enticement_n in_o all_o thing_n last_o as_o touch_v supplication_n which_o we_o make_v the_o three_o filial_a duty_n man_n be_v so_o whole_o alienate_v from_o god_n that_o what_o necessity_n soever_o do_v pinch_n he_o he_o have_v not_o either_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o will_n and_o as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v neither_o the_o heart_n nor_o the_o face_n once_o to_o go_v to_o god_n by_o humble_a prayer_n for_o help_n he_o fly_v to_o worldly_a mean_n as_o to_o his_o own_o wisdom_n strength_n riches_n and_o friend_n and_o if_o all_o fail_v yet_o he_o will_v rather_o seek_v for_o help_v by_o sorcery_n and_o witchcraft_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o new_a father_n the_o devil_n than_o he_o will_v by_o prayer_n call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n thus_o be_v all_o unregenerate_a man_n affect_v howsoever_o in_o a_o show_n of_o religion_n or_o as_o a_o common_a proverb_n they_o will_v sometime_o say_v god_n help_v i_o or_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o whereas_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n have_v no_o confidence_n in_o god_n neither_o any_o hope_n of_o obtain_v any_o thing_n at_o his_o hand_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n why_o they_o shall_v think_v otherwise_o for_o god_n do_v not_o hear_v and_o help_v but_o detest_v and_o plague_v unbeliever_n sect._n 3_o of_o filial_a subjection_n renew_v thus_o we_o see_v how_o man_n be_v altogether_o spoil_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n of_o this_o excellent_a dignity_n of_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n he_o recover_v it_o in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n in_o as_o ample_a manner_n as_o he_o have_v it_o in_o his_o first_o creation_n for_o as_o all_o natural_a man_n be_v in_o adam_n ungracious_a bastard_n so_o they_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n not_o by_o partake_v his_o eternal_a and_o essential_a filiation_n whereof_o no_o creature_n be_v capable_a but_o by_o be_v renew_v and_o make_v conformable_a to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o human_a nature_n for_o as_o man_n lose_v this_o dignity_n by_o lose_v the_o image_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n his_o perfect_a holiness_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o only_o of_o all_o earthly_a creature_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o be_v now_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n restore_v to_o the_o say_a image_n of_o god_n he_o be_v together_o restore_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 12._o joh._n 1._o 12._o as_o many_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o those_o he_o give_v power_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 4._o for_o as_o we_o read_v 2._o pet._n 1._o 4._o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n that_o be_v of_o the_o image_n or_o resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o that_o we_o fly_v the_o corruption_n of_o lust_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n reneâ—ed_v from_o this_o prerogative_n of_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o man_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n who_o son_n do_v in_o time_n enjoy_v their_o father_n possession_n stir_v up_o the_o faithful_a to_o a_o undoubted_a expectation_n of_o eternal_a glory_n gal._n 4._o 7._o we_o be_v no_o more_o servant_n but_o son_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n 7._o &_o rom._n 8._o 17._o 17._o if_o we_o be_v son_n then_o be_v we_o heir_n 2_o the_o heir_n true_o of_o god_n and_o the_o fellow_n heir_n of_o christ_n and_o 1._o john_n 3._o 2._o we_o be_v now_o the_o son_n of_o god_n although_o our_o inheritance_n do_v not_o appear_v till_o christ_n appear_v now_o to_o proceed_v as_o the_o faithful_a be_v restore_v to_o this_o dignity_n so_o they_o be_v endue_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o the_o disposition_n belong_v to_o it_o be_v so_o affect_v to_o god_n as_o child_n ought_v to_o be_v to_o their_o natural_a father_n they_o reverence_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n in_o word_n and_o deed_n in_o mind_n heart_n and_o in_o all_o their_o behaviour_n the_o great_a security_n and_o certainty_n which_o they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o good_a estate_n do_v not_o make_v they_o any_o way_n presumptuous_a neither_o do_v the_o familiarity_n which_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o have_v with_o they_o as_o with_o friend_n joh._n 15_o 15._o breed_v in_o they_o any_o contempt_n of_o god_n but_o they_o stand_v continual_o in_o awe_n of_o he_o 15._o and_o of_o his_o glorious_a presence_n yield_v to_o he_o his_o due_a honour_n both_o in_o word_n deed_n and_o affection_n whensoever_o they_o have_v any_o occasion_n to_o deal_v with_o he_o this_o we_o may_v observe_v as_o in_o the_o other_o servant_n of_o god_n so_o especial_o in_o abraham_n who_o although_o he_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v call_v jam._n 2._o 23._o 23._o and_o have_v familiar_a conversation_n and_o talk_n with_o god_n 7_o as_o one_o friend_n use_v to_o have_v with_o another_o 8._o yet_o he_o dare_v not_o speak_v the_o second_o time_n to_o god_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o sodomite_n without_o use_v some_o preface_n of_o reverence_n say_v gen._n 18._o 27._o 30._o behold_v i_o have_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o speak_v to_o god_n who_o be_o but_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o again_o vers._n 30_o let_v not_o my_o lord_n be_v angry_a if_o i_o speak_v for_o they_o this_o affection_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v describe_v 123._o psal._n 123_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o servant_n be_v upon_o his_o lord_n and_o as_o the_o handmaid_n do_v modest_o wait_v in_o presence_n of_o her_o mistress_n so_o be_v we_o affect_v to_o god_n likewise_o for_o the_o second_o duty_n which_o be_v imitation_n the_o faithful_a man_n endevour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o absolute_a purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n have_v wise_a consideration_n use_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o resurrection_n as_o most_o forcible_a argument_n to_o enforce_v the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o vivification_n of_o all_o holiness_n in_o we_o 6._o rom._n 6._o and_o eph._n 5._o 1._o 1_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o belove_a child_n last_o as_o a_o son_n be_v pinch_v with_o any_o grief_n or_o want_n do_v straight_o way_n run_v to_o his_o father_n for_o relief_n so_o do_v the_o faithful_a in_o the_o manifold_a misery_n and_o cross_n of_o this_o present_a life_n seek_v for_o help_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o heavenly_a father_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o notable_a gift_n of_o god_n call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o grace_n ability_n or_o faculty_n of_o pray_v wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v diligent_o to_o be_v declare_v and_o consider_v for_o that_o of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n none_o be_v a_o more_o unfallible_a sign_n of_o true_a regeneration_n then_o be_v this_o gift_n of_o prayer_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v able_a willing_a and_o ready_a to_o pray_v aright_o unto_o god_n as_o the_o present_a occasion_n do_v require_v for_o this_o gift_n consist_v of_o many_o particular_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o which_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o carnal_a man_n first_o there_o be_v require_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o good_a &_o happy_a state_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o attain_v but_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n rom._n 8._o 26._o 26._o we_o know_v not_o for_o what_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o all_o man_n general_o and_o natural_o feel_v their_o temporal_a want_n as_o poverty_n sickness_n shame_n and_o whatsoever_o belong_v to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o present_a life_n but_o as_o for_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n faith_n love_n patience_n and_o the_o rest_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n they_o never_o trouble_v themselves_o in_o seek_v they_o or_o be_v greeve_v for_o the_o want_n of_o they_o nay_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o never_o think_v of_o any_o such_o matter_n or_o know_v what_o these_o thing_n mean_v beside_o none_o can_v pray_v aright_o yea_o although_o he_o be_v enlighten_v with_o some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o man_n and_o have_v a_o glimmer_n of_o the_o thing_n belong_v unto_o it_o as_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v have_v unless_o he_o have_v true_a faith_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n both_o love_v he_o and_o will_v grant_v his_o request_n rom._n 10._o 14._o 14._o the_o apostle_n make_v it_o impossible_a for_o he_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o god_n to_o call_v upon_o he_o but_o the_o
paper_n they_o for_o their_o own_o exercise_n or_o in_o any_o other_o good_a intent_n these_o in_o hope_n of_o some_o honest_a advantage_n and_o both_o of_o they_o in_o a_o christian_a desire_n of_o profit_v other_o let_v not_o that_o trouble_n thou_o the_o loss_n be_v their_o own_o and_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o do_v with_o their_o own_o what_o they_o listen_v we_o speak_v of_o private_a censure_n not_o of_o public_a restraint_n use_v man_n writing_n and_o gift_n if_o thou_o think_v they_o for_o thy_o purpose_n otherwise_o take_v their_o good_a meaning_n and_o we_o among_o the_o rest_n not_o the_o worst_a of_o all_o other_o in_o good_a part_n and_o so_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liker_n or_o to_o their_o loss_n last_o we_o desire_v the_o friendly_a reader_n to_o put_v to_o his_o help_a hand_n to_o this_o work_n which_o we_o have_v take_v in_o hand_n to_o amend_v what_o soever_o be_v any_o way_n amiss_o to_o add_v to_o this_o imperfect_a and_o light_a delineation_n of_o man_n soul_n not_o only_o the_o essential_a part_n which_o be_v want_v but_o also_o the_o sinew_n of_o strong_a proof_n and_o argument_n yea_o the_o clear_a colour_n of_o example_n and_o other_o illustration_n and_o last_o to_o further_o our_o endeavour_n if_o he_o think_v they_o any_o way_n profitable_a for_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o hearty_a good_a will_n and_o earnest_a prayer_n but_o especial_o i_o do_v intend_v and_o commend_v this_o treatise_n unto_o you_o my_o belove_a countryman_n and_o kinsfolk_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o town_n of_o berwick_n even_o to_o all_o that_o in_o the_o say_a town_n do_v call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v there_o unto_o move_v by_o nature_n itself_o which_o will_v wring_v even_o out_o of_o a_o flinty_a heart_n special_a affection_n and_o hearty_a love_n to_o the_o native_a soil_n yea_o what_o be_v more_o meet_a or_o more_o needful_a in_o all_o reason_n and_o equity_n then_o that_o we_o shall_v return_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o our_o labour_n thither_o from_o whence_o we_o come_v and_o where_o we_o have_v our_o first_o be_v and_o beginning_n accept_v i_o pray_v you_o at_o my_o hand_n this_o poor_a mite_n in_o stead_n of_o some_o scotfree_a pledge_n of_o unfeigned_a love_n who_o know_v but_o that_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n this_o small_a grain_n of_o mustardseed_n the_o simple_a of_o a_o thousand_o book_n every_o where_o extant_a be_v careful_o receive_v by_o you_o into_o your_o mind_n and_o heart_n as_o into_o good_a ground_n may_v send_v forth_o plentiful_a fruit_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o unfeigned_a obedience_n unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o may_v grow_v to_o that_o bigness_n that_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n may_v build_v their_o nest_n in_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o for_o so_o i_o hope_v that_o you_o acknowledge_v this_o simple_a and_o unlearned_a piece_n of_o work_n to_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o your_o own_o field_n will_v even_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o more_o willing_o eat_v of_o it_o and_o perhaps_o the_o more_o happy_o digest_v it_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o that_o stature_n and_o strength_n whereunto_o you_o have_v already_o attain_v in_o christ._n in_o who_o i_o do_v earnest_o desire_v that_o you_o may_v grow_v from_o grace_n to_o grace_n labour_v to_o glorify_v he_o by_o a_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n as_o he_o have_v show_v himself_o most_o merciful_a and_o bountiful_a unto_o you_o he_o have_v pour_v forth_o his_o blessing_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a upon_o you_o with_o a_o full_a hand_n he_o have_v give_v unto_o you_o great_a plenty_n of_o thing_n needful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o body_n then_o to_o any_o other_o place_n in_o the_o land_n beside_o he_o have_v free_v you_o from_o the_o dregs_n and_o relic_n of_o popery_n wherewith_o the_o whole_a country_n far_o and_o near_o even_o a_o hundred_o mile_n from_o you_o be_v infect_v as_o with_o a_o common_a plague_n you_o have_v godly_a &_o learned_a preacher_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n although_o not_o many_o yet_o more_o than_o some_o score_n of_o mile_n in_o the_o country_n will_v afford_v and_o last_o you_o have_v leisure_n and_o opportunity_n of_o serve_v god_n and_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n of_o your_o salvation_n great_a than_o any_o other_o have_v as_o all_o man_n know_v what_o want_v then_o but_o only_o this_o that_o you_o be_v not_o want_v to_o yourselves_o but_o careful_a in_o use_v these_o singular_a blessing_n to_o your_o own_o edification_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o so_o your_o church_n may_v be_v renown_v in_o all_o place_n as_o flourish_v in_o the_o multitude_n not_o of_o verbal_a professor_n mock_v god_n and_o deceive_a themselves_o with_o a_o outward_a show_n of_o religion_n but_o of_o sincere_a and_o sound_n christian_n serve_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o labour_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o their_o brethren_n thus_o crave_v pardon_n of_o you_o for_o my_o boldness_n in_o this_o behalf_n i_o commend_v you_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o further_o and_o to_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o those_o that_o be_v sanctify_v the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o all_o now_o and_o evermore_o amen_n write_a this_o first_o of_o april_n 1596_o your_o hearty_a well-willer_n and_o countryman_n t._n m._n the_o argument_n of_o the_o treatise_n follow_v the_o last_o and_o chief_a end_n why_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n make_v the_o world_n with_o all_o thing_n therein_o contain_v be_v the_o set_n forth_o of_o his_o glory_n the_o which_o before_o the_o creation_n do_v shine_v in_o and_o to_o himself_o only_o whereas_o now_o all_o the_o creature_n do_v praise_v his_o holy_a name_n for_o the_o effect_n whereof_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o creature_n shall_v be_v endue_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o excellency_n so_o great_a as_o that_o it_o may_v manifest_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o so_o mean_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o in_o any_o respect_n be_v comparable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o creator_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o state_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n even_o of_o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n be_v keep_v down_o and_o debase_v from_o the_o state_n of_o god_n as_o in_o many_o other_o respect_n so_o especial_o in_o this_o that_o the_o one_o be_v momentanie_n variable_a and_o diverse_a the_o other_o be_v eternal_a constant_a and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o so_o we_o read_v exod._n 3._o 14._o whenas_o god_n will_v even_o paint_v out_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o distinguish_v himself_o from_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o do_v any_o way_n exist_v he_o say_v that_o his_o name_n be_v i_o will_v be_v who_o i_o will_v be_v or_o who_o i_o be_o that_o be_v i_o be_o not_o a_o changeable_a creature_n but_o the_o almighty_a jehova_n in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o change_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o creature_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o permanent_a state_n to_o be_v find_v and_o to_o let_v pass_v the_o base_a sort_n of_o they_o which_o be_v make_v for_o corruption_n and_o to_o be_v consume_v in_o the_o use_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n even_o those_o which_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n angel_n and_o man_n of_o who_o estate_n the_o scripture_n witness_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o changeable_a but_o also_o strange_o change_v for_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o creation_n most_o happy_a glorious_a and_o holy_a become_v afterward_o most_o impure_a wretched_a and_o vile_a neither_o do_v it_o stay_v here_o but_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n man_n be_v restore_v to_o his_o first_o excellency_n so_o we_o read_v job._n 4._o 18._o 19_o behold_v in_o his_o servant_n he_o will_v not_o trust_v no_o not_o in_o his_o angel_n will_v he_o put_v any_o confidence_n how_o much_o less_o in_o man_n dwell_v in_o house_n of_o clay_n who_o foundation_n be_v in_o the_o dust_n &_o c_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o god_n have_v his_o be_v from_o himself_o but_o the_o creature_n depend_v on_o god_n by_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o therefore_o can_v neither_o exist_v nor_o continue_v in_o any_o estate_n long_o than_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n do_v permit_v this_o mutability_n of_o the_o creature_n appear_v chief_o in_o man_n who_o diverse_a state_n be_v three_o in_o number_n we_o do_v endeavour_n to_o lay_v open_a in_o this_o treatise_n the_o first_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o
wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n do_v whole_o consist_v for_o this_o be_v eternal_a salvation_n to_o know_v god_n to_o wit_n the_o father_n create_v we_o according_a to_o his_o own_o image_n in_o perfect_a purity_n the_o son_n redeem_v we_o by_o his_o precious_a blood_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n the_o holy_a spirit_n sanctify_v and_o renew_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o eternal_a glory_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n we_o have_v think_v that_o our_o time_n and_o labour_n the_o which_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o mercy_n to_o thy_fw-mi to_o the_o study_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n can_v not_o be_v better_o bestow_v then_o in_o commend_v this_o save_a knowledge_n unto_o other_o and_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n which_o now_o we_o use_v be_v thereunto_o move_v by_o some_o urgent_a reason_n wherewith_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a that_o either_o we_o shall_v trouble_v you_o or_o you_o yourself_o our_o purpose_n or_o rather_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o make_v a_o anatomy_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o lay_v open_a before_o thy_o eye_n the_o several_a part_n and_o faculty_n of_o it_o together_o with_o the_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a holiness_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o they_o wherein_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o use_v as_o great_a brevity_n and_o plainness_n as_o we_o can_v and_o as_o the_o great_a variety_n and_o difficulty_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o often_o be_v very_o intricate_a will_v permit_v avoid_v both_o loathsome_a tediousness_n and_o unprofitable_a obscurity_n as_o thinke_v it_o much_o better_o not_o to_o speak_v then_o not_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o to_o lay_v open_a dark_a matter_n in_o rude_a and_o homely_a term_n then_o with_o enigmatical_a parable_n to_o amaze_v and_o mock_v the_o reader_n we_o have_v rather_o apply_v our_o stile_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o the_o good_a of_o all_o by_o insist_v most_o in_o those_o thing_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v edify_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n then_o affect_v the_o curious_a scan_n of_o subtle_a question_n serve_v rather_o for_o the_o whet_n of_o the_o wit_n than_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o as_o they_o have_v their_o use_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v so_o we_o do_v brief_o touch_v they_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v desire_v the_o reader_n especial_o those_o who_o do_v not_o profess_v learning_n to_o pick_v out_o of_o this_o treatise_n some_o matter_n of_o edification_n rather_o than_o of_o contention_n and_o with_o i_o to_o leave_v needless_a controversy_n to_o scholastical_a exercise_n and_o man_n of_o nimble_a wites_z but_o what_o need_v all_o this_o will_v some_o man_n say_v this_o labour_n may_v very_o well_o have_v be_v spare_v and_o much_o better_o bestow_v consider_v the_o abundance_n of_o knowledge_n the_o daily_a and_o continual_a preach_n the_o superfluity_n of_o book_n write_v of_o all_o argument_n both_o divine_a and_o profane_a in_o such_o swarm_n and_o huge_a multitude_n that_o man_n have_v no_o leisure_n to_o look_v on_o the_o fair_a inscription_n much_o less_o to_o peruse_v the_o tedious_a and_o irksome_a body_n of_o they_o yea_o man_n be_v so_o cloy_v and_o deceive_v with_o vain_a repetition_n of_o old_a matter_n gloss_a over_o with_o new_a word_n and_o so_o amaze_v with_o strange_a doctrine_n late_o devise_v that_o they_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n give_v over_o the_o buy_n and_o read_v of_o book_n esteem_v it_o a_o fruitless_a and_o foolish_a mispend_v of_o money_n and_o time_n both_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v reserve_v for_o necessary_a use_n and_o a_o needless_a disquiet_v of_o their_o mind_n be_v already_o sufficient_o ground_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o truth_n how_o just_a and_o true_a this_o complaint_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n we_o be_v not_o now_o to_o discuss_v but_o for_o this_o matter_n whereof_o we_o speak_v it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v if_o so_o it_o please_v god_n that_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o that_o we_o have_v as_o great_a plenty_n of_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o sound_n teacher_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o of_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o street_n and_o in_o one_o word_n that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n do_v prophecy_n but_o be_v it_o so_o indeed_o do_v knowledge_n religion_n godliness_n and_o all_o the_o mean_n thereof_o or_o not_o rather_o palpable_a ignorance_n atheism_n and_o superstition_n abound_v in_o most_o place_n yea_o sure_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o prophet_n hos._n 4._o 1._o be_v more_o true_a there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n or_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n but_o what_o of_o this_o be_v this_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o want_n of_o book_n and_o other_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n sure_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o either_o some_o place_n shall_v complain_v of_o want_n or_o any_o loath_a their_o plenty_n in_o this_o behalf_n we_o have_v more_o book_n learned_o and_o godle_o write_v than_o we_o do_v use_v well_o and_o yet_o we_o may_v use_v more_o well_o then_o we_o have_v there_o be_v and_o will_v be_v as_o long_o as_o the_o church_n remain_v here_o on_o earth_n a_o needful_a use_n of_o new_a tracttate_n comment_n sermon_n catechism_n and_o determination_n as_o new_a reason_n illustration_n and_o methode_n be_v invent_v as_o new_a doubt_n controversy_n error_n and_o herese_n do_v arise_v as_o this_o or_o that_o vice_n do_v reign_v and_o as_o man_n give_v themselves_o diverse_o to_o the_o study_v of_o particular_a head_n of_o doctrine_n and_o part_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n all_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v at_o any_o one_o hand_n where_o one_o sleep_v another_o wake_v one_o be_v concise_a and_o dark_a another_o large_a and_o plain_a one_o dry_a and_o barren_a a_o other_o full_a and_o pithy_a yea_o in_o diverse_a writer_n thou_o shall_v see_v the_o admirable_a variety_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o so_o be_v stir_v up_o to_o praise_v the_o great_a bounty_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o church_n the_o doctrine_n accord_v to_o godliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n define_v divinity_n be_v a_o large_a field_n wherein_o ten_o thousand_o may_v labour_n continual_o and_o all_o have_v elbow_n room_n yea_o each_o one_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n not_o only_o in_o manner_n but_o also_o in_o matter_n and_o argument_n howsoever_o all_o do_v handle_v the_o same_o doctrine_n in_o general_n as_o for_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n in_o some_o case_n it_o ought_v not_o any_o way_n to_o trouble_v or_o offend_v any_o man_n see_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o while_o we_o remain_v here_o on_o earth_n we_o shall_v both_o know_v and_o prophesy_v whether_o by_o speak_v or_o by_o writing_n not_o perfect_o but_o only_o in_o part_n a_o few_o contradiction_n do_v not_o as_o it_o may_v seem_v either_o impair_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o teacher_n or_o shake_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o hearer_n of_o god_n word_n but_o rather_o strengthen_v and_o uphold_v both_o for_o hereby_o it_o appear_v that_o man_n do_v not_o as_o the_o prophet_n compaline_v jere._n 23._o 30._o steal_v the_o word_n of_o god_n one_o from_o a_o other_o deliver_v for_o sound_v doctrine_n whatsoever_o the_o most_o do_v hold_v and_o teach_v rather_o than_o what_o they_o themselves_o do_v think_v and_o so_o conspire_v together_o in_o a_o compact_a form_n of_o doctrine_n be_v not_o many_o but_o only_o one_o witness_n but_o be_v in_o their_o conscience_n before_o god_n persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o teach_v it_o be_v but_o folly_n to_o look_v for_o in_o mortal_a and_o earthly_a man_n a_o heavenly_a and_o angelical_a harmony_n void_a of_o all_o jar_a it_o be_v rather_o our_o part_n to_o labour_v in_o repress_v that_o pride_n and_o selfelove_a of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n whereby_o man_n carnal_o mind_v and_o affect_v be_v make_v to_o swell_v in_o anger_n and_o hatred_n against_o those_o who_o do_v not_o in_o every_o respect_n dance_v after_o their_o pipe_n be_v more_o alienate_v from_o their_o brethren_n for_o some_o few_o contradiction_n then_o join_v together_o in_o christian_a love_n by_o their_o consent_n in_o all_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n beside_o mild_a and_o modest_a dissent_v work_v out_o the_o truth_n as_o the_o strike_n of_o flinte_n together_o do_v spark_n of_o fire_n and_o that_o often_o come_v to_o pass_v errando_fw-la via_fw-la reperta_fw-la try_v all_o and_o keep_v the_o best_a but_o we_o trust_v that_o no_o man_n will_v make_v these_o objection_n which_o we_o imagine_v or_o think_v much_o less_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o which_o be_v intend_v for_o his_o good_a that_o which_o one_o mislike_v another_o perhaps_o will_v approve_v and_o if_o student_n waste_v their_o ink_n and_o we_o be_v their_o pen_n and_o printer_n venture_v their_o pain_n and_o
of_o god_n for_o if_o man_n be_v account_v righteous_a for_o his_o holiness_n or_o love_n he_o may_v impute_v his_o salvation_n to_o his_o own_o desert_n for_o perfect_a love_n deserve_v love_n and_o holiness_n will_v challenge_v life_n as_o of_o due_a debt_n but_o affiance_n impli_v a_o humble_a loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subjection_n acknowledge_v the_o unworthines_n baseness_n insufficiency_n and_o weakness_n of_o man_n and_o together_o the_o mercy_n goodness_n love_n favour_n bounty_n truth_n and_o power_n of_o god_n this_o reason_n be_v use_v for_o this_o purpose_n 27._o ro._n 3._o 27._o what_o law_n or_o mean_n of_o salvation_n do_v take_v away_o all_o boast_n from_o man_n and_o so_o give_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o god_n not_o the_o law_n of_o work_n or_o inherent_a holiness_n but_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n yea_o of_o all_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o man_n faith_n only_o have_v in_o it_o this_o natural_a property_n to_o make_v a_o man_n partaker_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o righteousness_n and_o so_o of_o salvation_n for_o even_o as_o a_o tenant_n enjoy_v his_o house_n and_o land_n not_o for_o that_o he_o love_v or_o fear_v his_o lord_n or_o for_o any_o virtue_n wherewith_o he_o be_v endue_v but_o only_o because_o he_o do_v depend_v on_o his_o lord_n and_o so_o do_v purchase_v unto_o he_o worship_n and_o honour_n by_o rely_v himself_o whole_o upon_o his_o love_n favour_n liberality_n constancy_n ability_n &_o riches_n so_o stand_v the_o case_n with_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o salvation_n for_o no_o grace_n save_v only_o this_o affiance_n on_o god_n and_o on_o his_o mercy_n in_o christ_n can_v convey_v unto_o we_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v common_o say_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o faith_n do_v justify_v not_o as_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n whereof_o no_o one_o part_n no_o not_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o if_o any_o one_o be_v want_v will_v serve_v to_o make_v a_o man_n righteous_a before_o god_n but_o as_o it_o have_v in_o it_o this_o proper_a virtue_n to_o make_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o death_n of_o the_o believer_n &_o so_o the_o righteousness_n arise_v of_o the_o say_a death_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o belever_n 7._o for_o he_o that_o have_v suffer_v death_n be_v iustisied_a from_o sin_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o object_n nature_n &_o attribute_n of_o evangelical_a faith_n it_o remain_v that_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n we_o shall_v declare_v the_o relation_n which_o be_v betwixt_o faith_n &_o they_o it_o have_v be_v say_v of_o faith_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o root_n from_o the_o which_o other_o grace_n do_v spring_n in_o that_o it_o ti_v we_o to_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n as_o to_o the_o only_a giver_n of_o all_o happiness_n the_o which_o thing_n be_v true_a of_o this_o evangelical_a faith_n after_o a_o special_a manner_n for_o in_o that_o it_o join_v we_o to_o christ_n it_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o rather_o cause_v a_o increase_n of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n for_o regeneration_n be_v although_o not_o in_o time_n yet_o in_o nature_n before_o faith_n therefore_o this_o faith_n be_v make_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o the_o new_a man_n 20._o even_o as_o the_o hart_n be_v in_o the_o body_n the_o fountain_n of_o heat_n gal._n 2._o 20._o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o &_o in_o that_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v love_v i_o and_o give_v his_o life_n for_o i_o and_o act._n 15._o 9_o peter_n say_v that_o god_n do_v purify_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o gentiles_n 9_o that_o be_v as_o it_o be_v expound_v verse_n 8._o work_v sanctification_n in_o they_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o house_n where_o upon_o the_o whole_a building_n stand_v and_o to_o the_o root_n of_o a_o tree_n which_o give_v heat_n sap_n and_o life_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o 2d_o coll._n 1._o 23._o if_o you_o continue_v found_v and_o establish_v in_o faith_n and_o to_o a_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n 38._o joh._n 7._o 38._o he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o out_o of_o his_o belly_n shall_v flow_v river_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v put_v before_o all_o other_o grace_n 2._o pet._n 1._o 5._o join_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o your_o virtue_n knowledge_n temperance_n 5._o patience_n godliness_n brotherly_a love_n and_o kyndnes_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v usual_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o part_n of_o sanctification_n they_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o love_n 6._o or_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o tress_n 3._o 6._o tymothie_n have_v bring_v we_o tiding_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o love_n 5_o so_o it_o be_v say_v act._n 6._o 5._o that_o stephen_n be_v a_o man_n full_a of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o that_o faith_n itself_o be_v not_o a_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o spiritual_a holiness_n of_o man_n but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o man_n holiness_n and_o salvation_n who_o must_v be_v by_o faith_n free_v from_o sin_n and_o death_n before_o he_o can_v be_v endue_v with_o positive_a holiness_n and_o life_n thus_o the_o apostle_n do_v often_o exhort_v we_o to_o fanctification_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n by_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o justification_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o faith_n 14._o as_o we_o may_v see_v ro._n 6._o 14._o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o you_o because_o you_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o justification_n do_v bring_v forth_o sanctification_n especial_o see_v that_o to_o man_n reason_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o motive_n to_o a_o wicked_a and_o dissolute_a life_n that_o by_o the_o multitude_n and_o heinousness_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v pardon_v may_v the_o more_o appear_v 1._o rom._n 3._o 7._o and_o 6._o 1._o we_o answer_v that_o justification_n do_v of_o necessity_n bring_v forth_o sanctification_n and_o that_o diverse_a way_n for_o first_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o unspeakable_a love_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o eternal_a damnation_n do_v inflame_v the_o hart_n of_o the_o believer_n with_o a_o great_a love_n of_o god_n the_o which_o can_v be_v show_v any_o other_o way_n then_o by_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o by_o labour_v to_o glorify_v his_o holy_a name_n by_o a_o holy_a life_n second_o god_n do_v save_o the_o faithful_a not_o as_o stock_n or_o stone_n without_o require_v any_o work_n action_n or_o duty_n at_o their_o hand_n but_o so_o as_o that_o he_o make_v they_o to_o be_v his_o fellow_n worker_n not_o that_o man_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n of_o himself_o without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o that_o man_n be_v endue_v and_o renew_v by_o grace_n do_v after_o a_o sort_n work_v his_o own_o salvation_n not_o by_o any_o natural_a virtue_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o therefore_o as_o christ_n take_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n be_v commit_v so_o the_o faithful_a aught_o to_o endeavour_n that_o sin_n be_v not_o commit_v otherwise_o if_o they_o shall_v still_o of_o set_a purpose_n commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v cross_v christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o redemption_n defile_v themselves_o with_o sin_n who_o he_o have_v cleanse_v with_o his_o blood_n yea_o they_o shall_v crucify_v he_o again_o &_o tread_v under_o foot_n his_o blood_n as_o a_o vile_a thing_n three_o the_o faithful_a do_v labour_n for_o sanctification_n as_o for_o the_o only_a testimony_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o justification_n for_o faith_n without_o the_o other_o part_n of_o holiness_n be_v but_o adeade_o and_o unprofitable_a faith_n last_o the_o faithful_a man_n know_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o without_o the_o rest_n of_o sanctification_n sufficient_a for_o the_o attain_n of_o salvation_n for_o although_o it_o alone_o dothful_o justify_v that_o be_v bring_v perfect_a remission_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n whatsoever_o yet_o before_o that_o a_o man_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o must_v be_v endue_v with_o perfect_a positive_a holiness_n the_o which_o can_v be_v make_v perfect_a in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v unless_o it_o be_v begin_v and_o careful_o seek_v after_o
believer_n have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n to_o fear_n to_o dread_v and_o fly_v from_o god_n as_o from_o a_o just_a judge_n as_o the_o carnal_a man_n do_v but_o of_o adoption_n whereby_o he_o cry_v abba_n father_n these_o and_o many_o other_o grace_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n whereof_o it_o follow_v that_o whosoever_o have_v receive_v this_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v undoubted_o one_o renew_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o where_o this_o grace_n be_v want_v there_o be_v no_o regeneration_n or_o sanctification_n and_o lest_o that_o any_o man_n deceive_v himself_o by_o think_v that_o he_o have_v this_o grace_n of_o pray_v to_o god_n when_o he_o have_v it_o not_o we_o will_v here_o set_v down_o a_o few_o note_n or_o mark_n wherein_o the_o pray_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n differ_v from_o that_o kind_n of_o pray_v which_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v use_v first_o therefore_o a_o faithful_a man_n conceive_v his_o prayer_n himself_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n have_v consider_v what_o thing_n be_v most_o needful_a to_o be_v pray_v for_o at_o that_o time_n and_o in_o that_o company_n if_o he_o be_v with_o other_o and_o so_o he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v pour_v out_o his_o prayer_n from_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o heart_n whereas_o the_o carnal_a man_n although_o he_o be_v in_o worldly_a matter_n a_o jolly_a wise_a man_n yea_o and_o can_v tell_v his_o tale_n before_o who_o soever_o as_o readely_a as_o the_o best_a yet_o he_o have_v neither_o the_o wit_n to_o conceive_v nor_o the_o tongue_n to_o utter_v two_o sentence_n of_o prayer_n before_o god_n or_o if_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v prayer_n either_o by_o himself_o for_o a_o show_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o some_o blind_a devotion_n or_o in_o his_o family_n lest_o he_o shall_v seem_v want_v in_o his_o duty_n than_o he_o be_v force_v to_o get_v some_o prayer_n book_n into_o his_o hand_n and_o so_o read_v so_o many_o as_o he_o think_v good_a therein_o rest_v the_o which_o thing_n although_o it_o may_v be_v do_v at_o some_o time_n and_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o atheism_n who_o never_o pray_v either_o for_o themselves_o or_o any_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a because_o the_o prayer_n of_o particular_a man_n ought_v to_o be_v frame_v according_a to_o their_o own_o particular_a state_n and_o the_o present_a state_n of_o those_o in_o who_o behalf_n they_o pray_v the_o second_o difference_n be_v this_o if_o a_o carnal_a man_n pray_v without_o book_n it_o be_v but_o in_o two_o or_o three_o word_n as_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o god_n fiend_n we_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n god_n send_v we_o this_o or_o that_o thing_n the_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v prayer_n but_o wish_n whereas_o the_o prayer_n which_o come_v from_o a_o faithful_a heart_n be_v utter_v in_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o word_n as_o it_o be_v meet_v and_o needful_a we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o one_o may_v offend_v in_o use_v too_o mamy_a word_n the_o which_o fault_n christ_n forewarn_v we_o of_o math._n 6._o 7._o 8._o 8._o and_o it_o be_v at_o this_o day_n to_o be_v see_v in_o those_o dotterel_n who_o think_v that_o they_o serve_v god_n in_o mumble_v over_o so_o many_o dozen_o of_o creed_n pater_fw-la noster_n and_o aue_fw-la mary_fw-mi yea_o further_o we_o confess_v that_o the_o force_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o mouth_n but_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o which_o alone_o will_v make_v the_o prayer_n to_o be_v hear_v although_o word_n be_v altogether_o want_v as_o we_o read_v 1._o sam._n 1._o 13._o 13._o of_o hanna_n samuel_n mother_n who_o pray_v so_o effectual_o that_o her_o request_n be_v grant_v and_o yet_o she_o utter_v no_o word_n but_o only_o move_v her_o lip_n and_o pray_v in_o her_o heart_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o faithful_a prayer_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v if_o there_o be_v no_o hindrance_n plentiful_a in_o word_n for_o although_o thou_o pray_v alone_o to_o god_n who_o understand_v thy_o thought_n as_o well_o as_o thy_o word_n yet_o god_n must_v be_v serve_v not_o only_o inward_o in_o thy_o mind_n but_o also_o with_o the_o member_n of_o thy_o body_n especial_o with_o the_o tongue_n which_o be_v give_v to_o thou_o for_o this_o end_n yea_o the_o word_n of_o thy_o mouth_n do_v stir_v up_o thy_o affection_n and_o make_v thou_o more_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n but_o if_o thou_o pray_v in_o the_o company_n of_o other_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o their_o edification_n that_o thou_o utter_v word_n not_o only_o in_o a_o general_a and_o confuse_a manner_n but_o so_o as_o that_o the_o several_a petition_n conceive_v in_o thy_o mind_n may_v be_v plain_o declare_v and_o distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o for_o sin_n must_v be_v confess_v grace_n want_v desire_v plague_n and_o judgement_n remoove_v benefit_n remember_v the_o brethren_n commend_v to_o god_n not_o in_o gross_a unless_o it_o can_v well_o otherwise_o be_v but_o in_o particular_a that_o so_o the_o hearer_n may_v be_v the_o more_o edify_v if_o it_o be_v here_o object_v that_o this_o dexterity_n and_o faculty_n of_o utter_v prayer_n in_o the_o aforesaid_a manner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v for_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a man_n who_o can_v so_o much_o as_o help_v themselves_o by_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o write_n of_o godly_a man_n we_o answer_v that_o as_o satan_n have_v in_o former_a age_n deface_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o advance_v superstition_n by_o no_o mean_n more_o then_o by_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n a_o general_a barbarism_n and_o decay_n of_o learning_n so_o ought_v christian_n in_o this_o time_n of_o grace_n to_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o all_o thing_n which_o may_v further_o their_o edification_n and_o although_o all_o can_v attain_v to_o learning_n for_o diverse_a hindrance_n yet_o all_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v able_a to_o read_v by_o the_o which_o mean_n be_v diligent_o use_v they_o may_v soon_o come_v to_o have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o acquaint_v with_o the_o language_n and_o word_n belong_v thereunto_o far_o above_o their_o own_o hope_n and_o expectation_n yea_o even_o those_o who_o be_v of_o ripe_a year_n can_v read_v aught_o to_o be_v ashamed_a rather_o of_o this_o barbarous_a and_o brutish_a rudeness_n then_o of_o learning_n that_o which_o will_v make_v great_o for_o their_o profit_n comfort_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n again_o he_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o inward_a grace_n needful_a for_o prayer_n will_v find_v word_n whereby_o to_o utter_v his_o mind_n be_v he_o never_o so_o unlearned_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v utterance_n open_v the_o lip_n &_o unti_v the_o string_n of_o the_o tongue_n to_o all_o those_o who_o he_o sanctifi_v neither_o need_v this_o seem_v strange_a for_o as_o one_o say_v all_o man_n be_v eloquent_a enough_o in_o that_o which_o they_o know_v and_o like_v put_v case_n the_o unlearned_a man_n who_o thus_o excuse_v his_o atheism_n and_o want_n of_o religion_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o prayer_n there_o be_v no_o jot_n of_o true_a religion_n by_o his_o rudeness_n be_v put_v in_o mind_n by_o some_o friend_n that_o such_o a_o nobleman_n have_v a_o rich_a farm_n in_o his_o hand_n the_o which_o he_o may_v easy_o obtain_v if_o so_o be_v he_o can_v tell_v his_o tale_n well_o before_o the_o say_v noble_a man_n i_o warrant_v you_o he_o will_v not_o loose_v it_o for_o ask_v neither_o will_v he_o come_v blunt_o to_o he_o and_o say_v sir_n i_o pray_v you_o give_v i_o this_o farm_n but_o he_o will_v and_o that_o without_o any_o teacher_n find_v store_n both_o of_o reason_n and_o of_o word_n fit_a for_o his_o purpose_n he_o will_v say_v may_v it_o please_v your_o lordship_n to_o be_v my_o good_a lord_n and_o master_n i_o be_o a_o poor_a wretched_a man_n have_v sustain_v so_o many_o loss_n hane_v so_o many_o maim_n wound_n &_o infirmity_n have_v a_o great_a charge_n of_o child_n of_o who_o so_o many_o be_v not_o able_a to_o put_v on_o their_o own_o clothes_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o bold_a to_o trouble_v your_o lordship_n in_o such_o a_o matter_n the_o which_o if_o i_o may_v obtain_v i_o shall_v pray_v for_o you_o as_o long_o as_o i_o live_v and_o will_v by_o god_n grace_n be_v as_o faithful_a and_o dutiful_a a_o servant_n as_o ever_o your_o lordship_n have_v i_o have_v no_o friend_n to_o help_v forward_o my_o suit_n but_o do_v whole_o rely_v myself_o on_o your_o goodness_n and_o pitiful_a disposition_n these_o and_o many_o more_o like_a and_o more_o effectual_a persuasion_n and_o fit_a phrase_n proverbe_n term_n
effectual_a for_o happiness_n secondlie_o these_o gift_n although_o they_o be_v part_n of_o renew_a holiness_n in_o the_o believer_n in_o who_o they_o spring_v from_o the_o root_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n yet_o in_o a_o unbelieved_a &_o unregenerate_a man_n they_o be_v not_o spiritual_a grace_n but_o natural_a gift_n unable_a either_o to_o sanctify_v or_o to_o save_v he_o that_o have_v they_o thus_o much_o of_o do_v good_a likewise_o in_o the_o commit_n of_o evil_a a_o natural_a man_n have_v freewill_n not_o only_o to_o do_v it_o but_o also_o to_o leave_v it_o undo_v for_o he_o may_v sin_v if_o he_o will_v and_o he_o need_v not_o except_o he_o listen_v of_o the_o first_o no_o man_n ever_o doubt_v but_o the_o second_o need_v to_o be_v explain_v in_o this_o manner_n as_o good_a so_o also_o evil_a be_v of_o two_o kind_n inward_a and_o outward_a the_o inward_a corruption_n of_o sin_n can_v be_v avoid_v by_o any_o mean_n for_o beside_o the_o original_a sin_n which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o regenerate_a and_o to_o the_o carnal_a man_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o inward_a faculty_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o actual_a sinfulness_n dulness_n ignorance_n oblivion_n and_o perverseness_n and_o therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o inward_a corruption_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n man_n have_v no_o freewill_n but_o sin_v of_o necessity_n again_o his_o outward_a sin_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o be_v of_o those_o which_o be_v sin_n not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o as_o they_o come_v from_o the_o inward_a root_n of_o infidelity_n as_o namely_o all_o the_o indifferent_a action_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n his_o eat_n drink_v speaking_z work_a buy_v sell_v and_o all_o other_o of_o that_o kind_n yea_o his_o good_a action_n as_o namely_o his_o hear_v god_n word_n his_o pray_v his_o give_v of_o alm_n his_o temperate_a honest_a and_o just_a action_n all_o these_o be_v sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o carnal_a man_n have_v not_o freewill_n in_o this_o kind_n of_o outward_a action_n for_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o if_o he_o do_v nothing_o yet_o that_o his_o do_v nothing_o be_v sinful_a yet_o in_o particular_n he_o have_v freewill_n or_o liberty_n of_o not_o sin_v for_o although_o he_o can_v but_o sin_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v in_o his_o freewill_n whether_o he_o will_v do_v that_o indifferent_a thing_n or_o no_o and_o so_o whether_o he_o will_v sin_v in_o that_o particular_a or_o no_o as_o namely_o a_o carnal_a man_n purpose_v to_o build_v a_o house_n if_o he_o do_v it_o he_o can_v choose_v but_o sin_n because_o he_o can_v purge_v himself_o from_o infidelity_n yet_o he_o need_v not_o sin_n in_o that_o particular_a except_o he_o listen_v because_o he_o need_v not_o build_v the_o house_n except_o he_o listen_v the_o second_o kind_n of_o outward_a sin_n be_v of_o those_o which_o be_v sin_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o be_v directy_n forbid_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o idolatry_n perjury_n murder_n adultery_n theft_n &_o such_o other_o in_o the_o commit_n whereof_o a_o carnal_a man_n have_v freewill_n it_o be_v not_o needful_a that_o he_o shall_v commit_v they_o as_o we_o see_v in_o many_o unregenerate_a man_n who_o outward_a life_n be_v irreprovable_a for_o the_o inward_a force_n of_o original_a corruption_n &_o of_o corrupt_a desire_n incline_v the_o will_n to_o sin_n do_v not_o make_v any_o necessity_n of_o any_o particular_a sin_n because_o they_o may_v be_v repress_v by_o natural_a strength_n and_o hinder_v although_o not_o from_o break_v forth_o into_o any_o sin_n yet_o from_o bring_v forth_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a sin_n for_o whenas_o a_o man_n commit_v adultery_n or_o murder_n he_o do_v it_o of_o a_o free_a although_o a_o corrupt_a will_n and_o not_o of_o any_o force_n or_o necessity_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o how_o many_o respect_v the_o freedom_n of_o will_n remain_v the_o which_o be_v not_o distinguish_v from_o a_o true_a and_o general_a good_a consist_v in_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o many_o error_n in_o this_o point_n of_o doctrine_n whilst_o many_o have_v think_v that_o either_o a_o man_n have_v freewill_n by_o nature_n or_o else_o he_o be_v able_a by_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n to_o get_v a_o artificial_a freedom_n of_o will_n and_o that_o in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n the_o will_n work_v together_o which_o grace_n if_o not_o strong_o yet_o weak_o and_o faint_o as_o we_o see_v a_o sick_a man_n go_v about_o his_o business_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o to_o think_v the_o will_n of_o man_n not_o only_o weak_a but_o clean_o dead_a in_o respect_n of_o true_a holiness_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v and_o that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v no_o more_o able_a of_o himself_o to_o enter_v and_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n than_o a_o dead_a man_n be_v able_a to_o go_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n sect._n 3_o of_o the_o renew_a will_n of_o man_n when_o as_o that_o happy_a hour_n come_v wherein_o it_o please_v god_n of_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o mercy_n to_o call_v any_o of_o his_o elect_a child_n out_o of_o the_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n of_o satan_n man_n into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n he_o than_o send_v down_o his_o spirit_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o that_o man_n who_o he_o purpose_v to_o call_v and_o by_o the_o mighty_a operation_n thereof_o do_v change_v he_o into_o a_o new_a creature_n take_v from_o he_o the_o dulness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o untowardness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o indue_a he_o with_o the_o contrary_a grace_n this_o change_n be_v whole_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o this_o supernatural_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o natural_a force_n of_o man_n will_n who_o howsoever_o perhaps_o he_o before_o his_o conversion_n use_v the_o outward_a mean_n of_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n may_v after_o a_o soâ—â—_n desire_v holiness_n and_o eternal_a life_n yet_o he_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o work_v it_o by_o himself_o than_o he_o be_v in_o his_o creation_n able_a to_o take_v to_o himself_o create_v holiness_n before_o the_o same_o be_v inspire_v into_o he_o by_o god_n for_o the_o will_n of_o man_n as_o also_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o faculty_n be_v not_o a_o agent_n or_o worker_n in_o this_o action_n but_o only_o do_v suffer_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o who_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o sanctify_v the_o will_n of_o that_o man_n who_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o holiness_n as_o of_o he_o that_o be_v so_o careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o use_v they_o that_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v change_v his_o own_o will_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a this_o we_o see_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o will_n be_v most_o spiteful_o bend_v against_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o one_o moment_n change_v to_o the_o true_a love_n of_o it_o but_o how_o be_v the_o will_n after_o this_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v it_o as_o idle_a and_o unable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n as_o before_o or_o be_v it_o now_o able_a of_o itself_o without_o the_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o choose_v and_o do_v good_a we_o answer_v that_o although_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v never_o forsake_v he_o who_o he_o have_v once_o renew_v but_o do_v to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n yea_o for_o ever_o accompany_v and_o assist_v he_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n to_o be_v put_v betwixt_o the_o first_o act_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o continual_a course_n of_o renew_a holiness_n arise_v thereof_o for_o a_o carnal_a man_n be_v renew_v by_o the_o sole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n without_o any_o help_n action_n or_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o will_v unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o it_o move_v in_o that_o it_o be_v move_v but_o a_o faithful_a man_n be_v already_o regenerate_v do_v choose_v embrace_v follow_v and_o do_v good_a and_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o renew_a holiness_n by_o the_o proper_a and_o inherent_a faculty_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o freewill_n that_o the_o renew_a holiness_n of_o the_o will_n and_o of_o all_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n be_v proper_a and_o inherent_a in_o he_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v for_o his_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o inclination_n to_o good_a although_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a holiness_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o holiness_n be_v
make_v a_o speidie_n gainful_a and_o happy_a voyage_n howsoever_o if_o that_o she_o chance_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o rock_n or_o to_o run_v upon_o some_o sand_n she_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n than_o if_o she_o have_v make_v less_o haste_n and_o bear_v a_o low_a sail_n so_o where_o the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o these_o affection_n be_v want_v there_o be_v as_o less_o danger_n in_o respect_n of_o sudden_a fall_n so_o less_o ability_n of_o aspire_v to_o any_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n for_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n want_v their_o sail_n or_o be_v be_v calm_v for_o want_v of_o wind_n often_o lie_v float_v up_o and_o dowen_v and_o do_v not_o make_v so_o evident_a or_o notable_a progress_n in_o their_o course_n of_o these_o renew_a affection_n the_o most_o notable_a be_v call_v love_n a_o affection_n so_o often_o commend_v unto_o we_o and_o so_o high_o extol_v in_o the_o scriripture_n as_o if_o it_o contain_v not_o one_o part_n only_o but_o even_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o create_a holiness_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n 14._o math._n 22_o 40._o 8._o rom._n 13._o 8._o and_o the_o one_o half_a of_o renew_a holiness_n the_o which_o be_v usual_o comprise_v in_o these_o two_o word_n 13._o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v say_v 1._o cor._n 13._o 13._o to_o be_v great_a than_o faith_n but_o that_o we_o give_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o to_o this_o affection_n than_o be_v due_a unto_o it_o this_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v that_o holiness_n whether_o create_v or_o recreate_v do_v not_o consist_v either_o in_o any_o one_o or_o in_o a_o few_o but_o in_o many_o grace_n amongst_o the_o which_o love_n have_v the_o first_o place_n assign_v unto_o it_o yea_o often_o the_o denomination_n either_o of_o the_o whole_a holiness_n of_o man_n or_o more_o common_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o all_o the_o practical_a faculty_n not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o only_a grace_n for_o there_o be_v many_o distinct_a grace_n even_o as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v distinct_a faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n require_v in_o perfect_a holiness_n or_o yet_o as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a grace_n for_o faith_n have_v the_o first_o place_n although_o in_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o so_o excellent_a as_o love_v which_o be_v a_o heroical_a grace_n be_v the_o foundation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o subject_n and_o groundwork_n not_o only_o of_o love_n but_o also_o of_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o of_o all_o holiness_n whether_o create_v or_o renew_v why_o then_o be_v love_n more_o speak_v of_o and_o inculcate_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o faith_n or_o any_o other_o grace_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v continual_o in_o endite_v the_o scripture_n respect_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n propound_v and_o commend_v unto_o they_o holiness_n not_o so_o much_o in_o gross_a and_o in_o general_a as_o in_o some_o particular_n which_o be_v more_o easy_o sure_o and_o certain_o conceive_v then_o the_o general_a in_o the_o which_o respect_n love_n be_v prefer_v before_o faith_n as_o be_v more_o evident_a apparent_a and_o sensible_a and_o therefore_o a_o more_o sure_a and_o infallible_a mark_n and_o note_n of_o general_a holiness_n the_o great_a appearance_n of_o love_n arise_v of_o these_o two_o cause_n first_o because_o whereas_o faith_n have_v relation_n to_o god_n only_o love_n extend_v itself_o both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n second_o where_o as_o faith_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n love_n be_v outward_a practical_a and_o therefore_o more_o apparent_a and_o sensible_a again_o love_n be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o practical_a grace_n because_o holiness_n consist_v as_o partly_o in_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o so_o chief_o in_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v to_o other_o namely_o to_o god_n and_o to_o man_n the_o which_o a_o man_n can_v perform_v as_o he_o ought_v unless_o he_o bear_v a_o love_n and_o a_o hearty_a desire_n of_o the_o good_a both_o of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n thus_o much_o of_o love_n in_o general_n the_o particular_n of_o it_o be_v these_o first_o the_o regenerate_a man_n love_v god_n above_o all_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n desire_v his_o good_a in_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o glory_n much_o more_o than_o his_o own_o salvation_n from_o the_o which_o fountain_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n spring_v the_o love_n of_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o godly_a who_o be_v renew_v according_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o justice_n 3._o psal._n 16._o 3._o all_o my_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o holy_a one_o which_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n and_o cheiflie_n in_o those_o which_o excel_v in_o virtue_n this_o love_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v a_o infallible_a sign_n of_o true_a regeneration_n and_o of_o the_o true_a love_n of_o god_n namely_o whenas_o a_o man_n love_v a_o other_o hearty_o and_o vehement_o even_o as_o it_o be_v his_o own_o natural_a son_n or_o brother_n for_o this_o cause_n only_o he_o be_v otherwise_o astraunger_n unto_o he_o for_o that_o he_o see_v in_o he_o manifest_a sign_n and_o argument_n of_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a godliness_n 1._o joh._n 3._o 14._o 14_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v translate_v from_o death_n to_o life_n 35._o because_o we_o love_v the_o brethren_n and_o joh._n 13._o 35._o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o other_o fountain_n of_o love_n namely_o self-love_n the_o which_o also_o have_v place_n in_o the_o regenerate_a although_o in_o a_o other_o manner_n then_o in_o carnal_a man_n for_o they_o love_v themselves_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o they_o love_v god_n more_o by_o infinite_a degree_n and_o their_o brethren_n as_o themselves_o again_o they_o do_v not_o show_v or_o use_v this_o self-love_n in_o provide_v earthly_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n for_o their_o body_n but_o in_o procure_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v and_o aught_o to_o love_v themselves_o more_o than_o they_o do_v any_o other_o yea_o to_o be_v more_o careful_a for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o their_o own_o body_n and_o soul_n then_o of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o their_o brethren_n yet_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o equal_a comparison_n for_o a_o faithful_a man_n ought_v not_o to_o love_v his_o own_o body_n and_o to_o desire_v the_o safety_n thereof_o more_o than_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o his_o brother_n the_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v procure_v yea_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o own_o temporal_a life_n joh._n 3._o 16._o 16._o as_o christ_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o our_o brethren_n yet_o a_o man_n need_v not_o deprive_v himself_o of_o life_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o temporal_a life_n of_o his_o brother_n be_v a_o private_a man_n nor_o of_o eternal_a life_n for_o the_o procure_n of_o his_o eternal_a salvation_n if_o any_o man_n do_v here_o object_v the_o example_n of_o moses_n &_o paul_n of_o who_o the_o one_o desire_v to_o have_v his_o name_n blot_v out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o other_o to_o be_v accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o jew_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o to_o be_v consider_v not_o simple_o as_o man_n but_o as_o the_o whole_a visible_a church_n of_o god_n the_o confusion_n whereof_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o god_n glory_n the_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v procure_v even_o with_o the_o eternal_a confusion_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n if_o the_o case_n do_v so_o require_v for_o so_o moses_n allege_v that_o if_o god_n do_v destroy_v his_o own_o people_n the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v spiteful_a enemy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n will_v laugh_v at_o their_o destruction_n and_o blaspheme_n god_n himself_o and_o so_o we_o can_v doubt_n but_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v wonderful_o enlarge_v by_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v more_o desire_v than_o our_o own_o salvation_n from_o this_o fountain_n of_o self_n love_v flow_v the_o afore_o say_a stream_n of_o special_a love_n whereby_o the_o faithful_a man_n be_v affect_v more_o to_o those_o who_o do_v any_o way_n come_v near_o himself_o then_o to_o those_o who_o be_v estrange_v from_o he_o this_o partial_a love_n be_v good_a and_o lawful_a for_o why_o shall_v not_o man_n incline_v and_o cleave_v more_o to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v join_v more_o near_o unto_o he_o hence_o come_v the_o special_a love_n due_a to_o parent_n which_o can_v be_v want_v but_o in_o he_o
man_n outward_o and_o civil_o honest_a may_v be_v reckon_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o age_n country_n or_o story_n which_o do_v not_o aford_v many_o example_n of_o man_n who_o have_v exceed_v in_o impiety_n against_o god_n and_o in_o injustice_n toward_o man_n and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o wicked_a behaviour_n the_o ordinary_a and_o common_a sort_n of_o sinful_a man_n by_o many_o degree_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o increase_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o crooked_a and_o corrupt_a disposition_n of_o man_n will_n which_o be_v whole_o bend_v and_o set_v upon_o sin_n and_o do_v so_o greedy_o and_o insatiable_o pursue_v after_o it_o as_o that_o unless_o it_o be_v restrain_v by_o some_o mean_n it_o can_v not_o rest_v till_o it_o come_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n it_o employ_v all_o the_o part_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n yea_o all_o inward_a and_o outward_a blessing_n what_o soever_o it_o make_v the_o mind_n devise_v new_a way_n of_o commit_v sin_n new_a excuse_n pretence_n colour_n and_o defence_n for_o it_o be_v commit_v so_o that_o the_o great_a gift_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o of_o body_n that_o a_o man_n have_v ceave_v the_o fit_a instrument_n have_v his_o will_n and_o his_o corrupt_a desire_n to_o increase_v sin_n here_o of_o it_o come_v that_o not_o idiot_n simple_a and_o unlearned_a man_n not_o the_o weak_a in_o body_n or_o the_o base_a in_o condition_n not_o the_o poor_a nor_o the_o young_a but_o the_o most_o witty_a learned_a strong_a noble_a rich_a age_a be_v these_o notorious_a wicked_a one_o the_o most_o horrible_a monster_n in_o all_o outrage_n of_o sin_n which_o any_o story_n do_v mention_n be_v great_a emperor_n and_o mighty_a man_n as_o nero_n caligula_n and_o such_o other_o and_o who_o be_v so_o wretched_a covetous_a worldly_a so_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a in_o ignorance_n superstition_n infidelity_n yea_o in_o hatred_n of_o all_o goodness_n as_o be_v they_o who_o by_o year_n have_v get_v wisdom_n experience_n riches_n and_o honour_n so_o that_o we_o may_v easy_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o cor._n 1._o 26_o not_o many_o noble_a 26._o wise_a scotfree_a or_o great_a man_n be_v call_v to_o the_o sincere_a obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o sin_n do_v more_o abound_v in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n than_o it_o do_v in_o old_a time_n wherein_o man_n be_v more_o rude_a simple_a and_o ignorant_a than_o child_n be_v in_o these_o day_n who_o be_v so_o soon_o ripe_a and_o expert_a in_o all_o wickedness_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v perfect_a man_n not_o weak_a infant_n and_o no_o marvel_n sinâ—fulnesse_n see_v that_o this_o last_o age_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a sink_n wherein_o all_o the_o sin_n error_n heresy_n superstition_n all_o the_o shift_n craft_n deceit_n yea_o all_o the_o wicked_a invention_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o therefore_o it_o bring_v forth_o so_o great_a multitude_n of_o expert_a practitioner_n in_o sin_n who_o beside_o that_o which_o their_o own_o invention_n do_v afford_v be_v furnish_v with_o the_o example_n &_o try_a experiment_n of_o all_o age_n this_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v 12._o math._n 24._o 12._o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v in_o the_o latter_a time_n the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a 1._o 2._o tim._n 3._o 1._o this_o know_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v come_v perilous_a time_n for_o man_n be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a proud_a curse_a speaker_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n unthankful_a unholy_a without_o natural_a affection_n truce_n breaker_n false_a accuser_n intemperate_a fierce_a have_v no_o love_n to_o those_o who_o be_v good_a traitor_n heady_a high_a mind_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o of_o god_n have_v a_o show_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 3_o and_o again_o 2._o pet._n 3._o 3_o this_o first_o understand_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n shall_v come_v mocker_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n in_o these_o and_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v foretell_v sinâ—â—llnesse_n and_o even_o paint_v out_o the_o great_a corruption_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o these_o day_n that_o we_o may_v beware_v lest_o that_o we_o be_v draw_v away_o by_o the_o infidelity_n and_o other_o heinous_a sin_n which_o reign_v everywhere_o &_o so_o save_v ourselves_o as_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n from_o this_o froward_a &_o godless_a generation_n wherein_o we_o live_v last_o as_o the_o excellency_n of_o natural_a gift_n and_o outward_a blessing_n be_v abuse_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o the_o excessivenesse_n of_o sin_n not_o of_o itself_o but_o by_o the_o corrupt_a disposition_n of_o our_o nature_n so_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o man_n live_v in_o the_o church_n do_v often_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n work_v the_o same_o effect_n and_o that_o in_o far_o great_a measure_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o among_o heathen_a man_n they_o who_o be_v of_o small_a wit_n capacity_n knowledge_n strength_n and_o riches_n shall_v be_v wicked_a in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n as_o they_o who_o excel_v in_o the_o foresay_a respect_n so_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v some_o of_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o sin_n as_o they_o in_o who_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o work_v that_o shadow_n of_o regeneration_n which_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o none_o can_v fall_v into_o that_o extreme_a impiety_n which_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o sin_n even_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n call_v in_o scripture_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o can_v never_o be_v forgive_v but_o they_o who_o do_v sometime_o before_o receive_v grace_n from_o god_n 5._o to_o see_v love_n and_o obey_v the_o truth_n heb._n 6._o 5._o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o who_o be_v once_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o they_o fall_v namely_o into_o this_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o open_a wilful_a and_o desperate_a hatred_n of_o god_n of_o his_o glory_n of_o his_o religion_n of_o his_o feruant_n and_o of_o all_o good_a thing_n as_o many_o of_o the_o hebrew_n do_v to_o who_o this_o be_v write_v shall_v be_v renew_v by_o repentance_n this_o excellency_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n abuse_v be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o wicked_a angel_n fall_v into_o that_o extremity_n of_o sin_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o man_n in_o who_o this_o sin_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o monstrous_a hugeness_n of_o it_o be_v rare_a and_o happen_v not_o but_o in_o those_o who_o for_o their_o cruel_a spiteful_a desperate_a and_o malicious_a hatred_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o godly_a be_v rather_o to_o be_v count_v devil_n incarnate_a then_o reasonable_a man_n for_o it_o be_v hear_v for_o a_o christian_n who_o have_v once_o know_v god_n to_o cast_v away_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o shame_n of_o man_n and_o for_o to_o burst_v forth_o into_o such_o outrage_n yet_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o for_o nought_o teach_v we_o it_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v although_o seldom_o yet_o often_o than_o it_o be_v well_o mark_v sincereness_n this_o increase_n of_o sin_n call_v supernatural_a because_o it_o can_v happen_v but_o in_o a_o man_n after_o a_o sort_n regenerate_v be_v teach_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n which_o return_v to_o the_o place_n out_o of_o the_o which_o he_o be_v cast_v go_v not_o alone_o but_o take_v with_o he_o seven_o other_o wicked_a spirit_n every_o one_o worse_a than_o himself_o and_o so_o the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v worse_o that_o be_v far_o more_o sinful_a than_o the_o beginning_n even_o as_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o natural_a thing_n as_o namely_o in_o water_n which_o after_o it_o have_v be_v a_o little_a warm_v become_v more_o cold_a than_o if_o it_o have_v never_o have_v any_o heat_n in_o it_o and_o so_o man_n who_o have_v have_v some_o heat_n of_o religion_n kindle_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o they_o contemn_v and_o abuse_v the_o say_a grace_n become_v more_o wicked_a and_o irreligious_a than_o they_o who_o never_o know_v what_o religion_n mean_v chapter_n vii_o of_o the_o decrease_n of_o renew_a holiness_n although_o the_o faithful_a man_n be_v now_o true_o regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v bold_o boast_v and_o
say_v the_o haven_n be_v find_v then_o farewell_n all_o danger_n and_o haphazard_n holiness_n be_v although_o not_o in_o full_a possession_n of_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n yet_o past_o all_o peradventure_o of_o perish_v here_o on_o earth_n yet_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o such_o fearful_a tempest_n be_v raise_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o sathan_n the_o unrulinesse_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o entismente_n of_o the_o world_n that_o both_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o and_o also_o other_o behold_v they_o do_v not_o without_o cause_n fear_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o good_a conscience_n and_o so_o the_o loss_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o which_o precious_a jewel_n they_o carry_v in_o these_o weak_a vessel_n for_o as_o sometime_o they_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o powerful_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n even_o lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o the_o abundance_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o santification_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v so_o at_o other_o time_n they_o be_v by_o the_o frailty_n of_o the_o flesh_n plunge_v into_o grievous_a sin_n and_o so_o in_o a_o manner_n cast_v down_o into_o hell_n as_o man_n void_a of_o all_o goodness_n this_o come_v to_o pass_v first_o and_o chief_o by_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n withdraw_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o the_o faithful_a man_n and_o so_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o sathan_n and_o his_o own_o flesh_n suffer_v he_o to_o fall_v not_o to_o his_o destruction_n but_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o holiness_n for_o even_o as_o a_o man_n by_o his_o intemperance_n or_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o misgovern_v his_o body_n fall_v into_o some_o dangerous_a sickness_n have_v after_o his_o recovery_n more_o perfect_a health_n &_o great_a strength_n than_o he_o have_v before_o his_o sickness_n because_o he_o be_v now_o school_v &_o teach_v by_o woeful_a experience_n to_o know_v his_o own_o strength_n which_o he_o see_v now_o to_o be_v but_o weakness_n whereof_o he_o do_v presume_v so_o much_o be_v fore_o and_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o force_n either_o to_o preserve_v or_o to_o impair_v his_o health_n and_o so_o to_o be_v careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o use_v the_o one_o &_o wary_a in_o avoid_v the_o other_o so_o fare_v it_o with_o a_o christian_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o spiritual_a health_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o he_o be_v now_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n raise_v up_o from_o some_o grievous_a fall_n receive_v a_o great_a increase_n of_o holiness_n and_o of_o spiritual_a grace_n he_o see_v his_o own_o weakness_n how_o unable_a he_o be_v of_o himself_o to_o resist_v temptation_n or_o the_o corrupt_a motion_n of_o his_o own_o flesh_n and_o so_o he_o be_v humble_v both_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o brethren_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n much_o esteem_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n further_n he_o become_v more_o careful_a in_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n and_o provocation_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o use_v all_o holy_a exercise_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o pray_v and_o all_o other_o mean_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v in_o holiness_n hence_o be_v be_v that_o this_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n common_a to_o all_o the_o faithful_a although_o not_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n for_o so_o it_o please_v god_n to_o leave_v they_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o sathan_n that_o so_o he_o may_v both_o see_v what_o be_v in_o they_o 31._o as_o he_o do_v to_o ezechias_n 2._o chro._n 32._o 31._o and_o also_o show_v to_o they_o their_o great_a weakness_n the_o mean_n of_o this_o decrease_n be_v the_o crafty_a maliciousness_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n who_o go_v about_o continual_o seek_v which_o of_o the_o faithful_a he_o may_v most_o hurt_v use_v all_o that_o liberty_n which_o god_n grant_v unto_o he_o &_o employ_v his_o whole_a time_n about_o no_o other_o business_n but_o in_o put_v evil_a motion_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o man_n and_o in_o cast_v bait_n before_o their_o eye_n and_o other_o sense_n wherewith_o to_o catch_v they_o second_o this_o decrease_n come_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n which_o remain_v in_o the_o faithful_a as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o which_o do_v continual_o send_v forth_o some_o sin_n or_o other_o even_o as_o the_o root_n of_o a_o tree_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o ground_n will_v sprout_v forth_o although_o the_o body_n of_o the_o tree_n be_v cut_v down_o hither_o we_o be_v to_o refer_v the_o manifold_a occasion_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n which_o do_v offer_v themselves_o in_o the_o course_n of_o manslife_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o there_o happen_v to_o a_o christian_a manifold_a change_n and_o decrease_v of_o godliness_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v wound_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o malicious_a enemy_n that_o he_o be_v scorch_v who_o be_v force_v to_o carry_v fire_n in_o his_o bosom_n or_o last_o that_o he_o be_v defile_v who_o be_v always_o among_o vessel_n full_a of_o pitch_n but_o to_o declare_v this_o doctrine_n more_o particular_o as_o the_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o do_v require_v in_o that_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o decrease_n of_o renew_a holiness_n we_o suppose_v a_o certain_a state_n and_o ripeness_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o christian_n and_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o most_o of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v true_o regenerate_v which_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n proceed_v from_o a_o sanctify_a soul_n be_v endue_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n with_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o part_n of_o holiness_n which_o have_v be_v describe_v in_o the_o third_o section_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n this_o state_n may_v be_v call_v the_o ripe_a age_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o as_o he_o do_v from_o his_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n whereof_o hereafter_o grow_v up_o till_o he_o come_v to_o a_o ripe_a man_n in_o christ_n so_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o this_o state_n he_o do_v not_o there_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o settle_a estate_n in_o this_o life_n either_o of_o holiness_n or_o of_o sin_n but_o sometime_o grow_v on_o to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o perfection_n whereof_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n or_o else_o he_o decrease_v in_o holiness_n and_o so_o grow_v backward_o even_o as_o we_o see_v it_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o body_n of_o man_n which_o be_v come_v to_o their_o ripnes_n do_v daily_o decrease_v in_o strength_n and_o vigour_n till_o at_o the_o length_n they_o become_v as_o weak_a &_o impotent_a as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o first_o infancy_n this_o decrease_n be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o diverse_a kind_n of_o it_o which_o be_v two_o particular_a and_o general_n particular_a decrease_n be_v when_o as_o some_o one_o part_n of_o holiness_n be_v lose_v the_o other_o remain_v for_o although_o no_o one_o part_n of_o holiness_n can_v be_v want_v but_o the_o whole_a soul_n of_o man_n be_v the_o worse_a in_o that_o respect_n as_o we_o know_v that_o if_o any_o one_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v bruise_v or_o maim_v all_o the_o rest_n do_v suffer_v with_o it_o yet_o one_o part_n either_o of_o body_n or_o soul_n may_v be_v out_o of_o order_n the_o whole_a be_v in_o the_o natural_a disposition_n this_o particular_a decrease_n have_v many_o degree_n the_o first_o be_v when_o as_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o man_n regenerate_v do_v fail_v in_o some_o outward_a action_n by_o give_v place_n unto_o some_o evident_a and_o palpable_a sin_n for_o as_o for_o light_n &_o small_a offence_n commit_v in_o thought_n inword_n and_o in_o some_o kind_n of_o deed_n these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v any_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n because_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o will_v always_o be_v find_v even_o in_o they_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n but_o great_a sin_n such_o as_o be_v murder_n adultery_n theft_n perjury_n or_o any_o other_o of_o that_o sort_n be_v seldom_o find_v in_o man_n true_o regenerate_v and_o be_v find_v they_o do_v impair_v the_o outward_a holiness_n of_o their_o life_n for_o no_o man_n do_v account_v that_o life_n so_o holy_a wherein_o gross_a sin_n be_v sometime_o find_v as_o that_o which_o be_v without_o spot_n of_o grievous_a sin_n this_o decrease_n do_v often_o happen_v to_o the_o faithful_a as_o we_o know_v peter_n sin_v by_o deny_v christ_n david_n by_o commit_v adultery_n and_o murder_n noah_n in_o drunkenness_n lot_n in_o incestand_v many_o other_o in_o other_o kind_n of_o
sin_n be_v thereto_o carry_v by_o the_o force_n of_o temptation_n as_o in_o a_o great_a tempest_n by_o a_o mighty_a gale_n of_o wind_n before_o they_o can_v be_v think_v themselves_o what_o they_o be_v about_o to_o do_v or_o what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o it_o whereof_o it_o come_v that_o this_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n stay_v itself_o in_o one_o or_o a_o few_o action_n do_v not_o necessary_o argue_v any_o inward_a want_n of_o the_o contrary_a grace_n or_o any_o inward_a decrease_n of_o holiness_n either_o go_v before_o or_o follow_v after_o because_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v into_o it_o as_o of_o a_o sudden_a before_o he_o be_v aware_a and_o immediate_o recover_v his_o former_a station_n by_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_n either_o david_n void_a of_o continency_n for_o that_o adultery_n commit_v with_o berseba_n or_o peter_n to_o have_v want_v faith_n because_o he_o do_v at_o one_o time_n renounce_v the_o faith_n or_o noah_n to_o have_v be_v a_o intemperate_a person_n because_o he_o be_v once_o drink_v no_o more_o than_o we_o be_v to_o think_v he_o a_o weak_a man_n who_o stumble_v by_o chance_n at_o a_o block_n lie_v in_o his_o way_n and_o yet_o do_v straight_o way_n save_o himself_o from_o fall_v yea_o sudden_a sin_n may_v be_v with_o great_a grace_n than_o they_o have_v who_o be_v free_a from_o the_o aforesaid_a sin_n of_o noah_n lot_n david_n peter_n be_v far_o inferior_a in_o holiness_n to_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o seruamt_n of_o god_n to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a and_o free_a as_o from_o the_o least_o and_o most_o secret_a sin_n so_o especial_o from_o open_a &_o gross_a sin_n and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o by_o they_o they_o dishonour_v god_n his_o religion_n worship_n and_o name_n open_v the_o mouth_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n to_o blaspheme_v his_o holy_a name_n the_o which_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o grievous_a and_o bitter_a unto_o they_o then_o a_o thousand_o death_n and_o torment_n second_o they_o provoke_v god_n to_o lay_v some_o fearful_a punishment_n upon_o they_o who_o howsoever_o he_o suffer_v the_o reprobate_a one_o to_o go_v on_o all_o their_o life_n time_n in_o sin_n yet_o he_o never_o suffer_v any_o notorious_a sin_n of_o his_o servant_n to_o go_v unpunished_a three_o they_o wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o god_n heavy_a iudgmente_n holiness_n they_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n against_o who_o will_n they_o commite_v that_o sin_n they_o offend_v their_o brethren_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v if_o not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o that_o special_a grace_n wherewith_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v restrain_v from_o sin_n yet_o but_o weak_a christian_n in_o that_o respect_n as_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o judge_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o peter_n the_o continency_n of_o david_n the_o temperance_n of_o noah_n be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o fall_n but_o weak_a howsoever_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o other_o grace_n last_o one_o heinous_a sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v because_o usual_o it_o draw_v more_o after_o it_o for_o when_o as_o a_o man_n have_v once_o take_v a_o taste_n of_o sin_n and_o feel_v the_o sensual_a sweetness_n of_o it_o he_o be_v far_o more_o easy_o draw_v to_o it_o than_o he_o be_v before_o and_o so_o he_o go_v from_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o the_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n to_o the_o second_o namely_o to_o a_o habit_n of_o some_o one_o sin_n or_o the_o want_n of_o some_o particular_a grace_n the_o which_o appear_v by_o the_o often_o commit_v and_o iterate_v of_o the_o same_o sin_n yea_o after_o that_o the_o faithful_a man_n have_v often_o by_o repentance_n labour_v to_o purge_v himself_o from_o that_o sin_n and_o by_o prayer_n to_o obtain_v the_o contrary_a grace_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n this_o decrease_n also_o have_v sometime_o place_n in_o a_o man_n true_o regenerate_v especial_o in_o that_o kind_n of_o sin_n whereunto_o he_o be_v either_o by_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o his_o body_n and_o mind_n or_o a_o evil_a custom_n get_v before_o his_o conversion_n natural_o incline_v whether_o it_o be_v pride_n anger_n covetousness_n or_o any_o other_o sin_n but_o as_o it_o be_v far_o more_o grievous_a than_o the_o first_o degree_n so_o it_o be_v with_o great_a care_n to_o be_v avoid_v for_o it_o double_v and_o triple_v the_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n the_o offence_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o reproach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o corrosive_a of_o a_o gnaw_a conscience_n and_o last_o it_o make_v a_o ready_a way_n for_o high_a degree_n of_o decrease_n to_o wit_n the_o habit_n of_o diverse_a sin_n the_o want_n of_o many_o particular_a grace_n and_o so_o to_o the_o high_a and_o most_o fearful_a degree_n which_o be_v a_o general_a decrease_n of_o holiness_n which_o be_v now_o brief_o to_o be_v declare_v where_o first_o we_o be_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o general_a and_o a_o total_a decrease_n a_o general_a decrease_n be_v when_o all_o the_o part_n of_o renew_a holiness_n and_o of_o spiritual_a grace_n receive_v be_v diminish_v but_o a_o total_a decrease_n be_v a_o utter_a decay_n of_o holiness_n as_o whereby_o nothing_o be_v leave_v this_o can_v not_o happen_v to_o any_o one_o who_o be_v true_o regenerate_v who_o in_o the_o great_a extremity_n and_o depth_n of_o his_o fall_n retain_v some_o relic_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o of_o grace_n receive_v yea_o somelife_o of_o faith_n whereby_o he_o live_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n howsoever_o he_o be_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n and_o even_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n a_o dead_a rot_a stock_n even_o as_o we_o know_v that_o the_o tree_n have_v heat_n and_o life_n in_o their_o root_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o cold_a and_o sharp_a winter_n yea_o as_o many_o beast_n lie_v all_o the_o winter_n long_o in_o hole_n of_o the_o earth_n without_o eat_v drink_v stir_v or_o have_v any_o jot_n of_o heat_n sense_n or_o life_n in_o any_o of_o their_o outward_a part_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o remnant_n of_o life_n and_o of_o heat_n lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v in_o summer_n stir_v uppe_o do_v revine_a the_o beast_n so_o that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o go_v or_o run_v up_o and_o down_o and_o to_o perform_v all_o natural_a action_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o do_v before_o this_o christ_n do_v plain_o teach_v joh._n 4._o 14._o 14._o saying_n whosoever_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o that_o be_v whosoever_o believe_v in_o i_o as_o it_o be_v expound_v john_n 7._o 38_o shall_v never_o be_v more_o a_o thirst_n 38._o but_o the_o water_n that_o i_o will_v give_v he_o shall_v be_v in_o he_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n 9_o and_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o total_o for_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o fall_v clean_o away_o from_o god_n because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n yet_o a_o man_n regenerate_v may_v decrease_v not_o only_o in_o one_o in_o a_o few_o or_o in_o many_o grace_n but_o also_o general_o in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n this_o decrease_n of_o renew_a holiness_n be_v of_o two_o kind_n for_o as_o of_o bodily_a disease_n some_o begin_v at_o the_o hart_n which_o be_v the_o root_n and_o fountain_n of_o life_n in_o the_o body_n and_o so_o spread_v themselves_o over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n other_o have_v their_o beginning_n in_o some_o outward_a and_o inferior_a part_n and_o pierce_v in_o till_o that_o they_o come_v to_o the_o heart_n so_o of_o these_o general_n decrease_v of_o holiness_n which_o be_v as_o grievous_a disease_n of_o the_o soul_n some_o begin_v at_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o root_n and_o fountain_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o so_o have_v stop_v the_o fountain_n do_v easy_o dry_v up_o the_o stream_n issue_v from_o it_o other_o begin_v at_o the_o mean_a and_o base_a part_n of_o sanctification_n and_o so_o first_o kill_v the_o fruit_n than_o the_o branch_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o tree_n till_o at_o length_n they_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o root_n itself_o both_o these_o way_n do_v sathan_n use_v to_o destroy_v this_o wonderful_a work_n of_o regeneration_n wrought_v in_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o first_o way_n be_v the_o near_a and_o ready_a for_o if_o faith_n once_o fail_v all_o holiness_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n whereas_o faith_n may_v stand_v in_o some_o sort_n although_o most_o of_o the_o
other_o part_n of_o santification_n be_v want_v as_o the_o body_n may_v live_v although_o it_o lack_v the_o arm_n leg_n and_o other_o part_n but_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v once_o wound_v death_n be_v then_o hard_a at_o hand_n and_o therefore_o satan_n do_v most_o of_o all_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n labour_v to_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o faithful_a man_n desire_v to_o strike_v through_o the_o hart_n at_o the_o first_o stroke_n that_o so_o as_o abisai_n say_v 1._o sam._n 26._o 8._o 8._o he_o may_v save_v the_o labour_n of_o strike_v twice_o this_o christ_n tell_v peter_n that_o sathan_n have_v desire_v to_o tempt_v he_o 2._o but_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n whereat_o sathan_n will_v direct_o strike_v shall_v not_o fail_v the_o weapon_n wherewith_o he_o use_v to_o strike_v at_o faith_n be_v many_o and_o diverse_a as_o namely_o these_o first_o the_o cross_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o present_a life_n which_o god_n lay_v on_o his_o child_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 7._o 7._o but_o they_o feel_v they_o bitter_a and_o after_o a_o sort_n intolerable_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n labour_n by_o earnest_n and_o continual_a prayer_n as_o also_o by_o all_o other_o mean_v to_o be_v free_v from_o they_o the_o which_o thing_n when_o as_o they_o can_v bring_v to_o pass_v be_v suffer_v to_o languish_v yea_o often_o to_o perish_v outward_o in_o their_o trouble_n they_o straight_o way_n be_v move_v by_o sathan_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forsake_v they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o help_n or_o good_a thing_n to_o be_v look_v for_o at_o his_o hand_n this_o policy_n sathan_n himself_o do_v bewray_v and_o confess_v job._n 1._o 11_o do_v job_n fear_n god_n for_o nought_o thou_o have_v bless_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n but_o lay_v thy_o hand_n upon_o he_o in_o outward_a cross_n and_o thou_o shall_v see_v that_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o off_o from_o trust_v in_o thou_o 11._o that_o he_o will_v curse_v thou_o to_o thy_o face_n the_o temptation_n be_v then_o most_o forceable_a when_o as_o the_o faithful_a in_o their_o great_a misery_n be_v exasperate_v and_o as_o it_o be_v have_v their_o tooth_n set_v on_o edge_n by_o the_o great_a prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a insomuch_o that_o they_o often_o repent_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v not_o choose_v that_o course_n &_o manner_n of_o life_n whereby_o they_o see_v they_o to_o flourish_v but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v withstand_v by_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v chastise_v his_o child_n and_o purge_v they_o in_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n that_o so_o he_o may_v make_v glorious_a and_o heavenly_a vessel_n of_o they_o whereas_o the_o wicked_a be_v as_o sheep_n feed_v fat_a against_o the_o day_n of_o slaughter_n that_o they_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n make_v conformable_a to_o christ_n their_o head_n that_o the_o great_a affliction_n of_o this_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v &_o that_o â—s_v it_o be_v luke_n 16._o 25._o 25._o as_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o life_n have_v pleasure_n and_o the_o godly_a pain_n so_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o godly_a shall_v be_v comfort_v and_o the_o other_o torment_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o we_o read_v eccles._n 8._o 12._o 17._o though_o the_o wicked_a man_n do_v evil_a a_o hundred_o time_n and_o yet_o prolong_v his_o day_n yet_o i_o know_v that_o in_o the_o end_n it_o will_v be_v well_o with_o they_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o with_o no_o other_o again_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v often_o tempt_v by_o consideration_n have_v of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o dead_a body_n for_o so_o by_o measure_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o their_o own_o shallow_a reason_n they_o stagger_v at_o it_o and_o sometime_o fall_v flat_o down_o 2._o tim._n 2._o 18._o 18._o hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n teach_v that_o the_o resurrection_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v already_o past_a and_o so_o they_o do_v subvert_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o but_o for_o this_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n the_o third_o temptation_n be_v the_o obscure_a secret_a and_o hide_a manner_n of_o god_n work_v in_o these_o last_o age_n wherein_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o full_o in_o his_o son_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n do_v hide_v himself_o from_o the_o eye_n even_o of_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o in_o vision_n revelation_n dream_n the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n in_o temporal_a punishment_n and_o blessing_n oâ—_n in_o any_o other_o sensible_a manner_n but_o suffer_v all_o thing_n to_o go_v on_o and_o work_v after_o their_o own_o inclination_n as_o namely_o tyrant_n to_o rage_n and_o oppress_v his_o church_n to_o persecute_v his_o people_n to_o erect_v idolatry_n to_o deface_v his_o worship_n to_o blaspheme_v his_o name_n so_o as_o if_o he_o have_v clean_o cast_v off_o the_o care_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o in_o this_o world_n but_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o trouble_v we_o for_o sensible_a apparition_n blessing_n and_o action_n be_v for_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n which_o now_o be_v come_v to_o her_o ripe_a age_n and_o yet_o the_o action_n of_o god_n be_v no_o less_o wonderful_a than_o before_o yea_o they_o be_v as_o manifest_v to_o spiritual_a eye_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v to_o the_o carnal_a eye_n of_o man_n the_o last_o weapon_n wherewith_o satan_n strike_v at_o faith_n be_v minister_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o to_o wit_n their_o manifold_a and_o grievous_a sin_n especial_o those_o whereinto_o they_o fall_v again_o and_o again_o have_v often_o repent_v they_o &_o whereof_o they_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n get_v the_o upper_a hand_n here_o satan_n think_v that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o advantage_n against_o the_o faithful_a as_o he_o himself_o desire_v for_o in_o the_o other_o temptation_n he_o do_v fight_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o which_o now_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v on_o his_o side_n for_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n do_v everywhere_a teach_v that_o all_o who_o be_v justify_v be_v sanctify_v from_o a_o sinful_a life_n and_o have_v power_n give_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o resist_v and_o mortify_v sin_n especial_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n hereof_o he_o infer_v after_o this_o manner_n thou_o have_v no_o such_o power_n or_o grace_n to_o resist_v sin_n thou_o can_v not_o for_o thy_o life_n abstain_v from_o commit_v it_o but_o do_v add_v one_o fall_v to_o another_o one_o sin_n to_o another_o even_o against_o thy_o own_o conscience_n &_o therefore_o thy_o faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o either_o mere_a hypocrisy_n and_o unbelief_n or_o at_o the_o most_o it_o be_v but_o some_o light_a shadow_n of_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o reprobate_n this_o argument_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v answer_v and_o therefore_o it_o drive_v many_o faithful_a man_n to_o their_o wit_n end_n and_o even_o to_o despair_v of_o themselves_o and_o of_o the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o most_o fearful_a thing_n kill_v all_o holiness_n even_o at_o the_o root_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v avoid_v by_o all_o mean_n especial_o by_o learning_n if_o we_o be_v as_o yet_o ignorant_a how_o to_o answer_v this_o argument_n thus_o cunning_o compact_v by_o satan_n the_o best_a answer_n that_o can_v be_v make_v be_v that_o he_o who_o be_v thus_o tempt_v labour_n by_o fast_v prayer_n continual_a read_n meditate_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o diligent_a weigh_v the_o nature_n and_o manifold_a evil_n ensue_v of_o it_o to_o purge_v himself_o of_o the_o sin_n wherewith_o satan_n do_v so_o buffet_v he_o and_o so_o to_o wring_v his_o weapon_n by_o force_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n but_o if_o this_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v as_o often_o the_o faithful_a can_v get_v the_o mastery_n over_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o corrupt_a desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n than_o we_o must_v answer_v that_o a_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n may_v be_v at_o some_o time_n without_o some_o fruit_n as_o the_o tree_n be_v in_o the_o winter_n season_n as_o appear_v manifest_o by_o the_o example_n of_o diverse_a faithful_a man_n as_o namely_o in_o david_n that_o notable_a man_n who_o do_v not_o only_o commit_v adultery_n which_o be_v a_o most_o grievous_a sin_n the_o harm_n whereof_o can_v by_v any_o mean_n be_v amend_v yea_o and_o add_v murder_n to_o it_o a_o more_o horrible_a sin_n but_o also_o as_o may_v be_v probable_o gather_v seem_v to_o have_v continue_v
worldly_a polices_fw-la and_o shift_n by_o the_o which_o a_o man_n flatter_v himself_o in_o that_o palpable_a decrease_n as_o if_o he_o be_v in_o as_o good_a a_o estate_n as_o ever_o he_o be_v so_o that_o we_o may_v compare_v the_o decrease_n of_o faith_n to_o a_o violent_a fever_n the_o which_o as_o it_o may_v soon_o kill_v a_o man_n so_o it_o may_v soon_o be_v amend_v but_o this_o latter_a kind_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o linger_a consumption_n wherein_o as_o a_o man_n pine_v away_o by_o little_a and_o little_a not_o on_o a_o sudden_a but_o live_v in_o it_o for_o the_o space_n of_o many_o year_n so_o he_o can_v be_v cure_v of_o it_o but_o in_o some_o long_a space_n because_o it_o be_v so_o confirm_v in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n yet_o both_o these_o kind_n of_o decrease_v be_v most_o fearful_a condition_n and_o those_o from_o the_o which_o it_o stand_v every_o christian_n in_o hand_n daily_o to_o desire_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o christ_n to_o deliver_v he_o and_o rather_o to_o take_v he_o out_o of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o perfect_a godliness_n then_o to_o suffer_v he_o to_o fall_v so_o grievous_o as_o no_o doubt_n he_o do_v to_o many_o of_o his_o dear_a servant_n last_o it_o may_v here_o be_v ask_v what_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o these_o great_a fall_n which_o happen_v to_o the_o faithful_a whether_o they_o continue_v in_o they_o till_o death_n or_o else_o recover_v their_o former_a estate_n we_o answer_v that_o god_n as_o he_o do_v for_o a_o time_n humble_v they_o under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n satan_n and_o their_o own_o corrupt_a flesh_n so_o he_o do_v in_o his_o good_a time_n show_v forth_o the_o powerful_a and_o mighty_a virtue_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o all_o this_o while_n lie_v lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v in_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o their_o regeneration_n give_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o unseparable_a guide_n and_o ruler_n to_o bring_v they_o through_o the_o manifold_a temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o hinderaunce_n of_o their_o salvation_n to_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o faithful_a man_n do_v after_o long_o struggle_v with_o his_o enemy_n yea_o after_o that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n in_o bondage_n under_o they_o yea_o clean_a dead_a in_o outward_a appearance_n not_o only_o recover_v his_o former_a degree_n of_o holiness_n but_o also_o become_v more_o strong_a in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n 29._o than_o he_o be_v before_o as_o we_o read_v es._n 40._o 29._o god_n will_v give_v strength_n to_o he_o that_o be_v clean_o weary_v so_o that_o he_o shall_v go_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n &_o renew_v his_o age_n as_o do_v the_o eagle_n he_o shall_v bring_v four_o more_o fruit_n in_o his_o age_n and_o become_v more_o zealous_a in_o serve_v god_n than_o he_o be_v at_o any_o time_n before_o yet_o sometime_o it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o these_o spiritual_a conflict_n not_o by_o withdraw_v the_o force_n of_o the_o temptation_n from_o the_o faithful_a but_o by_o take_v they_o from_o it_o &_o out_o of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o sathan_n to_o that_o state_n wherein_o they_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v trouble_v with_o any_o such_o temptation_n as_o may_v endanger_v their_o salvation_n so_o that_o the_o faithful_a do_v sometime_o depart_v this_o life_n as_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o temptation_n so_o in_o the_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o their_o salvation_n for_o he_o that_o be_v once_o engraft_a and_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o a_o true_a faith_n as_o all_o the_o regenerate_v be_v whether_o he_o die_v in_o a_o holy_a life_n or_o in_o some_o sin_n whether_o in_o repentance_n or_o in_o impenitency_n whether_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o much_o doubt_n yea_o although_o he_o seem_v to_o despair_v of_o himself_o always_o he_o die_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a life_n for_o in_o the_o great_a decrease_n of_o holiness_n which_o can_v befall_v to_o a_o faithful_a man_n there_o remain_v some_o spark_n of_o grace_n but_o especial_o the_o love_n of_o god_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o of_o his_o child_n will_v show_v itself_o and_o also_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n otherwise_o perhaps_o invisible_a in_o the_o great_a agony_n or_o tempest_n of_o temptation_n whatsoever_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o renew_a holiness_n as_o in_o the_o natural_a birth_n of_o man_n his_o body_n come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o so_o great_a and_o strong_a as_o afterward_o it_o become_v but_o little_a weak_a and_o impotent_a so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a birth_n of_o regeneration_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o the_o first_o moment_n endue_v with_o perfection_n but_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o renew_a holiness_n from_o the_o which_o it_o be_v to_o grow_v and_o go_v on_o forward_o to_o a_o perfect_a estate_n for_o the_o first_o act_n of_o regeneration_n do_v put_v into_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n not_o the_o actual_a habit_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n but_o the_o seed_n and_o beginning_n of_o they_o which_o be_v continual_o to_o be_v increase_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o new_a man_n in_o the_o faithful_a have_v his_o infancy_n wherein_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v as_o yet_o in_o small_a measure_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n which_o be_v at_o the_o first_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n become_v very_o great_a and_o to_o leaven_n which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v in_o some_o one_o part_n only_o of_o the_o dough_n but_o in_o time_n spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a lump_n holiness_n this_o meanness_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n appear_v even_o in_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o be_v as_o yet_o his_o disciple_n and_o scholar_n christ_n do_v often_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n joh._n 6._o 12._o 12._o i_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o 2._o but_o you_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o now_o and_o act._n 19_o 2._o there_o be_v at_o ephesus_n certain_a believe_a disciple_n who_o be_v so_o weak_a in_o knowledge_n that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n likewise_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 1._o cor._n 3._o 1._o 2._o 2._o that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v unto_o they_o but_o as_o unto_o babe_n in_o christ_n not_o in_o knowledge_n but_o in_o practice_n and_o there_o fore_o can_v not_o give_v unto_o they_o any_o strong_a meat_n but_o only_a milk_n to_o drink_v of_o this_o weakness_n in_o capacity_n and_o knowledge_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v 19_o gal._n 4._o 19_o rom._n 6._o 19_o 19_o hereof_o come_v weakness_n in_o faith_n rom._n 14._o 14._o and_o also_o necessary_o the_o weakness_n of_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o holiness_n wherein_o no_o christian_n ought_v to_o rest_v as_o content_v himself_o with_o that_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n but_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v carry_v forward_o to_o perfection_n especial_o see_v that_o this_o state_n of_o spiritual_a infancy_n be_v easy_o overthrow_v and_o bring_v to_o nothing_o by_o the_o malice_n of_o sathan_n it_o be_v weak_a and_o not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o force_n of_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o although_o some_o do_v abide_v long_o in_o this_o weak_a estate_n and_o perhaps_o end_v their_o day_n in_o it_o yet_o usual_o god_n give_v to_o those_o who_o be_v true_o regenerate_v a_o daily_a increase_n &_o a_o new_a supply_n of_o grace_n insomuch_o that_o in_o a_o competente_a time_n they_o become_v of_o ripe_a age_n and_o of_o perfect_a strength_n in_o christ._n whereunto_o a_o christian_n be_v then_o come_v when_o as_o he_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o any_o grace_n needful_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o christian_n duty_n but_o lead_v a_o life_n in_o every_o respect_n holy_a and_o unblameable_a proceed_v from_o those_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o have_v be_v describe_v in_o the_o three_o section_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o yet_o this_o perfect_a estate_n of_o a_o christian_n be_v not_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n which_o may_v be_v attain_v in_o this_o life_n for_o beside_o and_o beyond_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o the_o faithful_a do_v ordinare_o attain_v unto_o it_o please_v god_n to_o endue_v some_o of_o his_o servant_n with_o a_o more_o plentiful_a abundance_n of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o he_o promise_v math._n 25._o 29._o that_o to_o he_o that_o have_v there_o shall_v more_o be_v
give_v 29._o and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o diverse_a in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o abundance_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v call_v plerophoria_fw-la a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a persuasion_n say_v to_o be_v in_o abraham_n rom._n 4._o 21._o hereof_o come_v abundance_n of_o faith_n 21._o of_o love_n rom._n 5._o 3._o and_o 15._o 13._o and_o of_o all_o grace_n 13._o as_o 1._o thess._n 1._o 3._o the_o apostle_n mention_v the_o work_n of_o their_o faith_n 3._o their_o laborious_a love_n 3._o and_o their_o patient_a hope_n and_o 2_o thess._n 1._o 3._o that_o their_o faith_n superaugescit_fw-la that_o be_v increase_v above_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a measure_n and_o that_o their_o love_n do_v abound_v according_o this_o abundance_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n martyr_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o therefore_o be_v make_v type_n and_o pattern_n for_o we_o to_o imitate_v and_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n as_o lantern_n full_a of_o light_n and_o as_o shine_v and_o blaze_a star_n that_o we_o may_v both_o admire_v and_o labour_v to_o overtake_v they_o in_o their_o excellent_a grace_n and_o especial_o in_o their_o particular_a virtue_n for_o thus_o the_o scripture_n mention_v the_o uprightness_n of_o enoch_n who_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o all_o his_o way_n 11._o the_o patience_n of_o job._n jam._n 5._o 11_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n the_o meekness_n of_o moses_n the_o courage_n of_o josua_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o samuel_n the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o david_n be_v a_o man_n according_a to_o god_n own_o heart_n the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n the_o zeal_n of_o phiny_n josias_n and_o many_o other_o thus_o paul_n mention_v his_o own_o painfulness_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v far_o above_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n thus_o he_o say_v rom_n 16._o 7._o that_o andronicus_n and_o junia_n be_v man_n notable_a among_o the_o apostle_n 7._o and_o of_o timothy_n that_o none_o be_v like_a to_o he_o in_o faithful_a labour_n and_o care_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n philip._n 2._o 20._o 20._o the_o note_n and_o mark_n whereby_o this_o abundance_n may_v be_v know_v be_v these_o a_o burn_a zeal_n of_o god_n glory_n of_o set_v forward_o his_o worship_n and_o gospel_n a_o vehement_a hatred_n of_o idolatry_n and_o all_o shadow_n of_o superstition_n a_o tender_a and_o bountiful_a love_n towards_o the_o godly_a a_o mind_n undaunted_a with_o any_o torment_n death_n or_o misery_n a_o constant_a course_n of_o godliness_n in_o all_o outward_a change_n whatsoever_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o himself_o philip._n 4._o 13._o 13._o that_o he_o can_v want_v and_o abound_v be_v full_a and_o empty_a and_o that_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n a_o life_n free_a from_o any_o gross_a sin_n a_o extraordinary_a contempt_n of_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n last_o a_o manner_n of_o freedom_n from_o be_v either_o overcome_v or_o almost_o tempt_v by_o any_o gross_a sin_n for_o although_o the_o corruption_n of_o flesh_n and_o the_o impudency_n of_o satan_n who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o tempt_v christ_n to_o commit_v sin_n be_v so_o great_a that_o no_o man_n be_v he_o neuer_o so_o holy_a may_v lay_v away_o his_o weapon_n and_o be_v secure_a in_o respect_n of_o temptation_n yet_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o a_o long_a practice_n of_o all_o godliness_n the_o faithful_a come_v sometime_o to_o such_o a_o surpass_a strength_n in_o grace_n that_o as_o the_o courageous_a horse_n go_v into_o the_o battle_n scorn_v the_o fearful_a sound_n &_o noise_n of_o the_o trumpet_n so_o this_o godly_a man_n whereof_o we_o speak_v in_o this_o chapter_n laugh_v at_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o entisemente_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o not_o presume_v on_o his_o own_o strength_n but_o rely_v himself_o whole_o on_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o this_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n be_v to_o seek_v it_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n from_o who_o only_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n but_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n use_v in_o give_v it_o be_v diverse_a some_o good_a some_o evil_a in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v all_o holy_a exercise_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o beget_n &_o continual_a increase_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o careful_a diligent_a long_o and_o continual_a use_n whereof_o god_n do_v often_o grant_v this_o happy_a success_n even_o as_o he_o bless_v the_o diligent_a and_o painful_a hand_n with_o great_a plenty_n in_o temporal_a thing_n of_o the_o second_o sort_n be_v the_o abundance_n of_o sin_n before_o regeneration_n the_o which_o it_o please_v god_n some_o time_n to_o change_v into_o this_o abundance_n of_o grace_n as_o we_o see_v that_o the_o high_a flood_n follow_v the_o low_a ebb_n this_o god_n do_v to_o make_v manifest_a the_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o renew_v the_o elect_a which_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v the_o great_a measure_n of_o holiness_n out_o of_o the_o great_a wickedness_n as_o clear_a light_n out_o of_o palpable_a darkness_n this_o christ_n teach_v us._n 41._o luk._n 7._o 41._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o two_o debtor_n whereof_o the_o great_a have_v great_a cause_n and_o also_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o love_n and_o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o woman_n verse_n 47._o who_o love_v much_o because_o many_o sin_n be_v forgive_v unto_o she_o 47._o sowhere_o sin_n do_v abound_v there_o grace_n abound_v much_o more_o yea_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n do_v sometime_o use_v the_o hot_a fierceness_n of_o affection_n and_o the_o violent_a disposition_n of_o nature_n the_o which_o as_o of_o itself_o it_o carry_v a_o man_n headlong_o into_o the_o most_o outrageous_a sin_n so_o be_v sanctify_v by_o god_n spirit_n it_o become_v the_o whetstone_n of_o holiness_n thus_o be_v the_o apostle_n paul_n both_o natural_o and_o spiritual_o affect_v and_o therefore_o be_v a_o infidel_n he_o be_v a_o most_o superstitious_a pharisee_n more_o than_o mad_a in_o persecute_v the_o church_n and_o become_v a_o faithful_a man_n pass_v all_o other_o in_o unquenchable_a zeal_n of_o god_n spirit_n last_o as_o touch_v this_o abundance_n of_o grace_n no_o man_n can_v attain_v so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o it_o as_o that_o he_o may_v sit_v down_o as_o be_v at_o his_o iorneis_n end_n but_o as_o the_o great_a riches_n that_o a_o man_n have_v the_o great_a be_v his_o gain_n desire_v and_o increase_v of_o riches_n so_o the_o more_o holiness_n that_o any_o man_n have_v the_o more_o careful_o aught_o and_o the_o more_o fruitful_o may_v he_o labour_n in_o increase_a it_o phil._n 3._o 13._o brethren_n say_v the_o apostle_n 13._o i_o count_v not_o that_o i_o have_v attain_v unto_o any_o such_o perfection_n but_o still_o i_o do_v forget_v that_o which_o be_v behind_o and_o endevore_fw-mi myself_o to_o that_o which_o be_v before_o that_o be_v i_o do_v not_o mind_v that_o holiness_n which_o i_o have_v already_o receive_v but_o do_v continual_o think_v on_o that_o which_o i_o do_v want_n as_o yet_o chap._n ix_o of_o celestial_a holiness_n although_o we_o have_v now_o go_v as_o far_o in_o declare_v the_o renew_a holiness_n of_o man_n as_o any_o man_n can_v in_o this_o world_n either_o in_o have_v or_o in_o practise_v it_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o rest_v as_o be_v come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o journey_n for_o if_o the_o aforesaid_a abundance_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o be_v it_o never_o so_o great_a can_v possible_o be_v void_a of_o sin_n be_v absolute_o the_o high_a degree_n holiness_n this_o inconvenience_n which_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v admit_v will_v of_o necessity_n follow_v that_o man_n do_v not_o in_o regeneration_n recover_v as_o good_a a_o state_n and_o as_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o he_o have_v in_o his_o first_o creation_n and_o lose_v by_o his_o own_o sin_n in_o adam_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o go_v on_o a_o little_a further_o in_o this_o treatise_n and_o in_o our_o desire_n till_o we_o come_v to_o such_o a_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o renew_a holiness_n as_o be_v free_a from_o the_o least_o spot_n of_o sin_n whatsoever_o this_o perfection_n may_v without_o all_o question_n yea_o most_o necessare_o be_v attain_v unto_o for_o man_n can_v not_o be_v perfect_o happy_a by_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n into_o the_o which_o nothing_o be_v sinful_a can_v enter_v as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v imperfect_o holy_a yet_o he_o