1._o 26._o brethren_n you_o see_v your_o call_n that_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n be_v choose_v the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v evident_a for_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o he_o who_o will_v believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v renounce_v his_o own_o knowledge_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o other_o but_o the_o more_o wit_n and_o learning_n a_o man_n have_v the_o more_o he_o attribute_v to_o it_o to_o himself_o &_o to_o his_o own_o strength_n whereas_o they_o who_o have_v a_o small_a measure_n of_o these_o gift_n do_v not_o trust_v so_o much_o unto_o they_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n witness_v say_v that_o there_o be_v more_o hope_n to_o win_v a_o fool_n to_o wisdom_n than_o one_o who_o think_v or_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o so_o be_v wise_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o great_a ignorance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o all_o unregenerate_a man_n now_o for_o the_o knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v of_o the_o creature_n we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 2._o 13._o 13._o man_n have_v forsake_v god_n the_o fountain_n of_o wisdom_n and_o then_o what_o wisdom_n can_v be_v in_o he_o for_o as_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n so_o be_v he_o of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v natural_o so_o void_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n as_o that_o he_o seem_v not_o to_o differ_v from_o a_o bruit_n beast_n but_o only_o in_o the_o outward_a proportion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o faculty_n of_o speak_v nay_o he_o be_v more_o ignorant_a than_o be_v the_o brute_n beast_n whereof_o there_o be_v almost_o none_o which_o know_v not_o and_o that_o without_o any_o teacher_n even_o by_o the_o secret_a instinct_n of_o nature_n what_o be_v good_a and_o evil_n for_o itself_o yea_o the_o secret_a virtue_n of_o some_o herb_n or_o of_o other_o thing_n which_o may_v stand_v they_o in_o stead_n but_o man_n be_v any_o way_n distress_v know_v not_o how_o to_o go_v either_o to_o god_n or_o any_o natural_a thing_n for_o help_v be_v so_o far_o from_o know_v other_o thing_n that_o he_o know_v not_o the_o part_n temperamente_n frame_n disposition_n infirmity_n and_o disease_n of_o his_o own_o body_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o or_o the_o preserve_n or_o heal_v of_o it_o save_v only_o the_o outward_a member_n and_o fashion_n of_o it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n why_o man_n shall_v brag_v of_o that_o great_a knowledge_n which_o he_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v unto_o whenas_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o search_v it_o out_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o god_n grant_v thus_o much_o to_o the_o labour_n of_o industrious_a man_n that_o they_o attain_v to_o knowledge_n some_o more_o other_o less_a but_o the_o learnede_a philosopher_n in_o the_o world_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o actual_o ignorant_a of_o many_o thing_n but_o also_o natural_o unable_a to_o pierce_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creature_n &_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o dulness_n &_o shallowness_n of_o his_o wit_n which_o can_v find_v out_o the_o true_a cause_n form_n reason_n and_o virtue_n of_o natural_a thing_n as_o why_o the_o loadstone_n draw_v iron_n to_o it_o of_o the_o which_o kind_a infinite_a instance_n may_v be_v bring_v and_o if_o they_o chance_v to_o find_v out_o the_o virtue_n and_o quality_n of_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o consider_v the_o cause_n but_o by_o mark_v the_o effect_n and_o so_o not_o by_o knowledge_n or_o any_o good_a cunning_n as_o we_o say_v but_o by_o chance_n and_o by_o experience_n the_o schoolmaster_n of_o fool_n sect._n 3_o of_o renew_a knowledge_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o consider_v how_o god_n of_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n do_v renew_v in_o all_o his_o faithful_a servant_n this_o first_o and_o chief_a part_n of_o his_o glorious_a image_n we_o call_v it_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a part_n because_o that_o in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n both_o have_v the_o first_o place_n and_o also_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n holiness_n 23._o for_o as_o christ_n do_v teach_v math._n 6._o 23._o if_o the_o eye_n have_v light_a in_o it_o it_o do_v enlighten_v the_o whole_a body_n but_o if_o it_o be_v dark_a there_o be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o renew_v with_o knowledge_n there_o follow_v holiness_n in_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a man_n but_o if_o there_o be_v darkness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o the_o mind_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o sin_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o man_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v either_o trust_v or_o hope_n in_o god_n or_o love_n fear_v &_o obey_v he_o or_o perform_v any_o duty_n of_o holiness_n unto_o god_n who_o he_o do_v not_o know_v in_o his_o mercy_n love_n goodness_n promise_n power_n justice_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o attribute_n so_o be_v it_o no_o less_o impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v know_v and_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o god_n be_v true_a in_o his_o promise_n merciful_a bountiful_a and_o just_a and_o not_o be_v affect_v to_o he_o according_o and_o therefore_o the_o first_o action_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n frame_v the_o new_a man_n in_o the_o elect_a be_v to_o take_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n their_o natural_a dulness_n unbelief_n and_o ignorance_n and_o to_o make_v they_o able_a to_o conceive_v understand_v believe_v and_o know_v god_n 2._o thus_o the_o apostle_n teach_v rom._n 12._o 2._o be_v you_o transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n that_o you_o may_v approve_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n so_o 13._o eph._n 4._o 13._o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o so_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n knowledge_n thus_o he_o pray_v for_o the_o colossian_n col._n 1._o 9_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o 9_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v 14._o act._n 16._o 14._o that_o whilst_o paul_n preach_v the_o gospel_n although_o the_o reprobate_n do_v not_o conceive_v or_o understand_v it_o yet_o god_n open_v the_o hart_n that_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o lydia_n to_o believe_v his_o word_n this_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o most_o sensible_a and_o evident_a thing_n in_o regeneration_n and_o that_o whereby_o they_o that_o deny_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o renew_v the_o faithful_a may_v most_o plain_o be_v convince_v for_o what_o be_v more_o wonderful_a than_o that_o man_n who_o before_o be_v dull_a rude_a simple_a and_o unlearned_a yea_o uncapable_a of_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a become_v able_a to_o comprehend_v in_o their_o mind_n most_o steadfast_o &_o to_o express_v in_o word_n very_o sensible_o the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o christian_n religion_n yet_o this_o experience_n teach_v to_o be_v true_a &_o the_o apostle_n witness_v the_o same_o 15._o the_o spiritual_a man_n discern_v all_o thing_n this_o come_v not_o by_o any_o natural_a strength_n but_o by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o inspire_v this_o knowledge_n immediate_o but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v every_o one_o who_o will_v feel_v in_o himself_o this_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n in_o change_v his_o mind_n to_o give_v himself_o diligent_o and_o continual_o to_o the_o hear_n read_v and_o meditate_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n last_o this_o renew_a knowledge_n be_v not_o either_o so_o great_a or_o yet_o so_o general_a as_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n in_o his_o pure_a estate_n wherein_o he_o know_v god_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n perfect_o but_o the_o faithful_a know_v god_n his_o word_n will_n &_o action_n so_o far_o forth_o only_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o their_o salvation_n as_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v wherein_o we_o hope_v for_o our_o full_a adoption_n even_o the_o redention_n of_o our_o body_n the_o sense_n &_o faculty_n whereof_o be_v whilst_o we_o remain_v in_o this_o life_n as_o dull_a and_o weak_a in_o the_o faithful_a as_o in_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o therefore_o they_o remain_v as_o ignorant_a as_o touch_v this_o secundarie_n knowledge_n of_o the_o sensible_a creature_n as_o do_v the_o other_o yea_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o all_o other_o part_n of_o
say_v the_o haven_n be_v find_v then_o farewell_n all_o danger_n and_o haphazard_n holiness_n be_v although_o not_o in_o full_a possession_n of_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n yet_o past_o all_o peradventure_o of_o perish_v here_o on_o earth_n yet_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o such_o fearful_a tempest_n be_v raise_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o sathan_n the_o unrulinesse_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o entismente_n of_o the_o world_n that_o both_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o and_o also_o other_o behold_v they_o do_v not_o without_o cause_n fear_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o good_a conscience_n and_o so_o the_o loss_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o which_o precious_a jewel_n they_o carry_v in_o these_o weak_a vessel_n for_o as_o sometime_o they_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o powerful_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n even_o lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o the_o abundance_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o santification_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v so_o at_o other_o time_n they_o be_v by_o the_o frailty_n of_o the_o flesh_n plunge_v into_o grievous_a sin_n and_o so_o in_o a_o manner_n cast_v down_o into_o hell_n as_o man_n void_a of_o all_o goodness_n this_o come_v to_o pass_v first_o and_o chief_o by_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n withdraw_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o the_o faithful_a man_n and_o so_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o sathan_n and_o his_o own_o flesh_n suffer_v he_o to_o fall_v not_o to_o his_o destruction_n but_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o holiness_n for_o even_o as_o a_o man_n by_o his_o intemperance_n or_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o misgovern_v his_o body_n fall_v into_o some_o dangerous_a sickness_n have_v after_o his_o recovery_n more_o perfect_a health_n &_o great_a strength_n than_o he_o have_v before_o his_o sickness_n because_o he_o be_v now_o school_v &_o teach_v by_o woeful_a experience_n to_o know_v his_o own_o strength_n which_o he_o see_v now_o to_o be_v but_o weakness_n whereof_o he_o do_v presume_v so_o much_o be_v fore_o and_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o force_n either_o to_o preserve_v or_o to_o impair_v his_o health_n and_o so_o to_o be_v careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o use_v the_o one_o &_o wary_a in_o avoid_v the_o other_o so_o fare_v it_o with_o a_o christian_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o spiritual_a health_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o he_o be_v now_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n raise_v up_o from_o some_o grievous_a fall_n receive_v a_o great_a increase_n of_o holiness_n and_o of_o spiritual_a grace_n he_o see_v his_o own_o weakness_n how_o unable_a he_o be_v of_o himself_o to_o resist_v temptation_n or_o the_o corrupt_a motion_n of_o his_o own_o flesh_n and_o so_o he_o be_v humble_v both_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o brethren_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n much_o esteem_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n further_n he_o become_v more_o careful_a in_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n and_o provocation_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o use_v all_o holy_a exercise_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o pray_v and_o all_o other_o mean_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v in_o holiness_n hence_o be_v be_v that_o this_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n common_a to_o all_o the_o faithful_a although_o not_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n for_o so_o it_o please_v god_n to_o leave_v they_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o sathan_n that_o so_o he_o may_v both_o see_v what_o be_v in_o they_o 31._o as_o he_o do_v to_o ezechias_n 2._o chro._n 32._o 31._o and_o also_o show_v to_o they_o their_o great_a weakness_n the_o mean_n of_o this_o decrease_n be_v the_o crafty_a maliciousness_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n who_o go_v about_o continual_o seek_v which_o of_o the_o faithful_a he_o may_v most_o hurt_v use_v all_o that_o liberty_n which_o god_n grant_v unto_o he_o &_o employ_v his_o whole_a time_n about_o no_o other_o business_n but_o in_o put_v evil_a motion_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o man_n and_o in_o cast_v bait_n before_o their_o eye_n and_o other_o sense_n wherewith_o to_o catch_v they_o second_o this_o decrease_n come_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n which_o remain_v in_o the_o faithful_a as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o which_o do_v continual_o send_v forth_o some_o sin_n or_o other_o even_o as_o the_o root_n of_o a_o tree_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o ground_n will_v sprout_v forth_o although_o the_o body_n of_o the_o tree_n be_v cut_v down_o hither_o we_o be_v to_o refer_v the_o manifold_a occasion_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n which_o do_v offer_v themselves_o in_o the_o course_n of_o manslife_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o there_o happen_v to_o a_o christian_a manifold_a change_n and_o decrease_v of_o godliness_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v wound_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o malicious_a enemy_n that_o he_o be_v scorch_v who_o be_v force_v to_o carry_v fire_n in_o his_o bosom_n or_o last_o that_o he_o be_v defile_v who_o be_v always_o among_o vessel_n full_a of_o pitch_n but_o to_o declare_v this_o doctrine_n more_o particular_o as_o the_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o do_v require_v in_o that_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o decrease_n of_o renew_a holiness_n we_o suppose_v a_o certain_a state_n and_o ripeness_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o christian_n and_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o most_o of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v true_o regenerate_v which_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n proceed_v from_o a_o sanctify_a soul_n be_v endue_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n with_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o part_n of_o holiness_n which_o have_v be_v describe_v in_o the_o third_o section_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n this_o state_n may_v be_v call_v the_o ripe_a age_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o as_o he_o do_v from_o his_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n whereof_o hereafter_o grow_v up_o till_o he_o come_v to_o a_o ripe_a man_n in_o christ_n so_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o this_o state_n he_o do_v not_o there_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o settle_a estate_n in_o this_o life_n either_o of_o holiness_n or_o of_o sin_n but_o sometime_o grow_v on_o to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o perfection_n whereof_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n or_o else_o he_o decrease_v in_o holiness_n and_o so_o grow_v backward_o even_o as_o we_o see_v it_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o body_n of_o man_n which_o be_v come_v to_o their_o ripnes_n do_v daily_o decrease_v in_o strength_n and_o vigour_n till_o at_o the_o length_n they_o become_v as_o weak_a &_o impotent_a as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o first_o infancy_n this_o decrease_n be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o diverse_a kind_n of_o it_o which_o be_v two_o particular_a and_o general_n particular_a decrease_n be_v when_o as_o some_o one_o part_n of_o holiness_n be_v lose_v the_o other_o remain_v for_o although_o no_o one_o part_n of_o holiness_n can_v be_v want_v but_o the_o whole_a soul_n of_o man_n be_v the_o worse_a in_o that_o respect_n as_o we_o know_v that_o if_o any_o one_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v bruise_v or_o maim_v all_o the_o rest_n do_v suffer_v with_o it_o yet_o one_o part_n either_o of_o body_n or_o soul_n may_v be_v out_o of_o order_n the_o whole_a be_v in_o the_o natural_a disposition_n this_o particular_a decrease_n have_v many_o degree_n the_o first_o be_v when_o as_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o man_n regenerate_v do_v fail_v in_o some_o outward_a action_n by_o give_v place_n unto_o some_o evident_a and_o palpable_a sin_n for_o as_o for_o light_n &_o small_a offence_n commit_v in_o thought_n inword_n and_o in_o some_o kind_n of_o deed_n these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v any_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n because_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o will_v always_o be_v find_v even_o in_o they_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n but_o great_a sin_n such_o as_o be_v murder_n adultery_n theft_n perjury_n or_o any_o other_o of_o that_o sort_n be_v seldom_o find_v in_o man_n true_o regenerate_v and_o be_v find_v they_o do_v impair_v the_o outward_a holiness_n of_o their_o life_n for_o no_o man_n do_v account_v that_o life_n so_o holy_a wherein_o gross_a sin_n be_v sometime_o find_v as_o that_o which_o be_v without_o spot_n of_o grievous_a sin_n this_o decrease_n do_v often_o happen_v to_o the_o faithful_a as_o we_o know_v peter_n sin_v by_o deny_v christ_n david_n by_o commit_v adultery_n and_o murder_n noah_n in_o drunkenness_n lot_n in_o incestand_v many_o other_o in_o other_o kind_n of_o
this_o spiritual_a joy_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o although_o they_o can_v clean_o extinguish_v it_o yet_o they_o cool_v and_o diminish_v it_o yea_o and_o so_o drive_v it_o into_o a_o corner_n as_o that_o it_o do_v not_o any_o way_n appear_v yea_o even_o the_o ordinary_a misery_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o life_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v do_v work_n in_o the_o faithful_a sorrow_n sigh_n and_o groan_n as_o we_o read_v rom._n 8._o 13._o beside_o this_o matter_n of_o sorrow_n which_o they_o have_v in_o themselves_o 13._o they_o be_v continual_o sore_o grieve_v and_o even_o torment_v in_o themselves_o when_o as_o they_o behold_v the_o vain_a and_o wretched_a estate_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v move_v to_o pity_n even_o by_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o brute_n beast_n the_o horrible_a sin_n which_o abound_v every_o where_n and_o the_o general_a atheism_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o much_o more_o whenas_o they_o consider_v the_o calamity_n misery_n abuse_n corruption_n and_o defection_n of_o the_o church_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ._n these_o thing_n do_v and_o that_o just_o work_v continual_a grief_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a yet_o this_o grief_n be_v moderate_v with_o patience_n and_o contentation_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v come_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o do_v not_o bring_v they_o to_o desperation_n and_o death_n as_o carnal_a sorrow_n do_v but_o be_v at_o length_n the_o cause_n of_o great_a joy_n and_o thus_o omit_v for_o brevity_n sake_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o affection_n which_o have_v not_o so_o common_a and_o notable_a use_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n we_o conclude_v this_o second_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n to_o wit_n his_o conformity_n to_o god_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n of_o the_o change_n hapen_v in_o the_o three_o estate_n or_o of_o the_o degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o sinfulness_n chapter_n i._o of_o the_o change_n hapen_v in_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o man_n in_o general_n the_o mutability_n of_o the_o creature_n whereby_o the_o identity_n of_o god_n be_v illustrate_v appear_v not_o only_o in_o the_o general_a diversity_n of_o man_n state_n which_o sometime_o be_v innocent_a and_o happy_a man_n other_o time_n sinful_a and_o miserable_a and_o again_o become_v holy_a here_o on_o earth_n and_o glorious_a in_o heaven_n but_o also_o in_o the_o particular_a change_n hapen_v in_o his_o several_a state_n whereof_o none_o can_v make_v he_o so_o immutable_a as_o that_o he_o may_v say_v true_o of_o himself_o i_o be_o that_o i_o be_v and_o will_v be_v that_o i_o be_o and_o no_o otherwise_o as_o touch_v his_o create_a holiness_n it_o can_v not_o be_v either_o so_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n diminish_v or_o so_o absolute_o perfect_a but_o that_o it_o ought_v daily_o to_o be_v increase_v but_o this_o uncertainty_n and_o mutability_n appear_v far_o more_o plain_o in_o his_o other_o estate_n the_o one_o of_o natural_a sinfulness_n the_o other_o of_o renew_a holiness_n of_o both_o which_o there_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o many_o degree_n as_o there_o be_v carnal_a &_o regenerate_a man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o although_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n have_v already_o so_o possess_v all_o the_o part_n &_o faculty_n of_o body_n &_o soul_n &_o be_v as_o deep_o imprint_v into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o the_o spot_v be_v in_o the_o skin_n of_o a_o leopard_n and_o therefore_o may_v seem_v not_o to_o admit_v any_o increase_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o greatness_n or_o any_o decrease_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o naturalnes_n of_o it_o yet_o both_o these_o change_n may_v be_v see_v the_o one_o usual_o in_o most_o unregenerate_a man_n who_o do_v daily_o plunge_v themselves_o deep_o and_o deep_o in_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o sin_n add_v one_o sin_n to_o another_o and_o thirst_n to_o drunkenness_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v the_o other_o in_o diverse_a both_o within_o and_o without_o the_o church_n likewise_o in_o regeneration_n the_o faithful_a man_n never_o stand_v at_o one_o stay_v but_o do_v always_o grow_v either_o upwarde_a or_o downward_o in_o godliness_n for_o as_o usual_o he_o increase_v his_o spiritual_a strength_n change_v his_o christian_n infancy_n with_o a_o ripe_a and_o constant_a age_n and_o add_v grace_n to_o grace_n till_o he_o become_v a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n so_o sometime_o he_o decrease_v in_o holiness_n as_o we_o see_v the_o body_n of_o man_n do_v in_o old_a age_n and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v return_v the_o same_o way_n he_o come_v fall_v into_o one_o sin_n after_o another_o and_o so_o decrease_v in_o holiness_n although_o not_o total_o and_o final_o yet_o greivous_o and_o fearful_o thus_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o man_n change_v itself_o from_o less_o to_o more_o and_o from_o more_o to_o less_o from_o good_a to_o evil_n and_o from_o evil_a to_o good_a yea_o from_o good_a to_o better_v and_o from_o evil_a to_o worse_o be_v as_o variable_a as_o be_v the_o moon_n which_o continual_o decrease_v or_o increase_v in_o light_n appear_v every_o night_n in_o a_o new_a form_n these_o change_n difference_n and_o degree_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o all_o christian_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v either_o seek_v after_o or_o avoid_v as_o they_o be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v here_o to_o declare_v the_o degree_n both_o of_o the_o holiness_n and_o also_o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o man_n not_o the_o conversion_n of_o one_o estate_n into_o another_o the_o which_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o two_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n but_o the_o proper_a change_n of_o each_o state_n as_o first_o how_o adam_n continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n may_v either_o have_v decrease_v or_o increase_v in_o holiness_n second_o how_o a_o carnal_a man_n abide_v in_o his_o natural_a sinfullnesse_n may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o sinful_a and_o last_o how_o a_o regenerate_a man_n may_v decrease_v or_o increase_v in_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o these_o in_o order_n if_o first_o we_o put_v the_o reader_n in_o mind_n that_o these_o change_n be_v make_v from_o that_o measure_n of_o create_a holiness_n of_o sinfulness_n and_o of_o renew_a holiness_n which_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o two_o former_a part_n of_o this_o book_n wherein_o although_o sometime_o for_o illustration_n a_o high_a degree_n both_o of_o holiness_n and_o of_o sin_n be_v mention_v yet_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o set_v down_o that_o mediocrity_n as_o it_o may_v be_v call_v of_o holiness_n both_o create_v and_o renew_v which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v ordinary_o and_o usual_o in_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n and_o of_o regeneration_n and_o likewise_o that_o measure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o all_o man_n and_o may_v be_v see_v in_o many_o unregenerate_a man_n not_o in_o all_o because_o in_o some_o it_o be_v diminish_v nor_o in_o most_o because_o usual_o it_o be_v increase_v as_o afterward_o will_v appear_v chap._n ii_o of_o the_o change_n of_o create_a holiness_n it_o may_v be_v doubt_v how_o man_n live_v and_o continue_v in_o his_o innocent_a and_o happy_a estate_n can_v decrease_v in_o holiness_n especial_o see_v that_o as_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o first_o part_n chap._n 3_o sect._n 2._o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o holiness_n be_v so_o tie_v and_o link_v together_o that_o he_o can_v not_o loose_v any_o particular_a grace_n without_o lose_v all_o nor_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n because_o by_o commit_v sin_n and_o in_o the_o very_a act_n and_o moment_n of_o commit_v it_o he_o shall_v fall_v from_o his_o innocency_n into_o a_o sinful_a state_n we_o answer_v that_o although_o all_o this_o be_v true_a yet_o there_o must_v a_o difference_n be_v put_v betwixt_o the_o want_n of_o a_o grace_n and_o the_o small_a measure_n of_o it_o and_o so_o betwixt_o the_o commit_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o decrease_a in_o holiness_n which_o may_v be_v without_o sin_n and_o that_o in_o this_o state_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v with_o these_o condition_n first_o that_o this_o decrease_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o that_o any_o grace_n or_o part_n of_o holiness_n be_v whole_o want_v holiness_n for_o thereof_o sin_n will_v necessary_o follow_v second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o continual_a or_o final_a but_o only_o for_o some_o short_a space_n of_o time_n in_o this_o manner_n we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o particular_a grace_n as_o faith_n love_n temperance_n may_v be_v in_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n sometime_o in_o great_a and_o sometime_o in_o small_a measure_n
but_o especial_o it_o appear_v in_o those_o who_o in_o old_a time_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v philosopher_n that_o be_v seeker_n and_o practiser_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n as_o namely_o socrates_n plato_n with_o many_o other_o as_o aristides_n cato_n seneca_n who_o virtue_n we_o can_v not_o think_v to_o have_v be_v mere_a hypocrisy_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o affect_v inward_o in_o their_o mind_n as_o they_o profess_v outward_o in_o their_o life_n yet_o we_o confess_v that_o this_o decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n be_v not_o a_o like_a in_o all_o for_o in_o some_o it_o be_v inward_a and_o true_a as_o have_v be_v say_v but_o in_o other_o yea_o most_o common_o it_o be_v only_o in_o outward_a life_n sinfulness_n for_o many_o do_v lead_v a_o honest_a and_o irreproveable_a life_n be_v vicious_o dispose_v in_o their_o mind_n some_o for_o fear_n of_o civil_a punishment_n or_o of_o public_a shame_n other_o for_o vain_a glory_n sake_n as_o do_v the_o pharisy_n again_o this_o decrease_n be_v more_o general_a in_o some_o who_o abstain_v from_o many_o kind_n of_o vice_n than_o it_o be_v in_o other_o who_o be_v faulty_a in_o many_o respect_n and_o last_o this_o decrease_n be_v more_o firm_a and_o permanent_a in_o some_o continue_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o life_n but_o in_o other_o it_o have_v place_n in_o their_o young_a year_n by_o force_n of_o good_a education_n but_o be_v afterwards_o altogether_o forget_v and_o reject_v in_o the_o heathen_a it_o be_v more_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n the_o which_o be_v more_o easy_o know_v then_o be_v the_o duty_n belong_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o in_o hypocritical_a christian_n the_o outward_a decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n be_v great_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n for_o they_o will_v be_v very_o devout_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o live_v very_o wicked_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o brethren_n these_o and_o many_o other_o degree_n and_o difference_n of_o this_o natural_a decrease_n may_v easy_o be_v observe_v in_o many_o both_o within_o and_o without_o the_o church_n and_o also_o in_o all_o history_n whether_o divine_a or_o human_a but_o be_v too_o many_o to_o be_v handle_v in_o this_o short_a treatise_n chap._n four_o of_o the_o supernatural_a decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n as_o the_o increase_n of_o light_n do_v make_v a_o decrease_n of_o darkness_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o two_o thing_n of_o contrary_a nature_n sholude_v be_v together_o in_o one_o subject_n the_o one_o not_o expel_v the_o other_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n so_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o man_n holiness_n bestow_v on_o unregenerate_a man_n do_v work_n in_o they_o a_o decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n make_v they_o less_o sinful_a than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v and_o then_o usual_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v this_o decrease_n we_o call_v supernatural_a because_o it_o can_v be_v attain_v unto_o by_o those_o natural_a mean_n of_o diminish_v sin_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a pagan_a that_o ever_o live_v but_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n sound_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n sinfullnesse_n without_o the_o which_o this_o decrease_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v find_v nor_o yet_o in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o who_o many_o do_v exceed_v the_o heathen_a in_o sin_n but_o only_o in_o those_o who_o do_v yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n although_o not_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o faithful_a do_v yet_o in_o so_o great_a measure_n that_o this_o decrease_n of_o sin_n may_v very_o fit_o be_v call_v a_o shadow_n of_o true_a regeneration_n there_o be_v no_o grace_n effectual_o wrought_v in_o the_o faithful_a whereof_o a_o resemblance_n may_v not_o be_v find_v in_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n for_o not_o only_o their_o life_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o they_o be_v inward_o enlighten_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v well_o affect_v towards_o it_o and_o endue_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o faith_n hope_n love_n patience_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o that_o not_o in_o hypocrisy_n though_o many_o do_v make_v a_o outward_a show_n and_o profession_n of_o those_o grace_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o any_o shadow_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o in_o truth_n as_o we_o read_v heb._n 6._o 4._o 5._o 5._o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o in_o general_a be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o they_o fall_v away_o etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o god_n do_v bestow_v these_o excellent_a grace_n on_o the_o reprobate_n as_o it_o be_v throw_v pearl_n among_o swine_n we_o answer_v that_o he_o do_v it_o especial_o for_o these_o three_o cause_n first_o for_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o his_o own_o glory_n for_o by_o this_o work_n his_o love_n mercy_n goodness_n wisdom_n and_o truth_n appear_v even_o to_o the_o reprobate_n on_o who_o as_o he_o let_v the_o rain_n to_o fall_v and_o his_o sun_n to_o shine_v as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o faithful_a so_o he_o pour_v forth_o his_o grace_n as_o well_o on_o the_o one_o as_o on_o the_o other_o although_o not_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o although_o the_o eternal_a love_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v with_o it_o eternal_a salvation_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o elect_a only_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o general_a and_o as_o we_o may_v term_v it_o a_o temporary_a love_n which_o god_n bear_v to_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o in_o they_o towards_o all_o man_n both_o elect_a and_o reprobate_a second_o this_o be_v do_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o elect_a for_o who_o sake_n god_n bless_v the_o reprobate_a with_o who_o they_o live_v both_o in_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o who_o salvation_n be_v further_v and_o some_o time_n wrought_v by_o the_o gift_n and_o ministry_n of_o these_o man_n last_o god_n do_v by_o this_o mean_n make_v they_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o these_o grace_n the_o more_o inexcusable_a in_o that_o they_o contemn_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n so_o great_a mercy_n now_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v the_o difference_n which_o be_v betwixt_o true_a regeneration_n and_o this_o supernatural_a decrease_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o shadow_n of_o it_o first_o therefore_o true_a regeneration_n be_v general_a stretch_n itself_o over_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o work_v a_o universal_a holiness_n as_o the_o leaven_n which_o be_v put_v into_o a_o great_a lump_n of_o dough_n never_o cease_v spread_a itself_o abroad_o till_o the_o whole_a lump_n be_v season_v luke_n 13._o 21._o 21._o but_o the_o shadow_n fail_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o one_o point_n of_o holiness_n or_o other_o yea_o often_o many_o part_n of_o sanctification_n be_v want_v as_o the_o mind_n be_v often_o enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n whenas_o the_o obedience_n of_o life_n and_o outward_a action_n be_v want_v 1._o 1._o cor._n 8._o 1._o we_o have_v all_o knowledge_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o love_n edifi_v again_o there_o may_v be_v see_v in_o they_o good_a affection_n without_o knowledge_n rom._n 6._o 9_o i_o bear_v witness_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o zeal_n of_o god_n yet_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n yea_o often_o the_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v in_o part_n and_o in_o part_n remain_v in_o ignorance_n as_o in_o those_o who_o profess_v and_o hold_v in_o judgement_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o fund_z amental_a and_o chief_a doctrine_n of_o it_o do_v together_o maintain_v many_o error_n and_o heresy_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o thaâ—_n one_o true_o regenerate_v may_v be_v in_o some_o error_n for_o we_o all_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 1._o cor._n 13._o yet_o this_o be_v the_o force_n and_o property_n of_o a_o regenerate_a mind_n to_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o truth_n from_o error_n when_o as_o both_o be_v lay_v before_o it_o 1_o howsoever_o it_o do_v not_o see_v it_o before_o and_o therefore_o when_o as_o we_o see_v a_o man_n although_o endue_v with_o many_o gift_n yet_o to_o be_v of_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o unsound_a judgement_n incline_v always_o to_o the_o wrong_a part_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n his_o regeneration_n may_v in_o that_o respect_n be_v
give_v 29._o and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o diverse_a in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o abundance_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v call_v plerophoria_fw-la a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a persuasion_n say_v to_o be_v in_o abraham_n rom._n 4._o 21._o hereof_o come_v abundance_n of_o faith_n 21._o of_o love_n rom._n 5._o 3._o and_o 15._o 13._o and_o of_o all_o grace_n 13._o as_o 1._o thess._n 1._o 3._o the_o apostle_n mention_v the_o work_n of_o their_o faith_n 3._o their_o laborious_a love_n 3._o and_o their_o patient_a hope_n and_o 2_o thess._n 1._o 3._o that_o their_o faith_n superaugescit_fw-la that_o be_v increase_v above_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a measure_n and_o that_o their_o love_n do_v abound_v according_o this_o abundance_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n martyr_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o therefore_o be_v make_v type_n and_o pattern_n for_o we_o to_o imitate_v and_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n as_o lantern_n full_a of_o light_n and_o as_o shine_v and_o blaze_a star_n that_o we_o may_v both_o admire_v and_o labour_v to_o overtake_v they_o in_o their_o excellent_a grace_n and_o especial_o in_o their_o particular_a virtue_n for_o thus_o the_o scripture_n mention_v the_o uprightness_n of_o enoch_n who_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o all_o his_o way_n 11._o the_o patience_n of_o job._n jam._n 5._o 11_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n the_o meekness_n of_o moses_n the_o courage_n of_o josua_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o samuel_n the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o david_n be_v a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n the_o zeal_n of_o phiny_n josias_n and_o many_o other_o thus_o paul_n mention_v his_o own_o painfulness_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v far_o above_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n thus_o he_o say_v rom_n 16._o 7._o that_o andronicus_n and_o junia_n be_v man_n notable_a among_o the_o apostle_n 7._o and_o of_o timothy_n that_o none_o be_v like_a to_o he_o in_o faithful_a labour_n and_o care_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n philip._n 2._o 20._o 20._o the_o note_n and_o mark_n whereby_o this_o abundance_n may_v be_v know_v be_v these_o a_o burn_a zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n of_o set_v forward_o his_o worship_n and_o gospel_n a_o vehement_a hatred_n of_o idolatry_n and_o all_o shadow_n of_o superstition_n a_o tender_a and_o bountiful_a love_n towards_o the_o godly_a a_o mind_n undaunted_a with_o any_o torment_n death_n or_o misery_n a_o constant_a course_n of_o godliness_n in_o all_o outward_a change_n whatsoever_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o himself_o philip._n 4._o 13._o 13._o that_o he_o can_v want_v and_o abound_v be_v full_a and_o empty_a and_o that_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n a_o life_n free_a from_o any_o gross_a sin_n a_o extraordinary_a contempt_n of_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n last_o a_o manner_n of_o freedom_n from_o be_v either_o overcome_v or_o almost_o tempt_v by_o any_o gross_a sin_n for_o although_o the_o corruption_n of_o flesh_n and_o the_o impudency_n of_o satan_n who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o tempt_v christ_n to_o commit_v sin_n be_v so_o great_a that_o no_o man_n be_v he_o neuer_o so_o holy_a may_v lay_v away_o his_o weapon_n and_o be_v secure_a in_o respect_n of_o temptation_n yet_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o a_o long_a practice_n of_o all_o godliness_n the_o faithful_a come_v sometime_o to_o such_o a_o surpass_a strength_n in_o grace_n that_o as_o the_o courageous_a horse_n go_v into_o the_o battle_n scorn_v the_o fearful_a sound_n &_o noise_n of_o the_o trumpet_n so_o this_o godly_a man_n whereof_o we_o speak_v in_o this_o chapter_n laugh_v at_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o entisemente_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o not_o presume_v on_o his_o own_o strength_n but_o rely_v himself_o whole_o on_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o this_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n be_v to_o seek_v it_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n from_o who_o only_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n but_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n use_v in_o give_v it_o be_v diverse_a some_o good_a some_o evil_a in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v all_o holy_a exercise_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o beget_n &_o continual_a increase_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o careful_a diligent_a long_o and_o continual_a use_n whereof_o god_n do_v often_o grant_v this_o happy_a success_n even_o as_o he_o bless_v the_o diligent_a and_o painful_a hand_n with_o great_a plenty_n in_o temporal_a thing_n of_o the_o second_o sort_n be_v the_o abundance_n of_o sin_n before_o regeneration_n the_o which_o it_o please_v god_n some_o time_n to_o change_v into_o this_o abundance_n of_o grace_n as_o we_o see_v that_o the_o high_a flood_n follow_v the_o low_a ebb_n this_o god_n do_v to_o make_v manifest_a the_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o renew_v the_o elect_a which_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v the_o great_a measure_n of_o holiness_n out_o of_o the_o great_a wickedness_n as_o clear_a light_n out_o of_o palpable_a darkness_n this_o christ_n teach_v us._n 41._o luk._n 7._o 41._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o two_o debtor_n whereof_o the_o great_a have_v great_a cause_n and_o also_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o love_n and_o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o woman_n verse_n 47._o who_o love_v much_o because_o many_o sin_n be_v forgive_v unto_o she_o 47._o sowhere_o sin_n do_v abound_v there_o grace_n abound_v much_o more_o yea_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n do_v sometime_o use_v the_o hot_a fierceness_n of_o affection_n and_o the_o violent_a disposition_n of_o nature_n the_o which_o as_o of_o itself_o it_o carry_v a_o man_n headlong_o into_o the_o most_o outrageous_a sin_n so_o be_v sanctify_v by_o god_n spirit_n it_o become_v the_o whetstone_n of_o holiness_n thus_o be_v the_o apostle_n paul_n both_o natural_o and_o spiritual_o affect_v and_o therefore_o be_v a_o infidel_n he_o be_v a_o most_o superstitious_a pharisee_n more_o than_o mad_a in_o persecute_v the_o church_n and_o become_v a_o faithful_a man_n pass_v all_o other_o in_o unquenchable_a zeal_n of_o god_n spirit_n last_o as_o touch_v this_o abundance_n of_o grace_n no_o man_n can_v attain_v so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o it_o as_o that_o he_o may_v sit_v down_o as_o be_v at_o his_o iorneis_n end_n but_o as_o the_o great_a riches_n that_o a_o man_n have_v the_o great_a be_v his_o gain_n desire_v and_o increase_v of_o riches_n so_o the_o more_o holiness_n that_o any_o man_n have_v the_o more_o careful_o aught_o and_o the_o more_o fruitful_o may_v he_o labour_n in_o increase_a it_o phil._n 3._o 13._o brethren_n say_v the_o apostle_n 13._o i_o count_v not_o that_o i_o have_v attain_v unto_o any_o such_o perfection_n but_o still_o i_o do_v forget_v that_o which_o be_v behind_o and_o endevore_fw-mi myself_o to_o that_o which_o be_v before_o that_o be_v i_o do_v not_o mind_v that_o holiness_n which_o i_o have_v already_o receive_v but_o do_v continual_o think_v on_o that_o which_o i_o do_v want_n as_o yet_o chap._n ix_o of_o celestial_a holiness_n although_o we_o have_v now_o go_v as_o far_o in_o declare_v the_o renew_a holiness_n of_o man_n as_o any_o man_n can_v in_o this_o world_n either_o in_o have_v or_o in_o practise_v it_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o rest_v as_o be_v come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o journey_n for_o if_o the_o aforesaid_a abundance_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o be_v it_o never_o so_o great_a can_v possible_o be_v void_a of_o sin_n be_v absolute_o the_o high_a degree_n holiness_n this_o inconvenience_n which_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v admit_v will_v of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o man_n do_v not_o in_o regeneration_n recover_v as_o good_a a_o state_n and_o as_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o he_o have_v in_o his_o first_o creation_n and_o lose_v by_o his_o own_o sin_n in_o adam_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o go_v on_o a_o little_a further_o in_o this_o treatise_n and_o in_o our_o desire_n till_o we_o come_v to_o such_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o renew_a holiness_n as_o be_v free_a from_o the_o least_o spot_n of_o sin_n whatsoever_o this_o perfection_n may_v without_o all_o question_n yea_o most_o necessare_o be_v attain_v unto_o for_o man_n can_v not_o be_v perfect_o happy_a by_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n into_o the_o which_o nothing_o be_v sinful_a can_v enter_v as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v imperfect_o holy_a yet_o he_o