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
the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o own_o salvation_n at_o length_n see_v the_o vanity_n of_o his_o life_n past_a be_v grieve_v for_o it_o and_o wish_v although_o too_o late_o that_o he_o have_v take_v a_o other_o course_n yea_o together_o with_o his_o mind_n he_o change_v â—is_n â—ill_o affection_n and_o his_o whole_a life_n utter_o renounce_v and_o disclaim_v all_o those_o vice_n and_o sin_n wherein_o before_o he_o delight_v and_o live_v and_o labour_v to_o frame_v and_o inure_v himself_o to_o a_o virtuous_a and_o christian_n disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o life_n this_o state_n we_o have_v plain_o set_v doâ—ne_n unto_o we_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o that_o prodigal_a young_a man_n who_o have_v waste_v his_o money_n time_n &_o strength_n in_o riot_n come_v at_o length_n to_o his_o right_a wit_n and_o to_o a_o sober_a kind_n of_o life_n this_o be_v that_o state_n of_o man_n which_o be_v betwixt_o senseless_a security_n or_o open_a prophanesse_n wherein_o he_o seldom_o or_o never_o think_v of_o god_n who_o perhaps_o he_o think_v neither_o to_o exist_v in_o himself_o nor_o to_o work_v any_o way_n in_o the_o world_n or_o of_o his_o own_o salvation_n he_o never_o dream_v of_o any_o other_o world_n than_o this_o which_o he_o do_v present_o enjoy_v and_o wherein_o he_o place_v his_o whole_a happiness_n in_o this_o first_o estate_n which_o may_v true_o be_v call_v atheism_n man_n be_v most_o wretched_a as_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n so_o chief_o in_o that_o he_o account_v himself_o happy_a as_o all_o carnal_a man_n do_v who_o be_v free_a from_o outward_a cross_n be_v for_o the_o present_a without_o any_o knowledge_n desire_n hope_v or_o likelihood_n of_o any_o better_a estate_n in_o the_o second_o estate_n also_o the_o which_o in_o this_o treatise_n we_o call_v the_o state_n of_o repentance_n man_n be_v as_o yet_o not_o happy_a but_o miserable_a yet_o happy_a in_o this_o one_o respect_n for_o that_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v wretched_a do_v earnest_o desire_v careful_o endeavour_n and_o may_v well_o hope_v to_o become_v happy_a but_o in_o the_o three_o estate_n to_o wit_n in_o regeneration_n he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v both_o happy_a and_o holy_a and_o labour_v for_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o &_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o holiness_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n to_o overcome_v that_o sinfulness_n which_o he_o have_v by_o nature_n the_o second_o state_n be_v the_o way_n lead_v from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o three_o from_o sin_n to_o holiness_n from_o death_n to_o life_n the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n not_o to_o god_n for_o he_o be_v as_o yet_o as_o far_o from_o he_o as_o hell_n or_o rather_o as_o the_o earth_n be_v from_o heaven_n but_o only_a towards_o god_n and_o the_o preparation_n for_o grace_n and_o regeneration_n command_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o name_n of_o repentance_n thus_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n be_v the_o ministry_n of_o repentance_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n not_o so_o much_o to_o teach_v christ_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o to_o work_v faith_n as_o by_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o sin_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v stir_v uppe_o to_o christ_n the_o pardoner_n of_o sin_n thus_o he_o define_v his_o office_n and_o ministry_n math._n 3.3_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o crier_n in_o the_o wilderness_n prepare_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o make_v his_o path_n straight_o and_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o his_o sermon_n repent_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n likewise_o in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o word_n repentance_n be_v thus_o take_v although_o sometime_o put_v for_o regeneration_n or_o sanctification_n itself_o yet_o usual_o distinguish_v from_o it_o as_o be_v but_o a_o preparative_n unto_o it_o as_o math._n 21.32_o you_o do_v not_o repent_v to_o believe_v or_o that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v believe_v and_o act._n 2.38_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o act._n 8.22_o peter_n say_v to_o simon_n magus_n repent_v and_o pray_v to_o god_n if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o thy_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v thou_o and_o thus_o we_o take_v it_o in_o this_o treatise_n for_o the_o natural_a conversion_n of_o a_o man_n to_o god_n wrought_v in_o a_o man_n unregenerate_a as_o it_o seem_v nicodemus_n be_v john_n 3.4_o although_o he_o do_v seek_v salvation_n yet_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o regeneration_n this_o way_n or_o this_o ladder_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o climb_v up_o to_o regeneration_n have_v four_o step_n for_o so_o we_o will_v make_v a_o homely_a and_o familiar_a division_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o many_o several_a part_n may_v the_o more_o easy_o be_v understand_v and_o know_v the_o first_o step_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o this_o carnal_a man_n now_o repent_v be_v to_o get_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o his_o oâ—ne_a estate_n to_o wit_n how_o sinful_a and_o wretched_a he_o be_v in_o himself_o by_o nature_n and_o at_o tâ—is_n present_v the_o second_o step_n be_v humiliation_n or_o contrition_n wrought_v in_o he_o by_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o his_o own_o estate_n the_o three_o be_v a_o full_a purpose_n or_o resolution_n of_o mind_n to_o seek_v for_o grace_n and_o regeneration_n the_o four_o and_o last_o part_n be_v the_o diligent_a use_v of_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o grace_n the_o which_o mean_n be_v three_o in_o number_n the_o first_o be_v amendment_n of_o life_n the_o second_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n the_o three_o be_v prayer_n or_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n read_v in_o the_o former_a treatise_n page_n 80._o line_n 17._o praise_n for_o practice_v page_n 64.3_o do_v but_o his_o duty_n pa._n 61._o lin_v 24._o faint_v for_o faint_o pag_n â—3_n lin_v 24._o reject_v for_o receive_v pa._n 43._o lin_v 8._o great_a for_o grace_n pag._n 40._o lin_v 5._o word_n for_o work_n pag._n 31._o lin_v 14._o of_o absolute_a for_o absolute_a pag._n 26._o lin_v â—0_n humble_a for_o humble_a page_n 86._o line_n 10._o like_a for_o better_o page_n 88_o lin_v 12._o tempt_v to_o for_o tempt_v by_o page_n 90.26_o sinfulness_n for_o sinful_a life_n page_n 94.9_o in_o alâ—_n the_o age_n pag._n 104.20_o require_v for_o requiâ—ed_v read_v in_o the_o latter_a treatise_n pag._n â—2_n lin_v 23._o thus_o they_o die_v pa._n 88_o lin_v 1â—_n lie_v idle_a pa._n 65._o lin_v 18._o shall_v not_o pa._n 110._o lin_v 7._o other_o man_n pag._n 112_o lin_v 27._o be_v not_o pa._n 113._o lin_v â—_o in_o a_o dark_a 116.1_o blessing_n like_a of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o repentance_n call_v repentance_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a chap._n 1._o sect._n 1_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o repentance_n be_v this_o that_o the_o carnal_a man_n labour_n to_o have_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o his_o own_o estate_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n neither_o can_v be_v continue_v if_o it_o be_v good_a nor_o can_v be_v amend_v be_v now_o amiss_o unless_o it_o be_v full_o and_o thorough_o know_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v endeavour_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o bring_v this_o our_o nicodemus_n to_o know_v himself_o to_o wit_n how_o he_o stand_v in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o his_o favour_n whereon_o his_o good_a estate_n do_v whole_o depend_v for_o as_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o a_o subject_n or_o servant_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o he_o live_n in_o the_o favour_n and_o good_a like_n of_o his_o king_n or_o master_n procure_v by_o his_o loyal_a obedience_n &_o faithful_a service_n be_v free_a from_o all_o evil_n and_o injury_n and_o enjoy_v all_o thing_n either_o needful_a or_o pleasant_a so_o the_o state_n of_o man_n be_v pure_a from_o sin_n be_v good_a &_o happy_a otherwise_o if_o by_o sin_v &_o rebel_a against_o god_n he_o incur_v his_o displeasure_n most_o wretched_a &_o miserable_a but_o what_o do_v not_o man_n know_v himself_o how_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o he_o who_o know_v all_o thing_n be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o own_o estate_n especial_o see_v this_o knowledge_n be_v most_o proper_a and_o pertinent_a unto_o he_o for_o none_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o sure_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n although_o it_o behold_v all_o other_o thing_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o see_v either_o itself_o or_o some_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n even_o those_o which_o be_v near_a unto_o it_o so_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o range_v over_o the_o whole_a
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
by_o dip_v and_o drown_v the_o body_n in_o water_n for_o when_o as_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o our_o own_o body_n or_o else_o behold_v it_o administer_v unto_o other_o feel_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o eternal_a death_n due_a unto_o we_o for_o sin_n &_o a_o mortification_n of_o thinherent_a corruption_n of_o sin_n come_v from_o thence_o they_o do_v we_o feed_v our_o soul_n by_o this_o sacrament_n &_o that_o no_o less_o when_o we_o see_v it_o administer_v to_o other_o then_o when_o we_o feel_v it_o in_o our_o own_o body_n and_o therefore_o the_o custom_n which_o have_v prevail_v in_o most_o place_n of_o neglect_v &_o contemn_v this_o part_n of_o the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v and_o sharp_o reproove_v likewise_o in_o the_o other_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o bread_n and_o the_o wine_n receive_v in_o it_o feed_v both_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n the_o one_o by_o their_o natural_a virtue_n the_o other_o by_o their_o mystical_a and_o sacramental_a signification_n work_v in_o we_o a_o fresh_a remembrance_n and_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n represent_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n in_o piece_n and_o the_o pouâ—ing_n forth_o of_o the_o wine_n sect._n 5._o thus_o much_o of_o the_o public_a food_n of_o the_o soul_n beside_o the_o which_o we_o have_v other_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v use_v private_o for_o christian_n must_v not_o be_v as_o babe_n unable_a to_o feed_v themselves_o or_o to_o take_v any_o nourishment_n unless_o it_o be_v put_v into_o their_o mouth_n by_o other_o but_o must_v as_o they_o receive_v the_o meat_n prepare_v by_o other_o so_o also_o dress_v some_o for_o themselves_o and_o that_o by_o gather_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o only_a food_n of_o the_o soul_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v even_o there_o where_o the_o public_a food_n be_v have_v to_o wit_n in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o god_n in_o these_o field_n the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o be_v continual_o conversant_a in_o they_o and_o so_o to_o make_v his_o soul_n strong_a fat_a and_o lusty_a first_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o read_n studying_z understand_v and_o meditate_v of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o profitable_a read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n diverse_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o we_o read_v it_o with_o this_o intent_n and_o purpose_n to_o edify_v ourselves_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n make_v our_o spiritual_a edification_n the_o end_n of_o our_o read_n otherwise_o we_o may_v spend_v all_o our_o day_n yea_o although_o they_o be_v as_o many_o as_o the_o day_n of_o methuselah_n and_o yet_o receive_v no_o more_o increase_n of_o holiness_n than_o they_o who_o never_o hear_v tell_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o why_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v find_v this_o spiritual_a food_n but_o he_o who_o do_v hunger_n after_o it_o and_o seek_v it_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n indeed_o god_n sometime_o be_v find_v of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o seek_v nor_o yet_o so_o much_o as_o ask_v after_o he_o and_o do_v by_o his_o spirit_n renew_v those_o who_o do_v not_o once_o think_v of_o regeneration_n or_o salvation_n but_o here_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n in_o regenerate_a man_n but_o of_o that_o ordinary_a continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o holiness_n which_o every_o faithful_a man_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o work_v in_o himself_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v this_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v he_o that_o seek_v it_o not_o shall_v never_o find_v it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o have_v be_v very_o painful_a reader_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o never_o find_v in_o they_o any_o spiritual_a fruit_n or_o comfort_n because_o they_o read_v they_o not_o to_o that_o end_n but_o for_o some_o sinister_a respect_n the_o jew_n take_v great_a pain_n in_o read_v or_o rather_o in_o learning_n without_o book_n the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o so_o great_a as_o may_v make_v christian_n who_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o bestow_v so_o much_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o seek_v or_o keep_v christ_n pardon_v of_o sin_n &_o eternal_a glory_n as_o they_o do_v in_o seek_v a_o earthly_a king_n &_o earthly_a glory_n the_o which_o only_o they_o look_v for_o by_o their_o messiah_n and_o yet_o they_o find_v not_o christ_n nor_o any_o spiritual_a grace_n because_o they_o seek_v not_o for_o such_o thing_n so_o many_o other_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n for_o other_o sinister_a end_n some_o to_o get_v the_o knowledge_n of_o curious_a and_o unprofitable_a question_n and_o controversy_n of_o endless_a genealogy_n yea_o some_o for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o erroneous_a &_o heretical_a opinion_n some_o for_o mere_a knowledge_n &_o vain_a ostentation_n but_o he_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o good_a physician_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n must_v lay_v aside_o these_o and_o all_o such_o respect_n propound_v to_o himself_o the_o confirmation_n and_o increase_n of_o his_o faith_n love_n patience_n temperance_n &_o of_o all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n these_o thing_n must_v be_v continual_o in_o his_o mind_n yea_o he_o must_v apply_v to_o these_o purpose_n all_o the_o precept_n example_n and_o doctrine_n wherewith_o he_o meet_v mind_v only_a point_n of_o spiritual_a edification_n and_o especial_o those_o whereof_o he_o most_o doubt_v and_o will_v be_v resolve_v and_o which_o belong_v most_o to_o his_o present_a use_n this_o rule_n and_o counsel_n we_o have_v give_v by_o eliphas_n job._n 5.27_o who_o after_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v at_o large_a both_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o his_o goodness_n in_o spare_v save_v and_o bless_v the_o godly_a he_o add_v this_o notable_a conclusion_n loe_o thus_o we_o have_v inquire_v of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o and_o know_v it_o for_o thyself_o that_o be_v do_v not_o content_v thyself_o with_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o this_o doctrine_n but_o apply_v it_o to_o thy_o own_o special_a state_n not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o a_o christian_a in_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o observe_v and_o study_v those_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o direct_o tend_v to_o spiritual_a edification_n for_o it_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a if_o he_o can_v give_v so_o much_o time_n to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n as_o that_o he_o know_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thâ—_n story_n all_o question_n which_o can_v be_v move_v about_o any_o place_n but_o that_o when_o as_o all_o can_v be_v have_v as_o it_o be_v seldom_o see_v that_o any_o gyve_v or_o can_v give_v himself_o so_o whole_o to_o this_o study_n who_o have_v any_o other_o call_v choice_n be_v make_v of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o needful_a profitable_a and_o excellent_a in_o the_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v also_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n for_o his_o daily_a read_n study_v and_o meditate_v in_o the_o which_o this_o spiritual_a food_n do_v most_o plentiful_o grow_v and_o may_v most_o easy_o be_v have_v for_o although_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o comfort_n and_o edification_n and_o that_o no_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v account_v barren_a and_o unprofitable_a yet_o some_o part_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o more_o effectual_a for_o spiritual_a edification_n than_o other_o be_v in_o that_o they_o handle_v those_o point_n wherein_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v more_o full_o and_o plain_o then_o other_o do_v thus_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n to_o the_o which_o they_o be_v as_o commentary_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o that_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n plain_o reveal_v which_o before_o be_v cover_v with_o type_n and_o ceremony_n yea_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o other_o do_v more_o didirect_o aim_v at_o this_o mark_n than_o the_o story_n of_o the_o life_n and_o act_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n it_o seem_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o psalm_n do_v most_o excellent_a in_o this_o behalf_n the_o which_o consist_v whole_o of_o spiritual_a meditation_n observation_n precept_n and_o experiment_n insomuch_o that_o it_o may_v true_o be_v call_v the_o christian_a man_n garden_n wherein_o all_o manner_n of_o