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o call_v it_o a_o argument_n be_v design_v against_o the_o opinion_n that_o the_o scripture_n use_v any_o metaphor_n at_o all_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o thus_o he_o conclude_v some_o judge_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v deep_a and_o mysterious_a the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o to_o be_v plain_a and_o proper_a other_o think_v the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o to_o be_v mystical_a and_o figurative_a but_o the_o thing_n intend_v to_o be_v ordinary_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o every_o man_n now_o that_o which_o he_o think_v be_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v mysterious_a and_o the_o word_n proper_a his_o argument_n to_o prove_v this_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o passage_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n intend_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n they_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v obscure_a beyond_o those_o of_o any_o other_o writer_n whatsoever_o if_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o thing_n intend_v in_o they_o be_v clear_o and_o proper_o express_v the_o difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o they_o arise_v from_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o contain_v in_o they_o and_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o apprehend_v such_o thing_n and_o not_o from_o any_o obscurity_n or_o intricacy_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o therefore_o some_o do_v well_o to_o judge_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v deep_a and_o mysterious_a and_o the_o word_n of_o it_o to_o be_v plain_a and_o proper_a if_o there_o be_v any_o coherence_n in_o this_o argue_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v this_o if_o there_o be_v a_o mysterious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n intend_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v it_o be_v plain_a and_o proper_a and_o such_o a_o mysterious_a work_n there_o be_v otherwise_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a beyond_o all_o other_o write_n because_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v proper_a expression_n of_o such_o a_o mysterious_a work_n i_o begin_v with_o this_o latter_a argument_n first_o of_o all_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o doctor_n be_v conclusion_n that_o we_o may_v afterward_o see_v whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o premise_n if_o he_o conclude_v any_o thing_n against_o his_o adversary_n he_o conclude_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v use_v no_o metaphorical_a expression_n at_o all_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o he_o say_v herein_o indeed_o consist_v the_o main_a controversy_n whereunto_o thing_n with_o the_o most_o be_v reduce_v viz._n that_o he_o and_o his_o friend_n judge_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v mysterious_a and_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n proper_a that_o be_v all_z the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o it_o for_o if_o he_o conclude_v only_o that_o some_o or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v proper_a and_o not_o figurative_a expression_n he_o conclude_v what_o none_o of_o his_o adversary_n deny_v and_o unless_o he_o conclude_v universal_o he_o prove_v nothing_o now_o by_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v convince_v our_o author_n that_o he_o have_v conclude_v amiss_o for_o himself_o by_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n that_o he_o elsewhere_o acknowledge_v that_o very_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o debate_n to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n metaphorical_o express_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v express_v there_o by_o quicken_a from_o death_n to_o life_n it_o be_v also_o express_v by_o turn_v from_o darkness_n to_o light_n now_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a our_o author_n word_n be_v these_o the_o term_n of_o darkness_n in_o this_o case_n be_v metaphorical_a and_o borrow_v from_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a as_o to_o the_o former_a these_o there_o in_o be_v man_n a_o spiritual_a death_n call_v so_o metaphorical_o from_o the_o analogy_n and_o proportion_n that_o it_o bear_v to_o death_n natural_a let_v we_o see_v whether_o the_o doctor_n be_v argument_n will_v not_o vnmetaphor_n these_o expression_n again_o if_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a mysterious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n intend_v in_o these_o expression_n than_o they_o be_v not_o metaphorical_a if_o no_o such_o work_n be_v intend_v by_o they_o then_o be_v the_o scripture_n obscure_a beyond_o all_o other_o writer_n if_o he_o can_v answer_v his_o argument_n for_o himself_o he_o can_v answer_v it_o for_o we_o too_o and_o then_o regeneration_n in_o particular_a will_v prove_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n for_o if_o death_n be_v so_o then_o life_n be_v so_o too_o and_o be_v bear_v into_o that_o life_n will_v unavoidable_o be_v so_o likewise_o some_o of_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o gospel_n concern_v these_o matter_n the_o doctor_n allow_v to_o be_v metaphorical_a so_o that_o the_o controversy_n we_o have_v with_o he_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v
the_o proper_a sense_n but_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o so_o learned_a a_o man_n as_o dr._n owen_n can_v excuse_v himself_o from_o dishonesty_n for_o make_v this_o construction_n of_o it_o which_o must_v appear_v ridiculous_a to_o any_o consider_a man_n however_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o have_v give_v a_o plain_a and_o reasonable_a account_n of_o the_o use_n of_o these_o metaphor_n by_o show_v wherein_o the_o similitude_n lie_v between_o the_o proper_a and_o figurative_a signification_n of_o they_o and_o hereby_o i_o may_v have_v help_v our_o author_n to_o conceive_v it_o a_o very_a possible_a thing_n that_o the_o scripture_n mean_v nothing_o more_o by_o those_o grand_a and_o hyperbolical_a expression_n as_o he_o call_v they_o of_o be_v regenerate_v etc._n etc._n then_o become_v a_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o adversary_n notion_n of_o a_o regenerate_v man_n thus_o also_o i_o have_v show_v how_o far_o we_o may_v argue_v from_o these_o scripture_n metaphor_n if_o any_o man_n can_v go_v further_o and_o find_v out_o more_o similitude_n between_o the_o metaphor_n and_o that_o which_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v his_o adversary_n provide_v he_o keep_v himself_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o proper_a signification_n of_o any_o one_o or_o all_o these_o metaphor_n to_o conclude_v something_o parallel_v in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o believer_n to_o every_o thing_n which_o can_v proper_o be_v affirm_v of_o they_o be_v to_o run_v upon_o such_o wild_a and_o absurd_a consequence_n as_o any_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o and_o any_o good_a man_n will_v be_v afraid_a to_o fasten_v upon_o the_o scripture_n how_o our_o author_n argue_v from_o they_o we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o as_o to_o state_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o regeneration_n sect_n 10._o though_o i_o have_v as_o i_o conceive_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o be_v to_o become_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n yet_o for_o further_a confirmation_n and_o because_o it_o may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o the_o ordinary_a reader_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o plain_a that_o this_o notion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n to_o nicodemus_n joh._n 3._o which_o be_v the_o most_o famous_a place_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n where_o this_o phrase_n be_v use_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a way_n of_o interpret_n any_o difficult_a passage_n in_o divine_a or_o humane_a author_n to_o observe_v the_o design_n of_o that_o whole_a discourse_n to_o which_o it_o belong_v and_o then_o to_o fix_v such_o a_o meaning_n upon_o that_o passage_n as_o be_v apparent_o suitable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o author_n if_o the_o word_n will_v bear_v that_o meaning_n that_o the_o phrase_n of_o be_v regenerate_v will_v bear_v that_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v assign_v to_o it_o i_o have_v show_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o i_o have_v prove_v by_o clear_a argument_n from_o other_o scripture_n wherefore_o if_o i_o show_v also_o that_o this_o sense_n of_o the_o phrase_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o plain_a scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o discourse_n where_o he_o make_v the_o first_o mention_n of_o it_o that_o we_o read_v of_o nothing_o can_v be_v further_o desire_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o this_o indeed_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n thereof_o the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n may_v easy_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o plain_a passage_n of_o it_o and_o then_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v this_o 1._o to_o show_v that_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n 2._o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o the_o former_a we_o find_v vers_fw-la 16._o for_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n i._n e._n this_o be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o save_v mankind_n viz._n by_o faith_n in_o his_o son_n who_o be_v to_o be_v lift_v up_o upon_o the_o cross_n as_o moses_n lift_v up_o the_o serpent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n a_o rude_a savage_a place_n and_o so_o fit_a to_o be_v the_o figure_n of_o that_o corrupt_a state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o christ_n come_v to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 14_o 15._o now_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o demonstration_n of_o god_n love_n to_o man_n thus_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o no_o man_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v refuse_v the_o benefit_n of_o this_o sacrifice_n for_o though_o indeed_o god_n send_v not_o his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o condemn_v the_o world_n but_o that_o the_o world_n through_o he_o may_v be_v save_v vers_fw-la 17._o yet_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o vers_fw-la 18._o be_v in_o a_o state_n to_o which_o condemnation_n belong_v and_o that_o a_o more_o severe_a one_o for_o refuse_v so_o gracious_a a_o opportunity_n of_o salvation_n as_o be_v now_o offer_v 2._o our_o saviour_n show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o those_o man_n that_o believe_v not_o and_o that_o by_o note_v 1._o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o they_o disbelieved_a 2._o the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o unbelief_n the_o former_a he_o admonish_v nicodemus_n of_o in_o these_o word_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o we_o speak_v that_o we_o do_v know_v and_o testify_v that_o we_o have_v see_v and_o you_o receive_v not_o our_o testimony_n vers_fw-la 11._o i._n e._n you_o believe_v not_o my_o doctrine_n concern_v that_o only_a way_n by_o which_o you_o must_v come_v to_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n although_o it_o be_v evident_o true_a for_o this_o be_v that_o very_a message_n which_o i_o bring_v you_o from_o god_n this_o be_v that_o counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n which_o i_o come_v from_o he_o to_o testify_v unto_o you_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o that_o now_o this_o you_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v those_o miracle_n that_o i_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o v._n 2._o how_o strange_o incredulous_a therefore_o be_v you_o that_o yet_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o deliver_v that_o doctrine_n which_o by_o these_o testimony_n of_o my_o come_n from_o god_n i_o confirm_v for_o i_o prove_v that_o i_o have_v see_v and_o know_v what_o i_o testify_v i_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o say_v by_o those_o argument_n that_o convince_v you_o that_o i_o be_o a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n hence_o we_o may_v probable_o gather_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n and_o no_o man_n have_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n vers_n 13._o to_o be_v this_o no_o man_n have_v know_v the_o secret_a purpose_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o save_a mankind_n viz._n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n no_o man_n have_v thus_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o be_v come_v from_o heaven_n who_o god_n have_v send_v to_o reveal_v this_o to_o you_o even_o he_o who_o now_o speak_v to_o you_o who_o be_o in_o heaven_n who_o know_v the_o purpose_n and_o intention_n of_o my_o father_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o more_o probable_a interpretation_n of_o this_o difficult_a place_n than_o that_o which_o suppose_v our_o saviour_n to_o speak_v here_o of_o his_o local_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n afterward_o because_o 1._o the_o word_n themselves_o seem_v not_o well_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o future_a ascension_n 2._o as_o grotius_n have_v well_o show_v the_o phrase_n of_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n be_v in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o former_a sense_n viz._n of_o gain_v knowledge_n from_o god_n as_o in_o prov._n 30.3_o 4._o and_o 3._o if_o thus_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o place_n than_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v here_o have_v a_o clear_a connexion_n with_o vers_fw-la 11._o where_o he_o rebuke_v the_o jew_n for_o not_o believe_v his_o revelation_n tax_v they_o of_o unreasonableness_n for_o it_o since_o he_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o have_v see_v and_o know_v from_o god_n and_o also_o with_o the_o precedent_a verse_n where_o by_o the_o heavenly_a thing_n our_o saviour_n
persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o purpose_n of_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n to_o bring_v a_o few_o man_n to_o eternal_a life_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o rest_n to_o unavoidable_a ruin_n he_o can_v no_o more_o hope_n to_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n by_o do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o please_v he_o than_o to_o reverse_v the_o decree_n of_o heaven_n wherefore_o if_o he_o understand_v his_o own_o principle_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v under_o a_o great_a agony_n till_o he_o become_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o that_o happy_a number_n who_o nothing_o no_o not_o sin_n itself_o can_v separate_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o if_o we_o entertain_v honourable_a thought_n of_o god_n as_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o do_v if_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o serious_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o repent_v and_o will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v save_v and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o supply_v we_o with_o grace_n sufficient_a 2_o cor._n 12.9_o then_o upon_o our_o care_n to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n we_o shall_v never_o want_v so_o much_o comfort_n as_o we_o need_v i._n e._n the_o joy_n of_o well-doing_n which_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n wherefore_o since_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v needful_a neither_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o salvation_n nor_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o holiness_n nor_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o comfort_n i_o may_v conclude_v also_o that_o neither_o be_v this_o one_o of_o those_o grace_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o god_n will_v give_v to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o sect_n 3._o last_o that_o promise_n give_v we_o no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v dictate_v extemporary_a prayer_n to_o we_o for_o 1._o such_o prayer_n themselves_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o obtain_n of_o our_o request_n for_o have_v that_o be_v so_o then_o certain_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v admonish_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o pray_v extempore_o as_o they_o call_v it_o as_o well_o as_o to_o pray_v at_o all_o and_o to_o beware_v of_o book-prayer_n and_o the_o use_n of_o form_n as_o much_o as_o of_o neglect_v the_o duty_n altogether_o or_o perform_v it_o in_o a_o careless_a slothful_a manner_n and_o this_o the_o rather_o because_o form_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v use_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o because_o also_o the_o modesty_n of_o many_o good_a christian_n and_o the_o inability_n of_o many_o more_o will_v natural_o prompt_v they_o to_o the_o use_n of_o so_o ready_a a_o help_n to_o devotion_n as_o pious_a and_o useful_a form_n of_o prayer_n be_v but_o so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o find_v any_o command_n in_o scripture_n to_o pray_v upon_o sudden_a invention_n that_o we_o find_v no_o preference_n give_v to_o this_o way_n above_o the_o use_n of_o form_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a for_o when_o our_o saviour_n teach_v his_o disciple_n to_o pray_v he_o enjoin_v they_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n when_o you_o pray_v say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n luke_n 11._o but_o 2._o not_o to_o contend_v for_o the_o usefulness_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n above_o leave_v the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n to_o extemporary_a effusion_n but_o admit_v the_o advantage_n lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o latter_a as_o some_o man_n persuade_v themselves_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o conception_n or_o utterance_n of_o such_o prayer_n for_o first_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o dictate_v what_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o since_o the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v abundant_o supply_v we_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o therefore_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o dr._n owen_n shall_v say_v with_o so_o much_o anger_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n let_v the_o proud_a carnal_a world_n despise_v it_o whilst_o they_o please_v and_o at_o their_o peril_n do_v gracious_o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o believer_n carry_v out_o and_o act_v their_o soul_n and_o mind_n in_o desire_n and_o request_n which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v far_o above_o their_o natural_a contrivance_n and_o invention_n this_o be_v somewhat_o obscure_a but_o i_o will_v know_v what_o request_v those_o be_v which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v above_o your_o natural_a contrivance_n and_o invention_n if_o they_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o i_o suppose_v you_o will_v say_v they_o be_v then_o either_o you_o know_v they_o to_o be_v so_o before_o you_o pray_v or_o you_o know_v it_o not_o if_o you_o do_v you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o these_o request_n be_v above_o your_o natural_a contrivance_n and_o invention_n if_o you_o mean_v thereby_o as_o i_o think_v you_o do_v that_o when_o you_o be_v pray_v you_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v think_v of_o those_o request_n without_o a_o supernatural_a suggestion_n for_o you_o confess_v that_o you_o know_v well_o enough_o before_o that_o you_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o then_o come_v to_o your_o mind_n but_o if_o you_o know_v they_o not_o then_o either_o you_o pray_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o do_v not_o then_o know_v to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n or_o else_o you_o must_v suppose_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o then_o give_v you_o the_o first_o notice_n of_o they_o do_v immediate_o reveal_v to_o you_o that_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o you_o say_v just_a before_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o spirit_n work_v supplication_n in_o we_o by_o a_o immediate_a supernatural_a divine_a afflatus_fw-la so_o as_o he_o inspire_v the_o prophet_n of_o old_a who_o ofttimes_o understand_v not_o the_o thing_n utter_v by_o themselves_o now_o that_o revelation_n be_v as_o immediate_a and_o supernatural_a as_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v and_o to_o make_v all_o even_o you_o say_v elsewhere_o that_o let_v profane_a and_o ignorant_a person_n whilst_o they_o please_v deride_v what_o they_o understand_v not_o nor_o be_v able_a to_o disprove_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v guide_v believer_n in_o and_o by_o the_o work_n and_o experience_n of_o faith_n to_o pray_v for_o those_o thing_n the_o depth_n of_o who_o mystery_n they_o can_v comprehend_v so_o that_o if_o you_o neither_o know_v they_o before_o nor_o understand_v they_o afterward_o i_o think_v you_o may_v lay_v claim_n to_o the_o afflatus_fw-la of_o the_o old_a prophet_n upon_o a_o double_a title_n by_o your_o own_o account_n now_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o deride_v your_o pretence_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o disprove_v it_o but_o only_o tell_v you_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v you_o to_o be_v inspire_a man_n unless_o you_o can_v prove_v it_o by_o some_o evident_a divine_a testimony_n for_o want_v of_o which_o 349._o you_o again_o appeal_v to_o your_o experience_n and_o let_v we_o know_v withal_o that_o he_o who_o have_v not_o experience_n hereof_o i._n e._n of_o have_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o prayer_n suggest_v to_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o great_a stranger_n to_o these_o thing_n than_o will_v at_o length_n be_v unto_o his_o advantage_n which_o any_o man_n may_v say_v who_o speak_v more_o than_o he_o understand_v all_o that_o i_o contend_v for_o be_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n need_v not_o to_o be_v dictate_v by_o inspiration_n and_o that_o because_o the_o spirit_n teach_v we_o by_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n what_o we_o may_v and_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v for_o nor_o 2._o the_o word_n in_o which_o we_o pray_v for_o a_o ready_a use_n of_o our_o mother-tongue_n will_v serve_v we_o with_o they_o free_o enough_o so_o that_o a_o competent_a understanding_n of_o the_o chief_a head_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o retain_v in_o memory_n of_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o scripture-phrase_n and_o passage_n of_o holy_a writ_n proper_a to_o be_v convert_v into_o petition_n together_o with_o a_o tolerable_a readiness_n of_o utter_v one_o thought_n in_o proper_a word_n will_v in_o some_o measure_n furnish_v a_o man_n with_o this_o gift_n and_o be_v thus_o qualify_v he_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o have_v the_o matter_n or_o the_o word_n of_o his_o prayer_n dictate_v to_o he_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n any_o more_o than_o of_o a_o ordinary_a discourse_n with_o his_o neighbour_n upon_o a_o subject_n which_o he_o be_v use_v to_o speak_v of_o but_o if_o he_o have_v over_o and_o above_o a_o warm_a invention_n and_o a_o voluble_a tongue_n and_o a_o good_a share_n of_o assurance_n in_o himself_o especial_o if_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v heat_v with_o his_o own_o thought_n and_o expression_n he_o be_v then_o qualify_v to_o excel_v in_o the_o way_n of_o
understand_v which_o be_v this_o that_o although_o faith_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o divine_a grace_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o high_a measure_n of_o grace_n promise_v to_o we_o if_o we_o believe_v and_o a_o great_a than_o that_o if_o we_o sincere_o obey_v the_o gospel_n the_o great_a promise_n of_o grace_n be_v make_v to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o good_a way_n already_o and_o the_o better_a that_o way_n be_v in_o which_o they_o be_v the_o more_o plentiful_a communication_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v they_o capable_a of_o it_o be_v indeed_o impossible_a to_o assign_v the_o several_a degree_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o man_n under_o such_o qualification_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v because_o we_o know_v not_o the_o degree_n by_o which_o man_n be_v more_o or_o less_o qualify_v the_o scripture_n have_v only_o acquaint_v we_o that_o believer_n and_o good_a man_n have_v promise_n of_o special_a grace_n as_o for_o the_o particular_a degree_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a we_o shall_v know_v they_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o only_o in_o general_n to_o he_o that_o have_v shall_v be_v give_v that_o be_v as_o the_o parable_n to_o which_o these_o word_n belong_v clear_o import_v great_a measure_n of_o grace_n shall_v be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o who_o best_o improve_v the_o grace_n they_o have_v already_o receive_v and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a weighty_a encouragement_n to_o make_v we_o all_o careful_a to_o be_v better_o sect_n 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o speak_v direct_o to_o the_o argument_n of_o this_o chapter_n viz._n who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o by_o lay_v down_o two_o or_o three_o plain_a proposition_n which_o be_v prove_v the_o question_n will_v be_v sufficient_o and_o true_o answer_v 1._o god_n will_v give_v special_a grace_n to_o all_o those_o that_o perform_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v promise_v which_o i_o hope_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o other_o medium_n to_o prove_v it_o by_o than_o that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a and_o will_v perform_v his_o promise_n dr._n owen_n true_o observe_v that_o the_o same_o grace_n in_o nature_n and_o kind_n 182._o be_v communicate_v unto_o several_a person_n in_o various_a degree_n and_o be_v by_o they_o use_v or_o improve_v with_o more_o or_o less_o care_n and_o diligence_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o this_o special_a grace_n for_o of_o that_o he_o speak_v be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o in_o those_o degree_n according_a as_o the_o grace_n they_o have_v former_o receive_v be_v improve_v with_o more_o or_o less_o diligence_n for_o that_o be_v plain_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n now_o mention_v to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v a_o say_n so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o evangelist_n but_o as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v remember_v not_o once_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o our_o author_n throughout_o his_o great_a book_n though_o it_o be_v as_o material_a and_o necessary_a a_o passage_n for_o any_o christian_a writer_n that_o undertake_v this_o subject_n to_o guide_v himself_o by_o as_o any_o be_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n for_o what_o reason_n he_o slip_v over_o this_o text_n though_o it_o lay_v so_o plain_o before_o he_o in_o the_o bible_n he_o know_v best_o himself_o he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v it_o be_v very_o pertinent_a to_o the_o subject_n though_o it_o be_v impertinent_a to_o his_o manner_n of_o handle_v it_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o his_o design_n in_o the_o chapter_n concern_v work_n preparatory_a to_o regeneration_n where_o as_o i_o shall_v in_o due_a place_n manifest_v he_o make_v all_o the_o preparatory_a work_n that_o one_o can_v well_o think_v of_o to_o signify_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o effect_n towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o grace_n whereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v which_o beside_o that_o it_o confute_v the_o title_n of_o the_o chapter_n be_v nothing_o less_o than_o to_o make_v the_o communication_n of_o that_o grace_n a_o arbitrary_a act_n that_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n and_o consequent_o to_o destroy_v all_o the_o encouragement_n we_o have_v from_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v become_v the_o sincere_a disciple_n of_o christ._n indeed_o he_o be_v now_o and_o then_o please_v to_o mince_v the_o matter_n as_o where_o he_o tell_v we_o 86._o sometime_o as_o to_o some_o gift_n and_o grace_n god_n do_v bestow_v his_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v some_o preparation_n and_o co-operation_n on_o our_o part_n sometime_o and_o some_o grace_n and_o some_o preparation_n be_v uncertain_a word_n but_o i_o will_v know_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o those_o grace_n which_o he_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v bestow_v though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o much_o preparation_n on_o our_o part_n for_o that_o be_v also_o clear_o suppose_v in_o his_o word_n for_o instance_n if_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n a_o man_n believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o hearty_o desire_v to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o pray_v as_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v he_o for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n i_o will_v know_v whether_o upon_o this_o preparation_n and_o co-operation_n on_o his_o part_n god_n will_v not_o enable_v he_o so_o to_o do_v if_o our_o author_n deny_v it_o let_v he_o answer_v our_o saviour_n saying_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o so_o upon_o the_o like_a preparation_n for_o any_o special_a grace_n that_o we_o need_v if_o he_o shall_v deny_v that_o god_n will_v bestow_v it_o i_o will_v also_o desire_v he_o to_o give_v we_o his_o thought_n upon_o that_o other_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n which_o seem_v to_o conclude_v against_o he_o in_o all_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n viz._n that_o unto_o every_o one_o which_o have_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v luke_n 19.26_o 2._o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o gospel_n give_v we_o no_o ground_n to_o expect_v any_o special_a grace_n or_o such_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v promise_v to_o qualify_a person_n if_o we_o do_v not_o perform_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o the_o promise_n depend_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v withdraw_v that_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v already_o give_v from_o those_o slothful_a person_n that_o refuse_v to_o make_v any_o good_a use_n of_o it_o indeed_o how_o long_o god_n will_v extend_v his_o patience_n towards_o they_o and_o bear_v with_o their_o obstinacy_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o and_o depend_v upon_o his_o sovereign_a pleasure_n but_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v we_o that_o from_o he_o that_o have_v i._n e._n improve_v not_o even_o that_o he_o have_v shall_v be_v take_v away_o from_o he_o so_o little_a reason_n have_v any_o such_o person_n to_o expect_v any_o new_a accession_n of_o grace_n to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v forfeit_v by_o receive_v it_o altogether_o in_o vain_a wherefore_o i_o be_o far_o from_o contradict_v those_o man_n that_o say_v the_o promise_n of_o regenerate_a grace_n belong_v not_o to_o all_o who_o have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o though_o i_o take_v my_o leave_n of_o they_o when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o promise_n be_v restrain_v to_o a_o few_o man_n who_o god_n have_v personal_o choose_v and_o by_o a_o absolute_a decree_n fore-appointed_n to_o salvation_n but_o instead_o thereof_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o restriction_n of_o these_o promise_n to_o certain_a person_n be_v measure_v only_o by_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v make_v i._n e._n that_o they_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o by_o who_o these_o condition_n be_v perform_v my_o reason_n be_v this_o because_o there_o be_v not_o one_o promise_n in_o the_o whole_a covenant_n that_o be_v make_v absolute_o to_o this_o or_o that_o man_n person_n but_o they_o be_v all_o make_v with_o respect_n to_o man_n qualification_n now_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n by_o which_o we_o can_v know_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n council_n and_o decree_n concern_v our_o salvation_n wherefore_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o conditional_a than_o the_o reason_n why_o every_o man_n can_v claim_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o be_v not_o because_o this_o man_n person_n be_v absolute_o exclude_v and_o that_o man_n benefit_n absolute_o intend_v by_o they_o but_o because_o some_o be_v qualify_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v the_o promise_n and_o other_o be_v not_o thus_o i_o can_v but_o subscribe_v to_o the_o title_n of_o our_o author_n three_o chapter_n in_o his_o four_o book_n viz._n that_o believer_n be_v
motive_n include_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o operation_n nor_o do_v the_o spirit_n use_v any_o motive_n when_o he_o thus_o operate_v for_o as_o these_o man_n say_v this_o physical_a operation_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n tell_v i_o in_o what_o capacity_n the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v stand_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n our_o author_n if_o you_o will_v believe_v he_o pay_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o do_v not_o only_o render_v thus_o useless_a in_o general_n but_o many_o plain_a testimony_n whereof_o he_o contradict_v in_o particular_a and_o for_o instance_n that_o passage_n in_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n sanctify_v they_o through_o thy_o truth_n thy_o word_n be_v truth_n i_o desire_v he_o at_o his_o leisure_n to_o consider_v whether_o the_o grace_n which_o our_o saviour_n pray_v for_o in_o his_o disciple_n behalf_n be_v a_o immediate_a physical_a operation_n if_o not_o whether_o we_o be_v now_o sanctify_v by_o another_o sort_n of_o operation_n than_o that_o which_o christ_n pray_v for_o now_o to_o say_v in_o express_a term_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n will_v sound_v so_o horrid_o in_o any_o sober_a christian_n ear_n that_o the_o doctor_n himself_o have_v not_o venture_v upon_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o be_v often_o persuade_v his_o reader_n that_o he_o attribute_n as_o much_o to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n as_o any_o of_o they_o all_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o 268._o whereas_o some_o contend_v that_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o effectual_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o turn_v unto_o god_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n they_o do_v not_o ascribe_v a_o great_a power_n unto_o the_o word_n than_o we_o do_v by_o who_o this_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o total_a cause_n of_o conversion_n for_o we_o assign_v the_o same_o power_n to_o the_o word_n as_o they_o do_v and_o more_o also_o only_o we_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o effect_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o this_o work_n which_o all_o this_o power_n if_o alone_o be_v insufficient_a for_o after_o a_o few_o such_o say_n as_o these_o a_o man_n need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n for_o 1._o they_o who_o contend_v that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n by_o the_o spirit_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o mind_n be_v insufficient_a to_o cause_v conversion_n and_o that_o there_o be_v another_o action_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherein_o no_o use_n be_v make_v of_o the_o word_n at_o all_o necessary_a to_o conversion_n do_v not_o attribute_v so_o much_o power_n to_o the_o word_n as_o they_o do_v who_o say_v the_o former_a be_v sufficient_a 2._o much_o less_o do_v they_o so_o if_o withal_o they_o pretend_v that_o this_o other_o operation_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o conversion_n whereby_o the_o word_n be_v exclude_v from_o intervening_a as_o a_o mean_n 3._o and_o yet_o much_o less_o if_o they_o say_v this_o operation_n produce_v the_o effect_n irresistible_o and_o till_o this_o irresistible_a act_n have_v take_v place_n the_o word_n be_v utter_o ineffectual_a 4._o lest_o of_o all_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o assign_v more_o power_n to_o the_o word_n than_o their_o adversary_n do_v i_o wonder_v at_o this_o man_n confidence_n to_o venture_v such_o open_a falsehood_n abroad_o as_o these_o be_v it_o have_v be_v enough_o in_o conscience_n for_o a_o modest_a man_n to_o say_v that_o those_o of_o our_o author_n opinion_n ascribe_v as_o much_o power_n to_o the_o word_n as_o we_o do_v but_o to_o say_v they_o assign_v more_o to_o it_o be_v too_o much_o in_o all_o reason_n to_o go_v for_o a_o mere_a mistake_n and_o therefore_o one_o may_v well_o think_v he_o see_v clear_o enough_o that_o he_o defer_v not_o so_o much_o to_o the_o word_n as_o we_o and_o that_o because_o he_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a he_o resolve_v to_o put_v on_o a_o face_n for_o something_o and_o say_v withal_o that_o he_o ascribe_v more_o for_o true_o he_o may_v even_o say_v that_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o for_o this_o passage_n of_o he_o be_v but_o the_o next_o page_n before_o he_o assert_n and_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v for_o a_o great_a while_n together_o that_o till_o the_o soul_n be_v change_v by_o his_o physical_a operation_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v no_o more_o power_n to_o make_v a_o due_a impression_n on_o it_o no_o though_o the_o motive_n thereof_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o internal_a persuasion_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o you_o have_v to_o stir_v a_o rock_n by_o speak_v to_o it_o or_o to_o raise_v a_o dead_a body_n from_o the_o grave_a by_o a_o syllogiâ—â—â—_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o maâ—_n that_o just_a before_o will_v make_v you_o believe_v how_o he_o yield_v as_o much_o nay_o more_o efficacy_n to_o the_o word_n than_o we_o who_o say_v that_o mankind_n be_v not_o so_o incapable_a of_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o word_n but_o that_o when_o it_o be_v bless_v and_o use_v as_o he_o well_o enough_o express_v it_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n 268._o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convert_v a_o man_n without_o any_o such_o physical_a operation_n as_o they_o talk_v of_o but_o you_o see_v this_o man_n make_v it_o to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o dead_a letter_n even_o when_o it_o be_v quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n too_o and_o after_o all_o his_o flourish_v resolve_v conversion_n into_o a_o irresistible_a operation_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o the_o word_n at_o all_o and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v you_o what_o a_o irreverent_a opinion_n he_o have_v of_o it_o whatever_o he_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o proposition_n sect_n 2._o 2._o the_o manner_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o ratioâ—nal_a nature_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o full_o express_v and_o liberal_o grant_v by_o dr._n owen_n that_o i_o shall_v need_v to_o say_v the_o less_o of_o it_o 271._o for_o he_o say_v the_o power_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n put_v forth_o in_o our_o regeneration_n be_v such_o in_o its_o act_n or_o exercise_n as_o 〈◊〉_d mind_n will_n and_o affection_n be_v suit_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o to_o be_v affect_v by_o it_o according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o natural_a operation_n again_o he_o do_v not_o act_n in_o they_o otherwise_o than_o they_o themselves_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v act_v according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n power_n and_o ability_n he_o draw_v we_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n and_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o work_n itself_o be_v express_v by_o persuade_v and_o allure_a and_o that_o it_o carry_v no_o more_o repugnancy_n to_o our_o faculty_n than_o a_o prevalent_a persuasion_n do_v again_o that_o our_o mind_n be_v not_o mere_o passive_a instrument_n as_o former_o in_o prophetical_a inspiration_n move_v above_o their_o own_o natural_a capacity_n and_o activity_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o operation_n but_o he_o work_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o and_o by_o their_o own_o natural_a act_n through_o a_o immediate_a influence_n and_o impression_n of_o his_o power_n last_o that_o he_o offer_v no_o violence_n or_o compulsion_n to_o the_o will_n this_o he_o say_v that_o faculty_n be_v not_o natural_o capable_a to_o give_v admission_n unto_o if_o it_o be_v compel_v it_o be_v destroy_v these_o be_v very_o fair_a concession_n and_o â—â—less_v you_o have_v give_v over_o wonder_v at_o our_o author_n way_n of_o writing_n you_o will_v hardly_o believe_v they_o shall_v drop_v from_o his_o pen._n but_o they_o be_v his_o own_o word_n i_o assure_v you_o though_o light_n and_o darkness_n may_v be_v assoon_o reconcile_v as_o they_o can_v be_v to_o that_o opinion_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v operation_n which_o he_o so_o eager_o contend_v for_o for_o if_o a_o physical_a operation_n immediate_o and_o irresistible_o produce_v faith_n and_o holiness_n be_v utter_o unsuitable_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o natural_a faculty_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o which_o those_o effect_n be_v wrought_v then_o be_v it_o most_o evident_a that_o those_o concession_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o conversion_n by_o that_o physical_a work_n now_o let_v he_o tell_v i_o whether_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v according_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o natural_a operation_n suit_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o such_o a_o power_n as_o make_v not_o the_o least_o use_n of_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o least_o thought_n
but_o according_a to_o a_o candid_a construction_n very_o true_a but_o this_o i_o think_v may_v at_o least_o be_v infer_v from_o they_o that_o without_o revelation_n we_o can_v not_o have_v know_v that_o the_o spirit_n operate_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o regeneration_n and_o consequent_o that_o his_o operation_n be_v imperceptible_a by_o we_o now_o for_o if_o we_o be_v sensible_a that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n move_v we_o we_o may_v argue_v from_o our_o own_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o from_o revelation_n that_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o we_o wherefore_o the_o best_a rule_n we_o can_v have_v to_o know_v when_o we_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n must_v be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o his_o operation_n when_o we_o find_v ourselves_o incline_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a when_o we_o be_v bend_v upon_o the_o do_n of_o god_n will_n when_o we_o perform_v our_o duty_n and_o govern_v our_o action_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o we_o be_v act_v by_o a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o have_v occasion_n give_v we_o of_o humble_a and_o thankful_a praise_n but_o if_o we_o forsake_v the_o steady_a rule_n of_o our_o duty_n write_v upon_o our_o heart_n in_o our_o creation_n or_o in_o the_o bible_n by_o the_o inspire_a messenger_n of_o god_n and_o take_v every_o violent_a impulse_n that_o we_o feel_v within_o we_o for_o a_o suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n we_o may_v easy_o mistake_v a_o brutish_a inclination_n or_o a_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o divine_a direction_n since_o no_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v act_v with_o a_o more_o sensible_a and_o impetuous_a zeal_n than_o they_o that_o be_v strong_o lead_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o corrupt_a affection_n therefore_o unless_o we_o will_v expose_v ourselves_o to_o fanatical_a and_o diabolical_a delusion_n we_o must_v keep_v close_o to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n and_o try_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o impulse_n and_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o they_o we_o must_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o spirit_n incit_v we_o to_o such_o a_o action_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o themselves_o imperceptible_a but_o we_o must_v first_o see_v what_o the_o scripture_n will_v have_v we_o do_v and_o then_o if_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o spirit_n have_v move_v we_o to_o it_o for_o the_o spirit_n incline_v we_o only_o to_o what_o be_v good_a and_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o steady_a and_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o that_o these_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o evident_a truth_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v hardly_o say_v too_o much_o to_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o they_o since_o we_o can_v remember_v what_o infinite_a dishonour_n have_v be_v do_v to_o god_n in_o the_o late_a time_n by_o man_n profess_v godliness_n and_o pretend_v to_o the_o special_a guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n how_o they_o ask_v counsel_n of_o god_n whether_o they_o shall_v commit_v murder_n and_o treason_n rebellion_n and_o sacrilege_n how_o they_o think_v to_o justify_v the_o most_o execrable_a parricide_n as_o the_o doctor_n know_v who_o do_v that_o be_v ever_o hear_v of_o in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o how_o blasphemous_o they_o pretend_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v put_v these_o thing_n into_o their_o heart_n god_n do_v not_o now_o give_v the_o spirit_n to_o justify_v the_o action_n of_o man_n but_o to_o assist_v they_o in_o those_o that_o be_v good_a and_o he_o have_v show_v we_o what_o be_v good_a partly_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n and_o complete_o by_o the_o public_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n wherefore_o since_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v imperceptible_a by_o we_o and_o mere_o a_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o by_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o word_n spirit_n do_v sometime_o signify_v the_o gospel_n as_o several_a divine_n have_v prove_v and_o particular_o when_o st._n paul_n do_v oppose_v the_o spirit_n to_o the_o flesh_n as_o in_o gal._n 3.3_o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n we_o be_v the_o true_a child_n of_o abraham_n who_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n place_v no_o confidence_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o moses_n law_n and_o in_o gal._n 5.16_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n i._n e._n walk_v according_a to_o that_o law_n of_o love_n vers_n 14._o which_o the_o gospel_n so_o strict_o prescribe_v and_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o inclination_n of_o revenge_n hatred_n variance_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 20._o but_o at_o least_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a place_n it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o by_o the_o word_n spirit_n you_o understand_v the_o gospel_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n because_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n thus_o when_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 8._o so_o often_o note_v the_o difference_n between_o those_o that_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n and_o those_o that_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v easy_o see_v that_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n may_v indifferent_o be_v interpret_v either_o by_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o by_o follow_v the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o well-instructed_n mind_n or_o conscience_n or_o by_o obey_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n for_o to_o do_v one_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o do_v they_o all_o since_o they_o be_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o and_o it_o be_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v move_v and_o incite_v we_o we_o may_v observe_v also_o that_o in_o this_o chapter_n these_o follow_a expression_n be_v equivalent_a viz._n to_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n v_o 1._o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n v_o 2._o to_o mind_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n v_o 5._o to_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v v_o 6._o to_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n v_o 7._o to_o please_v god_n v_o 8._o to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n v_o 9_o christ_n be_v in_o we_o v_o 10._o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o v_o 11._o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n by_o the_o spirit_n v_o 13._o and_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n v_o 14._o these_o several_a phrase_n i_o say_v do_v all_o express_v the_o same_o state_n viz._n our_o be_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n only_o they_o conspire_v to_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n under_o different_a respect_n that_o of_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n respect_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n as_o that_o of_o mind_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n regard_v that_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o dispose_v we_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o that_o rule_n to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n note_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o former_a condition_n not_o to_o be_v carnal_o but_o spiritual_o mind_v not_o to_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n but_o to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n the_o spirit_n be_v expression_n that_o principal_o regard_v the_o prevalency_n of_o our_o conscience_n over_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o that_o constant_a readiness_n in_o good_a man_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v cherish_v in_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o our_o have_a 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n seem_v principal_o to_o regard_v that_o likeness_n to_o he_o which_o we_o gain_v by_o become_v such_o person_n final_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o spirit_n or_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v phrase_n which_o seem_v to_o take_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n indifferent_o now_o because_o it_o be_v real_o one_o and_o the_o same_o state_n and_o disposition_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o these_o phrase_n there_o can_v be_v no_o dangerous_a mistake_n incur_v if_o a_o man_n shall_v understand_v any_o one_o of_o they_o under_o a_o respect_n which_o perhaps_o be_v not_o principal_o intend_v as_o for_o instance_n if_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o he_o shall_v