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time_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o sweet_a go_n forth_o of_o life_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v enstate_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o sweetness_n and_o clearness_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v lay_v down_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o foregoing_a treatise_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o add_v somewhat_o concerning_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o it_o be_v cast_v in_o upon_o read_v the_o episte_n to_o the_o ephesian_n or_o some_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n whereby_o their_o practice_n be_v square_v which_o in_o that_o epistle_n resolve_v itself_o into_o these_o four_o stream_n 1_o to_o suck_v in_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o to_o admire_v god_n and_o christ_n who_o have_v be_v at_o the_o great_a cost_n to_o purchase_v and_o prepare_v this_o feast_n of_o fatness_n and_o sweetness_n for_o the_o soul_n 3_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o this_o his_o his_o goodness_n and_o 4_o to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n that_o we_o be_v not_o drive_v from_o it_o from_o enjoy_v the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o from_o honour_v god_n with_o it_o this_o be_v the_o path_n whereinto_o christian_n then_o be_v lead_v and_o wherein_o they_o walk_v 1._o to_o suck_v in_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v ever_o seed_v upon_o christ_n to_o be_v ever_o delight_v in_o that_o glorious_a state_n and_o in_o those_o glorious_a privilege_n god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o in_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v two_o way_n i._n by_o consider_v the_o mercy_n and_o privilege_n we_o have_v in_o christ_n as_o first_o we_o have_v redemption_n pardon_v of_o sin_n in_o he_o we_o be_v buy_v from_o our_o captivity_n and_o misery_n by_o his_o blood_n we_o be_v wash_v from_o
a_o touchstone_n or_o trial_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o original_a from_o whence_o it_o spring_v and_o the_o root_n out_o of_o which_o it_o grow_v hold_v out_o by_o way_n of_o exposition_n of_o the_o 12_o and_o 13_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o john_n gospel_n and_o of_o the_o six_o former_a verse_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n which_o treat_v express_o about_o this_o point_n intend_a not_o for_o the_o disquiet_n of_o any_o but_o for_o the_o eternal_a rest_n and_o peace_n of_o all_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n shall_v please_v to_o make_v it_o useful_a thereunto_o to_o which_o be_v add_v the_o spiritual_a practice_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n london_n print_v for_o giles_n calvert_n at_o the_o black_a spread-eagle_n at_o the_o west_n end_n of_o paul_n 1648._o to_o the_o reader_n reader_n if_o thou_o have_v any_o leisure_n from_o partake_v in_o or_o exclaim_v against_o the_o bitter_a contention_n of_o this_o present_a age_n which_o have_v eat_v out_o most_o 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power_n of_o every_o thing_n he_o have_v a_o resemblance_n of_o that_o too_o for_o those_o that_o will_v not_o otherwise_o be_v content_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o attain_v the_o truth_n and_o substance_n which_o if_o they_o be_v not_o thus_o deceive_v by_o he_o with_o the_o similitude_n of_o they_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o pursue_v thou_o be_v confident_a thou_o be_v not_o deceive_v so_o be_v all_o that_o be_v deceive_v the_o devil_n can_v not_o deceive_v thou_o with_o that_o which_o be_v false_a if_o he_o do_v not_o withal_o work_v in_o thou_o a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v true_a what_o will_v it_o hurt_v thou_o to_o try_v and_o try_v thorough_o nay_o sure_o it_o will_v much_o advantage_v thy_o very_a confidence_n after_o trial_n thou_o may_v be_v confident_a upon_o knowledge_n now_o thou_o be_v confident_a but_o upon_o supposition_n and_o if_o thou_o shall_v at_o last_o prove_v mistake_v thou_o will_v have_v too_o much_o time_n to_o befool_v thyself_o and_o bewail_v thy_o confidence_n thou_o will_v be_v more_o angry_a that_o thou_o be_v press_v no_o further_a to_o trial_n than_o thou_o be_v now_o offend_v that_o thou_o be_v press_v so_o much_o to_o it_o thou_o be_v but_o a_o traveller_n in_o this_o world_n and_o yet_o thou_o will_v look_v after_o a_o sure_a title_n in_o these_o transitory_a thing_n oh_o look_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o flaw_n in_o thy_o title_n to_o thy_o true_a inheritance_n and_o if_o thy_o spirit_n be_v serious_o bend_v towards_o this_o employment_n here_o perhaps_o the_o lord_n may_v administer_v to_o thou_o some_o help_n and_o direction_n or_o furnish_v thou_o better_o some_o other_o way_n when_o he_o shall_v see_v good_a the_o way_n of_o trial_n here_o propound_v be_v certain_a though_o somewhat_o difficult_a yea_o indeed_o altogether_o impossible_a without_o the_o help_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o yet_o what_o sweet_a safe_a true_a direction_n can_v be_v give_v to_o we_o poor_a weak_a empty_a creature_n who_o be_v nothing_o who_o can_v do_v nothing_o then_o to_o fly_v to_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o issue_v out_o that_o power_n to_o we_o and_o manage_v it_o in_o we_o whereby_o the_o thing_n we_o desire_v may_v be_v effect_v and_o to_o wait_v quiet_o upon_o he_o in_o our_o present_a uncertain_a condition_n till_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o do_v it_o rather_o than_o patch_v up_o a_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o own_o and_o this_o way_n of_o trial_n be_v not_o any_o invention_n of_o i_o but_o it_o be_v plain_o represent_v in_o these_o scripture_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o john_n and_o christ_n refer_v the_o trial_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o birth_n and_o of_o the_o birth_n to_o the_o spirit_n as_o thou_o may_v more_o full_o see_v in_o the_o discourse_n itself_o to_o which_o i_o now_o leave_v thou_o to_o make_v what_o use_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n shall_v direct_v thou_o thou_o in_o what_o the_o lord_n please_v isaac_n pennington_n a_o touchstone_n or_o trial_n of_o faith_n john_n 1._o verse_n 12._o 13._o but_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n this_o sweet_a and_o soar_a evangelist_n have_v glance_v at_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n in_o his_o relation_n to_o god_n be_v his_o word_n his_o presence_n and_o oneness_n with_o god_n vers._n 1._o in_o his_o influence_n upon_o all_o thing_n he_o give_v they_o their_o be_v vers._n 3._o he_o give_v they_o their_o life_n too_o for_o it_o be_v first_o in_o he_o and_o his_o life_n contain_v all_o that_o light_n that_o man_n at_o any_o time_n receive_v either_o natural_a or_o spiritual_a either_o from_o and_o through_o the_o creature_n in_o at_o the_o window_n of_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o reason_n or_o more_o immediate_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n into_o his_o own_o spirit_n vers._n 4._o have_v thus_o give_v a_o general_a and_o pithy_a description_n of_o he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o main_a subject_n of_o his_o discourse_n he_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o his_o forerunner_n and_o what_o of_o christ_n may_v be_v learn_v from_o he_o he_o describe_v this_o forerunner_n 1._o by_o his_o mission_n he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n he_o do_v not_o go_v of_o his_o own_o head_n but_o god_n bid_v he_o go_v 2._o by_o his_o name_n his_o name_n be_v john_n vers._n 6._o 3._o by_o the_o end_n of_o his_o come_n it_o be_v for_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o testify_v somewhat_o from_o god_n unto_o the_o world_n 4._o concerning_o what_o he_o be_v to_o witness_v it_o be_v concerning_o that_o light_n he_o have_v speak_v of_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o shine_v in_o the_o darkness_n uncomprehend_a by_o the_o darkness_n that_o this_o be_v the_o light_n indeed_o 5._o to_o what_o end_n he_o be_v to_o witness_v this_o that_o all_o through_o he_o may_v believe_v that_o by_o his_o mean_n man_n may_v universal_o come_v to_o acknowledge_v this_o light_n and_o to_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o it_o to_o lead_v they_o unto_o life_n vers._n 7._o in_o verse_n 8._o he_o remove_v a_o mistake_n which_o may_v arise_v in_o man_n mind_n concerning_o this_o end_n he_o be_v not_o that_o light_n but_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o that_o light_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v do_v not_o mistake_v he_o be_v not_o this_o light_n himself_o he_o come_v not_o to_o that_o end_n to_o be_v the_o light_n but_o only_o to_o give_v in_o a_o testimony_n from_o god_n concerning_o the_o light_n to_o tell_v man_n which_o be_v it_o that_o man_n may_v not_o have_v
make_v a_o son_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o want_v the_o spirit_n of_o son_n we_o say_v they_o be_v unnatural_a god_n shall_v beget_v unnatural_a child_n if_o he_o shall_v not_o endue_v they_o with_o a_o sonlike_a spirit_n he_o can_v not_o be_v a_o true_a father_n beget_v a_o true_a child_n unless_o he_o beget_v his_o own_o spirit_n in_o he_o there_o can_v be_v no_o life_n of_o a_o son_n no_o voice_n of_o a_o son_n no_o motion_n of_o a_o son_n without_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o 9_o 26._o sonship_n and_o the_o spirit_n be_v knit_v together_o gal._n 4._o 6._o because_o you_o be_v son_n god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o your_o heart_n cry_v abba_fw-he father_n it_o belong_v to_o the_o father_n both_o to_o beget_v and_o cherish_v a_o sonlike_a spirit_n in_o his_o son_n god_n have_v undertake_v for_o his_o as_o well_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v son_n and_o daughter_n as_o to_o be_v a_o father_n to_o they_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 18._o he_o will_v beget_v in_o they_o and_o pour_v out_o upon_o they_o such_o a_o sonlike_a spirit_n that_o neither_o he_o nor_o they_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o relation_n 3._o a_o sonlike_a inheritance_n such_o a_o one_o as_o become_v such_o a_o heir_n what_o god_n now_o possess_v he_o must_v inherit_v if_o he_o be_v his_o son_n his_o heir_n it_o be_v his_o privilege_n what_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n glory_n etc._n etc._n god_n now_o enjoy_v he_o must_v have_v when_o he_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o it_o rom._n 8._o 17._o this_o all_o that_o receive_v chriâ—t_v must_v have_v from_o and_o with_o christ_n all_o this_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o christ_n and_o he_o give_v it_o all_o with_o himself_o so_o that_o take_v he_o and_o take_v all_o quest_n but_o what_o be_v this_o same_o receive_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v those_o person_n that_o receive_v he_o how_o may_v we_o know_v they_o answ._n the_o next_o word_n tell_v you_o it_o be_v they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o power_n to_o save_v to_o bring_v man_n out_o of_o their_o misery_n and_o wretchedness_n unto_o this_o this_o light_n come_v to_o lighten_v man_n out_o of_o their_o darkness_n into_o itself_o and_o who_o ever_o lie_v hold_v on_o he_o he_o fetch_v they_o out_o who_o ever_o be_v fasten_v unto_o he_o can_v abide_v in_o darkness_n but_o must_v come_v out_o with_o he_o now_o to_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n be_v to_o fasten_v on_o this_o power_n of_o he_o faith_n be_v that_o glue_n which_o make_v the_o soul_n in_o who_o it_o be_v stick_v and_o cleave_v to_o christ_n and_o any_o such_o soul_n he_o fetch_v they_o out_o of_o the_o clutch_n of_o the_o devil_n present_o and_o from_o amidst_o that_o power_n of_o darkness_n under_o which_o they_o lie_v and_o give_v they_o this_o privilege_n to_o become_v son_n of_o god_n act._n 26._o 18._o quest_n but_o how_o may_v we_o know_v those_o who_o believe_v or_o how_o come_v these_o person_n to_o believe_v and_o receive_v he_o before_o other_o his_o own_o they_o receive_v he_o not_o how_o come_v it_o about_o that_o these_o receive_v he_o answ._n that_o be_v resolve_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n vers._n 13._o they_o have_v a_o new_a principle_n of_o life_n put_v into_o they_o which_o incline_v they_o so_o to_o do_v which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n these_o person_n come_v to_o it_o by_o a_o new_a birth_n they_o come_v not_o to_o faith_n by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o they_o be_v new_o bear_v before_o they_o believe_v they_o have_v a_o new_a seed_n of_o a_o new_a life_n put_v into_o they_o out_o of_o which_o faith_n grow_v and_o from_o which_o it_o fetch_v its_o ability_n to_o act_v now_o concerning_o this_o birth_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v deceive_v about_o it_o he_o show_v first_o what_o it_o be_v not_o whence_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v and_o than_o what_o it_o be_v whence_o it_o do_v proceed_v it_o be_v not_o a_o birth_n of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n 1._o not_o of_o blood_n blood_n may_v import_v that_o instruction_n in_o religion_n and_o disposition_n towards_o religion_n which_o a_o man_n receive_v from_o his_o parent_n there_o be_v a_o vein_n of_o religion_n run_v along_o with_o the_o blood_n and_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o natural_a inclination_n in_o all_o person_n towards_o religion_n both_o which_o meeting_n together_o with_o some_o addition_n of_o instruction_n will_v carry_v a_o person_n very_o far_o in_o religious_a practice_n this_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n general_o what_o they_o drink_v in_o from_o their_o parent_n and_o be_v accustom_v to_o by_o their_o education_n that_o they_o be_v very_o strict_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o and_o this_o be_v the_o root_n of_o most_o of_o the_o religion_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o word_n turk_n papist_n yea_o protestant_n general_o suck_v in_o their_o religion_n with_o their_o blood_n indeed_o they_o all_o pretend_v to_o a_o power_n of_o god_n and_o strive_v to_o make_v up_o a_o kind_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o themselves_o one_o way_n or_o other_o whereas_o the_o groundwork_n whereupon_o they_o build_v be_v rot_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a birth_n man_n in_o the_o natural_a way_n of_o generation_n can_v convey_v it_o abraham_n do_v not_o thus_o convey_v it_o to_o isaac_n but_o he_o be_v a_o son_n by_o promise_n it_o be_v not_o the_o blood_n of_o abraham_n through_o which_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n run_v 2._o nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o will_n of_o man_n denote_v the_o corrupt_a part_n with_o the_o desire_n thereof_o which_o also_o do_v operate_v and_o have_v a_o power_n to_o produce_v a_o birth_n in_o religion_n though_o not_o the_o true_a birth_n this_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n may_v work_v a_o twofold_a way_n either_o in_o one_o self_n or_o in_o other_o and_o either_o way_n may_v effect_v a_o great_a change_n in_o the_o person_n in_o the_o reference_n to_o religion_n though_o not_o the_o true_a one_o first_o there_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n work_v in_o a_o man_n self_n when_o a_o man_n for_o by-end_n as_o vainglory_n profit_n quietness_n sake_n or_o any_o such_o like_a thing_n take_v up_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v from_o the_o flesh_n from_o a_o corrupt_a principle_n when_o a_o man_n take_v up_o religion_n not_o from_o a_o pure_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n not_o for_o religion_n sake_n but_o because_o it_o suit_n with_o such_o and_o such_o by-end_n of_o his_o tend_v to_o advantage_v he_o in_o this_o or_o that_o respect_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n take_v up_o most_o of_o their_o practice_n out_o of_o a_o desire_n of_o honour_n and_o gain_v and_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v and_o know_v of_o many_o in_o former_a time_n that_o they_o have_v be_v puritan_n on_o such_o term_n as_o these_o to_o obtain_v a_o wife_n to_o please_v their_o friend_n to_o increase_v their_o custom_n and_o the_o like_a and_o thus_o be_v many_o thing_n maintain_v among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n which_o the_o light_n that_o be_v abroad_o will_v quick_o and_o clear_o dispel_v only_o corrupt_a end_n keep_v they_o alive_a and_o thus_o a_o man_n may_v be_v bear_v anew_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a change_n may_v be_v make_v in_o he_o and_o he_o appear_v a_o new_a man_n to_o all_o that_o behold_v he_o when_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o but_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n his_o prosecute_v some_o corrupt_a end_n of_o his_o own_o which_o make_v he_o thus_o forward_o and_o zealous_a in_o religion_n second_o there_o be_v this_o corrupt_a part_n or_o will_v of_o the_o flesh_n not_o only_o work_v in_o a_o man_n self_n but_o in_o other_o also_o and_o that_o be_v when_o other_o man_n for_o corrupt_a end_n of_o their_o own_o strive_v to_o bring_v on_o person_n special_o such_o as_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o lead_v to_o such_o and_o such_o practice_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o zeal_n in_o such_o and_o such_o particular_a thing_n thus_o the_o pharisee_n do_v bring_v the_o people_n into_o many_o practice_n for_o their_o own_o corrupt_a end_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o poor_a proselyte_n bear_v they_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o way_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o jew_n who_o take_v great_a pain_n to_o effect_v it_o but_o make_v they_o ten_o time_n more_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n than_o they_o be_v before_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v see_v will_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o poor_a soul_n at_o last_o who_o have_v follow_v
spiritual_o so_o that_o all_o the_o birth_n produce_v by_o man_n be_v but_o fleshly_a all_o the_o change_n man_n can_v make_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n or_o any_o else_o be_v but_o from_o flesh_n to_o flesh_n from_o grosser_n flesh_n to_o flesh_n somewhat_o more_o refine_v conversion_n by_o miracle_n and_o strong_a argument_n be_v but_o a_o fleshly_a conversion_n all_o the_o way_n that_o man_n can_v take_v to_o bring_v his_o own_o heart_n to_o believe_v to_o close_v in_o with_o christ_n to_o love_n christ_n can_v produce_v but_o a_o fleshly_a faith_n a_o fleshly_a love_n all_o the_o way_n man_n can_v take_v to_o kill_v and_o subdue_v sin_n in_o he_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fleshly_a mortify_n of_o sin_n sin_n be_v true_o alive_a for_o all_o this_o and_o will_v discover_v its_o life_n again_o when_o it_o see_v its_o time_n christ_n do_v especial_o allude_v to_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v in_o nicodemus_n his_o eye_n be_v it_o thou_o bear_v of_o these_o thy_o birth_n be_v but_o fleshly_a how_o spiritual_a soever_o such_o a_o person_n may_v seem_v how_o spiritual_o soever_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o act_v yet_o at_o the_o root_n he_o be_v but_o fleshly_a the_o change_n be_v make_v but_o by_o flesh_n and_o the_o thing_n change_v be_v still_o but_o flesh_n how_o glorious_a soever_o the_o change_n may_v seem_v think_v well_o of_o it_o it_o can_v be_v say_v too_o often_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n man_n can_v use_v to_o bring_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n they_o be_v but_o fleshly_a and_o can_v produce_v but_o fleshly_a operation_n in_o he_o all_o this_o faith_n and_o holiness_n though_o raise_v to_o never_o so_o great_a a_o height_n it_o be_v but_o that_o his_o heart_n must_v be_v mortify_v to_o if_o ever_o he_o live_v spiritual_o oh_a it_o will_v be_v sweet_a and_o profitable_a to_o consider_v the_o abundance_n of_o fleshly_a change_n wherewith_o the_o devil_n cozen_v man_n they_o see_v a_o real_a change_n in_o themselves_o and_o so_o think_v they_o be_v sure_a whereas_o it_o be_v but_o a_o real_a fleshly_a change_n not_o a_o real_a spiritual_a change_n and_o so_o indeed_o not_o real_a in_o the_o true_a sense_n a_o change_n from_o natural_a unbelief_n to_o natural_a faith_n for_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o nature_n to_o believe_v which_o may_v either_o be_v affright_v or_o persuade_v to_o put_v forth_o itself_o for_o its_o own_o preservation_n nature_n be_v convince_v of_o its_o present_a danger_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o safety_n but_o by_o believe_v on_o christ_n which_o faith_n must_v be_v accompany_v with_o love_n to_o christ_n the_o truth_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o this_o love_n must_v show_v itself_o in_o obedience_n nature_n i_o say_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o do_v present_o muster_v up_o all_o its_o force_n of_o faith_n love_n obedience_n lay_v they_o at_o christ_n foot_n to_o dispose_v of_o it_o will_v trust_v he_o love_v what_o he_o will_v have_v it_o love_v obey_v what_o he_o will_v command_v it_o hate_v what_o he_o will_v have_v it_o hate_v deny_v itself_o its_o own_o end_n interest_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o spiritual_a but_o it_o will_v undertake_v and_o go_v through_o after_o its_o manner_n rather_o than_o perish_v and_o alas_o what_o be_v this_o all_o this_o be_v but_o nature_n work_v from_o its_o own_o principle_n with_o its_o own_o power_n to_o its_o own_o end_n there_o be_v no_o new_a birth_n necessary_a to_o all_o this_o though_o all_o this_o do_v also_o proceed_v from_o a_o new_a birth_n where_o it_o be_v after_o more_o a_o excellent_a manner_n than_o nature_n can_v attain_v to_o but_o now_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v or_o beget_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n that_o which_o the_o spirit_n beget_v which_o the_o spirit_n produce_v be_v spirit_n that_o faith_n that_o love_n to_o god_n which_o he_o breathe_v into_o a_o man_n that_o be_v true_o spiritual_a if_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v change_v not_o by_o reason_n not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n but_o by_o he_o by_o his_o immediate_a power_n than_o the_o change_n be_v true_a and_o sound_a as_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n who_o beget_v so_o that_o which_o be_v beget_v by_o he_o with_o that_o water_n which_o he_o use_v in_o his_o act_n of_o generation_n be_v a_o true_a and_o spiritual_a birth_n there_o be_v three_o particular_n which_o discover_v the_o reality_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o thing_n 1_o the_o original_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v 2_o the_o nature_n whereof_o they_o be_v and_o 3_o the_o effect_n which_o they_o produce_v every_o spiritual_a thing_n it_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v spiritual_a itself_o and_o it_o work_v spiritual_o there_o be_v a_o true_a tincture_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o of_o its_o original_n in_o every_o effect_n it_o produce_v as_o every_o natural_a man_n be_v beget_v by_o a_o man_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o man_n in_o himself_o and_o act_v like_o a_o man_n work_v the_o operation_n of_o a_o man_n so_o every_o new_a man_n every_o spiritual_a man_n be_v beget_v by_o the_o spirit_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o he_o and_o discover_v his_o nature_n and_o original_n in_o every_o one_o of_o his_o spiritual_a motion_n and_o action_n his_o faith_n his_o love_n every_o thing_n in_o he_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o spirit_n move_v and_o act_v spiritual_o the_o former_a of_o these_o christ_n argue_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n from_o in_o this_o place_n its_o come_n from_o the_o spirit_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n what_o ever_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o a_o man_n be_v true_o spiritual_a that_o light_n he_o show_v be_v true_a spiritual_a light_n that_o grace_n he_o give_v be_v true_a spiritual_a grace_n that_o change_n he_o make_v be_v a_o true_a spiritual_a change_n but_o all_o other_o change_n be_v but_o counterset_n of_o that_o true_a spiritual_a one_o which_o he_o alone_o can_v make_v and_o this_o may_v show_v we_o the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o many_o change_n in_o this_o flit_a age_n it_o be_v because_o most_o man_n be_v change_v by_o the_o flesh_n the_o great_a power_n of_o flesh_n still_o change_v they_o a_o strong_a objection_n which_o they_o can_v answer_v will_v startle_v any_o man_n that_o be_v change_v by_o a_o power_n of_o flesh_n hence_o man_n take_v up_o one_o practice_n to_o day_n another_o to_o morrow_n now_o acknowledge_v this_o or_o that_o for_o a_o truth_n by_o and_o by_o it_o be_v false_a then_o true_a again_o why_o because_o they_o see_v not_o thing_n by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o never_o vary_v but_o by_o a_o force_n of_o argument_n by_o a_o power_n of_o reason_n which_o sometime_o appear_v strong_a sometime_o weak_a sometime_o great_a sometime_o lesser_a but_o a_o soul_n who_o light_n be_v change_v who_o practice_n be_v change_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o change_n remain_v good_a let_v all_o the_o wind_n and_o gust_n of_o argument_n blow_v never_o so_o strong_o take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o change_v your_o apprehension_n or_o practice_n about_o any_o thing_n till_o you_o can_v say_v the_o spirit_n change_v they_o else_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o fleshly_a change_n what_o further_o remain_v but_o that_o every_o one_o that_o love_v his_o soul_n shall_v lay_v this_o to_o heart_n and_o consider_v thorough_o according_a to_o the_o weightiness_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o how_o it_o be_v with_o he_o what_o that_o religion_n be_v whereupon_o he_o ground_v his_o hope_n what_o oil_n feed_v his_o lamp_n whence_o his_o faith_n his_o love_n come_v and_o of_o what_o rank_n and_o kind_n they_o be_v and_o not_o to_o do_v this_o slight_o or_o determine_v sudden_o as_o be_v most_o usual_a with_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o be_v thankful_a unto_o god_n for_o and_o make_v much_o of_o the_o least_o hope_n which_o be_v not_o every_o one_o lot_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v or_o let_v god_n alone_o till_o he_o have_v bring_v we_o to_o a_o absolute_a certainty_n then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o we_o may_v safe_o without_o hazard_n give_v over_o the_o debate_n of_o this_o question_n and_o though_o we_o may_v perhaps_o be_v a_o long_a while_n before_o we_o attain_v it_o yet_o if_o god_n carry_v on_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o pursuit_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o sweet_a pledge_n and_o refresh_n in_o the_o way_n as_o may_v much_o mitigate_v god_n seem_a tediousness_n in_o defer_v our_o full_a satisfaction_n herein_o and_o indeed_o though_o god_n lead_v his_o people_n in_o such_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a way_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o
such_o guide_n as_o have_v have_v glorious_a pretence_n in_o view_n but_o corrupt_a end_n in_o their_o heart_n they_o become_v ten_o time_n worse_o at_o present_a and_o will_v be_v ten_o time_n more_o miserable_a at_o last_o then_o if_o they_o have_v never_o know_v such_o and_o such_o way_n of_o religion_n or_o have_v not_o be_v so_o zealous_a in_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a birth_n neither_o whence_o true_a faith_n do_v flow_v all_o the_o change_n that_o be_v make_v in_o we_o from_o any_o corrupt_a end_n or_o desire_v of_o our_o own_o or_o of_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o will_v be_v of_o little_a value_n to_o we_o 3._o nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n the_o will_n of_o man_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n note_v the_o pure_a and_o most_o ingenuous_a part_n and_o that_o either_o in_o a_o man_n self_n or_o any_o other_o it_o note_v that_o desire_v that_o be_v natural_o in_o man_n to_o find_v out_o god_n and_o his_o will_n and_o to_o worship_n and_o please_v he_o and_o so_o to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n the_o soul_n can_v meet_v with_o in_o reference_n thereunto_o as_o seek_v into_o his_o word_n hear_v confer_v pray_v and_o observe_v what_o it_o find_v to_o be_v his_o will_n this_o indeed_o be_v noble_a ingenuous_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o its_o kind_n and_o degree_n but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o rise_v so_o high_a as_o this_o birth_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o all_o this_o prosecute_v by_o the_o soul_n yet_o will_v never_o bring_v it_o to_o god_n though_o god_n do_v ordinary_o if_o not_o always_o bring_v such_o person_n to_o himself_o who_o he_o thus_o serious_o and_o constant_o incline_v nor_o will_v this_o desire_n in_o other_o with_o all_o the_o mean_n they_o can_v use_v accomplish_v it_o though_o they_o themselves_o be_v new_o bear_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o beget_v another_o though_o the_o most_o precious_a saint_n that_o be_v shall_v never_o so_o earnest_o desire_v the_o beget_n of_o a_o soul_n to_o god_n out_o of_o the_o pure_a end_n that_o may_v be_v and_o shall_v use_v all_o spiritual_a mean_n towards_o it_o pray_v hard_o to_o god_n diligent_o spread_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o person_n and_o beg_v on_o he_o day_n after_o day_n with_o tear_n to_o pity_v his_o poor_a perish_a soul_n yet_o all_o this_o will_v not_o do_v abraham_n do_v as_o much_o for_o ishmael_n as_o can_v be_v do_v if_o the_o will_n of_o man_n will_v have_v do_v it_o he_o be_v careful_a to_o instruct_v his_o whole_a family_n but_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n very_o fain_o will_v he_o have_v have_v grace_n breathe_v into_o he_o oh_o that_o ishmael_n may_v live_v before_o thou_o how_o fain_o will_v isaac_n have_v have_v the_o blessing_n run_v to_o esau_n how_o much_o do_v christ_n do_v for_o the_o jew_n how_o large_a be_v his_o affection_n oh_o that_o thou_o have_v know_v at_o least_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o thy_o peace_n how_o vast_a his_o pain_n all_o the_o day_n long_o have_v i_o stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n to_o a_o foolish_a and_o gainsay_v people_n so_o paul_n for_o the_o jew_n rom._n 9_o 2_o 3._o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o do_v travel_v with_o man_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o beget_v or_o bring_v forth_o who_o they_o will_v and_o those_o person_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o this_o will_n of_o they_o yet_o that_o birth_n come_v to_o nothing_o they_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n afterwards_o both_o from_o christ_n while_o he_o be_v alive_a as_o this_o book_n abundant_o testify_v and_o from_o the_o church_n after_o his_o ascension_n so_o that_o here_o be_v the_o three_o great_a engine_n of_o religion_n which_o turn_v all_o the_o world_n upside_o down_o and_o make_v almost_o all_o the_o change_n in_o religion_n among_o man_n tradition_n corruption_n reason_n and_o ingenuity_n they_o be_v all_o here_o discard_v as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o convey_v the_o true_a birth_n whence_o true_a faith_n proceed_v then_o at_o last_o the_o evangelist_n have_v show_v whence_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v show_v also_o whence_o it_o do_v proceed_v both_o the_o birth_n and_o the_o faith_n but_o of_o god_n the_o birth_n come_v from_o god_n the_o faith_n from_o the_o birth_n or_o from_o the_o new_a bear_a child_n god_n by_o his_o spirit_n breathe_v a_o breath_n of_o life_n into_o he_o put_v a_o new_a principle_n within_o he_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o he_o come_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n god_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n change_v he_o and_o make_v he_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o then_o he_o come_v to_o put_v forth_o this_o new_a act_n of_o true_a and_o spiritual_a faith_n god_n sow_v a_o seed_n in_o he_o cause_v this_o seed_n to_o grow_v and_o at_o length_n bring_v it_o forth_o so_o that_o the_o child_n be_v bear_v and_o then_o faith_n natural_o after_o the_o law_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n sprout_n from_o it_o the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o live_a child_n be_v to_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n which_o before_o lie_v hide_v in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v do_v this_o birth_n be_v bring_v about_o not_o from_o a_o man_n own_o will_n whether_o corrupt_a or_o ingenuous_a nor_o from_o the_o will_n of_o any_o else_o but_o from_o god_n from_o his_o will_n of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o iam._n 1._o 18._o this_o and_o this_o alone_o be_v the_o true_a birth_n for_o a_o close_a to_o these_o two_o verse_n take_v notice_n of_o these_o four_o great_a truth_n wherein_o much_o of_o the_o gospel_n do_v lie_v three_o of_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o two_o verse_n the_o first_o of_o they_o in_o the_o foregoing_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n 1._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o light_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o lighten_v man_n out_o of_o their_o darkness_n there_o be_v no_o get_v out_o of_o spiritual_a darkness_n but_o by_o christ_n the_o true_a and_o only_o spiritual_a light_n 2._o the_o person_n for_o who_o he_o do_v this_o must_v believe_v must_v receive_v he_o by_o faith_n for_o their_o light_n 3._o faith_n proceed_v from_o the_o new_a birth_n a_o man_n must_v be_v new_o bear_v that_o he_o may_v believe_v 4._o the_o great_a privilege_n christ_n bestow_v on_o those_o that_o believe_v which_o be_v this_o he_o give_v they_o authority_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n those_o that_o will_v be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v believe_v on_o his_o christ_n those_o that_o will_v believe_v on_o god_n christ_n must_v be_v bear_v of_o god_n those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n can_v but_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o christ_n can_v but_o lighten_v they_o out_o of_o their_o darkness_n for_o that_o end_n he_o come_v john_n 3._o vers._n 1._o there_o be_v a_o man_n of_o the_o pharisee_n name_v nicodemus_n a_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n 2._o the_o same_o come_v to_o jesus_n by_o night_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o rabbi_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o thou_o art_n a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o 3._o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o very_o very_o i_o say_v thou_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 4._o nicodemus_n say_v unto_o he_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v when_o he_o be_v old_a can_v he_o enter_v the_o second_o time_n into_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o be_v bear_v 5._o jesus_n answer_v very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 6._o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n here_o be_v a_o excellent_a dispute_n between_o christ_n and_o nicodemus_n concerning_o true_a faith_n john_n have_v describe_v it_o before_o in_o the_o twelve_o and_o thirteen_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o he_o have_v show_v that_o those_o that_o do_v indeed_o believe_v be_v bear_v of_o god_n this_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o they_o which_o do_v entitle_v they_o unto_o christ_n and_o whereupon_o they_o do_v receive_v the_o right_n of_o sonship_n in_o and_o from_o he_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o light_n set_v before_o they_o by_o man_n nor_o from_o any_o inclination_n of_o heart_n which_o man_n can_v work_v in_o they_o but_o from_o a_o new_a principle_n of_o life_n breathe_v into_o their_o soul_n by_o god_n here_o the_o case_n be_v more_o full_o argue_v between_o christ_n and_o nicodemuus_n nicodemus_n a_o pharisee_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o jew_n come_v to_o christ_n