spiritual_o so_o that_o all_o the_o birth_n produce_v by_o man_n be_v but_o fleshly_a all_o the_o change_n man_n can_v make_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n or_o any_o else_o be_v but_o from_o flesh_n to_o flesh_n from_o grosser_n flesh_n to_o flesh_n somewhat_o more_o refine_v conversion_n by_o miracle_n and_o strong_a argument_n be_v but_o a_o fleshly_a conversion_n all_o the_o way_n that_o man_n can_v take_v to_o bring_v his_o own_o heart_n to_o believe_v to_o close_v in_o with_o christ_n to_o love_n christ_n can_v produce_v but_o a_o fleshly_a faith_n a_o fleshly_a love_n all_o the_o way_n man_n can_v take_v to_o kill_v and_o subdue_v sin_n in_o he_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fleshly_a mortify_n of_o sin_n sin_n be_v true_o alive_a for_o all_o this_o and_o will_v discover_v its_o life_n again_o when_o it_o see_v its_o time_n christ_n do_v especial_o allude_v to_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v in_o nicodemus_n his_o eye_n be_v it_o thou_o bear_v of_o these_o thy_o birth_n be_v but_o fleshly_a how_o spiritual_a soever_o such_o a_o person_n may_v seem_v how_o spiritual_o soever_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o act_v yet_o at_o the_o root_n he_o be_v but_o fleshly_a the_o change_n be_v make_v but_o by_o flesh_n and_o the_o thing_n change_v be_v still_o but_o flesh_n how_o glorious_a soever_o the_o change_n may_v seem_v think_v well_o of_o it_o it_o can_v be_v say_v too_o often_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n man_n can_v use_v to_o bring_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n they_o be_v but_o fleshly_a and_o can_v produce_v but_o fleshly_a operation_n in_o he_o all_o this_o faith_n and_o holiness_n though_o raise_v to_o never_o so_o great_a a_o height_n it_o be_v but_o that_o his_o heart_n must_v be_v mortify_v to_o if_o ever_o he_o live_v spiritual_o oh_a it_o will_v be_v sweet_a and_o profitable_a to_o consider_v the_o abundance_n of_o fleshly_a change_n wherewith_o the_o devil_n cozen_v man_n they_o see_v a_o real_a change_n in_o themselves_o and_o so_o think_v they_o be_v sure_a whereas_o it_o be_v but_o a_o real_a fleshly_a change_n not_o a_o real_a spiritual_a change_n and_o so_o indeed_o not_o real_a in_o the_o true_a sense_n a_o change_n from_o natural_a unbelief_n to_o natural_a faith_n for_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o nature_n to_o believe_v which_o may_v either_o be_v affright_v or_o persuade_v to_o put_v forth_o itself_o for_o its_o own_o preservation_n nature_n be_v convince_v of_o its_o present_a danger_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o safety_n but_o by_o believe_v on_o christ_n which_o faith_n must_v be_v accompany_v with_o love_n to_o christ_n the_o truth_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o this_o love_n must_v show_v itself_o in_o obedience_n nature_n i_o say_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o do_v present_o muster_v up_o all_o its_o force_n of_o faith_n love_n obedience_n lay_v they_o at_o christ_n foot_n to_o dispose_v of_o it_o will_v trust_v he_o love_v what_o he_o will_v have_v it_o love_v obey_v what_o he_o will_v command_v it_o hate_v what_o he_o will_v have_v it_o hate_v deny_v itself_o its_o own_o end_n interest_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o spiritual_a but_o it_o will_v undertake_v and_o go_v through_o after_o its_o manner_n rather_o than_o perish_v and_o alas_o what_o be_v this_o all_o this_o be_v but_o nature_n work_v from_o its_o own_o principle_n with_o its_o own_o power_n to_o its_o own_o end_n there_o be_v no_o new_a birth_n necessary_a to_o all_o this_o though_o all_o this_o do_v also_o proceed_v from_o a_o new_a birth_n where_o it_o be_v after_o more_o a_o excellent_a manner_n than_o nature_n can_v attain_v to_o but_o now_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v or_o beget_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n that_o which_o the_o spirit_n beget_v which_o the_o spirit_n produce_v be_v spirit_n that_o faith_n that_o love_n to_o god_n which_o he_o breathe_v into_o a_o man_n that_o be_v true_o spiritual_a if_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v change_v not_o by_o reason_n not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n but_o by_o he_o by_o his_o immediate_a power_n than_o the_o change_n be_v true_a and_o sound_a as_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n who_o beget_v so_o that_o which_o be_v beget_v by_o he_o with_o that_o water_n which_o he_o use_v in_o his_o act_n of_o generation_n be_v a_o true_a and_o spiritual_a birth_n there_o be_v three_o particular_n which_o discover_v the_o reality_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o thing_n 1_o the_o original_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v 2_o the_o nature_n whereof_o they_o be_v and_o 3_o the_o effect_n which_o they_o produce_v every_o spiritual_a thing_n it_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v spiritual_a itself_o and_o it_o work_v spiritual_o there_o be_v a_o true_a tincture_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o of_o its_o original_n in_o every_o effect_n it_o produce_v as_o every_o natural_a man_n be_v beget_v by_o a_o man_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o man_n in_o himself_o and_o act_v like_o a_o man_n work_v the_o operation_n of_o a_o man_n so_o every_o new_a man_n every_o spiritual_a man_n be_v beget_v by_o the_o spirit_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o he_o and_o discover_v his_o nature_n and_o original_n in_o every_o one_o of_o his_o spiritual_a motion_n and_o action_n his_o faith_n his_o love_n every_o thing_n in_o he_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o spirit_n move_v and_o act_v spiritual_o the_o former_a of_o these_o christ_n argue_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n from_o in_o this_o place_n its_o come_n from_o the_o spirit_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n what_o ever_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o a_o man_n be_v true_o spiritual_a that_o light_n he_o show_v be_v true_a spiritual_a light_n that_o grace_n he_o give_v be_v true_a spiritual_a grace_n that_o change_n he_o make_v be_v a_o true_a spiritual_a change_n but_o all_o other_o change_n be_v but_o counterset_n of_o that_o true_a spiritual_a one_o which_o he_o alone_o can_v make_v and_o this_o may_v show_v we_o the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o many_o change_n in_o this_o flit_a age_n it_o be_v because_o most_o man_n be_v change_v by_o the_o flesh_n the_o great_a power_n of_o flesh_n still_o change_v they_o a_o strong_a objection_n which_o they_o can_v answer_v will_v startle_v any_o man_n that_o be_v change_v by_o a_o power_n of_o flesh_n hence_o man_n take_v up_o one_o practice_n to_o day_n another_o to_o morrow_n now_o acknowledge_v this_o or_o that_o for_o a_o truth_n by_o and_o by_o it_o be_v false_a then_o true_a again_o why_o because_o they_o see_v not_o thing_n by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o never_o vary_v but_o by_o a_o force_n of_o argument_n by_o a_o power_n of_o reason_n which_o sometime_o appear_v strong_a sometime_o weak_a sometime_o great_a sometime_o lesser_a but_o a_o soul_n who_o light_n be_v change_v who_o practice_n be_v change_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o change_n remain_v good_a let_v all_o the_o wind_n and_o gust_n of_o argument_n blow_v never_o so_o strong_o take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o change_v your_o apprehension_n or_o practice_n about_o any_o thing_n till_o you_o can_v say_v the_o spirit_n change_v they_o else_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o fleshly_a change_n what_o further_o remain_v but_o that_o every_o one_o that_o love_v his_o soul_n shall_v lay_v this_o to_o heart_n and_o consider_v thorough_o according_a to_o the_o weightiness_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o how_o it_o be_v with_o he_o what_o that_o religion_n be_v whereupon_o he_o ground_v his_o hope_n what_o oil_n feed_v his_o lamp_n whence_o his_o faith_n his_o love_n come_v and_o of_o what_o rank_n and_o kind_n they_o be_v and_o not_o to_o do_v this_o slight_o or_o determine_v sudden_o as_o be_v most_o usual_a with_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o be_v thankful_a unto_o god_n for_o and_o make_v much_o of_o the_o least_o hope_n which_o be_v not_o every_o one_o lot_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v or_o let_v god_n alone_o till_o he_o have_v bring_v we_o to_o a_o absolute_a certainty_n then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o we_o may_v safe_o without_o hazard_n give_v over_o the_o debate_n of_o this_o question_n and_o though_o we_o may_v perhaps_o be_v a_o long_a while_n before_o we_o attain_v it_o yet_o if_o god_n carry_v on_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o pursuit_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o sweet_a pledge_n and_o refresh_n in_o the_o way_n as_o may_v much_o mitigate_v god_n seem_a tediousness_n in_o defer_v our_o full_a satisfaction_n herein_o and_o indeed_o though_o god_n lead_v his_o people_n in_o such_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a way_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o
sense_n and_o reason_n as_o will_v affright_v any_o carnal_a heart_n yet_o he_o have_v withal_o such_o sweetning_n to_o mingle_v with_o they_o as_o make_v they_o very_o passable_a to_o all_o who_o he_o lead_v through_o they_o egypt_n the_o bondage_n of_o it_o he_o can_v make_v tolerable_a the_o wilderness_n the_o intricacy_n of_o it_o he_o can_v make_v a_o plain_a way_n through_o canaan_n the_o high_a wall_n and_o strong_a enemy_n thereof_o even_o the_o child_n of_o anack_n who_o very_a sight_n strike_v terror_n he_o can_v make_v conquerable_a to_o his_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o seed_n only_o take_v heed_n of_o suddenness_n of_o sudden_a judgement_n man_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v sudden_a be_v as_o liable_a to_o deceit_n and_o common_o be_v deceive_v especial_o in_o abstruse_a and_o difficult_a case_n he_o that_o will_v give_v sentence_n at_o first_o dash_n without_o weigh_v the_o matter_n thorough_o and_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o it_o may_v easy_o err_v in_o judgement_n and_o a_o error_n herein_o be_v of_o no_o small_a concernment_n there_o can_v be_v a_o worse_a and_o more_o dangerous_a mistake_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o person_n very_o prone_a to_o be_v sudden_a in_o the_o judgement_n they_o pass_v on_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o their_o own_o estate_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o weak_a and_o dark_a christian_n who_o be_v ready_a still_o through_o his_o fear_n which_o ever_o accompany_v weakness_n and_o darkness_n to_o conclude_v all_o against_o himself_o and_o the_o slight_a and_o superficial_a christian_n who_o never_o thorough_o look_v into_o spiritual_a thing_n nor_o have_v be_v well_o verse_v in_o the_o deceit_n about_o they_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v the_o likeness_n and_o appearance_n of_o every_o thing_n for_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o to_o conclude_v all_o for_o himself_o with_o as_o great_a confidence_n as_o the_o other_o thrust_v all_o from_o himself_o with_o overmuch_o diffidence_n the_o former_a lay_v any_o promise_n before_o he_o he_o will_v say_v it_o belong_v not_o to_o he_o bring_v he_o to_o any_o trial_n he_o be_v present_o cast_v try_v his_o faith_n alas_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o unbelief_n to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o try_v his_o love_n it_o be_v but_o a_o natural_a affection_n try_v his_o obedience_n it_o be_v but_o force_v by_o the_o command_n try_v his_o uprightness_n why_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o deceitful_a than_o his_o heart_n the_o latter_a he_o be_v in_o a_o clean_a contrary_a posture_n mention_v any_o promise_n he_o can_v present_o lay_v hold_n oâ—_n it_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o and_o he_o can_v suck_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o sweetness_n out_o of_o it_o speak_v of_o faith_n why_o he_o have_v it_o he_o know_v that_o he_o be_v undo_v without_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o life_n such_o as_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o he_o have_v he_o trust_v with_o his_o soul_n tell_v he_o this_o faith_n must_v be_v wrought_v by_o god_n why_o he_o know_v that_o no_o man_n can_v work_v it_o himself_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n tell_v he_o it_o must_v be_v a_o spiritual_a faith_n he_o know_v that_o too_o every_o grace_n be_v spiritual_a name_v any_o thing_n else_o so_o soon_o as_o you_o have_v speak_v it_o he_o have_v it_o speak_v of_o love_n either_o to_o god_n or_o the_o brethren_n his_o heart_n will_v present_o witness_v to_o he_o that_o he_o do_v love_v both_o god_n and_o the_o brethren_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sincere_a love_n not_o for_o any_o by-end_n in_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o come_v to_o obedience_n he_o hold_v sound_a there_o too_o he_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n at_o least_o in_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v he_o perform_v duty_n he_o strive_v against_o his_o corruption_n nay_o and_o he_o do_v not_o this_o in_fw-la in_o a_o legal_a way_n as_o think_v to_o be_v save_v hereby_o he_o know_v he_o must_v be_v save_v by_o christ_n alone_o by_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o for_o his_o heart_n though_o he_o fail_v in_o many_o thing_n yet_o he_o bless_v god_n that_o it_o be_v you_o right_a and_o he_o know_v god_n be_v merciful_a to_o pardon_v his_o fail_n and_o accept_v of_o his_o integrity_n so_o that_o he_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o fear_v or_o trouble_v himself_o about_o any_o thing_n for_o he_o be_v sure_o what_o ever_o may_v befall_v he_o here_o it_o will_v be_v well_o at_o last_o and_o so_o he_o be_v at_o rest_n now_o both_o these_o be_v common_o mistake_v the_o former_a for_o the_o promise_n many_o time_n belong_v to_o such_o a_o soul_n though_o he_o can_v apply_v they_o and_o he_o may_v have_v true_a faith_n and_o true_a love_n and_o true_a obedâ—ence_n though_o he_o can_v see_v it_o the_o seed_n may_v be_v sow_v in_o he_o and_o grow_v up_o in_o he_o though_o he_o know_v not_o how_o and_o so_o can_v acknowledge_v it_o and_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o not_o acknowledge_v it_o for_o how_o can_v he_o till_o he_o know_v it_o nor_o for_o suspect_v it_o but_o only_o for_o such_o a_o sudden_a and_o positive_a determine_n of_o the_o contrary_a which_o he_o have_v as_o little_a if_o not_o less_o ground_n for_o then_o for_o his_o suspicion_n and_o for_o the_o latter_a the_o promise_n do_v seldom_o belong_v to_o such_o a_o person_n the_o promise_n do_v not_o so_o easy_o meet_v with_o and_o melt_v into_o our_o spirit_n as_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n imply_v and_o for_o his_o faith_n his_o love_n his_o obedience_n his_o uprightness_n they_o may_v be_v but_o of_o the_o stamp_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o such_o trial_n and_o blast_n as_o god_n have_v general_o appoint_v and_o do_v usual_o prepare_v for_o he_o they_o will_v soon_o discover_v themselves_o now_o mark_v the_o danger_n of_o each_o the_o former_a lose_v his_o peace_n his_o comfort_n the_o latter_a his_o soul_n if_o he_o be_v deceive_v and_o both_o by_o the_o same_o miscarriage_n their_o forwardness_n and_o suddenness_n in_o judgement_n the_o one_o determine_v for_o himself_o the_o other_o against_o himself_o upon_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o apprehension_n before_o they_o have_v the_o thing_n lay_v before_o they_o and_o open_v to_o they_o which_o they_o shall_v judge_v or_o the_o light_n hold_v to_o they_o by_o which_o they_o shall_v judge_v the_o one_o determine_v against_o his_o faith_n the_o other_o for_o his_o faith_n and_o yet_o neither_o know_v what_o faith_n be_v and_o they_o both_o do_v it_o by_o their_o own_o reason_n which_o be_v no_o true_a light_n to_o discern_v or_o judge_v spiritual_a thing_n by_o it_o be_v a_o more_o modest_a and_o suitable_a action_n for_o either_o to_o bewail_v their_o own_o ignorance_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o need_n of_o understanding_n and_o determine_v this_o thing_n and_o to_o pray_v and_o wait_v for_o light_n and_o help_v from_o he_o by_o who_o it_o be_v clear_o discern_v and_o who_o can_v make_v it_o discernible_a unto_o they_o finis_fw-la the_o spiritual_a practice_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o sweet_a go_n forth_o of_o life_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v enstate_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o sweetness_n and_o clearness_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v lay_v down_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o foregoing_a treatise_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o add_v somewhat_o concerning_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o it_o be_v cast_v in_o upon_o read_v the_o episte_n to_o the_o ephesian_n or_o some_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n whereby_o their_o practice_n be_v square_v which_o in_o that_o epistle_n resolve_v itself_o into_o these_o four_o stream_n 1_o to_o suck_v in_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o to_o admire_v god_n and_o christ_n who_o have_v be_v at_o the_o great_a cost_n to_o purchase_v and_o prepare_v this_o feast_n of_o fatness_n and_o sweetness_n for_o the_o soul_n 3_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o this_o his_o his_o goodness_n and_o 4_o to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n that_o we_o be_v not_o drive_v from_o it_o from_o enjoy_v the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o from_o honour_v god_n with_o it_o this_o be_v the_o path_n whereinto_o christian_n then_o be_v lead_v and_o wherein_o they_o walk_v 1._o to_o suck_v in_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v ever_o seed_v upon_o christ_n to_o be_v ever_o delight_v in_o that_o glorious_a state_n and_o in_o those_o glorious_a privilege_n god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o in_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v two_o way_n i._n by_o consider_v the_o mercy_n and_o privilege_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n as_o first_o we_o have_v redemption_n pardon_v of_o sin_n in_o he_o we_o be_v buy_v from_o our_o captivity_n and_o misery_n by_o his_o blood_n we_o be_v wash_v from_o
such_o guide_n as_o have_v have_v glorious_a pretence_n in_o view_n but_o corrupt_a end_n in_o their_o heart_n they_o become_v ten_o time_n worse_o at_o present_a and_o will_v be_v ten_o time_n more_o miserable_a at_o last_o then_o if_o they_o have_v never_o know_v such_o and_o such_o way_n of_o religion_n or_o have_v not_o be_v so_o zealous_a in_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a birth_n neither_o whence_o true_a faith_n do_v flow_v all_o the_o change_n that_o be_v make_v in_o we_o from_o any_o corrupt_a end_n or_o desire_v of_o our_o own_o or_o of_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o will_v be_v of_o little_a value_n to_o we_o 3._o nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n the_o will_n of_o man_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n note_v the_o pure_a and_o most_o ingenuous_a part_n and_o that_o either_o in_o a_o man_n self_n or_o any_o other_o it_o note_v that_o desire_v that_o be_v natural_o in_o man_n to_o find_v out_o god_n and_o his_o will_n and_o to_o worship_n and_o please_v he_o and_o so_o to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n the_o soul_n can_v meet_v with_o in_o reference_n thereunto_o as_o seek_v into_o his_o word_n hear_v confer_v pray_v and_o observe_v what_o it_o find_v to_o be_v his_o will_n this_o indeed_o be_v noble_a ingenuous_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o its_o kind_n and_o degree_n but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o rise_v so_o high_a as_o this_o birth_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o all_o this_o prosecute_v by_o the_o soul_n yet_o will_v never_o bring_v it_o to_o god_n though_o god_n do_v ordinary_o if_o not_o always_o bring_v such_o person_n to_o himself_o who_o he_o thus_o serious_o and_o constant_o incline_v nor_o will_v this_o desire_n in_o other_o with_o all_o the_o mean_n they_o can_v use_v accomplish_v it_o though_o they_o themselves_o be_v new_o bear_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o beget_v another_o though_o the_o most_o precious_a saint_n that_o be_v shall_v never_o so_o earnest_o desire_v the_o beget_n of_o a_o soul_n to_o god_n out_o of_o the_o pure_a end_n that_o may_v be_v and_o shall_v use_v all_o spiritual_a mean_n towards_o it_o pray_v hard_o to_o god_n diligent_o spread_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o person_n and_o beg_v on_o he_o day_n after_o day_n with_o tear_n to_o pity_v his_o poor_a perish_a soul_n yet_o all_o this_o will_v not_o do_v abraham_n do_v as_o much_o for_o ishmael_n as_o can_v be_v do_v if_o the_o will_n of_o man_n will_v have_v do_v it_o he_o be_v careful_a to_o instruct_v his_o whole_a family_n but_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n very_o fain_o will_v he_o have_v have_v grace_n breathe_v into_o he_o oh_o that_o ishmael_n may_v live_v before_o thou_o how_o fain_o will_v isaac_n have_v have_v the_o blessing_n run_v to_o esau_n how_o much_o do_v christ_n do_v for_o the_o jew_n how_o large_a be_v his_o affection_n oh_o that_o thou_o have_v know_v at_o least_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o thy_o peace_n how_o vast_a his_o pain_n all_o the_o day_n long_o have_v i_o stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n to_o a_o foolish_a and_o gainsay_v people_n so_o paul_n for_o the_o jew_n rom._n 9_o 2_o 3._o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o do_v travel_v with_o man_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o beget_v or_o bring_v forth_o who_o they_o will_v and_o those_o person_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o this_o will_n of_o they_o yet_o that_o birth_n come_v to_o nothing_o they_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n afterwards_o both_o from_o christ_n while_o he_o be_v alive_a as_o this_o book_n abundant_o testify_v and_o from_o the_o church_n after_o his_o ascension_n so_o that_o here_o be_v the_o three_o great_a engine_n of_o religion_n which_o turn_v all_o the_o world_n upside_o down_o and_o make_v almost_o all_o the_o change_n in_o religion_n among_o man_n tradition_n corruption_n reason_n and_o ingenuity_n they_o be_v all_o here_o discard_v as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o convey_v the_o true_a birth_n whence_o true_a faith_n proceed_v then_o at_o last_o the_o evangelist_n have_v show_v whence_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v show_v also_o whence_o it_o do_v proceed_v both_o the_o birth_n and_o the_o faith_n but_o of_o god_n the_o birth_n come_v from_o god_n the_o faith_n from_o the_o birth_n or_o from_o the_o new_a bear_a child_n god_n by_o his_o spirit_n breathe_v a_o breath_n of_o life_n into_o he_o put_v a_o new_a principle_n within_o he_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o he_o come_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n god_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n change_v he_o and_o make_v he_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o then_o he_o come_v to_o put_v forth_o this_o new_a act_n of_o true_a and_o spiritual_a faith_n god_n sow_v a_o seed_n in_o he_o cause_v this_o seed_n to_o grow_v and_o at_o length_n bring_v it_o forth_o so_o that_o the_o child_n be_v bear_v and_o then_o faith_n natural_o after_o the_o law_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n sprout_n from_o it_o the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o live_a child_n be_v to_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n which_o before_o lie_v hide_v in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v do_v this_o birth_n be_v bring_v about_o not_o from_o a_o man_n own_o will_n whether_o corrupt_a or_o ingenuous_a nor_o from_o the_o will_n of_o any_o else_o but_o from_o god_n from_o his_o will_n of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o iam._n 1._o 18._o this_o and_o this_o alone_o be_v the_o true_a birth_n for_o a_o close_a to_o these_o two_o verse_n take_v notice_n of_o these_o four_o great_a truth_n wherein_o much_o of_o the_o gospel_n do_v lie_v three_o of_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o two_o verse_n the_o first_o of_o they_o in_o the_o foregoing_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n 1._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o light_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o lighten_v man_n out_o of_o their_o darkness_n there_o be_v no_o get_v out_o of_o spiritual_a darkness_n but_o by_o christ_n the_o true_a and_o only_o spiritual_a light_n 2._o the_o person_n for_o who_o he_o do_v this_o must_v believe_v must_v receive_v he_o by_o faith_n for_o their_o light_n 3._o faith_n proceed_v from_o the_o new_a birth_n a_o man_n must_v be_v new_o bear_v that_o he_o may_v believe_v 4._o the_o great_a privilege_n christ_n bestow_v on_o those_o that_o believe_v which_o be_v this_o he_o give_v they_o authority_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n those_o that_o will_v be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v believe_v on_o his_o christ_n those_o that_o will_v believe_v on_o god_n christ_n must_v be_v bear_v of_o god_n those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n can_v but_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o christ_n can_v but_o lighten_v they_o out_o of_o their_o darkness_n for_o that_o end_n he_o come_v john_n 3._o vers._n 1._o there_o be_v a_o man_n of_o the_o pharisee_n name_v nicodemus_n a_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n 2._o the_o same_o come_v to_o jesus_n by_o night_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o rabbi_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o thou_o art_n a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o 3._o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o very_o very_o i_o say_v thou_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 4._o nicodemus_n say_v unto_o he_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v when_o he_o be_v old_a can_v he_o enter_v the_o second_o time_n into_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o be_v bear_v 5._o jesus_n answer_v very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 6._o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n here_o be_v a_o excellent_a dispute_n between_o christ_n and_o nicodemus_n concerning_o true_a faith_n john_n have_v describe_v it_o before_o in_o the_o twelve_o and_o thirteen_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o he_o have_v show_v that_o those_o that_o do_v indeed_o believe_v be_v bear_v of_o god_n this_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o they_o which_o do_v entitle_v they_o unto_o christ_n and_o whereupon_o they_o do_v receive_v the_o right_n of_o sonship_n in_o and_o from_o he_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o light_n set_v before_o they_o by_o man_n nor_o from_o any_o inclination_n of_o heart_n which_o man_n can_v work_v in_o they_o but_o from_o a_o new_a principle_n of_o life_n breathe_v into_o their_o soul_n by_o god_n here_o the_o case_n be_v more_o full_o argue_v between_o christ_n and_o nicodemuus_n nicodemus_n a_o pharisee_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o jew_n come_v to_o christ_n
heart_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n convey_v thither_o and_o work_v there_o there_o be_v three_o great_a effect_n of_o this_o water_n it_o beget_v it_o wash_v it_o nourish_v it_o beget_v a_o dead_a man_n to_o life_n it_o beget_v a_o man_n unto_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o live_n and_o active_a water_n or_o rather_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n whereof_o a_o man_n be_v beget_v and_o bear_v or_o at_o least_o the_o vessel_n that_o live_a vessel_n which_o contain_v it_o it_o be_v that_o also_o wherewith_o he_o be_v wash_v after_o he_o be_v bear_v though_o there_o be_v a_o wash_n with_o blood_n too_o and_o it_o nourish_v he_o after_o he_o be_v both_o bear_v and_o wash_v he_o live_v upon_o the_o very_a same_o water_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o and_o with_o it_o be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o effect_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o that_o strike_v that_o water_n have_v in_o the_o generation_n and_o birth_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n he_o be_v bear_v of_o it_o it_o be_v by_o let_v in_o these_o water_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o into_o the_o soul_n that_o god_n change_v it_o and_o make_v it_o a_o new_a our_o change_n in_o our_o spirit_n and_o our_o conversion_n to_o god_n proceed_v from_o and_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o that_o power_n of_o truth_n that_o god_n let_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o to_o that_o the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n rom._n 6._o 17._o iam._n 1._o 1â—_z as_o our_o first_o change_n from_o god_n be_v by_o drink_v of_o the_o devil_n water_n which_o be_v water_n of_o darkness_n and_o death_n water_n of_o error_n and_o deceit_n so_o this_o great_a change_n to_o god_n again_o be_v wrought_v by_o drink_v of_o god_n water_n his_o spiritual_a water_n of_o life_n which_o be_v his_o truth_n which_o he_o hold_v out_o unto_o we_o wherein_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n nor_o deceit_n at_o all_o but_o they_o be_v clear_a live_a and_o substantial_a 3._o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v to_o have_v this_o change_n from_o these_o water_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n a_o man_n can_v never_o change_v his_o own_o heart_n by_o any_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o it_o must_v be_v the_o spirit_n that_o must_v do_v it_o this_o water_n be_v too_o spiritual_a a_o seed_n for_o any_o man_n to_o sow_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n no_o man_n no_o creature_n can_v sow_v another_o seed_n this_o be_v the_o spirit_n seed_n and_o he_o must_v sow_v it_o if_o it_o be_v sow_v christ_n himself_o open_v and_o illustrate_v this_o further_a in_o the_o eight_o verse_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n breathe_v his_o own_o breath_n blow_v his_o own_o blast_n make_v his_o own_o sound_n of_o life_n himself_o in_o our_o spirit_n and_o thus_o be_v we_o bear_v of_o he_o it_o be_v not_o all_o the_o change_v a_o man_n can_v make_v by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a truth_n nay_o by_o the_o light_n of_o spiritual_a truth_n work_v they_o upon_o his_o heart_n with_o never_o so_o much_o pain_n that_o will_v amount_v to_o a_o new_a birth_n but_o it_o must_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n breathe_v this_o seed_n into_o he_o and_o form_v he_o into_o a_o new_a creature_n by_o this_o seed_n as_o it_o be_v water_n or_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n whereby_o we_o be_v beget_v so_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o who_o beget_v and_o that_o he_o do_v of_o his_o own_o inclination_n too_o iam._n 1._o 18._o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n 4._o what_o be_v it_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v his_o spiritual_a dominion_n in_o christ_n to_o which_o every_o spiritual_a thing_n belong_v and_o in_o which_o all_o spiritual_a excellency_n and_o blessedness_n be_v lay_v up_o to_o enter_v into_o this_o kingdom_n be_v by_o a_o spiritual_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o come_v within_o the_o verge_n and_o bound_n of_o it_o even_o that_o very_a act_n which_o nicodemus_n be_v speak_v of_o vers._n 3._o namely_o a_o act_n of_o true_a say_v by_o lay_v hold_n on_o jesus_n christ_n and_o become_v one_o with_o he_o a_o man_n present_o have_v right_a unto_o and_o entrance_n into_o this_o kingdom_n now_o say_v christ_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o do_v this_o who_o be_v not_o first_o new_a bear_v he_o can_v never_o true_o mount_v upward_o who_o earthly_a nature_n be_v not_o first_o change_v a_o man_n may_v talk_v of_o spiritual_a glory_n and_o his_o right_n unto_o they_o but_o of_o a_o truth_n he_o be_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n nor_o can_v by_o true_a faith_n who_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o and_o that_o both_o of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v life_n and_o blessedness_n from_o he_o require_v a_o birth_n of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n there_o must_v a_o new_a birth_n of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n precede_v there_o without_o which_o the_o person_n be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o it_o he_o must_v be_v make_v up_o again_o of_o water_n and_o that_o not_o of_o his_o own_o form_v neither_o but_o of_o the_o spirit_n form_v and_o then_o by_o faith_n he_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n and_o become_v entitle_v to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o without_o this_o birth_n foregoing_a can_v be_v do_v vers._n 6._o in_o this_o verse_n christ_n lay_v down_o a_o position_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n he_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n or_o else_o a_o man_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n for_o that_o be_v a_o spiritual_a act_n and_o a_o man_n can_v act_v no_o high_o than_o he_o be_v and_o he_o be_v not_o spiritual_a he_o be_v but_o flesh_n if_o he_o be_v bear_v but_o of_o flesh_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n flesh_n here_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o its_o latitude_n but_o for_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v powerful_a in_o spiritual_a generation_n and_o production_n for_o that_o power_n of_o man_n together_o with_o the_o mean_n and_o engine_n that_o he_o can_v come_v by_o whether_o natural_a or_o spiritual_a whereby_o he_o work_v a_o change_n in_o his_o own_o heart_n or_o upon_o other_o in_o imitation_n of_o that_o change_n which_o god_n alone_o do_v and_o can_v work_v by_o his_o spirit_n nature_n reason_n art_n with_o all_o the_o advantage_n they_o can_v possible_o desire_v or_o have_v nature_n enlighten_v and_o purify_v by_o reason_n and_o art_n nature_n furnish_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n with_o desire_n to_o be_v like_o god_n to_o recover_v his_o image_n to_o obey_v he_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o flesh_n and_o do_v more_o direct_o thus_o reach_v the_o state_n of_o nicodemus_n to_o who_o christ_n speak_v who_o present_a conviction_n be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n miracle_n meet_v with_o his_o reason_n and_o ingenuity_n then_o if_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o more_o gross_a sense_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n denote_v the_o great_a change_n that_o possible_o can_v be_v make_v in_o a_o man_n by_o this_o power_n with_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o it_o can_v use_v the_o change_n be_v so_o great_a that_o a_o man_n be_v new_o bear_v become_v a_o new_a man_n be_v change_v inside_n and_o outside_n both_o to_o his_o own_o appearance_n and_o in_o the_o thought_n of_o other_o it_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o that_o work_n whereby_o god_n bring_v a_o man_n forth_o a_o new_a man_n the_o flesh_n will_v take_v his_o tool_n set_v about_o his_o work_n and_o seem_v to_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n bring_v forth_o the_o new_a birth_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o substance_n it_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o flesh_n this_o birth_n when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v use_v all_o the_o spiritual_a mean_n he_o can_v yet_o it_o be_v but_o flesh_n the_o fruit_n can_v have_v no_o more_o virtue_n or_o strength_n and_o spirituality_n than_o the_o root_n have_v from_o whence_o it_o do_v proceed_v which_o be_v but_o flesh_n and_o though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o spiritual_a engine_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o flesh_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n for_o those_o engine_n can_v work_v of_o themselves_o and_o the_o flesh_n can_v make_v they_o work_v