life_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o bare_a and_o naked_a profession_n or_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o deed_n and_o action_n when_o as_o every_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n lurk_v inward_o in_o the_o heart_n send_v forth_o fruit_n in_o life_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o it_o for_o as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o our_o body_n both_o in_o the_o whole_a and_o also_o in_o the_o several_a part_n and_o member_n of_o they_o that_o the_o more_o they_o be_v exercise_v the_o more_o they_o be_v both_o confirm_v in_o strength_n and_o augment_v in_o quantity_n and_o contrarilie_o the_o more_o they_o cease_v from_o perform_v their_o natural_a function_n the_o less_o able_a they_o be_v to_o perform_v they_o yea_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v littlâ—_n and_o weak_a even_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o grace_n whereof_o as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o put_v in_o practice_n in_o the_o do_n of_o of_o good_a work_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o christian_a duty_n so_o they_o do_v either_o increase_n or_o decay_v for_o example_n a_o christian_n be_v diligent_a in_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o love_n towards_o his_o brethren_n he_o impart_v his_o good_n and_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o relieve_n of_o their_o necessity_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o their_o want_n this_o christian_a by_o this_o mean_n increase_v love_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n by_o give_v he_o become_v more_o liberal_a by_o show_v mercy_n on_o the_o distress_a more_o pitiful_a the_o more_o he_o give_v to_o his_o brethren_n of_o his_o temporal_a good_n the_o more_o he_o get_v to_o himself_o of_o spiritual_a love_n the_o more_o we_o suffer_v affliction_n the_o more_o we_o learn_v patience_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o five_o to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o eight_o verse_n that_o he_o learned_a patience_n by_o his_o suffering_n and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o fifthe_o to_o the_o roman_n that_o affliction_n work_v patience_n the_o more_o the_o body_n be_v tame_v and_o keep_v under_o by_o fast_v &_o such_o other_o mean_n the_o more_o the_o soul_n be_v strengthen_v and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o all_o other_o grace_n foâ—_n by_o practiâ—e_n they_o be_v keep_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o want_n of_o practice_n they_o be_v diminish_v and_o lose_v whereby_o it_o appear_v how_o necessary_a good_a work_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o as_o they_o take_v their_o be_v from_o inward_a grace_n so_o they_o give_v back_o again_o unto_o they_o strength_n and_o increase_v thus_o christ_n mat._n 7._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a builder_n make_v the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n even_o that_o without_o the_o which_o it_o can_v stand_v and_o continue_v but_o will_v decay_v by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o at_o length_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n in_o like_a manner_n paul_n 1._o tim._n 6.17_o make_v good_a work_n the_o foundation_n of_o godliness_n although_o in_o truth_n and_o in_o proper_a speech_n it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o and_o jam._n 1.22_o be_v you_o not_o only_a hearer_n but_o also_o doer_n of_o the_o law_n otherwise_o you_o deceyve_v yourselves_o for_o that_o all_o your_o religion_n will_v soon_o vanish_v away_o and_o come_v to_o nought_o for_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v lose_v by_o idleness_n as_o they_o be_v strengthen_v by_o use_n and_o labour_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o good_a work_n howsoever_o little_o esteem_v by_o many_o and_o seldom_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o life_n of_o any_o have_v a_o necessary_a and_o notable_a use_n in_o this_o spiritual_a diet._n and_o sure_o whosoever_o consider_v the_o life_n and_o profession_n of_o many_o christian_n yea_o even_o of_o those_o of_o who_o we_o be_v to_o think_v no_o otherwise_o but_o that_o they_o be_v true_o endue_v with_o faith_n how_o fruitless_a and_o altogether_o barren_a of_o good_a work_n they_o be_v need_v not_o marvel_v why_o most_o man_n either_o decrease_n or_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n in_o godliness_n but_o may_v easy_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v lose_v for_o want_n of_o use_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_a duty_n for_o now_o a_o day_n christians_n be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a pleasure_n content_v themselves_o with_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o christian_a duty_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n as_o be_v prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n lead_v a_o unblameable_a life_n but_o as_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o cost_n the_o impair_n of_o our_o worldly_a state_n and_o diminish_v of_o our_o earthly_a pleasure_n these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n but_o clean_o lay_v aside_o as_o thing_n of_o no_o necessity_n nor_o of_o any_o great_a use_n in_o regard_n of_o salvation_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o more_o they_o be_v neglect_v the_o more_o the_o grace_n from_o the_o which_o they_o shall_v proceed_v be_v diminish_v for_o as_o good_a child_n be_v to_o their_o parent_n so_o good_a work_n be_v to_o inward_a grace_n they_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v they_o as_o they_o come_v from_o they_o and_o so_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o both_o as_o cause_n and_o as_o effect_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o good_a work_n we_o will_v brief_o consider_v in_o how_o many_o other_o respect_v they_o be_v good_a and_o needful_a sect._n 15._o the_o first_o motive_n and_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o good_a work_n be_v the_o set_v forth_o of_o god_n glory_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n weâ—_n be_v both_o create_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o recreated_a in_o regeneration_n 1_o cor._n 6.20_o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n therefore_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o be_v go_n for_o that_o god_n be_v great_o glorify_v by_o our_o good_a work_n we_o know_v both_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o common_a reason_n mat._n 5.16_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o see_v your_o work_n may_v glorify_v your_o father_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o joh._n 15.8_o herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n and_o become_v my_o disciple_n and_o 1._o pet._n 2.12_o have_v your_o conversation_n honest_a among_o thâ—_n gentile_n that_o they_o behold_v your_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o visitation_n yea_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n itself_o for_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v not_o evil_a or_o unjust_a or_o any_o approver_n of_o evil_a but_o of_o purity_n justice_n uprightness_n and_o goodness_n again_o by_o obey_v god_n commandment_n we_o show_v and_o profess_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o we_o acknowledge_v love_n and_o fear_v he_o that_o we_o believe_v his_o word_n promise_n and_o threaten_n that_o we_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o whereas_o by_o neglect_v those_o christian_a duty_n which_o god_n require_v we_o show_v indeed_o whatsoever_o we_o profess_v in_o word_n that_o we_o make_v small_a reckon_n of_o he_o or_o of_o his_o word_n second_o we_o ought_v to_o abound_v in_o all_o good_a work_n that_o so_o we_o may_v give_v both_o to_o other_o and_o also_o to_o get_v to_o our_o own_o conscience_n many_o argument_n and_o pledge_n of_o true_a regeneration_n the_o which_o can_v be_v know_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o shall_v we_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o say_v that_o good_a work_n be_v some_o cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o be_v in_o part_n the_o matter_n of_o our_o justification_n it_o be_v not_o good_a or_o lawful_a to_o speak_v or_o lie_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n or_o to_o persuade_v good_a work_n by_o a_o untruth_n yet_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o look_v what_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o renew_a holiness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n so_o much_o may_v and_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o good_a work_n which_o be_v a_o part_n thereof_o to_o wit_n the_o holiness_n of_o the_o outward_a action_n for_o holiness_n be_v exercise_v by_o good_a work_n especial_o by_o those_o which_o be_v most_o costly_a and_o troublesome_a unto_o us._n for_o whosoever_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o his_o temporal_a commodity_n he_o do_v it_o in_o all_o likelihood_n in_o some_o spiritual_a respect_n and_o for_o conscience_n
world_n above_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o beneath_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o stranger_n at_o home_n most_o ignorant_a of_o the_o own_o estate_n as_o the_o manifold_a doubt_n controversy_n and_o contention_n which_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n trouble_v the_o head_n school_n and_o book_n not_o only_o of_o philosopher_n but_o also_o of_o learned_a divine_n about_o the_o original_a creation_n substance_n infusion_n infection_n or_o corruption_n and_o separation_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v plain_o testify_v yea_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nothing_o be_v so_o unknown_a to_o man_n himself_o as_o that_o which_o both_o of_o itself_o and_o to_o all_o other_o be_v most_o apparent_a and_o conspicuous_a as_o be_v the_o spot_n in_o a_o man_n face_n to_o wit_n the_o want_n infirmity_n and_o enormity_n of_o it_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o reason_n of_o that_o self_n love_n engrave_v by_o nature_n in_o man_n and_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o he_o be_v better_a affect_v towards_o himself_o they_o to_o any_o other_o thing_n so_o the_o judgement_n follow_v affection_n he_o think_v better_a of_o himself_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v be_v unwilling_a to_o hear_v and_o unable_a to_o conceive_v any_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o himself_o especial_o of_o his_o soul_n wherein_o his_o excellency_n do_v consist_v and_o therefore_o as_o philosopher_n know_v that_o man_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o vice_n set_v this_o precept&_n precept&_n nosce_fw-la seipsum_fw-la in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o moral_a institution_n so_o the_o first_o lesson_n which_o a_o divine_a be_v to_o teach_v and_o a_o christian_n to_o learn_v be_v this_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o thy_o soul_n whereof_o of_o thyself_o thou_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a and_o sure_o so_o it_o be_v for_o although_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v so_o whole_o infect_v with_o the_o leprosy_n of_o sin_n that_o there_o be_v no_o clean_a part_n or_o piece_n from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o toe_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o seem_v to_o itself_o most_o pure_a beautiful_a and_o glorious_a as_o by_o the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o perfect_a inherent_a righteousness_n justification_n by_o work_n merit_n of_o pure_a natural_n &_o free_a will_n do_v plain_o appear_v revel_v 3.17_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o be_o enrich_v the_o one_o by_o nature_n the_o other_o by_o freewill_n and_o industry_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o that_o thou_o be_v wretched_a miserable_a poor_a blind_a and_o naked_a these_o be_v the_o opinion_n &_o conceit_n which_o all_o man_n have_v of_o themselves_o think_v far_o better_a of_o themselves_o in_o every_o respect_v they_o they_o shall_v do_v yea_o the_o error_n before_o name_v as_o they_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n so_o they_o have_v place_n common_o in_o most_o if_o not_o general_o in_o all_o carnal_a man_n who_o howsoever_o perhaps_o for_o company_n and_o fashion_n sake_n they_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o contrary_a truth_n yet_o in_o their_o mind_n they_o hold_v the_o purity_n of_o man_n nature_n think_v it_o no_o more_o corrupt_a than_o it_o be_v create_v by_o god_n &_o then_o it_o be_v in_o adam_n during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o innocence_n yea_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o show_v how_o possible_o either_o his_o nature_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v or_o his_o corruption_n derive_v to_o his_o posterity_n yea_o think_v it_o to_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a nature_n or_o little_a inferior_a or_o different_a from_o it_o whereof_o it_o come_v that_o they_o do_v so_o usual_o resemble_v the_o divine_a nature_n unto_o it_o honour_v fear_v worship_v trust_v &_o invocate_a it_o as_o god_n yea_o ascribe_v to_o it_o what_o soever_o be_v glorious_a in_o god_n make_v saint_n of_o sinful_a man_n &_o god_n of_o saint_n whereas_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o only_o not_o most_o excellent_a but_o even_o very_a base_a and_o mean_a not_o only_o corrupt_v in_o sinfulness_n but_o even_o filthy_a and_o loathsome_a not_o weak_a or_o sick_a but_o dead_a and_o rot_a not_o happy_a but_o of_o all_o nature_n if_o we_o except_o the_o the_o devil_n &_o his_o angel_n the_o most_o wretched_a &_o woeful_a likewise_o for_o outward_a action_n he_o think_v that_o those_o work_n which_o have_v any_o show_n of_o goodness_n although_o they_o be_v never_o so_o imperfect_a corrupt_a and_o hypocritical_a be_v meritorious_a before_o god_n yea_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a price_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n both_o for_o himself_o &_o also_o for_o other_o for_o mean_v &_o ordinary_a sin_n he_o think_v they_o venial_a &_o light_a offence_n not_o to_o be_v account_v or_o avoid_v his_o good_a meaning_n be_v as_o good_a as_o perfect_a holiness_n his_o own_o righteousness_n perfect_a and_o absolute_a yea_o this_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o their_o own_o estate_n appear_v even_o in_o the_o natural_a gift_n of_o man_n who_o usual_o judge_v themselves_o of_o all_o other_o the_o witty_a most_o wise_a and_o most_o worthy_a of_o honour_n although_o there_o be_v no_o such_o cause_n yea_o although_o they_o be_v most_o simple_a &_o unlearned_a yet_o they_o be_v as_o stiff_o addict_v to_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o fashion_n as_o they_o who_o have_v the_o sure_a ground_n for_o their_o action_n &_o course_n of_o life_n in_o these_o &_o other_o like_a respect_n our_o natural_a blindness_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o so_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n in_o respect_n whereof_o this_o blindness_n be_v great_a and_o most_o hurtful_a sect._n 2_o but_o how_o shall_v we_o bring_v the_o natural_a man_n to_o see_v his_o own_o sinfulness_n sure_o 〈◊〉_d by_o set_v before_o his_o eye_n the_o glass_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n wherein_o if_o he_o will_v open_v his_o eye_n for_o of_o himself_o by_o nature_n he_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a remain_v in_o his_o mind_n he_o may_v see_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o most_o ugly_a and_o filthy_a leper_n defile_v in_o nature_n soul_n and_o body_n in_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n in_o word_n deed_n and_o in_o all_o his_o action_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n the_o which_o exercise_n of_o compare_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n the_o obedience_n command_v in_o it_o with_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o life_n we_o do_v earnest_o commend_v unto_o all_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o walk_v aright_o in_o this_o way_n of_o repentance_n lead_v to_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n and_o not_o only_o to_o consider_v the_o bare_a word_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n the_o which_o be_v of_o set_a purpose_n make_v short_a &_o compendious_a for_o memory_n sake_n do_v only_o mention_v the_o principal_a duty_n &_o forbid_v gross_a and_o capital_a sin_n but_o also_o to_o learn_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o by_o read_v mark_v and_o remember_v those_o manifold_a exposition_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o say_a commandment_n both_o by_o christ_n himself_o the_o head_n doctor_n of_o the_o church_n matth._n 6._o and_o also_o by_o his_o minister_n in_o their_o write_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v from_o he_o in_o the_o which_o thou_o who_o soever_o thou_o be_v that_o take_v in_o hand_n this_o happy_a work_n of_o repentance_n shall_v see_v the_o great_a variety_n and_o multitude_n of_o thy_o sin_n thy_o original_a sin_n which_o be_v the_o total_a corruption_n of_o thy_o nature_n prone_a to_o all_o evil_a and_o abhor_v from_o all_o goodness_n and_o thy_o actual_a sin_n thy_o inward_a sin_n to_o wit_n the_o wicked_a unjust_a and_o filthy_a motion_n of_o thy_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n and_o thy_o outward_a sin_n to_o wit_n thy_o vain_a foolish_a and_o filthy_a talk_n thy_o lewd_a behaviour_n dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o injurious_a to_o thy_o brethren_n thy_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o thy_o wilful_a and_o rebellious_a sin_n commit_v with_o a_o high_a hand_n and_o obstinate_a purpose_n and_o a_o shameless_a face_n against_o god_n and_o man_n the_o sin_n of_o thy_o youth_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o ripe_a age_n thy_o small_a sin_n although_o the_o least_o may_v be_v count_v great_a in_o that_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o the_o endless_a wrath_n of_o god_n and_o thy_o heinous_a and_o horrible_a sin_n as_o be_v atheism_n idolatry_n perjury_n murder_n incest_n and_o adultery_n all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o sort_n of_o sin_n thou_o shall_v find_v in_o every_o one_o of_o the_o ten_o commaundemt_n and_o in_o every_o part_n of_o thy_o body_n &_o soul_n if_o it_o please_v thou_o to_o take_v the_o pain_n for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o painful_a and_o grievous_a piece_n of_o work_n painful_a indeed_o
the_o more_o ashamed_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a angel_n as_o they_o be_v more_o excellent_a pure_a &_o more_o abhor_v the_o filthiness_n of_o sin_n than_o any_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v as_o we_o know_v that_o adam_n and_o eva_n be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o nakedness_n or_o rather_o of_o their_o sin_n which_o make_v their_o nakedness_n shameful_a which_o of_o itself_o be_v glorious_a when_o as_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o man_n to_o see_v it_o and_o therefore_o howsoever_o the_o atheism_n of_o man_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v and_o therefore_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n yet_o all_o they_o who_o have_v any_o deal_n with_o god_n or_o do_v any_o way_n seek_v unto_o he_o must_v be_v more_o ashamed_a of_o their_o sin_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n than_o man_n and_o yet_o to_o nourish_v this_o shamefastness_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o brethren_n as_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a for_o the_o more_o that_o they_o be_v humble_a towards_o man_n the_o great_a will_v their_o humiliation_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o second_o part_n of_o inward_a humiliation_n be_v sorrow_n which_o be_v a_o grievous_a sense_n of_o some_o present_a evil_n as_o fear_n be_v of_o some_o evil_n to_o come_v both_o which_o affection_n can_v but_o be_v great_a and_o vehement_a in_o this_o repentant_a for_o that_o his_o eye_n be_v now_o at_o length_n open_v he_o see_v and_o feel_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o most_o miserable_a estate_n to_o be_v for_o the_o present_a in_o slavery_n to_o sin_n and_o satan_n altogether_o destitute_a of_o grace_n &_o of_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o beside_o many_o temporal_a cross_n wherewith_o he_o be_v afflict_v and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v in_o the_o very_a gnaw_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o in_o the_o unquenchable_a furnace_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o needful_a that_o we_o shall_v insiste_v in_o declare_v how_o great_a and_o just_a cause_n he_o have_v of_o sorrow_n &_o fear_n yea_o rather_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o declare_v it_o in_o any_o measure_n if_o we_o suppose_v a_o man_n live_v in_o health_n wealth_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o pleasure_n to_o have_v this_o of_o a_o sudden_a make_v know_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o be_v condemn_v of_o treason_n commit_v against_o his_o prince_n and_o country_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o be_v forthwith_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o life_n and_o all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o he_o do_v enjoy_v there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o pardon_n which_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v procure_v by_o himself_o or_o any_o other_o it_o depend_v whole_o in_o the_o gracious_a favour_n &_o free_a inclination_n of_o the_o prince_n who_o use_v to_o be_v great_o inflame_v with_o anger_n against_o all_o such_o offender_n &_o not_o to_o spare_v one_o of_o a_o thousand_o of_o they_o can_v we_o full_o conceive_v in_o mind_n or_o express_v in_o word_n the_o greatness_n of_o his_o grief_n sorrow_n and_o fear_v how_o much_o more_o grievous_a and_o fearful_a a_o thing_n shall_v we_o then_o think_v it_o to_o incur_v the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n the_o loss_n of_o eternal_a joy_n and_o happiness_n together_o with_o those_o endless_a pain_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o wicked_a and_o therefore_o when_o as_o we_o see_v man_n labour_n and_o groan_v under_o this_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n we_o be_v not_o as_o usual_o man_n do_v who_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o judge_v they_o as_o man_n subject_a to_o foolish_a and_o melancholy_n passion_n but_o rather_o to_o think_v and_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o affect_v yea_o this_o repentant_a be_v to_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o daily_a and_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o so_o this_o humiliation_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o very_o needful_a in_o regard_n of_o his_o salvation_n may_v be_v procure_v for_o as_o it_o be_v often_o needful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o bodily_a life_n that_o the_o patient_a be_v by_o detraction_n of_o blood_n bring_v to_o a_o swoon_n and_o so_o even_o to_o death_n door_n so_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o procure_n of_o this_o spiritual_a life_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o repentant_a be_v by_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n cast_v down_o even_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n as_o one_o forlorn_a and_o be_v in_o a_o most_o wretched_a estate_n thus_o the_o apostle_n write_v 2._o cor._n 7.8_o i_o do_v not_o repent_v i_o that_o i_o make_v you_o sorrowful_a by_o a_o epistle_n yea_o i_o be_o glad_a not_o that_o you_o be_v sorry_a but_o that_o you_o sorrow_a to_o repentance_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o for_o worldly_a sorrow_n bring_v death_n but_o as_o this_o humiliation_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v procure_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a commodity_n which_o it_o bring_v which_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v declare_v so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v moderate_v lest_o that_o it_o drive_v to_o desperation_n as_o in_o the_o place_n before_o name_v he_o warn_v the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o do_v not_o use_v too_o great_a severity_n towards_o the_o incestuous_a person_n lest_o that_o he_o be_v swallow_a up_o of_o excessive_a sorrow_n for_o it_o may_v easy_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n enter_v into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o sin_n &_o of_o the_o judgment_n of_o god_n denounce_v and_o execute_v against_o sinner_n do_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o the_o gulf_n of_o horror_n and_o desperation_n out_o of_o the_o which_o they_o be_v hardly_o recover_v so_o fearful_a a_o thing_n be_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n that_o even_o one_o blencke_n of_o it_o be_v able_a to_o drive_v a_o sinner_n out_o of_o his_o wit_n and_o utterlie_o to_o astonish_v he_o and_o what_o marvel_n be_v it_o that_o a_o sinful_a man_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n be_v even_o as_o hay_n stubble_n or_o flax_n meet_v with_o fire_n be_v soon_o overcome_v and_o faint_a under_o this_o heavy_a burden_n lie_v on_o his_o conscience_n when_o as_o even_o christ_n himself_o who_o in_o himself_o be_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o who_o humane_a nature_n be_v uphold_v by_o the_o godhead_n to_o bear_v the_o burden_n of_o god_n wrath_n due_a unto_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o amaze_v and_o confound_v that_o all_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o his_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v shake_v and_o loose_v as_o for_o the_o one_o those_o drop_n of_o blood_n which_o he_o sweat_v and_o for_o the_o other_o those_o word_n utter_v in_o humane_a weakness_n and_o fear_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o do_v plain_o witness_v so_o that_o if_o a_o short_a consideration_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n can_v work_v such_o a_o strange_a effect_n in_o he_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n what_o marvel_n be_v it_o if_o in_o sinful_a man_n it_o stir_v up_o the_o very_a flame_n of_o hell_n fire_n as_o to_o let_v all_o other_o example_n pass_v we_o read_v of_o one_o francis_n spira_n in_o who_o we_o may_v behold_v the_o very_a picture_n of_o that_o spiritual_a torment_n of_o a_o gnaw_a and_o terrify_v conscience_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o it_o must_v be_v prevent_v by_o have_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o view_n of_o our_o wretched_a estate_n the_o other_o eye_n set_v on_o the_o merciful_a promise_n of_o god_n make_v as_o touch_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n whereof_o although_o this_o penitent_a can_v have_v any_o assurance_n that_o they_o belong_v unto_o he_o in_o that_o he_o feel_v not_o as_o yet_o grace_v wrought_v in_o his_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o only_a earnest_a penny_n &_o pledge_n of_o salvation_n and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o may_v hope_v for_o it_o in_o time_n to_o come_v it_o be_v like_o enough_o that_o god_n who_o have_v begin_v this_o repentance_n in_o he_o will_v also_o work_v regeneration_n in_o his_o good_a time_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v in_o this_o case_n a_o mean_a be_v keep_v so_o as_o we_o be_v neither_o secure_a and_o senseless_a in_o regard_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n much_o less_o puff_v up_o in_o pride_n and_o vain_a confidence_n suppose_v our_o state_n to_o be_v good_a and_o happy_a whenas_o it_o be_v woeful_a and_o miserable_a nor_o yet_o swallow_v uppe_o of_o excessive_a sorrow_n and_o fear_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o help_n leave_v unto_o we_o as_o many_o have_v be_v to_o who_o the_o burden_n of_o this_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n have_v be_v so_o intolerable_a that_o despair_v of_o any_o other_o remedy_n
our_o sin_n to_o god_n by_o good_a work_n for_o a_o thousand_o good_a work_n will_v not_o countervail_v the_o least_o sin_n before_o god_n judgement_n seat_n but_o that_o as_o by_o our_o sin_n heretofore_o commit_v we_o have_v disobey_v and_o dishonour_v god_n so_o now_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o glorify_v he_o by_o our_o good_a work_n and_o christian_a life_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o brethren_n we_o may_v and_o must_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n make_v full_a recompense_n thus_o do_v zacheus_n in_o his_o repentance_n luke_n 19.8_o promise_v christ_n that_o he_o will_v first_o give_v half_a his_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a in_o a_o testification_n of_o his_o obedience_n thankfulness_n and_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v towards_o god_n and_o then_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n restore_v four_o fold_n to_o every_o one_o from_o who_o he_o have_v injurious_o take_v any_o thing_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o renovation_n to_o wit_n amendment_n of_o life_n to_o the_o which_o john_n exhort_v the_o jew_n in_o his_o ministry_n of_o repentance_n say_v matth._n 3.8_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a repentance_n or_o such_o as_o beseem_v they_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o have_v change_v their_o course_n of_o life_n and_o to_o be_v converâ—ed_v from_o sin_n to_o god_n but_o our_o repentant_a must_v not_o stay_v here_o for_o than_o he_o play_v the_o hypocritical_a pharisie_n make_v the_o outside_n of_o the_o cup_n clean_o but_o leave_v it_o foul_a and_o filthy_a within_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v desire_v he_o to_o try_v what_o he_o can_v do_v in_o mend_v the_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a life_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o of_o all_o the_o faculty_n thereof_o this_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o hard_a piece_n of_o work_n pass_v the_o cunning_a of_o any_o creature_n and_o belong_v to_o god_n only_o yet_o man_n may_v in_o some_o sort_n change_v his_o soul_n although_o not_o from_o sinfulness_n to_o holiness_n yet_o from_o vice_n to_o virtue_n and_o from_o ignorance_n to_o knowledge_n wherein_o our_o repentant_a be_v to_o labour_n use_v all_o good_a mean_n of_o get_v knowledge_n and_o virtue_n he_o be_v to_o give_v himself_o careful_o to_o the_o read_n and_o study_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o all_o other_o book_n contain_v sound_n and_o true_a doctrine_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god._n yea_o although_o he_o meet_v with_o many_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o he_o can_v possible_o understande_v conceive_v or_o believe_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o give_v over_o but_o rather_o to_o ascribe_v the_o hardness_n of_o they_o to_o his_o own_o dulness_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o other_o of_o they_o to_o his_o own_o incredulity_n not_o consider_v the_o power_n of_o god_n likewise_o he_o be_v to_o labour_v in_o change_v the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n frame_v and_o bend_v they_o from_o evil_a to_o good_a by_o reason_n and_o persuasion_n take_v both_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o also_o out_o of_o profane_a writer_n in_o who_o we_o may_v find_v notable_a pattern_n of_o all_o virtue_n by_o the_o example_n of_o christian_n and_o also_o of_o infidel_n of_o who_o many_o have_v so_o profit_v in_o these_o exercise_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n yea_o he_o be_v to_o use_v great_a severity_n toward_o himself_o in_o repress_v the_o perverseness_n and_o rebellion_n of_o these_o headstrong_a faculty_n and_o that_o by_o deny_v unto_o they_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o thing_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v far_o from_o unlawful_a desire_n to_o be_v short_a he_o who_o do_v desire_n and_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n must_v by_o all_o mean_v endeavour_n not_o only_o to_o purge_v himself_o from_o all_o open_a and_o gross_a sin_n by_o lead_v a_o life_n unblameable_a before_o man_n but_o also_o from_o small_a and_o secret_a sin_n by_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o his_o way_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n yea_o not_o only_o to_o abstain_v from_o evil_a but_o also_o to_o perform_v all_o christian_n and_o honest_a duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n yea_o he_o must_v purge_v not_o only_o his_o life_n and_o action_n from_o sin_n but_o also_o his_o mind_n from_o ignorance_n use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o religion_n yea_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n from_o all_o vice_n lust_n and_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o so_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o renew_v himself_o and_o yet_o when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v he_o be_v but_o where_o he_o be_v to_o wit_n a_o carnal_a man_n as_o dead_a in_o sin_n as_o any_o man_n be_v in_o his_o grave_n yet_o he_o have_v use_v the_o first_o mean_n of_o obtain_v grace_n and_o eternal_a glory_n and_o have_v do_v that_o whereby_o that_o grievous_a condemnation_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o wicked_a be_v avoid_v and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n procure_v at_o least_o for_o temporal_a blessiing_n sect._n 3_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o regeneration_n be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n by_o the_o which_o god_n work_v regeneration_n in_o his_o elect_a we_o say_v ordinary_a because_o some_o time_n it_o please_v god_n to_o work_v without_o it_o by_o other_o mean_n as_o namely_o by_o private_a read_n instruction_n and_o exhortation_n by_o miracle_n by_o cross_n and_o great_a humiliation_n yea_o sometime_o by_o temporal_a blessing_n plentiful_o and_o strange_o bestow_v on_o man_n yet_o the_o usual_a and_o appoint_a mean_n be_v the_o public_a ministry_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n perform_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o simple_a manner_n as_o we_o read_v 1._o pet._n 1.23_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o mortal_a seed_n but_o of_o immortal_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n endure_v for_o ever_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o need_v any_o mean_n in_o regeneration_n it_o be_v a_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n why_o this_o mean_n more_o than_o some_o other_o why_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n rather_o than_o the_o same_o doctrine_n private_o teach_v we_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o question_n that_o as_o in_o all_o other_o miracle_n so_o also_o in_o this_o god_n use_v some_o show_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o so_o he_o may_v conceal_v his_o own_o extraordinary_a work_n as_o it_o be_v proverb_n 25.1_o it_o be_v a_o glory_n to_o god_n to_o conceal_v his_o do_n so_o in_o regeneration_n as_o great_a a_o miracle_n as_o any_o other_o yea_o the_o only_a miracle_n in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n continue_v in_o all_o age_n of_o it_o god_n use_v ordinary_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o word_n preach_v in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v a_o mediate_a work_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o this_o mean_n have_v not_o this_o power_n inherent_a in_o itself_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o immediate_a work_n to_o the_o second_o question_n we_o answer_v that_o god_n for_o the_o end_n mention_v to_o wit_n the_o conceal_n of_o his_o miraculous_a work_n use_v to_o use_v a_o mean_n have_v in_o it_o a_o virtue_n although_o not_o able_a to_o bring_v forth_o the_o effect_n yet_o help_v towards_o it_o and_o of_o some_o force_n for_o that_o purpose_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n and_o so_o in_o regeneration_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o have_v for_o most_o man_n think_v that_o it_o have_v indeed_o the_o power_n of_o renew_v man_n inherent_a in_o itself_o for_o thus_o they_o reason_n man_n be_v endue_v with_o reason_n may_v by_o teach_v be_v bring_v to_o knowledge_n by_o force_n of_o argument_n they_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o virtue_n and_o moderation_n whereof_o a_o virtuous_a and_o honest_a life_n will_v easy_o follow_v yea_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o god_n do_v ordinary_o prepare_v man_n after_o a_o sort_n for_o grace_n draw_v they_o near_o to_o himself_o then_o other_o carnal_a man_n be_v and_o therefore_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o fit_a mean_n of_o regeneration_n the_o three_o point_n may_v very_o well_o be_v make_v a_o question_n among_o those_o who_o think_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n have_v the_o faculty_n of_o regenerate_v inherent_a in_o itself_o for_o why_o shall_v not_o a_o man_n learn_v and_o be_v persuade_v as_o well_o by_o himself_o as_o with_o other_o as_o well_o at_o home_n as_o in_o the_o church_n otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o question_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o answer_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o it_o but_o only_o this_o that_o so_o it_o please_v god_n to_o work_v by_o public_a and_o not_o by_o private_a mean_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v more_o meet_a that_o