or_o any_o way_n hinder_v set_v ourselves_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n as_o we_o read_v psal._n 119.61_o even_o at_o midnight_n will_v i_o rise_v to_o praise_v thou_o and_o to_o think_v of_o all_o thy_o judgement_n or_o at_o the_o least_o to_o sequester_v ourselves_o in_o the_o day_n time_n from_o the_o company_n of_o other_o as_o we_o read_v gen._n 24.63_o that_o isaac_n in_o the_o evening_n do_v walk_v forth_o into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v and_o pray_v and_o mat._n 14.23_o that_o christ_n when_o his_o time_n of_o prayer_n be_v come_v send_v the_o multitude_n away_o and_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n alone_o to_o pray_v and_o be_v there_o alone_o as_o also_o mark_v 1.35_o that_o very_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o day_n he_o go_v into_o a_o desert_n or_o solitary_a place_n and_o there_o pray_v but_o as_o for_o sudden_a prayer_n he_o do_v often_o perform_v that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o other_o affair_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o other_o even_o of_o the_o whole_a multitude_n thus_o he_o pray_v john_n 11.41_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o work_v in_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o death_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o what_o with_o extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a what_o with_o set_v and_o sudden_a prayer_n the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o continual_a exercise_n of_o pray_v to_o the_o daily_o and_o diligent_a performance_n whereof_o he_o whosoever_o desire_v to_o have_v his_o soul_n in_o good_a estate_n be_v to_o look_v careful_o lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n he_o be_v draw_v away_o and_o become_v negligent_a in_o this_o behalf_n as_o we_o see_v it_o often_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christian_n do_v so_o entangle_v and_o even_o overwhelm_v themselves_o with_o worldly_a care_n and_o affair_n that_o they_o can_v scarce_o spare_v any_o time_n either_o for_o extraordinary_a or_o for_o ordinary_a either_o for_o set_v or_o for_o sudden_a prayer_n yea_o if_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a hindrance_n yet_o the_o slothfulness_n of_o the_o flesh_n unwilling_a of_o itself_o to_o take_v pain_n in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v a_o sufficient_a hindrance_n and_o make_v many_o cold_a negligent_a yea_o &_o at_o length_n altogether_o careless_a of_o this_o duty_n as_o we_o read_v mar._n 14.37_o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o as_o they_o have_v this_o duty_n impose_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o drowsy_a sluggishness_n hinder_v from_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o the_o which_o so_o far_o prevail_v with_o they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o get_v the_o upper_a hand_n of_o it_o no_o not_o when_o they_o be_v sharp_o reprove_v by_o christ_n &_o stir_v up_o to_o prayer_n for_o so_o he_o say_v peter_n sleep_v thou_o can_v thou_o not_o watch_v one_o hour_n watch_z and_o pray_v lest_o you_o fall_v into_o temptation_n the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o therefore_o christ_n speak_v of_o pray_v luc._n 8.1_o add_v this_o caveat_n that_o they_o shall_v pray_v and_o not_o be_v weary_v with_o it_o so_o that_o we_o be_v forewarn_v by_o christ_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n lest_o that_o by_o these_o or_o any_o other_o mean_n we_o be_v either_o altogether_o hinder_v or_o make_v negligent_a in_o this_o exercise_n wherein_o as_o have_v often_o be_v say_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v consist_v as_o no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v if_o we_o consider_v and_o weigh_v the_o unspeakable_a fruit_n and_o comfort_n arise_v of_o it_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v less_o irksome_a or_o more_o pleasant_a to_o a_o christian_a soul_n then_o to_o have_v daily_a company_n conversation_n conference_n and_o talk_n with_o god_n his_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n his_o protector_n and_o mediator_n his_o lord_n and_o his_o god_n the_o fountain_n and_o full_a treasure_n of_o all_o blessing_n the_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_o perform_v then_o that_o which_o procure_v pardon_n for_o all_o sin_n which_o remoove_v all_o evil_n which_o supply_v all_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a want_n which_o increase_v all_o grace_n and_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o sound_n and_o perfect_a health_n even_o as_o bodily_a exercise_n do_v the_o body_n and_o therefore_o as_o man_n feel_v their_o body_n any_o way_n heavy_a distemper_a and_o out_o of_o course_n straightway_o they_o fly_v to_o this_o remedy_n of_o exercise_n not_o doubt_v but_o that_o it_o will_v soon_o put_v it_o away_o so_o whensoever_o we_o feel_v ourselves_o prone_a to_o sin_n and_o untoward_a and_o sluggish_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n if_o we_o give_v ourselves_o to_o this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n &_o stretch_v out_o the_o joint_n of_o our_o soul_n before_o god_n we_o shall_v no_o doubt_n feel_v a_o great_a change_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o that_o now_o they_o be_v light_n and_o able_a to_o lift_v up_o themselves_o to_o heaven_n sect._n 11._o thus_o we_o see_v what_o singular_a force_n and_o virtue_n in_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n have_v and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n who_o according_a to_o his_o gracious_a promise_n grant_v whatsoever_o his_o child_n ask_v by_o prayer_n according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n prayer_n be_v as_o profitable_a for_o the_o body_n as_o for_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o procure_v temporal_a blessing_n as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a grace_n but_o also_o by_o a_o proper_a virtue_n inherent_a in_o itself_o for_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o the_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n in_o pour_v his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n into_o their_o heart_n who_o ask_v it_o by_o hearty_a prayer_n the_o very_a action_n of_o prayer_n do_v although_o not_o merit_n yet_o both_o confirm_v and_o increase_v grace_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o of_o force_n for_o temporal_a blessing_n for_o no_o man_n can_v by_o pray_v enrich_v himself_o only_a it_o procure_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o so_o bring_v riches_n but_o as_o for_o spiritual_a grace_n it_o work_v not_o the_o beginning_n but_o the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o they_o not_o only_o from_o god_n but_o also_o by_o itself_o as_o have_v be_v note_v before_o and_o will_v more_o plain_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o follow_v for_o first_o for_o prayer_n in_o general_a whosoever_o give_v himself_o to_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o it_o he_o do_v of_o necessity_n daily_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o his_o spiritual_a state_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o it_o the_o which_o can_v but_o work_v in_o he_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n for_o as_o the_o careless_a neglect_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n come_v from_o a_o greedy_a seek_n and_o a_o sensual_a enjoy_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n bring_v a_o daily_a decrease_n so_o the_o serious_a and_o continual_a meditation_n of_o they_o bring_v increase_v of_o grace_n the_o which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v watchfulness_n as_o the_o contrary_a neglect_n be_v drowsy_a sleep_a and_o therefore_o these_o two_o be_v usual_o join_v together_o watch_z and_o pray_v as_o mar._n 13.33_o look_v watch_n and_o pray_v and_o math._n 26.41_o watch_n and_o pray_v lest_o you_o fall_v into_o temptation_n that_o be_v give_v yourselves_o to_o prayer_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o your_o own_o estate_n such_o as_o use_v to_o be_v not_o in_o drowsy_a head_n but_o in_o man_n give_v to_o much_o wake_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o may_v be_v strong_a in_o grace_n and_o so_o enable_v to_o resist_v the_o force_n of_o sin_n this_o appear_v more_o evident_o in_o the_o particular_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v make_v a_o full_a and_o plain_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n before_o god_n desire_v he_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o christ_n to_o pardon_v they_o promise_v and_o vow_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o will_v never_o again_o so_o displease_v and_o so_o dishonour_v he_o and_o not_o be_v make_v even_o by_o this_o confession_n far_o off_o from_o commit_v of_o sin_n and_o if_o we_o suppose_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o strong_a in_o he_o and_o do_v so_o much_o prevail_v that_o notwithstanding_o his_o diligent_a pray_v he_o still_o fall_v into_o sin_n yet_o that_o will_v stand_v true_a which_o we_o affirm_v to_o wit_n that_o diligent_a prayer_n and_o the_o commit_n of_o sin_n will_v not_o stand_v other_o for_o if_o prayer_n can_v make_v he_o cease_v from_o sin_v yet_o his_o sin_v will_v make_v he_o leave_v off_o pray_v and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o open_v his_o mouth_n to_o god_n or_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n to_o
a_o small_a time_n become_v weak_a and_o distemper_a yea_o soon_o fall_v into_o sickness_n and_o do_v perish_v so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o soul_n the_o which_o be_v neglect_v but_o a_o little_a there_o will_v a_o decrease_v of_o holiness_n be_v plain_o feel_v yea_o perhaps_o see_v by_o other_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v manifest_a to_o wit_n because_o both_o outward_a occasion_n and_o temptation_n and_o also_o tâ—e_v inward_a corruption_n of_o sin_n never_o cease_v from_o oppugn_v this_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o body_n must_v continual_o be_v repair_v with_o nourishment_n because_o it_o be_v continual_o consume_v by_o our_o natural_a heat_n so_o must_v the_o soul_n by_o a_o good_a diet_n daily_o use_v be_v preserve_v thus_o the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_n exhort_v we_o to_o a_o continual_a use_n of_o all_o spiritual_a exercise_n as_o namely_o of_o prayer_n eph._n 6.18_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o 1._o thess._n 5.16_o rejoice_v evermore_o pray_v continual_o not_o as_o if_o as_o some_o have_v fond_o imagine_v we_o ought_v to_o give_v ourselves_o so_o whole_o to_o spiritual_a exercise_n as_o that_o we_o neglect_v our_o body_n &_o this_o present_a life_n as_o most_o man_n bestow_v all_o their_o time_n care_n and_o labour_n about_o their_o body_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o their_o soul_n for_o as_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n so_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o both_o be_v careful_o preserve_v and_o that_o both_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o present_a life_n we_o labour_v daily_o &_o diligent_o in_o some_o lawful_a call_n &_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o use_v that_o spiritual_a diet_n which_o we_o be_v about_o to_o declare_v yet_o as_o heavenly_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a thing_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a and_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v then_o earthly_a thing_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v great_a care_n of_o the_o one_o then_o of_o the_o other_o and_o so_o to_o frame_v the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o entangle_v ourselves_o in_o no_o mo_z worldly_a duty_n than_o be_v needful_a thus_o the_o apostle_n counsel_v 1._o cor._n 7._o that_o the_o servant_n shall_v not_o neglect_v any_o duty_n which_o his_o master_n enjoin_v he_o under_o pretence_n of_o serve_v god_n but_o yet_o desire_v a_o free_a life_n because_o in_o it_o he_o may_v have_v great_a opportunity_n and_o leisure_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o like_o wise_a that_o we_o shall_v prefer_v a_o single_a life_n before_o marriage_n which_o usual_o bring_v with_o it_o many_o care_n &_o trouble_n according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o who_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o riches_n and_o abundance_n of_o worldly_a thing_n aught_o to_o give_v more_o time_n care_n and_o labour_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n they_o they_o who_o be_v in_o poverty_n and_o want_v thing_n needful_a and_o to_o say_v with_o themselves_o soul_n thou_o have_v good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n and_o therefore_o not_o take_v thy_o ease_n and_o make_v thyself_o drink_v with_o the_o superfluity_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n but_o take_v time_n as_o much_o as_o thou_o will_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o cleanse_v thyself_o from_o the_o filthiness_n of_o sin_n which_o make_v the_o abominable_a to_o god_n but_o usual_o man_n as_o it_o be_v add_v thirst_n to_o drunkenness_n the_o more_o they_o have_v the_o more_o they_o desire_v to_o have_v and_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o seek_v worldly_a thing_n than_o they_o who_o be_v in_o great_a want_n beside_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o right_n diet_v of_o the_o soul_n that_o wâ—_n know_v and_o consider_v the_o present_a state_n or_o constitution_n of_o it_o â—hether_o it_o be_v in_o infancy_n or_o in_o ripe_a age_n in_o the_o increase_n or_o decrease_v of_o holiness_n in_o strength_n or_o in_o faintness_n in_o temptation_n or_o not_o that_o so_o we_o may_v use_v that_o diet_n which_o be_v most_o convenient_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o it_o otherwise_o we_o can_v but_o err_v in_o diet_v it_o yea_o even_o in_o the_o careful_a use_n of_o the_o most_o wholesome_a meat_n and_o sovereign_a remedy_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o order_v the_o body_n aright_o either_o in_o sickness_n or_o in_o health_n without_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o our_o complexion_n age_n and_o strength_n and_o unless_o we_o mark_v in_o what_o part_n it_o be_v most_o weak_a or_o strong_a that_o according_o choice_n may_v be_v make_v both_o of_o meat_n in_o health_n and_o of_o remedy_n in_o sickness_n so_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o right_a order_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o we_o know_v our_o age_n and_o strength_n in_o christ_n whether_o we_o be_v ripe_a and_o strong_a man_n able_a to_o digest_v solid_a meat_n or_o but_o babe_n and_o weakling_n who_o must_v be_v feed_v with_o milk_n and_o also_o our_o infirmity_n what_o sin_n we_o be_v most_o subject_a unto_o that_o so_o we_o may_v avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o they_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o a_o treatise_n show_v how_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v renew_a or_o endue_v with_o holiness_n be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o preserve_v in_o that_o estate_n chap._n 1._o section_n 1._o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v that_o whereby_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o holiness_n and_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n wherewith_o god_n do_v endue_v it_o in_o regeneration_n be_v maintain_v and_o continue_v as_o we_o know_v that_o physician_n prescribe_v a_o diet_n for_o continuance_n of_o health_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o remove_n of_o sickness_n for_o whereas_o christ_n say_v mar._n 2.17_o the_o whole_a have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o physician_n but_o the_o sick_a and_o that_o therefore_o he_o come_v to_o call_v not_o just_a man_n but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n he_o mean_v not_o that_o any_o man_n be_v so_o holy_a as_o that_o he_o need_v not_o both_o his_o own_o continual_a care_n in_o watch_v over_o his_o soul_n as_o also_o the_o continual_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o that_o they_o who_o be_v sick_a or_o rather_o dead_a in_o sin_n and_o impenitency_n have_v more_o need_n of_o help_n than_o they_o who_o be_v already_o endue_v with_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n for_o as_o it_o be_v true_o say_v in_o other_o thing_n non_fw-la minor_fw-la est_fw-la virtus_fw-la quam_fw-la quaerere_fw-la parta_fw-la tueri_fw-la so_o be_v it_o true_a in_o respect_n of_o spiritual_a health_n the_o which_o can_v possible_o be_v keep_v without_o continual_a care_n although_o in_o exact_a comparison_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o continue_v either_o bodily_a or_o spiritual_a health_n where_o it_o be_v already_o then_o to_o procure_v it_o where_o it_o be_v as_o yet_o want_v here_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o this_o spiritual_a health_n be_v and_o how_o any_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v it_o when_o as_o all_o be_v sinful_a we_o answer_v that_o although_o no_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n yet_o a_o state_n of_o spiritual_a health_n may_v be_v attain_v unto_o even_o in_o this_o sinful_a life_n and_o be_v then_o attain_v when_o as_o a_o faithful_a man_n lead_v a_o holy_a and_o unblamâ—ble_a life_n perform_v although_o in_o weakness_n &_o imperfection_n yea_o in_o some_o corruption_n of_o sin_n all_o duty_n belong_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n and_o be_v irreprovable_a in_o regard_n of_o any_o great_a sin_n for_o as_o most_o man_n live_v be_v true_o say_v to_o have_v their_o health_n howsoever_o that_o exact_a temperature_n ad_fw-la pondus_fw-la whereof_o physician_n dispute_v can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o man_n or_o in_o any_o age_n so_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n be_v not_o require_v to_o spiritual_a health_n but_o as_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o bodily_a health_n that_o the_o distemperature_n be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o manifest_a as_o that_o it_o hinder_v any_o of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n from_o their_o function_n so_o if_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o bridle_v aâ—_n that_o it_o hinder_v not_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o christian_n duty_n there_o be_v spiritual_a health_n yea_o although_o this_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o it_o do_v sometime_o bring_v forth_o some_o sin_n and_o hinder_v in_o part_n the_o performance_n of_o some_o christian_a duty_n yet_o if_o for_o the_o general_a course_n of_o life_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n do_v prevail_v so_o that_o it_o repress_v that_o sin_n &_o perform_v all_o duty_n sometime_o faint_o &_o imperfect_o at_o other_o time_n full_o &_o courageous_o yet_o here_o be_v health_n for_o so_o as_o in_o the_o body_n so_o also_o in_o the_o soul_n we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o health_n and_o
they_o have_v by_o murder_v themselves_o seek_v for_o ease_n in_o death_n and_o in_o hell_n itself_o think_v that_o no_o state_n can_v be_v so_o evil_a and_o therefore_o that_o any_o change_n will_v be_v good_a sect._n 2._o now_o further_o in_o this_o humiliation_n of_o a_o sinner_n we_o be_v to_o declare_v these_o two_o point_n first_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o nature_n and_o second_o whether_o it_o be_v absolute_a necessity_n for_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n or_o no._n for_o the_o first_o although_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o have_v a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n contrary_a to_o that_o obstinacy_n atheism_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v in_o the_o wicked_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o nature_n come_v of_o that_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o conscience_n of_o sin_n which_o remain_v in_o man_n since_o his_o creation_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o this_o humiliation_n be_v that_o true_a contrition_n and_o softness_n of_o heart_n which_o have_v place_n in_o those_o who_o be_v regenerate_v and_o whereby_o they_o do_v easy_o without_o any_o resistance_n or_o delay_n yield_v to_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v at_o the_o first_o move_v by_o his_o promise_n &_o blessing_n to_o love_v he_o by_o his_o threaten_n and_o judgement_n to_o fear_v he_o and_o by_o both_o to_o obey_v he_o only_o it_o be_v a_o servile_a fear_n of_o punishment_n and_o of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n wherewith_o obstinacy_n in_o sin_n may_v easy_o and_o do_v often_o concur_v but_o why_o will_v some_o man_n say_v if_o this_o humiliation_n be_v natural_a be_v it_o not_o if_o not_o in_o all_o yet_o in_o most_o man_n as_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o yea_o why_o be_v it_o in_o so_o few_o as_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o and_o that_o almost_o all_o general_o live_v in_o pleasure_n and_o in_o senseless_a security_n without_o any_o conscience_n of_o sin_n or_o fear_v of_o punishment_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o humiliation_n be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n not_o be_v neglect_v &_o suffer_v either_o to_o lie_v dead_a or_o to_o decrease_v daily_o as_o it_o do_v in_o most_o man_n for_o then_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o send_v forth_o this_o fruit_n but_o be_v at_o length_n clean_o extinguish_v and_o turn_v into_o mere_a atheism_n but_o augment_v by_o the_o write_a law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n and_o stir_v up_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n otherwise_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v work_v this_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n for_o how_o can_v they_o have_v a_o trouble_a conscience_n who_o have_v no_o conscience_n or_o fear_v of_o god_n who_o they_o do_v not_o know_v to_o exist_v at_o least_o not_o to_o do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a hence_o it_o come_v that_o this_o humiliation_n be_v so_o seldom_o find_v even_o among_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o faith_n for_o that_o they_o have_v no_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o settle_a persuasion_n of_o god_n but_o a_o slight_a and_o waver_a opinion_n &_o therefore_o no_o great_a or_o vehement_a humiliation_n but_o only_o be_v sometime_o disquiet_v in_o â—heir_a mind_n in_o their_o misery_n and_o in_o the_o commit_n of_o notorious_a sin_n as_o even_o the_o very_a heathen_a be_v sometime_o of_o who_o we_o read_v that_o they_o have_v be_v strange_o sting_v in_o their_o conscience_n by_o heinous_a sin_n and_o drive_v by_o a_o fearful_a sense_n and_o expectation_n of_o god_n revenge_a hand_n into_o madness_n horror_n and_o desperation_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v so_o to_o esteem_v this_o humiliation_n as_o that_o which_o although_o it_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a work_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o regeneration_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o step_n towards_o it_o and_o far_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o tâ—e_v contrary_a atheism_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o humiliation_n whether_o it_o may_v be_v spare_v or_o be_v so_o absolute_o needful_a as_o that_o without_o it_o no_o regeneration_n or_o salvation_n may_v be_v hope_v for_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o that_o no_o man_n can_v seek_v to_o be_v ease_v of_o the_o burden_n of_o his_o sin_n by_o christ_n unless_o he_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o they_o or_o to_o be_v heal_v by_o he_o unless_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v wound_v and_o bruise_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o alike_o vehement_a and_o manifest_a in_o all_o neither_o be_v it_o needful_a that_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o repentant_a have_v a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o so_o be_v as_o he_o can_v but_o be_v affect_v with_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n in_o respect_n of_o they_o although_o there_o be_v not_o those_o horrible_a pangâ—_n of_o horror_n which_o be_v in_o the_o repentance_n of_o some_o the_o degree_n of_o humiliation_n arise_v of_o these_o three_o cause_n first_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o sinfulness_n in_o the_o repentant_a for_o as_o the_o heavy_a the_o burden_n be_v the_o more_o it_o press_v down_o so_o the_o mo_z and_o the_o more_o heinous_a that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o repentant_a be_v the_o great_a be_v his_o humiliation_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o those_o fearful_a agony_n of_o sorrow_n and_o desperation_n be_v not_o usual_o see_v but_o where_o many_o heinous_a sin_n have_v go_v before_o second_o it_o arise_v of_o the_o diversity_n of_o those_o outward_a affliction_n and_o iugdement_n wherewith_o the_o repentant_a be_v punish_v the_o which_o be_v of_o themselves_o grievous_a unto_o he_o and_o some_o time_n such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v bear_v by_o flesh_n and_o blood_n without_o great_a perturbation_n and_o anguish_n of_o soul_n and_o so_o be_v add_v to_o the_o inward_a burden_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o of_o a_o trouble_a spirit_n whereof_o the_o wise_a man_n ask_v who_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o make_v this_o humiliation_n very_o great_a three_o it_o arise_v of_o the_o delay_n of_o grace_n the_o which_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o some_o far_o soon_o than_o he_o do_v to_o other_o who_o be_v keep_v a_o long_a â—ime_n in_o suspense_n and_o not_o feel_v that_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n which_o they_o desine_fw-la and_o expect_v have_v less_o hope_n of_o obtain_v pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o consequent_o great_a fear_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n due_a to_o sin_n whereas_o otherwise_o be_v soon_o some_o sudden_o without_o any_o sensible_a humiliation_n or_o time_n of_o repentance_n give_v unto_o they_o receive_v into_o favour_n have_v not_o the_o like_a cause_n of_o this_o excessive_a sorrow_n and_o fear_n last_o the_o degree_n of_o humiliation_n arise_v of_o diverse_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o repentant_a think_v the_o one_o more_o or_o less_o heinous_a the_o other_o more_o or_o less_o intolerable_a so_o be_v his_o humiliation_n less_o or_o great_a yet_o always_o as_o it_o have_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n otherwise_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o regeneration_n into_o the_o which_o there_o be_v entrance_n but_o through_o this_o narrow_a gate_n of_o shame_n sorrow_n fear_n and_o anguish_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o can_v remember_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v in_o this_o low_a estate_n of_o humiliation_n can_v think_v that_o he_o be_v as_o yet_o exalt_v by_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o must_v now_o at_o length_n labour_n to_o be_v thus_o humble_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n not_o put_v far_o out_o of_o his_o mind_n the_o evil_a day_n and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o may_v any_o way_n vex_v or_o trouble_v he_o as_o usual_o and_o natural_o man_n do_v but_o rather_o lay_v this_o corrosive_a of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o his_o sin_n commit_v to_o his_o conscience_n &_o suffer_v it_o there_o even_o to_o eat_v and_o fret_v away_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n till_o god_n in_o mercy_n take_v it_o away_o thus_o we_o leave_v this_o poor_a distress_a soul_n out_o of_o conceit_n with_o himself_o esteem_v himself_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o and_z forlorn_a caitiff_n in_o the_o world_n &_o say_v with_o himself_o o_o miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o death_n we_o go_v on_o to_o that_o which_o follow_v sect._n 3_o thus_o
if_o the_o hypocritical_a humiliation_n of_o achab_n do_v prevail_v how_o much_o more_o forcible_a will_v it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v join_v with_o the_o inward_a contrition_n whereunto_o god_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n i_o will_v resist_v thâ—_n proud_a and_o give_v grace_n unto_o the_o humble_a chap._n iii_o of_o resolution_n to_o repent_v and_o the_o hindrance_n thereof_o sect._n 1_o whosoever_o desire_v to_o have_v that_o spiritual_a regeneration_n without_o the_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n wrought_v in_o his_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n set_v himself_o to_o seek_v it_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n by_o all_o mean_v possible_a for_o so_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o save_v man_n not_o as_o dead_a and_o senseless_a creature_n unable_a to_o move_v or_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o themselves_o but_o rather_o to_o make_v they_o the_o worker_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n by_o enjoin_v they_o this_o task_n to_o use_v what_o mean_v they_o can_v of_o renew_v and_o save_v their_o own_o soul_n wherein_o god_n have_v not_o deal_v hardly_o but_o most_o reasonable_o &_o love_o with_o man_n for_o if_o the_o lest_o commodity_n in_o the_o world_n be_v worth_a the_o seek_n and_o he_o altogether_o unworthy_a of_o it_o who_o scorn_v or_o irk_v to_o take_v pain_n in_o seek_v it_o what_o be_v more_o meet_a than_o that_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v seek_v for_o before_o they_o be_v have_v again_o we_o know_v that_o god_n and_o man_n be_v now_o separate_v by_o sin_n and_o as_o far_o distant_a the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v from_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v unpossible_a for_o they_o to_o meet_v unless_o the_o one_o move_v towards_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v meet_v and_o needful_a that_o the_o inferior_a seek_v to_o the_o superior_a the_o beggar_n to_o he_o who_o be_v rich_a and_o liberal_a the_o sick_a man_n to_o the_o physician_n the_o offendant_fw-la to_o the_o merciful_a prince_n so_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o seek_v for_o remission_n of_o sin_n for_o spiritual_a life_n health_n and_o wealth_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o only_a giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n to_o this_o duty_n the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_o exhort_v us._n amos_n 5.6_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o live_v matth._n 6.5_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o matth._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o lade_v and_o i_o will_v ease_v you_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v general_o neglect_v of_o man_n who_o contemn_v this_o counsel_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o be_v altogether_o careless_a of_o their_o own_o salvation_n spend_v all_o their_o time_n strength_n and_o wit_n in_o seek_v and_o enjoy_v worldly_a pleasure_n but_o as_o for_o this_o spiritual_a life_n of_o their_o soul_n they_o never_o think_v or_o dream_v of_o any_o such_o matter_n as_o christ_n witness_v of_o the_o jew_n john_n 6.26_o that_o they_o seek_v he_o not_o for_o his_o miracle_n or_o doctrine_n but_o because_o he_o have_v fill_v their_o belly_n with_o bread_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o so_o needful_a a_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v both_o to_o god_n &_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n we_o will_v first_o set_v down_o brief_o a_o few_o motive_n or_o reason_n persuade_v thereunto_o and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n remove_v hose_n hindrance_n by_o the_o which_o man_n be_v usual_o keep_v back_o from_o this_o seek_n of_o regeneration_n &_o salvation_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o go_v far_o for_o argument_n if_o that_o we_o will_v but_o consider_v our_o present_a estate_n in_o this_o world_n the_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v so_o full_a of_o trouble_n grief_n cross_n and_o misery_n that_o it_o make_v man_n weary_a both_o of_o it_o and_o also_o of_o themselves_o yea_o to_o desire_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o to_o be_v rid_v of_o it_o at_o all_o adventur_n although_o they_o know_v not_o of_o any_o better_a or_o of_o any_o other_o estate_n yea_o a_o little_a pain_n of_o body_n or_o sorrow_n of_o mind_n from_o the_o which_o no_o condition_n can_v be_v free_a mar_v a_o great_a feast_n of_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n make_v we_o forget_v it_o quite_o yea_o make_v it_o bitter_a and_o unpleasant_a unto_o us._n and_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o earthly_a paradise_n have_v in_o it_o the_o perfection_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n yet_o we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v the_o vanity_n of_o they_o in_o that_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a to_o enjoy_v they_o for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o hour_n not_o know_v how_o near_o our_o body_n and_o life_n draw_v to_o their_o end_n and_o if_o they_o continue_v long_o they_o will_v of_o themselves_o wax_v loathsome_a unto_o us._n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o account_v that_o man_n very_o unprovident_a and_o foolish_a who_o have_v thing_n needful_a for_o one_o or_o two_o day_n therein_o rest_v altogether_o careless_a of_o the_o time_n to_o come_v so_o we_o may_v well_o judge_v all_o carnal_a man_n more_o than_o mad_a who_o have_v no_o certain_a state_n of_o life_n in_o this_o world_n no_o not_o for_o one_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n do_v not_o seek_v for_o it_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n yea_o they_o reject_v it_o be_v offer_v a_o everlasting_a and_o unchangeable_a state_n of_o life_n joy_n glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v let_v we_o therefore_o give_v ear_n to_o that_o good_a counsel_n which_o christ_n himself_o give_v unto_o we_o john_n 6.23_o labour_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o meat_n which_o perish_v as_o for_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o mat._n 6.19_o lay_v up_o fâ—r_v yourselves_o treasure_n â—ot_n on_o earth_n where_o the_o moth_n &_o canker_n will_v corrupt_v yea_o where_o the_o worm_n will_v consume_v yourselves_o but_o lay_v up_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n where_o there_o be_v no_o corruption_n to_o be_v fear_v sect._n 2._o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o hindrance_n by_o the_o which_o man_n be_v stay_v from_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n the_o which_o although_o they_o be_v many_o and_o diverse_a as_o man_n do_v diverse_o conceive_v amiss_o of_o the_o truth_n yet_o the_o most_o usual_a of_o they_o be_v error_n or_o false_a conceit_n about_o this_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n to_o this_o head_n we_o be_v to_o refer_v first_o the_o ignorance_n of_o spiritual_a regeneration_n second_o despair_n of_o attain_v it_o as_o be_v a_o supernatural_a and_o a_o impossible_a thing_n for_o the_o first_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a regeneration_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n receive_v by_o many_o live_n in_o the_o church_n who_o confess_v indeed_o that_o man_n be_v sinful_a &_o must_v be_v holy_a &_o righteous_a before_o that_o he_o can_v please_v god_n and_o attain_v to_o salvation_n yet_o they_o think_v that_o this_o sinfulness_n be_v not_o so_o deep_o imprint_v into_o thâ—_n nature_n of_o man_n as_o be_v the_o spot_n into_o the_o skin_n of_o the_o leopard_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v but_o rather_o that_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o shake_v off_o and_o lay_v aside_o as_o a_o loose_a upper_a garment_n aâ—_n man_n pleasure_n that_o it_o come_v rather_o by_o imitation_n of_o those_o with_o who_o we_o live_v then_o by_o propagation_n from_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n by_o the_o particular_a default_n &_o wilfulness_n of_o several_a man_n who_o may_v be_v holy_a and_o pure_a if_o they_o will_v then_o from_o any_o general_a corruption_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o total_a spread_v itself_o over_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n but_o only_o in_o this_o or_o that_o part_n as_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n or_o custom_n give_v to_o this_o or_o that_o vice_n some_o to_o one_o other_o to_o another_o &_o as_o they_o think_v of_o man_n sinfulness_n so_o they_o do_v &_o must_v of_o necessity_n think_v of_o the_o contrary_a holiness_n to_o wit_n that_o man_n have_v it_o in_o part_n by_o nature_n &_o may_v have_v it_o whole_o at_o his_o pleasure_n by_o good_a education_n moderation_n &_o such_o other_o mean_n as_o he_o may_v use_v without_o any_o supernatural_a work_n of_o god_n hence_o come_v or_o rather_o follow_v of_o necessity_n that_o grievous_a error_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n inherent_a holiness_n &_o man_n own_o righteousness_n wherewith_o the_o church_n have_v be_v hitherto_o &_o will_v be_v always_o hereafter_o infect_v as_o with_o a_o common_a plague_n &_o popular_a disease_n for_o that_o it_o
regeneration_n be_v so_o wonderful_a and_o glorious_a a_o work_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v wrought_v rather_o in_o the_o public_a body_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o those_o who_o be_v already_o sanctify_v then_o in_o hug_a mugger_n in_o this_o or_o that_o corner_n so_o that_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o regeneration_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n public_o &_o pure_o preach_v not_o as_o it_o do_v by_o a_o natural_a faculty_n inherent_a in_o itself_o work_v in_o man_n knowledge_n obedience_n and_o that_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n to_o the_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v in_o this_o respect_n but_o as_o it_o do_v by_o the_o supernatural_a power_n of_o god_n work_v true_a regeneration_n in_o the_o elect_a and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v every_o one_o in_o hand_n who_o have_v any_o care_n and_o desire_v to_o attain_v to_o eternal_a life_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whensoever_o occasion_n serve_v as_o the_o wise_a man_n exhort_v the_o good_a husband_n to_o be_v sow_v his_o seed_n at_o all_o hour_n time_n and_o season_n because_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o will_v prosper_v so_o must_v this_o repentant_a take_v all_o occasion_n of_o hear_v god_n word_n for_o that_o he_o know_v not_o but_o that_o god_n will_v even_o at_o that_o time_n which_o he_o will_v bestow_v on_o worldly_a profit_n or_o pleasure_n bestow_v this_o unspeakable_a blessing_n of_o regeneration_n upon_o he_o god_n may_v indeed_o call_v he_o wheresoever_o he_o stray_v but_o that_o we_o may_v use_v the_o similitude_n above_o mention_v as_o that_o offendant_fw-la be_v like_a to_o obtain_v mercy_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o prince_n who_o stand_v at_o his_o very_a gate_n in_o his_o presence_n attend_v when_o he_o will_v because_v or_o call_v unto_o he_o than_o he_o who_o have_v address_v himself_o to_o come_v before_o the_o king_n keep_v himself_o aloof_o of_o far_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n so_o it_o be_v like_a that_o god_n will_v behold_v he_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o mercy_n who_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n hearkn_v to_o his_o voice_n &_o attend_v his_o pleasure_n then_o he_o who_o be_v out_o of_o his_o sight_n and_o employ_v about_o other_o matter_n sect._n 4._o the_o three_o and_o last_o mean_v to_o be_v use_v in_o seek_v regeneration_n be_v prayer_n or_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n whereby_o this_o repentant_a see_v himself_o to_o be_v as_o yet_o but_o carnal_a &_o hard_a heart_a as_o he_o be_v before_o and_o that_o no_o mean_n either_o devise_v by_o himself_o or_o appoint_v by_o god_n will_v prevail_v renounce_v himself_o as_o be_v most_o desperate_o miserable_a &_o all_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v unable_a to_o effect_v that_o which_o he_o desire_v and_o so_o fly_v to_o the_o only_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n desire_v he_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n and_o for_o christ_n sake_n in_o who_o all_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o great_a ocean_n overflow_a the_o earth_n do_v show_v forth_o itself_o to_o vouchsafe_v unto_o he_o the_o most_o wretched_a and_o unworthy_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n one_o drop_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o mollify_v his_o stony_a heart_n and_o to_o quicken_v his_o soul_n be_v now_o clean_o dead_a in_o sin_n this_o must_v be_v do_v not_o seldom_o cold_o negligent_o and_o for_o fashion_n sake_n as_o man_n use_v to_o pray_v for_o so_o man_n ask_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o no_o account_n and_o which_o they_o care_v not_o great_o whether_o they_o obtain_v or_o no_o but_o in_o all_o vehemency_n of_o spirit_n and_o affection_n yea_o with_o all_o importunity_n we_o give_v no_o rest_n night_n nor_o day_n either_o to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o god_n till_o we_o obtain_v our_o desire_n this_o prayer_n will_v be_v of_o great_a force_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n luk._n 18.5_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v weary_a or_o faint_v in_o perform_v this_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n but_o rather_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o by_o all_o mean_n as_o by_o abstayn_v from_o the_o superfluous_a and_o unnecessary_a use_n of_o meat_n drink_n sleep_n worldly_a affair_n and_o whatsoever_o may_v hinder_v we_o in_o this_o behalf_n and_o by_o consider_v the_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o labour_v to_o attain_v for_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o it_o the_o which_o if_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v see_v and_o find_v that_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n able_a to_o work_v miracle_n yea_o strong_a than_o the_o strong_a that_o be_v than_o god_n himself_o who_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v or_o rather_o speak_v be_v by_o prayer_n force_v and_o compel_v to_o do_v that_o which_o otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o do_v no_o man_n can_v by_o force_n wring_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o weakness_n be_v strong_a than_o man_n yet_o prayer_n in_o that_o it_o renounce_v all_o force_n of_o mean_n rely_v itself_o whole_o on_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o that_o by_o the_o which_o if_o we_o wrestle_v with_o god_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o overcome_v of_o he_o if_o man_n of_o great_a and_o lofty_a spirit_n who_o to_o god_n be_v as_o filly_n worm_n creep_v on_o the_o earth_n stand_v so_o much_o upon_o their_o reputation_n that_o as_o it_o be_v record_v of_o the_o senator_n of_o rome_n in_o old_a time_n they_o think_v it_o a_o great_a disgrace_n unto_o they_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o he_o have_v in_o vain_a ask_v help_n at_o their_o hand_n shall_v not_o god_n the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o be_v as_o able_a as_o the_o rich_a and_o as_o willing_a to_o give_v as_o the_o frank_a yea_o and_o have_v as_o great_a care_n and_o not_o without_o cause_n of_o his_o glory_n as_o any_o man_n have_v of_o his_o worldly_a worship_n and_o renoun_n think_v scorn_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o i_o in_o god_n i_o have_v in_o vain_a afflict_a my_o soul_n humble_v myself_o at_o his_o footstool_n cleanse_v my_o way_n in_o his_o sight_n repair_v to_o the_o place_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o call_v upon_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o or_o get_v at_o his_o hand_n yea_o further_o as_o this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o ready_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o procure_v this_o or_o any_o other_o blessing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n so_o often_o it_o please_v god_n to_o grant_v grace_n to_o man_n even_o while_o they_o be_v ask_v it_o to_o touch_v man_n heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o very_a instant_n wherein_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v in_o vehement_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n in_o a_o manner_n separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o lift_v up_o into_o heaven_n for_o even_o as_o the_o smith_n strike_v the_o iron_n while_o it_o be_v hot_a and_o and_o fit_a to_o receive_v any_o form_n or_o impression_n so_o god_n although_o he_o can_v imprint_v his_o grace_n in_o the_o cold_a hard_a and_o flinty_a disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n yet_o he_o rather_o do_v it_o when_o as_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n be_v stir_v up_o and_o inflame_v either_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o public_a prayer_n during_o the_o which_o regeneration_n be_v ordinary_o wrought_v in_o man_n or_o else_o by_o some_o private_a christian_a exercise_n as_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o serious_a meditation_n but_o especial_o by_o pray_v and_o sing_v psalm_n to_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o which_o action_n it_o please_v god_n sometime_o to_o send_v his_o spirit_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o elect_a but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o object_v that_o we_o suppose_v a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o wit_n that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n shall_v pray_v especial_o with_o that_o vehemency_n and_o perseverance_n which_o we_o require_v as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 10.14_o how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o on_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v we_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o infidel_n who_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n not_o of_o christian_n who_o may_v be_v endue_v with_o knowledge_n yea_o who_o may_v pray_v although_o not_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o the_o faithful_a do_v thus_o we_o have_v commend_v to_o this_o repentant_a the_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o regeneration_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v that_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n which_o may_v be_v in_o one_o as_o not_o yet_o regenerate_v the_o second_o be_v the_o diligent_a
hear_n of_o god_n word_n the_o three_o earnest_n and_o continual_a prayer_n by_o the_o first_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o come_v to_o god_n cast_v off_o his_o filthy_a sin_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a garment_n of_o a_o religious_a just_a upright_o and_o honest_a life_n by_o the_o second_o he_o stand_v wait_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o god_n mercy_n where_o usual_o man_n be_v receyve_v into_o favour_n by_o the_o three_o he_o become_v a_o little_a more_o bold_a presume_v to_o knock_v and_o rap_v at_o god_n gate_n where_o we_o leave_v he_o prepare_v wait_v and_o knock_v till_o it_o please_v god_n to_o open_v and_o let_v he_o in_o sect._n 5._o and_o yet_o there_o remain_v one_o point_n to_o be_v brief_o declare_v to_o wit_n how_o this_o repentant_a be_v now_o as_o we_o be_v to_o hope_v judge_v and_o suppose_v of_o a_o carnal_a make_v a_o spiritual_a man_n may_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n for_o although_o regeneration_n be_v so_o great_a and_o a_o total_a change_n be_v usual_o so_o evident_a especial_o to_o he_o in_o who_o it_o have_v place_n that_o he_o can_v not_o doubt_v of_o it_o yet_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o natural_a infidelity_n which_o remain_v in_o they_o that_o even_o the_o faithful_a be_v bring_v to_o this_o pass_n that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o themselves_o but_o either_o think_v or_o at_o the_o least_o suspect_n themselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n when_o as_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v arryve_v in_o the_o haven_n this_o controversy_n must_v be_v take_v away_o by_o compare_v our_o present_a estate_n with_o our_o former_a and_o by_o consider_v that_o change_n which_o we_o feel_v to_o be_v of_o a_o sudden_a wrought_v in_o ourselves_o in_o the_o earnest_a performance_n of_o some_o christian_a exercise_n tend_v to_o regeneration_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o it_o in_o our_o banquet_n pastime_n sleep_n recreation_n or_o while_o we_o be_v busy_v about_o worldly_a affair_n but_o while_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n while_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o public_o or_o perhaps_o private_o alone_a or_o with_o other_o while_o we_o humble_v ourselves_o in_o fast_v and_o unfeigned_a sorrow_n for_o our_o sin_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o which_o christian_n duty_n god_n be_v by_o his_o mighty_a power_n able_a to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o way_n he_o lift_v to_o change_v the_o natural_a disposition_n of_o his_o soul_n who_o he_o then_o call_v make_v it_o look_v toward_o himself_o which_o before_o do_v frowardlie_a abhor_v from_o all_o good_a and_o uppe_o to_o heaven_n which_o before_o have_v the_o eye_n fix_v in_o earthly_a thing_n whereupon_o this_o repentaunt_a for_o we_o will_v yet_o give_v he_o his_o old_a name_n because_o he_o doubt_v himself_o to_o be_v still_o not_o a_o new_a but_o the_o old_a man_n feel_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n his_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n strange_o change_v for_o whereas_o before_o he_o feel_v himself_o so_o hard_o heart_v that_o although_o he_o see_v his_o sin_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o greeve_v for_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o they_o now_o he_o pour_v out_o of_o his_o eye_n river_n of_o tear_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o dishonour_n which_o he_o have_v by_o his_o sin_n bâ—ought_v to_o the_o name_n of_o god_n whereas_o before_o he_o doubt_v of_o god_n favour_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n now_o he_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v of_o both_o and_o so_o he_o be_v now_o replenish_v with_o unspeakable_a joy_n &_o hear_v the_o spirit_n not_o of_o bondage_n and_o fear_v wherewith_o he_o be_v possess_v but_o of_o adoption_n cry_v in_o his_o heart_n abba_n father_n he_o now_o feel_v himself_o able_a to_o withstand_v those_o sin_n whereunto_o before_o he_o yield_v continual_o at_o the_o first_o to_o have_v a_o delight_n in_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o in_o all_o christian_a exercise_n whereunto_o before_o he_o be_v draw_v by_o fear_n of_o the_o displeasure_n either_o of_o man_n or_o perhaps_o in_o some_o conscience_n of_o sin_n in_o fear_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o avoid_v it_o and_o to_o conclude_v he_o feel_v all_o those_o part_n of_o holiness_n wrought_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o his_o soul_n which_o be_v requite_v in_o the_o faithful_a finis_fw-la the_o argument_n of_o the_o treatise_n follow_v as_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o man_n body_n that_o it_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o natural_a perfection_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o equal_a temperature_n and_o just_a proportion_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o for_o that_o it_o be_v leave_v here_o will_v soon_o perish_v and_o come_v to_o nougâ—t_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v continual_o both_o nourish_v with_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o also_o preserve_v from_o all_o hurtful_a thing_n yea_o careful_o restore_v to_o the_o former_a state_n of_o health_n if_o by_o any_o inward_a or_o outward_a mean_n it_o fall_v into_o sickness_n or_o be_v any_o way_n hurt_n wound_a or_o distemper_v no_o more_o will_v it_o serve_v for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v both_o prepare_v by_o repentance_n for_o regeneration_n yea_o actual_o regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o it_o likewise_o must_v continual_o be_v tend_v feed_v and_o cherish_v yea_o heal_v of_o all_o those_o malady_n which_o by_o any_o mean_n happen_v unto_o it_o this_o we_o call_v the_o right_n diet_v of_o the_o soul_n resemble_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o body_n that_o both_o the_o doctrine_n may_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a be_v illustrate_v &_o declare_v by_o sensible_a &_o familiar_a similitude_n and_o also_o that_o the_o continual_a care_n and_o pain_n which_o we_o take_v about_o our_o body_n tâ—e_v order_v &_o diet_v of_o they_o may_v always_o be_v put_v we_o 〈◊〉_d mind_n of_o perform_v the_o same_o duty_n unto_o our_o soul_n for_o the_o which_o we_o oght_v to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_a as_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v better_a they_o this_o short_a and_o miserable_a life_n this_o spiritual_a diet_n have_v two_o part_n conseruative_n and_o restorative_n the_o former_a continue_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o holiness_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n the_o other_o restore_v it_o when_o it_o be_v lose_v and_o repair_v it_o be_v decay_v again_o conseruative_a diet_n have_v two_o part_n nutritive_a and_o preservative_n consist_v the_o one_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o those_o thing_n by_o the_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v nourish_v the_o other_o in_o the_o careful_a avoid_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v hurtful_a unto_o it_o spiritual_a nourishment_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n food_n and_o exercise_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v the_o matter_n the_o other_o the_o mean_n manner_n or_o form_n of_o nutrition_n further_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o the_o soul_n have_v resemblance_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o body_n and_o how_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o simple_a and_o spiritual_a can_v be_v subject_a to_o alteration_n distemper_n and_o disease_n which_o have_v place_n in_o the_o body_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o contrariety_n of_o quality_n prevail_a or_o yield_v one_o to_o another_o to_o wit_n that_o as_o in_o the_o body_n heat_n and_o moisture_n so_o in_o the_o soul_n holiness_n &_o sinfulness_n do_v continual_o fight_v together_o the_o one_o labour_v to_o consume_v and_o expel_v the_o other_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o flesh_n labour_v to_o quench_v all_o the_o good_a motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n strive_v to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o all_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n thereof_o gal._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n lu_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o this_o be_v the_o composition_n &_o temperature_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v place_n only_o in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n wherein_o the_o soul_n have_v in_o itself_o both_o holiness_n and_o sinfulness_n but_o not_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n or_o yet_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n in_o carnal_a man_n when_o as_o tâ—e_v soul_n be_v altogether_o either_o holy_a or_o sinful_a can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v this_o composition_n or_o temperature_n these_o point_n of_o doctrine_n may_v profitable_o be_v consider_v but_o first_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o pain_n and_o care_v take_v in_o diet_v and_o order_v the_o soul_n aught_o to_o be_v continual_a without_o any_o intermission_n for_o that_o as_o the_o body_n be_v neglect_v for_o
strength_n betwixt_o sickness_n and_o infirmity_n many_o have_v their_o health_n who_o be_v not_o strong_a and_o many_o whole_a man_n have_v many_o infirmity_n for_o example_n many_o be_v thick_a of_o hear_v &_o sight_n yet_o they_o can_v both_o hear_v &_o see_v &_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v account_v whole_a not_o maim_v or_o sick_a as_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v more_o at_o large_a hereafter_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o every_o faithful_a man_n to_o preserve_v himself_o not_o only_o in_o health_n but_o also_o in_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o holiness_n yea_o to_o increase_v his_o strength_n from_o one_o degree_n to_o another_o the_o which_o three_o effect_n come_v of_o this_o first_o part_n of_o spiritual_a diet._n for_o first_o it_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o holiness_n get_v by_o the_o first_o act_n of_o regeneration_n second_o it_o continue_v that_o strength_n or_o measure_n of_o grace_n whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_a in_o the_o progress_n of_o it_o and_o last_o it_o increase_v strength_n and_o grace_n the_o which_o diverse_a effect_n or_o degree_n of_o holiness_n aâ—ise_v of_o the_o diverse_a use_n of_o this_o spiritual_a diâ—t_n as_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o careful_o and_o diligent_o use_v for_o as_o the_o natural_a life_n of_o man_n may_v if_o no_o outward_a violence_n come_v be_v preserve_v with_o the_o least_o care_n cost_n and_o pain_n that_o can_v be_v but_o if_o a_o man_n desire_v to_o keep_v his_o body_n in_o strength_n and_o vigour_n there_o must_v choice_n of_o diet_n be_v make_v and_o care_v use_v and_o most_o of_o all_o if_o he_o go_v about_o to_o augment_v either_o his_o stature_n in_o his_o young_a year_n or_o afterwards_o his_o strength_n or_o flesh_n he_o must_v be_v yet_o more_o careful_a yea_o curious_a in_o his_o diet_n bestow_v all_o his_o time_n yea_o great_a care_n and_o cost_v in_o it_o so_o it_o be_v in_o spiritual_a life_n the_o which_o be_v once_o put_v into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n will_v continue_v there_o ever_o by_o itself_o although_o as_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v the_o owner_n of_o it_o be_v negligent_a in_o maintain_v it_o yea_o in_o a_o manner_n careless_a of_o it_o whereas_o he_o that_o desire_v to_o continue_v a_o whole_a and_o strong_a man_n in_o christ_n without_o any_o sickness_n or_o decrease_v of_o grace_n must_v make_v account_n to_o bestow_v great_a care_n in_o this_o work_n aâ—d_v far_o great_a if_o as_o he_o ought_v he_o desiâ—e_v to_o increase_v in_o grace_n sect._n 2._o this_o preservative_n diet_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o iâ—_n to_o avoid_v what_o soever_o be_v any_o way_n hurtful_a to_o tâ—e_v soul_n in_o respect_n of_o holiness_n the_o other_o be_v to_o use_v aright_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o in_o the_o fiâ—st_o kind_a we_o be_v to_o avoid_v first_o and_o chief_o the_o commit_n of_o actual_a sin_n especial_o of_o those_o which_o be_v great_a and_o heinous_a these_o be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o very_a poison_n to_o the_o soul_n many_o way_n impair_n the_o holiness_n of_o it_o first_o in_o that_o they_o seldom_o come_v alone_o but_o accompany_v with_o some_o other_o sin_n as_o lot_n drunkenness_n bring_v forth_o incest_n and_o david_n adultery_n horrible_a murder_n this_o come_v to_o pass_v diverse_a way_n for_o as_o he_o who_o take_v a_o taste_n of_o honey_n be_v easy_o draw_v on_o by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o to_o eat_v of_o it_o to_o his_o great_a hurt_n so_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n be_v once_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v will_v not_o afterward_o be_v easy_o reject_v &_o contemn_v yea_o as_o the_o merchant_n venturer_n have_v receive_v a_o great_a loss_n by_o sea_n or_o the_o soldier_n a_o great_a wound_n in_o battle_n often_o become_v desperate_a and_o careless_a of_o their_o own_o estate_n so_o oftentimes_o a_o christian_a by_o commit_v some_o grievous_a sin_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o pass_n that_o he_o lay_v aside_o the_o care_n and_o study_v of_o holiness_n and_o let_v all_o go_v at_o six_o and_o seven_o thus_o one_o sin_n draw_v on_o another_o and_o two_o twenty_o the_o soul_n be_v at_o length_n whole_o possess_v and_o overcome_v by_o sin_n and_o even_o as_o a_o city_n or_o castle_n be_v take_v by_o the_o enemy_n yield_v without_o resistance_n and_o if_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n support_v he_o in_o this_o temptation_n he_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o this_o desperate_a pass_n yet_o the_o commit_n of_o any_o one_o sin_n take_v from_o he_o or_o do_v great_o diminish_v diverse_a particular_a grace_n especial_o affiance_n hope_v spiritual_a joy_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o these_o bring_v a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o of_o those_o judgment_n which_o he_o usual_o pour_v upon_o sinner_n yea_o it_o hinder_v he_o from_o call_v on_o god_n by_o prayer_n with_o that_o confidence_n &_o alacrity_n which_o be_v meet_v for_o that_o now_o he_o can_v come_v to_o he_o as_o a_o obedient_a son_n to_o a_o love_a father_n but_o as_o a_o rebel_n or_o fugitive_n to_o a_o angry_a master_n yea_o sometime_o the_o commit_n of_o sin_n work_v the_o contrary_a effect_n take_v away_o or_o diminish_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n who_o although_o seldom_o for_o that_o this_o most_o fearful_a punishment_n of_o impunity_n belong_v to_o the_o reprobate_a one_o yet_o sometime_o suffer_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o go_v unpunished_a for_o a_o time_n so_o as_o it_o be_v let_v the_o reins_n lose_v unto_o they_o that_o he_o may_v see_v or_o rather_o let_v themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n see_v whither_o they_o will_v go_v and_o what_o corruption_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o what_o infirmity_n in_o the_o nature_n even_o of_o regenerate_a man_n in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o respect_v the_o commit_n of_o sin_n be_v hurtful_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o with_o all_o care_n to_o be_v avoid_v by_o he_o who_o desire_v and_o endevour_v to_o diet_v his_o soul_n aright_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v first_o by_o consider_v the_o loathsome_a nature_n the_o horrible_a parentage_n be_v come_v from_o satan_n that_o foul_a spirit_n the_o ugly_a and_o monstrous_a shape_n be_v clean_o contrary_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o man_n yea_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o fearful_a fruit_n which_o it_o bring_v forth_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o be_v kindle_v but_o a_o little_a make_v the_o hard_a stony_a mountain_n to_o melt_v away_o like_a wax_n the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n the_o unthankful_a and_o ungracious_a disobey_v of_o so_o gracious_a and_o good_a a_o father_n the_o slander_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o grieve_v and_o snub_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n by_o who_o we_o be_v seal_v up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n the_o horror_n of_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n and_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n ram._n 6._o make_v the_o only_a fruit_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n shame_n and_o ignominy_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v can_v but_o stay_v the_o most_o violent_a and_o rage_a motion_n of_o sin_n yea_o they_o be_v of_o such_o weight_n that_o if_o they_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n wiâ—h_v all_o worldly_a pleasure_n whatsoever_o the_o which_o be_v the_o only_a proctor_n of_o sin_n plead_v vehement_o for_o it_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o man_n free_a will_n they_o will_v unless_o the_o balance_n be_v strange_o false_a and_o the_o judge_n palpable_o blind_v and_o pervert_v weigh_v they_o down_o as_o a_o mountain_n will_v do_v a_o molhill_n without_o any_o controversy_n or_o comparison_n sin_n be_v indeed_o as_o pleasant_a in_o the_o mouth_n as_o be_v the_o honey_n comb_n but_o it_o be_v vain_a and_o momentanie_n yea_o it_o rot_v the_o bowel_n body_n and_o soul_n second_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v by_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n and_o provocation_n of_o it_o for_o as_o he_o who_o will_v not_o have_v his_o house_n set_v on_o fire_n will_v not_o willing_o bring_v fire_n into_o any_o room_n where_o there_o be_v powder_n flax_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o will_v ready_o take_v fire_n so_o he_o that_o will_v not_o have_v the_o lust_n of_o firm_a kindle_v in_o his_o heart_n must_v careful_o avoid_v all_o outward_a object_n which_o stir_v they_o up_o and_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n entice_v man_n and_o even_o lead_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o the_o commit_n of_o they_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o give_v this_o good_a and_o wholesome_a counsel_n be_v well_o know_v job._n 3.1_o i_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o my_o eye_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v
of_o corruptible_a but_o of_o incoruptible_a seed_n to_o wit_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n which_o endure_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o be_v preach_v among_o you_o and_o therefore_o aâ—_n new_a bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n as_o it_o may_v be_v translate_v that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n for_o as_o man_n do_v by_o speech_n make_v know_v to_o other_o their_o mind_n counsel_n and_o intent_n so_o god_n have_v many_o way_n make_v know_v unto_o man_n what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v so_o that_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v more_o or_o less_o conform_a if_o self_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o do_v it_o more_o or_o less_o increase_n in_o holiness_n this_o word_n or_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v contain_v and_o declare_v first_o in_o the_o creature_n second_o in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n three_o in_o the_o action_n of_o god_n or_o his_o continual_a administration_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o all_o which_o this_o spiritual_a food_n must_v be_v gather_v and_o get_v but_o especial_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o god_n have_v full_o and_o plain_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o which_o make_v the_o other_o two_o field_n the_o one_o of_o the_o creature_n the_o other_o of_o the_o action_n of_o god_n to_o yield_v plentiful_a fruit_n for_o the_o nourish_a of_o our_o soul_n whereas_o without_o it_o they_o be_v altogether_o barren_a and_o fruitless_a for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o who_o have_v not_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o soul_n open_v and_o enlighten_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v pick_v out_o any_o matter_n of_o spiritual_a edification_n either_o out_o of_o the_o creature_n or_o the_o action_n of_o god_n sect._n 2._o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o thâ—_n scripture_n creature_n and_o action_n of_o god_n be_v as_o mere_a undress_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v prepare_v and_o make_v fit_n for_o our_o use_n as_o we_o daily_o see_v meat_n to_o be_v dress_v infinite_a way_n this_o preparation_n be_v make_v by_o search_v and_o find_v it_o out_o which_o of_o itself_o lie_v hide_v and_o it_o be_v prepare_v either_o by_o ourselves_o or_o else_o by_o other_o as_o namely_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n who_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v both_o as_o steward_n to_o provide_v and_o as_o cook_n to_o prepare_v meat_n for_o the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n the_o which_o they_o do_v when_o as_o they_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n sound_n and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o several_a condition_n of_o the_o hearer_n this_o public_a food_n which_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n yield_v be_v thâ—t_o wherewith_o chief_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v nourish_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v careful_o to_o consider_v how_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v for_o we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o declare_v how_o this_o public_a preparation_n shall_v be_v make_v for_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o this_o treatise_n yet_o as_o all_o man_n know_v that_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o body_n do_v chief_o consist_v herein_o that_o the_o meat_n wherewith_o it_o be_v nourish_v be_v well_o dress_v and_o make_v fit_n for_o the_o receyver_n not_o raw_a offensive_a or_o mingle_v with_o any_o hurtful_a thing_n so_o without_o question_n the_o health_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v chief_o depend_v on_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n that_o it_o offer_v to_o the_o church_n nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v both_o in_o itself_o good_a and_o sound_n and_o also_o make_v fit_n for_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o the_o hearer_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v and_o the_o contrary_a great_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o man_n be_v as_o careful_a in_o provide_v for_o themselves_o wise_a and_o cunning_a cook_n able_a to_o prepare_v a_o right_a the_o sacred_a word_n of_o the_o everlyve_a god_n wherewith_o their_o soul_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v feed_v to_o eternal_a life_n as_o they_o be_v curious_a about_o the_o dress_n of_o their_o bodily_a meat_n which_o be_v soon_o turn_v into_o filth_n and_o so_o cast_v away_o as_o a_o most_o loathsome_a thing_n yea_o which_o together_o with_o the_o belly_n for_o the_o which_o it_o be_v prepare_v shall_v be_v abolish_v as_o in_o the_o first_o to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o sixth_o chapter_n and_o thirteen_o verse_n but_o man_n spend_v their_o whole_a care_n time_n and_o substance_n about_o the_o one_o to_o wit_n the_o fill_n of_o their_o belly_n and_o the_o feed_n of_o their_o body_n and_o be_v altogether_o careless_a of_o the_o other_o think_v no_o cost_n sufficient_a for_o the_o one_o and_o every_o penny_n that_o be_v bestow_v on_o the_o other_o clean_o lose_v but_o to_o leave_v these_o godless_a epicure_n serve_v their_o belly_n which_o be_v their_o god_n it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o every_o christian_n that_o have_v care_n of_o the_o health_n of_o his_o soul_n after_o that_o he_o have_v do_v his_o endeavour_n in_o provide_v a_o cunning_a and_o faithful_a cook_n for_o the_o prepare_n of_o meat_n for_o his_o soul_n to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o receyve_n of_o it_o by_o procure_v in_o himself_o a_o appetite_n to_o this_o spiritual_a food_n that_o so_o as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o feed_v the_o body_n it_o be_v earnest_o desire_v may_v be_v happy_o digest_v this_o be_v do_v fiâ—st_n by_o unload_v our_o stomach_n from_o all_o sinful_a care_n cogitation_n and_o desire_n the_o which_o be_v of_o nature_n contrary_a to_o the_o pure_a and_o heavenly_a word_n of_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v entrance_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v both_o earnest_o desire_v the_o word_n and_o cherish_v sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v resolve_v himself_o to_o yield_v hearty_a obedience_n unto_o it_o by_o cast_v away_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o his_o mind_n heart_n or_o life_n contrary_a unto_o it_o this_o counsel_n we_o have_v give_v us._n 1._o pet._n 2.1_o wherefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o maliciousness_n and_o guile_n all_o dissimulation_n envy_n and_o evil_a speak_n as_o new_a bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o and_o likewise_o james._n 1.21_o wherefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o maliciousness_n receyve_v with_o meekness_n the_o word_n engraft_v in_o you_o which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v your_o soul_n second_o this_o appetite_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v procure_v by_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o profitablenesse_n and_o excellency_n thereof_o for_o who_o will_v not_o desire_v that_o which_o he_o see_v to_o be_v both_o most_o needful_a and_o profitable_a for_o himself_o and_o most_o excellent_a in_o itself_o it_o be_v the_o only_a matter_n of_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o so_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v eternal_a life_n psal._n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_n the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a and_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a &_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v more_o to_o be_v desire_v then_o gold_n yea_o then_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a also_o than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n moreover_o by_o they_o thy_o servant_n be_v make_v circumspect_a and_o in_o keep_v they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n again_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o word_n be_v so_o great_a as_o can_v be_v express_v it_o be_v indeed_o contemn_v by_o carnal_a man_n as_o base_a and_o simple_a and_o as_o have_v in_o it_o no_o matter_n of_o importance_n but_o a_o bare_a story_n of_o christ_n crucify_v as_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 1._o the_o grecian_n and_o other_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n reject_v the_o gospel_n as_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o deep_a wisdom_n wherewith_o they_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v endue_v but_o what_o marvel_n be_v it_o that_o he_o who_o be_v blind_a think_v it_o to_o be_v dark_a when_o the_o sun_n shine_v most_o clear_o or_o that_o a_o natural_a man_n who_o in_o regard_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v as_o blind_a as_o a_o buzzard_n can_v see_v no_o wisdom_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o which_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o endless_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v contain_v the_o queen_n of_o saba_n think_v it_o worth_a her_o labour_n to_o travail_v into_o a_o strange_a country_n to_o hear_v the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n and_o count_v his_o servant_n happy_a in_o that_o they_o live_v in_o
that_o rest_a place_n which_o in_o that_o place_n be_v call_v abraham_n bosom_n or_o rather_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v but_o in_o the_o way_n towards_o it_o it_o do_v often_o look_v back_o to_o sin_n yea_o return_n and_o go_v back_o again_o even_o till_o it_o come_v to_o death_n door_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n but_o there_o it_o stay_v have_v no_o entrance_n grant_v yea_o in_o truth_n desire_v none_o and_o that_o we_o may_v return_v to_o our_o accustom_a similitude_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v in_o it_o two_o contrary_a quality_n sin_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o which_o as_o the_o one_o prevail_v against_o the_o other_o so_o be_v the_o soul_n in_o weakness_n or_o in_o strength_n in_o sickness_n or_o in_o health_n in_o death_n or_o in_o life_n sect._n 2._o the_o evil_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v to_o be_v cure_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n infirmity_n and_o disease_n spiritual_a infirmity_n be_v the_o relic_n of_o sin_n subdue_v in_o a_o faithful_a man_n work_v against_o grace_n make_v he_o prone_a or_o reâ—die_a to_o fall_v into_o outward_a and_o actual_a sin_n and_o backward_o in_o perform_v the_o contrary_a spiritual_a duty_n this_o description_n which_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n set_v down_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v particular_o explain_v and_o first_o in_o that_o we_o make_v it_o a_o relic_n of_o sin_n we_o distinguish_v it_o from_o humane_a infirmity_n the_o which_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o of_o all_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n and_o which_o make_v that_o he_o can_v serve_v god_n in_o so_o great_a measure_n that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a against_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n not_o so_o far_o from_o commit_v it_o or_o so_o sure_a and_o constant_a in_o holiness_n but_o that_o he_o may_v decrease_v in_o it_o yea_o omit_v for_o a_o time_n some_o duty_n yet_o without_o sin_n as_o the_o angel_n be_v to_o this_o kind_n we_o be_v to_o refer_v that_o ignorance_n fear_n and_o forgetfulness_n and_o many_o other_o infirmity_n which_o have_v place_n in_o the_o state_n of_o man_n innocence_n &_o which_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ._n those_o natural_a infirmity_n be_v not_o sin_n for_o they_o be_v create_v in_o man_n by_o god_n all_o who_o work_n be_v good_a neither_o be_v they_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n for_o they_o be_v before_o sin_n and_o in_o he_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n yea_o the_o angel_n themselves_o be_v compare_v with_o god_n be_v more_o weak_a have_v mo_z and_o great_a infirmites_n then_o man_n have_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o but_o these_o infirmity_n whereof_o we_o speak_v be_v the_o relic_n of_o sin_n and_o sin_n it_o self_n not_o lie_v idle_a but_o work_v otherwise_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n be_v in_o all_o man_n and_o can_v possible_o be_v remove_v but_o we_o speak_v of_o infirmity_n which_o may_v be_v remoove_v and_o from_o the_o which_o many_o christian_n be_v free_a for_o sin_n may_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v so_o suppress_v that_o it_o have_v not_o a_o day_n he_o and_o ordinary_a work_n in_o we_o as_o these_o infirmity_n have_v in_o bring_v forth_o actual_a sin_n not_o outward_o which_o be_v sin_n perfect_v for_o then_o these_o infirmity_n be_v grievous_a disease_n but_o inward_o in_o the_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n all_o which_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n do_v daily_a work_n but_o it_o be_v seldom_o bring_v forth_o into_o act_n be_v put_v back_o and_o keep_v down_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o sometime_o it_o do_v prevail_v even_o to_o actual_a sin_n for_o as_o that_o city_n which_o be_v continual_o besiege_v and_o assault_v can_v not_o but_o be_v take_v at_o length_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o as_o they_o who_o have_v the_o care_n and_o defence_n of_o it_o commit_v unto_o they_o can_v but_o sometime_o remit_v of_o their_o diligence_n and_o be_v overtake_v with_o sleep_n drink_n forgetfulness_n fair_a promise_n and_o pretence_n or_o by_o some_o such_o mean_n so_o where_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v continual_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v at_o one_o place_n or_o other_o upon_o one_o occasion_n or_o temptation_n or_o other_o burst_v forth_o into_o open_a sin_n for_o example_n a_o christian_n be_v endue_v by_o god_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o continency_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o lead_v a_o life_n free_a from_o all_o adultery_n fornication_n and_o all_o such_o uncleanness_n yet_o he_o feel_v inward_o in_o his_o minâ—e_n that_o burn_v whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o cor._n 7.9_o here_o be_v both_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n suppress_v sin_n and_o also_o the_o relic_n of_o incontinency_n not_o live_v idle_a but_o work_v vehementlie_o and_o continual_o not_o in_o life_n and_o action_n but_o inward_o in_o the_o soul_n yet_o where_o this_o infirmity_n be_v there_o sometime_o the_o outward_a sin_n itself_o will_v happen_v for_o although_o a_o christian_a do_v ordinary_o keep_v watch_n and_o ward_n over_o his_o soul_n lest_o that_o he_o do_v fall_v into_o sin_n yet_o sometime_o he_o will_v be_v somewhat_o careless_a overcome_v by_o the_o force_n and_o variety_n of_o temptation_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o uncleanness_n an_o other_o example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o say_a epistle_n in_o the_o chapter_n follow_v a_o pagan_a be_v convert_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n renounce_v his_o false_a god_n &_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n only_o in_o christ_n here_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n prevayl_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n and_o suppress_v it_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o relic_n of_o this_o sin_n in_o his_o mind_n whereby_o he_o think_v that_o his_o idol_n his_o old_a god_n be_v not_o altogether_o void_a of_o power_n and_o excellency_n &_o aught_o to_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o worship_n give_v unto_o they_o this_o be_v the_o infirmity_n and_o the_o work_n of_o it_o inward_o in_o his_o mind_n yet_o he_o suppress_v it_o by_o the_o knowledge_n &_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o open_a idolator_n but_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n only_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v easy_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o example_n and_o persuasion_n of_o other_o to_o give_v some_o outward_a worship_n and_o honour_n to_o these_o false_a go_n many_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v bring_v but_o these_o may_v serve_v now_o that_o we_o see_v what_o a_o spiritual_a infirmity_n be_v we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o see_v how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v heal_v and_o remove_v wherein_o there_o be_v great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v use_v both_o for_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n require_v the_o inward_a purity_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a purity_n of_o life_n as_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o great_a and_o open_a sin_n wherein_o this_o weak_a christian_n be_v who_o although_o for_o a_o time_n he_o walk_v upright_o in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n yet_o he_o be_v like_a enough_o to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v when_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o stumble_a block_n to_o wit_n any_o great_a occasion_n and_o provocation_n to_o sin_n sect._n 3_o but_o whither_o be_v these_o infirmity_n curable_a or_o no_o sure_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v able_a to_o mortify_v all_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o sinful_a nature_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v yea_o it_o be_v like_a enough_o that_o god_n who_o have_v begin_v the_o good_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n will_v perfect_v and_o accomplish_v it_o and_o that_o as_o he_o have_v cut_v down_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n so_o he_o will_v in_o his_o good_a time_n pull_v the_o root_n out_o of_o the_o ground_n also_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o infirmity_n in_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v incurable_a some_o which_o be_v hardly_o and_o very_o seldom_o cure_v in_o the_o first_o sort_n we_o be_v to_o reckon_v the_o original_a corruption_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o infirmity_n yea_o corrupt_a as_o be_v the_o relic_n of_o sin_n and_o sin_n itself_o this_o infirmity_n stick_v so_o fast_o in_o our_o very_a bone_n &_o marrow_n that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o be_v remove_v and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o hope_v for_o or_o to_o go_v about_o the_o total_a heal_n of_o it_o for_o although_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o god_n to_o sanctify_v we_o full_o and_o whole_o as_o the_o apostle_n pray_v 1._o thâ—ss_n 5.23_o yet_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n and_o word_n
who_o in_o great_a wisdom_n have_v leave_v this_o corruption_n in_o the_o faithful_a to_o exercise_v they_o while_o they_o remain_v here_o on_o earth_n yea_o as_o this_o infirmity_n can_v not_o be_v whole_o take_v away_o so_o it_o can_v not_o be_v whole_o hinder_v from_o work_v for_o it_o send_v forth_o some_o fruit_n even_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n who_o sin_n often_o but_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o this_o infirmity_n in_o this_o place_n for_o although_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o definition_n agree_v unto_o it_o yet_o the_o late_a do_v not_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o spiritual_a infirmity_n yea_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n yea_o work_a many_a way_n and_o strive_v against_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o make_v a_o faithful_a man_n prone_a and_o ready_a to_o the_o commit_n of_o actual_a sin_n or_o backward_o in_o serve_v of_o god_n for_o notwithstanding_o it_o many_o be_v far_o off_o from_o actual_a sin_n and_o forward_o in_o serve_v god._n but_o those_o spiritual_a infirmity_n in_o the_o heal_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o labour_v do_v work_v sensible_o and_o forcible_o yea_o they_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n prevail_v usual_o inward_o in_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o sometime_o they_o prevail_v in_o the_o outward_a act_n original_a corruption_n may_v be_v so_o restrain_v that_o it_o can_v work_v but_o secret_o and_o without_o force_n or_o apparent_a effect_n but_o these_o do_v after_o a_o sort_n part_n stake_n with_o grace_n reign_v inward_o in_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n at_o least_o often_o and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o course_n howsoever_o they_o be_v so_o subdue_v and_o repress_v that_o they_o seldom_o come_v to_o the_o perfection_n and_o act_n of_o sin_n yet_o of_o these_o infirmity_n whereof_o we_o speak_v some_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n incurable_a to_o wit_n first_o those_o which_o be_v ground_v upon_o some_o erroneous_a opinion_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o infirmity_n in_o itself_o so_o often_o it_o bring_v forth_o a_o evil_a custom_n in_o action_n and_o as_o usual_o it_o be_v inveterat_fw-la be_v incorrigible_a so_o be_v the_o effect_n which_o come_v of_o it_o for_o example_n many_o think_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o daily_a and_o continual_a use_n of_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n be_v not_o in_o nature_n unlawful_a howsoever_o for_o use_v they_o be_v inconvenient_a and_o a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o salvation_n this_o be_v their_o opinion_n and_o this_o be_v their_o practice_n thus_o they_o live_v and_o thus_o they_o do_v the_o like_a we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o all_o those_o infirmity_n which_o have_v their_o beginning_n and_o foundation_n in_o a_o unchangeable_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n howsoever_o this_o unchangeable_a disposition_n of_o the_o body_n come_v whither_o by_o nature_n or_o by_o some_o other_o accidental_a mean_n for_o example_n many_o be_v by_o the_o distemperature_n of_o their_o body_n incessant_o and_o vehement_o provoke_v and_o even_o prick_v on_o to_o carnal_a lust_n to_o drunkenness_n to_o slothfulness_n to_o anger_n impatiency_n and_o to_o other_o sin_n hereof_o it_o come_v that_o the_o soul_n follow_v the_o disposition_n &_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n be_v also_o thus_o affect_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o body_n make_v the_o mind_n to_o think_v of_o it_o the_o will_n to_o choose_v the_o affection_n to_o embrace_v and_o hunt_v after_o it_o the_o which_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n although_o they_o be_v continual_o withstand_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n strive_v not_o only_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o burst_v into_o actual_a sin_n but_o also_o whole_o to_o dispossess_v they_o yet_o they_o have_v too_o sure_a foot_n to_o be_v clean_o take_v away_o but_o how_o hard_o of_o heal_v soever_o they_o be_v we_o must_v endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o they_o both_o for_o that_o we_o be_v as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o we_o in_o continual_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o open_a grievous_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n as_o have_v be_v say_v that_o that_o city_n which_o be_v continual_o both_o besiege_v and_o also_o assault_v be_v in_o continual_a danger_n as_o also_o because_o they_o be_v a_o continual_a trouble_n and_o grief_n unto_o we_o yea_o a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n belong_v either_o to_o god_n to_o our_o brother_n or_o to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o calling_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 12.7_o call_v one_o of_o these_o spiritual_a infirmity_n a_o prick_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n continual_o buffet_v he_o that_o be_v great_o trouble_v and_o grieve_v he_o the_o mean_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v be_v these_o first_o and_o chief_o prayer_n unto_o god_n from_o who_o only_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n yea_o fervent_a earnest_a importunate_a and_o uncessant_a prayer_n as_o the_o say_a apostle_n say_v that_o he_o desire_v god_n thrice_o that_o be_v earnest_o and_o often_o that_o he_o will_v take_v that_o infirmity_n and_o temptation_n from_o he_o where_o it_o be_v add_v that_o god_n make_v he_o this_o answer_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a foâ—_n thou_o my_o power_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n whereby_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o his_o importunity_n in_o prayer_n be_v either_o reprove_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v or_o else_o forbid_v which_o may_v be_v admit_v although_o it_o be_v like_a that_o he_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o pray_v but_o only_o comfort_v and_o strengthen_v in_o temptation_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o prayer_n or_o to_o give_v over_o as_o despair_a of_o victory_n against_o it_o but_o rather_o to_o call_v for_o grace_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n yea_o even_o to_o the_o last_o gasp_n to_o continue_v in_o earnest_a prayer_n the_o second_o mean_n be_v to_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o whither_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n or_o in_o some_o evil_a custom_n and_o company_n or_o a_o erroneous_a opinion_n the_o three_o be_v to_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n which_o may_v provoke_v we_o to_o that_o sin_n or_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o it_o the_o last_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v any_o settle_a place_n in_o our_o mind_n or_o affection_n as_o it_o be_v come_v to_o composition_n with_o it_o and_o give_v half_a unto_o it_o for_o if_o it_o bear_v rule_v in_o the_o souâ—e_n it_o will_v certain_o break_v forth_o often_o in_o outward_a action_n but_o rather_o to_o put_v it_o far_o out_o of_o our_o mind_n and_o not_o give_v unto_o it_o any_o rest_a place_n sect._n 4._o thus_o much_o of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o disease_n follow_v a_o spiritual_a disease_n be_v the_o reign_v of_o sin_n or_o ordinary_a and_o habitual_a prevail_a of_o sin_n against_o grace_n this_o definition_n be_v to_o be_v particular_o declare_v thus_o it_o have_v be_v often_o say_v that_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n there_o be_v two_o contrary_a quality_n sin_n and_o holiness_n these_o two_o be_v of_o contrary_a nature_n continual_o war_a the_o one_o against_o the_o other_o the_o field_n wherein_o this_o battle_n be_v fight_v be_v the_o will_n of_o man_n the_o which_o be_v hale_v now_o to_o this_o now_o to_o that_o side_n at_o length_n the_o one_o get_v it_o and_o withal_o the_o victory_n for_o in_o this_o battle_n the_o outward_a action_n which_o proceed_v whole_o from_o the_o will_n for_o that_o a_o man_n will_v that_o he_o do_v be_v the_o victory_n which_o if_o it_o be_v sinful_a than_o sin_n have_v prevail_v if_o sin_n take_v the_o repulse_n and_o can_v be_v bring_v forth_o then_o grace_n have_v prevail_v and_o get_v the_o victory_n there_o be_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o if_o sin_n prevail_v there_o be_v a_o grievous_a disease_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o not_o any_o prevayl_v of_o sin_n but_o the_o ordinary_a prevayl_v of_o it_o make_v a_o spiritual_a sickness_n for_o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o even_o in_o spiritual_a infirmity_n sin_n be_v sometime_o bring_v forth_o but_o not_o usual_o or_o ordinare_o as_o noah_n drunkenness_n lot_n incest_n david_n murder_n and_o adultery_n be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o happen_v perhaps_o but_o once_o in_o all_o the_o time_n of_o their_o life_n and_o therefore_o these_o sin_n argue_v not_o any_o disease_n but_o infirmity_n in_o their_o soul_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o spiritual_a disease_n be_v the_o kind_n of_o it_o be_v two_o total_a and_o particular_a the_o one_o stretch_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a soul_n of_o man_n make_v a_o sensible_a decrease_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o holiness_n the_o other_o rest_v in_o some_o part_n as_o it_o come_v to_o
be_v not_o so_o grievous_a and_o dangerous_a as_o be_v the_o former_a to_o wit_n impenitency_n wherein_o the_o practice_n and_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n be_v neglect_v for_o this_o worldly_a christian_n serve_v god_n and_o perform_v all_o good_a duty_n although_o seldom_o cold_o and_o negligent_o yet_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o seldom_o cure_v then_o the_o other_o for_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a and_o sensible_a and_o therefore_o not_o much_o consider_v &_o regard_v yea_o it_o have_v a_o great_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o perfect_a health_n and_o strength_n in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n duty_n whole_o want_v no_o gross_a sin_n commit_v but_o only_o such_o as_o have_v a_o show_n of_o christian_a liberty_n which_o make_v it_o lawful_a for_o the_o faith_n full_a to_o seek_v and_o enjoy_v riches_n and_o all_o other_o worldly_a pleasure_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o man_n flatter_v themselves_o in_o this_o state_n and_o rest_v content_v with_o it_o whereas_o no_o man_n conscience_n can_v be_v so_o continual_o dead_a and_o blind_a but_o that_o it_o will_v sometime_o check_v he_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o other_o and_o even_o drive_v he_o perforce_o to_o seek_v some_o remedy_n for_o it_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o we_o do_v daily_o and_o diligent_o consider_v the_o vanity_n and_o baseness_n of_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n that_o in_o comparison_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n they_o be_v as_o dung_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o fine_a gold_n that_o nothing_o be_v more_o unseemly_a than_o that_o thâ—_n soul_n of_o man_n which_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n have_v sanctify_v and_o lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n there_o to_o enjoy_v his_o presence_n which_o be_v perfect_a happiness_n shall_v so_o much_o debase_v itself_o as_o to_o lie_v wallow_v in_o the_o puddle_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n or_o have_v any_o sound_a joy_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o which_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v loathsome_a and_o irksome_a unto_o he_o by_o these_o and_o such_o other_o meditation_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o now_o be_v clog_v &_o press_v down_o with_o worldly_a care_n be_v to_o be_v stir_v up_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n to_o be_v lift_v up_o from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n and_o we_o enure_v to_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n &_o a_o cheerful_a and_o liberal_a practice_n of_o all_o christian_n duty_n especial_o in_o give_v to_o our_o brother_n or_o rather_o in_o lend_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o part_v of_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v leave_v all_o sensual_a epicurism_n &_o wretched_a niggardness_n to_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n who_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n and_o eternal_a perdition_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v sect._n 6._o the_o three_o and_o last_o general_a disease_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v distrust_n which_o be_v a_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n &_o promise_n make_v as_o touch_v the_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o faithful_a this_o although_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o particular_a disease_n of_o the_o mind_n yet_o in_o that_o force_n and_o effect_v it_o stretch_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a soul_n of_o man_n work_v a_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n in_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o it_o it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v and_o may_v fit_o be_v call_v a_o general_a disease_n it_o arise_v of_o a_o suppose_a impossibility_n oâ—_n god_n word_n be_v find_v contrary_a to_o our_o own_o experience_n &_o to_o man_n reason_n thus_o the_o propet_v david_n consider_v the_o miserable_a estate_n of_o the_o godly_a together_o with_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v tempt_v to_o think_v and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o thus_o many_o other_o godly_a man_n feel_v and_o see_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o conversion_n that_o god_n work_v strange_a &_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o for_o they_o promise_v to_o themselves_o the_o like_a strange_a experiment_n of_o god_n power_n and_o love_n towards_o they_o the_o which_o when_o as_o they_o do_v not_o not_o come_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o their_o expectation_n all_o go_v on_o in_o a_o ordinary_a course_n &_o happen_v to_o one_o as_o to_o another_o they_o fall_v into_o this_o doubt_n and_o distrust_n of_o god_n presence_n providence_n power_n and_o love_n towards_o they_o and_o so_o wax_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o slack_a and_o backward_o in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o in_o serve_v god_n but_o this_o temptation_n be_v to_o be_v resist_v by_o consider_v that_o god_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o harden_v of_o the_o wicked_a work_v not_o open_o and_o sensible_o but_o secret_o till_o the_o time_n come_v wherein_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v reveal_v especial_o this_o evil_n show_v itself_o in_o the_o time_n of_o adversity_n when_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v overshadow_a with_o cross_n in_o the_o which_o we_o see_v not_o the_o love_n but_o rather_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n afflict_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o trial_n but_o as_o touch_v they_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o god_n do_v in_o theâ—_n show_v his_o love_n more_o than_o in_o prosperity_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v by_o they_o to_o be_v the_o more_o persuade_v of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n yea_o sometime_o this_o distrust_n become_v despair_n wherein_o the_o faithful_a man_n be_v drive_v beside_o his_o faith_n and_o hope_n yea_o beside_o himself_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n out_o of_o his_o wit_n suppose_v his_o sin_n to_o exceed_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o â—o_o be_v altogether_o unpardonable_a he_o can_v be_v comfort_v by_o remember_v his_o former_a state_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n wherein_o sometime_o he_o stand_v but_o be_v by_o that_o mean_v confirm_v in_o despair_n as_o think_v his_o sin_n to_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n the_o more_o grievous_a and_o unpardonable_a it_o be_v commit_v against_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o he_o apply_v to_o himself_o that_o which_o be_v write_v heb._n 6.6_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n if_o they_o fall_v away_o shall_v be_v renew_a again_o by_o repentance_n see_v they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o he_o languish_v in_o horror_n of_o conscience_n and_o a_o fearful_a sense_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o most_o fearful_a sickness_n which_o can_v happen_v to_o a_o faithful_a man_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o wicked_a spiritâ—_n in_o hell_n who_o continual_o live_v or_o rather_o die_v in_o a_o desperate_a sense_n of_o the_o endless_a wrath_n of_o god_n the_o remedy_n be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o only_o be_v able_a to_o appease_v these_o storm_n and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o to_o give_v a_o quiet_a calm_a yet_o the_o mean_n must_v be_v use_v by_o ourselves_o to_o wit_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o example_n of_o many_o godly_a man_n to_o who_o god_n have_v remit_v as_o many_o and_o as_o great_a sin_n as_o we_o be_v yea_o have_v beeâ—_n commit_v after_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v for_o the_o which_o purpose_n we_o must_v also_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n betwixt_o then_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v infinite_a and_o our_o sin_n which_o be_v as_o nothing_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n all_o which_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v able_a to_o do_v away_o that_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n before_o mention_v &_o such_o other_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o malicious_a &_o despiteful_a oppugn_n of_o the_o gospel_n once_o embrace_v and_o last_o that_o where_o sin_n there_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n abound_v and_o his_o glory_n be_v set_v forth_o sect._n 7._o beside_o these_o general_a diseaseâ—_n which_o make_v a_o man_n decrease_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o godliness_n there_o happen_v to_o the_o soul_n many_o particular_a disease_n which_o contain_v themsemselue_n within_o one_o part_n or_o faculty_n of_o it_o the_o rest_n remain_v whole_a and_o sound_a these_o be_v as_o many_o as_o be_v the_o part_n of_o renewed_a holiness_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n the_o want_n of_o any_o one_o whereof_o make_v a_o spiritual_a disease_n for_o where_o any_o grace_n be_v want_v there_o the_o contrary_a corruption_n of_o sin_n do_v prevail_v and_o reign_v if_o it_o be_v ask_v whether_o that_o one_o true_o regenerate_a can_v be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o any_o