our_o nature_n be_v capable_a and_o whereunto_o we_o willby_o all_o mean_n aspire_v notwithstanding_o your_o commandment_n to_o the_o contrary_a not_o doubt_v but_o that_o by_o our_o own_o strength_n wit_n endeavour_n and_o invention_n we_o shall_v become_v far_o more_o happy_a than_o we_o be_v by_o this_o your_o creation_n upon_o this_o resolution_n the_o creature_n disobey_v the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n and_o so_o fall_v from_o god_n into_o extreme_a misery_n now_o whether_o the_o blame_n of_o this_o fall_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o god_n or_o to_o the_o creature_n itself_o let_v any_o reasonable_a creature_n judge_v for_o god_n do_v neither_o command_n nor_o counsel_n it_o but_o do_v careful_o forewarn_v they_o of_o it_o yea_o he_o do_v neither_o put_v any_o evil_a motion_n into_o their_o mind_n nor_o yet_o withdraw_v from_o they_o any_o natural_a grace_n whereby_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v uphold_v but_o leave_v it_o to_o their_o free_a choice_n whither_o they_o will_v be_v clean_a and_o obey_v he_o or_o else_o rebel_v against_o his_o word_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o necessity_n of_o god_n decree_n do_v compel_v the_o creature_n to_o fall_v we_o answer_v affirm_v that_o to_o be_v utter_o untrue_a for_o god_n do_v decree_n that_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o his_o free_a will_n and_o therefore_o his_o decree_n do_v not_o take_v away_o but_o establish_v man_n free_a will_n if_o it_o be_v think_v impossible_a that_o the_o same_o action_n shall_v be_v both_o necessary_a and_o contingent_a as_o we_o make_v this_o action_n to_o be_v we_o answer_v that_o to_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o not_o to_o god_n for_o man_n can_v bring_v any_o thing_n certain_o to_o pass_v by_o uncertain_a and_o contingent_a mean_n but_o god_n can_v work_v necessary_o by_o those_o mean_n which_o to_o man_n reason_n fall_v out_o by_o chance_n and_o at_o hap_n hazard_v for_o there_o be_v no_o thing_n contingent_a or_o uncertain_a to_o god_n whodoth_a foresee_v all_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o do_v build_v his_o immutable_a decree_n upon_o the_o evente_n themselves_o which_o be_v necessary_a not_o upon_o the_o contingencie_n of_o the_o cause_n as_o in_o this_o instance_n how_o easy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o for_o god_n foresee_v that_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o free_a will_n whereby_o he_o may_v do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n will_v choose_v the_o evil_a part_n to_o decree_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n by_o his_o freewill_n and_o yet_o to_o leave_v man_n in_o the_o very_a action_n free_a either_o to_o stand_v or_o to_o fall_v again_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o god_n may_v have_v uphold_v man_n by_o some_o extraordinary_a grace_n we_o confess_v that_o to_o be_v true_a but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o thereof_o follow_v that_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o fall_n for_o the_o natural_a grace_n wherewith_o man_n be_v endue_v and_o which_o be_v inherent_a in_o himself_o be_v sufficient_a if_o he_o will_v have_v use_v it_o aright_o and_o for_o supernatural_a grace_n god_n be_v neither_o bound_n to_o give_v any_o neither_o do_v he_o think_v the_o creature_n worthy_a of_o any_o new_a supply_n of_o grace_n which_o do_v so_o unthankeful_o abuse_v his_o former_a bounty_n or_o that_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o pure_a estate_n will_v illustrate_v his_o glory_n so_o much_o as_o will_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n last_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o god_n may_v and_o ought_v to_o have_v make_v these_o his_o excellent_a creature_n in_o a_o firm_a and_o permanent_a estate_n and_o that_o by_o take_v from_o they_o all_o possibility_n of_o fall_v and_o all_o freedom_n of_o will_n in_o respect_n of_o evil_a as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o elect_a angel_n and_o man_n and_o as_o his_o own_o nature_n be_v uncapable_a of_o evil_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o this_o which_o be_v allege_v be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o impossible_a for_o the_o freedom_n of_o will_n do_v not_o derogate_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n the_o which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v make_v excellent_a without_o it_o for_o where_o no_o will_n be_v there_o be_v no_o understanding_n as_o for_o the_o elect_a both_o man_n and_o angel_n they_o be_v uphold_v by_o the_o supernatural_a grace_n of_o god_n not_o by_o any_o such_o natural_a strength_n &_o disposition_n of_o will_n as_o can_v choose_v evil_a the_o which_o if_o they_o have_v they_o be_v not_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o either_o as_o brute_n beast_n and_o senseless_a tree_n or_o else_o as_o god_n himself_o who_o only_o can_v be_v tempt_v with_o any_o evil_a so_o then_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o wicked_a angel_n and_o man_n kind_n fall_v from_o their_o first_o state_n be_v their_o own_o free_a will_n choose_v sin_n and_o refuse_v life_n offer_v by_o god_n but_o god_n be_v no_o other_o way_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o fall_n than_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o action_n in_o the_o world_n both_o good_a and_o evil_a namely_o in_o that_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o cause_n for_o in_o that_o he_o make_v the_o freewill_n of_o man_n he_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n make_v the_o fall_n which_o come_v of_o it_o &_o second_o in_o that_o he_o give_v a_o effectual_a occasion_n of_o it_o but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o question_n for_o we_o inquire_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n of_o this_o fall_n the_o whole_a matter_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v declar_v by_o this_o similitude_n a_o wise_a father_n purpose_v to_o let_v his_o son_n see_v his_o own_o wilfulness_n and_o intemperancy_n together_o with_o his_o love_n &_o fatherly_a affection_n towards_o he_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o make_v he_o fall_v into_o some_o mortal_a sickness_n out_o of_o the_o which_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v able_a to_o recover_v he_o this_o he_o will_v effect_v not_o by_o give_v he_o poison_n to_o drink_v for_o they_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n and_o bear_v the_o blame_n of_o that_o evil_a but_o by_o lay_v it_o in_o his_o way_n as_o it_o be_v a_o bait_n in_o some_o sweet_a meat_n which_o he_o know_v that_o his_o son_n love_v and_o will_v eat_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v it_o and_o lest_o that_o he_o shall_v plead_v ignorance_n and_o so_o avoid_v the_o blame_n of_o wilfulness_n he_o forewarn_v he_o of_o that_o kind_n of_o meat_n charge_v he_o very_o instant_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o as_o be_v unwholesome_a and_o hurtful_a unto_o he_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o tell_v he_o what_o he_o intend_v this_o young_a man_n come_v where_o this_o pleasant_a meat_n be_v remember_v his_o father_n counsel_n &_o commandment_n yet_o be_v by_o the_o entisement_n of_o evil_a companion_n and_o his_o own_o appetite_n move_v to_o eat_v of_o it_o persuade_v himself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o danger_n in_o it_o as_o his_o father_n will_v make_v he_o believe_v and_o therefore_o no_o cause_n he_o shall_v obey_v he_o in_o that_o matter_n so_o he_o eat_v of_o it_o and_o poyson_v himself_o now_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o both_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n have_v a_o hand_n and_o play_v their_o in_o this_o tragedy_n yet_o not_o the_o father_n who_o give_v the_o occasion_n only_o but_o the_o young_a man_n himself_o who_o do_v willing_o or_o rather_o wilful_o take_v that_o hurtful_a meat_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v &_o count_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_n in_o like_a manner_n god_n deal_v with_o man_n he_o decree_v his_o fall_n yet_o do_v not_o throw_v he_o down_o but_o only_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o his_o way_n he_o do_v not_o infect_v man_n with_o the_o poison_n of_o sin_n but_o put_v it_o into_o a_o goodly_a apple_n which_o he_o know_v that_o man_n will_v devour_v greedy_o whensoever_o occasion_n be_v offer_v this_o he_o do_v by_o forbid_a man_n to_o eat_v of_o that_o fruit_n by_o the_o which_o mean_n he_o make_v the_o eat_n of_o it_o to_o be_v sin_n that_o be_v deadly_a poison_n which_o otherwise_o be_v good_a and_o pleasant_a so_o then_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n fall_n so_o as_o he_o who_o lay_v a_o bait_n for_o fish_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o death_n he_o use_v no_o violence_n towards_o they_o but_o only_o suffer_v they_o to_o follow_v their_o natural_a appetite_n but_o satan_n who_o be_v the_o second_o actor_n play_v a_o far_o diverse_a part_n labour_v by_o promise_n pretence_n enticement_n persuasion_n and_o by_o all_o mean_v possible_a to_o bring_v man_n into_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n god_n sit_v still_o on_o the_o bank_n hold_v a_o angle_n rod_n in_o his_o hand_n with_o bait_n &_o hook_n hang_v at_o it_o wait_v till_o man_n come_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n and_o bite_v but_o satan_n pursue_v man_n up_o and_o
make_v a_o speidie_n gainful_a and_o happy_a voyage_n howsoever_o if_o that_o she_o chance_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o rock_n or_o to_o run_v upon_o some_o sand_n she_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n than_o if_o she_o have_v make_v less_o haste_n and_o bear_v a_o low_a sail_n so_o where_o the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o these_o affection_n be_v want_v there_o be_v as_o less_o danger_n in_o respect_n of_o sudden_a fall_n so_o less_o ability_n of_o aspire_v to_o any_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n for_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n want_v their_o sail_n or_o be_v be_v calm_v for_o want_v of_o wind_n often_o lie_v float_v up_o and_o dowen_v and_o do_v not_o make_v so_o evident_a or_o notable_a progress_n in_o their_o course_n of_o these_o renew_a affection_n the_o most_o notable_a be_v call_v love_n a_o affection_n so_o often_o commend_v unto_o we_o and_o so_o high_o extol_v in_o the_o scriripture_n as_o if_o it_o contain_v not_o one_o part_n only_o but_o even_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o create_a holiness_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n 14._o math._n 22_o 40._o 8._o rom._n 13._o 8._o and_o the_o one_o half_a of_o renew_a holiness_n the_o which_o be_v usual_o comprise_v in_o these_o two_o word_n 13._o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v say_v 1._o cor._n 13._o 13._o to_o be_v great_a than_o faith_n but_o that_o we_o give_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o to_o this_o affection_n than_o be_v due_a unto_o it_o this_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v that_o holiness_n whether_o create_v or_o recreate_v do_v not_o consist_v either_o in_o any_o one_o or_o in_o a_o few_o but_o in_o many_o grace_n amongst_o the_o which_o love_n have_v the_o first_o place_n assign_v unto_o it_o yea_o often_o the_o denomination_n either_o of_o the_o whole_a holiness_n of_o man_n or_o more_o common_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o all_o the_o practical_a faculty_n not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o only_a grace_n for_o there_o be_v many_o distinct_a grace_n even_o as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v distinct_a faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n require_v in_o perfect_a holiness_n or_o yet_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a grace_n for_o faith_n have_v the_o first_o place_n although_o in_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o so_o excellent_a as_o love_v which_o be_v a_o heroical_a grace_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o subject_n and_o groundwork_n not_o only_o of_o love_n but_o also_o of_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o of_o all_o holiness_n whether_o create_v or_o renew_v why_o then_o be_v love_n more_o speak_v of_o and_o inculcate_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o faith_n or_o any_o other_o grace_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v continual_o in_o endite_v the_o scripture_n respect_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n propound_v and_o commend_v unto_o they_o holiness_n not_o so_o much_o in_o gross_a and_o in_o general_a as_o in_o some_o particular_n which_o be_v more_o easy_o sure_o and_o certain_o conceive_v then_o the_o general_a in_o the_o which_o respect_n love_n be_v prefer_v before_o faith_n as_o be_v more_o evident_a apparent_a and_o sensible_a and_o therefore_o a_o more_o sure_a and_o infallible_a mark_n and_o note_n of_o general_a holiness_n the_o great_a appearance_n of_o love_n arise_v of_o these_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o whereas_o faith_n have_v relation_n to_o god_n only_o love_n extend_v itself_o both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n second_o where_o as_o faith_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n love_n be_v outward_a practical_a and_o therefore_o more_o apparent_a and_o sensible_a again_o love_n be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o practical_a grace_n because_o holiness_n consist_v as_o partly_o in_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o so_o chief_o in_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v to_o other_o namely_o to_o god_n and_o to_o man_n the_o which_o a_o man_n can_v perform_v as_o he_o ought_v unless_o he_o bear_v a_o love_n and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n of_o the_o good_a both_o of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n thus_o much_o of_o love_n in_o general_n the_o particular_n of_o it_o be_v these_o first_o the_o regenerate_a man_n love_v god_n above_o all_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n desire_v his_o good_a in_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o glory_n much_o more_o than_o his_o own_o salvation_n from_o the_o which_o fountain_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n spring_v the_o love_n of_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o godly_a who_o be_v renew_v according_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o justice_n 3._o psal._n 16._o 3._o all_o my_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o holy_a one_o which_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n and_o cheiflie_n in_o those_o which_o excel_v in_o virtue_n this_o love_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v a_o infallible_a sign_n of_o true_a regeneration_n and_o of_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n namely_o whenas_o a_o man_n love_v a_o other_o hearty_o and_o vehement_o even_o as_o it_o be_v his_o own_o natural_a son_n or_o brother_n for_o this_o cause_n only_o he_o be_v otherwise_o astraunger_n unto_o he_o for_o that_o he_o see_v in_o he_o manifest_a sign_n and_o argument_n of_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a godliness_n 1._o joh._n 3._o 14._o 14_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n 35._o because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o joh._n 13._o 35._o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o other_o fountain_n of_o love_n namely_o self-love_n the_o which_o also_o have_v place_n in_o the_o regenerate_a although_o in_o a_o other_o manner_n then_o in_o carnal_a man_n for_o they_o love_v themselves_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o they_o love_v god_n more_o by_o infinite_a degree_n and_o their_o brethren_n as_o themselves_o again_o they_o do_v not_o show_v or_o use_v this_o self-love_n in_o provide_v earthly_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n for_o their_o body_n but_o in_o procure_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v and_o aught_o to_o love_v themselves_o more_o than_o they_o do_v any_o other_o yea_o to_o be_v more_o careful_a for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o their_o own_o body_n and_o soul_n then_o of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o their_o brethren_n yet_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o equal_a comparison_n for_o a_o faithful_a man_n ought_v not_o to_o love_v his_o own_o body_n and_o to_o desire_v the_o safety_n thereof_o more_o than_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o his_o brother_n the_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v procure_v yea_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o own_o temporal_a life_n joh._n 3._o 16._o 16._o as_o christ_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o our_o brethren_n yet_o a_o man_n need_v not_o deprive_v himself_o of_o life_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o temporal_a life_n of_o his_o brother_n be_v a_o private_a man_n nor_o of_o eternal_a life_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o his_o eternal_a salvation_n if_o any_o man_n do_v here_o object_v the_o example_n of_o moses_n &_o paul_n of_o who_o the_o one_o desire_v to_o have_v his_o name_n blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o other_o to_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o jew_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o to_o be_v consider_v not_o simple_o as_o man_n but_o as_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n the_o confusion_n whereof_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o god_n glory_n the_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v procure_v even_o with_o the_o eternal_a confusion_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n if_o the_o case_n do_v so_o require_v for_o so_o moses_n allege_v that_o if_o god_n do_v destroy_v his_o own_o people_n the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v spiteful_a enemy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n will_v laugh_v at_o their_o destruction_n and_o blaspheme_n god_n himself_o and_o so_o we_o can_v doubt_n but_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v wonderful_o enlarge_v by_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v more_o desire_v than_o our_o own_o salvation_n from_o this_o fountain_n of_o self_n love_v flow_v the_o afore_o say_a stream_n of_o special_a love_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a man_n be_v affect_v more_o to_o those_o who_o do_v any_o way_n come_v near_o himself_o then_o to_o those_o who_o be_v estrange_v from_o he_o this_o partial_a love_n be_v good_a and_o lawful_a for_o why_o shall_v not_o man_n incline_v and_o cleave_v more_o to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v join_v more_o near_o unto_o he_o hence_o come_v the_o special_a love_n due_a to_o parent_n which_o can_v be_v want_v but_o in_o he_o
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
a_o treatise_n of_o the_o threefold_a state_n of_o man_n wherein_o be_v handle_v 1_o his_o create_a holiness_n in_o his_o innocence_n 2_o his_o sinfulness_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n 3_o his_o renew_a holiness_n in_o his_o regeneration_n ephes._n 4._o 22._o 23._o 24._o 2_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o christ_n to_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n corrupt_v according_a to_o the_o lust_n of_o error_n 3_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n 1_o which_o be_v create_v according_a to_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o truth_n print_a at_o london_n for_o robert_n dexter_n and_o ralph_n jackeson_n 1596._o to_o the_o godly_a wise_a and_o virtuous_a lady_n the_o lady_n elizabeth_n cary_n wife_n to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a sir_n robert_n cary_n knight_n temporal_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o the_o writing_n and_o publish_v of_o book_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n so_o the_o intitul_a or_o dedicate_a of_o they_o right_a worshipful_a lady_n to_o some_o notable_a personage_n in_o particular_a be_v ground_v upon_o many_o just_a cause_n and_o great_a commodity_n which_o it_o bring_v commend_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o warrant_v by_o pregnant_a example_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o both_o the_o favour_n of_o man_n whereby_o the_o build_n of_o god_n church_n be_v great_o further_v be_v procure_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o proffessour_n of_o it_o and_o also_o their_o grace_n virtue_n and_o christian_a life_n not_o only_o crown_v with_o due_a and_o deserve_a praise_n a_o thing_n righteous_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n yea_o a_o notable_a encouragement_n and_o spur_n to_o good_a work_n and_o therefore_o careful_o perform_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n rom._n 16._o and_o 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myself_o who_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n astraunger_n in_o those_o part_n know_v not_o much_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o they_o know_v in_o diverse_a of_o my_o friend_n for_o who_o good_a i_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o rejoice_v and_o to_o give_v your_o ladyship_n hearty_a thanks_n for_o great_a favour_n show_v unto_o they_o yea_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o many_o in_o that_o country_n the_o good_a whereof_o especial_o we_o intend_v in_o this_o action_n will_v to_o let_v other_o reason_n pass_v even_o for_o that_o love_n which_o they_o bear_v unto_o you_o more_o hearty_o favour_n and_o more_o willing_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o peruse_v this_o treatise_n neither_o do_v i_o doubt_v but_o that_o god_n will_v accomplish_v that_o notable_a work_n which_o he_o have_v begin_v in_o you_o and_o by_o your_o mean_n &_o so_o enlarge_v that_o fountain_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o he_o have_v put_v into_o your_o heart_n that_o the_o stream_n thereof_o shall_v overflow_v that_o dry_a and_o barren_a country_n and_o water_n that_o tender_a plant_n of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n so_o late_o set_v and_o so_o seldom_o to_o be_v see_v in_o it_o yea_o refresh_v the_o bowel_n and_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o that_o fear_v god_n consider_v that_o for_o the_o effect_n hereof_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o you_o many_o singular_a mean_n which_o he_o have_v deny_v unto_o other_o of_o his_o servant_n as_o namely_o worldly_a honour_n and_o power_n the_o which_o meeting_n with_o the_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o glory_n do_v as_o a_o mighty_a gale_n of_o wind_n set_v forward_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o speedy_a and_o happy_a course_n purchase_v unto_o it_o friendly_a entertainemet_v and_o favour_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o many_o who_o otherwise_o will_v perhaps_o not_o great_o regard_v it_o for_o then_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v most_o flourish_a when_o as_o king_n and_o queen_n lord_n and_o lady_n and_o all_o degree_n of_o 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so_o much_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o forget_v and_o offend_v your_o modesty_n the_o most_o proper_a and_o precious_a jewel_n of_o your_o sex_n only_o i_o desire_v god_n to_o increase_v this_o and_o all_o other_o his_o good_a grace_n in_o you_o and_o so_o to_o guide_v you_o by_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o your_o life_n that_o they_o who_o have_v occasion_n to_o try_v may_v have_v good_a cause_n to_o say_v as_o the_o prophet_n david_n do_v of_o and_o to_o abigal_n 1._o sam._n 26._o 33._o bless_a be_v thy_o wisdom_n you_o know_v the_o story_n thus_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v tedious_a and_o troublesome_a unto_o you_o i_o commend_v this_o silly_a present_n to_o your_o gentle_a acceptation_n &_o your_o ladyship_n to_o the_o gracious_a protection_n of_o god_n write_a in_o cambridge_n this_o thirty_o of_o march_n in_o the_o year_n of_o grace_n reveal_v 1596._o your_o ladyship_n to_o be_v command_v in_o all_o duetifulnesse_n thomas_n morton_n to_o the_o reader_n increase_n of_o all_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o everlasting_a peace_n we_o do_v here_o offer_v to_o thy_o christian_n consideration_n and_o courteous_a entertainment_n gentle_a reader_n a_o rude_a description_n of_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o man_n the_o which_o if_o perhaps_o thou_o desire_v to_o have_v for_o shortness_n plainness_n memory_n and_o fashion_n sake_n comprise_v in_o some_o one_o memorable_a word_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v term_v adam_n in_o who_o only_o all_o these_o three_o estate_n do_v concur_v and_o may_v be_v see_v or_o a_o anatomy_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o matter_n of_o all_o other_o most_o needful_a to_o be_v know_v and_o learn_v yea_o most_o worthy_a to_o be_v handle_v explain_v dilate_a and_o illustrate_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n it_o be_v that_o
moral_a law_n and_o therefore_o it_o belong_v to_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n this_o the_o heathen_a orator_n witness_v say_v all_o they_o who_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o any_o other_o do_v fear_n for_o although_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o their_o love_n and_o mercy_n yea_o of_o their_o own_o innocency_n yet_o they_o do_v consider_v not_o only_o what_o they_o will_v do_v but_o also_o what_o they_o may_v do_v the_o second_o cause_n of_o this_o fear_n be_v the_o surpass_a and_o incomprehensible_a glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n the_o which_o be_v full_o reveal_v have_v force_n not_o only_o to_o astonishe_v and_o amaze_v but_o also_o to_o confound_v and_o consume_v any_o creature_n whatsoever_o yea_o although_o the_o say_a creature_n be_v not_o stain_v with_o sin_n and_o so_o not_o subject_a to_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n for_o even_o as_o a_o brittle_a glass_n be_v fill_v with_o some_o extreme_a strong_a liquor_n can_v but_o burst_v in_o sunder_o not_o because_o of_o any_o antipathy_n which_o be_v betwixt_o they_o but_o because_o the_o glass_n be_v not_o of_o sufficient_a strength_n to_o contain_v the_o liquor_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o creature_n when_o god_n do_v appear_v in_o perfect_a glory_n in_o regard_n whereof_o the_o angel_n themselves_o be_v say_v to_o cover_v their_o face_n lest_o they_o shall_v behold_v it_o 2_o how_o much_o more_o than_o have_v man_n who_o be_v but_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o who_o life_n be_v in_o his_o nostril_n just_a cause_n of_o fear_n yea_o the_o brute_n beast_n and_o senseless_a creature_n themselves_o who_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v sin_n be_v say_v to_o be_v affect_v with_o this_o fear_n of_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o god_n 29._o thus_o we_o read_v psal._n 29._o the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n show_v itself_o forth_o in_o power_n and_o glory_n do_v break_v the_o cedar_n of_o libanus_n it_o make_v they_o skip_v like_o young_a calf_n yea_o it_o make_v the_o desert_n to_o quake_v the_o hind_n to_o calf_n the_o mountain_n to_o smoke_n and_o in_o brief_a all_o creature_n what_o soever_o to_o melt_v away_o before_o his_o face_n and_o thus_o do_v man_n fear_n god_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n for_o although_o he_o have_v daily_a conversation_n with_o god_n yet_o he_o know_v that_o as_o a_o vessel_n of_o glass_n clay_n or_o any_o brittle_a matter_n often_o meet_v with_o vessel_n of_o brass_n or_o iron_n may_v easy_o get_v a_o knock_n and_o so_o be_v break_v to_o shiver_n so_o may_v he_o be_v confound_v by_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n if_o god_n do_v at_o any_o time_n reveal_v the_o same_o full_o unto_o he_o three_o man_n be_v in_o his_o first_o state_n have_v just_a cause_n to_o fear_n god_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o mutability_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v overcome_v with_o some_o temptation_n and_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o will_n which_o may_v easy_o forsake_v god_n and_o embrace_v evil_a by_o the_o which_o mean_n he_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o to_o eternal_a death_n but_o also_o displease_v and_o dishonour_n god_n who_o have_v show_v himself_o so_o love_v and_o bountiful_a a_o father_n and_o creator_n unto_o he_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o fear_n now_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o use_n of_o it_o first_o it_o serve_v as_o a_o bridle_n to_o restrain_v man_n from_o fall_v from_o god_n by_o disobedience_n for_o although_o man_n in_o this_o holy_a estate_n do_v obey_v god_n more_o for_o love_n then_o for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n yet_o it_o please_v god_n to_o use_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o keep_v he_o from_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o propound_v not_o only_o the_o reward_n of_o life_n to_o his_o obedience_n but_o also_o the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a death_n to_o his_o disobedience_n whensoever_o it_o shall_v happen_v as_o we_o read_v gen._n 2._o 17._o 17._o in_o the_o day_n wherein_o thou_o shall_v eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a thou_o shall_v incontinent_o die_v second_o this_o fear_n serve_v to_o keep_v man_n as_o from_o sin_n so_o from_o all_o presumptuous_a bold_a &_o undecent_a behaviour_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n for_o we_o know_v as_o it_o be_v common_o say_v familiar_a conversation_n will_v easy_o breed_v contempt_n last_o man_n be_v by_o this_o fear_n put_v in_o mind_n and_o make_v to_o acknowledge_v as_o the_o baseness_n infirmity_n &_o mutability_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n so_o also_o the_o infinite_a power_n authority_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n sect._n 2._o of_o the_o want_n of_o fear_n the_o three_o head_n of_o man_n rebellion_n be_v the_o want_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a fear_n of_o god_n for_o since_o the_o fall_n man_n have_v no_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o power_n might_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n fear_n or_o yet_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n as_o he_o have_v before_o but_o conceive_v amiss_o both_o of_o god_n and_o of_o himself_o but_o what_o marvel_n be_v it_o that_o man_n do_v not_o fear_n in_o consideration_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o mutability_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o may_v fall_v into_o sin_n when_o as_o he_o fear_v not_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o his_o eternal_a anger_n due_a unto_o himself_o for_o sin_n already_o commit_v for_o if_o man_n in_o his_o innocence_n have_v just_a cause_n of_o fear_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v how_o much_o more_o ought_v he_o be_v sinful_a for_o if_o he_o be_v righteous_a be_v scarslie_o save_v how_o shall_v he_o now_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o yet_o man_n in_o this_o sinful_a state_n have_v although_o great_a cause_n of_o fear_n â—et_o less_o fear_n than_o he_o have_v before_o yea_o in_o truth_n â—one_n at_o all_o but_o be_v benumb_v with_o a_o senseless_a security_n have_v no_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n nor_o fear_v of_o punishment_n for_o sin_n commit_v neither_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o god_n this_o appear_v â—oth_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n as_o namely_o rom._n 3._o 18._o 18._o where_o a_o carnal_a â—an_v be_v describe_v by_o this_o note_n that_o he_o have_v 〈◊〉_d fear_n of_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n as_o also_o by_o â—ayly_a experience_n which_o show_v we_o that_o â—ery_o few_o in_o the_o world_n do_v in_o their_o action_n regard_n whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a whether_o please_v or_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o so_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o which_o will_v bring_v upon_o the_o doer_n some_o heavy_a judgement_n or_o no_o whereas_o if_o man_n heart_n be_v possess_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n they_o will_v think_v he_o to_o be_v always_o present_a with_o they_o and_o to_o behold_v their_o do_n and_o so_o they_o will_v be_v both_o restrain_v from_o evil_a and_o prick_v forward_o to_o do_v good_a but_o we_o see_v it_o to_o be_v far_o otherwise_o for_o in_o commit_v sin_n man_n think_v that_o they_o be_v safe_a and_o all_o be_v well_o if_o they_o can_v do_v it_o so_o secret_o as_o that_o they_o may_v avoid_v the_o shame_n slander_n reproach_n and_o anger_n of_o man_n together_o with_o the_o punishment_n prescribe_v by_o humane_a law_n but_o we_o need_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o enlarge_n of_o this_o point_n which_o be_v so_o manifest_a sect._n 3_o of_o renew_a fear_n the_o three_o head_n of_o renew_a subjection_n be_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n the_o which_o be_v a_o singular_a grace_n and_o have_v great_a use_n in_o regeneration_n howsoever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o fight_v with_o faith_n and_o hope_n morâ—_n than_o it_o do_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n see_v that_o the_o faithful_a can_v not_o loose_v that_o holy_a and_o happy_a state_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v and_o therefore_o need_v not_o fear_v any_o evil_n fear_n be_v not_o only_o happy_a but_o also_o sure_a to_o continue_v so_o for_o ever_o to_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o although_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n can_v stand_v with_o perfect_a faith_n and_o hope_n whereby_o life_n and_o happiness_n be_v certain_o expect_v yea_o although_o the_o faithful_a need_v not_o fear_v the_o mutability_n and_o freedom_n of_o will_n be_v certain_a of_o their_o final_a perseverance_n in_o faith_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o cause_n by_o the_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v move_v to_o fear_v god_n hither_o we_o be_v to_o refer_v the_o cause_n of_o fear_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n whereof_o the_o most_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o more_o force_n to_o move_v the_o faithful_a to_o fear_n god_n than_o they_o be_v to_o man_n in_o his_o pure_a estate_n for_o shall_v man_n
sin_n be_v thereto_o carry_v by_o the_o force_n of_o temptation_n as_o in_o a_o great_a tempest_n by_o a_o mighty_a gale_n of_o wind_n before_o they_o can_v be_v think_v themselves_o what_o they_o be_v about_o to_o do_v or_o what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o it_o whereof_o it_o come_v that_o this_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n stay_v itself_o in_o one_o or_o a_o few_o action_n do_v not_o necessary_o argue_v any_o inward_a want_n of_o the_o contrary_a grace_n or_o any_o inward_a decrease_n of_o holiness_n either_o go_v before_o or_o follow_v after_o because_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v into_o it_o as_o of_o a_o sudden_a before_o he_o be_v aware_a and_o immediate_o recover_v his_o former_a station_n by_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_n either_o david_n void_a of_o continency_n for_o that_o adultery_n commit_v with_o berseba_n or_o peter_n to_o have_v want_v faith_n because_o he_o do_v at_o one_o time_n renounce_v the_o faith_n or_o noah_n to_o have_v be_v a_o intemperate_a person_n because_o he_o be_v once_o drink_v no_o more_o than_o we_o be_v to_o think_v he_o a_o weak_a man_n who_o stumble_v by_o chance_n at_o a_o block_n lie_v in_o his_o way_n and_o yet_o do_v straight_o way_n save_o himself_o from_o fall_v yea_o sudden_a sin_n may_v be_v with_o great_a grace_n than_o they_o have_v who_o be_v free_a from_o the_o aforesaid_a sin_n of_o noah_n lot_n david_n peter_n be_v far_o inferior_a in_o holiness_n to_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o seruamt_n of_o god_n to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a and_o free_a as_o from_o the_o least_o and_o most_o secret_a sin_n so_o especial_o from_o open_a &_o gross_a sin_n and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o by_o they_o they_o dishonour_v god_n his_o religion_n worship_n and_o name_n open_v the_o mouth_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n to_o blaspheme_v his_o holy_a name_n the_o which_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o grievous_a and_o bitter_a unto_o they_o then_o a_o thousand_o death_n and_o torment_n second_o they_o provoke_v god_n to_o lay_v some_o fearful_a punishment_n upon_o they_o who_o howsoever_o he_o suffer_v the_o reprobate_a one_o to_o go_v on_o all_o their_o life_n time_n in_o sin_n yet_o he_o never_o suffer_v any_o notorious_a sin_n of_o his_o servant_n to_o go_v unpunished_a three_o they_o wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o god_n heavy_a iudgmente_n holiness_n they_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n against_o who_o will_n they_o commite_v that_o sin_n they_o offend_v their_o brethren_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v if_o not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o that_o special_a grace_n wherewith_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v restrain_v from_o sin_n yet_o but_o weak_a christian_n in_o that_o respect_n as_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o judge_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o peter_n the_o continency_n of_o david_n the_o temperance_n of_o noah_n be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o fall_n but_o weak_a howsoever_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o other_o grace_n last_o one_o heinous_a sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v because_o usual_o it_o draw_v more_o after_o it_o for_o when_o as_o a_o man_n have_v once_o take_v a_o taste_n of_o sin_n and_o feel_v the_o sensual_a sweetness_n of_o it_o he_o be_v far_o more_o easy_o draw_v to_o it_o than_o he_o be_v before_o and_o so_o he_o go_v from_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o the_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n to_o the_o second_o namely_o to_o a_o habit_n of_o some_o one_o sin_n or_o the_o want_n of_o some_o particular_a grace_n the_o which_o appear_v by_o the_o often_o commit_v and_o iterate_v of_o the_o same_o sin_n yea_o after_o that_o the_o faithful_a man_n have_v often_o by_o repentance_n labour_v to_o purge_v himself_o from_o that_o sin_n and_o by_o prayer_n to_o obtain_v the_o contrary_a grace_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n this_o decrease_n also_o have_v sometime_o place_n in_o a_o man_n true_o regenerate_v especial_o in_o that_o kind_n of_o sin_n whereunto_o he_o be_v either_o by_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o his_o body_n and_o mind_n or_o a_o evil_a custom_n get_v before_o his_o conversion_n natural_o incline_v whether_o it_o be_v pride_n anger_n covetousness_n or_o any_o other_o sin_n but_o as_o it_o be_v far_o more_o grievous_a than_o the_o first_o degree_n so_o it_o be_v with_o great_a care_n to_o be_v avoid_v for_o it_o double_v and_o triple_v the_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n the_o offence_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o reproach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o corrosive_a of_o a_o gnaw_a conscience_n and_o last_o it_o make_v a_o ready_a way_n for_o high_a degree_n of_o decrease_n to_o wit_n the_o habit_n of_o diverse_a sin_n the_o want_n of_o many_o particular_a grace_n and_o so_o to_o the_o high_a and_o most_o fearful_a degree_n which_o be_v a_o general_a decrease_n of_o holiness_n which_o be_v now_o brief_o to_o be_v declare_v where_o first_o we_o be_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o general_a and_o a_o total_a decrease_n a_o general_a decrease_n be_v when_o all_o the_o part_n of_o renew_a holiness_n and_o of_o spiritual_a grace_n receive_v be_v diminish_v but_o a_o total_a decrease_n be_v a_o utter_a decay_n of_o holiness_n as_o whereby_o nothing_o be_v leave_v this_o can_v not_o happen_v to_o any_o one_o who_o be_v true_o regenerate_v who_o in_o the_o great_a extremity_n and_o depth_n of_o his_o fall_n retain_v some_o relic_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o of_o grace_n receive_v yea_o somelife_o of_o faith_n whereby_o he_o live_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n howsoever_o he_o be_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n and_o even_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n a_o dead_a rot_a stock_n even_o as_o we_o know_v that_o the_o tree_n have_v heat_n and_o life_n in_o their_o root_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o cold_a and_o sharp_a winter_n yea_o as_o many_o beast_n lie_v all_o the_o winter_n long_o in_o hole_n of_o the_o earth_n without_o eat_v drink_v stir_v or_o have_v any_o jot_n of_o heat_n sense_n or_o life_n in_o any_o of_o their_o outward_a part_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o remnant_n of_o life_n and_o of_o heat_n lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v in_o summer_n stir_v uppe_o do_v revine_a the_o beast_n so_o that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o go_v or_o run_v up_o and_o down_o and_o to_o perform_v all_o natural_a action_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o do_v before_o this_o christ_n do_v plain_o teach_v joh._n 4._o 14._o 14._o saying_n whosoever_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o that_o be_v whosoever_o believe_v in_o i_o as_o it_o be_v expound_v john_n 7._o 38_o shall_v never_o be_v more_o a_o thirst_n 38._o but_o the_o water_n that_o i_o will_v give_v he_o shall_v be_v in_o he_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n 9_o and_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o total_o for_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o fall_v clean_o away_o from_o god_n because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n yet_o a_o man_n regenerate_v may_v decrease_v not_o only_o in_o one_o in_o a_o few_o or_o in_o many_o grace_n but_o also_o general_o in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n this_o decrease_n of_o renew_a holiness_n be_v of_o two_o kind_n for_o as_o of_o bodily_a disease_n some_o begin_v at_o the_o hart_n which_o be_v the_o root_n and_o fountain_n of_o life_n in_o the_o body_n and_o so_o spread_v themselves_o over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n other_o have_v their_o beginning_n in_o some_o outward_a and_o inferior_a part_n and_o pierce_v in_o till_o that_o they_o come_v to_o the_o heart_n so_o of_o these_o general_n decrease_v of_o holiness_n which_o be_v as_o grievous_a disease_n of_o the_o soul_n some_o begin_v at_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o root_n and_o fountain_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o so_o have_v stop_v the_o fountain_n do_v easy_o dry_v up_o the_o stream_n issue_v from_o it_o other_o begin_v at_o the_o mean_a and_o base_a part_n of_o sanctification_n and_o so_o first_o kill_v the_o fruit_n than_o the_o branch_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o tree_n till_o at_o length_n they_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o root_n itself_o both_o these_o way_n do_v sathan_n use_v to_o destroy_v this_o wonderful_a work_n of_o regeneration_n wrought_v in_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o first_o way_n be_v the_o near_a and_o ready_a for_o if_o faith_n once_o fail_v all_o holiness_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n whereas_o faith_n may_v stand_v in_o some_o sort_n although_o most_o of_o the_o