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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
sin_n body_n death_n separation_n 3,748 5 10.7337 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A07826 A treatise of the threefolde state of man wherein is handled, 1 His created holinesse in his innocencie. 2 His sinfulnesse since the fall of Adam. 3 His renewed holinesse in his regeneration. Morton, Thomas, of Berwick. 1596 (1596) STC 18199; ESTC S107028 195,331 462

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have_v great_a mean_n of_o know_v believe_v and_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n have_v on_o earth_n yea_o their_o sin_n come_v from_o themselves_o by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o inclination_n of_o their_o will_n but_o man_n sin_v by_o their_o provocation_n temptation_n and_o delusion_n who_o as_o if_o they_o have_v commit_v a_o small_a offence_n in_o sin_v themselves_o do_v add_v to_o their_o own_o sin_n the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n moreover_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a that_o god_n shall_v restore_v these_o rebel_n to_o their_o former_a state_n for_o the_o illustration_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o this_o creature_n forsomuch_o as_o there_o be_v yet_o in_o heaven_n in_o the_o state_n of_o happiness_n many_o thousand_o of_o holy_a angel_n which_o be_v so_o many_o witness_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o endless_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o again_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o adversarye_n power_n oppose_v itself_o and_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o hinder_v it_o that_o so_o both_o the_o grace_n bestow_v on_o man_n may_v be_v stir_v up_o and_o exercise_v and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n preserve_v they_o from_o so_o great_a danger_n make_v manifest_a last_o by_o this_o uncurable_a state_n of_o these_o angel_n it_o appear_v that_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o yet_o can_v be_v in_o any_o creature_n any_o such_o absolute_a perfection_n as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v able_a of_o itself_o by_o any_o proper_a inherent_a and_o natural_a virtue_n and_o strength_n be_v not_o support_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n either_o to_o keep_v for_o ever_o or_o to_o recover_v any_o good_a &_o happy_a estate_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o angel_n may_v repent_v and_o so_o obtain_v salvation_n we_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o be_v unpossible_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o shall_v ever_o true_o repent_v and_o second_o that_o if_o they_o can_v after_o some_o sort_n repent_v yet_o they_o be_v altogether_o uncapable_a of_o salvation_n because_o god_n have_v not_o take_v unto_o himself_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o so_o by_o join_v it_o to_o himself_o who_o be_v life_n itself_o make_v it_o a_o live_n and_o holy_a nature_n the_o which_o be_v needful_a for_o salvation_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o treatise_n of_o justify_v faith_n chap._n 4._o sect._n 3_o but_o to_o leave_v these_o foul_a spirit_n in_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n of_o hell_n let_v we_o return_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o three_o state_n of_o man_n the_o which_o although_o in_o substance_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o first_o estate_n restore_v yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o it_o in_o these_o respect_n first_o because_o it_o be_v certain_a immutable_a and_o eternal_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o 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increase_v and_o double_v towards_o god_n who_o now_o be_v not_o only_o his_o lord_n and_o creator_n but_o also_o his_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n as_o he_o must_v needs_o love_v more_o to_o who_o many_o sin_n be_v forgive_v than_o he_o who_o be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o holiness_n for_o life_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o so_o acceptable_a at_o any_o time_n as_o it_o be_v after_o death_n whereof_o more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n chap._n ii_o sect._n 1_o of_o the_o happiness_n wherein_o man_n be_v create_v happiness_n be_v the_o enjoy_n of_o the_o great_a high_a and_o chief_a good_a to_o wit_n that_o which_o be_v full_o perfect_o primare_o eternal_o essential_o and_o only_o good_a as_o be_v god_n only_o math_n 19_o 17._o there_o be_v none_o good_a but_o god_n only_o thus_o do_v the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n enjoy_v god_n 17._o who_o face_n or_o more_o plain_o who_o glory_n shine_v as_o clere_o as_o the_o grace_n of_o a_o man_n do_v in_o his_o face_n they_o do_v continual_o behold_v likewise_o man_n before_o his_o fall_n live_v thus_o happy_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o who_o he_o have_v daily_o and_o as_o we_o may_v say_v familiar_a conversation_n yea_o god_n do_v many_o way_n reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o glory_n to_o he_o especial_o in_o the_o garden_n wherein_o he_o place_v he_o this_o be_v perfect_a felicity_n for_o he_o who_o have_v god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o blessing_n joy_n and_o pleasure_n have_v all_o thing_n belong_v to_o happiness_n psal._n 16_o 11._o 11._o thou_o shall_v make_v i_o know_v the_o path_n of_o life_n for_o there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n in_o thy_o face_n or_o presence_n and_o in_o thy_o right_a hand_n there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o from_o this_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n there_o flow_v many_o stream_n create_v even_o all_o blessing_n whatsoever_o the_o preservation_n or_o dignity_n of_o the_o body_n soul_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a person_n of_o man_n do_v any_o way_n require_v first_o for_o his_o body_n it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o proportion_n majestical_a beautiful_a gracious_a purchase_v fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o other_o base_a creature_n and_o favour_n even_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o who_o glory_n make_v whatsoever_o be_v any_o way_n commendable_a in_o the_o creature_n 8_o this_o remane_v in_o part_n even_o in_o the_o corrupt_a estate_n 10._o 1._o chro._n 12._o 8._o david_n man_n of_o war_n have_v face_n like_o lion_n act._n 7._o 20._o moses_n be_v new_o bear_v be_v gracious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n second_o the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a whereof_o there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v see_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_n teach_v we_o that_o death_n come_v in_o by_o sin_n 1._o cor._n 25._o 56._o the_o sting_n whereby_o death_n kill_v be_v sin_n 56_o rom._n 5._o 12._o by_o adam_n sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n 12._o and_o by_o sin_n death_n if_o we_o shall_v examine_v this_o doctrine_n by_o natural_a reason_n it_o will_v be_v find_v very_o doubtful_a for_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v make_v of_o earth_n shall_v of_o necessity_n at_o length_n be_v resolve_v into_o earth_n again_o as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n of_o all_o other_o creture_v yea_o that_o it_o consist_v of_o contrary_n continual_o fight_v and_o consume_v one_o another_o can_v not_o possible_o but_o be_v at_o length_n destroy_v for_o nothing_o that_o be_v divide_v in_o itself_o can_v continue_v for_o ever_o yea_o beside_o this_o natural_a death_n man_n body_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v subject_a to_o outward_a violence_n as_o if_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v pierce_v with_o a_o sword_n or_o throw_v down_o from_o a_o high_a rock_n no_o reason_n can_v show_v how_o the_o immortality_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v preserve_v whereunto_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n howsoever_o our_o shallow_a head_n be_v not_o able_a to_o sound_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o second_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o suppose_v man_n to_o be_v immortal_a as_o to_o live_v almost_o a_o thousand_o year_n as_o we_o read_v gen._n 5._o 27._o that_o methuselan_n do_v for_o we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o those_o long_a life_n of_o the_o father_n before_o the_o flood_n 27._o be_v even_o the_o relic_n of_o that_o immortality_n wherewith_o adam_n be_v endue_v at_o the_o first_o neither_o be_v we_o to_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o god_n to_o endue_v man_n body_n with_o such_o a_o exact_a &_o equal_a temperature_n as_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o as_o for_o violent_a death_n although_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o man_n be_v
for_o any_o to_o enter_v who_o be_v not_o perfect_o holy_a than_o it_o be_v for_o palpable_a darkness_n to_o be_v there_o whereas_o the_o sun_n shine_v clear_o at_o noon_n day_n and_o therefore_o see_v holiness_n be_v tie_v to_o happiness_n by_o such_o a_o unspeakable_a bond_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o we_o do_v here_o speak_v of_o holiness_n create_v wherewith_o as_o with_o a_o wedding_n garment_n every_o one_o must_v be_v clothe_v who_o desire_v to_o enter_v into_o god_n paradise_n holiness_n therefore_o be_v as_o have_v be_v before_o touch_v the_o spiritual_a conjunction_n of_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n with_o god_n 17._o as_o happiness_n be_v his_o personal_a or_o local_a conjunction_n with_o he_o for_o then_o either_o angel_n or_o man_n be_v perfect_o holy_a when_o as_o in_o his_o spirit_n or_o soul_n in_o his_o understanding_n will_n affection_n and_o all_o the_o action_n proceed_v from_o they_o he_o cleave_v to_o god_n in_o perfect_a obedience_n know_v believe_v choose_v love_a fear_v and_o obey_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n so_o as_o not_o only_o the_o outward_a action_n but_o also_o the_o inward_a faculty_n yea_o the_o whole_a nature_n be_v pure_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n without_o any_o spot_n or_o blemish_n of_o sin_n both_o which_o to_o wit_n the_o holiness_n of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n and_o of_o the_o outward_a action_n we_o will_v join_v together_o in_o this_o treatise_n for_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n this_o holiness_n although_o it_o may_v be_v handle_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o several_a part_n and_o faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n yet_o we_o will_v rather_o distinguish_v it_o into_o these_o two_o part_n subjection_n to_o god_n and_o conformity_n to_o god_n whereof_o the_o first_o contain_v all_o those_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n as_o to_o his_o superior_a and_o which_o have_v no_o resemblance_n to_o any_o part_n of_o god_n nature_n for_o that_o god_n be_v in_o no_o 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general_a contain_v in_o it_o all_o kind_n of_o subjection_n whatsoever_o to_o wit_n that_o which_o the_o loyal_a subject_n owe_v to_o his_o prince_n the_o son_n to_o his_o father_n the_o servant_n to_o his_o master_n the_o scholar_n to_o his_o teacher_n the_o creature_n to_o the_o creator_n in_o all_o which_o respect_n man_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o god_n perform_v all_o those_o duty_n to_o he_o which_o any_o inferior_a owe_v to_o his_o superior_a as_o in_o particular_a consideration_n will_v more_o plain_o appear_v sect._n 2._o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o man_n man_n by_o that_o one_o offence_n commit_v against_o god_n in_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n do_v whole_o loose_v both_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o person_n and_o also_o the_o inherent_a purity_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o the_o first_o we_o know_v that_o disobedience_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n appear_v as_o well_o in_o one_o wilful_a transgression_n as_o in_o many_o for_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v count_v just_a and_o innocent_a who_o be_v stain_v with_o any_o one_o grievous_a crime_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o read_v jam._n 2._o 10._o 10_o whosoever_o keep_v the_o whole_a law_n beside_o transgress_v any_o one_o part_n or_o precept_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o break_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n but_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o other_o question_n be_v much_o hard_a for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o show_v how_o that_o one_o sin_n do_v clean_o take_v away_o the_o holiness_n which_o be_v inherent_a infix_v and_o even_o engrave_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o we_o know_v that_o the_o transgression_n of_o adam_n deprive_v both_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n of_o that_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o actual_a in_o clmation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o good_a only_a and_o of_o whatsoever_o else_o be_v good_a in_o he_o man_n for_o as_o the_o poet_n do_v fable_n of_o certain_a man_n who_o by_o drink_v a_o charm_a potion_n be_v make_v of_o 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never_o so_o great_a so_o man_n after_o that_o he_o have_v once_o incline_v his_o will_n to_o disobey_v god_n and_o admit_v unbelief_n into_o his_o mind_n can_v not_o keep_v his_o affection_n and_o action_n from_o the_o contagion_n of_o sin_n adam_n perhaps_o think_v that_o to_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n be_v but_o a_o single_a and_o small_a offence_n but_o sathan_n know_v very_o well_o that_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a and_o a_o universal_a apostasy_n from_o god_n as_o it_o prove_v in_o the_o event_n for_o while_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o fruit_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o adam_n the_o venom_n and_o poison_n of_o it_o do_v pierce_v into_o the_o most_o secret_a part_n of_o his_o soul_n leave_v no_o part_n uncorrupted_a or_o free_a from_o the_o filthynesse_n of_o sin_n for_o when_o as_o once_o the_o light_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v darken_v by_o the_o delusion_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o somuch_o that_o he_o think_v evil_a to_o be_v good_a and_o the_o way_n lead_v to_o extreme_a misery_n to_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o the_o great_a happiness_n it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o his_o will_n affection_n action_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v for_o that_o one_o of_o they_o do_v follow_v the_o disposition_n of_o a_o other_o so_o that_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n bring_v a_o perverse_a will_n and_o a_o sinful_a will_n make_v inordinate_a affection_n both_o which_o increase_n the_o darkness_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o also_o defile_v all_o the_o outward_a action_n thus_o adam_n lose_v the_o purity_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o continue_v in_o his_o sin_n whereinto_o he_o have_v fall_v &_o add_v one_o measure_n of_o sinfulness_n to_o a_o other_o till_o at_o length_n he_o come_v to_o a_o constant_a habit_n &_o natural_a disposition_n of_o sinfullnesse_n and_o as_o he_o be_v himself_o sinful_a so_o he_o leave_v his_o sinfulness_n to_o his_o posterity_n the_o which_o in_o respect_n of_o he_o be_v call_v original_a corruption_n ps._n 51._o 7._o i_o be_v fashion_v in_o sin_n 7._o and_o in_o inquitie_n do_v my_o mother_n conceive_v i_o this_o original_a sin_n be_v that_o corrupt_a estate_n of_o man_n nature_n wherein_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o it_o be_v altogether_o unapt_a and_o impotent_a to_o the_o do_v of_o any_o good_a and_o whole_o dispose_v and_o incline_v to_o the_o commit_n of_o sin_n or_o more_o brief_o the_o spiritual_a separation_n of_o man_n from_o god_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v either_o know_v or_o believe_v either_o love_n or_o fear_n either_o obey_v or_o honour_n god_n or_o be_v in_o any_o respect_n so_o affect_v towards_o he_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v this_o spiritual_a
and_o legal_a holiness_n although_o not_o perfect_a in_o this_o life_n by_o his_o spirit_n yet_o because_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v give_v for_o this_o end_n to_o show_v man_n his_o unrighteousness_n by_o command_v inherent_a righteousness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o by_o legal_a righteousness_n be_v usual_o mean_v proper_a or_o inherent_a righteousness_n and_o so_o by_o legal_a faith_n be_v mean_v that_o faith_n which_o look_v for_o happiness_n by_o inherent_a righteousness_n the_o which_o may_v more_o fit_o be_v call_v natural_a faith_n because_o it_o be_v engrave_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o the_o other_o kind_n be_v supernatural_a yet_o we_o call_v it_o legal_a faith_n because_o perfect_a inherent_a righteousness_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o perfect_a keep_n of_o the_o law_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n as_o sin_n be_v define_v 1._o joh._n 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o sin_n be_v the_o break_n of_o the_o law_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o moral_a law_n write_v exod._n 20._o the_o which_o be_v engrave_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o adam_n in_o his_o first_o creation_n or_o any_o other_o law_n ●●_o yea_o even_o of_o thing_n in_o nature_n indifferent_a enjoin_v to_o man_n by_o god_n the_o transgression_n whereof_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n for_o the_o creature_n sin_v whensoever_o he_o disobey_v the_o voice_n word_n law_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n whether_o in_o a_o thing_n in_o nature_n indifferent_a or_o simple_o unlawful_a thus_o do_v adam_n sin_n and_o fall_v away_o from_o god_n by_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o certain_a tree_n which_o he_o be_v forbid_v to_o touch_v so_o that_o by_o this_o legal_a faith_n none_o can_v trust_v in_o god_n for_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o only_o he_o who_o in_o his_o own_o person_n fulfil_v the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o deed_n in_o word_n in_o thought_n in_o will_n and_o in_o affection_n yea_o in_o the_o universal_a purity_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v free_a from_o all_o curruption_n of_o sin_n the_o which_o thing_n forsomuch_o as_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v perform_v by_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n all_o be_v stain_v with_o that_o original_a impurity_n which_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n be_v shake_v off_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o natural_a faith_n can_v have_v place_n in_o any_o of_o they_o only_o the_o holy_a angel_n which_o continue_v in_o their_o natural_a purity_n &_o holiness_n be_v endue_v with_o it_o for_o they_o trust_v for_o happiness_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o own_o perfect_a righteousness_n yet_o this_o their_o happiness_n be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o their_o proper_a obedience_n as_o that_o it_o be_v whole_o deny_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n ●_o for_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 4._o 4_o if_o salvation_n be_v by_o work_n it_o be_v not_o of_o grace_n he_o mean_v the_o mere_a favour_n of_o god_n remit_v sin_n the_o which_o have_v place_n i●_n the_o other_o kind_n of_o faith_n yet_o even_o the_o holy_a angel_n although_o they_o be_v save_v by_o work_n that_o be_v by_o their_o own_o perfect_a holiness_n yet_o their_o holiness_n come_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n without_o the_o which_o support_v they_o in_o all_o temptation_n suggest_v by_o their_o own_o free_a mind_n and_o will_n or_o by_o the_o reprobate_a angel_n they_o can_v not_o stand_v sect._n 2._o of_o infidelity_n thus_o much_o of_o faith_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o first_o kind_n of_o rebellion_n whereby_o man_n fall_v away_o from_o god_n call_v infidelity_n for_o that_o it_o be_v both_o in_o name_n and_o nature_n clean_o contrary_a to_o faith_n for_o by_o it_o man_n cease_v to_o trust_v and_o depend_v upon_o god_n renounce_v his_o patronage_n and_o protection_n as_o be_v altogether_o unable_a to_o bestow_v any_o good_a thing_n much_o less_o perfect_a happiness_n upon_o his_o client_n and_o therefore_o he_o seek_v for_o another_o lord_n and_o king_n in_o who_o to_o trust_v so_o that_o as_o faith_n be_v affiance_n on_o god_n promise_n so_o this_o kind_n of_o rebellion_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v call_v &_o define_v defiance_n or_o distrust_v in_o god_n promise_n propound_v happiness_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o eternal_a misery_n to_o his_o disobedience_n the_o first_o example_n of_o infidelity_n infidelity_n be_v the_o devil_n with_o his_o wicked_a angel_n who_o not_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o happiness_n do_v begin_v to_o seek_v for_o it_o else_o where_o in_o the_o which_o consultation_n he_o see_v that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n more_o excellent_a than_o himself_o so_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n of_o attain_v happiness_n so_o like_a as_o for_o to_o rely_v himself_o upon_o himself_o upon_o his_o own_o strength_n power_n wit_n policy_n and_o invention_n by_o the_o which_o he_o do_v persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v become_v far_o more_o happy_a than_o he_o can_v be_v by_o continue_v in_o that_o obedience_n and_o allegiance_n which_o he_o do_v owe_v to_o god_n the_o second_o example_n of_o infidelity_n be_v adam_n who_o be_v by_o the_o deceit_n and_o persuasion_n of_o satan_n draw_v away_o from_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o on_o his_o word_n to_o trust_v in_o the_o ●evill_n and_o in_o that_o mean_n of_o attain_v happiness_n which_o he_o do_v show_v unto_o he_o in_o adam_n all_o mankind_n fall_v from_o faith_n to_o infidelity_n wherein_o it_o remain_v all_o man_n be_v breed_v ●orne_v &_o bring_v up_o without_o any_o affiance_n in_o god_n rely_v themselves_o for_o their_o happiness_n only_o on_o themselves_o their_o own_o wit_n learning_n beauty_n strength_n friend_n riches_n nobil●tie_n yea_o on_o sin_n satan_n and_o this_o present_a world_n and_o no_o more_o depend_v upon_o god_n t●en_o if_o there_o be_v not_o god_n for_o victory_n they_o trust_v in_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n for_o health_n in_o the_o physician_n for_o life_n in_o meat_n and_o drink_v for_o riches_n in_o their_o own_o industry_n or_o in_o their_o parent_n for_o glory_n &_o honour_n in_o worldly_a preferment_n and_o dignity_n not_o once_o upon_o any_o occasion_n acknowledge_v god_n or_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n this_o infidelity_n or_o defiance_n of_o god_n come_v of_o unbelief_n which_o be_v the_o blindness_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o ignorance_n of_o man_n not_o see_v the_o evident_a truth_n of_o god_n promise_n but_o be_v persuade_v that_o his_o word_n be_v altogether_o void_a of_o truth_n and_o that_o his_o promise_n be_v nothing_o but_o fair_a pretence_n his_o fearful_a threaten_n nothing_o but_o vain_a skar-crowe_n terrify_v and_o fray_v none_o but_o religious_a fool_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o order_v by_o his_o decree_n will_n and_o providence_n but_o by_o nature_n chance_n fortune_n and_o the_o counsel_n o●_n man_n so_o we_o read_v ephe._n 4._o 18._o the_o gentile_n have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v 18._o and_o so_o be_v alienate_v or_o estrange_v from_o god_n b●_n the_o ignorance_n which_o be_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o 2._o tim._n 3._o 8._o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n an●_n reprobate_a as_o touch_v faith_n 8._o last_o this_o blindness_n of_o mind_n the_o companion_n and_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n come_v by_o our_o natural_a corruption_n from_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n for_o whereas_o once_o the_o light_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v darken_v by_o the_o delusion_n of_o the_o devil_n insomuch_o that_o he_o think_v evil_a to_o be_v good_a and_o the_o way_n lead_v to_o extreme_a misery_n to_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o the_o great_a happiness_n it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o his_o will_n affection_n action_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v for_o that_o one_o of_o they_o do_v follow_v the_o disposition_n of_o a_o other_o so_o that_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n bring_v a_o perverse_a will_n and_o a_o sinful_a will_n and_o inordinate_a affection_n do_v darken_v the_o mind_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v hereof_o it_o follow_v that_o infidelity_n do_v both_o separate_a a_o man_n form_n god_n and_o also_o deprive_v he_o of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o holiness_n yea_o instead_o thereof_o fill_v all_o the_o part_n and_o faculty_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n with_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n for_o man_n renounce_v god_n be_v whole_o separate_v from_o he_o neither_o can_v any_o long_o receive_v any_o blessing_n from_o he_o for_o even_o as_o a_o subject_n or_o tenant_n discliam_v his_o king_n and_o lord_n and_o rely_v himself_o upon_o a_o new_a master_n even_o one_o who_o be_v a_o deadly_a and_o profess_a enemy_n to_o his_o first_o master_n do_v incontinent_o deprive_v himself_o of_o all_o those_o farm_n land_n house_n preferment_n and_o commodity_n whatsoever_o the_o
ram_n as_o a_o sufficient_a ransom_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n soul_n 7._o mich._n 6._o 7._o so_o that_o we_o find_v no_o succour_n in_o this_o world_n be_v constrain_v to_o fly_v to_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o to_o crave_v their_o help_n in_o this_o behalf_n but_o what_o can_v be_v hope_v for_o at_o their_o hand_n who_o righteousness_n be_v it_o never_o so_o great_a be_v no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v owe_v to_o god_n for_o themselves_o be_v bind_v to_o serve_v he_o with_o their_o whole_a mind_n heart_n and_o the_o whole_a strength_n and_o power_n of_o their_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v imagine_v that_o their_o death_n may_v deliver_v we_o from_o death_n we_o answer_v first_o that_o no_o man_n can_v find_v such_o favour_n in_o their_o sight_n as_o that_o they_o will_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v accurse_v for_o he_o from_o the_o happy_a and_o glorious_a presence_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v enjoy_v in_o heaven_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o creation_n thereof_o second_o if_o that_o we_o shall_v suppose_v such_o a_o impossible_a and_o inordinate_a love_n in_o they_o yet_o the_o death_n of_o many_o angel_n can_v not_o satisfy_v god_n justice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n but_o only_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o number_n much_o less_o perform_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o every_o one_o may_v say_v of_o himself_o o_o miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o no_o creature_n either_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n can_v deliver_v from_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a death_n due_a unto_o it_o see_v therefore_o that_o no_o creature_n can_v satisfy_v god_n justice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n it_o remain_v that_o god_n shall_v either_o save_v man_n without_o take_v any_o satisfaction_n for_o his_o sin_n or_o else_o himself_o be_v this_o mediator_n for_o it_o have_v already_o be_v declare_v that_o god_n have_v certain_o decree_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n but_o both_o these_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n can_v no_o more_o save_o man_n without_o satisfaction_n make_v to_o his_o justice_n than_o he_o can_v cease_v to_o be_v just_a or_o to_o be_v god_n again_o it_o be_v no_o less_o impossible_a for_o god_n himself_o to_o make_v this_o satisfaction_n for_o first_o sin_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o godhead_n but_o only_o to_o some_o nature_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o sin_n but_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v any_o way_n be_v make_v or_o imagine_v the_o subject_n of_o sin_n no_o more_o than_o the_o fire_n can_v be_v make_v the_o subject_n of_o extreme_a cold_a second_o if_o this_o impossibility_n be_v suppose_v that_o god_n can_v some_o way_n take_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o himself_o yet_o he_o can_v suffer_v no_o punishment_n for_o it_o for_o his_o nature_n be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v no_o way_n suffer_v much_o less_o sustain_v the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a death_n due_a unto_o our_o sin_n what_o then_o can_v all_o the_o wit_n wisdom_n policy_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n say_v to_o this_o case_n but_o only_o acknowledge_v that_o mankind_n be_v in_o a_o most_o wretched_a &_o miserable_a case_n quem_fw-la ipsa_fw-la salus_fw-la seruare_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la who_o god_n himself_o can_v save_v but_o when_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o bay_n and_o even_o at_o his_o wit_n end_n there_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v most_o appear_v and_o that_o which_o seem_v impossible_a to_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n who_o as_o he_o have_v decree_v man_n salvation_n so_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v and_o that_o not_o by_o take_v away_o his_o own_o justice_n and_o essence_n but_o by_o satisfy_v and_o establish_v it_o not_o by_o pollute_v the_o godhead_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n but_o by_o purge_v man_n from_o sin_n by_o the_o infinite_a power_n of_o the_o godhead_n not_o by_o translate_n sin_n from_o man_n to_o god_n but_o by_o make_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n able_a to_o bear_v the_o own_o burden_n by_o join_v it_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n not_o impair_n his_o own_o justice_n but_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n more_o than_o it_o deserve_v and_o yet_o not_o consume_v man_n in_o his_o wrath_n but_o declare_v the_o endless_a riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n in_o save_v he_o from_o death_n that_o so_o all_o the_o praise_n glory_n and_o thanksgiving_n of_o our_o salvation_n may_v redound_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o beginner_n worker_n and_o finis●●r_n yea_o the_o very_a mean_n of_o it_o and_o who_o as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o beginning_n without_o the_o help_n or_o mean_n of_o any_o creature_n create_v man_n in_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o happiness_n so_o again_o he_o himself_o and_o that_o by_o himself_o do_v restore_v he_o to_o perfect_a righteousness_n holiness_n and_o eternal_a glory_n but_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o we_o make_v a_o more_o plain_a declaration_n of_o this_o mystical_a and_o wonderful_a doctrine_n especial_o it_o be_v the_o most_o happy_a and_o joyful_a doctrine_n which_o ever_o sound_v in_o the_o ear_n or_o be_v at_o any_o time_n utter_v by_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v this_o the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o god_n can_v restore_v man_n to_o his_o first_o estate_n be_v that_o he_o himself_o shall_v take_v unto_o his_o divine_a nature_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n so_o that_o he_o may_v in_o that_o nature_n take_v upon_o he_o both_o the_o guilt_n &_o also_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o god_n himself_o do_v take_v upon_o he_o our_o nature_n consist_v of_o a_o body_n &_o a_o soul_n endue_v with_o all_o the_o natural_a power_n &_o faculty_n which_o be_v in_o man_n yea_o subject_n to_o all_o humane_a infirmity_n yet_o without_o sin_n this_o humane_a nature_n be_v beget_v not_o by_o man_n but_o by_o god_n it_o be_v form_v &_o fashion_v not_o by_o the_o seed_n of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o godhead_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n who_o be_v of_o the_o lineage_n of_o david_n of_o part_n of_o her_o substance_n it_o be_v first_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o the_o inherent_a corruption_n of_o sin_n &_o so_o this_o nature_n be_v from_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o the_o conception_n unite_v to_o the_o godhead_n in_o one_o person_n call_v jesus_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n the_o promise_a messiah_n or_o the_o anointed_n or_o holy_a one_o of_o god_n and_o consist_v of_o the_o divine_a and_o a_o humane_a nature_n be_v bring_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n in_o bethlem_n in_o the_o land_n of_o jury_n according_a as_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n caesar_n and_o so_o live_v about_o 33._o year_n till_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o tiberius_n caesar_n it_o suffer_v a_o shameful_a and_o violent_a death_n the_o which_o death_n of_o this_o humane_a nature_n be_v more_o than_o a_o sufficient_a ransom_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n because_o it_o be_v the_o death_n of_o god_n though_o not_o of_o the_o godhead_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v of_o infinite_a merit_n and_o dignity_n yea_o it_o be_v more_o than_o the_o eternal_a death_n of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n although_o it_o have_v last_v but_o one_o moment_n of_o time_n as_o it_o continue_v but_o three_o day_n for_o it_o be_v and_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o reasonable_a man_n a_o far_o less_o matter_n that_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v die_v for_o ever_o then_o that_o god_n himself_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o lord_n of_o glory_n and_o giver_n of_o life_n yea_o who_o be_v glory_n and_o life_n itself_o shall_v suffer_v death_n one_o minute_n of_o a_o hover_v so_o that_o the_o humanity_n of_o christ_n give_v the_o possibility_n of_o suffer_a death_n as_o the_o divinity_n give_v the_o sufficiency_n excellency_n &_o merit_n of_o this_o ransom_n or_o payment_n make_v to_o god_n for_o the_o debt_n of_o man_n this_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o eternal_a counsel_n may_v be_v declare_v after_o this_o manner_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v in_o this_o or_o that_o country_n a_o absolute_a majestical_a and_o glorious_a monarch_n or_o king_n against_o who_o many_o thousand_o of_o his_o subject_n rebel_v refuse_v to_o perform_v loyal_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n the_o king_n see_v this_o rebellion_n purpose_v so_o to_o deal_v in_o revenge_v it_o as_o that_o not_o only_o his_o justice_n but_o also_o and_o especial_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n towards_o his_o natural_a subject_n may_v appear_v and_o therefore_o he_o mean_v to_o punish_v their_o offence_n in_o himself_o by_o put_v to_o death_n his_o own_o only_a
obey_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n command_v a_o holy_a life_n but_o the_o unlawful_a motion_n of_o his_o sinful_a flesh_n 16._o &_o rom._n 6._o 16._o know_v you_o not_o that_o to_o whomesoever_o you_o give_v yourselves_o to_o obey_v his_o servant_n you_o be_v whether_o of_o sin_n to_o death_n or_o of_o holiness_n to_o life_n yea_o a_o carnal_a man_n be_v a_o bondslave_n sell_v into_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o sin_n rom._n 7._o 14._o that_o look_n as_o a_o slave_n 14._o who_o they_o use_v in_o old_a time_n as_o they_o do_v still_o in_o some_o country_n to_o buy_v with_o money_n as_o horse_n sheep_n and_o ox_n be_v no_o more_o his_o own_o man_n as_o we_o say_v then_o be_v the_o aforesaid_a brute_n beast_n but_o be_v compel_v to_o fulfil_v his_o master_n will_v in_o all_o thing_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_n so_o it_o fare_v with_o man_n who_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n be_v become_v a_o most_o vile_a slave_n of_o satan_n always_o attend_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o perform_v the_o same_o with_o all_o his_o might_n and_o strength_n yea_o with_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n the_o particular_a function_n whereof_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n cite_v 13._o rom._n 3._o 13._o out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n his_o throat_n be_v a_o open_a sepulchre_n his_o tongue_n speak_v nothing_o but_o deceit_n his_o lip_n whereby_o he_o pretend_v friendship_n have_v under_o they_o the_o poison_n of_o asp_n his_o mouth_n full_a of_o curse_v his_o foot_n swift_a to_o shed_v blood_n &_o so_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o a_o man_n body_n have_v their_o task_n allot_v unto_o they_o the_o which_o they_o do_v not_o grudge_o and_o unwilling_o as_o usual_o bondslave_n do_v but_o most_o readely_a greedy_o &_o joyful_o delight_v in_o nothing_o but_o in_o that_o which_o they_o know_v please_v the_o humour_n of_o their_o master_n so_o that_o all_o man_n natural_o be_v in_o a_o great_a bondage_n under_o sin_n than_o any_o of_o they_o be_v under_o their_o temporal_a master_n or_o owner_n for_o there_o be_v no_o slave_n of_o so_o base_a a_o mind_n the_o which_o can_v be_v find_v among_o the_o brute_n beast_n but_o that_o though_o his_o body_n be_v oppress_v and_o keep_v under_o chain_n yet_o he_o desire_v freedom_n and_o so_o he_o be_v detain_v against_o his_o will_n keep_v a_o free_a mind_n and_o will_n but_o man_n be_v in_o this_o most_o filthy_a and_o wretched_a thraldom_n think_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o most_o happy_a state_n that_o may_v be_v and_o therefore_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v desire_v to_o be_v free_v from_o it_o last_o as_o touch_v the_o three_o duty_n of_o a_o seruamt_v man_n do_v not_o bring_v any_o advantage_n of_o glory_n to_o god_n but_o do_v dishonour_v he_o by_o all_o mean_n lead_v his_o life_n so_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o as_o if_o he_o neither_o can_v punish_v sinner_n for_o their_o wickedness_n nor_o yet_o do_v any_o good_a to_o the_o righteous_a man_n &_o yet_o will_v he_o will_v he_o he_o shall_v one_o day_n glorify_v god_n in_o be_v a_o open_a spectakle_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o justice_n when_o as_o he_o shall_v hear_v that_o sentence_n pronounce_v again_o by_o christ_n take_v this_o slothful_a and_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o utter_a darkness_n where_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n sect._n 3_o of_o servile_a subjection_n renew_v thus_o we_o see_v the_o wretched_a estate_n of_o man_n be_v the_o vassal_n and_o slave_n of_o sin_n with_o who_o it_o fare_v as_o it_o do_v with_o pharaoh_n servant_n which_o have_v sin_v against_o their_o lord_n 40._o gen._n 40._o for_o some_o as_o they_o live_v so_o they_o die_v in_o that_o slavery_n and_o therefore_o they_o die_v eternal_o other_o to_o wit_v the_o faithful_a be_v pardon_v &_o restore_v to_o their_o former_a dignity_n insomuch_o that_o be_v by_o christ_n reconcile_v to_o god_n they_o do_v bold_o enter_v again_o into_o his_o presence_n in_o the_o which_o they_o do_v always_o stand_v attend_v his_o pleasure_n obey_v his_o commandment_n perform_v whatsoever_o service_n be_v enjoin_v they_o and_o so_o procure_v god_n advantage_n as_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n do_v to_o their_o earthly_a master_n revenge_v yet_o not_o all_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n &_o in_o like_a measure_n for_o as_o among_o earthly_a servant_n so_o also_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v his_o church_n there_o be_v diverse_a function_n and_o degree_n of_o ministration_n and_o as_o some_o serve_v immediate_o &_o direct_o about_o the_o person_n of_o their_o master_n be_v in_o high_a estimation_n with_o he_o so_o some_o of_o the_o faithful_a do_v serve_v god_n in_o public_a function_n and_o do_v in_o great_a measure_n glorify_v he_o than_o other_o do_v in_o this_o order_n be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o faithful_a patriarch_n preiste_n prophet_n king_n magistrate_n apostle_n and_o minister_n who_o service_n come_v near_o to_o god_n and_o do_v direct_o and_o proper_o enlarge_v his_o glory_n and_o therefore_o in_o lieu_n of_o their_o long_a and_o faithful_a service_n god_n do_v reward_v they_o with_o this_o most_o honourable_a title_n call_v they_o his_o servant_n thus_o god_n call_v abraham_n 24_o gen._n 26._o 24._o i_o will_v bless_v thou_o for_o abraham_n my_o servant_n sake_n 7._o and_o moses_n josu._n 1_o 7._o on_o who_o this_o epitaphe_n be_v write_v deut._n 34._o 5._o there_o die_v moses_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n 5._o thus_o god_n call_v david_n often_o spare_v jerusalem_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o anger_n for_o his_o servant_n david_n sake_n and_o thus_o be_v josua_n daniel_n and_o other_o call_v and_o all_o they_o who_o godliness_n faith_n and_o love_n be_v great_a and_o notable_a as_o job_n &_o other_o job._n 1._o 8._o yea_o of_o late_a day_n the_o church_n imitate_v god_n herein_o have_v most_o thankful_o and_o worthy_o give_v this_o glorious_a title_n to_o those_o 8._o who_o have_v be_v zealous_a in_o beat_v down_o superstition_n and_o in_o advance_v the_o gospel_n kingdom_n and_o glory_n of_o christ._n these_o be_v god_n chief_a servant_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o golden_a vessel_n of_o his_o house_n beside_o the_o which_o he_o have_v other_o vessel_n of_o honour_n wherewith_o he_o be_v serve_v even_o all_o true_a believer_n &_o true_a heart_a christian_n who_o also_o be_v god_n faithful_a servant_n yea_o although_o they_o spend_v all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n in_o such_o calling_n as_o may_v seem_v to_o appertain_v nothing_o to_o god_n neither_o any_o way_n to_o set_v forth_o his_o glory_n for_o example_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n many_o christian_n be_v bond_n servant_n to_o infidel_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v continual_o employ_v in_o their_o master_n affair_n the_o which_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o the_o service_n of_o god_n than_o darkness_n have_v with_o light_n yet_o these_o christian_n be_v account_v god_n faithful_a servant_n in_o that_o they_o perform_v faithful_a service_n to_o those_o infidel_n thus_o we_o read_v col._n 3._o 22._o 22._o servant_n obey_v your_o master_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o with_o eye_n service_n but_o in_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n as_o those_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n yea_o he_o add_v and_o what_o soever_o you_o do_v do_v it_o not_o as_o to_o man_n but_o as_o to_o god_n know_v that_o you_o shall_v receive_v a_o reward_n for_o it_o of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o a_o godly_a and_o upright_o life_n in_o what_o kind_n soever_o it_o be_v 17._o be_v the_o true_a service_n of_o god_n rom._n 6._o 17._o thank_n be_v unto_o god_n that_o although_o you_o be_v once_o the_o servant_n of_o sin_n yet_o now_o you_o be_v make_v the_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n and_o therefore_o as_o you_o do_v before_o present_v your_o body_n before_o uncleanness_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n ready_a to_o commit_v sin_n so_o now_o present_v your_o body_n before_o righteousness_n as_o be_v ready_a to_o all_o holiness_n of_o life_n this_o exhortation_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v follow_v of_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v account_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n that_o as_o whilst_o they_o be_v in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n they_o do_v no_o manner_n of_o service_n to_o god_n so_o now_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n they_o labour_v to_o shake_v clean_o from_o their_o neck_n the_o yoke_n of_o sin_n for_o as_o christ_n say_v math._n 6._o 24._o 24._o we_o can_v serve_v two_o master_n both_o god_n and_o mammon_n but_o must_v of_o necessity_n cleave_v to_o the_o one_o and_o forsake_v the_o other_o the_o which_o we_o can_v but_o do_v if_o that_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o new_a service_n be_v
1._o 26._o brethren_n you_o see_v your_o call_n that_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n be_v choose_v the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v evident_a for_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o he_o who_o will_v believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v renounce_v his_o own_o knowledge_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o other_o but_o the_o more_o wit_n and_o learning_n a_o man_n have_v the_o more_o he_o attribute_v to_o it_o to_o himself_o &_o to_o his_o own_o strength_n whereas_o they_o who_o have_v a_o small_a measure_n of_o these_o gift_n do_v not_o trust_v so_o much_o unto_o they_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n witness_v say_v that_o there_o be_v more_o hope_n to_o win_v a_o fool_n to_o wisdom_n than_o one_o who_o think_v or_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o so_o be_v wise_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o great_a ignorance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o all_o unregenerate_a man_n now_o for_o the_o knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v of_o the_o creature_n we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 2._o 13._o 13._o man_n have_v forsake_v god_n the_o fountain_n of_o wisdom_n and_o then_o what_o wisdom_n can_v be_v in_o he_o for_o as_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n so_o be_v he_o of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v natural_o so_o void_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n as_o that_o he_o seem_v not_o to_o differ_v from_o a_o bruit_n beast_n but_o only_o in_o the_o outward_a proportion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o faculty_n of_o speak_v nay_o he_o be_v more_o ignorant_a than_o be_v the_o brute_n beast_n whereof_o there_o be_v almost_o none_o which_o know_v not_o and_o that_o without_o any_o teacher_n even_o by_o the_o secret_a instinct_n of_o nature_n what_o be_v good_a and_o evil_n for_o itself_o yea_o the_o secret_a virtue_n of_o some_o herb_n or_o of_o other_o thing_n which_o may_v stand_v they_o in_o stead_n but_o man_n be_v any_o way_n distress_v know_v not_o how_o to_o go_v either_o to_o god_n or_o any_o natural_a thing_n for_o help_v be_v so_o far_o from_o know_v other_o thing_n that_o he_o know_v not_o the_o part_n temperamente_n frame_n disposition_n infirmity_n and_o disease_n of_o his_o own_o body_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o or_o the_o preserve_n or_o heal_v of_o it_o save_v only_o the_o outward_a member_n and_o fashion_n of_o it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n why_o man_n shall_v brag_v of_o that_o great_a knowledge_n which_o he_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v unto_o whenas_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o search_v it_o out_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o god_n grant_v thus_o much_o to_o the_o labour_n of_o industrious_a man_n that_o they_o attain_v to_o knowledge_n some_o more_o other_o less_a but_o the_o learnede_a philosopher_n in_o the_o world_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o actual_o ignorant_a of_o many_o thing_n but_o also_o natural_o unable_a to_o pierce_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creature_n &_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o dulness_n &_o shallowness_n of_o his_o wit_n which_o can_v find_v out_o the_o true_a cause_n form_n reason_n and_o virtue_n of_o natural_a thing_n as_o why_o the_o loadstone_n draw_v iron_n to_o it_o of_o the_o which_o kind_a infinite_a instance_n may_v be_v bring_v and_o if_o they_o chance_v to_o find_v out_o the_o virtue_n and_o quality_n of_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o consider_v the_o cause_n but_o by_o mark_v the_o effect_n and_o so_o not_o by_o knowledge_n or_o any_o good_a cunning_n as_o we_o say_v but_o by_o chance_n and_o by_o experience_n the_o schoolmaster_n of_o fool_n sect._n 3_o of_o renew_a knowledge_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o consider_v how_o god_n of_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n do_v renew_v in_o all_o his_o faithful_a servant_n this_o first_o and_o chief_a part_n of_o his_o glorious_a image_n we_o call_v it_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a part_n because_o that_o in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n both_o have_v the_o first_o place_n and_o also_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n holiness_n 23._o for_o as_o christ_n do_v teach_v math._n 6._o 23._o if_o the_o eye_n have_v light_a in_o it_o it_o do_v enlighten_v the_o whole_a body_n but_o if_o it_o be_v dark_a there_o be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o renew_v with_o knowledge_n there_o follow_v holiness_n in_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a man_n but_o if_o there_o be_v darkness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o the_o mind_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o sin_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o man_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v either_o trust_v or_o hope_n in_o god_n or_o love_n fear_v &_o obey_v he_o or_o perform_v any_o duty_n of_o holiness_n unto_o god_n who_o he_o do_v not_o know_v in_o his_o mercy_n love_n goodness_n promise_n power_n justice_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o attribute_n so_o be_v it_o no_o less_o impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v know_v and_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o god_n be_v true_a in_o his_o promise_n merciful_a bountiful_a and_o just_a and_o not_o be_v affect_v to_o he_o according_o and_o therefore_o the_o first_o action_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n frame_v the_o new_a man_n in_o the_o elect_a be_v to_o take_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n their_o natural_a dulness_n unbelief_n and_o ignorance_n and_o to_o make_v they_o able_a to_o conceive_v understand_v believe_v and_o know_v god_n 2._o thus_o the_o apostle_n teach_v rom._n 12._o 2._o be_v you_o transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n that_o you_o may_v approve_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n so_o 13._o eph._n 4._o 13._o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o so_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n knowledge_n thus_o he_o pray_v for_o the_o colossian_n col._n 1._o 9_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o 9_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v 14._o act._n 16._o 14._o that_o whilst_o paul_n preach_v the_o gospel_n although_o the_o reprobate_n do_v not_o conceive_v or_o understand_v it_o yet_o god_n open_v the_o hart_n that_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o lydia_n to_o believe_v his_o word_n this_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o most_o sensible_a and_o evident_a thing_n in_o regeneration_n and_o that_o whereby_o they_o that_o deny_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o renew_v the_o faithful_a may_v most_o plain_o be_v convince_v for_o what_o be_v more_o wonderful_a than_o that_o man_n who_o before_o be_v dull_a rude_a simple_a and_o unlearned_a yea_o uncapable_a of_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a become_v able_a to_o comprehend_v in_o their_o mind_n most_o steadfast_o &_o to_o express_v in_o word_n very_o sensible_o the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o christian_n religion_n yet_o this_o experience_n teach_v to_o be_v true_a &_o the_o apostle_n witness_v the_o same_o 15._o the_o spiritual_a man_n discern_v all_o thing_n this_o come_v not_o by_o any_o natural_a strength_n but_o by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o inspire_v this_o knowledge_n immediate_o but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v every_o one_o who_o will_v feel_v in_o himself_o this_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n in_o change_v his_o mind_n to_o give_v himself_o diligent_o and_o continual_o to_o the_o hear_n read_v and_o meditate_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n last_o this_o renew_a knowledge_n be_v not_o either_o so_o great_a or_o yet_o so_o general_a as_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n in_o his_o pure_a estate_n wherein_o he_o know_v god_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n perfect_o but_o the_o faithful_a know_v god_n his_o word_n will_n &_o action_n so_o far_o forth_o only_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o their_o salvation_n as_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v wherein_o we_o hope_v for_o our_o full_a adoption_n even_o the_o redention_n of_o our_o body_n the_o sense_n &_o faculty_n whereof_o be_v whilst_o we_o remain_v in_o this_o life_n as_o dull_a and_o weak_a in_o the_o faithful_a as_o in_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o therefore_o they_o remain_v as_o ignorant_a as_o touch_v this_o secundarie_n knowledge_n of_o the_o sensible_a creature_n as_o do_v the_o other_o yea_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o all_o other_o part_n of_o
damnation_n the_o second_o kind_n of_o a_o false_a excuse_v conscience_n be_v that_o which_o do_v not_o only_o excuse_v but_o also_o justify_v a_o man_n for_o that_o for_o the_o which_o it_o shall_v condemn_v he_o such_o be_v the_o senseless_a blockishness_n of_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n this_o conscience_n be_v in_o those_o who_o serve_v god_n after_o a_o false_a &_o devise_a manner_n and_o so_o think_v that_o their_o will-worship_n do_v make_v they_o acceptable_a to_o god_n which_o in_o ●rueth_n be_v most_o abominable_a in_o his_o sight_n they_o think_v that_o they_o advance_v his_o glory_n when_o as_o they_o set_v up_o idolatry_n and_o that_o when_o they_o persecute_v the_o true_a minister_n apostle_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n 2._o as_o we_o read_v john_n 16._o 2._o they_o think_v that_o they_o be_v hear_v of_o god_n for_o their_o much_o babble_a sake_n 7._o math._n 6._o 7._o for_o say_v over_o and_o over_o so_o many_o cree_v and_o pater_fw-la noster_n and_o last_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o those_o action_n the_o which_o howsoever_o they_o carry_v a_o show_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n yet_o they_o be_v grievous_a sin_n before_o god_n and_o those_o for_o the_o which_o the_o doer_n shall_v be_v condemn_v although_o they_o have_v not_o sin_v in_o any_o other_o kind_n thus_o much_o of_o a_o false_a excuse_v conscience_n now_o follow_v a_o false_a accuse_a mind_n and_o conscience_n this_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o former_a kind_n for_o it_o accuse_v where_o it_o shall_v excuse_v and_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v unlawful_a which_o be_v lawful_a this_o false_a testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n come_v of_o the_o ignorance_n of_o christian_n liberty_n account_v thing_n in_o nature_n indifferent_a as_o altogether_o unlawful_a whereof_o it_o come_v that_o man_n think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o eat_v this_o or_o that_o meat_n on_o this_o or_o that_o day_n to_o marry_v to_o be_v in_o this_o or_o that_o company_n to_o wear_v this_o or_o that_o apparel_n to_o use_v this_o or_o that_o kind_n of_o recreation_n and_o so_o of_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v in_o the_o word_n but_o leave_v indifferent_a and_o in_o the_o which_o a_o brother_n or_o sister_n be_v not_o in_o bondage_n but_o god_n have_v call_v they_o in_o peace_n the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v not_o so_o evil_a and_o dangerous_a as_o be_v the_o other_o kind_n for_o that_o it_o be_v safe_a and_o better_o for_o a_o man_n to_o fear_v in_o do_v that_o which_o he_o may_v bold_o do_v then_o to_o be_v bold_a in_o do_v that_o which_o he_o ought_v not_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a and_o sinful_a conscience_n displease_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n who_o as_o he_o have_v in_o great_a mercy_n give_v we_o great_a liberty_n in_o christ_n so_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v although_o be_v spare_v in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o whenas_o it_o do_v not_o further_o our_o edification_n and_o salvation_n yet_o not_o babe_n in_o knowledge_n and_o unthankful_o ignorant_a of_o the_o great_a benefit_n bestow_v on_o us._n if_o it_o be_v here_o object_v that_o this_o false_a accuse_a conscience_n can_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o unregenerate_a man_n because_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v by_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n although_o it_o be_v in_o the_o use_n of_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o may_v be_v lawful_o do_v by_o a_o faithful_a man_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n shall_v not_o accuse_v because_o he_o do_v use_v any_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o because_o he_o eat_v or_o drink_v as_o it_o use_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o false_a accuser_n but_o because_o he_o do_v it_o without_o faith_n whereby_o both_o his_o person_n and_o all_o his_o action_n shall_v be_v make_v acceptable_a to_o god_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o false_a or_o lie_a conscience_n now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o it_o be_v a_o true_a witness_n for_o according_a as_o the_o light_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v more_o or_o less_o so_o be_v this_o true_a testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n 15._o sometime_o excuse_v true_o and_o sometime_o accuse_v true_o rom._n 1._o 15._o for_o although_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n shall_v true_o clear_v he_o of_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n thereof_o because_o his_o whole_a life_n yea_o every_o particular_a action_n of_o his_o life_n and_o every_o part_n of_o his_o body_n and_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v pollute_v with_o sin_n yet_o as_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v be_v free_a from_o some_o particular_a sin_n so_o his_o conscience_n may_v true_o excuse_v he_o in_o that_o behalf_n but_o the_o chief_a use_n of_o the_o conscience_n be_v to_o accuse_v true_o for_o sin_n commit_v in_o the_o do_v whereof_o it_o be_v very_o forcible_a and_o as_o it_o be_v common_o say_v in_o steed_n of_o a_o thousand_o witness_n therefore_o have_v god_n in_o great_a wisdom_n leave_v some_o light_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o sinful_a man_n that_o he_o may_v be_v convict_v by_o himself_o and_o so_o leave_v inexcusable_a yea_o sometime_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o conscience_n be_v not_o only_o the_o witness_n but_o also_o the_o executioner_n stir_v up_o such_o fearful_a storm_n of_o anguish_n fear_n sorrow_n shame_n and_o desperation_n as_o be_v most_o intolerable_a and_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v the_o very_a flame_n of_o hell_n fire_n this_o be_v verify_v by_o the_o tragical_a end_n of_o the_o traitor_n judas_n at_o who_o horrible_a treachery_n whenas_o all_o man_n hold_v their_o peace_n this_o witness_n even_o his_o own_o conscience_n step_v forth_o and_o do_v not_o only_o accuse_v and_o convince_v he_o by_o his_o own_o mouth_n which_o say_v unto_o he_o thou_o have_v sin_v in_o betray_v innocent_a blood_n but_o also_o do_v execute_v he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n which_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o fearful_a and_o shameful_a end_n yet_o this_o witness_n be_v not_o always_o thus_o diligent_a in_o do_v his_o duty_n but_o only_o either_o after_o some_o heinous_a sin_n be_v commit_v as_o in_o the_o aforesaid_a example_n and_o chief_o whenas_o it_o be_v stir_v up_o &_o awake_v by_o some_o judgement_n pour_v out_o upon_o the_o sinner_n thus_o do_v the_o conscience_n of_o joseph_n brethren_n sleep_v till_o their_o trouble_n and_o danger_n which_o befall_v they_o in_o egypt_n 21._o do_v awake_v it_o gen._n 42._o 21._o or_o at_o the_o least_o till_o the_o judgement_n be_v denounce_v against_o he_o 37._o thus_o we_o read_v act._n 2._o 37._o that_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v be_v trouble_v in_o their_o conscience_n and_o mind_n by_o hear_v of_o their_o horrible_a sin_n commit_v in_o crucify_a christ._n otherwise_o the_o conscience_n be_v idle_a for_o the_o most_o part_n and_o lull_v man_n a_o sleep_n in_o sin_n defer_v the_o do_v of_o his_o duty_n till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n wherein_o the_o volume_n of_o all_o man_n conscience_n shall_v be_v lay_v open_a this_o be_v call_v a_o sear_v benumb_a or_o senseless_a conscience_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o most_o fearful_a estate_n that_o any_o man_n can_v be_v in_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n for_o who_o see_v not_o how_o most_o man_n go_v on_o from_o day_n to_o day_n every_o man_n in_o his_o own_o sinful_a way_n have_v no_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n but_o put_v far_o from_o themselves_o the_o evil_a day_n as_o if_o there_o be_v neither_o heaven_n nor_o hell_n and_o that_o god_n will_v neither_o do_v good_a nor_o evil_a last_o it_o may_v here_o be_v ask_v whether_o this_o true_a testimony_n of_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n be_v a_o sinful_a or_o a_o lawful_a action_n of_o the_o mind_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v holy_a that_o be_v lawful_a for_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v a_o relic_n of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o it_o and_o that_o the_o sin_n which_o the_o conscience_n do_v true_o accuse_v do_v no_o more_o make_v it_o impure_a than_o the_o guiltiness_n of_o a_o felon_n or_o traitor_n do_v any_o way_n touch_v he_o who_o give_v true_a testimony_n of_o it_o sect._n 3_o of_o a_o renew_a conscience_n and_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n this_o particular_a knowledge_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o we_o call_v conscience_n have_v place_n and_o force_v in_o the_o faithful_a both_o in_o accuse_v and_o also_o in_o excuse_v for_o the_o first_o we_o know_v that_o the_o faithful_a have_v both_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o
this_o spiritual_a joy_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o although_o they_o can_v clean_o extinguish_v it_o yet_o they_o cool_v and_o diminish_v it_o yea_o and_o so_o drive_v it_o into_o a_o corner_n as_o that_o it_o do_v not_o any_o way_n appear_v yea_o even_o the_o ordinary_a misery_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o life_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v do_v work_n in_o the_o faithful_a sorrow_n sigh_n and_o groan_n as_o we_o read_v rom._n 8._o 13._o beside_o this_o matter_n of_o sorrow_n which_o they_o have_v in_o themselves_o 13._o they_o be_v continual_o sore_o grieve_v and_o even_o torment_v in_o themselves_o when_o as_o they_o behold_v the_o vain_a and_o wretched_a estate_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v move_v to_o pity_n even_o by_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o brute_n beast_n the_o horrible_a sin_n which_o abound_v every_o where_n and_o the_o general_a atheism_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o much_o more_o whenas_o they_o consider_v the_o calamity_n misery_n abuse_n corruption_n and_o defection_n of_o the_o church_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ._n these_o thing_n do_v and_o that_o just_o work_v continual_a grief_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a yet_o this_o grief_n be_v moderate_v with_o patience_n and_o contentation_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v come_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n which_o do_v not_o bring_v they_o to_o desperation_n and_o death_n as_o carnal_a sorrow_n do_v but_o be_v at_o length_n the_o cause_n of_o great_a joy_n and_o thus_o omit_v for_o brevity_n sake_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o affection_n which_o have_v not_o so_o common_a and_o notable_a use_n in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n we_o conclude_v this_o second_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n to_o wit_n his_o conformity_n to_o god_n the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n of_o the_o change_n hapen_v in_o the_o three_o estate_n or_o of_o the_o degree_n of_o holiness_n and_o sinfulness_n chapter_n i._o of_o the_o change_n hapen_v in_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o man_n in_o general_n the_o mutability_n of_o the_o creature_n whereby_o the_o identity_n of_o god_n be_v illustrate_v appear_v not_o only_o in_o the_o general_a diversity_n of_o man_n state_n which_o sometime_o be_v innocent_a and_o happy_a man_n other_o time_n sinful_a and_o miserable_a and_o again_o become_v holy_a here_o on_o earth_n and_o glorious_a in_o heaven_n but_o also_o in_o the_o particular_a change_n hapen_v in_o his_o several_a state_n whereof_o none_o can_v make_v he_o so_o immutable_a as_o that_o he_o may_v say_v true_o of_o himself_o i_o be_o that_o i_o be_v and_o will_v be_v that_o i_o be_o and_o no_o otherwise_o as_o touch_v his_o create_a holiness_n it_o can_v not_o be_v either_o so_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n diminish_v or_o so_o absolute_o perfect_a but_o that_o it_o ought_v daily_o to_o be_v increase_v but_o this_o uncertainty_n and_o mutability_n appear_v far_o more_o plain_o in_o his_o other_o estate_n the_o one_o of_o natural_a sinfulness_n the_o other_o of_o renew_a holiness_n of_o both_o which_o there_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o many_o degree_n as_o there_o be_v carnal_a &_o regenerate_a man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o although_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n have_v already_o so_o possess_v all_o the_o part_n &_o faculty_n of_o body_n &_o soul_n &_o be_v as_o deep_o imprint_v into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o the_o spot_v be_v in_o the_o skin_n of_o a_o leopard_n and_o therefore_o may_v seem_v not_o to_o admit_v any_o increase_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o greatness_n or_o any_o decrease_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o naturalnes_n of_o it_o yet_o both_o these_o change_n may_v be_v see_v the_o one_o usual_o in_o most_o unregenerate_a man_n who_o do_v daily_o plunge_v themselves_o deep_o and_o deep_o in_o to_o the_o pit_n of_o sin_n add_v one_o sin_n to_o another_o and_o thirst_n to_o drunkenness_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v the_o other_o in_o diverse_a both_o within_o and_o without_o the_o church_n likewise_o in_o regeneration_n the_o faithful_a man_n never_o stand_v at_o one_o stay_v but_o do_v always_o grow_v either_o upwarde_a or_o downward_o in_o godliness_n for_o as_o usual_o he_o increase_v his_o spiritual_a strength_n change_v his_o christian_n infancy_n with_o a_o ripe_a and_o constant_a age_n and_o add_v grace_n to_o grace_n till_o he_o become_v a_o perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n so_o sometime_o he_o decrease_v in_o holiness_n as_o we_o see_v the_o body_n of_o man_n do_v in_o old_a age_n and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v return_v the_o same_o way_n he_o come_v fall_v into_o one_o sin_n after_o another_o and_o so_o decrease_v in_o holiness_n although_o not_o total_o and_o final_o yet_o greivous_o and_o fearful_o thus_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o man_n change_v itself_o from_o less_o to_o more_o and_o from_o more_o to_o less_o from_o good_a to_o evil_n and_o from_o evil_a to_o good_a yea_o from_o good_a to_o better_v and_o from_o evil_a to_o worse_o be_v as_o variable_a as_o be_v the_o moon_n which_o continual_o decrease_v or_o increase_v in_o light_n appear_v every_o night_n in_o a_o new_a form_n these_o change_n difference_n and_o degree_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o all_o christian_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v either_o seek_v after_o or_o avoid_v as_o they_o be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v here_o to_o declare_v the_o degree_n both_o of_o the_o holiness_n and_o also_o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o man_n not_o the_o conversion_n of_o one_o estate_n into_o another_o the_o which_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o two_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n but_o the_o proper_a change_n of_o each_o state_n as_o first_o how_o adam_n continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n may_v either_o have_v decrease_v or_o increase_v in_o holiness_n second_o how_o a_o carnal_a man_n abide_v in_o his_o natural_a sinfullnesse_n may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o sinful_a and_o last_o how_o a_o regenerate_a man_n may_v decrease_v or_o increase_v in_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o these_o in_o order_n if_o first_o we_o put_v the_o reader_n in_o mind_n that_o these_o change_n be_v make_v from_o that_o measure_n of_o create_a holiness_n of_o sinfulness_n and_o of_o renew_a holiness_n which_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o two_o former_a part_n of_o this_o book_n wherein_o although_o sometime_o for_o illustration_n a_o high_a degree_n both_o of_o holiness_n and_o of_o sin_n be_v mention_v yet_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o set_v down_o that_o mediocrity_n as_o it_o may_v be_v call_v of_o holiness_n both_o create_v and_o renew_v which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v ordinary_o and_o usual_o in_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n and_o of_o regeneration_n and_o likewise_o that_o measure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o all_o man_n and_o may_v be_v see_v in_o many_o unregenerate_a man_n not_o in_o all_o because_o in_o some_o it_o be_v diminish_v nor_o in_o most_o because_o usual_o it_o be_v increase_v as_o afterward_o will_v appear_v chap._n ii_o of_o the_o change_n of_o create_a holiness_n it_o may_v be_v doubt_v how_o man_n live_v and_o continue_v in_o his_o innocent_a and_o happy_a estate_n can_v decrease_v in_o holiness_n especial_o see_v that_o as_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o first_o part_n chap._n 3_o sect._n 2._o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o holiness_n be_v so_o tie_v and_o link_v together_o that_o he_o can_v not_o loose_v any_o particular_a grace_n without_o lose_v all_o nor_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n because_o by_o commit_v sin_n and_o in_o the_o very_a act_n and_o moment_n of_o commit_v it_o he_o shall_v fall_v from_o his_o innocency_n into_o a_o sinful_a state_n we_o answer_v that_o although_o all_o this_o be_v true_a yet_o there_o must_v a_o difference_n be_v put_v betwixt_o the_o want_n of_o a_o grace_n and_o the_o small_a measure_n of_o it_o and_o so_o betwixt_o the_o commit_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o decrease_a in_o holiness_n which_o may_v be_v without_o sin_n and_o that_o in_o this_o state_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v with_o these_o condition_n first_o that_o this_o decrease_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o that_o any_o grace_n or_o part_n of_o holiness_n be_v whole_o want_v holiness_n for_o thereof_o sin_n will_v necessary_o follow_v second_o that_o it_o be_v not_o continual_a or_o final_a but_o only_o for_o some_o short_a space_n of_o time_n in_o this_o manner_n we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o particular_a grace_n as_o faith_n love_n temperance_n may_v be_v in_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n sometime_o in_o great_a and_o sometime_o in_o small_a measure_n
for_o as_o he_o do_v carry_v about_o with_o himself_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o be_v outward_o subject_a to_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n so_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o by_o these_o mean_v his_o faith_n and_o withal_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o holiness_n may_v receive_v some_o wound_n although_o not_o be_v clean_o overcome_v and_o mingle_v with_o doubt_v &_o waver_v although_o not_o whole_o turn_v into_o it_o likewise_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o glory_n may_v be_v abate_v for_o some_o space_n of_o time_n by_o force_n of_o temptation_n and_o he_o make_v less_o zealous_a of_o god_n glory_n and_o less_o cheerful_a in_o serve_v he_o yea_o dull_a and_o lumpish_a and_o without_o his_o wont_a alacrity_n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v in_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n who_o humane_a nature_n although_o it_o be_v endue_v with_o far_o more_o firm_a and_o plentiful_a holiness_n than_o be_v man_n in_o his_o innocency_n yet_o in_o that_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a that_o be_v a_o create_v and_o weak_a nature_n it_o can_v not_o be_v free_v from_o this_o mutability_n whereunto_o all_o creature_n be_v subject_a whereof_o it_o come_v that_o the_o unspeakable_a force_n of_o his_o last_o agony_n wherein_o he_o feel_v the_o infinite_a anger_n of_o god_n due_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n do_v give_v his_o faith_n a_o great_a blow_n yea_o it_o make_v a_o evident_a decrease_n of_o it_o for_o a_o short_a time_n insomuch_o that_o he_o burst_v forth_o into_o these_o word_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o where_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o his_o faith_n do_v fail_v which_o appear_v plain_o in_o those_o word_n my_o god_n my_o god_n but_o as_o the_o most_o valiant_a champion_n receive_v a_o mighty_a blow_n be_v make_v to_o reel_v and_o stagger_v by_o the_o force_n of_o it_o so_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n shake_v by_o this_o temptation_n as_o be_v a_o strong_a house_n by_o a_o great_a blast_n of_o wind_n yet_o without_o danger_n of_o be_v overturn_v now_o to_o proceed_v as_o man_n holiness_n may_v have_v be_v diminish_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o particular_a grace_n so_o it_o may_v also_o have_v be_v increase_v in_o the_o same_o respect_n not_o that_o we_o suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v imperfect_a but_o for_o that_o that_o which_o be_v already_o perfect_a may_v become_v more_o perfect_a as_o namely_o that_o we_o may_v make_v instance_n in_o some_o particular_a the_o knowledge_n wherewith_o man_n be_v endue_v in_o his_o innocency_n be_v exceed_v great_a as_o have_v be_v show_v yet_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o same_o will_v in_o process_n of_o time_n have_v be_v continual_o increase_v as_o god_n do_v reveal_v himself_o his_o word_n counsel_n and_o action_n daily_o more_o and_o more_o this_o increase_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o understanding_n all_o the_o otheir_o faculty_n do_v follow_v for_o the_o more_o that_o man_n know_v god_n the_o more_o he_o trust_v love_v fear_v obey_v worship_v and_o honour_v he_o the_o often_o that_o man_n be_v deliver_v from_o danger_n by_o the_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n the_o great_a will_v be_v his_o affiance_n in_o god_n the_o more_o blessing_n that_o he_o do_v receive_v the_o great_a be_v his_o thankfulness_n so_o that_o the_o life_n both_o of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o angel_n in_o their_o innocency_n be_v a_o continual_a exercise_n of_o holiness_n can_v but_o have_v a_o continual_a increase_n of_o it_o yea_o we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o both_o many_o of_o the_o angel_n and_o all_o mankind_n be_v so_o easy_o draw_v from_o god_n and_o bring_v to_o a_o fearful_a ruin_n because_o they_o be_v tempt_v to_o this_o apostasy_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o life_n immediate_o after_o their_o creation_n before_o they_o can_v increase_v and_o confirm_v their_o holiness_n by_o observation_n and_o holy_a experience_n by_o the_o which_o mean_n we_o be_v to_o think_v that_o even_o the_o holy_a angel_n themselves_o which_o do_v continual_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n have_v since_o their_o first_o creation_n continual_o increase_v their_o holiness_n and_o so_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n further_o from_o fall_v and_o sin_v against_o god_n than_o they_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n be_v uphold_v in_o all_o temptation_n suggest_v either_o by_o their_o own_o thought_n or_o by_o the_o wicked_a angel_n although_o by_o the_o supernatural_a grace_n of_o god_n yet_o not_o without_o the_o mean_n of_o this_o natural_a increase_n of_o their_o create_a holiness_n again_o this_o increase_n of_o holiness_n have_v place_n as_o in_o particular_a man_n so_o also_o general_o in_o the_o age_n of_o this_o innocent_a state_n for_o as_o in_o this_o sinful_a estate_n wherein_o we_o live_v the_o latter_a age_n be_v more_o sinful_a than_o the_o former_a because_o they_o partake_v the_o sin_n of_o all_o the_o former_a age_n so_o if_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n have_v continue_v the_o latter_a age_n be_v teach_v by_o the_o first_o will_v have_v exceed_v they_o in_o knowledge_n &_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o holiness_n last_o this_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o we_o do_v not_o here_o speak_v of_o that_o increase_n of_o holiness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o childhood_n of_o man_n in_o his_o innocency_n during_o which_o time_n he_o do_v grow_v both_o in_o stature_n of_o body_n &_o in_o holiness_n of_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n do_v in_o his_o innocency_n &_o infancy_n luke_n 2._o 25._o 25._o but_o of_o the_o progress_n in_o holiness_n after_o that_o he_o be_v come_v to_o ripeness_n of_o age_n &_o the_o ordinary_a state_n measure_n and_o degree_n of_o holiness_n to_o wit_n that_o wherein_o adam_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o man_n of_o this_o innocent_a generation_n be_v create_v chap._n 3._o of_o the_o natural_a decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o change_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o sinful_a state_n of_o man_n the_o which_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o all_o state_n ought_v not_o in_o constancy_n to_o excel_v all_o other_o first_o of_o the_o decrease_n then_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o decrease_n of_o sin_n we_o mean_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o relic_n of_o god_n image_n and_o so_o consequent_o the_o decrease_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o as_o namely_o when_o as_o the_o light_n and_o knowledge_n remain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n after_o his_o fall_n be_v by_o any_o mean_v increase_v and_o so_o the_o contrary_a blindness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o part_n expel_v this_o decrease_n may_v happen_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o man_n sinfulness_n for_o by_o it_o the_o dulness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o perverseness_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o wickedness_n of_o life_n in_o outward_a action_n may_v be_v diminish_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o point_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o we_o set_v down_o what_o be_v the_o natural_a state_n and_o degree_n of_o sinfulness_n the_o which_o be_v sometime_o diminish_v and_o sometime_o augment_v in_o man_n that_o by_o the_o mediocrity_n the_o extreme_n may_v be_v know_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o give_v any_o real_a example_n of_o it_o sinfulness_n because_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v in_o continual_a motion_n be_v always_o either_o under_o or_o above_o this_o state_n of_o sinfulness_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v describe_v after_o this_o manner_n suppose_v a_o man_n of_o ripe_a year_n of_o a_o soft_a and_o simple_a disposition_n the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o man_n who_o body_n be_v of_o some_o cold_a complexion_n for_o hot_a and_o fiery_a nature_n have_v strong_a quick_a vehement_a and_o unconstant_a motion_n able_a to_o change_v themselves_o without_o any_o outward_a mean_n and_o therefore_o do_v always_o run_v into_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o extreme_a have_v live_v in_o some_o solitary_a place_n not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o fashion_n corruption_n and_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n not_o have_v give_v himself_o either_o to_o continual_a meditation_n or_o be_v instruct_v by_o other_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n look_v what_o measure_n of_o sinfulness_n be_v in_o this_o man_n the_o same_z or_o there_o about_o be_v the_o natural_a sinfulness_n which_o all_o man_n take_v from_o adam_n and_o bring_v with_o they_o out_o of_o their_o mother_n womb_n into_o the_o world_n again_o suppose_v or_o rather_o behold_v with_o your_o eye_n for_o the_o live_a example_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o sin_n be_v infinite_a one_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o company_n of_o lewd_a and_o wicked_a man_n and_o endue_v with_o wit_n beauty_n strength_n of_o nature_n riches_n
suspect_v to_o be_v uneffectual_a this_o the_o apostle_n do_v plain_o testify_v 19_o 1._o cor._n 11._o 19_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n that_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o be_v god_n do_v suffer_v schism_n and_o division_n to_o be_v among_o you_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o may_v appear_v who_o holiness_n be_v sound_o and_o who_o be_v hypocritical_a or_o at_o the_o least_o light_n and_o ineffectual_a second_o man_n true_o regenerate_v receive_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o particular_a grace_n as_o of_o faith_n love_n and_o patience_n than_o the_o other_o do_v yea_o they_o do_v daily_o increase_v in_o grace_n whereas_o the_o other_o do_v common_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n never_o attain_v to_o any_o great_a measure_n of_o godliness_n but_o abide_v in_o a_o certain_a indifferent_a kind_n of_o mediocrity_n be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a beside_o true_a grace_n be_v fruitful_a but_o the_o shadow_n be_v barren_a either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n as_o the_o faith_n of_o these_o man_n do_v not_o work_n and_o show_v forth_o itself_o by_o love_n their_o love_n be_v without_o work_n of_o compassion_n and_o christian_a communion_n their_o good_a work_n without_o alacrity_n last_o the_o shadow_n of_o regeneration_n do_v often_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o be_v turn_v into_o mere_a atheism_n and_o want_v of_o all_o religion_n but_o true_a regeneration_n can_v never_o whole_o decay_v as_o math._n 3._o 20._o some_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n 20._o and_o afterward_o fall_v away_o 5._o and_o heb._n 6._o 4._o 5_o we_o read_v of_o those_o who_o be_v once_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v afterwards_o fall_v away_o from_o christ_n yea_o while_o they_o do_v retain_v this_o resemblance_n of_o true_a sanctification_n they_o be_v not_o constant_a but_o variable_a in_o do_v good_a jam._n 1._o 8._o 8._o a_o double_a mind_a man_n be_v unconstant_a in_o all_o his_o way_n that_o be_v a_o man_n half_o carnal_a and_o half_o regenerate_v do_v not_o keep_v throughout_o the_o course_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n a_o constant_a tenor_n of_o godliness_n but_o often_o change_v his_o mind_n opinion_n affection_n and_o practice_v by_o these_o and_o such_o other_o note_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o daily_a experience_n this_o shadow_n of_o holiness_n may_v be_v discern_v from_o the_o truth_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o peremptore_o to_o judge_v or_o rash_o to_o condemn_v any_o man_n for_o there_o may_v be_v find_v even_o in_o man_n true_o regenerate_v many_o want_n error_n sin_n and_o alteration_n as_o afterward_o will_v appear_v therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v the_o best_a where_o we_o see_v any_o likelihood_n of_o good_a and_o where_o there_o be_v none_o to_o hope_v for_o better_a in_o time_n to_o come_v and_o so_o leave_v other_o man_n to_o god_n judgement_n to_o censure_v our_o own_o profession_n and_o regeneration_n by_o these_o rule_n yet_o it_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o needful_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n right_a from_o wrong_n good_a from_o evil_n the_o shadow_n from_o the_o body_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o brethren_n the_o which_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o mark_v and_o consider_v to_o try_v and_o think_v of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o in_o judge_v and_o speak_v to_o use_v great_a moderation_n and_o wisdom_n chap._n v._n of_o the_o particular_n in_o this_o supernatural_a decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n the_o first_o and_o most_o usual_a part_n of_o this_o supernatural_a decrease_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n whereby_o a_o carnal_a man_n who_o before_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n either_o of_o the_o law_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v to_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o both_o to_o believe_v the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o have_v a_o sight_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o sin_n to_o see_v sin_n be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o sinful_a in_o nature_n in_o soul_n &_o body_n in_o life_n and_o action_n as_o indeed_o he_o be_v to_o feel_v sin_n be_v to_o know_v that_o for_o his_o sin_n he_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v eternal_a death_n this_o first_o part_n of_o illumination_n be_v far_o more_o easy_o &_o often_o wrought_v in_o a_o natural_a man_n than_o be_v the_o other_o because_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n man_n have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o the_o righteous_a be_v to_o be_v reward_v as_o the_o wicked_a be_v tobe_n punish_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o make_v this_o first_o step_n in_o this_o shadow_n of_o regeneration_n and_o go_v no_o further_o thus_o cain_n and_o judas_n with_o many_o other_o do_v see_v their_o sin_n &_o the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o it_o but_o yet_o have_v no_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o second_o part_n of_o illumination_n be_v sinfulness_n to_o think_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v true_a namely_o that_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a glory_n be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n 4._o heb._n 6._o 4._o this_o knowledge_n god_n work_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o word_n in_o many_o reprobate_n 13._o act._n 8._o 13._o simon_n magus_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v of_o who_o reprobation_n although_o we_o can_v affirm_v nothing_o because_o the_o apostle_n doubt_v of_o it_o vers._n 22._o yet_o it_o be_v plain_o out_o of_o the_o 21._o verse_n that_o he_o be_v not_o as_o then_o true_o regenerate_v yea_o many_o carnal_a man_n attain_v to_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n that_o there_o be_v no_o point_n or_o head_n of_o christian_n religion_n which_o they_o do_v not_o in_o some_o sort_n conceive_v understand_v and_o believe_v although_o not_o full_o for_o that_o be_v impossible_a yet_o so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n in_o lay_v open_a plain_o and_o evident_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o hearer_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o resolve_v all_o doubt_n controversy_n question_n objection_n and_o argument_n which_o be_v move_v about_o anypoint_n of_o doctrine_n thus_o do_v the_o teacher_n at_o corinth_n of_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o cor._n 13._o 2._o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n 2._o and_o know_v all_o secret_n and_o knowledge_n and_o have_v not_o love_n i_o be_v nothing_o so_o math_n 7._o 22._o 22._o prophecy_n in_o christ_n name_n who_o he_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v as_o he_o this_o knowledge_n be_v common_o call_v a_o historical_a faith_n a_o gift_n common_a to_o the_o elect_a and_o the_o reprobate_n yet_o not_o so_o common_a as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v yea_o in_o truth_n more_o rare_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a multitud_n of_o professor_n and_o christian_n than_o it_o be_v common_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o small_a number_n of_o true_a believer_n for_o to_o let_v pass_v those_o who_o know_v nothing_o of_o religion_n we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o all_o they_o who_o be_v learn_v and_o as_o we_o say_v great_a clerk_n in_o divinity_n and_o profound_a schoolman_n do_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o judgment_n hold_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a yea_o it_o appear_v plain_o in_o the_o example_n of_o judas_n who_o although_o he_o do_v preach_v the_o gospel_n with_o his_o tongue_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o himself_o as_o christ_n witness_v joh._n 6._o 64_o 64._o that_o many_o do_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v other_o that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o they_o themselves_o think_v to_o be_v false_a and_o no_o marvel_n for_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v easy_a and_o common_a for_o a_o natural_a man_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o natural_a reason_n 12_o we_o se_z joh._n 3._o 12_o that_o christ_n can_v not_o or_o rather_o do_v not_o make_v nicodemus_n a_o teacher_n in_o israel_n believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o so_o we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o many_o otherwise_o learned_a think_v that_o it_o be_v no_o such_o supernatural_a work_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v by_o natural_a mean_n likewise_o how_o many_o think_v we_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o this_o world_n shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a world_n wherein_o the_o body_n of_o man_n which_o be_v consume_v to_o nothing_o many_o thousand_o year_n before_o be_v raise_v up_o &_o live_v for_o ever_o but_o to_o proceed_v of_o the_o decrease_n of_o ignorance_n come_v the_o decrease_n of_o infidelity_n for_o as_o
the_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v so_o often_o be_v the_o heart_n affect_v by_o the_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a knowledge_n do_v often_o spring_v in_o unregenerate_a man_n a_o kind_n of_o faith_n common_o call_v temporary_a because_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v lose_v in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o be_v to_o be_v discern_v from_o effectual_a and_o true_a faith_n by_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o for_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v what_o life_n and_o virtue_n be_v in_o the_o root_n of_o a_o tree_n which_o lie_v hide_v in_o the_o ground_n but_o by_o the_o branch_n leaf_n and_o fruit_n which_o it_o send_v forth_o so_o faith_n which_o be_v hide_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v be_v try_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n the_o fruit_n of_o true_a faith_n be_v all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n all_o good_a and_o holy_a action_n the_o which_o it_o send_v forth_o plentiful_o and_o so_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o great_a train_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v know_v but_o this_o temporary_a faith_n be_v naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o these_o thing_n either_o whole_o or_o in_o great_a part_n as_o have_v be_v say_v of_o this_o shadow_n of_o regeneration_n in_o the_o former_a chapter_n but_o that_o which_o be_v doubtful_a whilst_o this_o say_v stand_v be_v in_o time_n make_v manifest_a when_o as_o the_o final_a and_o total_a decay_n of_o it_o do_v show_v what_o manner_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v for_o true_a faith_n abide_v for_o ever_o but_o this_o temporary_a faith_n may_v be_v lose_v by_o many_o mean_n as_o first_o by_o heavy_a cross_n and_o affliction_n whereby_o it_o please_v god_n to_o try_v his_o servant_n as_o the_o pure_a gold_n be_v sever_v from_o the_o dross_n by_o the_o fire_n 7_o 1._o pet._n 1._o 7._o rejoice_v in_o your_o manifold_a temptation_n that_o your_o faith_n be_v try_v may_v be_v find_v to_o be_v sound_a but_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o believer_n christ_n say_v math._n 13._o 21._o 21._o that_o their_o faith_n dure_v for_o a_o season_n but_o have_v no_o deep_a root_n it_o fail_v when_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n come_v true_a faith_n say_v although_o god_n shall_v kill_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o but_o this_o light_a faith_n be_v clean_o dismay_v and_o even_o nip_v in_o the_o head_n in_o time_n of_o any_o great_a misery_n likewise_o it_o be_v lose_v by_o the_o force_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o worldly_a pleasure_n which_o make_v man_n to_o forget_v god_n and_o all_o the_o affiance_n which_o they_o have_v in_o he_o and_o so_o seek_v for_o happiness_n in_o this_o present_a world_n even_o as_o the_o natural_a life_n of_o man_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n be_v sometime_o keep_v down_o with_o extreme_a sorrow_n &_o sometime_o dissolve_v with_o excesive_a joy_n 1._o tim._n 5._o 11._o 12._o young_a widow_n will_v wax_v wanton_a against_o christ_n 12._o have_v damnation_n because_o they_o have_v make_v void_a their_o first_o faith_n by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o who_o in_o their_o young_a year_n have_v have_v notable_a grace_n in_o they_o become_v in_o process_n of_o time_n key_n cold_a in_o religion_n mere_a worldling_n and_o clean_a void_a of_o all_o faith_n for_o the_o long_a that_o a_o man_n live_v the_o more_o he_o feel_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o lay_v fast_o hold_n on_o they_o decrease_v in_o faith_n till_o it_o be_v utter_o lose_v as_o appear_v in_o many_o of_o the_o king_n of_o juda_n who_o be_v at_o the_o first_o sincere_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n fall_v away_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o decrease_n of_o infidelity_n from_o the_o which_o there_o come_v a_o decrease_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o man_n sinfulness_n and_o a_o resemblance_n of_o all_o that_o holiness_n which_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n for_o the_o carnal_a man_n have_v this_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n of_o god_n do_v serve_v and_o worship_v he_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n and_o that_o with_o gladness_n by_o pray_v unto_o god_n and_o by_o all_o other_o mean_n likewise_o he_o obey_v god_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n he_o forsake_v his_o sin_n and_o be_v humble_v with_o sorrow_n in_o regard_n of_o they_o he_o live_v unblamable_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n yea_o and_o may_v be_v indeed_o just_a upright_o honest_a in_o all_o his_o deal_n and_o final_o do_v in_o every_o respect_n resemble_v the_o true_a believer_n and_o yet_o the_o one_o be_v true_o renew_v unto_o eternal_a life_n the_o other_o be_v but_o light_o affect_v and_o change_v and_o that_o to_o his_o great_a condemnation_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a increase_n of_o sinfullnesse_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o sin_n the_o which_o be_v as_o natural_a to_o man_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o smoke_n to_o fly_v upward_o may_v be_v more_o common_o find_v and_o more_o evident_o see_v than_o the_o decrease_n of_o it_o but_o the_o more_o that_o it_o be_v know_v of_o itself_o the_o less_o explication_n it_o need_v and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o declare_v it_o brief_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o increase_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o diminish_n of_o the_o relic_n of_o god_n image_n in_o man_n or_o thus_o to_o increase_v natural_a sinfulness_n be_v to_o be_v sinful_a against_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n sinfulness_n for_o beside_o that_o man_n from_o his_o first_o infancy_n as_o he_o grow_v up_o in_o strength_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n do_v also_o grow_v in_o sinfulness_n till_o he_o come_v to_o the_o state_n and_o ripeness_n of_o it_o which_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o second_o section_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o part_n there_o be_v a_o other_o increase_n of_o sin_n whereby_o man_n go_v yet_o further_o and_o so_o exceed_v himself_o and_o his_o natural_a corruption_n this_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v set_v down_o at_o large_a 1._o rom._n 1._o from_o the_o 18._o verse_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n show_v first_o the_o increase_n of_o sin_n against_o the_o first_o table_n of_o the_o law_n in_o that_o the_o gentiles_n do_v worship_n god_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n or_o of_o bruit_n beast_n whereas_o man_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n shine_v in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n see_v that_o god_n be_v of_o a_o far_o more_o excellent_a powerful_a and_o wonderful_a nature_n than_o be_v man_n or_o any_o other_o creature_n then_o from_o the_o 24._o verse_n to_o the_o end_n he_o show_v the_o increase_n of_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o table_n in_o that_o they_o be_v give_v to_o unnatural_a lust_n to_o the_o violate_v of_o all_o common_a equity_n truth_n and_o honesty_n in_o lie_v break_v covenante_n in_o commit_v horrible_a murder_n in_o want_v all_o natural_a love_n and_o affection_n to_o their_o parent_n and_o kinsfolk_n in_o be_v cruel_a merciless_a and_o savage_a even_o as_o be_v bruit_n beast_n and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o in_o be_v profess_a inventor_n of_o new_a sin_n and_o open_a maintainer_n of_o wicked_a and_o lewd_a man_n in_o this_o catalogue_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o sin_n against_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o nature_n the_o apostle_n insert_v one_o sin_n of_o the_o first_o table_n to_o wit_n that_o many_o of_o the_o gentiles_n become_v hater_n of_o god_n whereas_o man_n natural_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o devout_a love_n unto_o his_o god_n for_o so_o we_o be_v to_o distinguishe_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n from_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o wicked_a angel_n as_o in_o other_o respect_n so_o also_o in_o this_o that_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o natural_a strength_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o they_o fall_v from_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n into_o the_o contrary_a extremity_n of_o sin_n be_v now_o so_o far_o from_o love_a god_n as_o they_o do_v before_o that_o they_o bear_v a_o most_o desperate_a and_o extreme_a hatred_n unto_o he_o as_o to_o their_o deadly_a enemy_n desire_v and_o endevor_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o hurt_v and_o despite_n he_o by_o obscure_v his_o glory_n whereas_o man_n natural_o and_o common_o have_v a_o blind_a affection_n towards_o god_n desire_v both_o to_o worship_n and_o to_o honour_v he_o if_o we_o desire_v example_n of_o this_o increase_n of_o sin_n although_o it_o have_v not_o place_n in_o all_o unregenerate_a man_n of_o who_o some_o do_v diminish_v their_o sinfulness_n by_o mean_n either_o of_o natural_a or_o of_o spiritual_a gift_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v and_o far_o mo_z doe_n so_o restrain_v it_o that_o it_o can_v increase_v in_o the_o which_o rank_n all_o
man_n outward_o and_o civil_o honest_a may_v be_v reckon_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o age_n country_n or_o story_n which_o do_v not_o aford_v many_o example_n of_o man_n who_o have_v exceed_v in_o impiety_n against_o god_n and_o in_o injustice_n toward_o man_n and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o wicked_a behaviour_n the_o ordinary_a and_o common_a sort_n of_o sinful_a man_n by_o many_o degree_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o increase_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o crooked_a and_o corrupt_a disposition_n of_o man_n will_n which_o be_v whole_o bend_v and_o set_v upon_o sin_n and_o do_v so_o greedy_o and_o insatiable_o pursue_v after_o it_o as_o that_o unless_o it_o be_v restrain_v by_o some_o mean_n it_o can_v not_o rest_v till_o it_o come_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n it_o employ_v all_o the_o part_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n yea_o all_o inward_a and_o outward_a blessing_n what_o soever_o it_o make_v the_o mind_n devise_v new_a way_n of_o commit_v sin_n new_a excuse_n pretence_n colour_n and_o defence_n for_o it_o be_v commit_v so_o that_o the_o great_a gift_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o of_o body_n that_o a_o man_n have_v ceave_v the_o fit_a instrument_n have_v his_o will_n and_o his_o corrupt_a desire_n to_o increase_v sin_n here_o of_o it_o come_v that_o not_o idiot_n simple_a and_o unlearned_a man_n not_o the_o weak_a in_o body_n or_o the_o base_a in_o condition_n not_o the_o poor_a nor_o the_o young_a but_o the_o most_o witty_a learned_a strong_a noble_a rich_a age_a be_v these_o notorious_a wicked_a one_o the_o most_o horrible_a monster_n in_o all_o outrage_n of_o sin_n which_o any_o story_n do_v mention_n be_v great_a emperor_n and_o mighty_a man_n as_o nero_n caligula_n and_o such_o other_o and_o who_o be_v so_o wretched_a covetous_a worldly_a so_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a in_o ignorance_n superstition_n infidelity_n yea_o in_o hatred_n of_o all_o goodness_n as_o be_v they_o who_o by_o year_n have_v get_v wisdom_n experience_n riches_n and_o honour_n so_o that_o we_o may_v easy_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o cor._n 1._o 26_o not_o many_o noble_a 26._o wise_a scotfree_a or_o great_a man_n be_v call_v to_o the_o sincere_a obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o sin_n do_v more_o abound_v in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n than_o it_o do_v in_o old_a time_n wherein_o man_n be_v more_o rude_a simple_a and_o ignorant_a than_o child_n be_v in_o these_o day_n who_o be_v so_o soon_o ripe_a and_o expert_a in_o all_o wickedness_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v perfect_a man_n not_o weak_a infant_n and_o no_o marvel_n sin●fulnesse_n see_v that_o this_o last_o age_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a sink_n wherein_o all_o the_o sin_n error_n heresy_n superstition_n all_o the_o shift_n craft_n deceit_n yea_o all_o the_o wicked_a invention_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o therefore_o it_o bring_v forth_o so_o great_a multitude_n of_o expert_a practitioner_n in_o sin_n who_o beside_o that_o which_o their_o own_o invention_n do_v afford_v be_v furnish_v with_o the_o example_n &_o try_a experiment_n of_o all_o age_n this_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v 12._o math._n 24._o 12._o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v in_o the_o latter_a time_n the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a 1._o 2._o tim._n 3._o 1._o this_o know_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v come_v perilous_a time_n for_o man_n be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a proud_a curse_a speaker_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n unthankful_a unholy_a without_o natural_a affection_n truce_n breaker_n false_a accuser_n intemperate_a fierce_a have_v no_o love_n to_o those_o who_o be_v good_a traitor_n heady_a high_a mind_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o of_o god_n have_v a_o show_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 3_o and_o again_o 2._o pet._n 3._o 3_o this_o first_o understand_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n shall_v come_v mocker_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n in_o these_o and_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v foretell_v sin●●llnesse_n and_o even_o paint_v out_o the_o great_a corruption_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o these_o day_n that_o we_o may_v beware_v lest_o that_o we_o be_v draw_v away_o by_o the_o infidelity_n and_o other_o heinous_a sin_n which_o reign_v everywhere_o &_o so_o save_v ourselves_o as_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n from_o this_o froward_a &_o godless_a generation_n wherein_o we_o live_v last_o as_o the_o excellency_n of_o natural_a gift_n and_o outward_a blessing_n be_v abuse_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o the_o excessivenesse_n of_o sin_n not_o of_o itself_o but_o by_o the_o corrupt_a disposition_n of_o our_o nature_n so_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o man_n live_v in_o the_o church_n do_v often_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n work_v the_o same_o effect_n and_o that_o in_o far_o great_a measure_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o among_o heathen_a man_n they_o who_o be_v of_o small_a wit_n capacity_n knowledge_n strength_n and_o riches_n shall_v be_v wicked_a in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n as_o they_o who_o excel_v in_o the_o foresay_a respect_n so_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v some_o of_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o sin_n as_o they_o in_o who_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o work_v that_o shadow_n of_o regeneration_n which_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o none_o can_v fall_v into_o that_o extreme_a impiety_n which_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o sin_n even_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n call_v in_o scripture_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o can_v never_o be_v forgive_v but_o they_o who_o do_v sometime_o before_o receive_v grace_n from_o god_n 5._o to_o see_v love_n and_o obey_v the_o truth_n heb._n 6._o 5._o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o who_o be_v once_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o they_o fall_v namely_o into_o this_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o open_a wilful_a and_o desperate_a hatred_n of_o god_n of_o his_o glory_n of_o his_o religion_n of_o his_o feruant_n and_o of_o all_o good_a thing_n as_o many_o of_o the_o hebrew_n do_v to_o who_o this_o be_v write_v shall_v be_v renew_v by_o repentance_n this_o excellency_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n abuse_v be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o wicked_a angel_n fall_v into_o that_o extremity_n of_o sin_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o man_n in_o who_o this_o sin_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o monstrous_a hugeness_n of_o it_o be_v rare_a and_o happen_v not_o but_o in_o those_o who_o for_o their_o cruel_a spiteful_a desperate_a and_o malicious_a hatred_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o godly_a be_v rather_o to_o be_v count_v devil_n incarnate_a then_o reasonable_a man_n for_o it_o be_v hear_v for_o a_o christian_n who_o have_v once_o know_v god_n to_o cast_v away_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o shame_n of_o man_n and_o for_o to_o burst_v forth_o into_o such_o outrage_n yet_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o for_o nought_o teach_v we_o it_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v although_o seldom_o yet_o often_o than_o it_o be_v well_o mark_v sincereness_n this_o increase_n of_o sin_n call_v supernatural_a because_o it_o can_v happen_v but_o in_o a_o man_n after_o a_o sort_n regenerate_v be_v teach_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n which_o return_v to_o the_o place_n out_o of_o the_o which_o he_o be_v cast_v go_v not_o alone_o but_o take_v with_o he_o seven_o other_o wicked_a spirit_n every_o one_o worse_a than_o himself_o and_o so_o the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v worse_o that_o be_v far_o more_o sinful_a than_o the_o beginning_n even_o as_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o natural_a thing_n as_o namely_o in_o water_n which_o after_o it_o have_v be_v a_o little_a warm_v become_v more_o cold_a than_o if_o it_o have_v never_o have_v any_o heat_n in_o it_o and_o so_o man_n who_o have_v have_v some_o heat_n of_o religion_n kindle_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o they_o contemn_v and_o abuse_v the_o say_a grace_n become_v more_o wicked_a and_o irreligious_a than_o they_o who_o never_o know_v what_o religion_n mean_v chapter_n vii_o of_o the_o decrease_n of_o renew_a holiness_n although_o the_o faithful_a man_n be_v now_o true_o regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v bold_o boast_v and_o
say_v the_o haven_n be_v find_v then_o farewell_n all_o danger_n and_o haphazard_n holiness_n be_v although_o not_o in_o full_a possession_n of_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n yet_o past_o all_o peradventure_o of_o perish_v here_o on_o earth_n yet_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o such_o fearful_a tempest_n be_v raise_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o sathan_n the_o unrulinesse_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o entismente_n of_o the_o world_n that_o both_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o and_o also_o other_o behold_v they_o do_v not_o without_o cause_n fear_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o good_a conscience_n and_o so_o the_o loss_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o which_o precious_a jewel_n they_o carry_v in_o these_o weak_a vessel_n for_o as_o sometime_o they_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o powerful_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n even_o lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o the_o abundance_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o santification_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v so_o at_o other_o time_n they_o be_v by_o the_o frailty_n of_o the_o flesh_n plunge_v into_o grievous_a sin_n and_o so_o in_o a_o manner_n cast_v down_o into_o hell_n as_o man_n void_a of_o all_o goodness_n this_o come_v to_o pass_v first_o and_o chief_o by_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n withdraw_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o the_o faithful_a man_n and_o so_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o sathan_n and_o his_o own_o flesh_n suffer_v he_o to_o fall_v not_o to_o his_o destruction_n but_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o holiness_n for_o even_o as_o a_o man_n by_o his_o intemperance_n or_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o misgovern_v his_o body_n fall_v into_o some_o dangerous_a sickness_n have_v after_o his_o recovery_n more_o perfect_a health_n &_o great_a strength_n than_o he_o have_v before_o his_o sickness_n because_o he_o be_v now_o school_v &_o teach_v by_o woeful_a experience_n to_o know_v his_o own_o strength_n which_o he_o see_v now_o to_o be_v but_o weakness_n whereof_o he_o do_v presume_v so_o much_o be_v fore_o and_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o force_n either_o to_o preserve_v or_o to_o impair_v his_o health_n and_o so_o to_o be_v careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o use_v the_o one_o &_o wary_a in_o avoid_v the_o other_o so_o fare_v it_o with_o a_o christian_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o spiritual_a health_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o he_o be_v now_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n raise_v up_o from_o some_o grievous_a fall_n receive_v a_o great_a increase_n of_o holiness_n and_o of_o spiritual_a grace_n he_o see_v his_o own_o weakness_n how_o unable_a he_o be_v of_o himself_o to_o resist_v temptation_n or_o the_o corrupt_a motion_n of_o his_o own_o flesh_n and_o so_o he_o be_v humble_v both_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o brethren_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n much_o esteem_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n further_n he_o become_v more_o careful_a in_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n and_o provocation_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o use_v all_o holy_a exercise_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o pray_v and_o all_o other_o mean_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v in_o holiness_n hence_o be_v be_v that_o this_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n common_a to_o all_o the_o faithful_a although_o not_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n for_o so_o it_o please_v god_n to_o leave_v they_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o sathan_n that_o so_o he_o may_v both_o see_v what_o be_v in_o they_o 31._o as_o he_o do_v to_o ezechias_n 2._o chro._n 32._o 31._o and_o also_o show_v to_o they_o their_o great_a weakness_n the_o mean_n of_o this_o decrease_n be_v the_o crafty_a maliciousness_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n who_o go_v about_o continual_o seek_v which_o of_o the_o faithful_a he_o may_v most_o hurt_v use_v all_o that_o liberty_n which_o god_n grant_v unto_o he_o &_o employ_v his_o whole_a time_n about_o no_o other_o business_n but_o in_o put_v evil_a motion_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o man_n and_o in_o cast_v bait_n before_o their_o eye_n and_o other_o sense_n wherewith_o to_o catch_v they_o second_o this_o decrease_n come_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n which_o remain_v in_o the_o faithful_a as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o which_o do_v continual_o send_v forth_o some_o sin_n or_o other_o even_o as_o the_o root_n of_o a_o tree_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o ground_n will_v sprout_v forth_o although_o the_o body_n of_o the_o tree_n be_v cut_v down_o hither_o we_o be_v to_o refer_v the_o manifold_a occasion_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n which_o do_v offer_v themselves_o in_o the_o course_n of_o manslife_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o there_o happen_v to_o a_o christian_a manifold_a change_n and_o decrease_v of_o godliness_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v wound_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o malicious_a enemy_n that_o he_o be_v scorch_v who_o be_v force_v to_o carry_v fire_n in_o his_o bosom_n or_o last_o that_o he_o be_v defile_v who_o be_v always_o among_o vessel_n full_a of_o pitch_n but_o to_o declare_v this_o doctrine_n more_o particular_o as_o the_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o do_v require_v in_o that_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o decrease_n of_o renew_a holiness_n we_o suppose_v a_o certain_a state_n and_o ripeness_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o christian_n and_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o most_o of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v true_o regenerate_v which_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n proceed_v from_o a_o sanctify_a soul_n be_v endue_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n with_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o part_n of_o holiness_n which_o have_v be_v describe_v in_o the_o third_o section_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n this_o state_n may_v be_v call_v the_o ripe_a age_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o as_o he_o do_v from_o his_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n whereof_o hereafter_o grow_v up_o till_o he_o come_v to_o a_o ripe_a man_n in_o christ_n so_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o this_o state_n he_o do_v not_o there_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o settle_a estate_n in_o this_o life_n either_o of_o holiness_n or_o of_o sin_n but_o sometime_o grow_v on_o to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o perfection_n whereof_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n or_o else_o he_o decrease_v in_o holiness_n and_o so_o grow_v backward_o even_o as_o we_o see_v it_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o body_n of_o man_n which_o be_v come_v to_o their_o ripnes_n do_v daily_o decrease_v in_o strength_n and_o vigour_n till_o at_o the_o length_n they_o become_v as_o weak_a &_o impotent_a as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o first_o infancy_n this_o decrease_n be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o diverse_a kind_n of_o it_o which_o be_v two_o particular_a and_o general_n particular_a decrease_n be_v when_o as_o some_o one_o part_n of_o holiness_n be_v lose_v the_o other_o remain_v for_o although_o no_o one_o part_n of_o holiness_n can_v be_v want_v but_o the_o whole_a soul_n of_o man_n be_v the_o worse_a in_o that_o respect_n as_o we_o know_v that_o if_o any_o one_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v bruise_v or_o maim_v all_o the_o rest_n do_v suffer_v with_o it_o yet_o one_o part_n either_o of_o body_n or_o soul_n may_v be_v out_o of_o order_n the_o whole_a be_v in_o the_o natural_a disposition_n this_o particular_a decrease_n have_v many_o degree_n the_o first_o be_v when_o as_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o man_n regenerate_v do_v fail_v in_o some_o outward_a action_n by_o give_v place_n unto_o some_o evident_a and_o palpable_a sin_n for_o as_o for_o light_n &_o small_a offence_n commit_v in_o thought_n inword_n and_o in_o some_o kind_n of_o deed_n these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v any_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n because_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o will_v always_o be_v find_v even_o in_o they_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n but_o great_a sin_n such_o as_o be_v murder_n adultery_n theft_n perjury_n or_o any_o other_o of_o that_o sort_n be_v seldom_o find_v in_o man_n true_o regenerate_v and_o be_v find_v they_o do_v impair_v the_o outward_a holiness_n of_o their_o life_n for_o no_o man_n do_v account_v that_o life_n so_o holy_a wherein_o gross_a sin_n be_v sometime_o find_v as_o that_o which_o be_v without_o spot_n of_o grievous_a sin_n this_o decrease_n do_v often_o happen_v to_o the_o faithful_a as_o we_o know_v peter_n sin_v by_o deny_v christ_n david_n by_o commit_v adultery_n and_o murder_n noah_n in_o drunkenness_n lot_n in_o incestand_v many_o other_o in_o other_o kind_n of_o
sin_n be_v thereto_o carry_v by_o the_o force_n of_o temptation_n as_o in_o a_o great_a tempest_n by_o a_o mighty_a gale_n of_o wind_n before_o they_o can_v be_v think_v themselves_o what_o they_o be_v about_o to_o do_v or_o what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o it_o whereof_o it_o come_v that_o this_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n stay_v itself_o in_o one_o or_o a_o few_o action_n do_v not_o necessary_o argue_v any_o inward_a want_n of_o the_o contrary_a grace_n or_o any_o inward_a decrease_n of_o holiness_n either_o go_v before_o or_o follow_v after_o because_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v into_o it_o as_o of_o a_o sudden_a before_o he_o be_v aware_a and_o immediate_o recover_v his_o former_a station_n by_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_n either_o david_n void_a of_o continency_n for_o that_o adultery_n commit_v with_o berseba_n or_o peter_n to_o have_v want_v faith_n because_o he_o do_v at_o one_o time_n renounce_v the_o faith_n or_o noah_n to_o have_v be_v a_o intemperate_a person_n because_o he_o be_v once_o drink_v no_o more_o than_o we_o be_v to_o think_v he_o a_o weak_a man_n who_o stumble_v by_o chance_n at_o a_o block_n lie_v in_o his_o way_n and_o yet_o do_v straight_o way_n save_o himself_o from_o fall_v yea_o sudden_a sin_n may_v be_v with_o great_a grace_n than_o they_o have_v who_o be_v free_a from_o the_o aforesaid_a sin_n of_o noah_n lot_n david_n peter_n be_v far_o inferior_a in_o holiness_n to_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o seruamt_n of_o god_n to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a and_o free_a as_o from_o the_o least_o and_o most_o secret_a sin_n so_o especial_o from_o open_a &_o gross_a sin_n and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o by_o they_o they_o dishonour_v god_n his_o religion_n worship_n and_o name_n open_v the_o mouth_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n to_o blaspheme_v his_o holy_a name_n the_o which_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o grievous_a and_o bitter_a unto_o they_o then_o a_o thousand_o death_n and_o torment_n second_o they_o provoke_v god_n to_o lay_v some_o fearful_a punishment_n upon_o they_o who_o howsoever_o he_o suffer_v the_o reprobate_a one_o to_o go_v on_o all_o their_o life_n time_n in_o sin_n yet_o he_o never_o suffer_v any_o notorious_a sin_n of_o his_o servant_n to_o go_v unpunished_a three_o they_o wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o god_n heavy_a iudgmente_n holiness_n they_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n against_o who_o will_n they_o commite_v that_o sin_n they_o offend_v their_o brethren_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v if_o not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o that_o special_a grace_n wherewith_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v restrain_v from_o sin_n yet_o but_o weak_a christian_n in_o that_o respect_n as_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o judge_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o peter_n the_o continency_n of_o david_n the_o temperance_n of_o noah_n be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o fall_n but_o weak_a howsoever_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o other_o grace_n last_o one_o heinous_a sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v because_o usual_o it_o draw_v more_o after_o it_o for_o when_o as_o a_o man_n have_v once_o take_v a_o taste_n of_o sin_n and_o feel_v the_o sensual_a sweetness_n of_o it_o he_o be_v far_o more_o easy_o draw_v to_o it_o than_o he_o be_v before_o and_o so_o he_o go_v from_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o the_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n to_o the_o second_o namely_o to_o a_o habit_n of_o some_o one_o sin_n or_o the_o want_n of_o some_o particular_a grace_n the_o which_o appear_v by_o the_o often_o commit_v and_o iterate_v of_o the_o same_o sin_n yea_o after_o that_o the_o faithful_a man_n have_v often_o by_o repentance_n labour_v to_o purge_v himself_o from_o that_o sin_n and_o by_o prayer_n to_o obtain_v the_o contrary_a grace_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n this_o decrease_n also_o have_v sometime_o place_n in_o a_o man_n true_o regenerate_v especial_o in_o that_o kind_n of_o sin_n whereunto_o he_o be_v either_o by_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o his_o body_n and_o mind_n or_o a_o evil_a custom_n get_v before_o his_o conversion_n natural_o incline_v whether_o it_o be_v pride_n anger_n covetousness_n or_o any_o other_o sin_n but_o as_o it_o be_v far_o more_o grievous_a than_o the_o first_o degree_n so_o it_o be_v with_o great_a care_n to_o be_v avoid_v for_o it_o double_v and_o triple_v the_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n the_o offence_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o reproach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o corrosive_a of_o a_o gnaw_a conscience_n and_o last_o it_o make_v a_o ready_a way_n for_o high_a degree_n of_o decrease_n to_o wit_n the_o habit_n of_o diverse_a sin_n the_o want_n of_o many_o particular_a grace_n and_o so_o to_o the_o high_a and_o most_o fearful_a degree_n which_o be_v a_o general_a decrease_n of_o holiness_n which_o be_v now_o brief_o to_o be_v declare_v where_o first_o we_o be_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o general_a and_o a_o total_a decrease_n a_o general_a decrease_n be_v when_o all_o the_o part_n of_o renew_a holiness_n and_o of_o spiritual_a grace_n receive_v be_v diminish_v but_o a_o total_a decrease_n be_v a_o utter_a decay_n of_o holiness_n as_o whereby_o nothing_o be_v leave_v this_o can_v not_o happen_v to_o any_o one_o who_o be_v true_o regenerate_v who_o in_o the_o great_a extremity_n and_o depth_n of_o his_o fall_n retain_v some_o relic_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o of_o grace_n receive_v yea_o somelife_o of_o faith_n whereby_o he_o live_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n howsoever_o he_o be_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n and_o even_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n a_o dead_a rot_a stock_n even_o as_o we_o know_v that_o the_o tree_n have_v heat_n and_o life_n in_o their_o root_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o cold_a and_o sharp_a winter_n yea_o as_o many_o beast_n lie_v all_o the_o winter_n long_o in_o hole_n of_o the_o earth_n without_o eat_v drink_v stir_v or_o have_v any_o jot_n of_o heat_n sense_n or_o life_n in_o any_o of_o their_o outward_a part_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o remnant_n of_o life_n and_o of_o heat_n lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v in_o summer_n stir_v uppe_o do_v revine_a the_o beast_n so_o that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o go_v or_o run_v up_o and_o down_o and_o to_o perform_v all_o natural_a action_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o do_v before_o this_o christ_n do_v plain_o teach_v joh._n 4._o 14._o 14._o saying_n whosoever_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o that_o be_v whosoever_o believe_v in_o i_o as_o it_o be_v expound_v john_n 7._o 38_o shall_v never_o be_v more_o a_o thirst_n 38._o but_o the_o water_n that_o i_o will_v give_v he_o shall_v be_v in_o he_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n 9_o and_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o total_o for_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o fall_v clean_o away_o from_o god_n because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n yet_o a_o man_n regenerate_v may_v decrease_v not_o only_o in_o one_o in_o a_o few_o or_o in_o many_o grace_n but_o also_o general_o in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n this_o decrease_n of_o renew_a holiness_n be_v of_o two_o kind_n for_o as_o of_o bodily_a disease_n some_o begin_v at_o the_o hart_n which_o be_v the_o root_n and_o fountain_n of_o life_n in_o the_o body_n and_o so_o spread_v themselves_o over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n other_o have_v their_o beginning_n in_o some_o outward_a and_o inferior_a part_n and_o pierce_v in_o till_o that_o they_o come_v to_o the_o heart_n so_o of_o these_o general_n decrease_v of_o holiness_n which_o be_v as_o grievous_a disease_n of_o the_o soul_n some_o begin_v at_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o root_n and_o fountain_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o so_o have_v stop_v the_o fountain_n do_v easy_o dry_v up_o the_o stream_n issue_v from_o it_o other_o begin_v at_o the_o mean_a and_o base_a part_n of_o sanctification_n and_o so_o first_o kill_v the_o fruit_n than_o the_o branch_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o tree_n till_o at_o length_n they_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o root_n itself_o both_o these_o way_n do_v sathan_n use_v to_o destroy_v this_o wonderful_a work_n of_o regeneration_n wrought_v in_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o first_o way_n be_v the_o near_a and_o ready_a for_o if_o faith_n once_o fail_v all_o holiness_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n whereas_o faith_n may_v stand_v in_o some_o sort_n although_o most_o of_o the_o