to_o a_o treasure_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o field_n and_o be_v find_v by_o he_o who_o look_v for_o no_o such_o thing_n in_o that_o place_n and_o thus_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o many_o come_n to_o hear_v god_n word_n for_o fashion_n sake_n or_o in_o a_o wicked_a desire_n of_o hinder_v it_o and_o hurt_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o have_v be_v of_o a_o sudden_a wonderful_o convert_v and_o effectual_o renew_a thus_o it_o please_v god_n sometime_o to_o work_v regeneration_n without_o any_o mean_n that_o it_o may_v be_v see_v to_o come_v not_o from_o any_o virtue_n inherent_a in_o the_o mean_n but_o from_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o his_o ordinary_n and_o usual_a manner_n of_o work_v according_a to_o the_o which_o he_o do_v nothing_o without_o some_o kind_n of_o mean_n no_o not_o in_o miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a action_n wherein_o the_o mean_n do_v not_o help_v forward_o the_o matter_n any_o jot_n but_o only_o be_v use_v for_o a_o show_n or_o colour_n to_o hide_v the_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n who_o glory_n it_o be_v to_o keâ—pe_v himself_o his_o counsel_n judgement_n and_o manner_n of_o work_v secret_a and_o hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o we_o read_v pro._n 25.25_o thus_o he_o heal_v nâ—aman_n by_o wash_v he_o in_o jordan_n and_o the_o sick_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o anoint_v they_o with_o oil_n and_o thus_o he_o raise_v the_o widow_n son_n 2._o king_n 4_o 35._o from_o death_n by_o lay_v the_o warm_a body_n of_o elizeus_fw-la upon_o his_o dead_a and_o cold_a body_n and_o thus_o he_o heal_v the_o sickness_n of_o the_o soul_n yea_o restore_v it_o from_o death_n to_o life_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n in_o all_o which_o miraculous_a action_n the_o mean_n be_v not_o in_o any_o respectable_a to_o bring_v forth_o the_o effect_n yet_o they_o have_v in_o they_o a_o virtue_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n whereto_o the_o effect_n may_v easy_o be_v ascribe_v by_o carnal_a and_o ignorant_a man_n so_o that_o although_o god_n can_v always_o and_o do_v at_o some_o time_n work_v regeneration_n without_o mean_n yet_o ordinarilye_o he_o use_v mean_n the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n whereof_o be_v a_o impious_a tempt_a of_o god_n and_o presume_v of_o his_o goodness_n hencâ—_n it_o be_v that_o regeneration_n have_v place_n and_o be_v to_o be_v find_v not_o among_o the_o jew_n turk_n moor_n and_o other_o infidel_n but_o only_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n wherein_o his_o word_n be_v preach_v his_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o all_o other_o mean_n of_o beginning_n and_o continue_v grace_n daily_o use_v yea_o of_o church_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o some_o be_v more_o pure_a and_o sound_a in_o doctrine_n more_o diligent_a and_o zealous_a in_o serve_v god_n and_o in_o use_v all_o christian_a exercise_n so_o they_o have_v often_o experience_n of_o this_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n put_v his_o help_a hand_n to_o the_o godly_a endeavour_n of_o his_o servant_n yea_o of_o christian_n those_o who_o be_v careful_a and_o painful_a in_o seek_v and_o serve_v god_n be_v far_o lyke_a to_o attain_v to_o grace_n than_o they_o who_o be_v otherwise_o even_o as_o they_o be_v like_a to_o retain_v and_o recover_v their_o health_n who_o be_v careful_a in_o use_v a_o competent_a diet_n of_o meat_n and_o medicine_n than_o they_o who_o do_v careless_o distemper_v themselves_o in_o sickness_n and_o in_o health_n nor_o regard_v what_o thing_n be_v wholesome_a or_o hurtful_a for_o they_o sect._n 5._o thus_o much_o of_o the_o falsâ—_n conceit_n or_o error_n conceive_v of_o regeneration_n by_o â—he_n which_o man_n be_v hinder_v from_o seek_v it_o the_o first_o be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o spiriâ—â—_n all_o regeneration_n the_o second_o despair_v of_o obtain_v it_o by_o any_o mean_n the_o three_o presumption_n or_o a_o persuasion_n of_o get_v it_o without_o mean_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o other_o hindrance_n whereof_o to_o let_v the_o rest_n pass_v these_o three_o be_v most_o usual_a the_o first_o be_v infidelity_n &_o atheism_n the_o second_o worldly_a care_n and_o pleasure_n the_o three_o be_v offence_n take_v at_o those_o who_o profess_v this_o regeneration_n for_o the_o first_o although_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v name_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yet_o many_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n have_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o mind_n no_o other_o religion_n than_o atheism_n no_o god_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n no_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o world_n than_o this_o which_o they_o present_o enjoy_v they_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n nor_o devil_n no_o heaven_n nor_o hell_n no_o reward_n for_o the_o godly_a nor_o punishment_n appoint_v for_o the_o wicked_a no_o truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o folly_n to_o serve_v god_n or_o at_o the_o least_o they_o do_v so_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v not_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o either_o move_v to_o any_o good_a or_o restrain_v from_o any_o evil_n as_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n among_o who_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n from_o death_n be_v call_v in_o question_n that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n that_o be_v be_v mere_a atheist_n that_o this_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o many_o christian_n it_o appear_v both_o by_o their_o life_n &_o deal_n which_o be_v altogether_o void_a of_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o also_o by_o the_o plain_a and_o voluntary_a confession_n of_o the_o simple_a sort_n be_v by_o sickness_n fear_n hope_v love_n or_o any_o other_o mean_n make_v to_o declare_v their_o conscience_n in_o this_o behalf_n these_o man_n can_v possible_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n see_v that_o they_o make_v no_o account_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n whereunto_o it_o lead_v and_o therefore_o this_o hindrance_n can_v be_v take_v away_o but_o by_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v and_o will_v certain_o perform_v it_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o seek_v for_o it_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o take_v in_o hand_n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n the_o which_o require_v many_o several_a tractate_v yet_o as_o touch_v this_o ignorance_n of_o god_n the_o which_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o error_n whatsoever_o it_o may_v be_v refute_v by_o as_o many_o argument_n as_o there_o be_v creature_n in_o the_o world_n all_o which_o joint_o and_o severallie_o do_v preach_v and_o make_v manifest_a the_o deity_n power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o do_v not_o put_v out_o their_o own_o eye_n not_o only_o to_o christian_n live_v in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o even_o to_o infidel_n remain_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o their_o natural_a blindness_n as_o we_o read_v roman_n 2.20_o the_o godheade_n that_o be_v the_o eternity_n and_o power_n of_o god_n may_v be_v behold_v in_o the_o creature_n for_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n suppose_v some_o infinite_a power_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v make_v and_o be_v continual_o order_v and_o preserve_v and_o some_o great_a king_n and_o monarch_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o who_o will_v one_o day_n call_v all_o his_o subject_n to_o account_v and_o give_v unto_o every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o work_n the_o great_a objection_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n make_v against_o the_o godheade_n and_o the_o most_o forcible_a motive_n to_o this_o infidelity_n be_v the_o invisibilitie_n and_o insensible_a secrecy_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o action_n in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o continual_o show_v forth_o his_o omnipotency_n in_o new_a and_o strange_a miracle_n his_o justice_n in_o punish_v sin_n and_o reward_v good_a deed_n his_o presence_n in_o hear_v those_o that_o pray_v unto_o he_o but_o suffer_v all_o thing_n to_o go_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n yea_o as_o if_o he_o have_v lay_v aside_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o world_n the_o wicked_a to_o prospeâ—_fw-la and_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v afflict_v aâ—_n for_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n although_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n that_o can_v be_v yet_o it_o be_v daily_o and_o continualle_o behold_v cease_v to_o drive_v man_n to_o admiration_n or_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o the_o common_a provet_v be_v say_v that_o a_o wonder_n last_v but_o nine_o day_n yea_o this_o secrecy_n of_o god_n be_v great_a now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o these_o
two_o treatise_n concern_v regeneration_n 1._o of_o repentance_n 2._o of_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o soul_n show_v the_o one_o how_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v seek_v after_o and_o may_v be_v attain_v unto_o the_o other_o how_o it_o be_v get_v iâ—_n to_o be_v preserve_v and_o continue_v math._n 7.7_o knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v london_n print_a by_o thomas_n creed_n for_o robert_n dexter_n and_o ralph_n jackson_n 1597._o the_o occasion_n and_o argument_n of_o of_o the_o treatise_n follow_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n confirm_v by_o experience_n and_o also_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n tâ—e_v which_o be_v two_o be_v both_o one_o in_o effect_n so_o sure_a witness_n that_o no_o exception_n can_v be_v take_v against_o either_o of_o they_o that_o the_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n be_v very_o small_a especial_o in_o this_o last_o &_o most_o corrupt_a age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o as_o we_o have_v it_o foretell_v in_o scripture_n faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v but_o iniquity_n do_v abound_v and_o that_o most_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n deceive_v both_o themselves_o with_o a_o false_a conceit_n and_o also_o other_o with_o a_o hypocritical_a show_n of_o religion_n when_o as_o in_o truth_n they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o mean_v for_o many_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v religion_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n wherein_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v and_o without_o the_o which_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o attain_v to_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o clear_a sunshine_n and_o palpable_a darkness_n to_o be_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n for_o although_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a love_n â—ee_o judge_v the_o best_a of_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o grace_n take_v for_o pure_a gold_n whatsoever_o do_v glister_v yet_o most_o man_n be_v so_o estrange_v from_o god_n have_v no_o sense_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o mind_n nor_o any_o savour_n of_o it_o in_o their_o word_n and_o deed_n be_v in_o their_o whole_a behaviour_n so_o far_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o any_o duty_n belong_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n that_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a have_v sufficient_a warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o think_v and_o say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n not_o as_o yet_o call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o truth_n howsoever_o they_o may_v be_v according_a to_o god_n secret_a counsel_n in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o elect_a thus_o man_n live_v and_o thus_o they_o die_v in_o the_o most_o fearful_a state_n of_o eternal_a death_n the_o which_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v will_v work_v grief_n even_o in_o the_o hard_a heart_n and_o stir_v it_o up_o to_o a_o pitiful_a desire_n of_o amend_v it_o for_o if_o we_o be_v just_o move_v to_o pity_v by_o behold_v the_o moment_n any_o misery_n of_o man_n and_o the_o distress_a state_n of_o their_o body_n be_v consume_v with_o sore_n and_o sickness_n and_o even_o at_o death_n door_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v grieve_v for_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o their_o soul_n not_o die_v but_o be_v already_o clean_o dead_a in_o sin_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o that_o state_n which_o lead_v to_o unspeakable_a torment_n and_o the_o hot-burning_a furnace_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n but_o helpless_a pity_n increase_v the_o evil_a communicate_v it_o to_o those_o who_o before_o be_v free_a from_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o rest_v but_o rather_o to_o put_v to_o our_o help_a hand_n and_o so_o both_o with_o hand_n and_o heart_n to_o endeavour_n the_o relieve_v of_o this_o woeful_a and_o wretched_a estate_n but_o it_o there_o any_o help_n for_o this_o spiritual_a misery_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o man_n can_v man_n work_v this_o regeneration_n in_o themselves_o or_o in_o other_o and_o so_o change_v a_o carnal_a and_o sinful_a man_n into_o a_o holy_a and_o new_a creature_n no_o sure_o regeneration_n be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n impossible_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o man_n angel_n or_o any_o creature_n for_o although_o many_o creature_n have_v life_n in_o themselves_o yet_o none_o can_v give_v natural_a much_o less_o spiritual_a life_n to_o another_o so_o then_o belike_o there_o be_v not_o any_o duty_n look_v for_o at_o man_n hand_n in_o this_o behalf_n but_o only_o that_o he_o pity_v and_o bewail_v his_o oâ—ne_n and_o other_o man_n desperate_a estate_n and_o the_o blame_n of_o man_n sinfulness_n and_o damnation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o man_n â—ho_fw-mi can_v help_v though_o they_o will_v but_o on_o god_n who_o keep_v this_o faculty_n of_o regenerate_a man_n in_o his_o oâ—ne_a hand_n neither_o himself_o help_v man_n neither_o yet_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o help_v himself_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o follow_v of_o the_o aforesaid_a ground_n but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o any_o case_n to_o be_v admit_v for_o god_n do_v both_o himself_o reneâ—_n man_n by_o his_o spirit_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o also_o have_v appoint_v the_o meaane_n by_o the_o which_o man_n be_v to_o work_v his_o own_o salvation_n the_o which_o if_o he_o will_v not_o try_v and_o use_v who_o can_v either_o deny_v or_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o blame_n be_v in_o himself_o and_o not_o in_o god_n the_o which_o if_o he_o use_n can_v prevail_v yet_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o his_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o which_o be_v so_o dead_a in_o sin_n that_o it_o can_v be_v recover_v no_o not_o by_o good_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o as_o touch_v the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n the_o which_o we_o confess_v make_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o renew_v himself_o god_n be_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v think_v the_o author_n of_o it_o for_o he_o create_v man_n in_o perfect_a holiness_n but_o man_n do_v careless_o &_o wilful_o loose_v that_o holiness_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o but_o as_o for_o the_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o recover_n of_o holiness_n man_n can_v not_o but_o take_v that_o whole_o to_o himself_o who_o although_o he_o can_v renew_v himself_o though_o he_o will_v yet_o if_o he_o will_v he_o may_v use_v the_o mean_n appoint_v for_o that_o purpose_n as_o will_n more_o plain_o appear_v in_o the_o particular_n but_o man_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v careless_a of_o eternal_a salvation_n yea_o altogether_o unwilling_a to_o take_v that_o pain_n in_o seek_v it_o which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o find_v it_o will_v allege_v in_o defence_n of_o this_o his_o wilful_a contempt_n of_o god_n word_n that_o it_o be_v folly_n for_o he_o to_o seek_v regeneration_n the_o which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o effect_v whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o despair_v of_o the_o truth_n goodness_n mercy_n or_o power_n of_o god_n and_o make_v his_o sinfulness_n the_o great_a and_o his_o damnation_n the_o more_o just_a and_o grievous_a but_o rather_o do_v his_o endeavour_n in_o the_o careful_a and_o continual_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n as_o god_n have_v command_v and_o so_o leave_v both_o the_o success_n of_o his_o labour_n and_o â—is_n own_o salvation_n to_o the_o will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n the_o which_o that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o be_v needful_a that_o we_o knoâ—_n and_o consider_v the_o mean_n whereby_o regeneration_n may_v be_v attain_v unto_o or_o at_o the_o least_o ought_v to_o be_v seek_v after_o it_o be_v not_o gold_n or_o silver_n although_o simon_n magus_n suppose_v that_o spiritual_a grace_n may_v be_v buy_v with_o money_n as_o worldly_a commodity_n be_v that_o can_v purchase_v regeneration_n not_o favour_n friendship_n or_o any_o desert_n of_o holiness_n but_o only_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o mean_n of_o regeneration_n be_v the_o way_n lead_v unto_o it_o call_v in_o scripture_n repentance_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n metanoia_n that_o be_v a_o after_z mind_n or_o a_o right_a mind_n after_o a_o wrong_a mind_n for_o as_o in_o other_o matter_n it_o come_v daily_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n be_v in_o process_n of_o time_n bring_v by_o experience_n to_o see_v their_o own_o error_n wherein_o they_o have_v do_v amiss_o be_v displease_v with_o themselves_o for_o so_o do_v with_o that_o they_o have_v do_v otherwise_o and_o so_o be_v say_v to_o repent_v of_o this_o or_o that_o action_n so_o a_o carnal_a man_n â—aving_a all_o â—is_n life_n time_n live_v in_o vain_a and_o sinful_a pleasure_n altogether_o careless_a of_o
last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n than_o it_o be_v in_o former_a time_n as_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o in_o his_o word_n far_o more_o clear_o than_o he_o do_v at_o any_o time_n before_o and_o as_o the_o last_o judgement_n do_v more_o and_o more_o approach_n whereas_o before_o he_o do_v reveal_v himself_o by_o many_o mean_n as_o namely_o by_o vision_n dream_n apparition_n miracle_n temporal_a blessing_n &_o punishment_n but_o now_o in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n god_n do_v not_o show_v himself_o to_o man_n in_o any_o such_o manner_n but_o do_v hide_v himself_o from_o their_o eye_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o carnal_a man_n believe_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v sensible_a &_o palpable_a come_v to_o this_o extreme_a blindness_n of_o mind_n as_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n in_o the_o world_n or_o at_o the_o least_o to_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v one_o or_o no_o and_o no_o marvel_n that_o this_o secrecy_n of_o god_n move_v the_o carnal_a man_n to_o atheism_n when_o as_o the_o godly_a themselves_o haâ—e_v often_o their_o faith_n shake_v with_o this_o 〈◊〉_d but_o both_o carnal_a and_o regenerate_v be_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o this_o root_n of_o infidelity_n doâ—_n not_o spring_v uppe_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o make_v they_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a lord_n and_o that_o by_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v of_o set_a purpose_n in_o great_a wisdom_n keep_v he_o secret_a as_o in_o diverse_a other_o respect_n so_o especial_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n both_o elect_v and_o reprobate_a for_o as_o a_o wise_a master_n of_o a_o family_n desire_v to_o know_v the_o disposition_n of_o his_o servant_n hide_v himself_o in_o a_o corner_n or_o behind_o a_o cloth_n and_o there_o both_o behold_v the_o unrulinesse_n and_o misdemeanour_n of_o some_o &_o also_o perceive_v the_o virtue_n of_o other_o of_o they_o the_o which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v show_v in_o his_o presence_n so_o god_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n absent_v himself_o from_o the_o world_n that_o both_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o the_o outrage_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o wicked_a one_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a sect._n 6._o another_o hindrance_n by_o the_o which_o man_n be_v withhold_v from_o seek_v regeneration_n be_v the_o care_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o present_a world_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v so_o entangle_v and_o even_o whole_o possess_v that_o they_o have_v not_o leisure_n so_o much_o as_o once_o to_o think_v on_o their_o salvation_n or_o any_o mean_n of_o attain_v unto_o it_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n hinder_v those_o who_o have_v not_o attain_a to_o so_o good_a and_o settle_a estate_n as_o they_o desire_v who_o think_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o defer_v to_o provide_v for_o their_o soul_n until_o they_o have_v provide_v sufficient_o for_o their_o body_n about_o the_o which_o they_o be_v so_o continual_o busy_v and_o employ_v that_o they_o can_v afford_v any_o time_n to_o think_v at_o the_o least_o not_o serious_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v on_o god_n and_o godliness_n thuâ—_n man_n excuse_v themselves_o for_o not_o come_v to_o christ_n luc._n 15.17_o one_o can_v come_v because_o he_o have_v buy_v a_o farm_n the_o which_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n go_v and_o see_v another_o because_o he_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n the_o three_o because_o he_o have_v buy_v ox_n but_o these_o man_n take_v a_o wrong_a course_n and_o as_o we_o say_v set_v the_o cart_n before_o the_o horse_n for_o they_o shall_v first_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o and_o then_o all_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v easy_a unto_o they_o that_o be_v get_v with_o great_a facility_n and_o in_o great_a abundance_n math._n 6.33_o and_o that_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o wonderful_a blessing_n of_o god_n who_o give_v temporal_a blessing_n also_o to_o those_o that_o seek_v for_o spiritual_a grace_n at_o his_o hand_n as_o he_o give_v to_o solomon_n not_o only_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n which_o he_o ask_v but_o also_o great_a riches_n honour_n and_o worldly_a glory_n as_o amends_n yea_o as_o a_o reward_n because_o he_o have_v in_o his_o choâ—se_n prefer_v wisdom_n before_o earthly_a blessing_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o man_n may_v lawful_o yea_o mun_o of_o necessity_n have_v care_n of_o their_o temporal_a estate_n yea_o so_o much_o the_o great_a as_o it_o be_v worse_a and_o more_o unsettled_a for_o if_o the_o body_n perish_v for_o want_v of_o thing_n needful_a for_o it_o how_o shall_v the_o soul_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n see_v that_o as_o the_o tree_n fall_v so_o it_o lie_v and_o he_o that_o die_v a_o carnal_a man_n can_v rise_v spiritual_a but_o this_o be_v our_o meaning_n that_o we_o do_v not_o as_o usual_o man_n do_v so_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o neglect_v and_o forget_v to_o seek_v after_o god_n but_o that_o in_o all_o want_n misery_n and_o trouble_n in_o all_o condition_n whatsoever_o our_o chief_a care_n study_n desire_v and_o endeavour_n be_v set_v upon_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v our_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o if_o we_o be_v in_o good_a estate_n in_o respect_n of_o temporal_a thing_n we_o may_v the_o more_o free_o serve_v god_n if_o distress_a we_o have_v the_o more_o need_n to_o seek_v to_o he_o yea_o we_o be_v to_o suffer_v rather_o our_o body_n to_o pine_v away_o for_o want_n of_o food_n than_o our_o soul_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o sinfulness_n and_o of_o death_n for_o what_o profit_v it_o a_o man_n to_o win_v the_o whole_a world_n if_o he_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n but_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v once_o endue_v with_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n the_o body_n may_v well_o sleep_v for_o a_o season_n but_o it_o can_v possible_o die_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o always_o remember_v those_o heavenly_a say_n utter_v by_o christ_n luke_n 10.14_o martha_n martha_n thou_o care_v and_o be_v trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n but_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a marie_n have_v choose_v the_o better_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v from_o she_o likewise_o for_o worldly_a pleasure_n as_o the_o seek_v so_o also_o the_o enjoy_n of_o they_o be_v now_o get_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o seek_v of_o regeneration_n for_o although_o in_o all_o likelihood_n man_n have_v the_o world_n at_o will_n and_o be_v even_o glut_v with_o the_o abundance_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n shall_v learn_v by_o experience_n that_o which_o reason_n can_v not_o teach_v they_o to_o wit_n the_o vanity_n uncertainty_n and_o loathsomnesse_n of_o they_o and_o so_o be_v drive_v to_o seek_v for_o some_o pure_a and_o permanent_a happiness_n yet_o they_o make_v no_o such_o use_n of_o prosperity_n but_o the_o more_o they_o have_v the_o more_o they_o desire_v enlarge_n their_o appetite_n and_o invent_v daily_o new_a and_o fresh_a pleasure_n as_o the_o prophet_n describe_v they_o amos_n 3_o they_o put_v far_o from_o themselves_o the_o evil_a day_n and_o approach_v to_o the_o plâ—ce_n of_o iniquity_n they_o lie_v and_o stretch_v themselves_o upon_o ivory_n bâ—ds_n eat_v lamb_n from_o the_o flock_n and_o calf_n out_o of_o the_o stall_n they_o sing_v to_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o viol_n and_o invent_v to_o themselves_o instrument_n of_o music_n like_o david_n they_o drink_v wine_n in_o bowl_n and_o anoint_v themselves_o with_o the_o best_a ointment_n but_o never_o think_v on_o the_o affliction_n of_o joseph_n or_o yet_o on_o their_o own_o salvation_n thus_o do_v adversity_n and_o prosperity_n want_n and_o and_o abundance_n hinder_v man_n from_o seek_v after_o god_n whereas_o misery_n and_o cross_n shall_v drive_v man_n to_o god_n the_o only_a giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n and_o temporal_a happiness_n shall_v put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o true_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o heaven_n sect._n 7._o the_o last_o let_v by_o the_o which_o man_n be_v hinder_v from_o seek_v regeneration_n be_v offence_n take_v at_o those_o who_o do_v profess_v themselves_o to_o have_v attain_v unto_o it_o and_o to_o be_v those_o in_o who_o this_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a work_n of_o grace_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o power_n and_o finger_n of_o god_n these_o man_n do_v often_o incur_v the_o mislike_n anger_n and_o hatred_n of_o other_o insomuch_o that_o not_o only_o their_o person_n but_o also_o their_o profession_n become_v odious_a unto_o they_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o offence_n be_v these_o first_o the_o diversity_n in_o judgement_n affection_n disposition_n in_o word_n deed_n behaviour_n and_o who_o coarse_n of_o life_n whereby_o they_o differ_v from_o other_o sometime_o of_o necessity_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o conscience_n and_o importance_n sometime_o in_o light_n
his_o company_n &_o presence_n where_o they_o do_v daily_o see_v and_o behold_v his_o wisdom_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o account_v ourselves_o happy_a when_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o company_n house_n &_o presence_n of_o god_n behold_v the_o wonderful_a mystery_n of_o his_o wisdom_n lay_v open_a before_o our_o eye_n the_o which_o pass_v the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n and_o of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n further_o than_o the_o great_a ocean_n do_v a_o drop_n of_o water_n and_o sure_o whosoever_o can_v and_o do_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n serious_o consider_v the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o his_o church_n from_o time_n to_o time_n the_o tragical_a end_n of_o the_o reprobate_n live_v here_o for_o a_o time_n in_o all_o jollity_n and_o pleasure_n the_o happy_a estate_n abide_v the_o godly_a who_o in_o this_o world_n be_v miserable_o afflict_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n come_v of_o his_o own_o wilfulness_n the_o salvation_n and_o regeneration_n of_o the_o elect_a proceed_n from_o the_o mercy_n &_o love_n of_o god_n he_o that_o compare_v the_o law_n with_o the_o gospel_n the_o babish_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v come_v to_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n the_o agreement_n of_o the_o tip_n with_o the_o body_n the_o wisdom_n contain_v in_o the_o judicial_a law_n of_o moses_n and_o last_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o incarnation_n death_n &_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o â—est_n of_o point_n of_o christian_n religion_n shall_v undouted_o see_v &_o will_v confess_v that_o all_o the_o wise_a law_n the_o deep_a devise_n &_o counsel_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o subtle_a politician_n that_o ever_o live_v the_o learnede_a work_n of_o the_o witty_a philosopher_n and_o schoolman_n be_v but_o mere_a foolery_n &_o silly_a shift_n yea_o he_o shall_v be_v compel_v to_o cry_v out_o &_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 11._o o_o the_o riches_n of_o depth_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v and_o 1._o tim._n 3.16_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v in_o the_o world_n and_o receive_v up_o in_o glory_n neither_o can_v any_o man_n answer_n &_o say_v i_o confess_v indeed_o that_o there_o be_v notable_a point_n of_o wisdom_n to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o hear_n &_o consider_v whereof_o i_o have_v take_v great_a delight_n but_o i_o have_v hear_v they_o so_o often_o reiterated_a that_o now_o it_o be_v irksome_a to_o i_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v for_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v even_o the_o honey_n comb_n the_o sweet_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v loathsome_a to_o the_o full_a stomach_n but_o we_o can_v be_v thus_o affect_v towards_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n therein_o contain_v the_o which_o be_v so_o infinite_a that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v sound_v to_o the_o bottom_n and_o full_o comprehend_v by_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o it_o come_v forth_o every_o day_n new_a and_o fresh_a not_o cloy_a the_o heaâ—er_n but_o inflame_v he_o more_o and_o more_o with_o a_o desire_n of_o hear_v and_o learning_n of_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o a_o wonder_n last_v but_o nine_o day_n for_o that_o nothing_o happen_v so_o strange_a but_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o at_o length_n will_v be_v find_v out_o but_o the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v more_o amaze_v he_o that_o have_v spend_v all_o his_o time_n in_o the_o seâ—ious_a contemplation_n of_o they_o then_z he_o who_o iâ—_n a_o novice_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ._n thus_o we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o we_o ought_v to_o stir_v up_o in_o ourselves_o a_o greedy_a and_o unsatiable_a appetite_n of_o it_o yea_o great_a care_n and_o attention_n in_o hear_v it_o yea_o they_o whâ—m_o god_n have_v endue_v with_o most_o excellent_a spiritual_a gift_n and_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n ought_v not_o to_o think_v themselves_o exempt_v from_o this_o duty_n of_o continual_a &_o attentive_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n as_o no_o man_n be_v so_o strong_a in_o body_n that_o he_o may_v abstain_v from_o meat_n because_o he_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o to_o restore_v that_o spiritual_a strength_n which_o be_v daily_o weaken_v by_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n and_o also_o to_o increase_v his_o strength_n till_o he_o come_v to_o some_o ripeness_n in_o christ._n but_o contrary_o he_o be_v with_o great_a care_n joy_n and_o pleasure_n to_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n when_o soever_o just_a occasion_n be_v give_v sect._n 3_o fvrth_o as_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o feed_n of_o the_o body_n that_o meat_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o stomocke_n for_o that_o if_o by_o any_o infirmity_n thereof_o it_o be_v straightway_o void_v it_o do_v not_o any_o jot_n nourish_v the_o body_n no_o more_o will_v it_o serve_v for_o the_o feed_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o great_a joy_n &_o delight_n yea_o with_o care_n and_o attention_n unless_o also_o we_o remember_v and_o so_o keep_v it_o in_o our_o soul_n this_o point_n of_o spiritual_a diet_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v regard_v for_o that_o many_o fail_v in_o it_o who_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n hear_v aright_o as_o many_o have_v a_o insatiable_a appetite_n in_o devour_a meat_n who_o can_v keep_v it_o for_o any_o space_n of_o time_n this_o we_o see_v both_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o seed_n luke_n 8.13_o and_o also_o in_o daily_a experience_n whereof_o the_o one_o say_v that_o many_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n but_o it_o take_v no_o root_n in_o they_o the_o other_o show_v we_o by_o the_o unfruitful_a and_o barren_a profession_n of_o many_o christian_n that_o be_v daily_a and_o attentive_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o let_v it_o soon_o slip_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n for_o that_o otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o possible_o but_o bring_v forth_o some_o fruit_n in_o their_o life_n the_o mean_n of_o remember_v the_o word_n preach_v be_v these_o first_o careful_a attention_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v remember_v which_o be_v not_o first_o mind_v &_o mark_v second_o to_o repeat_v with_o other_o either_o with_o our_o friend_n in_o way_n of_o conference_n discuss_v every_o point_n several_o to_o see_v what_o be_v doubtful_a or_o manifest_a what_o singular_a and_o excellent_a or_o usual_a for_o as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o say_n of_o man_n some_o be_v more_o notable_a than_o other_o or_o with_o those_o who_o be_v any_o way_n commit_v to_o our_o charge_n in_o way_n of_o examination_n as_o our_o wife_n child_n servant_n scholar_n and_o such_o other_o but_o of_o all_o other_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o remember_v the_o word_n be_v application_n when_o as_o both_o in_o and_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o we_o consider_v how_o it_o concern_v ourselves_o or_o any_o other_o what_o experiment_n we_o have_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o how_o it_o will_v make_v for_o our_o spiritual_a edification_n whereunto_o if_o practice_n be_v join_v than_o we_o make_v it_o our_o own_o for_o ever_o thus_o we_o be_v carcful_a in_o receive_v the_o food_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v and_o as_o christ_n warn_v we_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o hear_v it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v continue_v and_o increase_v the_o spiritual_a health_n of_o our_o soul_n sect._n 4._o in_o this_o public_a banquet_n which_o god_n make_v in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o refresh_n strengthen_v and_o feed_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o child_n beside_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o have_v the_o first_o &_o the_o chief_a place_n there_o be_v a_o second_o service_n to_o wit_n the_o sacrament_n appoint_v for_o the_o same_o end_n &_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o other_o although_o in_o another_o form_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v prepare_v after_o another_o manner_n they_o nourish_v the_o soul_n in_o that_o they_o increase_v in_o we_o knowledge_n faith_n mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o new_a obedience_n when_o as_o the_o true_a use_n end_n and_o signification_n of_o they_o be_v due_o weigh_v as_o namely_o in_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o death_n the_o mortification_n both_o of_o our_o soul_n for_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o also_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n inherent_a in_o our_o soul_n signify_v
by_o dip_v and_o drown_v the_o body_n in_o water_n for_o when_o as_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o our_o own_o body_n or_o else_o behold_v it_o administer_v unto_o other_o feel_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o eternal_a death_n due_a unto_o we_o for_o sin_n &_o a_o mortification_n of_o thinherent_a corruption_n of_o sin_n come_v from_o thence_o they_o do_v we_o feed_v our_o soul_n by_o this_o sacrament_n &_o that_o no_o less_o when_o we_o see_v it_o administer_v to_o other_o then_o when_o we_o feel_v it_o in_o our_o own_o body_n and_o therefore_o the_o custom_n which_o have_v prevail_v in_o most_o place_n of_o neglect_v &_o contemn_v this_o part_n of_o the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v and_o sharp_o reproove_v likewise_o in_o the_o other_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o bread_n and_o the_o wine_n receive_v in_o it_o feed_v both_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n the_o one_o by_o their_o natural_a virtue_n the_o other_o by_o their_o mystical_a and_o sacramental_a signification_n work_v in_o we_o a_o fresh_a remembrance_n and_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n represent_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n in_o piece_n and_o the_o pouâ—ing_n forth_o of_o the_o wine_n sect._n 5._o thus_o much_o of_o the_o public_a food_n of_o the_o soul_n beside_o the_o which_o we_o have_v other_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v use_v private_o for_o christian_n must_v not_o be_v as_o babe_n unable_a to_o feed_v themselves_o or_o to_o take_v any_o nourishment_n unless_o it_o be_v put_v into_o their_o mouth_n by_o other_o but_o must_v as_o they_o receive_v the_o meat_n prepare_v by_o other_o so_o also_o dress_v some_o for_o themselves_o and_o that_o by_o gather_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o only_a food_n of_o the_o soul_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v even_o there_o where_o the_o public_a food_n be_v have_v to_o wit_n in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o god_n in_o these_o field_n the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o be_v continual_o conversant_a in_o they_o and_o so_o to_o make_v his_o soul_n strong_a fat_a and_o lusty_a first_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o read_n studying_z understand_v and_o meditate_v of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o profitable_a read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n diverse_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o we_o read_v it_o with_o this_o intent_n and_o purpose_n to_o edify_v ourselves_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n make_v our_o spiritual_a edification_n the_o end_n of_o our_o read_n otherwise_o we_o may_v spend_v all_o our_o day_n yea_o although_o they_o be_v as_o many_o as_o the_o day_n of_o methuselah_n and_o yet_o receive_v no_o more_o increase_n of_o holiness_n than_o they_o who_o never_o hear_v tell_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o why_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v find_v this_o spiritual_a food_n but_o he_o who_o do_v hunger_n after_o it_o and_o seek_v it_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n indeed_o god_n sometime_o be_v find_v of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o seek_v nor_o yet_o so_o much_o as_o ask_v after_o he_o and_o do_v by_o his_o spirit_n renew_v those_o who_o do_v not_o once_o think_v of_o regeneration_n or_o salvation_n but_o here_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n in_o regenerate_a man_n but_o of_o that_o ordinary_a continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o holiness_n which_o every_o faithful_a man_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o work_v in_o himself_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v this_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v he_o that_o seek_v it_o not_o shall_v never_o find_v it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o have_v be_v very_o painful_a reader_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o never_o find_v in_o they_o any_o spiritual_a fruit_n or_o comfort_n because_o they_o read_v they_o not_o to_o that_o end_n but_o for_o some_o sinister_a respect_n the_o jew_n take_v great_a pain_n in_o read_v or_o rather_o in_o learning_n without_o book_n the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o so_o great_a as_o may_v make_v christian_n who_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o bestow_v so_o much_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o seek_v or_o keep_v christ_n pardon_v of_o sin_n &_o eternal_a glory_n as_o they_o do_v in_o seek_v a_o earthly_a king_n &_o earthly_a glory_n the_o which_o only_o they_o look_v for_o by_o their_o messiah_n and_o yet_o they_o find_v not_o christ_n nor_o any_o spiritual_a grace_n because_o they_o seek_v not_o for_o such_o thing_n so_o many_o other_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n for_o other_o sinister_a end_n some_o to_o get_v the_o knowledge_n of_o curious_a and_o unprofitable_a question_n and_o controversy_n of_o endless_a genealogy_n yea_o some_o for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o erroneous_a &_o heretical_a opinion_n some_o for_o mere_a knowledge_n &_o vain_a ostentation_n but_o he_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o good_a physician_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n must_v lay_v aside_o these_o and_o all_o such_o respect_n propound_v to_o himself_o the_o confirmation_n and_o increase_n of_o his_o faith_n love_n patience_n temperance_n &_o of_o all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n these_o thing_n must_v be_v continual_o in_o his_o mind_n yea_o he_o must_v apply_v to_o these_o purpose_n all_o the_o precept_n example_n and_o doctrine_n wherewith_o he_o meet_v mind_v only_a point_n of_o spiritual_a edification_n and_o especial_o those_o whereof_o he_o most_o doubt_v and_o will_v be_v resolve_v and_o which_o belong_v most_o to_o his_o present_a use_n this_o rule_n and_o counsel_n we_o have_v give_v by_o eliphas_n job._n 5.27_o who_o after_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v at_o large_a both_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o his_o goodness_n in_o spare_v save_v and_o bless_v the_o godly_a he_o add_v this_o notable_a conclusion_n loe_o thus_o we_o have_v inquire_v of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o and_o know_v it_o for_o thyself_o that_o be_v do_v not_o content_v thyself_o with_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o this_o doctrine_n but_o apply_v it_o to_o thy_o own_o special_a state_n not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o a_o christian_a in_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o observe_v and_o study_v those_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o direct_o tend_v to_o spiritual_a edification_n for_o it_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a if_o he_o can_v give_v so_o much_o time_n to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n as_o that_o he_o know_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thâ—_n story_n all_o question_n which_o can_v be_v move_v about_o any_o place_n but_o that_o when_o as_o all_o can_v be_v have_v as_o it_o be_v seldom_o see_v that_o any_o gyve_v or_o can_v give_v himself_o so_o whole_o to_o this_o study_n who_o have_v any_o other_o call_v choice_n be_v make_v of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o needful_a profitable_a and_o excellent_a in_o the_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v also_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n for_o his_o daily_a read_n study_v and_o meditate_v in_o the_o which_o this_o spiritual_a food_n do_v most_o plentiful_o grow_v and_o may_v most_o easy_o be_v have_v for_o although_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o comfort_n and_o edification_n and_o that_o no_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v account_v barren_a and_o unprofitable_a yet_o some_o part_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o more_o effectual_a for_o spiritual_a edification_n than_o other_o be_v in_o that_o they_o handle_v those_o point_n wherein_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v more_o full_o and_o plain_o then_o other_o do_v thus_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n to_o the_o which_o they_o be_v as_o commentary_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o that_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n plain_o reveal_v which_o before_o be_v cover_v with_o type_n and_o ceremony_n yea_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o other_o do_v more_o didirect_o aim_v at_o this_o mark_n than_o the_o story_n of_o the_o life_n and_o act_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n it_o seem_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o psalm_n do_v most_o excellent_a in_o this_o behalf_n the_o which_o consist_v whole_o of_o spiritual_a meditation_n observation_n precept_n and_o experiment_n insomuch_o that_o it_o may_v true_o be_v call_v the_o christian_a man_n garden_n wherein_o all_o manner_n of_o
he_o himself_o little_o think_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o read_v eccle._n 11.1_o cast_v thy_o bread_n on_o the_o water_n and_o after_o many_o day_n thou_o shall_v find_v it_o by_o this_o argument_n which_o god_n in_o mercy_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o for_o the_o help_a of_o our_o weakness_n in_o this_o behalf_n we_o be_v to_o be_v encourage_v to_o go_v on_o in_o a_o daily_a and_o liberal_a practice_n of_o christian_a duty_n towards_o our_o brother_n and_o not_o to_o spare_v for_o any_o cost_n for_o we_o do_v not_o loose_v it_o but_o only_o lend_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v assure_o pay_v we_o our_o own_o with_o advantage_n we_o shall_v receive_v a_o hundred_o fold_n in_o this_o life_n and_o a_o far_o better_a reward_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o god_n iâ—_n not_o unjust_a that_o he_o shall_v forget_v the_o good_a work_n the_o painful_a love_n of_o those_o who_o minister_v unto_o the_o saint_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v but_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n give_v to_o a_o prophet_n or_o any_o of_o god_n servant_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v but_o have_v a_o reward_n this_o motive_n to_o good_a work_n god_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o not_o that_o we_o shall_v rest_v in_o it_o or_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v the_o chief_a place_n in_o this_o consultation_n for_o then_o satan_n may_v object_v against_o we_o as_o he_o do_v against_o job_n do_v job_n serve_v god_n for_o nought_o have_v thou_o not_o compass_v he_o in_o with_o thy_o blessing_n and_o so_o to_o we_o thou_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n or_o perform_v these_o christian_a duty_n in_o love_n either_o of_o he_o or_o of_o thy_o brethren_n or_o for_o conscience_n but_o in_o a_o greedy_a desire_n and_o a_o carnal_a hope_n of_o advantage_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a if_o so_o be_v that_o we_o can_v contemn_v and_o pass_v by_o this_o argument_n not_o mistrust_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o this_o behalf_n but_o prefer_v simple_a obedience_n the_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a glory_n before_o any_o reward_n that_o god_n can_v give_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n by_o these_o and_o such_o other_o motive_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v plentiful_o afford_v unto_o we_o we_o be_v to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o daily_a performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n of_o love_n thankfulness_n compassion_n and_o mercy_n and_o to_o account_v this_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a exercise_n no_o less_o needful_a to_o be_v daily_o perform_v than_o any_o other_o chap._n iii_o sect._n 1_o hitherto_o we_o have_v declare_v how_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v by_o god_n endue_v with_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o holiness_n and_o also_o with_o health_n &_o strength_n whereby_o it_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v all_o the_o action_n belong_v unto_o it_o be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o preserve_v in_o that_o estate_n the_o which_o thing_n if_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v desire_v and_o endeavour_v by_o all_o christian_n so_o it_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v than_o be_v this_o our_o labour_n bring_v to_o a_o end_n there_o be_v nothing_o else_o needful_a to_o be_v declare_v as_o touch_v the_o welfare_n and_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o as_o for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o do_v know_v the_o art_n and_o mean_n of_o preserve_v health_n for_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o knowledge_n cunning_a and_o care_n in_o this_o behalf_n infirmity_n and_o disease_n may_v happen_v as_o we_o know_v by_o daily_a experience_n that_o many_o notable_a physician_n have_v fall_v into_o dangerous_a and_o mortal_a sickness_n and_o by_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o untimely_a death_n so_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o our_o spiritual_a welfare_n that_o we_o know_v how_o to_o diet_v and_o order_v our_o soul_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o health_n and_o strength_n it_o be_v also_o require_v that_o we_o know_v how_o by_o a_o convenient_a and_o meet_a diet_n to_o recover_v they_o out_o of_o sickness_n and_o to_o heal_v all_o the_o malady_n happen_v unto_o they_o for_o why_o no_o man_n as_o we_o remain_v in_o these_o earthly_a &_o corruptible_a body_n can_v promise_v unto_o himself_o continual_a and_o certain_a health_n because_o both_o our_o knowledge_n and_o also_o our_o care_n in_o practise_v be_v unperfite_a for_o if_o no_o man_n can_v attain_v so_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v sensible_a but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v hide_v in_o it_o corruption_n and_o secret_a sickness_n never_o perceave_v till_o that_o they_o can_v be_v amend_v as_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v in_o impostume_n plurify_v and_o such_o other_o inward_a disease_n what_o marvel_v if_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o so_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o nature_n whereof_o be_v far_o more_o subtle_a and_o therefore_o much_o more_o hard_a to_o be_v thorough_o know_v especial_o by_o he_o who_o be_v fall_v into_o some_o special_a sickness_n wherein_o man_n be_v far_o less_o able_a to_o order_v themselves_o aright_o than_o they_o be_v in_o health_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o have_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n show_v how_o the_o health_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v continue_v when_o it_o be_v present_a so_o now_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v procure_v where_o it_o be_v want_v or_o recover_v when_o it_o be_v lose_v it_o be_v indeed_o the_o part_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o be_v careful_a in_o keep_v the_o health_n both_o of_o his_o body_n and_o of_o his_o soul_n and_o not_o presume_v of_o his_o cunning_n in_o recover_v it_o to_o be_v careless_a of_o it_o no_o man_n be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o cast_v himself_o into_o the_o sea_n although_o he_o think_v that_o he_o may_v escape_v by_o swim_v to_o wound_v his_o body_n because_o it_o may_v be_v heal_v to_o take_v poison_n because_o he_o can_v counterpoise_v it_o by_o the_o contrary_a &_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o make_v this_o use_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o let_v his_o soul_n fall_v into_o any_o spiritual_a meladie_o because_o he_o know_v where_o to_o have_v a_o remedy_n it_o be_v so_o much_o easy_a to_o keep_v sickness_n out_o of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n then_o to_o get_v it_o out_o after_o that_o it_o have_v get_v entrance_n as_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a for_o a_o whole_a and_o strong_a man_n then_o for_o a_o sick_a and_o weak_a man_n to_o withstand_v or_o resist_v his_o adversary_n for_o possession_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o therefore_o this_o restorative_n or_o rather_o curative_a diet_n which_o now_o we_o take_v in_o hand_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v to_o any_o man_n a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o negligent_a order_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o to_o be_v account_v the_o last_o refuge_n whither_o we_o must_v fly_v when_o as_o by_o the_o force_n of_o sin_n we_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o former_a diet_n of_o preserve_v health_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o so_o pure_a a_o nature_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o infirmity_n and_o disease_n sure_o by_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n in_o it_o the_o which_o where_o it_o have_v the_o whole_a place_n and_o rule_v the_o contrary_a holiness_n be_v altogether_o want_v as_o it_o be_v in_o carnal_a man_n be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o holiness_n be_v the_o life_n of_o it_o where_o it_o be_v and_o work_v yet_o keep_v under_o and_o overrule_v so_o that_o it_o can_v prevail_v it_o be_v a_o infirmity_n and_o last_o when_o it_o have_v in_o this_o wrestle_v prevail_v and_o get_v the_o upper_a hand_n do_v reign_n and_o rule_v it_o be_v a_o sickness_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o sin_n in_o the_o carnal_a man_n be_v death_n in_o the_o regenerate_a soul_n it_o be_v either_o a_o infirmity_n or_o a_o disease_n far_o it_o can_v go_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v whole_o expel_v holiness_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n as_o it_o be_v heat_n out_o of_o the_o body_n and_o so_o bring_v death_n for_o as_o abraham_n be_v bring_v in_o speak_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n luke_n 16.26_o as_o betwixt_o heaven_n and_o hell_n so_o between_o carnalitie_n and_o regeneration_n there_o be_v such_o a_o gulf_n set_v that_o they_o who_o wood_n can_v without_o the_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n pass_v from_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n to_o regeneration_n nor_o from_o regeneration_n to_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n by_o that_o or_o any_o other_o mean_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v out_o of_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
they_o have_v by_o murder_v themselves_o seek_v for_o ease_n in_o death_n and_o in_o hell_n itself_o think_v that_o no_o state_n can_v be_v so_o evil_a and_o therefore_o that_o any_o change_n will_v be_v good_a sect._n 2._o now_o further_o in_o this_o humiliation_n of_o a_o sinner_n we_o be_v to_o declare_v these_o two_o point_n first_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o nature_n and_o second_o whether_o it_o be_v absolute_a necessity_n for_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n or_o no._n for_o the_o first_o although_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o have_v a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n contrary_a to_o that_o obstinacy_n atheism_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v in_o the_o wicked_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o nature_n come_v of_o that_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o conscience_n of_o sin_n which_o remain_v in_o man_n since_o his_o creation_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o this_o humiliation_n be_v that_o true_a contrition_n and_o softness_n of_o heart_n which_o have_v place_n in_o those_o who_o be_v regenerate_v and_o whereby_o they_o do_v easy_o without_o any_o resistance_n or_o delay_n yield_v to_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v at_o the_o first_o move_v by_o his_o promise_n &_o blessing_n to_o love_v he_o by_o his_o threaten_n and_o judgement_n to_o fear_v he_o and_o by_o both_o to_o obey_v he_o only_o it_o be_v a_o servile_a fear_n of_o punishment_n and_o of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n wherewith_o obstinacy_n in_o sin_n may_v easy_o and_o do_v often_o concur_v but_o why_o will_v some_o man_n say_v if_o this_o humiliation_n be_v natural_a be_v it_o not_o if_o not_o in_o all_o yet_o in_o most_o man_n as_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o yea_o why_o be_v it_o in_o so_o few_o as_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o and_o that_o almost_o all_o general_o live_v in_o pleasure_n and_o in_o senseless_a security_n without_o any_o conscience_n of_o sin_n or_o fear_v of_o punishment_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o humiliation_n be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n not_o be_v neglect_v &_o suffer_v either_o to_o lie_v dead_a or_o to_o decrease_v daily_o as_o it_o do_v in_o most_o man_n for_o then_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o send_v forth_o this_o fruit_n but_o be_v at_o length_n clean_o extinguish_v and_o turn_v into_o mere_a atheism_n but_o augment_v by_o the_o write_a law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n and_o stir_v up_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n otherwise_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v work_v this_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n for_o how_o can_v they_o have_v a_o trouble_a conscience_n who_o have_v no_o conscience_n or_o fear_v of_o god_n who_o they_o do_v not_o know_v to_o exist_v at_o least_o not_o to_o do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a hence_o it_o come_v that_o this_o humiliation_n be_v so_o seldom_o find_v even_o among_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o faith_n for_o that_o they_o have_v no_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o settle_a persuasion_n of_o god_n but_o a_o slight_a and_o waver_a opinion_n &_o therefore_o no_o great_a or_o vehement_a humiliation_n but_o only_o be_v sometime_o disquiet_v in_o â—heir_a mind_n in_o their_o misery_n and_o in_o the_o commit_n of_o notorious_a sin_n as_o even_o the_o very_a heathen_a be_v sometime_o of_o who_o we_o read_v that_o they_o have_v be_v strange_o sting_v in_o their_o conscience_n by_o heinous_a sin_n and_o drive_v by_o a_o fearful_a sense_n and_o expectation_n of_o god_n revenge_a hand_n into_o madness_n horror_n and_o desperation_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v so_o to_o esteem_v this_o humiliation_n as_o that_o which_o although_o it_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a work_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o regeneration_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o step_n towards_o it_o and_o far_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o tâ—e_v contrary_a atheism_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o humiliation_n whether_o it_o may_v be_v spare_v or_o be_v so_o absolute_o needful_a as_o that_o without_o it_o no_o regeneration_n or_o salvation_n may_v be_v hope_v for_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o that_o no_o man_n can_v seek_v to_o be_v ease_v of_o the_o burden_n of_o his_o sin_n by_o christ_n unless_o he_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o they_o or_o to_o be_v heal_v by_o he_o unless_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v wound_v and_o bruise_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o alike_o vehement_a and_o manifest_a in_o all_o neither_o be_v it_o needful_a that_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o repentant_a have_v a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o so_o be_v as_o he_o can_v but_o be_v affect_v with_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n in_o respect_n of_o they_o although_o there_o be_v not_o those_o horrible_a pangâ—_n of_o horror_n which_o be_v in_o the_o repentance_n of_o some_o the_o degree_n of_o humiliation_n arise_v of_o these_o three_o cause_n first_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o sinfulness_n in_o the_o repentant_a for_o as_o the_o heavy_a the_o burden_n be_v the_o more_o it_o press_v down_o so_o the_o mo_z and_o the_o more_o heinous_a that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o repentant_a be_v the_o great_a be_v his_o humiliation_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o those_o fearful_a agony_n of_o sorrow_n and_o desperation_n be_v not_o usual_o see_v but_o where_o many_o heinous_a sin_n have_v go_v before_o second_o it_o arise_v of_o the_o diversity_n of_o those_o outward_a affliction_n and_o iugdement_n wherewith_o the_o repentant_a be_v punish_v the_o which_o be_v of_o themselves_o grievous_a unto_o he_o and_o some_o time_n such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v bear_v by_o flesh_n and_o blood_n without_o great_a perturbation_n and_o anguish_n of_o soul_n and_o so_o be_v add_v to_o the_o inward_a burden_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o of_o a_o trouble_a spirit_n whereof_o the_o wise_a man_n ask_v who_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o make_v this_o humiliation_n very_o great_a three_o it_o arise_v of_o the_o delay_n of_o grace_n the_o which_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o some_o far_o soon_o than_o he_o do_v to_o other_o who_o be_v keep_v a_o long_a â—ime_n in_o suspense_n and_o not_o feel_v that_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n which_o they_o desine_fw-la and_o expect_v have_v less_o hope_n of_o obtain_v pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o consequent_o great_a fear_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n due_a to_o sin_n whereas_o otherwise_o be_v soon_o some_o sudden_o without_o any_o sensible_a humiliation_n or_o time_n of_o repentance_n give_v unto_o they_o receive_v into_o favour_n have_v not_o the_o like_a cause_n of_o this_o excessive_a sorrow_n and_o fear_n last_o the_o degree_n of_o humiliation_n arise_v of_o diverse_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o repentant_a think_v the_o one_o more_o or_o less_o heinous_a the_o other_o more_o or_o less_o intolerable_a so_o be_v his_o humiliation_n less_o or_o great_a yet_o always_o as_o it_o have_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n otherwise_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o regeneration_n into_o the_o which_o there_o be_v entrance_n but_o through_o this_o narrow_a gate_n of_o shame_n sorrow_n fear_n and_o anguish_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o can_v remember_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v in_o this_o low_a estate_n of_o humiliation_n can_v think_v that_o he_o be_v as_o yet_o exalt_v by_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o must_v now_o at_o length_n labour_n to_o be_v thus_o humble_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n not_o put_v far_o out_o of_o his_o mind_n the_o evil_a day_n and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o may_v any_o way_n vex_v or_o trouble_v he_o as_o usual_o and_o natural_o man_n do_v but_o rather_o lay_v this_o corrosive_a of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o his_o sin_n commit_v to_o his_o conscience_n &_o suffer_v it_o there_o even_o to_o eat_v and_o fret_v away_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n till_o god_n in_o mercy_n take_v it_o away_o thus_o we_o leave_v this_o poor_a distress_a soul_n out_o of_o conceit_n with_o himself_o esteem_v himself_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o and_z forlorn_a caitiff_n in_o the_o world_n &_o say_v with_o himself_o o_o miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o death_n we_o go_v on_o to_o that_o which_o follow_v sect._n 3_o thus_o
or_o any_o way_n hinder_v set_v ourselves_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n as_o we_o read_v psal._n 119.61_o even_o at_o midnight_n will_v i_o rise_v to_o praise_v thou_o and_o to_o think_v of_o all_o thy_o judgement_n or_o at_o the_o least_o to_o sequester_v ourselves_o in_o the_o day_n time_n from_o the_o company_n of_o other_o as_o we_o read_v gen._n 24.63_o that_o isaac_n in_o the_o evening_n do_v walk_v forth_o into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v and_o pray_v and_o mat._n 14.23_o that_o christ_n when_o his_o time_n of_o prayer_n be_v come_v send_v the_o multitude_n away_o and_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n alone_o to_o pray_v and_o be_v there_o alone_o as_o also_o mark_v 1.35_o that_o very_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o day_n he_o go_v into_o a_o desert_n or_o solitary_a place_n and_o there_o pray_v but_o as_o for_o sudden_a prayer_n he_o do_v often_o perform_v that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o other_o affair_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o other_o even_o of_o the_o whole_a multitude_n thus_o he_o pray_v john_n 11.41_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o work_v in_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o death_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o what_o with_o extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a what_o with_o set_v and_o sudden_a prayer_n the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o continual_a exercise_n of_o pray_v to_o the_o daily_o and_o diligent_a performance_n whereof_o he_o whosoever_o desire_v to_o have_v his_o soul_n in_o good_a estate_n be_v to_o look_v careful_o lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n he_o be_v draw_v away_o and_o become_v negligent_a in_o this_o behalf_n as_o we_o see_v it_o often_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christian_n do_v so_o entangle_v and_o even_o overwhelm_v themselves_o with_o worldly_a care_n and_o affair_n that_o they_o can_v scarce_o spare_v any_o time_n either_o for_o extraordinary_a or_o for_o ordinary_a either_o for_o set_v or_o for_o sudden_a prayer_n yea_o if_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a hindrance_n yet_o the_o slothfulness_n of_o the_o flesh_n unwilling_a of_o itself_o to_o take_v pain_n in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v a_o sufficient_a hindrance_n and_o make_v many_o cold_a negligent_a yea_o &_o at_o length_n altogether_o careless_a of_o this_o duty_n as_o we_o read_v mar._n 14.37_o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o as_o they_o have_v this_o duty_n impose_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o drowsy_a sluggishness_n hinder_v from_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o the_o which_o so_o far_o prevail_v with_o they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o get_v the_o upper_a hand_n of_o it_o no_o not_o when_o they_o be_v sharp_o reprove_v by_o christ_n &_o stir_v up_o to_o prayer_n for_o so_o he_o say_v peter_n sleep_v thou_o can_v thou_o not_o watch_v one_o hour_n watch_z and_o pray_v lest_o you_o fall_v into_o temptation_n the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o therefore_o christ_n speak_v of_o pray_v luc._n 8.1_o add_v this_o caveat_n that_o they_o shall_v pray_v and_o not_o be_v weary_v with_o it_o so_o that_o we_o be_v forewarn_v by_o christ_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n lest_o that_o by_o these_o or_o any_o other_o mean_n we_o be_v either_o altogether_o hinder_v or_o make_v negligent_a in_o this_o exercise_n wherein_o as_o have_v often_o be_v say_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v consist_v as_o no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v if_o we_o consider_v and_o weigh_v the_o unspeakable_a fruit_n and_o comfort_n arise_v of_o it_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v less_o irksome_a or_o more_o pleasant_a to_o a_o christian_a soul_n then_o to_o have_v daily_a company_n conversation_n conference_n and_o talk_n with_o god_n his_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n his_o protector_n and_o mediator_n his_o lord_n and_o his_o god_n the_o fountain_n and_o full_a treasure_n of_o all_o blessing_n the_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_o perform_v then_o that_o which_o procure_v pardon_n for_o all_o sin_n which_o remoove_v all_o evil_n which_o supply_v all_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a want_n which_o increase_v all_o grace_n and_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o sound_n and_o perfect_a health_n even_o as_o bodily_a exercise_n do_v the_o body_n and_o therefore_o as_o man_n feel_v their_o body_n any_o way_n heavy_a distemper_a and_o out_o of_o course_n straightway_o they_o fly_v to_o this_o remedy_n of_o exercise_n not_o doubt_v but_o that_o it_o will_v soon_o put_v it_o away_o so_o whensoever_o we_o feel_v ourselves_o prone_a to_o sin_n and_o untoward_a and_o sluggish_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n if_o we_o give_v ourselves_o to_o this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n &_o stretch_v out_o the_o joint_n of_o our_o soul_n before_o god_n we_o shall_v no_o doubt_n feel_v a_o great_a change_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o that_o now_o they_o be_v light_n and_o able_a to_o lift_v up_o themselves_o to_o heaven_n sect._n 11._o thus_o we_o see_v what_o singular_a force_n and_o virtue_n in_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n have_v and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n who_o according_a to_o his_o gracious_a promise_n grant_v whatsoever_o his_o child_n ask_v by_o prayer_n according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n prayer_n be_v as_o profitable_a for_o the_o body_n as_o for_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o procure_v temporal_a blessing_n as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a grace_n but_o also_o by_o a_o proper_a virtue_n inherent_a in_o itself_o for_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o the_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n in_o pour_v his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n into_o their_o heart_n who_o ask_v it_o by_o hearty_a prayer_n the_o very_a action_n of_o prayer_n do_v although_o not_o merit_n yet_o both_o confirm_v and_o increase_v grace_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o of_o force_n for_o temporal_a blessing_n for_o no_o man_n can_v by_o pray_v enrich_v himself_o only_a it_o procure_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o so_o bring_v riches_n but_o as_o for_o spiritual_a grace_n it_o work_v not_o the_o beginning_n but_o the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o they_o not_o only_o from_o god_n but_o also_o by_o itself_o as_o have_v be_v note_v before_o and_o will_v more_o plain_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o follow_v for_o first_o for_o prayer_n in_o general_a whosoever_o give_v himself_o to_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o it_o he_o do_v of_o necessity_n daily_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o his_o spiritual_a state_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o it_o the_o which_o can_v but_o work_v in_o he_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n for_o as_o the_o careless_a neglect_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n come_v from_o a_o greedy_a seek_n and_o a_o sensual_a enjoy_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n bring_v a_o daily_a decrease_n so_o the_o serious_a and_o continual_a meditation_n of_o they_o bring_v increase_v of_o grace_n the_o which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v watchfulness_n as_o the_o contrary_a neglect_n be_v drowsy_a sleep_a and_o therefore_o these_o two_o be_v usual_o join_v together_o watch_z and_o pray_v as_o mar._n 13.33_o look_v watch_n and_o pray_v and_o math._n 26.41_o watch_n and_o pray_v lest_o you_o fall_v into_o temptation_n that_o be_v give_v yourselves_o to_o prayer_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o your_o own_o estate_n such_o as_o use_v to_o be_v not_o in_o drowsy_a head_n but_o in_o man_n give_v to_o much_o wake_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o may_v be_v strong_a in_o grace_n and_o so_o enable_v to_o resist_v the_o force_n of_o sin_n this_o appear_v more_o evident_o in_o the_o particular_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v make_v a_o full_a and_o plain_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n before_o god_n desire_v he_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o christ_n to_o pardon_v they_o promise_v and_o vow_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o will_v never_o again_o so_o displease_v and_o so_o dishonour_v he_o and_o not_o be_v make_v even_o by_o this_o confession_n far_o off_o from_o commit_v of_o sin_n and_o if_o we_o suppose_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o strong_a in_o he_o and_o do_v so_o much_o prevail_v that_o notwithstanding_o his_o diligent_a pray_v he_o still_o fall_v into_o sin_n yet_o that_o will_v stand_v true_a which_o we_o affirm_v to_o wit_n that_o diligent_a prayer_n and_o the_o commit_n of_o sin_n will_v not_o stand_v other_o for_o if_o prayer_n can_v make_v he_o cease_v from_o sin_v yet_o his_o sin_v will_v make_v he_o leave_v off_o pray_v and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o open_v his_o mouth_n to_o god_n or_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n to_o
that_o rest_a place_n which_o in_o that_o place_n be_v call_v abraham_n bosom_n or_o rather_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v but_o in_o the_o way_n towards_o it_o it_o do_v often_o look_v back_o to_o sin_n yea_o return_n and_o go_v back_o again_o even_o till_o it_o come_v to_o death_n door_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n but_o there_o it_o stay_v have_v no_o entrance_n grant_v yea_o in_o truth_n desire_v none_o and_o that_o we_o may_v return_v to_o our_o accustom_a similitude_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v in_o it_o two_o contrary_a quality_n sin_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o which_o as_o the_o one_o prevail_v against_o the_o other_o so_o be_v the_o soul_n in_o weakness_n or_o in_o strength_n in_o sickness_n or_o in_o health_n in_o death_n or_o in_o life_n sect._n 2._o the_o evil_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v to_o be_v cure_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n infirmity_n and_o disease_n spiritual_a infirmity_n be_v the_o relic_n of_o sin_n subdue_v in_o a_o faithful_a man_n work_v against_o grace_n make_v he_o prone_a or_o reâ—die_a to_o fall_v into_o outward_a and_o actual_a sin_n and_o backward_o in_o perform_v the_o contrary_a spiritual_a duty_n this_o description_n which_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n set_v down_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v particular_o explain_v and_o first_o in_o that_o we_o make_v it_o a_o relic_n of_o sin_n we_o distinguish_v it_o from_o humane_a infirmity_n the_o which_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o of_o all_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n and_o which_o make_v that_o he_o can_v serve_v god_n in_o so_o great_a measure_n that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a against_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n not_o so_o far_o from_o commit_v it_o or_o so_o sure_a and_o constant_a in_o holiness_n but_o that_o he_o may_v decrease_v in_o it_o yea_o omit_v for_o a_o time_n some_o duty_n yet_o without_o sin_n as_o the_o angel_n be_v to_o this_o kind_n we_o be_v to_o refer_v that_o ignorance_n fear_n and_o forgetfulness_n and_o many_o other_o infirmity_n which_o have_v place_n in_o the_o state_n of_o man_n innocence_n &_o which_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ._n those_o natural_a infirmity_n be_v not_o sin_n for_o they_o be_v create_v in_o man_n by_o god_n all_o who_o work_n be_v good_a neither_o be_v they_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n for_o they_o be_v before_o sin_n and_o in_o he_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n yea_o the_o angel_n themselves_o be_v compare_v with_o god_n be_v more_o weak_a have_v mo_z and_o great_a infirmites_n then_o man_n have_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o but_o these_o infirmity_n whereof_o we_o speak_v be_v the_o relic_n of_o sin_n and_o sin_n it_o self_n not_o lie_v idle_a but_o work_v otherwise_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n be_v in_o all_o man_n and_o can_v possible_o be_v remove_v but_o we_o speak_v of_o infirmity_n which_o may_v be_v remoove_v and_o from_o the_o which_o many_o christian_n be_v free_a for_o sin_n may_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v so_o suppress_v that_o it_o have_v not_o a_o day_n he_o and_o ordinary_a work_n in_o we_o as_o these_o infirmity_n have_v in_o bring_v forth_o actual_a sin_n not_o outward_o which_o be_v sin_n perfect_v for_o then_o these_o infirmity_n be_v grievous_a disease_n but_o inward_o in_o the_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n all_o which_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n do_v daily_a work_n but_o it_o be_v seldom_o bring_v forth_o into_o act_n be_v put_v back_o and_o keep_v down_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o sometime_o it_o do_v prevail_v even_o to_o actual_a sin_n for_o as_o that_o city_n which_o be_v continual_o besiege_v and_o assault_v can_v not_o but_o be_v take_v at_o length_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o as_o they_o who_o have_v the_o care_n and_o defence_n of_o it_o commit_v unto_o they_o can_v but_o sometime_o remit_v of_o their_o diligence_n and_o be_v overtake_v with_o sleep_n drink_n forgetfulness_n fair_a promise_n and_o pretence_n or_o by_o some_o such_o mean_n so_o where_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v continual_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v at_o one_o place_n or_o other_o upon_o one_o occasion_n or_o temptation_n or_o other_o burst_v forth_o into_o open_a sin_n for_o example_n a_o christian_n be_v endue_v by_o god_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o continency_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o lead_v a_o life_n free_a from_o all_o adultery_n fornication_n and_o all_o such_o uncleanness_n yet_o he_o feel_v inward_o in_o his_o minâ—e_n that_o burn_v whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o cor._n 7.9_o here_o be_v both_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n suppress_v sin_n and_o also_o the_o relic_n of_o incontinency_n not_o live_v idle_a but_o work_v vehementlie_o and_o continual_o not_o in_o life_n and_o action_n but_o inward_o in_o the_o soul_n yet_o where_o this_o infirmity_n be_v there_o sometime_o the_o outward_a sin_n itself_o will_v happen_v for_o although_o a_o christian_a do_v ordinary_o keep_v watch_n and_o ward_n over_o his_o soul_n lest_o that_o he_o do_v fall_v into_o sin_n yet_o sometime_o he_o will_v be_v somewhat_o careless_a overcome_v by_o the_o force_n and_o variety_n of_o temptation_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o uncleanness_n an_o other_o example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o say_a epistle_n in_o the_o chapter_n follow_v a_o pagan_a be_v convert_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n renounce_v his_o false_a god_n &_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n only_o in_o christ_n here_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n prevayl_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n and_o suppress_v it_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o relic_n of_o this_o sin_n in_o his_o mind_n whereby_o he_o think_v that_o his_o idol_n his_o old_a god_n be_v not_o altogether_o void_a of_o power_n and_o excellency_n &_o aught_o to_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o worship_n give_v unto_o they_o this_o be_v the_o infirmity_n and_o the_o work_n of_o it_o inward_o in_o his_o mind_n yet_o he_o suppress_v it_o by_o the_o knowledge_n &_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o open_a idolator_n but_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n only_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v easy_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o example_n and_o persuasion_n of_o other_o to_o give_v some_o outward_a worship_n and_o honour_n to_o these_o false_a go_n many_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v bring_v but_o these_o may_v serve_v now_o that_o we_o see_v what_o a_o spiritual_a infirmity_n be_v we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o see_v how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v heal_v and_o remove_v wherein_o there_o be_v great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v use_v both_o for_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n require_v the_o inward_a purity_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a purity_n of_o life_n as_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o great_a and_o open_a sin_n wherein_o this_o weak_a christian_n be_v who_o although_o for_o a_o time_n he_o walk_v upright_o in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n yet_o he_o be_v like_a enough_o to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v when_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o stumble_a block_n to_o wit_n any_o great_a occasion_n and_o provocation_n to_o sin_n sect._n 3_o but_o whither_o be_v these_o infirmity_n curable_a or_o no_o sure_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v able_a to_o mortify_v all_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o sinful_a nature_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v yea_o it_o be_v like_a enough_o that_o god_n who_o have_v begin_v the_o good_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n will_v perfect_v and_o accomplish_v it_o and_o that_o as_o he_o have_v cut_v down_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n so_o he_o will_v in_o his_o good_a time_n pull_v the_o root_n out_o of_o the_o ground_n also_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o infirmity_n in_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v incurable_a some_o which_o be_v hardly_o and_o very_o seldom_o cure_v in_o the_o first_o sort_n we_o be_v to_o reckon_v the_o original_a corruption_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o infirmity_n yea_o corrupt_a as_o be_v the_o relic_n of_o sin_n and_o sin_n itself_o this_o infirmity_n stick_v so_o fast_o in_o our_o very_a bone_n &_o marrow_n that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o be_v remove_v and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o hope_v for_o or_o to_o go_v about_o the_o total_a heal_n of_o it_o for_o although_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o god_n to_o sanctify_v we_o full_o and_o whole_o as_o the_o apostle_n pray_v 1._o thâ—ss_n 5.23_o yet_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n and_o word_n
much_o of_o the_o inward_a humiliation_n of_o the_o soul_n require_v in_o repentance_n unto_o the_o which_o the_o outward_a behaviour_n must_v be_v correspondent_a as_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apparel_n of_o man_n be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o condition_n degree_n and_o kind_a of_o life_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v now_o put_v on_o this_o repentant_a a_o black_a mourn_a weed_n that_o so_o his_o outward_a behaviour_n may_v be_v suitable_a to_o the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o as_o he_o be_v in_o soul_n and_o conscience_n cast_v down_o by_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o sin_n &_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n so_o he_o may_v behave_v himself_o according_o and_o express_v his_o inward_a humiliation_n in_o all_o his_o word_n deed_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n but_o what_o need_v this_o will_v some_o man_n say_v consider_v that_o god_n regard_v not_o the_o outward_a but_o the_o inward_a man_n &_o will_v accept_v a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n without_o these_o outward_a show_n and_o ceremony_n yea_o we_o be_v flat_o forbid_v by_o christ_n mat._n 6.16_o to_o wear_v this_o hypocrite_n weed_n of_o outward_a humility_n and_o holiness_n when_o thou_o fast_o look_v not_o sour_a as_o hypocrite_n do_v for_o they_o disfigure_v their_o face_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o man_n to_o fast_o but_o when_o thou_o fast_o anoint_v thy_o head_n &_o wash_v thy_o face_n that_o thou_o seem_v not_o to_o man_n to_o fast_o bâ—â—_n to_o thy_o father_n in_o secret_a we_o answer_v confess_v that_o outward_a humiliation_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o inward_a contrition_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o acceptable_a but_o abominable_a to_o god_n yea_o that_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v omit_v as_o namely_o when_o by_o use_v it_o we_o shall_v incur_v the_o suspicion_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o vainglory_n in_o the_o which_o sense_n this_o prohibition_n of_o it_o which_o christ_n make_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o god_n both_o like_v and_o require_v yea_o which_o be_v many_o way_n profitable_a for_o he_o that_o use_v it_o for_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v both_o by_o the_o soul_n and_o by_o the_o body_n and_o will_v have_v the_o inward_a holiness_n of_o the_o one_o express_v and_o profess_v by_o the_o outward_a obedience_n of_o the_o other_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n please_v and_o acceptable_a in_o his_o sight_n that_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n and_o conformity_n in_o all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v in_o the_o judicial_a law_n forbid_v the_o jew_n from_o sow_v diverse_a seed_n in_o the_o same_o field_n or_o from_o make_v their_o garment_n half_a linen_n and_o half_a woollen_a from_o mourning_n in_o a_o festival_n time_n nehe._n 8.9_o or_o from_o joy_v and_o feast_v in_o a_o time_n of_o mourning_n joel_n 2.16_o how_o much_o more_o undecent_a than_o will_v he_o think_v this_o repugnancy_n betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n that_o when_o the_o one_o weep_v the_o other_o shall_v laugh_v when_o the_o soul_n be_v humble_v with_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n the_o body_n shall_v he_o puff_v up_o and_o swell_v in_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n yea_o this_o outward_a humiliation_n be_v very_o needful_a and_o profitable_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o repentant_a himself_o for_o as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o holiness_n the_o more_o they_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o body_n in_o life_n and_o action_n the_o more_o they_o be_v confirm_v and_o increase_v inward_o in_o the_o soul_n so_o the_o more_o that_o a_o man_n give_v himself_o to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o humiliation_n before_o man_n the_o more_o do_v he_o humble_v himself_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n beside_o this_o outward_a humiliation_n will_v be_v a_o great_a furtherance_n to_o another_o part_n of_o repentance_n to_o wit_n amendment_n of_o life_n and_o a_o very_a effectual_a mean_n of_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n with_o all_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n thereof_o for_o it_o require_v a_o abstinence_n from_o the_o use_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n by_o the_o which_o we_o know_v that_o the_o flesh_n be_v hearten_v be_v make_v to_o rebel_n yea_o to_o prevail_v against_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o regenerate_a and_o in_o all_o motion_n tend_v to_o holiness_n which_o can_v be_v in_o a_o carnal_a man_n sect._n 4_o this_o outward_a humiliation_n must_v stretch_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a behaviour_n and_o life_n of_o this_o repentant_a and_o must_v have_v place_n in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o deed_n for_o so_o we_o make_v it_o of_o two_o sort_n verbal_a and_o real_a verbal_a humiliation_n be_v common_o call_v confession_n which_o be_v a_o ready_a and_o voluntary_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o deserve_a wretchedness_n to_o god_n and_o to_o man_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a effect_n and_o sign_n of_o the_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a humiliation_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v chary_a of_o his_o own_o credit_n and_o estimation_n very_o unwilling_a to_o hear_v or_o admit_v from_o another_o any_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o impair_n of_o it_o but_o nothing_o go_v more_o against_o his_o stomach_n then_o that_o he_o himself_o shall_v utter_v any_o thing_n any_o way_n tend_v to_o his_o own_o disgrace_n and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v throw_v mire_n on_o his_o own_o face_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o man_n do_v by_o all_o mean_n cover_v and_o coâ—ceale_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n and_o although_o they_o can_v stop_v other_o man_n mouth_n yet_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v their_o own_o counsel_n so_o that_o whensoever_o a_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o true_a plain_a and_o voluntary_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n it_o be_v unfallible_a argument_n of_o great_a humiliation_n and_o therefore_o god_n threaten_v levi._n 26.40_o extreme_a misery_n in_o which_o the_o great_a humiliation_n have_v place_n unto_o the_o people_n say_v that_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v pine_v away_o in_o the_o land_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o shall_v confess_v their_o sin_n in_o this_o respect_n confession_n be_v require_v and_o have_v always_o be_v perform_v in_o true_a repentance_n pro._n 28.13_o he_o that_o hide_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v it_o thus_o nehem._n 9.2_o in_o that_o public_a repentance_n the_o people_n be_v assemble_v together_o in_o fast_v sackcloth_n and_o earth_n upon_o they_o and_o they_o stand_v and_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o forefa-fathers_n and_o likewise_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n which_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o repentance_n more_o than_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o regeneration_n the_o people_n that_o be_v baptize_v confess_v their_o sin_n math._n 3.6_o this_o confession_n be_v to_o be_v make_v first_o and_o chief_o unto_o god_n against_o who_o all_o sin_n be_v commit_v and_o that_o for_o the_o illustration_n of_o his_o glory_n for_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o purity_n &_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v illustrate_v thus_o the_o prophet_n david_n confess_v psal_n 51._o i_o know_v my_o iniquity_n and_o my_o sin_n be_v ever_o before_o i_o against_o thou_o o_o lord_n i_o have_v sin_v and_o do_v evil_a in_o thy_o sight_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v justify_v in_o thy_o say_n and_o find_v pure_a when_o thou_o iudge_v behold_v i_o be_v bear_v in_o sin_n and_o in_o iniquity_n have_v my_o mother_n conceive_v i_o yea_o this_o confession_n must_v be_v make_v simple_o plain_o and_o full_o all_o excuse_n pretence_n and_o shift_n be_v lay_v aside_o without_o conceal_v either_o any_o sin_n although_o never_o so_o great_a and_o heinous_a or_o any_o circumstance_n whereby_o the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o may_v be_v aggravate_v second_o this_o confession_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v make_v to_o man_n whereunto_o our_o repentant_a will_n much_o more_o unwilling_o yield_v who_o although_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o more_o afraid_a and_o ashamed_a to_o confess_v his_o sin_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o be_v purity_n itself_o uncapable_a of_o any_o manner_n of_o pollution_n yet_o he_o be_v more_o ashamed_a of_o his_o sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n because_o he_o be_v not_o so_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o sensible_a but_o how_o unwilling_a soever_o he_o be_v it_o must_v be_v do_v and_o that_o even_o for_o that_o end_n chief_o in_o regard_n whereof_o he_o be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o do_v it_o for_o god_n know_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o against_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n then_o by_o lay_v open_a his_o grievous_a sin_n and_o offence_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n to_o incur_v shame_n and_o ignominy_n with_o