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
most_o man_n make_v so_o little_a account_n of_o sin_n that_o although_o they_o know_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o confess_v to_o other_o themselves_o to_o be_v both_o sinful_a by_o nature_n and_o sinner_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n yet_o their_o sin_n be_v not_o a_o heavy_a burden_n or_o a_o clog_n unto_o their_o conscience_n not_o as_o sharp_a prick_n wound_v and_o gall_v their_o heart_n but_o as_o small_a and_o light_a matter_n whereof_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o feel_n they_o think_v that_o as_o they_o themselves_o so_o also_o god_n himself_o make_v small_a reckon_n of_o it_o and_o though_o he_o have_v command_v man_n to_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o commit_v of_o sin_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o by_o the_o commit_n of_o it_o provoke_v to_o anger_n or_o to_o inflict_v any_o punishment_n upon_o the_o offendant_fw-la as_o plain_o appear_v by_o that_o great_a patience_n which_o he_o use_v towards_o man_n who_o although_o general_o they_o go_v on_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o disobedience_n and_o wilful_a break_n of_o his_o commandment_n add_v one_o grievous_a sin_n to_o another_o and_o open_a contempt_n of_o he_o &_o of_o hiâ—_n word_n to_o all_o yet_o they_o escape_v unpunished_a &_o live_v as_o merry_o in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o holy_a man_n do_v who_o dare_v not_o suffer_v a_o evil_a thought_n to_o enter_v into_o his_o mind_n thus_o that_o we_o may_v answer_v this_o profane_a and_o pernicious_a error_n with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 2.2_o man_n contemn_v &_o abuse_v the_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v of_o god_n &_o be_v by_o it_o keep_v back_o from_o repentance_n the_o which_o they_o shall_v know_v and_o think_v to_o lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n in_o that_o god_n do_v not_o confound_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n as_o he_o may_v just_o do_v but_o suffer_v they_o to_o live_v give_v time_n of_o repent_v yet_o they_o according_a to_o the_o obstinacy_n and_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n which_o can_v or_o rather_o which_o will_v not_o repent_v heap_n up_o to_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n thus_o god_n speak_v to_o the_o wicked_a person_n psa._n 50.21_o these_o sin_n thou_o have_v commit_v &_o i_o have_v hold_v my_o peace_n that_o be_v i_o do_v not_o punish_v thou_o as_o thy_o sin_n do_v deserve_v whereupon_o thou_o think_v that_o i_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o that_o be_v that_o i_o like_v and_o approve_a sin_n and_o be_v as_o little_o offend_v with_o it_o as_o thou_o thyself_o but_o i_o will_v reproove_v and_o punish_v thou_o for_o thy_o sin_n &_o so_o i_o will_v take_v this_o error_n out_o of_o thy_o mind_n for_o so_o we_o be_v to_o interpret_v this_o patience_n of_o god_n esteem_v impunity_n to_o be_v the_o great_a punishment_n of_o all_o other_o and_o that_o as_o the_o water_n be_v deep_a where_o it_o be_v the_o still_a so_o where_o god_n be_v most_o silent_a in_o threaten_v and_o patient_a in_o spare_v there_o he_o be_v most_o inflame_v with_o anger_n and_o purpose_n of_o revenge_n and_o last_o that_o the_o few_o judgment_n be_v pour_v forth_o upon_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o life_n the_o mo_z be_v reserve_v in_o store_n for_o they_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o yet_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o defer_v to_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o that_o they_o be_v even_o in_o this_o life_n feel_v of_o the_o wicked_a and_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o man_n for_o beside_o spiritual_a plague_n as_o blindness_n of_o mind_n hardness_n of_o heart_n impenitency_n the_o add_v of_o one_o heinous_a sin_n unto_o another_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n and_o a_o desperate_a outrage_n in_o sin_n the_o which_o howsoever_o they_o be_v light_o esteem_v of_o yea_o not_o at_o all_o perceive_v by_o carnal_a eye_n yet_o they_o be_v of_o all_o other_o most_o fearful_a and_o grievous_a the_o curse_n of_o god_n do_v evident_o fall_v &_o seize_v upon_o the_o body_n good_n upon_o the_o wife_n child_n and_o friend_n upon_o the_o name_n memory_n and_o posterity_n of_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n as_o they_o be_v at_o large_a rehearse_v and_o most_o fearful_o threaten_v deuter._n 28._o he_o shall_v be_v curse_v in_o the_o town_n and_o in_o the_o field_n in_o his_o basket_n and_o in_o his_o dough_n in_o the_o fruit_n both_o of_o his_o body_n and_o of_o his_o land_n in_o his_o kine_n and_o in_o his_o flock_n of_o sheep_n in_o his_o go_v out_o and_o in_o his_o come_n in_o and_o for_o brevity_n sake_n refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o place_n itself_o the_o heavy_a hand_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v upon_o all_o his_o action_n endeavour_n and_o enterprise_n upon_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o do_v any_o way_n belong_v unto_o he_o yea_o all_o the_o creature_n both_o small_a and_o great_a weak_a and_o strong_a good_a and_o evil_a in_o heaven_n and_o on_o the_o earth_n shall_v band_n themselves_o together_o in_o huge_a army_n against_o he_o for_o his_o confusion_n as_o executioner_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n due_a unto_o he_o for_o his_o sin_n yea_o while_o they_o be_v defer_v the_o expectation_n of_o they_o be_v more_o fearful_a if_o more_o may_v be_v than_o the_o suffering_n of_o they_o be_v grievous_a and_o if_o the_o conscience_n be_v sear_v and_o benumb_v there_o be_v no_o fear_n that_o state_n be_v of_o all_o other_o desperate_a and_o fearful_a this_o part_n of_o repentance_n as_o also_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v usual_o want_v in_o carnal_a man_n who_o pass_v on_o their_o day_n in_o mirth_n pleasure_n and_o security_n and_o so_o blessing_n themselves_o in_o their_o prosperous_a estate_n put_v far_o from_o themselves_o the_o evil_a day_n yet_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v find_v in_o they_o upon_o occasion_n either_o of_o some_o heinous_a sin_n commit_v or_o some_o great_a cross_n or_o misery_n sustain_v for_o the_o first_o less_a sin_n do_v not_o trouble_v man_n conscience_n or_o work_v in_o they_o these_o agony_n of_o horror_n and_o desperation_n for_o man_n see_v they_o to_o be_v commit_v daily_o both_o by_o themselves_o and_o also_o by_o other_o without_o any_o punishment_n make_v no_o reckon_n of_o they_o but_o as_o for_o heinous_a and_o extraordinary_a sin_n as_o murder_v incest_n adultery_n oppression_n and_o such_o other_o which_o all_o man_n condemn_v and_o few_o commit_v these_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o swallow_a over_o but_o do_v often_o leave_v behind_o they_o a_o prick_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o fear_v of_o punishment_n but_o especial_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o as_o together_o with_o any_o such_o sin_n some_o outward_a misery_n do_v concur_v the_o which_o will_v easy_o put_v a_o man_n in_o mind_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o in_o fear_n of_o further_a punishment_n hereof_o it_o come_v that_o this_o sense_n of_o god_n wrath_n due_a to_o sin_n be_v often_o see_v in_o the_o time_n of_o some_o dangerous_a sickness_n threaten_v death_n in_o the_o which_o many_o be_v bring_v to_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v both_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o desert_n of_o it_o who_o as_o long_o as_o they_o enjoy_v their_o health_n live_v in_o senseless_a security_n and_o atheism_n this_o use_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o all_o those_o misery_n and_o evilles_n which_o befall_v we_o gather_v by_o the_o smart_n of_o they_o what_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n due_a unto_o sin_n be_v which_o bring_v with_o it_o not_o that_o only_o but_o all_o other_o plague_n and_o torment_n and_o guess_v by_o that_o sorrow_n and_o those_o evil_n and_o injury_n which_o we_o sustain_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n how_o fearful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o by_o that_o pain_n of_o body_n and_o grief_n of_o mind_n wherewith_o we_o be_v afflict_v for_o a_o short_a time_n what_o it_o be_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o pain_n and_o grief_n sect._n 4._o the_o last_o thing_n which_o this_o repentant_a be_v to_o learn_v and_o know_v as_o touch_v his_o own_o estate_n be_v this_o how_o unable_a he_o be_v of_o himself_o or_o by_o any_o mean_n which_o he_o can_v use_v to_o free_v himself_o either_o from_o his_o sin_n or_o from_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n due_a unto_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n so_o miserable_a but_o that_o the_o hope_n of_o amend_v it_o if_o there_o be_v any_o will_v assuage_v the_o pain_n and_o grief_n of_o it_o but_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n and_o therefore_o no_o comfort_n leave_v to_o man_n to_o who_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a if_o he_o respect_v himself_o or_o any_o thing_n that_o any_o creature_n can_v do_v in_o
his_o behalf_n either_o to_o shake_v off_o his_o natural_a sinfulness_n or_o to_o escape_v the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a death_n belong_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o two_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v foster_v in_o his_o mind_n what_o conceit_n he_o will_v of_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o natural_a strength_n suppose_v himself_o to_o be_v although_o perhaps_o for_o the_o present_a both_o outward_o wicked_a and_o inward_o sinful_a outward_o filthy_a and_o inward_o unclean_a yet_o able_a at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n to_o purge_v himself_o both_o from_o the_o natural_a corruption_n and_o from_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n teach_v the_o contrary_a to_o wit_n that_o sin_n be_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n make_v natural_a to_o man_n cleave_v unto_o he_o as_o unseparable_o as_o the_o skin_n do_v to_o his_o body_n and_o as_o the_o spot_n to_o the_o skin_n of_o the_o leopard_n which_o have_v their_o original_n in_o the_o bone_n marrow_n and_o most_o secret_a part_n can_v by_o any_o force_n or_o devise_v be_v get_v out_o he_o may_v indeed_o by_o his_o natural_a strength_n repress_v the_o rage_n of_o it_o he_o may_v prune_v and_o lop_v it_o cut_v off_o the_o superfluous_a bough_n and_o branch_n of_o it_o yet_o the_o root_n yea_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o it_o will_v remain_v unmoveable_a in_o the_o secret_a part_n of_o his_o soul_n &_o send_v forth_o plentiful_a fruit_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o his_o body_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v more_o at_o large_a else_o where_o likewise_o for_o the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o sin_n that_o can_v no_o way_n be_v avoid_v not_o by_o hide_v ourselves_o in_o some_o secret_a place_n from_o god_n for_o whether_o shall_v we_o go_v from_o his_o presence_n who_o be_v every_o where_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o hell_n in_o the_o town_n and_o in_o the_o desert_n he_o see_v as_o well_o at_o midnight_n as_o at_o noon_n day_n psa._n 139._o if_o we_o say_v to_o the_o huge_a mountain_n fall_v upon_o we_o and_o cover_v we_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n &_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n reve._n 6.16_o yet_o the_o eye_n and_o hand_n of_o god_n will_v pierce_v through_o the_o high_a hill_n and_o the_o hard_a rock_n for_o they_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o they_o but_o we_o hope_v perhaps_o to_o escape_v punishment_n yea_o though_o we_o can_v eschew_v his_o presence_n &_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o great_a mercy_n and_o indulgency_n of_o god_n who_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o misery_n anguish_n and_o confusion_n of_o man_n but_o in_o their_o salvation_n and_o happy_a estate_n and_o therefore_o will_v no_o doubt_n be_v easy_o entreat_v by_o the_o humble_a suit_n and_o pitiful_a moan_n of_o man_n to_o pardon_v their_o sin_n and_o if_o not_o to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o crown_n of_o eternal_a glory_n they_o have_v not_o deserve_v it_o yet_o to_o remit_v the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o their_o sin_n thus_o do_v many_o man_n imagine_v of_o god_n and_o thus_o they_o imagine_v he_o not_o to_o be_v god_n who_o as_o he_o be_v merciful_a so_o also_o he_o be_v just_a yea_o he_o be_v as_o just_a as_o he_o be_v merciful_a be_v in_o both_o respect_n infinite_a and_o therefore_o equal_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o less_o impossible_a that_o ggd_n shall_v remit_v the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o sin_n then_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v how_o then_o do_v god_n show_v mercy_n on_o the_o elect_a we_o answer_v that_o he_o do_v it_o not_o by_o remit_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o by_o take_v it_o upon_o himself_o even_o by_o punish_v their_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o impunity_n leave_v for_o the_o carnal_a man_n but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o wrath_n the_o which_o although_o perhaps_o it_o be_v in_o part_n defer_v for_o a_o time_n yet_o assure_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o of_o vengeance_n will_v come_v at_o length_n thus_o we_o have_v bring_v this_o unregenerate_a man_n to_o the_o sight_n or_o true_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o own_o estate_n to_o wit_n the_o knowledge_n first_o of_o his_o sinfulness_n second_o of_o the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o his_o sin_n and_o three_o of_o his_o impotency_n or_o inability_n of_o mend_v this_o his_o evil_a estate_n this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o repentance_n and_o may_v fit_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a to_o wit_n repent_v forthink_v or_o rather_o after_o think_v and_o a_o after_o mind_n for_o in_o stead_n of_o that_o fond_a conceit_n which_o he_o have_v of_o his_o own_o purity_n righteousness_n and_o happiness_n he_o now_o see_v himself_o to_o be_v sinful_a guilty_a of_o eternal_a death_n and_o subject_a to_o all_o manner_n of_o plague_n misery_n and_o curse_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o for_o ever_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v so_o that_o now_o he_o be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n with_o the_o jew_n act._n 2.37_o who_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o conscience_n by_o a_o sight_n &_o sense_n of_o sin_n ask_v peter_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v the_o answer_n follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n amende_n your_o life_n and_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o repentance_n call_v humiliation_n the_o second_o lesson_n which_o a_o penitent_a person_n be_v to_o learn_v and_o practice_v be_v humiliation_n the_o which_o will_v even_o of_o itself_o follow_v the_o former_a for_o that_o the_o affection_n follow_v the_o temperature_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o as_o the_o conceit_n of_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n do_v puff_n up_o a_o man_n in_o pride_n presumption_n joy_n and_o confidence_n so_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o sinful_a and_o wretched_a estate_n shall_v cast_v he_o down_o in_o shame_n sorrow_n and_o fear_v of_o the_o which_o three_z the_o first_o respect_v sin_n itself_o the_o other_o two_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o the_o first_o the_o time_n past_a the_o second_o the_o time_n present_a the_o three_o the_o time_n to_o come_v the_o first_o arise_v of_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o filthy_a and_o loathsome_a nature_n of_o sin_n for_o as_o adam_n by_o come_v out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o holiness_n into_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n have_v his_o eye_n open_v to_o see_v the_o filthiness_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o own_o nakedness_n whereupon_o he_o be_v ashamed_a desire_v to_o hide_v and_o cover_v himself_o so_o a_o carnal_a man_n come_v out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o senseless_a security_n wherein_o he_o neither_o know_v nor_o consider_v what_o sin_n be_v into_o this_o state_n of_o repentance_n wherein_o he_o conceive_v of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v in_o deed_n judge_v himself_o in_o regard_n of_o it_o the_o most_o abject_a man_n of_o all_o other_o unworthy_a of_o their_o company_n or_o to_o come_v in_o their_o sight_n and_o therefore_o he_o decline_v it_o wherein_o this_o shame_n do_v consist_v yea_o when_o as_o this_o humiliation_n be_v vehement_a he_o judge_v himself_o the_o most_o vile_a creature_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o most_o grievous_a sinner_n that_o ever_o live_v although_o there_o be_v no_o such_o cause_n he_o have_v live_v as_o orderly_o &_o honest_o as_o usual_o man_n do_v for_o now_o he_o have_v his_o eye_n full_o bend_v upon_o his_o own_o sin_n he_o have_v fresh_a remembrance_n of_o they_o and_o of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n aggravate_v the_o heinousness_n of_o they_o and_o know_v the_o particular_n of_o they_o the_o which_o he_o do_v not_o in_o other_o man_n sin_n this_o shame_n be_v not_o so_o proper_a and_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o humiliation_n as_o be_v the_o other_o affection_n of_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n for_o that_o it_o have_v place_n in_o those_o only_a who_o before_o their_o repentance_n be_v give_v to_o great_a and_o notorious_a sin_n such_o as_o be_v not_o usual_o find_v in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v reprove_v and_o condemn_v by_o all_o as_o for_o ordinary_a sin_n which_o may_v be_v daily_o see_v in_o man_n and_o from_o the_o which_o few_o be_v free_a they_o do_v not_o work_v this_o shame_n for_o man_n be_v ashamed_a in_o regard_n of_o they_o only_o who_o be_v less_o sinful_a and_o therefore_o more_o excellent_a than_o themselves_o yea_o they_o be_v ashamed_a more_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n then_o of_o god_n because_o the_o presence_n of_o man_n be_v sensible_a whereas_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o much_o
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
and_o indifferent_a matter_n wherein_o they_o may_v much_o better_o agree_v and_o join_v with_o they_o another_o cause_n be_v the_o contempt_n either_o true_a or_o suppose_v of_o unregenerat_a man_n as_o of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o most_o wretched_a estate_n for_o often_o they_o who_o profess_v this_o regeneration_n do_v either_o think_v too_o hardly_o and_o uncharitable_o or_o else_o utter_v unreasonable_o and_o indiscreete_o what_o they_o true_o think_v of_o other_o yea_o although_o they_o do_v not_o offend_v in_o these_o respect_n yet_o man_n of_o lewd_a behaviour_n and_o dissolute_a life_n will_v &_o not_o without_o cause_n think_v that_o those_o who_o live_v just_o and_o upright_o have_v a_o base_a opinion_n of_o they_o by_o the_o which_o mean_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o their_o affection_n shall_v be_v alienate_v from_o they_o last_o even_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v grace_n from_o god_n much_o more_o they_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v not_o have_v in_o they_o many_o want_n and_o infirmity_n yea_o sometime_o great_a vice_n and_o sin_n by_o the_o which_o they_o do_v just_o incur_v the_o offence_n of_o man_n by_o these_o and_o such_o other_o mean_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v thaâ—_n carnal_a man_n conceive_v such_o a_o mislike_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v regeneration_n that_o they_o can_v abide_v to_o hear_v of_o it_o or_o of_o any_o mean_n tend_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o remove_n of_o this_o hindrance_n it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v this_o great_a favour_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o be_v renew_a by_o his_o spirit_n to_o use_v all_o diligence_n in_o not_o give_v offence_n either_o to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n to_o christian_a or_o infidel_n to_o one_o or_o other_o and_o so_o not_o to_o make_v so_o excellent_a a_o thing_n as_o regeneration_n be_v it_o be_v the_o only_a miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n which_o have_v continual_a place_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v evil_o speak_v off_o but_o forsomuch_o as_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o that_o they_o can_v offence_n will_v be_v take_v where_o it_o be_v not_o give_v and_o for_o that_o we_o have_v not_o to_o deal_v in_o this_o treatise_n with_o man_n already_o regenerate_v that_o we_o shall_v show_v how_o they_o may_v live_v without_o give_v offence_n therefore_o leave_v they_o we_o will_v come_v to_o the_o unregenerat_a man_n who_o be_v offend_v by_o they_o and_o by_o this_o offence_n hinder_v from_o seek_v regeneration_n to_o who_o we_o be_v to_o commend_v that_o wisdom_n which_o stay_v man_n from_o be_v carry_v headlong_o in_o affection_n against_o any_o person_n or_o cause_n whatsoever_o but_o especial_o against_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v in_o they_o any_o likelihood_n of_o religion_n as_o gamaliel_n appease_v the_o jew_n act._n 5_o 38.39_o yea_o that_o wisdom_n which_o tech_v we_o to_o 〈◊〉_d a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o person_n and_o â—he_v cause_n of_o man_n and_o not_o suffer_v our_o judgement_n 〈◊〉_d weigh_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o one_o to_o 〈◊〉_d blind_a and_o forestall_v by_o anger_n love_n hatred_n or_o any_o other_o affection_n which_o we_o bear_v unto_o the_o other_o yea_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o man_n whilst_o they_o live_v here_o on_o earth_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o infirmity_n vice_n and_o grievous_a sin_n yea_o even_o they_o who_o god_n have_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o in_o these_o respect_n to_o condemn_v or_o reject_v that_o religion_n which_o any_o man_n do_v profess_v but_o to_o give_v to_o man_n that_o gentle_a reproof_n which_o their_o sin_n do_v deserve_v and_o to_o give_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o man_n that_o reverence_n and_o practice_v which_o belonge_v unto_o it_o sect._n 8._o thus_o we_o have_v in_o some_o sort_n remoove_v the_o hindrance_n of_o regeneration_n which_o keep_v man_n in_o their_o natural_a sinfulness_n and_o security_n wherein_o they_o be_v before_o and_o make_v this_o our_o carnal_a nicodemus_n desirous_a of_o grace_n whereof_o before_o he_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a and_o careless_a it_o remain_v that_o he_o put_v this_o his_o desire_n in_o execution_n and_o that_o without_o delay_n not_o defer_v it_o from_o one_o day_n or_o time_n of_o his_o life_n to_o another_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o appoint_a season_n as_o foâ—_n all_o other_o action_n so_o also_o for_o this_o the_o â—hich_v if_o he_o let_v slip_v he_o shall_v either_o not_o desire_v to_o have_v it_o or_o not_o have_v it_o although_o he_o do_v desire_v it_o but_o man_n will_v here_o object_v and_o say_v may_v we_o not_o at_o any_o time_n both_o seek_v and_o find_v grace_n have_v not_o god_n say_v â—n_v his_o word_n that_o at_o what_o time_n soever_o a_o sinner_n repent_v of_o his_o sin_n he_o will_v put_v they_o all_o out_o of_o his_o remembrance_n we_o answer_v that_o god_n indeed_o may_v always_o be_v find_v if_o he_o be_v seek_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o he_o can_v always_o be_v seek_v and_o therefore_o not_o find_v for_o first_o we_o know_v that_o this_o our_o purpose_n of_o seek_v god_n may_v be_v prevent_v and_o make_v frustrate_a by_o death_n the_o which_o be_v the_o full_a and_o last_o period_n of_o all_o the_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n of_o man_n god_n indeed_o be_v in_o the_o low_a hell_n as_o much_o as_o in_o the_o high_a heaven_n but_o in_o the_o grave_n there_o be_v no_o remission_n of_o sin_n yea_o no_o hope_n or_o desire_v of_o grace_n beside_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o this_o carnal_a man_n that_o defer_v his_o repentance_n in_o this_o sort_n as_o he_o make_v his_o account_n although_o sometime_o he_o come_v short_a of_o his_o reckon_n do_v by_o the_o long_a suffering_n of_o god_n prolong_v his_o day_n how_o know_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v always_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o the_o mean_n of_o regeneration_n without_o the_o which_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o work_v it_o yea_o if_o he_o have_v life_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n needful_a for_o this_o purpose_n be_v he_o so_o foolish_a and_o ignorant_a of_o his_o natural_a disposition_n as_o to_o imagine_v that_o this_o desire_n of_o grace_n and_o resolution_n of_o seek_v god_n will_v continue_v for_o ever_o or_o for_o any_o time_n if_o it_o be_v not_o put_v in_o practice_n this_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v suppose_v for_o this_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o man_n general_o and_o natural_o as_o they_o grow_v in_o strength_n wit_n and_o worldly_a wisdom_n so_o they_o grow_v in_o sinfulness_n atheism_n infidelity_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v every_o day_n further_o and_o further_o off_o from_o seek_v god_n for_o as_o drunkard_n do_v by_o drink_v not_o quench_v their_o thirst_n and_o satisfy_v their_o appetite_n but_o increase_v the_o burn_a thirst_n of_o their_o body_n and_o the_o insatiable_a intemperance_n of_o their_o mind_n so_o all_o other_o worldly_a pleasure_n the_o long_o they_o be_v enjoy_v the_o more_o greedy_o they_o be_v desire_v and_o more_o obstinate_o prefer_v before_o god_n and_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o the_o prophet_n say_v jere._n 13.23_o that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o a_o aethiopian_n to_o change_v the_o colour_n of_o his_o skin_n or_o for_o a_o libard_n to_o shake_v off_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o skin_n as_o for_o those_o to_o do_v good_a who_o be_v by_o a_o long_a custom_n teach_v the_o way_n and_o wile_n of_o sin_v yea_o there_o be_v far_o less_o hope_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o regeneration_n who_o have_v sometime_o this_o purpose_n of_o turn_v to_o god_n do_v neglect_n and_o loose_v it_o then_o of_o they_o who_o never_o once_o think_v of_o any_o such_o matter_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unlike_o matter_n that_o a_o man_n will_v in_o his_o age_n set_v his_o affection_n on_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o he_o reject_v and_o condemn_v before_o when_o as_o he_o be_v less_o addict_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o sin_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o any_o age_n except_o infancy_n both_o god_n may_v work_v regeneration_n in_o man_n and_o man_n repentance_n in_o himself_o yet_o as_o the_o bough_n of_o a_o tree_n be_v by_o the_o growth_n of_o many_o year_n become_v stiff_a and_o strong_a be_v now_o far_o more_o easy_o break_v then_o bow_v so_o for_o the_o most_o part_n man_n of_o age_n experience_n and_o worldly_a wisdom_n do_v soon_o loose_v their_o life_n then_o leave_v their_o carnal_a desire_n which_o they_o have_v so_o careful_o nourish_v and_o strengthen_v all_o their_o life_n time_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o know_v and_o consider_v that_o as_o all_o other_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n so_o also_o this_o repentance_n have_v a_o appoint_a season_n which_o be_v in_o no_o case_n to_o
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
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