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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n ability_n able_a part_n 59 3 3.8166 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A07826 A treatise of the threefolde state of man wherein is handled, 1 His created holinesse in his innocencie. 2 His sinfulnesse since the fall of Adam. 3 His renewed holinesse in his regeneration. Morton, Thomas, of Berwick. 1596 (1596) STC 18199; ESTC S107028 195,331 462

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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 rene●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
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
often_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o infirmity_n and_o sin_n appeare_v in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n make_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o religion_n doubtful_a to_o other_o yet_o he_o himself_o feel_v the_o inward_a work_n and_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v undoubted_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n we_o confess_v that_o a_o man_n true_o regenerate_v may_v have_v his_o faith_n sore_o shake_v and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n great_o blemish_v by_o the_o force_n of_o temptation_n and_o so_o may_v for_o a_o time_n want_v in_o part_n or_o whole_o this_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o have_v it_o at_o a_o other_o time_n yea_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o most_o of_o the_o faithful_a last_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o this_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v or_o can_v be_v to_o a_o faithful_a man_n a_o motive_n to_o sin_n and_o dissoluteness_n of_o life_n with_o the_o which_o it_o can_v stand_v for_o as_o it_o be_v get_v by_o holiness_n whereby_o a_o man_n see_v that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o effectual_o call_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v lose_v by_o a_o sinful_a and_o wicked_a life_n the_o which_o show_v plain_o that_o a_o man_n be_v destitute_a of_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o god_n spirit_n for_o by_o the_o fruit_n the_o tree_n be_v know_v nay_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o great_a froce_a in_o restrain_v the_o faithful_a from_o sin_n then_o this_o that_o they_o know_v that_o the_o commit_n of_o any_o one_o wilful_a sin_n do_v wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o diminish_v this_o notable_a treasure_n of_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n for_o as_o he_o that_o take_v one_o or_o a_o fewestone_n out_o of_o a_o wall_n although_o he_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o building_n yet_o he_o make_v it_o the_o weak_a so_o a_o few_o sinful_a action_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n although_o 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cause_n god_n in_o great_a wisdom_n do_v endue_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o a_o special_a faculty_n usual_o call_v memory_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o man_n in_o this_o state_n of_o innocence_n do_v safe_o keep_v whatsoever_o the_o mind_n do_v true_o conceive_v and_o so_o when_o occasion_n serve_v do_v give_v the_o say_a knowledge_n back_o again_o to_o the_o mind_n to_o be_v think_v upon_o meditate_a utter_v in_o word_n and_o follow_v in_o peed_n so_o that_o the_o memory_n be_v the_o storehouse_n of_o the_o soul_n wherein_o thing_n both_o new_a and_o old_a be_v careful_o lay_v up_o and_o faithful_o preserve_v and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o register_n of_o the_o mind_n take_v a_o note_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o come_v into_o it_o this_o faculty_n as_o all_o the_o other_o of_o man_n soul_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n so_o perfect_a and_o of_o such_o strength_n as_o that_o by_o it_o man_n may_v at_o any_o time_n call_v to_o mind_n not_o every_o trifle_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v a_o thousand_o year_n past_a for_o so_o his_o memory_n shall_v have_v be_v confound_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n infinite_a but_o whatsoever_o thing_n have_v at_o any_o time_n be_v reveal_v unto_o he_o by_o god_n or_o be_v conceive_v by_o his_o natural_a faculty_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o any_o importance_n the_o know_v and_o remember_v whereof_o may_v serve_v to_o some_o notable_a use_n and_o profit_n unto_o he_o as_o for_o other_o common_a matter_n of_o life_n which_o it_o be_v more_o gain_n to_o loose_v then_o to_o keep_v in_o these_o human_a infirmity_n prevail_v to_o forgetfulness_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o man_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n or_o any_o other_o as_o god_n be_v who_o nature_n be_v every_o way_n infinite_a do_v in_o one_o moment_n and_o with_o one_o motion_n of_o mind_n remember_v or_o rather_o know_v all_o particular_n that_o have_v be_v do_v at_o any_o time_n for_o god_n do_v think_v of_o all_o thing_n together_o without_o confusion_n but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v not_o only_o finite_a but_o also_o have_v in_o it_o a_o kind_n of_o weakness_n if_o we_o compare_v he_o with_o the_o angel_n can_v not_o think_v of_o many_o much_o less_o of_o infinite_a thing_n at_o once_o but_o of_o one_o thing_n after_o a_o other_o and_o so_o do_v the_o memory_n remember_v those_o particular_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o custody_n of_o it_o let_v go_v matter_n of_o no_o use_n that_o there_o may_v be_v place_n for_o thing_n of_o importance_n as_o be_v the_o action_n comaundemente_n apparition_n revelation_n and_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o knowe_a and_o remember_v whereof_o the_o happiness_n and_o holiness_n of_o man_n do_v consist_v memory_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v he_o in_o hand_n to_o commit_v these_o thing_n to_o sure_a custody_n the_o which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o do_v so_o as_o that_o after_o many_o thousand_o year_n he_o be_v able_a to_o remember_v that_o which_o may_v any_o way_n serve_v for_o his_o good_a neither_o ●●ede_n we_o marvel_v thereat_o consider_v the_o frailty_n of_o our_o own_o memory_n which_o be_v never_o good_a when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o best_a and_o be_v soon_o clean_o lose_v by_o sickness_n age_n or_o any_o such_o mean_n for_o as_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n whereby_o as_o by_o a_o instrument_n the_o soul_n work_v so_o be_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o body_n of_o man_n do_v continue_v in_o perfect_a vigour_n for_o many_o thousand_o year_n yea_o for_o ever_o so_o do_v his_o mind_n or_o memory_n retain_v the_o first_o vigour_n without_o be_v diminish_v whereby_o we_o see_v that_o man_n in_o this_o faculty_n of_o memory_n whereby_o his_o knowledge_n be_v make_v eternal_a do_v notable_o resemble_v god_n who_o nature_n be_v eternal_a sect._n 2._o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o man_n memory_n as_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n so_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o faculty_n man_n since_o the_o fall_n be_v so_o change_v from_o his_o first_o estate_n that_o he_o scarce_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o creature_n that_o he_o be_v have_v as_o whole_o lose_v this_o faculty_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o for_o howsoever_o in_o regard_n of_o earthly_a worldly_a and_o sensible_a thing_n this_o faculty_n be_v after_o a_o sort_n remain_v in_o man_n yet_o it_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o force_n or_o power_n to_o retain_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o how_o shall_v the_o memory_n keep_v when_o as_o the_o mind_n can_v conceive_v it_o but_o man_n corruption_n can_v so_o be_v cloak_v in_o this_o behalf_n as_o if_o it_o it_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o not_o in_o this_o and_o other_o faculty_n for_o although_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o mover_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o other_o faculty_n yet_o each_o faculty_n have_v his_o peculiar_a fault_n the_o which_o may_v plain_o be_v see_v in_o the_o memory_n for_o suppose_v that_o which_o do_v daily_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o carnal_a man_n do_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o fashion_n sake_n but_o also_o mark_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n understand_v it_o memory_n a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o all_o be_v safe_a and_o bring_v to_o a_o good_a pass_n the_o mind_n have_v do_v his_o duty_n in_o conceive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o body_n have_v do_v in_o hear_v so_o that_o now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v come_v to_o the_o memory_n and_o
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
honour_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o worldly_a thing_n such_o a_o one_o may_v become_v a_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a man_n but_o usual_o he_o be_v so_o in_o every_o respect_n that_o a_o man_n may_v see_v plain_o in_o he_o a_o pattern_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o natural_a sinfulness_n last_o spy_v out_o one_o of_o a_o gentle_a nature_n and_o ingenuous_a countenance_n virtuous_o bring_v up_o from_o his_o first_o infancy_n have_v never_o use_v any_o evil_a company_n but_o be_v continual_o give_v of_o himself_o to_o get_v learning_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n yea_o careful_o enure_v by_o his_o parent_n tutor_n and_o teacher_n to_o the_o daily_a practice_n and_o exercise_v of_o what_o soever_o thing_n be_v honest_a good_a right_a &_o any_o way_n commendable_a &_o last_o who_o have_v no_o true_a touch_n of_o religion_n &_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o competent_a portion_n &_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o nature_n &_o of_o fortune_n as_o they_o be_v ignorant_o term_v this_o man_n although_o he_o may_v by_o the_o perverseness_n of_o his_o corrupt_a nature_n tread_v all_o these_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o become_v very_o vicious_a yet_o usual_o he_o may_v be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o decrease_n of_o natural_a sinfulness_n these_o three_o man_n be_v all_o carnal_a and_o sinful_a yet_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n among_o they_o the_o which_o that_o it_o may_v the_o more_o plain_o appear_v we_o will_v compare_v they_o &_o their_o diverse_a degree_n of_o sinfulness_n together_o the_o first_o be_v the_o right_n natural_a man_n the_o second_o be_v on_o his_o left_a hand_n have_v augment_v his_o sinfulness_n the_o three_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n have_v diminish_v it_o the_o first_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o of_o his_o worship_n yet_o he_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n and_o do_v worshipe_n his_o god_n very_o diligent_o one_o way_n or_o other_o after_o his_o fashion_n the_o second_o be_v full_o resolve_v in_o his_o mind_n by_o argument_n invent_v by_o himself_o and_o suggest_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o other_o atheist_n like_v to_o himself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v but_o folly_n to_o worship_v any_o the_o three_o man_n be_v persuade_v by_o many_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yea_o he_o know_v the_o true_a god_n and_o perform_v some_o part_n of_o his_o true_a worshipe_n the_o first_o know_v not_o what_o to_o think_v of_o god_n or_o to_o what_o thing_n to_o resemble_v he_o yet_o he_o think_v he_o to_o be_v powerful_a mighty_a and_o bountiful_a ascribe_v all_o his_o mishape_n and_o his_o good_a luck_n to_o his_o false_a god_n the_o second_o give_v all_o to_o blind_a fortune_n wise_a counsel_n &_o hardy_a adventure_n yea_o he_o defi_v god_n in_o his_o hart_n think_v that_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o be_v the_o next_o way_n to_o all_o mishap_n the_o three_o know_v &_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o thing_n both_o good_a &_o evil_n come_v from_o that_o only_a true_a god_n who_o be_v every_o way_n infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a &_o yet_o know_v not_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v likewise_o for_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o will_v the_o mere_a natural_a man_n can_v choose_v and_o incline_v himself_o to_o any_o god_n religion_n or_o worshipe_n which_o be_v not_o sensible_a and_o therefore_o he_o can_v choose_v the_o true_a god_n and_o true_a holiness_n the_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o contrary_a to_o sense_n no_o not_o if_o these_o be_v propound_v to_o his_o will_n either_o by_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o by_o some_o other_o but_o choose_v for_o his_o part_n eat_v drink_v sleep_a ease_n pastime_n pleasure_n and_o voluptuousuesse_v the_o second_o man_n who_o be_v supernatural_a in_o sinfulness_n detest_v and_o abhor_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a but_o the_o three_o may_v have_v a_o inclination_n to_o good_a last_o the_o first_o man_n do_v not_o in_o his_o life_n commit_v horrible_a sin_n such_o as_o be_v murder_n incest_n adultery_n robbery_n or_o perjury_n be_v restrain_v even_o by_o his_o own_o conscience_n condemn_v these_o heinous_a sin_n and_o although_o he_o bear_v no_o love_n to_o any_o but_o to_o himself_o &_o to_o his_o own_o yet_o he_o mean_v harm_n to_o no_o man_n as_o for_o the_o second_o he_o abstain_v from_o no_o sin_n though_o never_o so_o heinous_a whereunto_o he_o be_v entice_v by_o any_o mean_n whereas_o the_o three_o man_n lead_v a_o life_n without_o all_o spot_n show_v or_o suspicion_n of_o any_o such_o matter_n yea_o he_o be_v good_a to_o every_o one_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v be_v far_o from_o hurt_v any_o so_o that_o to_o be_v short_a the_o first_o man_n may_v be_v call_v a_o brute_n beast_n which_o be_v give_v to_o all_o sensuality_n yet_o without_o either_o knowledge_n or_o practice_n of_o good_a or_o evil_n the_o second_o a_o devil_n incarnate_a the_o three_o a_o carnal_a and_o sinful_a saint_n thus_o we_o see_v both_o by_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o sin_n as_o also_o by_o the_o increase_n of_o it_o what_o be_v the_o decrease_n of_o it_o whereof_o we_o be_v to_o think_v and_o hold_v first_o that_o although_o it_o may_v be_v general_a in_o any_o or_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o man_n sinfulness_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o be_v total_a in_o any_o one_o much_o less_o in_o all_o for_o no_o part_n of_o it_o can_v be_v whole_o diminish_v in_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n second_o this_o decrease_n do_v take_v away_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n more_o than_o it_o do_v put_v the_o contrary_a grace_n in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o be_v in_o school_n term_n rather_o pruative_n then_o positive_a and_o therefore_o the_o carnal_a man_n in_o this_o decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n do_v not_o so_o much_o know_v approve_v embrace_v and_o follow_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o worship_n as_o he_o know_v all_o false_a god_n to_o be_v no_o god_n condemn_v and_o detest_a all_o idolatry_n and_o so_o in_o life_n although_o he_o can_v refrain_v himself_o from_o do_v evil_a yet_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v the_o contrary_a christian_a duty_n for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v increase_v by_o such_o mean_n as_o a_o natural_a man_n may_v use_v will_v teach_v and_o may_v enable_v he_o to_o abstain_v from_o gross_a sin_n but_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o good_a come_v only_o from_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o this_o decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v true_a holiness_n neither_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o effectual_a to_o salvation_n thus_o much_o in_o general_a of_o the_o decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o it_o the_o which_o be_v two_o in_o number_n natural_a and_o supernatural_a the_o first_o kind_n whereof_o the_o three_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a carnal_a man_n may_v be_v a_o shadow_n we_o call_v natural_a not_o that_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o decrease_v in_o sinfulness_n in_o the_o which_o he_o grow_v as_o natural_o as_o the_o smoke_n go_v upwarde_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o violent_a motion_n contrary_a to_o his_o natural_a inclination_n but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v by_o a_o natural_a man_n in_o who_o there_o be_v neither_o true_a regeneration_n nor_o any_o shadow_n of_o it_o and_o that_o by_o natural_a mean_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v see_v not_o only_o in_o carnal_a man_n live_v in_o the_o church_n but_o also_o and_o that_o more_o plain_o in_o many_o heathen_a and_o profess_a infidel_n who_o never_o hear_v tell_v of_o the_o true_a religion_n &_o worship_n of_o god_n of_o who_o many_o as_o it_o be_v lay_v violent_a hand_n on_o themselves_o and_o their_o natural_a disposition_n incline_v to_o all_o vice_n and_o sinfulness_n have_v get_v the_o habit_n that_o be_v the_o constant_a and_o permanent_a disposition_n of_o moral_a virtue_n as_o namely_o of_o justice_n temperance_n sobriety_n and_o chastity_n in_o somuch_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o lead_v a_o life_n pure_a from_o the_o spot_v of_o gross_a sin_n but_o also_o have_v after_o a_o sort_n change_v their_o will_n mind_n and_o affection_n from_o a_o evil_a and_o vicious_a to_o a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a disposition_n this_o the_o apostle_n witness_v rom._n 2._o 19_o 19_o the_o gentiles_n have_v not_o the_o write_a law_n of_o god_n do_v by_o nature_n that_o be_v without_o spiritual_a grace_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n and_o so_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o of_o this_o decrease_n we_o have_v many_o and_o manifold_a example_n even_o some_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n
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
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 ●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 o●_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