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
or_o any_o way_n hinder_v set_v ourselves_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n as_o we_o read_v psal._n 119.61_o even_o at_o midnight_n will_v i_o rise_v to_o praise_v thou_o and_o to_o think_v of_o all_o thy_o judgement_n or_o at_o the_o least_o to_o sequester_v ourselves_o in_o the_o day_n time_n from_o the_o company_n of_o other_o as_o we_o read_v gen._n 24.63_o that_o isaac_n in_o the_o evening_n do_v walk_v forth_o into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v and_o pray_v and_o mat._n 14.23_o that_o christ_n when_o his_o time_n of_o prayer_n be_v come_v send_v the_o multitude_n away_o and_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n alone_o to_o pray_v and_o be_v there_o alone_o as_o also_o mark_v 1.35_o that_o very_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o day_n he_o go_v into_o a_o desert_n or_o solitary_a place_n and_o there_o pray_v but_o as_o for_o sudden_a prayer_n he_o do_v often_o perform_v that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o other_o affair_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o other_o even_o of_o the_o whole_a multitude_n thus_o he_o pray_v john_n 11.41_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o work_v in_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o death_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o what_o with_o extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a what_o with_o set_v and_o sudden_a prayer_n the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o continual_a exercise_n of_o pray_v to_o the_o daily_o and_o diligent_a performance_n whereof_o he_o whosoever_o desire_v to_o have_v his_o soul_n in_o good_a estate_n be_v to_o look_v careful_o lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n he_o be_v draw_v away_o and_o become_v negligent_a in_o this_o behalf_n as_o we_o see_v it_o often_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christian_n do_v so_o entangle_v and_o even_o overwhelm_v themselves_o with_o worldly_a care_n and_o affair_n that_o they_o can_v scarce_o spare_v any_o time_n either_o for_o extraordinary_a or_o for_o ordinary_a either_o for_o set_v or_o for_o sudden_a prayer_n yea_o if_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a hindrance_n yet_o the_o slothfulness_n of_o the_o flesh_n unwilling_a of_o itself_o to_o take_v pain_n in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v a_o sufficient_a hindrance_n and_o make_v many_o cold_a negligent_a yea_o &_o at_o length_n altogether_o careless_a of_o this_o duty_n as_o we_o read_v mar._n 14.37_o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o as_o they_o have_v this_o duty_n impose_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o drowsy_a sluggishness_n hinder_v from_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o the_o which_o so_o far_o prevail_v with_o they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o get_v the_o upper_a hand_n of_o it_o no_o not_o when_o they_o be_v sharp_o reprove_v by_o christ_n &_o stir_v up_o to_o prayer_n for_o so_o he_o say_v peter_n sleep_v thou_o can_v thou_o not_o watch_v one_o hour_n watch_z and_o pray_v lest_o you_o fall_v into_o temptation_n the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o therefore_o christ_n speak_v of_o pray_v luc._n 8.1_o add_v this_o caveat_n that_o they_o shall_v pray_v and_o not_o be_v weary_v with_o it_o so_o that_o we_o be_v forewarn_v by_o christ_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n lest_o that_o by_o these_o or_o any_o other_o mean_n we_o be_v either_o altogether_o hinder_v or_o make_v negligent_a in_o this_o exercise_n wherein_o as_o have_v often_o be_v say_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v consist_v as_o no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v if_o we_o consider_v and_o weigh_v the_o unspeakable_a fruit_n and_o comfort_n arise_v of_o it_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v less_o irksome_a or_o more_o pleasant_a to_o a_o christian_a soul_n then_o to_o have_v daily_a company_n conversation_n conference_n and_o talk_n with_o god_n his_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n his_o protector_n and_o mediator_n his_o lord_n and_o his_o god_n the_o fountain_n and_o full_a treasure_n of_o all_o blessing_n the_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_o perform_v then_o that_o which_o procure_v pardon_n for_o all_o sin_n which_o remoove_v all_o evil_n which_o supply_v all_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a want_n which_o increase_v all_o grace_n and_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o sound_n and_o perfect_a health_n even_o as_o bodily_a exercise_n do_v the_o body_n and_o therefore_o as_o man_n feel_v their_o body_n any_o way_n heavy_a distemper_a and_o out_o of_o course_n straightway_o they_o fly_v to_o this_o remedy_n of_o exercise_n not_o doubt_v but_o that_o it_o will_v soon_o put_v it_o away_o so_o whensoever_o we_o feel_v ourselves_o prone_a to_o sin_n and_o untoward_a and_o sluggish_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n if_o we_o give_v ourselves_o to_o this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n &_o stretch_v out_o the_o joint_n of_o our_o soul_n before_o god_n we_o shall_v no_o doubt_n feel_v a_o great_a change_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o that_o now_o they_o be_v light_n and_o able_a to_o lift_v up_o themselves_o to_o heaven_n sect._n 11._o thus_o we_o see_v what_o singular_a force_n and_o virtue_n in_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n have_v and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n who_o according_a to_o his_o gracious_a promise_n grant_v whatsoever_o his_o child_n ask_v by_o prayer_n according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n prayer_n be_v as_o profitable_a for_o the_o body_n as_o for_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o procure_v temporal_a blessing_n as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a grace_n but_o also_o by_o a_o proper_a virtue_n inherent_a in_o itself_o for_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o the_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n in_o pour_v his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n into_o their_o heart_n who_o ask_v it_o by_o hearty_a prayer_n the_o very_a action_n of_o prayer_n do_v although_o not_o merit_n yet_o both_o confirm_v and_o increase_v grace_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o of_o force_n for_o temporal_a blessing_n for_o no_o man_n can_v by_o pray_v enrich_v himself_o only_a it_o procure_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o so_o bring_v riches_n but_o as_o for_o spiritual_a grace_n it_o work_v not_o the_o beginning_n but_o the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o they_o not_o only_o from_o god_n but_o also_o by_o itself_o as_o have_v be_v note_v before_o and_o will_v more_o plain_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o follow_v for_o first_o for_o prayer_n in_o general_a whosoever_o give_v himself_o to_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o it_o he_o do_v of_o necessity_n daily_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o his_o spiritual_a state_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o it_o the_o which_o can_v but_o work_v in_o he_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n for_o as_o the_o careless_a neglect_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n come_v from_o a_o greedy_a seek_n and_o a_o sensual_a enjoy_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n bring_v a_o daily_a decrease_n so_o the_o serious_a and_o continual_a meditation_n of_o they_o bring_v increase_v of_o grace_n the_o which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v watchfulness_n as_o the_o contrary_a neglect_n be_v drowsy_a sleep_a and_o therefore_o these_o two_o be_v usual_o join_v together_o watch_z and_o pray_v as_o mar._n 13.33_o look_v watch_n and_o pray_v and_o math._n 26.41_o watch_n and_o pray_v lest_o you_o fall_v into_o temptation_n that_o be_v give_v yourselves_o to_o prayer_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o your_o own_o estate_n such_o as_o use_v to_o be_v not_o in_o drowsy_a head_n but_o in_o man_n give_v to_o much_o wake_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o may_v be_v strong_a in_o grace_n and_o so_o enable_v to_o resist_v the_o force_n of_o sin_n this_o appear_v more_o evident_o in_o the_o particular_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v make_v a_o full_a and_o plain_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n before_o god_n desire_v he_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o christ_n to_o pardon_v they_o promise_v and_o vow_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o will_v never_o again_o so_o displease_v and_o so_o dishonour_v he_o and_o not_o be_v make_v even_o by_o this_o confession_n far_o off_o from_o commit_v of_o sin_n and_o if_o we_o suppose_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o strong_a in_o he_o and_o do_v so_o much_o prevail_v that_o notwithstanding_o his_o diligent_a pray_v he_o still_o fall_v into_o sin_n yet_o that_o will_v stand_v true_a which_o we_o affirm_v to_o wit_n that_o diligent_a prayer_n and_o the_o commit_n of_o sin_n will_v not_o stand_v other_o for_o if_o prayer_n can_v make_v he_o cease_v from_o sin_v yet_o his_o sin_v will_v make_v he_o leave_v off_o pray_v and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o open_v his_o mouth_n to_o god_n or_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n to_o
be_v not_o so_o grievous_a and_o dangerous_a as_o be_v the_o former_a to_o wit_n impenitency_n wherein_o the_o practice_n and_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n be_v neglect_v for_o this_o worldly_a christian_n serve_v god_n and_o perform_v all_o good_a duty_n although_o seldom_o cold_o and_o negligent_o yet_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o seldom_o cure_v then_o the_o other_o for_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a and_o sensible_a and_o therefore_o not_o much_o consider_v &_o regard_v yea_o it_o have_v a_o great_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o perfect_a health_n and_o strength_n in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n duty_n whole_o want_v no_o gross_a sin_n commit_v but_o only_o such_o as_o have_v a_o show_n of_o christian_a liberty_n which_o make_v it_o lawful_a for_o the_o faith_n full_a to_o seek_v and_o enjoy_v riches_n and_o all_o other_o worldly_a pleasure_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o man_n flatter_v themselves_o in_o this_o state_n and_o rest_v content_v with_o it_o whereas_o no_o man_n conscience_n can_v be_v so_o continual_o dead_a and_o blind_a but_o that_o it_o will_v sometime_o check_v he_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o other_o and_o even_o drive_v he_o perforce_o to_o seek_v some_o remedy_n for_o it_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o we_o do_v daily_o and_o diligent_o consider_v the_o vanity_n and_o baseness_n of_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n that_o in_o comparison_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n they_o be_v as_o dung_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o fine_a gold_n that_o nothing_o be_v more_o unseemly_a than_o that_o thâ—_n soul_n of_o man_n which_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n have_v sanctify_v and_o lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n there_o to_o enjoy_v his_o presence_n which_o be_v perfect_a happiness_n shall_v so_o much_o debase_v itself_o as_o to_o lie_v wallow_v in_o the_o puddle_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n or_o have_v any_o sound_a joy_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o which_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v loathsome_a and_o irksome_a unto_o he_o by_o these_o and_o such_o other_o meditation_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o now_o be_v clog_v &_o press_v down_o with_o worldly_a care_n be_v to_o be_v stir_v up_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n to_o be_v lift_v up_o from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n and_o we_o enure_v to_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n &_o a_o cheerful_a and_o liberal_a practice_n of_o all_o christian_n duty_n especial_o in_o give_v to_o our_o brother_n or_o rather_o in_o lend_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o part_v of_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v leave_v all_o sensual_a epicurism_n &_o wretched_a niggardness_n to_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n who_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n and_o eternal_a perdition_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v sect._n 6._o the_o three_o and_o last_o general_a disease_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v distrust_n which_o be_v a_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n &_o promise_n make_v as_o touch_v the_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o faithful_a this_o although_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o particular_a disease_n of_o the_o mind_n yet_o in_o that_o force_n and_o effect_v it_o stretch_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a soul_n of_o man_n work_v a_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n in_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o it_o it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v and_o may_v fit_o be_v call_v a_o general_a disease_n it_o arise_v of_o a_o suppose_a impossibility_n oâ—_n god_n word_n be_v find_v contrary_a to_o our_o own_o experience_n &_o to_o man_n reason_n thus_o the_o propet_v david_n consider_v the_o miserable_a estate_n of_o the_o godly_a together_o with_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v tempt_v to_o think_v and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o thus_o many_o other_o godly_a man_n feel_v and_o see_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o conversion_n that_o god_n work_v strange_a &_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o for_o they_o promise_v to_o themselves_o the_o like_a strange_a experiment_n of_o god_n power_n and_o love_n towards_o they_o the_o which_o when_o as_o they_o do_v not_o not_o come_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o their_o expectation_n all_o go_v on_o in_o a_o ordinary_a course_n &_o happen_v to_o one_o as_o to_o another_o they_o fall_v into_o this_o doubt_n and_o distrust_n of_o god_n presence_n providence_n power_n and_o love_n towards_o they_o and_o so_o wax_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o slack_a and_o backward_o in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o in_o serve_v god_n but_o this_o temptation_n be_v to_o be_v resist_v by_o consider_v that_o god_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o harden_v of_o the_o wicked_a work_v not_o open_o and_o sensible_o but_o secret_o till_o the_o time_n come_v wherein_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v reveal_v especial_o this_o evil_n show_v itself_o in_o the_o time_n of_o adversity_n when_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v overshadow_a with_o cross_n in_o the_o which_o we_o see_v not_o the_o love_n but_o rather_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n afflict_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o trial_n but_o as_o touch_v they_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o god_n do_v in_o theâ—_n show_v his_o love_n more_o than_o in_o prosperity_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v by_o they_o to_o be_v the_o more_o persuade_v of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n yea_o sometime_o this_o distrust_n become_v despair_n wherein_o the_o faithful_a man_n be_v drive_v beside_o his_o faith_n and_o hope_n yea_o beside_o himself_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n out_o of_o his_o wit_n suppose_v his_o sin_n to_o exceed_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o â—o_o be_v altogether_o unpardonable_a he_o can_v be_v comfort_v by_o remember_v his_o former_a state_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n wherein_o sometime_o he_o stand_v but_o be_v by_o that_o mean_v confirm_v in_o despair_n as_o think_v his_o sin_n to_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n the_o more_o grievous_a and_o unpardonable_a it_o be_v commit_v against_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o he_o apply_v to_o himself_o that_o which_o be_v write_v heb._n 6.6_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n if_o they_o fall_v away_o shall_v be_v renew_a again_o by_o repentance_n see_v they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o he_o languish_v in_o horror_n of_o conscience_n and_o a_o fearful_a sense_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o most_o fearful_a sickness_n which_o can_v happen_v to_o a_o faithful_a man_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o wicked_a spiritâ—_n in_o hell_n who_o continual_o live_v or_o rather_o die_v in_o a_o desperate_a sense_n of_o the_o endless_a wrath_n of_o god_n the_o remedy_n be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o only_o be_v able_a to_o appease_v these_o storm_n and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o to_o give_v a_o quiet_a calm_a yet_o the_o mean_n must_v be_v use_v by_o ourselves_o to_o wit_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o example_n of_o many_o godly_a man_n to_o who_o god_n have_v remit_v as_o many_o and_o as_o great_a sin_n as_o we_o be_v yea_o have_v beeâ—_n commit_v after_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v for_o the_o which_o purpose_n we_o must_v also_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n betwixt_o then_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v infinite_a and_o our_o sin_n which_o be_v as_o nothing_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n all_o which_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v able_a to_o do_v away_o that_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n before_o mention_v &_o such_o other_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o malicious_a &_o despiteful_a oppugn_n of_o the_o gospel_n once_o embrace_v and_o last_o that_o where_o sin_n there_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n abound_v and_o his_o glory_n be_v set_v forth_o sect._n 7._o beside_o these_o general_a diseaseâ—_n which_o make_v a_o man_n decrease_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o godliness_n there_o happen_v to_o the_o soul_n many_o particular_a disease_n which_o contain_v themsemselue_n within_o one_o part_n or_o faculty_n of_o it_o the_o rest_n remain_v whole_a and_o sound_a these_o be_v as_o many_o as_o be_v the_o part_n of_o renewed_a holiness_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n the_o want_n of_o any_o one_o whereof_o make_v a_o spiritual_a disease_n for_o where_o any_o grace_n be_v want_v there_o the_o contrary_a corruption_n of_o sin_n do_v prevail_v and_o reign_v if_o it_o be_v ask_v whether_o that_o one_o true_o regenerate_a can_v be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o any_o
they_o have_v by_o murder_v themselves_o seek_v for_o ease_n in_o death_n and_o in_o hell_n itself_o think_v that_o no_o state_n can_v be_v so_o evil_a and_o therefore_o that_o any_o change_n will_v be_v good_a sect._n 2._o now_o further_o in_o this_o humiliation_n of_o a_o sinner_n we_o be_v to_o declare_v these_o two_o point_n first_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o nature_n and_o second_o whether_o it_o be_v absolute_a necessity_n for_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n or_o no._n for_o the_o first_o although_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o have_v a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n contrary_a to_o that_o obstinacy_n atheism_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v in_o the_o wicked_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o nature_n come_v of_o that_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o conscience_n of_o sin_n which_o remain_v in_o man_n since_o his_o creation_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o this_o humiliation_n be_v that_o true_a contrition_n and_o softness_n of_o heart_n which_o have_v place_n in_o those_o who_o be_v regenerate_v and_o whereby_o they_o do_v easy_o without_o any_o resistance_n or_o delay_n yield_v to_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v at_o the_o first_o move_v by_o his_o promise_n &_o blessing_n to_o love_v he_o by_o his_o threaten_n and_o judgement_n to_o fear_v he_o and_o by_o both_o to_o obey_v he_o only_o it_o be_v a_o servile_a fear_n of_o punishment_n and_o of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n wherewith_o obstinacy_n in_o sin_n may_v easy_o and_o do_v often_o concur_v but_o why_o will_v some_o man_n say_v if_o this_o humiliation_n be_v natural_a be_v it_o not_o if_o not_o in_o all_o yet_o in_o most_o man_n as_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o yea_o why_o be_v it_o in_o so_o few_o as_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o and_o that_o almost_o all_o general_o live_v in_o pleasure_n and_o in_o senseless_a security_n without_o any_o conscience_n of_o sin_n or_o fear_v of_o punishment_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o humiliation_n be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n not_o be_v neglect_v &_o suffer_v either_o to_o lie_v dead_a or_o to_o decrease_v daily_o as_o it_o do_v in_o most_o man_n for_o then_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o send_v forth_o this_o fruit_n but_o be_v at_o length_n clean_o extinguish_v and_o turn_v into_o mere_a atheism_n but_o augment_v by_o the_o write_a law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n and_o stir_v up_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n otherwise_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v work_v this_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n for_o how_o can_v they_o have_v a_o trouble_a conscience_n who_o have_v no_o conscience_n or_o fear_v of_o god_n who_o they_o do_v not_o know_v to_o exist_v at_o least_o not_o to_o do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a hence_o it_o come_v that_o this_o humiliation_n be_v so_o seldom_o find_v even_o among_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o faith_n for_o that_o they_o have_v no_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o settle_a persuasion_n of_o god_n but_o a_o slight_a and_o waver_a opinion_n &_o therefore_o no_o great_a or_o vehement_a humiliation_n but_o only_o be_v sometime_o disquiet_v in_o â—heir_a mind_n in_o their_o misery_n and_o in_o the_o commit_n of_o notorious_a sin_n as_o even_o the_o very_a heathen_a be_v sometime_o of_o who_o we_o read_v that_o they_o have_v be_v strange_o sting_v in_o their_o conscience_n by_o heinous_a sin_n and_o drive_v by_o a_o fearful_a sense_n and_o expectation_n of_o god_n revenge_a hand_n into_o madness_n horror_n and_o desperation_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v so_o to_o esteem_v this_o humiliation_n as_o that_o which_o although_o it_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a work_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o regeneration_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o step_n towards_o it_o and_o far_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o tâ—e_v contrary_a atheism_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o humiliation_n whether_o it_o may_v be_v spare_v or_o be_v so_o absolute_o needful_a as_o that_o without_o it_o no_o regeneration_n or_o salvation_n may_v be_v hope_v for_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o that_o no_o man_n can_v seek_v to_o be_v ease_v of_o the_o burden_n of_o his_o sin_n by_o christ_n unless_o he_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o they_o or_o to_o be_v heal_v by_o he_o unless_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v wound_v and_o bruise_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o alike_o vehement_a and_o manifest_a in_o all_o neither_o be_v it_o needful_a that_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o repentant_a have_v a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o so_o be_v as_o he_o can_v but_o be_v affect_v with_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n in_o respect_n of_o they_o although_o there_o be_v not_o those_o horrible_a pangâ—_n of_o horror_n which_o be_v in_o the_o repentance_n of_o some_o the_o degree_n of_o humiliation_n arise_v of_o these_o three_o cause_n first_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o sinfulness_n in_o the_o repentant_a for_o as_o the_o heavy_a the_o burden_n be_v the_o more_o it_o press_v down_o so_o the_o mo_z and_o the_o more_o heinous_a that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o repentant_a be_v the_o great_a be_v his_o humiliation_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o those_o fearful_a agony_n of_o sorrow_n and_o desperation_n be_v not_o usual_o see_v but_o where_o many_o heinous_a sin_n have_v go_v before_o second_o it_o arise_v of_o the_o diversity_n of_o those_o outward_a affliction_n and_o iugdement_n wherewith_o the_o repentant_a be_v punish_v the_o which_o be_v of_o themselves_o grievous_a unto_o he_o and_o some_o time_n such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v bear_v by_o flesh_n and_o blood_n without_o great_a perturbation_n and_o anguish_n of_o soul_n and_o so_o be_v add_v to_o the_o inward_a burden_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o of_o a_o trouble_a spirit_n whereof_o the_o wise_a man_n ask_v who_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o make_v this_o humiliation_n very_o great_a three_o it_o arise_v of_o the_o delay_n of_o grace_n the_o which_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o some_o far_o soon_o than_o he_o do_v to_o other_o who_o be_v keep_v a_o long_a â—ime_n in_o suspense_n and_o not_o feel_v that_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n which_o they_o desine_fw-la and_o expect_v have_v less_o hope_n of_o obtain_v pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o consequent_o great_a fear_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n due_a to_o sin_n whereas_o otherwise_o be_v soon_o some_o sudden_o without_o any_o sensible_a humiliation_n or_o time_n of_o repentance_n give_v unto_o they_o receive_v into_o favour_n have_v not_o the_o like_a cause_n of_o this_o excessive_a sorrow_n and_o fear_n last_o the_o degree_n of_o humiliation_n arise_v of_o diverse_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o repentant_a think_v the_o one_o more_o or_o less_o heinous_a the_o other_o more_o or_o less_o intolerable_a so_o be_v his_o humiliation_n less_o or_o great_a yet_o always_o as_o it_o have_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n otherwise_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o regeneration_n into_o the_o which_o there_o be_v entrance_n but_o through_o this_o narrow_a gate_n of_o shame_n sorrow_n fear_n and_o anguish_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o can_v remember_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v in_o this_o low_a estate_n of_o humiliation_n can_v think_v that_o he_o be_v as_o yet_o exalt_v by_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o must_v now_o at_o length_n labour_n to_o be_v thus_o humble_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n not_o put_v far_o out_o of_o his_o mind_n the_o evil_a day_n and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o may_v any_o way_n vex_v or_o trouble_v he_o as_o usual_o and_o natural_o man_n do_v but_o rather_o lay_v this_o corrosive_a of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o his_o sin_n commit_v to_o his_o conscience_n &_o suffer_v it_o there_o even_o to_o eat_v and_o fret_v away_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n till_o god_n in_o mercy_n take_v it_o away_o thus_o we_o leave_v this_o poor_a distress_a soul_n out_o of_o conceit_n with_o himself_o esteem_v himself_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o and_z forlorn_a caitiff_n in_o the_o world_n &_o say_v with_o himself_o o_o miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o death_n we_o go_v on_o to_o that_o which_o follow_v sect._n 3_o thus_o
regeneration_n be_v so_o wonderful_a and_o glorious_a a_o work_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v wrought_v rather_o in_o the_o public_a body_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o those_o who_o be_v already_o sanctify_v then_o in_o hug_a mugger_n in_o this_o or_o that_o corner_n so_o that_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o regeneration_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n public_o &_o pure_o preach_v not_o as_o it_o do_v by_o a_o natural_a faculty_n inherent_a in_o itself_o work_v in_o man_n knowledge_n obedience_n and_o that_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n to_o the_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v in_o this_o respect_n but_o as_o it_o do_v by_o the_o supernatural_a power_n of_o god_n work_v true_a regeneration_n in_o the_o elect_a and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v every_o one_o in_o hand_n who_o have_v any_o care_n and_o desire_v to_o attain_v to_o eternal_a life_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whensoever_o occasion_n serve_v as_o the_o wise_a man_n exhort_v the_o good_a husband_n to_o be_v sow_v his_o seed_n at_o all_o hour_n time_n and_o season_n because_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o will_v prosper_v so_o must_v this_o repentant_a take_v all_o occasion_n of_o hear_v god_n word_n for_o that_o he_o know_v not_o but_o that_o god_n will_v even_o at_o that_o time_n which_o he_o will_v bestow_v on_o worldly_a profit_n or_o pleasure_n bestow_v this_o unspeakable_a blessing_n of_o regeneration_n upon_o he_o god_n may_v indeed_o call_v he_o wheresoever_o he_o stray_v but_o that_o we_o may_v use_v the_o similitude_n above_o mention_v as_o that_o offendant_fw-la be_v like_a to_o obtain_v mercy_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o prince_n who_o stand_v at_o his_o very_a gate_n in_o his_o presence_n attend_v when_o he_o will_v because_v or_o call_v unto_o he_o than_o he_o who_o have_v address_v himself_o to_o come_v before_o the_o king_n keep_v himself_o aloof_o of_o far_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n so_o it_o be_v like_a that_o god_n will_v behold_v he_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o mercy_n who_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n hearkn_v to_o his_o voice_n &_o attend_v his_o pleasure_n then_o he_o who_o be_v out_o of_o his_o sight_n and_o employ_v about_o other_o matter_n sect._n 4._o the_o three_o and_o last_o mean_v to_o be_v use_v in_o seek_v regeneration_n be_v prayer_n or_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n whereby_o this_o repentant_a see_v himself_o to_o be_v as_o yet_o but_o carnal_a &_o hard_a heart_a as_o he_o be_v before_o and_o that_o no_o mean_n either_o devise_v by_o himself_o or_o appoint_v by_o god_n will_v prevail_v renounce_v himself_o as_o be_v most_o desperate_o miserable_a &_o all_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v unable_a to_o effect_v that_o which_o he_o desire_v and_o so_o fly_v to_o the_o only_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n desire_v he_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n and_o for_o christ_n sake_n in_o who_o all_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o great_a ocean_n overflow_a the_o earth_n do_v show_v forth_o itself_o to_o vouchsafe_v unto_o he_o the_o most_o wretched_a and_o unworthy_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n one_o drop_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o mollify_v his_o stony_a heart_n and_o to_o quicken_v his_o soul_n be_v now_o clean_o dead_a in_o sin_n this_o must_v be_v do_v not_o seldom_o cold_o negligent_o and_o for_o fashion_n sake_n as_o man_n use_v to_o pray_v for_o so_o man_n ask_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o no_o account_n and_o which_o they_o care_v not_o great_o whether_o they_o obtain_v or_o no_o but_o in_o all_o vehemency_n of_o spirit_n and_o affection_n yea_o with_o all_o importunity_n we_o give_v no_o rest_n night_n nor_o day_n either_o to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o god_n till_o we_o obtain_v our_o desire_n this_o prayer_n will_v be_v of_o great_a force_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n luk._n 18.5_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v weary_a or_o faint_v in_o perform_v this_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n but_o rather_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o by_o all_o mean_n as_o by_o abstayn_v from_o the_o superfluous_a and_o unnecessary_a use_n of_o meat_n drink_n sleep_n worldly_a affair_n and_o whatsoever_o may_v hinder_v we_o in_o this_o behalf_n and_o by_o consider_v the_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o labour_v to_o attain_v for_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o it_o the_o which_o if_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v see_v and_o find_v that_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n able_a to_o work_v miracle_n yea_o strong_a than_o the_o strong_a that_o be_v than_o god_n himself_o who_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v or_o rather_o speak_v be_v by_o prayer_n force_v and_o compel_v to_o do_v that_o which_o otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o do_v no_o man_n can_v by_o force_n wring_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o weakness_n be_v strong_a than_o man_n yet_o prayer_n in_o that_o it_o renounce_v all_o force_n of_o mean_n rely_v itself_o whole_o on_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o that_o by_o the_o which_o if_o we_o wrestle_v with_o god_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o overcome_v of_o he_o if_o man_n of_o great_a and_o lofty_a spirit_n who_o to_o god_n be_v as_o filly_n worm_n creep_v on_o the_o earth_n stand_v so_o much_o upon_o their_o reputation_n that_o as_o it_o be_v record_v of_o the_o senator_n of_o rome_n in_o old_a time_n they_o think_v it_o a_o great_a disgrace_n unto_o they_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o he_o have_v in_o vain_a ask_v help_n at_o their_o hand_n shall_v not_o god_n the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o be_v as_o able_a as_o the_o rich_a and_o as_o willing_a to_o give_v as_o the_o frank_a yea_o and_o have_v as_o great_a care_n and_o not_o without_o cause_n of_o his_o glory_n as_o any_o man_n have_v of_o his_o worldly_a worship_n and_o renoun_n think_v scorn_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o i_o in_o god_n i_o have_v in_o vain_a afflict_a my_o soul_n humble_v myself_o at_o his_o footstool_n cleanse_v my_o way_n in_o his_o sight_n repair_v to_o the_o place_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o call_v upon_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o or_o get_v at_o his_o hand_n yea_o further_o as_o this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o ready_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o procure_v this_o or_o any_o other_o blessing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n so_o often_o it_o please_v god_n to_o grant_v grace_n to_o man_n even_o while_o they_o be_v ask_v it_o to_o touch_v man_n heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o very_a instant_n wherein_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v in_o vehement_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n in_o a_o manner_n separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o lift_v up_o into_o heaven_n for_o even_o as_o the_o smith_n strike_v the_o iron_n while_o it_o be_v hot_a and_o and_o fit_a to_o receive_v any_o form_n or_o impression_n so_o god_n although_o he_o can_v imprint_v his_o grace_n in_o the_o cold_a hard_a and_o flinty_a disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n yet_o he_o rather_o do_v it_o when_o as_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n be_v stir_v up_o and_o inflame_v either_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o public_a prayer_n during_o the_o which_o regeneration_n be_v ordinary_o wrought_v in_o man_n or_o else_o by_o some_o private_a christian_a exercise_n as_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o serious_a meditation_n but_o especial_o by_o pray_v and_o sing_v psalm_n to_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o which_o action_n it_o please_v god_n sometime_o to_o send_v his_o spirit_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o elect_a but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o object_v that_o we_o suppose_v a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o wit_n that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n shall_v pray_v especial_o with_o that_o vehemency_n and_o perseverance_n which_o we_o require_v as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 10.14_o how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o on_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v we_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o infidel_n who_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n not_o of_o christian_n who_o may_v be_v endue_v with_o knowledge_n yea_o who_o may_v pray_v although_o not_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o the_o faithful_a do_v thus_o we_o have_v commend_v to_o this_o repentant_a the_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o regeneration_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v that_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n which_o may_v be_v in_o one_o as_o not_o yet_o regenerate_v the_o second_o be_v the_o diligent_a
wholesome_a herb_n and_o sovereign_a medicine_n may_v be_v have_v and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a although_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o stranger_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o conversant_a in_o this_o and_o such_o other_o as_o that_o he_o scarce_o ever_o lay_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n yea_o in_o these_o book_n some_o saying_n and_o sentence_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o other_o and_o therefore_o more_o special_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o remember_v sec._n vi_o thus_o our_o christian_a be_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o what_o avail_v it_o to_o read_v that_o that_o be_v not_o understand_v or_o how_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o every_o christian_n can_v understand_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v so_o hard_a that_o even_o they_o who_o give_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o the_o study_n of_o it_o can_v with_o any_o pain_n or_o mean_n which_o can_v be_v use_v sound_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o we_o answer_v that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a so_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o attain_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o every_o place_n and_o again_o that_o it_o be_v both_o possible_a and_o easy_a for_o any_o christian_n to_o understand_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o will_v serve_v for_o his_o spiritual_a edification_n in_o all_o respect_n yea_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o great_a mercy_n and_o wisdom_n so_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect_a as_o to_o make_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o edification_n most_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o so_o to_o meet_v with_o the_o carnal_a curiosity_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v unnecessary_a question_n and_o quiddity_n most_o intricate_a and_o even_o as_o labyrinth_n into_o the_o which_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o enter_v but_o impossible_a to_o get_v forth_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v keep_v back_o from_o read_v the_o scripture_n by_o consider_v the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o but_o rather_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o by_o prayer_n to_o god_n who_o can_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a to_o behold_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o his_o law_n by_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o phrase_n &_o manner_n of_o speech_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v by_o confer_v one_o place_n with_o another_o and_o last_o by_o use_v the_o help_n of_o those_o who_o have_v labour_v painful_o and_o faithful_o in_o search_v out_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o shall_v understand_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o shall_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o his_o edification_n and_o salvation_n thus_o the_o scripture_n be_v painful_o read_v and_o true_o understand_v will_v yield_v unto_o we_o plentiful_a food_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o knowledge_n faith_n love_n patience_n temperance_n and_o of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n we_o shall_v enter_v into_o these_o fertile_a field_n and_o pleasant_a garden_n in_o ignorance_n doubt_v distrust_n impatience_n and_o sorrow_n but_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o they_o full_a of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o replenish_v with_o all_o spiritual_a joy_n with_o this_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o must_v join_v the_o read_n of_o the_o writing_n of_o those_o who_o have_v gather_v the_o doctrine_n &_o exhortation_n contain_v therein_o to_o their_o proper_a head_n in_o form_n of_o catechism_n sermon_n commentary_n treatise_n disputation_n common_a place_n and_o prayer_n and_o so_o have_v prepare_v spiritual_a food_n for_o other_o who_o have_v not_o the_o like_a opportunity_n of_o do_v it_o the_o benefit_n and_o profit_n which_o the_o church_n reap_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v very_o great_a for_o by_o this_o mean_v many_o point_n of_o singular_a use_n be_v get_v and_o as_o it_o be_v dig_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o otherwise_o will_v lie_v in_o they_o as_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n hide_a and_o unknown_a especial_o they_o who_o be_v not_o endue_v with_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n as_o that_o they_o be_v able_a of_o themselves_o to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n &_o therout_a to_o gather_v whatsoever_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v red_a both_o thankful_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o giver_n and_o author_n of_o they_o and_o also_o careful_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o own_o profit_n &_o edification_n yet_o not_o with_o that_o reverence_n estimation_n and_o confidence_n which_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o that_o which_o man_n say_v may_v be_v false_a but_o whatsoever_o god_n speak_v be_v undoubted_o true_a for_o the_o which_o cause_n we_o be_v not_o to_o rely_v and_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o writing_n &_o authority_n of_o any_o man_n of_o what_o learning_n &_o account_n soever_o he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o many_o who_o not_o content_a to_o acknowledge_v &_o admire_v the_o excellency_n of_o god_n gift_n in_o man_n do_v so_o addict_v themselves_o to_o all_o their_o say_n opinion_n and_o fashion_n that_o they_o take_v for_o undoubted_a truth_n without_o any_o further_o inquire_v of_o it_o or_o examine_v it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o proceed_v from_o they_o whereof_o many_o inconvenience_n follow_v for_o first_o as_o no_o man_n be_v without_o his_o error_n want_n &_o infirmity_n so_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o stead_n of_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a food_n they_o receive_v into_o their_o soul_n corrupt_a error_n infect_v they_o yea_o as_o for_o those_o sound_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v from_o they_o they_o do_v not_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n but_o take_v they_o hand_n over_o head_n upon_o their_o word_n and_o so_o have_v no_o firm_a &_o settle_a persuasion_n and_o resolution_n of_o they_o in_o their_o mind_n three_o by_o this_o partial_a conceit_n which_o man_n have_v of_o some_o one_o teacher_n or_o writer_n they_o be_v bring_v to_o contemn_v all_o other_o man_n with_o their_o gift_n and_o and_o labour_n and_o so_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o that_o great_a fruit_n &_o edification_n which_o they_o may_v reap_v by_o they_o sect._n 7._o beside_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v as_o paradise_n the_o garden_n of_o god_n whereâ—n_v grow_v all_o manner_n of_o tree_n bear_v fruit_n for_o the_o sustentation_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n we_o have_v other_o pasture_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o feed_v to_o wit_n the_o creature_n and_o the_o action_n of_o god_n the_o creature_n serve_v for_o the_o use_n &_o sustentation_n as_o of_o the_o body_n so_o also_o of_o the_o soul_n the_o which_o may_v clear_o see_v in_o they_o the_o goodness_n power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v stir_v uppe_o to_o love_n and_o praise_n god._n he_o shall_v see_v the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o god_n by_o the_o which_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v create_v the_o one_o in_o continual_a motion_n the_o other_o unmoveble_a he_o shall_v see_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o frame_v every_o creature_n so_o curious_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o workmanship_n in_o contrive_v every_o part_n so_o fit_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o it_o as_o no_o wit_n or_o imagination_n of_o man_n can_v come_v near_o or_o almost_o imitate_v with_o these_o meditation_n the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n have_v continual_o feed_v their_o soul_n psalm_n 8.4_o when_o i_o behold_v the_o heaven_n the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n which_o thou_o have_v create_v what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o shall_v vouchsafe_v he_o this_o honour_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o these_o to_o have_v the_o fish_n in_o the_o sea_n the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n at_o his_o commandment_n hitherto_o the_o scripture_n do_v often_o send_v we_o to_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n providence_n who_o if_o he_o deck_v the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n if_o he_o feed_v the_o raven_n luke_n 12.24_o yea_o the_o young_a raven_n not_o able_a to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o give_v to_o his_o servant_n all_o needful_a and_o good_a thing_n yea_o diligence_n and_o care_n in_o provide_v for_o ourselves_o pro._n 6.6_o sluggard_n go_v to_o the_o emmet_n yea_o whatsoever_o beside_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v and_o practise_v by_o us._n for_o so_o we_o be_v to_o account_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n therein_o contain_v to_o be_v even_o as_o a_o storehouse_n of_o soode_n wherein_o as_o carnal_a man_n do_v fill_v and_o fat_a their_o belly_n with_o that_o infinite_a variety_n of_o creature_n which_o god_n have_v make_v so_o the_o spiritual_a man_n may_v have_v even_o for_o the_o take_n up_o all_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a instruction_n consolation_n and_o
edifycation_n for_o if_o the_o heathen_a who_o have_v no_o spiritual_a eye_n wherewith_o to_o see_v can_v observe_v the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o these_o creature_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v rom._n 1._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o spiritual_a man_n find_v in_o this_o field_n plentiful_a food_n for_o the_o feed_n of_o the_o soul_n sect._n 8._o the_o last_o field_n wherein_o this_o spiritual_a food_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v grow_v and_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v be_v the_o action_n of_o god_n for_o as_o in_o the_o creation_n so_o also_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o world_n god_n be_v to_o be_v see_v and_o seek_v as_o in_o the_o one_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o other_o his_o providence_n justice_n and_o mercy_n do_v manifest_o appear_v or_o rather_o clear_o shine_v his_o providence_n by_o the_o which_o all_o thing_n all_o the_o action_n and_o faculty_n of_o all_o creature_n be_v dispose_v order_v direct_v restrain_v uphold_v as_o that_o they_o all_o several_o and_o joint_o tend_v to_o those_o end_n for_o the_o which_o he_o appoint_v they_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v bring_v to_o pass_v as_o namely_o first_o principal_o and_o general_o the_o set_v forth_o of_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v the_o last_o end_n both_o of_o the_o creation_n and_o also_o of_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o second_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o justice_n upon_o the_o reprobate_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a his_o justice_n appear_v in_o that_o he_o recompense_v every_o one_o according_a unto_o his_o do_n and_o that_o without_o favour_n or_o respect_n of_o person_n lay_v fearful_a judgement_n even_o upon_o his_o elect_a for_o their_o sin_n and_o reward_v the_o good_a deed_n of_o the_o reprobate_n with_o temporal_a blessing_n but_o most_o of_o all_o he_o do_v daily_o pour_v forth_o the_o treasure_n of_o his_o goodness_n love_n &_o mercy_n towards_o his_o faithful_a servant_n in_o preserve_v they_o from_o all_o evil_a and_o in_o provide_v for_o they_o whatsoever_o be_v needful_a these_o thing_n may_v profitable_o and_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o age_n and_o story_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o age_n and_o time_n wherein_o we_o ourselves_o live_v for_o that_o we_o give_v great_a credence_n &_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o behold_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v note_v ourselves_o know_v the_o person_n in_o who_o they_o befall_v and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o say_a action_n then_o with_o those_o which_o we_o have_v at_o the_o second_o hand_n by_o the_o report_n of_o other_o and_o which_o in_o all_o respect_n be_v strange_a and_o unknown_a unto_o us._n thus_o the_o prophet_n david_n mention_v psal._n 37.25_o one_o of_o his_o own_o observation_n the_o which_o he_o have_v be_v all_o his_o life_n time_n even_o a_o whole_a age_n in_o gather_v of_o the_o gracious_a providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o servant_n say_v i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o i_o be_o old_a yet_o do_v i_o never_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_a or_o his_o seed_n beg_v their_o bread_n of_o these_o observation_n concern_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n bestow_v on_o the_o righteous_a and_o his_o fearful_a plague_n pour_v on_o the_o wicked_a the_o book_n of_o job_n and_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v full_a yea_o it_o be_v in_o many_o place_n make_v a_o sign_n of_o godliness_n to_o mark_v the_o do_n of_o god_n as_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o be_v of_o a_o ungodly_a man_n as_o eccl._n 2.14_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v his_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n but_o the_o fool_n walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o es._n 57.1_o the_o just_a man_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v come_v and_o no_o man_n regard_v that_o be_v carnal_a man_n who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o god_n deal_n nor_o exercise_v in_o mark_v they_o know_v not_o this_o that_o the_o untimely_a death_n of_o righteous_a man_n be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o some_o grievous_a plague_n which_o god_n be_v to_o bring_v upon_o that_o city_n or_o country_n where_o they_o dwell_v and_o more_o especial_o we_o be_v careful_o to_o observe_v those_o action_n of_o god_n which_o concern_v ourselves_o as_o namely_o how_o he_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n provide_v for_o we_o all_o thing_n needful_a even_o in_o our_o great_a want_n when_o as_o all_o man_n do_v forsake_v we_o how_o he_o have_v preserve_v we_o from_o great_a danger_n how_o he_o have_v chastise_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n how_o he_o have_v hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o grant_v our_o request_n how_o he_o have_v comfort_v we_o in_o our_o affliction_n how_o he_o have_v reward_v all_o our_o good_a work_n &_o godly_a endeavour_n how_o he_o have_v assist_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o time_n of_o tentation_n how_o he_o have_v sometime_o let_v we_o remain_v in_o sin_n irrepentance_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n &_o at_o other_o time_n have_v give_v we_o soft_a heart_n melt_v at_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n as_o wax_v before_o the_o fire_n &_o send_v forth_o river_n of_o the_o tear_n of_o true_a repentance_n how_o he_o have_v plague_v for_o our_o sin_n or_o bless_v for_o our_o sake_n our_o friend_n acquaintance_n wife_n child_n kinsfolk_n and_o servant_n how_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o his_o will_n and_o truth_n unto_o we_o and_o in_o short_a how_o he_o have_v in_o every_o respect_n deal_v with_o we_o since_o we_o first_o know_v or_o serve_v he_o sect._n 9_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o right_a manner_n of_o feed_v the_o soul_n with_o the_o heavenly_a manna_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n creature_n and_o action_n of_o god_n beside_o the_o which_o there_o be_v require_v in_o the_o right_a nourishment_n of_o it_o spiritual_a exercise_n for_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o body_n the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v feed_v to_o the_o full_a and_o daily_o fill_v with_o meat_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v preserve_v much_o less_o increase_v in_o health_n strength_n and_o vigour_n unless_o it_o be_v exercise_v that_o so_o the_o meat_n receive_v into_o the_o belly_n may_v be_v draw_v and_o fasten_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o nourish_v but_o soon_o pass_v away_o without_o any_o profit_n so_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o spiritual_a health_n and_o strength_n exercise_n be_v no_o less_o needful_a than_o food_n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v plain_o in_o many_o who_o although_o they_o feed_v their_o soul_n with_o all_o be_v and_o diligence_n be_v continual_o conversant_a in_o study_v hear_v read_v meditate_v and_o regard_v the_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o nourish_v by_o this_o food_n because_o they_o do_v not_o join_v exercise_n unto_o it_o this_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o spiritual_a grace_n or_o the_o performance_n of_o christian_a duty_n belong_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v of_o diverse_a kind_n as_o there_o be_v many_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o of_o christian_a duty_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a kind_n of_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v prayer_n or_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n both_o public_a &_o also_o private_a by_o the_o right_a use_n whereof_o we_o shall_v feel_v all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o be_v stir_v up_o in_o we_o yea_o confirm_v and_o increase_v yea_o all_o drowsiness_n and_o heaviness_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v shake_v off_o as_o will_v easy_o appear_v by_o consideder_v the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o for_o the_o more_o that_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n and_o the_o multitude_n and_o heinousness_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v paint_v they_o out_o in_o their_o natural_a shape_n and_o in_o lively_a colour_n the_o more_o we_o loath_a and_o abhor_v they_o the_o often_o and_o more_o serious_o that_o we_o consider_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n either_o present_a or_o which_o be_v like_a enough_o to_o be_v short_o pour_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o also_o the_o benefit_n temporal_a and_o spiritual_a receive_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o more_o we_o increase_v in_o fear_n and_o love_n and_o all_o dutiful_a thankfulness_n towards_o he_o and_o therefore_o whosoever_o desire_v to_o preserve_v his_o soul_n in_o health_n and_o strength_n must_v have_v special_a regard_n to_o this_o that_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o daily_a &_o continual_a use_n of_o prayer_n the_o necessity_n and_o efficacy_n whereof_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o may_v true_o be_v call_v
be_v neglect_v of_o he_o who_o desire_v and_o intend_v to_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n lead_v to_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n chap._n four_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v regeneration_n now_o that_o we_o have_v bring_v this_o repentaunt_a to_o a_o unfeigned_a desire_n of_o regeneration_n and_o a_o resolute_a purpose_n of_o seek_v it_o we_o be_v to_o show_v the_o mean_n by_o the_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v and_o may_v be_v attain_a the_o which_o he_o be_v to_o use_v not_o as_o put_v any_o confidence_n in_o they_o or_o think_v himself_o able_a by_o they_o to_o bring_v his_o purpose_n to_o pass_v without_o all_o fail_n but_o rely_v himself_o whole_o on_o the_o goodness_n power_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o and_o draw_v near_o to_o they_o that_o draw_v near_o to_o he_o the_o mean_n of_o seek_v regeneration_n be_v three_o the_o first_o be_v that_o reformation_n which_o may_v be_v in_o a_o natural_a man_n the_o second_o be_v the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n the_o three_o be_v prayer_n or_o invocation_n natural_a reformation_n be_v a_o show_n shadow_n and_o resemblance_n of_o true_a regeneration_n the_o which_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n may_v work_v in_o himself_o by_o the_o natural_a strength_n of_o his_o free_a will_n without_o any_o supernatural_a and_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o god_n spirit_n it_o be_v that_o natural_a decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n when_o as_o a_o carnal_a man_n by_o virtue_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o use_v do_v not_o only_o repress_v the_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o life_n but_o also_o change_v in_o some_o sort_n the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o of_o his_o will_n from_o ignorance_n to_o knowledge_n and_o from_o vice_n to_o virtue_n as_o we_o know_v that_o many_o both_o christian_n and_o heathen_a especial_o those_o who_o be_v call_v philosopher_n have_v do_v this_o reformation_n be_v the_o first_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o true_a regeneration_n not_o that_o by_o it_o or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n whatsoever_o a_o man_n can_v merit_v grace_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n or_o yet_o make_v himself_o more_o capable_a of_o grace_n for_o his_o nature_n remain_v corrupt_a as_o it_o be_v before_o because_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o command_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v what_o they_o can_v in_o renew_v themselves_o and_o shall_v approach_v as_o near_o unto_o grace_n as_o they_o can_v although_o they_o can_v by_o any_o endeavour_n or_o labour_n without_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n attain_v unto_o it_o the_o whole_a matter_n may_v be_v make_v plain_a by_o this_o similitude_n a_o certain_a king_n make_v this_o proclamation_n that_o of_o a_o company_n of_o rebel_n or_o malefactor_n those_o who_o come_v into_o his_o presence_n have_v his_o sceptre_n reach_v out_o unto_o they_o shall_v live_v the_o rest_n shall_v have_v the_o law_n to_o pass_v on_o they_o yet_o he_o keep_v himself_o within_o a_o strong_a castle_n the_o gate_n be_v fast_o shut_v hereupon_o many_o of_o these_o malefactor_n cast_v off_o their_o old_a and_o filthy_a apparel_n address_v themselves_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n they_o can_v to_o come_v before_o the_o king_n when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o his_o abode_n they_o find_v no_o entrance_n save_o only_o a_o few_o of_o they_o yet_o they_o that_o stand_v exclude_v be_v better_a to_o be_v admit_v than_o they_o who_o contemn_v the_o king_n offer_n never_o look_v towards_o he_o and_o yet_o in_o truth_n they_o that_o stand_v near_o to_o the_o gate_n do_v no_o more_o deserve_v life_n neither_o be_v any_o more_o capable_a of_o it_o or_o any_o near_a unto_o it_o for_o aught_o that_o they_o themselves_o can_v do_v than_o they_o who_o be_v a_o hundred_o mile_n off_o so_o god_n bid_v all_o cast_v off_o their_o sin_n their_o corrupt_a disposition_n &_o life_n and_o to_o come_v &_o seek_v to_o he_o for_o grace_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o by_o this_o mean_n deserve_v nor_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n compel_v god_n to_o admit_v they_o into_o his_o favour_n &_o to_o touch_v their_o heart_n with_o his_o spirit_n all_o shall_v use_v this_o mean_n &_o hope_n to_o obtain_v grace_n yea_o none_o can_v hope_v to_o obtain_v grace_n who_o do_v not_o use_v this_o mean_n yet_o some_o use_n the_o mean_n and_o do_v not_o obtain_v and_o other_o obtain_v not_o use_v the_o mean_n yet_o the_o mean_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v use_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v &_o therefore_o now_o to_o be_v declare_v sect._n 2._o the_o first_o step_n in_o this_o reformation_n be_v the_o amendment_n of_o outward_a life_n at_o the_o which_o this_o repentant_a must_v begin_v for_o although_o the_o near_a &_o the_o sure_a way_n be_v to_o begin_v at_o the_o soul_n in_o change_v the_o vicious_a disposition_n of_o it_o as_o at_o the_o fountain_n or_o root_n whereunto_o the_o stream_n and_o the_o fruit_n will_v easy_o conform_v themselves_o yet_o as_o man_n deal_v with_o child_n and_o young_a scholar_n who_o they_o teach_v that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n which_o be_v most_o easy_a to_o be_v conceive_v although_o it_o be_v not_o most_o needful_a or_o profitable_a to_o be_v know_v so_o we_o must_v propound_v to_o our_o repentant_a in_o the_o first_o place_n reformation_n of_o life_n as_o be_v far_o more_o easy_a than_o the_o change_v of_o his_o inward_a disposition_n lest_o that_o otherwise_o he_o be_v discourage_v by_o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o work_n faint_a and_o give_v all_o over_o for_o the_o which_o cause_n he_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n labour_n to_o purge_v himself_o from_o those_o sin_n whereunto_o he_o be_v give_v and_o then_o inure_v himself_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o contrary_a christian_n duty_n he_o must_v lay_v aside_o his_o old_a filthy_a rag_n before_o he_o put_v on_o new_a and_o fresh_a apparel_n and_o first_o cease_v from_o do_v evil_a before_o he_o can_v do_v good_a first_o therefore_o he_o have_v consider_v what_o sin_n he_o be_v give_v unto_o must_v make_v this_o resolution_n with_o himself_o utter_o to_o forsake_v they_o for_o ever_o although_o they_o be_v as_o no_o doubt_n they_o be_v most_o sweet_a unto_o he_o whither_o they_o be_v fornication_n and_o adultery_n or_o drunkenness_n and_o gluttony_n or_o theft_n oppression_n and_o deceit_n or_o lie_v swear_v and_o perjury_n or_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o for_o the_o which_o purpose_n he_o must_v careful_o avoid_v all_o manner_n of_o occasion_n and_o provocation_n lead_v to_o these_o sin_n by_o the_o which_o he_o be_v either_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o they_o or_o tempt_v by_o the_o commit_n of_o they_o by_o the_o which_o mean_v the_o weak_a man_n that_o be_v most_o subject_a to_o any_o sin_n may_v get_v the_o mastery_n over_o it_o even_o as_o he_o that_o be_v further_a from_o that_o sin_n may_v easy_o be_v overtake_v if_o he_o be_v careless_a in_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o iâ—_n the_o sweetness_n which_o he_o feel_v in_o it_o make_v he_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o it_o let_v he_o set_v against_o that_o to_o let_v pass_v the_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n the_o obloquy_n infamy_n and_o dishonour_n which_o he_o incur_v be_v not_o able_a to_o leadâ—_n his_o life_n in_o civil_a honesty_n as_o other_o do_v 〈◊〉_d also_o the_o particular_a hurt_n and_o discommodity_n follow_v of_o several_a sin_n 〈◊〉_d let_v these_o argument_n pass_v as_o be_v of_o little_a force_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o follow_v that_o sense_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n that_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o all_o manner_n oâ—_n plague_n both_o bodily_a and_o spiritual_a both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a that_o torment_n of_o a_o terrify_n and_o gnaw_v conscience_n wherewith_o he_o be_v at_o this_o present_a distress_a and_o cast_v down_o and_o then_o perhaps_o he_o will_v account_v the_o sweet_a sin_n to_o be_v bitter_a and_o unpleasant_a thus_o he_o have_v get_v the_o victory_n over_o hiâ—_n sin_n insomuch_o as_o he_o be_v now_o able_a to_o abstâ—ine_v from_o it_o must_v in_o the_o next_o place_n set_v himself_o to_o do_v those_o good_a work_n and_o christian_a duty_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o full_a conquest_n over_o it_o this_o counsel_n daniel_n give_v to_o nebuchadnesar_n in_o the_o four_o chapter_n of_o daniel_n the_o four_o and_o twenty_o verse_n that_o he_o shall_v break_v off_o his_o sin_n by_o righteousness_n and_o by_o show_v mercy_n to_o the_o poor_a that_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o abstain_v from_o evil_a but_o also_o do_v good_a as_o before_o he_o do_v not_o only_o abstain_v from_o do_v good_a but_o also_o do_v evil_a not_o that_o we_o can_v pay_v the_o debt_n of_o
our_o sin_n to_o god_n by_o good_a work_n for_o a_o thousand_o good_a work_n will_v not_o countervail_v the_o least_o sin_n before_o god_n judgement_n seat_n but_o that_o as_o by_o our_o sin_n heretofore_o commit_v we_o have_v disobey_v and_o dishonour_v god_n so_o now_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o glorify_v he_o by_o our_o good_a work_n and_o christian_a life_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o brethren_n we_o may_v and_o must_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n make_v full_a recompense_n thus_o do_v zacheus_n in_o his_o repentance_n luke_n 19.8_o promise_v christ_n that_o he_o will_v first_o give_v half_a his_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a in_o a_o testification_n of_o his_o obedience_n thankfulness_n and_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v towards_o god_n and_o then_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n restore_v four_o fold_n to_o every_o one_o from_o who_o he_o have_v injurious_o take_v any_o thing_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o renovation_n to_o wit_n amendment_n of_o life_n to_o the_o which_o john_n exhort_v the_o jew_n in_o his_o ministry_n of_o repentance_n say_v matth._n 3.8_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a repentance_n or_o such_o as_o beseem_v they_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o have_v change_v their_o course_n of_o life_n and_o to_o be_v converâ—ed_v from_o sin_n to_o god_n but_o our_o repentant_a must_v not_o stay_v here_o for_o than_o he_o play_v the_o hypocritical_a pharisie_n make_v the_o outside_n of_o the_o cup_n clean_o but_o leave_v it_o foul_a and_o filthy_a within_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v desire_v he_o to_o try_v what_o he_o can_v do_v in_o mend_v the_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a life_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o of_o all_o the_o faculty_n thereof_o this_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o hard_a piece_n of_o work_n pass_v the_o cunning_a of_o any_o creature_n and_o belong_v to_o god_n only_o yet_o man_n may_v in_o some_o sort_n change_v his_o soul_n although_o not_o from_o sinfulness_n to_o holiness_n yet_o from_o vice_n to_o virtue_n and_o from_o ignorance_n to_o knowledge_n wherein_o our_o repentant_a be_v to_o labour_n use_v all_o good_a mean_n of_o get_v knowledge_n and_o virtue_n he_o be_v to_o give_v himself_o careful_o to_o the_o read_n and_o study_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o all_o other_o book_n contain_v sound_n and_o true_a doctrine_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god._n yea_o although_o he_o meet_v with_o many_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o he_o can_v possible_o understande_v conceive_v or_o believe_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o give_v over_o but_o rather_o to_o ascribe_v the_o hardness_n of_o they_o to_o his_o own_o dulness_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o other_o of_o they_o to_o his_o own_o incredulity_n not_o consider_v the_o power_n of_o god_n likewise_o he_o be_v to_o labour_v in_o change_v the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n frame_v and_o bend_v they_o from_o evil_a to_o good_a by_o reason_n and_o persuasion_n take_v both_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o also_o out_o of_o profane_a writer_n in_o who_o we_o may_v find_v notable_a pattern_n of_o all_o virtue_n by_o the_o example_n of_o christian_n and_o also_o of_o infidel_n of_o who_o many_o have_v so_o profit_v in_o these_o exercise_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n yea_o he_o be_v to_o use_v great_a severity_n toward_o himself_o in_o repress_v the_o perverseness_n and_o rebellion_n of_o these_o headstrong_a faculty_n and_o that_o by_o deny_v unto_o they_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o thing_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v far_o from_o unlawful_a desire_n to_o be_v short_a he_o who_o do_v desire_n and_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n must_v by_o all_o mean_v endeavour_n not_o only_o to_o purge_v himself_o from_o all_o open_a and_o gross_a sin_n by_o lead_v a_o life_n unblameable_a before_o man_n but_o also_o from_o small_a and_o secret_a sin_n by_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o his_o way_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n yea_o not_o only_o to_o abstain_v from_o evil_a but_o also_o to_o perform_v all_o christian_n and_o honest_a duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n yea_o he_o must_v purge_v not_o only_o his_o life_n and_o action_n from_o sin_n but_o also_o his_o mind_n from_o ignorance_n use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o religion_n yea_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n from_o all_o vice_n lust_n and_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o so_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o renew_v himself_o and_o yet_o when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v he_o be_v but_o where_o he_o be_v to_o wit_n a_o carnal_a man_n as_o dead_a in_o sin_n as_o any_o man_n be_v in_o his_o grave_n yet_o he_o have_v use_v the_o first_o mean_n of_o obtain_v grace_n and_o eternal_a glory_n and_o have_v do_v that_o whereby_o that_o grievous_a condemnation_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o wicked_a be_v avoid_v and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n procure_v at_o least_o for_o temporal_a blessiing_n sect._n 3_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o regeneration_n be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n by_o the_o which_o god_n work_v regeneration_n in_o his_o elect_a we_o say_v ordinary_a because_o some_o time_n it_o please_v god_n to_o work_v without_o it_o by_o other_o mean_n as_o namely_o by_o private_a read_n instruction_n and_o exhortation_n by_o miracle_n by_o cross_n and_o great_a humiliation_n yea_o sometime_o by_o temporal_a blessing_n plentiful_o and_o strange_o bestow_v on_o man_n yet_o the_o usual_a and_o appoint_a mean_n be_v the_o public_a ministry_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n perform_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o simple_a manner_n as_o we_o read_v 1._o pet._n 1.23_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o mortal_a seed_n but_o of_o immortal_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n endure_v for_o ever_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o need_v any_o mean_n in_o regeneration_n it_o be_v a_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n why_o this_o mean_n more_o than_o some_o other_o why_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n rather_o than_o the_o same_o doctrine_n private_o teach_v we_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o question_n that_o as_o in_o all_o other_o miracle_n so_o also_o in_o this_o god_n use_v some_o show_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o so_o he_o may_v conceal_v his_o own_o extraordinary_a work_n as_o it_o be_v proverb_n 25.1_o it_o be_v a_o glory_n to_o god_n to_o conceal_v his_o do_n so_o in_o regeneration_n as_o great_a a_o miracle_n as_o any_o other_o yea_o the_o only_a miracle_n in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n continue_v in_o all_o age_n of_o it_o god_n use_v ordinary_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o word_n preach_v in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v a_o mediate_a work_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o this_o mean_n have_v not_o this_o power_n inherent_a in_o itself_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o immediate_a work_n to_o the_o second_o question_n we_o answer_v that_o god_n for_o the_o end_n mention_v to_o wit_n the_o conceal_n of_o his_o miraculous_a work_n use_v to_o use_v a_o mean_n have_v in_o it_o a_o virtue_n although_o not_o able_a to_o bring_v forth_o the_o effect_n yet_o help_v towards_o it_o and_o of_o some_o force_n for_o that_o purpose_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n and_o so_o in_o regeneration_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o have_v for_o most_o man_n think_v that_o it_o have_v indeed_o the_o power_n of_o renew_v man_n inherent_a in_o itself_o for_o thus_o they_o reason_n man_n be_v endue_v with_o reason_n may_v by_o teach_v be_v bring_v to_o knowledge_n by_o force_n of_o argument_n they_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o virtue_n and_o moderation_n whereof_o a_o virtuous_a and_o honest_a life_n will_v easy_o follow_v yea_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o god_n do_v ordinary_o prepare_v man_n after_o a_o sort_n for_o grace_n draw_v they_o near_o to_o himself_o then_o other_o carnal_a man_n be_v and_o therefore_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o fit_a mean_n of_o regeneration_n the_o three_o point_n may_v very_o well_o be_v make_v a_o question_n among_o those_o who_o think_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n have_v the_o faculty_n of_o regenerate_v inherent_a in_o itself_o for_o why_o shall_v not_o a_o man_n learn_v and_o be_v persuade_v as_o well_o by_o himself_o as_o with_o other_o as_o well_o at_o home_n as_o in_o the_o church_n otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o question_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o answer_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o it_o but_o only_o this_o that_o so_o it_o please_v god_n to_o work_v by_o public_a and_o not_o by_o private_a mean_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v more_o meet_a that_o