be_v a_o receive_v opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o appear_v plain_o both_o by_o that_o confutation_n of_o it_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v ronvere_n 2._o &_o by_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o that_o nation_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n likewise_o that_o it_o be_v maintain_v of_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v so_o manifest_a that_o it_o need_v no_o proof_n the_o common_a belief_n &_o confession_n of_o â—earned_a and_o ignorant_a man_n be_v this_o that_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o their_o good_a meaning_n and_o good_a work_n but_o they_o never_o think_v or_o speak_v of_o any_o such_o regeneration_n as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v &_o many_o of_o those_o who_o do_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ascribe_v man_n sanctification_n &_o regeneration_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n mean_v the_o natural_a operation_n of_o man_n will_n incline_v itself_o to_o good_a the_o which_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o do_v true_o think_v &_o call_v the_o grace_n &_o gift_n of_o god_n of_o this_o opinion_n be_v nicodemus_n a_o great_a rabbi_n in_o israel_n who_o be_v amaze_v when_o he_o hear_v christ_n teach_v this_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n as_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o any_o such_o matter_n before_o and_o therefore_o when_o christ_n teach_v that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o make_v this_o carnal_a reply_n must_v man_n return_v into_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o so_o be_v bear_v again_o this_o ignorance_n of_o regeneration_n be_v the_o most_o common_a hindrance_n why_o man_n do_v not_o seek_v after_o it_o for_o how_o can_v they_o desire_v much_o less_o seek_v that_o which_o they_o do_v not_o know_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o great_a marvel_n that_o so_o many_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o consider_v first_o that_o the_o self-love_n which_o be_v in_o man_n by_o nature_n make_v he_o to_o think_v far_o better_o of_o himself_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n strength_n and_o faculty_n than_o he_o shall_v do_v and_o second_o that_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o man_n will_v hardly_o admit_v any_o supernatural_a or_o miraculous_a work_n rest_v itself_o in_o itself_o that_o be_v in_o the_o inherent_a virtue_n and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o natural_a cause_n but_o we_o be_v to_o think_v far_o otherwise_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o renounce_v these_o grievous_a and_o damnable_a error_n to_o learn_v and_o hold_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o impossible_a to_o make_v the_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o natural_a faculty_n of_o man_n clean_o and_o pure_a his_o sinful_a life_n and_o action_n good_a and_o holy_a or_o his_o person_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a death_n just_a and_o righteous_a by_o any_o mean_n which_o either_o man_n or_o any_o creature_n can_v use_v than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o ethiopian_a white_a by_o wash_v he_o with_o water_n yea_o further_o that_o no_o service_n of_o god_n though_o never_o so_o solemn_a and_o devout_a no_o good_a work_n though_o never_o so_o many_o and_o excellent_a no_o good_a meaning_n though_o never_o so_o simple_a and_o innocent_a no_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n though_o never_o so_o great_a no_o worldly_a prerogative_n whatsoever_o can_v make_v a_o man_n acceptable_a to_o god_n much_o less_o partaker_n of_o eternal_a glory_n both_o which_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o who_o nature_n mind_n will_n and_o affection_n it_o please_v he_o according_a to_o his_o eternal_a will_n and_o counsel_n to_o change_v and_o renew_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o miraculous_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o conclude_v we_o be_v to_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o no_o other_o mean_n but_o only_o by_o regeneration_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n not_o in_o ourselves_o for_o that_o be_v to_o seek_v heaven_n in_o earth_n or_o rather_o in_o hell_n or_o by_o any_o virtue_n power_n or_o quality_n in_o ourselves_o but_o only_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o who_o only_o the_o glory_n both_o of_o the_o first_o and_o of_o the_o second_o creation_n be_v to_o be_v give_v and_o to_o beware_v lest_o that_o we_o be_v deceive_v with_o this_o common_a error_n esteem_v sin_n and_o holiness_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o as_o moral_a virtue_n and_o vice_n spiritual_a regeneration_n nothing_o but_o good_a education_n or_o philosophical_a institution_n godliness_n nothing_o but_o honest_a behaviour_n christianity_n nothing_o but_o civility_n the_o which_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o do_v the_o shadow_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o any_o thing_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v seek_v god_n where_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v and_o so_o without_o all_o question_n lose_v our_o labour_n sect._n 3_o the_o second_o hindrance_n whereby_o man_n may_v be_v and_o be_v keep_v back_o from_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n be_v another_o false_a opinion_n and_o conceit_n of_o it_o whereby_o man_n despair_v of_o attain_v unto_o it_o consider_v either_o themselves_o to_o be_v so_o whole_o dead_a &_o rot_a in_o sin_n that_o they_o can_v imagine_v how_o they_o shall_v ever_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o holiness_n or_o else_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o supernaturalnesse_n of_o regeneration_n as_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o a_o miraculous_a work_n this_o hindrance_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o former_a in_o the_o one_o man_n think_v better_a but_o in_o the_o other_o he_o think_v worse_a of_o his_o natural_a estate_n than_o it_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o one_o he_o presume_v of_o his_o own_o strength_n in_o the_o other_o he_o despair_v of_o the_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o one_o he_o think_v regeneration_n more_o easy_a in_o the_o other_o he_o think_v it_o a_o more_o difficult_a matter_n than_o it_o be_v this_o hindrance_n be_v not_o so_o common_a as_o the_o other_o for_o there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o do_v either_o know_v or_o acknowledge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o supernatural_a regeneration_n yet_o it_o will_v easy_o follow_v of_o that_o doctrine_n for_o man_n will_v soon_o be_v put_v back_o from_o seek_v and_o despair_n of_o attain_v to_o that_o which_o they_o hear_v to_o be_v miraculous_a &_o contrary_a to_o nature_n for_o so_o we_o read_v joh._n 6_o 66._o that_o whereas_o christ_n teach_v that_o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o he_o &_o be_v iâ—_n truth_n his_o disciple_n unless_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o of_o the_o father_n and_o as_o he_o say_v v._o 44._o except_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o that_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n go_v back_o &_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o whole_a doctrine_n we_o have_v plain_o set_v down_o math._n 19.23.24.25.26_o where_o christ_n have_v say_v that_o it_o be_v hard_a â—ea_o impossible_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n and_o so_o for_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n although_o the_o rich_a who_o abound_v in_o worldly_a pleasure_n be_v further_o off_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n drive_v his_o disciple_n to_o this_o desperate_a conclusion_n who_o then_o can_v be_v save_v or_o to_o what_o purpose_n then_o shall_v any_o man_n go_v about_o to_o be_v save_v whereunto_o christ_n make_v this_o answer_n indeed_o with_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o not_o with_o god_n that_o be_v although_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o regenerate_v either_o himself_o or_o any_o other_o yet_o to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o also_o easy_a &_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v discourage_v from_o seeek_v or_o despair_n of_o attain_v it_o but_o account_v it_o a_o easy_a thing_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v rom._n 10._o where_o he_o prefer_v the_o gospel_n before_o the_o law_n in_o this_o respect_n for_o that_o it_o teach_v a_o most_o ready_a and_o easy_a way_n of_o attain_v to_o salvation_n namely_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o mouth_n whereas_o the_o law_n require_v perfect_a obedience_n which_o no_o man_n live_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v the_o which_o dissimilitude_n be_v not_o in_o the_o condition_n themselves_o for_o they_o be_v both_o alike_o hard_a both_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a it_o be_v as_o easy_a a_o thing_n for_o a_o carnal_a man_n to_o fulfil_v the_o moral_a law_n as_o it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o work_v in_o himself_o true_a faith_n and_o confession_n the_o which_o two_o be_v all_o one_o in_o effect_n but_o in_o this_o that_o god_n accompany_v and_o asi_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o miraculous_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n whereof_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o law_n be_v destitute_a be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n unable_a to_o save_v the_o hearer_n so_o then_o regeneration_n
for_o the_o present_a but_o joyful_a in_o the_o end_n to_o ransack_v the_o secret_a corner_n of_o thy_o sinful_a soul_n and_o to_o search_v even_o to_o the_o bottom_n the_o fester_a sore_n thereof_o yea_o to_o lay_v open_a before_o god_n and_o thy_o own_o conscience_n the_o story_n chronicle_n &_o day_n book_n of_o thy_o life_n past_a by_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o course_n of_o life_n which_o thou_o have_v follow_v and_o to_o examine_v it_o without_o flattery_n or_o partiality_n by_o the_o straight_a line_n of_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o which_o examination_n there_o must_v great_a care_n be_v have_v that_o we_o be_v not_o blind_v by_o any_o mean_n and_o so_o make_v corrupt_a judge_n as_o namely_o by_o a_o opinion_n and_o conceit_n of_o our_o own_o good_a part_n of_o nature_n our_o virtue_n get_v by_o good_a education_n and_o industry_n our_o good_a work_n which_o we_o have_v do_v to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o brother_n how_o many_o way_n and_o with_o how_o great_a charge_n we_o have_v maintain_v learning_n set_v forward_a religion_n serve_v god_n and_o relieve_v the_o poor_a these_o conceit_n if_o they_o run_v in_o our_o head_n they_o will_v blind_v our_o eye_n and_o so_o overshadow_v all_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o shall_v judge_v and_o pronounce_v ourselves_o not_o sinful_a but_o holy_a just_a and_o innocent_a and_o then_o especial_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o as_o we_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o those_o who_o be_v more_o sinful_a and_o in_o some_o respect_n notorious_o wicked_a then_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o own_o holiness_n which_o before_o be_v doubtful_a be_v put_v out_o of_o all_o controversy_n and_o we_o not_o only_o exempt_v from_o the_o rank_n and_o state_n of_o sinful_a man_n but_o even_o canonize_v saint_n in_o our_o own_o conceit_n this_o delusion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o vanity_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o have_v notable_o paint_v out_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o pharisee_n luke_n 18.11_o the_o pharisee_n stand_v and_o pray_v thus_o o_o god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o as_o this_o publican_n there_o be_v the_o second_o delusion_n now_o follow_v the_o first_o of_o good_a work_n i_o fast_a twice_o in_o the_o week_n i_o give_v tithe_n of_o all_o that_o i_o possess_v but_o this_o mischievous_a error_n by_o the_o which_o many_o man_n repentance_n be_v nip_v in_o the_o head_n &_o break_v off_o in_o the_o beginning_n must_v be_v remove_v by_o know_v and_o consider_v that_o other_o man_n sin_n will_v condemn_v themselves_o but_o can_v justify_v we_o that_o in_o sinfulness_n we_o be_v as_o far_o &_o further_o beyond_o other_o than_o we_o be_v short_a of_o they_o and_o that_o our_o good_a deed_n though_o never_o so_o many_o &_o glorious_a come_v from_o the_o corrupt_a fountain_n of_o a_o irrepentant_a and_o unbelieve_a heart_n be_v account_v sin_n before_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o rom._n 14.23_o yea_o as_o defile_v and_o filthy_a clout_n loathsome_a and_o abominable_a in_o his_o sight_n and_o further_o that_o they_o come_v as_o our_o own_o conscience_n knowfull_a well_o and_o as_o other_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o suspect_v not_o from_o any_o manner_n of_o love_n either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n but_o from_o self-love_n pride_n and_o vain_a glory_n we_o intend_v &_o desire_v nothing_o but_o only_a to_o purchase_v unto_o ourselves_o credit_n &_o commendation_n in_o the_o world_n deserve_v not_o to_o be_v commend_v but_o to_o be_v abhor_v even_o of_o man_n this_o fight_n of_o sin_n consist_v in_o know_v two_o thing_n first_o ourselves_o to_o be_v so_o sinful_a as_o we_o be_v indeed_o second_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o be_v unrighteous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n man_n sinfulness_n be_v this_o that_o whereas_o he_o ought_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o pure_a in_o nature_n soul_n and_o body_n he_o be_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n whole_o corrupt_v &_o defile_v with_o sin_n his_o natural_a sinfulness_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v of_o himself_o by_o nature_n without_o any_o outward_a tentation_n allurement_n or_o persuasion_n incline_v to_o evil_a &_o altogether_o unable_a to_o do_v good_a the_o inward_a sinfulness_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o that_o all_o the_o secret_a motion_n of_o it_o which_o shall_v be_v only_o towards_o god_n and_o the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o law_n be_v altogether_o from_o godward_o and_o towards_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n these_o howsoever_o some_o think_v &_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v no_o sin_n yet_o god_n do_v account_n otherwise_o of_o they_o &_o so_o must_v this_o our_o repentant_a do_v for_o why_o as_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n so_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o serve_v not_o only_o outward_o in_o bodily_a action_n but_o also_o inward_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o soul_n and_o abhor_v the_o secret_a filthiness_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o much_o as_o the_o outward_a and_o apparent_a filthiness_n of_o the_o body_n the_o one_o be_v as_o apparent_a &_o manifest_a to_o he_o as_o the_o other_o thus_o we_o must_v esteem_v the_o corrupt_a thought_n lust_n and_o concupiscence_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o sin_n that_o so_o we_o may_v see_v &_o acknowledge_v the_o multitude_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o be_v great_a they_o the_o hair_n of_o our_o head_n and_o last_o for_o our_o outward_a action_n that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v with_o any_o opinion_n of_o our_o good_a work_n the_o perfitness_n number_n excellency_n and_o merit_n of_o they_o but_o rather_o think_v &_o know_v that_o as_o savoury_a water_n can_v come_v from_o a_o stink_a puddle_n or_o sweet_a fruit_n from_o a_o sour_a root_n no_o more_o can_v any_o one_o good_a work_n come_v from_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n from_o a_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a soul_n who_o although_o he_o give_v his_o body_n to_o the_o fire_n for_o the_o profession_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o all_o his_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a in_o a_o tender_a compassion_n of_o their_o misery_n yet_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n love_n &_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o part_n of_o regeneration_n do_v not_o by_o these_o work_n please_v god_n or_o fulfil_v his_o law_n for_o that_o where_o they_o be_v few_o and_o seldom_o perform_v they_o shall_v be_v continual_a where_o they_o shall_v be_v do_v only_o for_o god_n glory_n they_o be_v do_v only_o in_o vain_a glory_n and_o in_o desire_n of_o the_o applause_n of_o man_n or_o which_o be_v worse_o in_o a_o presumptuous_a opinion_n of_o merit_a salvation_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n if_o not_o in_o hypocrisy_n or_o in_o some_o evil_a and_o wicked_a intent_n how_o much_o less_o than_o can_v we_o think_v that_o our_o unlawful_a action_n forbid_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n be_v any_o way_n venial_a or_o justifiable_a the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o sight_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o know_v that_o by_o it_o we_o be_v make_v unjust_a and_o unrighteous_a not_o only_o by_o a_o sinful_a and_o wicked_a life_n but_o even_o by_o one_o sinful_a action_n not_o only_o by_o great_a and_o grievous_a crime_n but_o even_o by_o the_o least_o offence_n which_o we_o commit_v not_o only_o by_o outward_a sinful_a action_n but_o even_o by_o the_o most_o secret_a motion_n of_o our_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o will_n not_o only_o by_o these_o actual_a sin_n but_o even_o by_o our_o natural_a inclination_n and_o proneness_n to_o sin_n which_o the_o young_a infant_n have_v and_o bring_v out_o of_o his_o mother_n womb_n for_o he_o that_o break_v any_o one_o of_o the_o commandment_n by_o any_o mean_n break_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o be_v as_o guilty_a of_o sin_n as_o he_o who_o break_v all_o the_o commandment_n so_o that_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n this_o our_o nicodemus_n desire_v to_o repent_v and_o so_o to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o save_v must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n learn_fw-mi what_o sin_n be_v how_o many_o kind_n difference_n and_o degree_n be_v of_o it_o yea_o all_o the_o doctrine_n belong_v to_o this_o head_n and_o second_o so_o apply_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o estate_n as_o that_o he_o make_v it_o as_o a_o glass_n wherein_o to_o see_v and_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v sinful_a sect._n 3_o thus_o we_o have_v bring_v this_o repentant_a to_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o estate_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o by_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n we_o mean_v the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o for_o his_o sin_n for_o
which_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o man_n be_v altogether_o impossible_a be_v easy_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n who_o be_v no_o less_o able_a to_o restore_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o their_o first_o purity_n than_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n to_o create_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o all_o the_o doubt_n be_v in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n whether_o that_o as_o he_o be_v able_a so_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o work_v regeneration_n in_o every_o one_o that_o seek_v it_o if_o he_o be_v willing_a then_o sure_o either_o every_o one_o may_v attain_v to_o regeneration_n which_o be_v undoubted_o false_a or_o else_o very_a few_o do_v seek_v after_o it_o the_o which_o may_v be_v great_o wonder_v at_o that_o most_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o careless_a of_o their_o own_o salvation_n as_o not_o to_o think_v it_o worthy_a the_o seek_n if_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o grant_v it_o to_o all_o that_o seek_v it_o than_o regeneration_n remain_v as_o impossible_a a_o thing_n for_o man_n to_o attain_v as_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n to_o work_v it_o in_o man_n and_o man_n have_v cause_n to_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o neither_o themselves_o be_v able_a nor_o god_n willing_a to_o bring_v to_o pass_v we_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a and_o ordinary_a a_o matter_n as_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v for_o a_o carnal_a man_n to_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n and_o grace_n the_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n second_o if_o as_o it_o come_v sometime_o to_o pass_v he_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n desire_v it_o and_o set_v himself_o to_o seek_v it_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o persevere_v in_o this_o mind_n and_o desire_v as_o he_o ought_v but_o faint_o in_o well_o do_v and_o so_o return_v to_o his_o old_a bias_n cease_v from_o seek_v and_o lose_v his_o labour_n but_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o which_o although_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o scarce_o to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o whole_a age_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o wit_n that_o a_o carnal_a man_n do_v set_v himself_o with_o a_o resolute_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n and_o that_o in_o the_o careful_a and_o painful_a use_v of_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o he_o spend_v and_o end_v his_o day_n whither_o be_v he_o sure_a to_o obtain_v his_o desire_n or_o may_v happy_o loose_v all_o his_o labour_n we_o answer_v that_o although_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o the_o careful_a seek_v of_o regeneration_n shall_v be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o obtain_v it_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o so_o tie_v himself_o to_o the_o mean_n that_o it_o shall_v always_o &_o of_o necessity_n bring_v forth_o the_o effect_n but_o have_v leave_v it_o free_a to_o himself_o whither_o to_o give_v good_a success_n and_o a_o happy_a issue_n or_o no._n whereby_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o man_n may_v desire_v and_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n and_o yet_o die_v a_o carnal_a man_n out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n yet_o we_o be_v both_o in_o ourselves_o and_o also_o in_o other_o to_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o in_o that_o hope_n both_o to_o begin_v without_o despair_n and_o to_o continue_v without_o faint_a in_o the_o careful_a seek_v of_o grace_n leave_v the_o event_n to_o the_o will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n yea_o further_o we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o no_o wrong_a opinion_n arise_v hereof_o in_o our_o mind_n as_o it_o come_v usual_o to_o pass_v in_o man_n carnal_o mind_v who_o in_o this_o case_n will_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v that_o god_n deal_v both_o unfaithful_o in_o withhold_v grace_n have_v make_v this_o solemn_a promise_n in_o his_o word_n whosoever_o seek_v shall_v find_v and_o whosoever_o knock_v shall_v have_v the_o door_n of_o grace_n set_v open_a unto_o he_o and_o also_o unjust_o both_o in_o punish_v he_o for_o the_o want_n of_o it_o who_o he_o know_v to_o have_v do_v what_o so_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o and_o also_o in_o not_o recompense_v his_o painful_a endeavour_n by_o grant_v his_o request_n and_o give_v grace_n we_o answer_v that_o god_n in_o withhold_v his_o regenerate_a spirit_n the_o worker_n of_o grace_n from_o man_n do_v they_o no_o manner_n of_o wrong_n for_o his_o grace_n be_v his_o own_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v with_o they_o what_o he_o listen_v he_o be_v not_o bind_v in_o the_o beginning_n to_o create_v man_n in_o natural_a life_n and_o holiness_n how_o much_o less_o than_o be_v he_o now_o bind_v to_o restore_v those_o blessing_n unto_o he_o have_v so_o unthankful_o wilful_o &_o rebellious_o deprive_v himself_o of_o they_o as_o for_o god_n promise_n the_o which_o we_o confess_v be_v to_o be_v perform_v to_o those_o who_o be_v unworthy_a of_o favour_n for_o otherwise_o man_n unthankfulnes_n shall_v make_v god_n unfaithful_a howsoever_o they_o be_v propound_v in_o general_a term_n yet_o they_o beâ—ong_v to_o the_o elect_a only_o to_o who_o god_n do_v perform_v they_o to_o the_o full_a as_o for_o the_o reward_n due_a unto_o the_o painful_a seek_v of_o grace_n man_z when_o he_o have_v take_v the_o great_a pain_n in_o this_o behalf_n have_v do_v but_o duty_n nay_o he_o have_v not_o in_o any_o measure_n do_v his_o duty_n for_o one_o regenerate_v much_o less_o a_o carnal_a man_n can_v seek_v for_o grace_n so_o as_o he_o ought_v and_o therefore_o when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v he_o be_v but_o a_o unprofitable_a servant_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o so_o endless_a be_v the_o mercy_n goodness_n and_o equity_n of_o god_n yea_o so_o great_a be_v his_o desire_n to_o make_v himself_o manifest_a to_o all_o man_n in_o these_o respect_n that_o it_o pity_v he_o to_o see_v any_o thing_n make_v frustrate_v of_o the_o expectation_n in_o any_o good_a endeavour_n that_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v not_o do_v good_a he_o will_v do_v it_o to_o those_o who_o be_v evil_a and_o that_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v seem_v unjust_a in_o not_o reward_v that_o which_o man_n do_v false_o think_v to_o be_v good_a and_o to_o deserve_v good_a he_o will_v in_o some_o sort_n not_o in_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o bestow_v his_o blessing_n on_o who_o he_o will_v even_o on_o the_o wicked_a be_v unjust_a in_o reward_v man_n for_o that_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v sinful_a thus_o this_o carnal_a man_n in_o seek_v grace_n do_v not_o either_o loose_v his_o labour_n or_o lack_v his_o reward_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n he_o do_v not_o only_o purchase_v unto_o himself_o temporal_a blessing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o also_o escape_v those_o fearful_a plague_n which_o be_v pour_v on_o wilful_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n in_o this_o life_n as_o we_o read_v 1._o king_n 21.28.29_o that_o achab._n do_v by_o his_o hypocritical_a humiliation_n yea_o that_o grievous_a damnation_n which_o abide_v they_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v as_o for_o the_o guilt_n of_o eternal_a death_n it_o be_v madness_n to_o imagine_v that_o it_o shall_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v avoid_v see_v it_o be_v procure_v by_o these_o and_o the_o best_a action_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n the_o which_o come_v from_o a_o corrupt_a fountain_n can_v but_o be_v sinful_a and_o impure_a sect._n 4._o another_o hindrance_n of_o seek_v regenetion_n be_v another_o erroneous_a opinion_n conceive_v of_o it_o to_o wit_n presumption_n of_o the_o power_n &_o goodness_n of_o god_n it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o all_o those_o who_o think_v that_o god_n will_v in_o his_o good_a time_n work_v grace_n in_o they_o although_o they_o themselves_o take_v neither_o care_n nor_o pain_n about_o any_o such_o matter_n yea_o although_o they_o go_v a_o clean_a contrary_a way_n live_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o altogether_o careless_a of_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v first_o confess_v that_o god_n as_o he_o always_o can_v so_o sometime_o do_v work_v â—â—â—eâ—eration_n without_o any_o mean_n even_o in_o â—lâ—â—se_n whenever_o think_v nor_o dream_v of_o any_o such_o matter_n and_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o either_o the_o knowledge_n or_o yet_o a_o desire_n either_o of_o grace_n or_o of_o salvation_n be_v as_o we_o read_v râ—_n 10.20_o find_v of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o seek_v he_o and_o make_v manifest_a unto_o those_o who_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o ask_v for_o he_o as_o we_o may_v see_v plain_o in_o the_o say_a apostle_n who_o find_v god_n &_o grace_n when_o as_o he_o do_v not_o only_o not_o seek_v or_o follow_v they_o but_o also_o fly_v as_o far_o off_o from_o they_o as_o he_o can_v thus_o regeneration_n be_v compare_v
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