be_v a_o receive_v opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o appear_v plain_o both_o by_o that_o confutation_n of_o it_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v ronvere_n 2._o &_o by_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o that_o nation_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n likewise_o that_o it_o be_v maintain_v of_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v so_o manifest_a that_o it_o need_v no_o proof_n the_o common_a belief_n &_o confession_n of_o â—earned_a and_o ignorant_a man_n be_v this_o that_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o their_o good_a meaning_n and_o good_a work_n but_o they_o never_o think_v or_o speak_v of_o any_o such_o regeneration_n as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v &_o many_o of_o those_o who_o do_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ascribe_v man_n sanctification_n &_o regeneration_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n mean_v the_o natural_a operation_n of_o man_n will_n incline_v itself_o to_o good_a the_o which_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o do_v true_o think_v &_o call_v the_o grace_n &_o gift_n of_o god_n of_o this_o opinion_n be_v nicodemus_n a_o great_a rabbi_n in_o israel_n who_o be_v amaze_v when_o he_o hear_v christ_n teach_v this_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n as_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o any_o such_o matter_n before_o and_o therefore_o when_o christ_n teach_v that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o make_v this_o carnal_a reply_n must_v man_n return_v into_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o so_o be_v bear_v again_o this_o ignorance_n of_o regeneration_n be_v the_o most_o common_a hindrance_n why_o man_n do_v not_o seek_v after_o it_o for_o how_o can_v they_o desire_v much_o less_o seek_v that_o which_o they_o do_v not_o know_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o great_a marvel_n that_o so_o many_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o consider_v first_o that_o the_o self-love_n which_o be_v in_o man_n by_o nature_n make_v he_o to_o think_v far_o better_o of_o himself_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n strength_n and_o faculty_n than_o he_o shall_v do_v and_o second_o that_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o man_n will_v hardly_o admit_v any_o supernatural_a or_o miraculous_a work_n rest_v itself_o in_o itself_o that_o be_v in_o the_o inherent_a virtue_n and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o natural_a cause_n but_o we_o be_v to_o think_v far_o otherwise_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o renounce_v these_o grievous_a and_o damnable_a error_n to_o learn_v and_o hold_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o impossible_a to_o make_v the_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o natural_a faculty_n of_o man_n clean_o and_o pure_a his_o sinful_a life_n and_o action_n good_a and_o holy_a or_o his_o person_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a death_n just_a and_o righteous_a by_o any_o mean_n which_o either_o man_n or_o any_o creature_n can_v use_v than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o ethiopian_a white_a by_o wash_v he_o with_o water_n yea_o further_o that_o no_o service_n of_o god_n though_o never_o so_o solemn_a and_o devout_a no_o good_a work_n though_o never_o so_o many_o and_o excellent_a no_o good_a meaning_n though_o never_o so_o simple_a and_o innocent_a no_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n though_o never_o so_o great_a no_o worldly_a prerogative_n whatsoever_o can_v make_v a_o man_n acceptable_a to_o god_n much_o less_o partaker_n of_o eternal_a glory_n both_o which_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o who_o nature_n mind_n will_n and_o affection_n it_o please_v he_o according_a to_o his_o eternal_a will_n and_o counsel_n to_o change_v and_o renew_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o miraculous_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o conclude_v we_o be_v to_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o no_o other_o mean_n but_o only_o by_o regeneration_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n not_o in_o ourselves_o for_o that_o be_v to_o seek_v heaven_n in_o earth_n or_o rather_o in_o hell_n or_o by_o any_o virtue_n power_n or_o quality_n in_o ourselves_o but_o only_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o who_o only_o the_o glory_n both_o of_o the_o first_o and_o of_o the_o second_o creation_n be_v to_o be_v give_v and_o to_o beware_v lest_o that_o we_o be_v deceive_v with_o this_o common_a error_n esteem_v sin_n and_o holiness_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o as_o moral_a virtue_n and_o vice_n spiritual_a regeneration_n nothing_o but_o good_a education_n or_o philosophical_a institution_n godliness_n nothing_o but_o honest_a behaviour_n christianity_n nothing_o but_o civility_n the_o which_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o do_v the_o shadow_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o any_o thing_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v seek_v god_n where_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v and_o so_o without_o all_o question_n lose_v our_o labour_n sect._n 3_o the_o second_o hindrance_n whereby_o man_n may_v be_v and_o be_v keep_v back_o from_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n be_v another_o false_a opinion_n and_o conceit_n of_o it_o whereby_o man_n despair_v of_o attain_v unto_o it_o consider_v either_o themselves_o to_o be_v so_o whole_o dead_a &_o rot_a in_o sin_n that_o they_o can_v imagine_v how_o they_o shall_v ever_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o holiness_n or_o else_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o supernaturalnesse_n of_o regeneration_n as_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o a_o miraculous_a work_n this_o hindrance_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o former_a in_o the_o one_o man_n think_v better_a but_o in_o the_o other_o he_o think_v worse_a of_o his_o natural_a estate_n than_o it_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o one_o he_o presume_v of_o his_o own_o strength_n in_o the_o other_o he_o despair_v of_o the_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o one_o he_o think_v regeneration_n more_o easy_a in_o the_o other_o he_o think_v it_o a_o more_o difficult_a matter_n than_o it_o be_v this_o hindrance_n be_v not_o so_o common_a as_o the_o other_o for_o there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o do_v either_o know_v or_o acknowledge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o supernatural_a regeneration_n yet_o it_o will_v easy_o follow_v of_o that_o doctrine_n for_o man_n will_v soon_o be_v put_v back_o from_o seek_v and_o despair_n of_o attain_v to_o that_o which_o they_o hear_v to_o be_v miraculous_a &_o contrary_a to_o nature_n for_o so_o we_o read_v joh._n 6_o 66._o that_o whereas_o christ_n teach_v that_o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o he_o &_o be_v iâ—_n truth_n his_o disciple_n unless_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o of_o the_o father_n and_o as_o he_o say_v v._o 44._o except_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o that_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n go_v back_o &_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o whole_a doctrine_n we_o have_v plain_o set_v down_o math._n 19.23.24.25.26_o where_o christ_n have_v say_v that_o it_o be_v hard_a â—ea_o impossible_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n and_o so_o for_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n although_o the_o rich_a who_o abound_v in_o worldly_a pleasure_n be_v further_o off_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n drive_v his_o disciple_n to_o this_o desperate_a conclusion_n who_o then_o can_v be_v save_v or_o to_o what_o purpose_n then_o shall_v any_o man_n go_v about_o to_o be_v save_v whereunto_o christ_n make_v this_o answer_n indeed_o with_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o not_o with_o god_n that_o be_v although_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o regenerate_v either_o himself_o or_o any_o other_o yet_o to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o also_o easy_a &_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v discourage_v from_o seeek_v or_o despair_n of_o attain_v it_o but_o account_v it_o a_o easy_a thing_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v rom._n 10._o where_o he_o prefer_v the_o gospel_n before_o the_o law_n in_o this_o respect_n for_o that_o it_o teach_v a_o most_o ready_a and_o easy_a way_n of_o attain_v to_o salvation_n namely_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o mouth_n whereas_o the_o law_n require_v perfect_a obedience_n which_o no_o man_n live_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v the_o which_o dissimilitude_n be_v not_o in_o the_o condition_n themselves_o for_o they_o be_v both_o alike_o hard_a both_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a it_o be_v as_o easy_a a_o thing_n for_o a_o carnal_a man_n to_o fulfil_v the_o moral_a law_n as_o it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o work_v in_o himself_o true_a faith_n and_o confession_n the_o which_o two_o be_v all_o one_o in_o effect_n but_o in_o this_o that_o god_n accompany_v and_o asi_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o miraculous_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n whereof_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o law_n be_v destitute_a be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n unable_a to_o save_v the_o hearer_n so_o then_o regeneration_n
they_o have_v by_o murder_v themselves_o seek_v for_o ease_n in_o death_n and_o in_o hell_n itself_o think_v that_o no_o state_n can_v be_v so_o evil_a and_o therefore_o that_o any_o change_n will_v be_v good_a sect._n 2._o now_o further_o in_o this_o humiliation_n of_o a_o sinner_n we_o be_v to_o declare_v these_o two_o point_n first_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o nature_n and_o second_o whether_o it_o be_v absolute_a necessity_n for_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n or_o no._n for_o the_o first_o although_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o have_v a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n contrary_a to_o that_o obstinacy_n atheism_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v in_o the_o wicked_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o nature_n come_v of_o that_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o conscience_n of_o sin_n which_o remain_v in_o man_n since_o his_o creation_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o this_o humiliation_n be_v that_o true_a contrition_n and_o softness_n of_o heart_n which_o have_v place_n in_o those_o who_o be_v regenerate_v and_o whereby_o they_o do_v easy_o without_o any_o resistance_n or_o delay_n yield_v to_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v at_o the_o first_o move_v by_o his_o promise_n &_o blessing_n to_o love_v he_o by_o his_o threaten_n and_o judgement_n to_o fear_v he_o and_o by_o both_o to_o obey_v he_o only_o it_o be_v a_o servile_a fear_n of_o punishment_n and_o of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n wherewith_o obstinacy_n in_o sin_n may_v easy_o and_o do_v often_o concur_v but_o why_o will_v some_o man_n say_v if_o this_o humiliation_n be_v natural_a be_v it_o not_o if_o not_o in_o all_o yet_o in_o most_o man_n as_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o yea_o why_o be_v it_o in_o so_o few_o as_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o and_o that_o almost_o all_o general_o live_v in_o pleasure_n and_o in_o senseless_a security_n without_o any_o conscience_n of_o sin_n or_o fear_v of_o punishment_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o humiliation_n be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n not_o be_v neglect_v &_o suffer_v either_o to_o lie_v dead_a or_o to_o decrease_v daily_o as_o it_o do_v in_o most_o man_n for_o then_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o send_v forth_o this_o fruit_n but_o be_v at_o length_n clean_o extinguish_v and_o turn_v into_o mere_a atheism_n but_o augment_v by_o the_o write_a law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n and_o stir_v up_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n otherwise_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v work_v this_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n for_o how_o can_v they_o have_v a_o trouble_a conscience_n who_o have_v no_o conscience_n or_o fear_v of_o god_n who_o they_o do_v not_o know_v to_o exist_v at_o least_o not_o to_o do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a hence_o it_o come_v that_o this_o humiliation_n be_v so_o seldom_o find_v even_o among_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o faith_n for_o that_o they_o have_v no_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o settle_a persuasion_n of_o god_n but_o a_o slight_a and_o waver_a opinion_n &_o therefore_o no_o great_a or_o vehement_a humiliation_n but_o only_o be_v sometime_o disquiet_v in_o â—heir_a mind_n in_o their_o misery_n and_o in_o the_o commit_n of_o notorious_a sin_n as_o even_o the_o very_a heathen_a be_v sometime_o of_o who_o we_o read_v that_o they_o have_v be_v strange_o sting_v in_o their_o conscience_n by_o heinous_a sin_n and_o drive_v by_o a_o fearful_a sense_n and_o expectation_n of_o god_n revenge_a hand_n into_o madness_n horror_n and_o desperation_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v so_o to_o esteem_v this_o humiliation_n as_o that_o which_o although_o it_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a work_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o regeneration_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o step_n towards_o it_o and_o far_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o tâ—e_v contrary_a atheism_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o humiliation_n whether_o it_o may_v be_v spare_v or_o be_v so_o absolute_o needful_a as_o that_o without_o it_o no_o regeneration_n or_o salvation_n may_v be_v hope_v for_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o that_o no_o man_n can_v seek_v to_o be_v ease_v of_o the_o burden_n of_o his_o sin_n by_o christ_n unless_o he_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o they_o or_o to_o be_v heal_v by_o he_o unless_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v wound_v and_o bruise_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o alike_o vehement_a and_o manifest_a in_o all_o neither_o be_v it_o needful_a that_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o repentant_a have_v a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o so_o be_v as_o he_o can_v but_o be_v affect_v with_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n in_o respect_n of_o they_o although_o there_o be_v not_o those_o horrible_a pangâ—_n of_o horror_n which_o be_v in_o the_o repentance_n of_o some_o the_o degree_n of_o humiliation_n arise_v of_o these_o three_o cause_n first_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o sinfulness_n in_o the_o repentant_a for_o as_o the_o heavy_a the_o burden_n be_v the_o more_o it_o press_v down_o so_o the_o mo_z and_o the_o more_o heinous_a that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o repentant_a be_v the_o great_a be_v his_o humiliation_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o those_o fearful_a agony_n of_o sorrow_n and_o desperation_n be_v not_o usual_o see_v but_o where_o many_o heinous_a sin_n have_v go_v before_o second_o it_o arise_v of_o the_o diversity_n of_o those_o outward_a affliction_n and_o iugdement_n wherewith_o the_o repentant_a be_v punish_v the_o which_o be_v of_o themselves_o grievous_a unto_o he_o and_o some_o time_n such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v bear_v by_o flesh_n and_o blood_n without_o great_a perturbation_n and_o anguish_n of_o soul_n and_o so_o be_v add_v to_o the_o inward_a burden_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o of_o a_o trouble_a spirit_n whereof_o the_o wise_a man_n ask_v who_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o make_v this_o humiliation_n very_o great_a three_o it_o arise_v of_o the_o delay_n of_o grace_n the_o which_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o some_o far_o soon_o than_o he_o do_v to_o other_o who_o be_v keep_v a_o long_a â—ime_n in_o suspense_n and_o not_o feel_v that_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n which_o they_o desine_fw-la and_o expect_v have_v less_o hope_n of_o obtain_v pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o consequent_o great_a fear_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n due_a to_o sin_n whereas_o otherwise_o be_v soon_o some_o sudden_o without_o any_o sensible_a humiliation_n or_o time_n of_o repentance_n give_v unto_o they_o receive_v into_o favour_n have_v not_o the_o like_a cause_n of_o this_o excessive_a sorrow_n and_o fear_n last_o the_o degree_n of_o humiliation_n arise_v of_o diverse_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o repentant_a think_v the_o one_o more_o or_o less_o heinous_a the_o other_o more_o or_o less_o intolerable_a so_o be_v his_o humiliation_n less_o or_o great_a yet_o always_o as_o it_o have_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n otherwise_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o regeneration_n into_o the_o which_o there_o be_v entrance_n but_o through_o this_o narrow_a gate_n of_o shame_n sorrow_n fear_n and_o anguish_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o can_v remember_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v in_o this_o low_a estate_n of_o humiliation_n can_v think_v that_o he_o be_v as_o yet_o exalt_v by_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o must_v now_o at_o length_n labour_n to_o be_v thus_o humble_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n not_o put_v far_o out_o of_o his_o mind_n the_o evil_a day_n and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o may_v any_o way_n vex_v or_o trouble_v he_o as_o usual_o and_o natural_o man_n do_v but_o rather_o lay_v this_o corrosive_a of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o his_o sin_n commit_v to_o his_o conscience_n &_o suffer_v it_o there_o even_o to_o eat_v and_o fret_v away_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n till_o god_n in_o mercy_n take_v it_o away_o thus_o we_o leave_v this_o poor_a distress_a soul_n out_o of_o conceit_n with_o himself_o esteem_v himself_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o and_z forlorn_a caitiff_n in_o the_o world_n &_o say_v with_o himself_o o_o miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o death_n we_o go_v on_o to_o that_o which_o follow_v sect._n 3_o thus_o
regeneration_n be_v so_o wonderful_a and_o glorious_a a_o work_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v wrought_v rather_o in_o the_o public_a body_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o those_o who_o be_v already_o sanctify_v then_o in_o hug_a mugger_n in_o this_o or_o that_o corner_n so_o that_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o regeneration_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n public_o &_o pure_o preach_v not_o as_o it_o do_v by_o a_o natural_a faculty_n inherent_a in_o itself_o work_v in_o man_n knowledge_n obedience_n and_o that_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n to_o the_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v in_o this_o respect_n but_o as_o it_o do_v by_o the_o supernatural_a power_n of_o god_n work_v true_a regeneration_n in_o the_o elect_a and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v every_o one_o in_o hand_n who_o have_v any_o care_n and_o desire_v to_o attain_v to_o eternal_a life_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whensoever_o occasion_n serve_v as_o the_o wise_a man_n exhort_v the_o good_a husband_n to_o be_v sow_v his_o seed_n at_o all_o hour_n time_n and_o season_n because_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o will_v prosper_v so_o must_v this_o repentant_a take_v all_o occasion_n of_o hear_v god_n word_n for_o that_o he_o know_v not_o but_o that_o god_n will_v even_o at_o that_o time_n which_o he_o will_v bestow_v on_o worldly_a profit_n or_o pleasure_n bestow_v this_o unspeakable_a blessing_n of_o regeneration_n upon_o he_o god_n may_v indeed_o call_v he_o wheresoever_o he_o stray_v but_o that_o we_o may_v use_v the_o similitude_n above_o mention_v as_o that_o offendant_fw-la be_v like_a to_o obtain_v mercy_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o prince_n who_o stand_v at_o his_o very_a gate_n in_o his_o presence_n attend_v when_o he_o will_v because_v or_o call_v unto_o he_o than_o he_o who_o have_v address_v himself_o to_o come_v before_o the_o king_n keep_v himself_o aloof_o of_o far_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n so_o it_o be_v like_a that_o god_n will_v behold_v he_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o mercy_n who_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n hearkn_v to_o his_o voice_n &_o attend_v his_o pleasure_n then_o he_o who_o be_v out_o of_o his_o sight_n and_o employ_v about_o other_o matter_n sect._n 4._o the_o three_o and_o last_o mean_v to_o be_v use_v in_o seek_v regeneration_n be_v prayer_n or_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n whereby_o this_o repentant_a see_v himself_o to_o be_v as_o yet_o but_o carnal_a &_o hard_a heart_a as_o he_o be_v before_o and_o that_o no_o mean_n either_o devise_v by_o himself_o or_o appoint_v by_o god_n will_v prevail_v renounce_v himself_o as_o be_v most_o desperate_o miserable_a &_o all_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v unable_a to_o effect_v that_o which_o he_o desire_v and_o so_o fly_v to_o the_o only_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n desire_v he_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n and_o for_o christ_n sake_n in_o who_o all_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o great_a ocean_n overflow_a the_o earth_n do_v show_v forth_o itself_o to_o vouchsafe_v unto_o he_o the_o most_o wretched_a and_o unworthy_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n one_o drop_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o mollify_v his_o stony_a heart_n and_o to_o quicken_v his_o soul_n be_v now_o clean_o dead_a in_o sin_n this_o must_v be_v do_v not_o seldom_o cold_o negligent_o and_o for_o fashion_n sake_n as_o man_n use_v to_o pray_v for_o so_o man_n ask_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o no_o account_n and_o which_o they_o care_v not_o great_o whether_o they_o obtain_v or_o no_o but_o in_o all_o vehemency_n of_o spirit_n and_o affection_n yea_o with_o all_o importunity_n we_o give_v no_o rest_n night_n nor_o day_n either_o to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o god_n till_o we_o obtain_v our_o desire_n this_o prayer_n will_v be_v of_o great_a force_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n luk._n 18.5_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v weary_a or_o faint_v in_o perform_v this_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n but_o rather_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o by_o all_o mean_n as_o by_o abstayn_v from_o the_o superfluous_a and_o unnecessary_a use_n of_o meat_n drink_n sleep_n worldly_a affair_n and_o whatsoever_o may_v hinder_v we_o in_o this_o behalf_n and_o by_o consider_v the_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o labour_v to_o attain_v for_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o it_o the_o which_o if_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v see_v and_o find_v that_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n able_a to_o work_v miracle_n yea_o strong_a than_o the_o strong_a that_o be_v than_o god_n himself_o who_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v or_o rather_o speak_v be_v by_o prayer_n force_v and_o compel_v to_o do_v that_o which_o otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o do_v no_o man_n can_v by_o force_n wring_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o weakness_n be_v strong_a than_o man_n yet_o prayer_n in_o that_o it_o renounce_v all_o force_n of_o mean_n rely_v itself_o whole_o on_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o that_o by_o the_o which_o if_o we_o wrestle_v with_o god_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o overcome_v of_o he_o if_o man_n of_o great_a and_o lofty_a spirit_n who_o to_o god_n be_v as_o filly_n worm_n creep_v on_o the_o earth_n stand_v so_o much_o upon_o their_o reputation_n that_o as_o it_o be_v record_v of_o the_o senator_n of_o rome_n in_o old_a time_n they_o think_v it_o a_o great_a disgrace_n unto_o they_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o he_o have_v in_o vain_a ask_v help_n at_o their_o hand_n shall_v not_o god_n the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o be_v as_o able_a as_o the_o rich_a and_o as_o willing_a to_o give_v as_o the_o frank_a yea_o and_o have_v as_o great_a care_n and_o not_o without_o cause_n of_o his_o glory_n as_o any_o man_n have_v of_o his_o worldly_a worship_n and_o renoun_n think_v scorn_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o i_o in_o god_n i_o have_v in_o vain_a afflict_a my_o soul_n humble_v myself_o at_o his_o footstool_n cleanse_v my_o way_n in_o his_o sight_n repair_v to_o the_o place_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o call_v upon_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o or_o get_v at_o his_o hand_n yea_o further_o as_o this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o ready_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o procure_v this_o or_o any_o other_o blessing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n so_o often_o it_o please_v god_n to_o grant_v grace_n to_o man_n even_o while_o they_o be_v ask_v it_o to_o touch_v man_n heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o very_a instant_n wherein_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v in_o vehement_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n in_o a_o manner_n separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o lift_v up_o into_o heaven_n for_o even_o as_o the_o smith_n strike_v the_o iron_n while_o it_o be_v hot_a and_o and_o fit_a to_o receive_v any_o form_n or_o impression_n so_o god_n although_o he_o can_v imprint_v his_o grace_n in_o the_o cold_a hard_a and_o flinty_a disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n yet_o he_o rather_o do_v it_o when_o as_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n be_v stir_v up_o and_o inflame_v either_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o public_a prayer_n during_o the_o which_o regeneration_n be_v ordinary_o wrought_v in_o man_n or_o else_o by_o some_o private_a christian_a exercise_n as_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o serious_a meditation_n but_o especial_o by_o pray_v and_o sing_v psalm_n to_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o which_o action_n it_o please_v god_n sometime_o to_o send_v his_o spirit_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o elect_a but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o object_v that_o we_o suppose_v a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o wit_n that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n shall_v pray_v especial_o with_o that_o vehemency_n and_o perseverance_n which_o we_o require_v as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 10.14_o how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o on_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v we_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o infidel_n who_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n not_o of_o christian_n who_o may_v be_v endue_v with_o knowledge_n yea_o who_o may_v pray_v although_o not_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o the_o faithful_a do_v thus_o we_o have_v commend_v to_o this_o repentant_a the_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o regeneration_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v that_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n which_o may_v be_v in_o one_o as_o not_o yet_o regenerate_v the_o second_o be_v the_o diligent_a
strength_n betwixt_o sickness_n and_o infirmity_n many_o have_v their_o health_n who_o be_v not_o strong_a and_o many_o whole_a man_n have_v many_o infirmity_n for_o example_n many_o be_v thick_a of_o hear_v &_o sight_n yet_o they_o can_v both_o hear_v &_o see_v &_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v account_v whole_a not_o maim_v or_o sick_a as_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v more_o at_o large_a hereafter_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o every_o faithful_a man_n to_o preserve_v himself_o not_o only_o in_o health_n but_o also_o in_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o holiness_n yea_o to_o increase_v his_o strength_n from_o one_o degree_n to_o another_o the_o which_o three_o effect_n come_v of_o this_o first_o part_n of_o spiritual_a diet._n for_o first_o it_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o holiness_n get_v by_o the_o first_o act_n of_o regeneration_n second_o it_o continue_v that_o strength_n or_o measure_n of_o grace_n whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_a in_o the_o progress_n of_o it_o and_o last_o it_o increase_v strength_n and_o grace_n the_o which_o diverse_a effect_n or_o degree_n of_o holiness_n aâ—ise_v of_o the_o diverse_a use_n of_o this_o spiritual_a diâ—t_n as_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o careful_o and_o diligent_o use_v for_o as_o the_o natural_a life_n of_o man_n may_v if_o no_o outward_a violence_n come_v be_v preserve_v with_o the_o least_o care_n cost_n and_o pain_n that_o can_v be_v but_o if_o a_o man_n desire_v to_o keep_v his_o body_n in_o strength_n and_o vigour_n there_o must_v choice_n of_o diet_n be_v make_v and_o care_v use_v and_o most_o of_o all_o if_o he_o go_v about_o to_o augment_v either_o his_o stature_n in_o his_o young_a year_n or_o afterwards_o his_o strength_n or_o flesh_n he_o must_v be_v yet_o more_o careful_a yea_o curious_a in_o his_o diet_n bestow_v all_o his_o time_n yea_o great_a care_n and_o cost_v in_o it_o so_o it_o be_v in_o spiritual_a life_n the_o which_o be_v once_o put_v into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n will_v continue_v there_o ever_o by_o itself_o although_o as_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v the_o owner_n of_o it_o be_v negligent_a in_o maintain_v it_o yea_o in_o a_o manner_n careless_a of_o it_o whereas_o he_o that_o desire_v to_o continue_v a_o whole_a and_o strong_a man_n in_o christ_n without_o any_o sickness_n or_o decrease_v of_o grace_n must_v make_v account_n to_o bestow_v great_a care_n in_o this_o work_n aâ—d_v far_o great_a if_o as_o he_o ought_v he_o desiâ—e_v to_o increase_v in_o grace_n sect._n 2._o this_o preservative_n diet_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o iâ—_n to_o avoid_v what_o soever_o be_v any_o way_n hurtful_a to_o tâ—e_v soul_n in_o respect_n of_o holiness_n the_o other_o be_v to_o use_v aright_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o in_o the_o fiâ—st_o kind_a we_o be_v to_o avoid_v first_o and_o chief_o the_o commit_n of_o actual_a sin_n especial_o of_o those_o which_o be_v great_a and_o heinous_a these_o be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o very_a poison_n to_o the_o soul_n many_o way_n impair_n the_o holiness_n of_o it_o first_o in_o that_o they_o seldom_o come_v alone_o but_o accompany_v with_o some_o other_o sin_n as_o lot_n drunkenness_n bring_v forth_o incest_n and_o david_n adultery_n horrible_a murder_n this_o come_v to_o pass_v diverse_a way_n for_o as_o he_o who_o take_v a_o taste_n of_o honey_n be_v easy_o draw_v on_o by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o to_o eat_v of_o it_o to_o his_o great_a hurt_n so_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n be_v once_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v will_v not_o afterward_o be_v easy_o reject_v &_o contemn_v yea_o as_o the_o merchant_n venturer_n have_v receive_v a_o great_a loss_n by_o sea_n or_o the_o soldier_n a_o great_a wound_n in_o battle_n often_o become_v desperate_a and_o careless_a of_o their_o own_o estate_n so_o oftentimes_o a_o christian_a by_o commit_v some_o grievous_a sin_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o pass_n that_o he_o lay_v aside_o the_o care_n and_o study_v of_o holiness_n and_o let_v all_o go_v at_o six_o and_o seven_o thus_o one_o sin_n draw_v on_o another_o and_o two_o twenty_o the_o soul_n be_v at_o length_n whole_o possess_v and_o overcome_v by_o sin_n and_o even_o as_o a_o city_n or_o castle_n be_v take_v by_o the_o enemy_n yield_v without_o resistance_n and_o if_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n support_v he_o in_o this_o temptation_n he_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o this_o desperate_a pass_n yet_o the_o commit_n of_o any_o one_o sin_n take_v from_o he_o or_o do_v great_o diminish_v diverse_a particular_a grace_n especial_o affiance_n hope_v spiritual_a joy_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o these_o bring_v a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o of_o those_o judgment_n which_o he_o usual_o pour_v upon_o sinner_n yea_o it_o hinder_v he_o from_o call_v on_o god_n by_o prayer_n with_o that_o confidence_n &_o alacrity_n which_o be_v meet_v for_o that_o now_o he_o can_v come_v to_o he_o as_o a_o obedient_a son_n to_o a_o love_a father_n but_o as_o a_o rebel_n or_o fugitive_n to_o a_o angry_a master_n yea_o sometime_o the_o commit_n of_o sin_n work_v the_o contrary_a effect_n take_v away_o or_o diminish_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n who_o although_o seldom_o for_o that_o this_o most_o fearful_a punishment_n of_o impunity_n belong_v to_o the_o reprobate_a one_o yet_o sometime_o suffer_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o go_v unpunished_a for_o a_o time_n so_o as_o it_o be_v let_v the_o reins_n lose_v unto_o they_o that_o he_o may_v see_v or_o rather_o let_v themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n see_v whither_o they_o will_v go_v and_o what_o corruption_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o what_o infirmity_n in_o the_o nature_n even_o of_o regenerate_a man_n in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o respect_v the_o commit_n of_o sin_n be_v hurtful_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o with_o all_o care_n to_o be_v avoid_v by_o he_o who_o desire_v and_o endevour_v to_o diet_v his_o soul_n aright_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v first_o by_o consider_v the_o loathsome_a nature_n the_o horrible_a parentage_n be_v come_v from_o satan_n that_o foul_a spirit_n the_o ugly_a and_o monstrous_a shape_n be_v clean_o contrary_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o man_n yea_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o fearful_a fruit_n which_o it_o bring_v forth_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o be_v kindle_v but_o a_o little_a make_v the_o hard_a stony_a mountain_n to_o melt_v away_o like_a wax_n the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n the_o unthankful_a and_o ungracious_a disobey_v of_o so_o gracious_a and_o good_a a_o father_n the_o slander_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o grieve_v and_o snub_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n by_o who_o we_o be_v seal_v up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n the_o horror_n of_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n and_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n ram._n 6._o make_v the_o only_a fruit_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n shame_n and_o ignominy_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v can_v but_o stay_v the_o most_o violent_a and_o rage_a motion_n of_o sin_n yea_o they_o be_v of_o such_o weight_n that_o if_o they_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n wiâ—h_v all_o worldly_a pleasure_n whatsoever_o the_o which_o be_v the_o only_a proctor_n of_o sin_n plead_v vehement_o for_o it_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o man_n free_a will_n they_o will_v unless_o the_o balance_n be_v strange_o false_a and_o the_o judge_n palpable_o blind_v and_o pervert_v weigh_v they_o down_o as_o a_o mountain_n will_v do_v a_o molhill_n without_o any_o controversy_n or_o comparison_n sin_n be_v indeed_o as_o pleasant_a in_o the_o mouth_n as_o be_v the_o honey_n comb_n but_o it_o be_v vain_a and_o momentanie_n yea_o it_o rot_v the_o bowel_n body_n and_o soul_n second_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v by_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n and_o provocation_n of_o it_o for_o as_o he_o who_o will_v not_o have_v his_o house_n set_v on_o fire_n will_v not_o willing_o bring_v fire_n into_o any_o room_n where_o there_o be_v powder_n flax_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o will_v ready_o take_v fire_n so_o he_o that_o will_v not_o have_v the_o lust_n of_o firm_a kindle_v in_o his_o heart_n must_v careful_o avoid_v all_o outward_a object_n which_o stir_v they_o up_o and_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n entice_v man_n and_o even_o lead_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o the_o commit_n of_o they_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o give_v this_o good_a and_o wholesome_a counsel_n be_v well_o know_v job._n 3.1_o i_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o my_o eye_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v
his_o company_n &_o presence_n where_o they_o do_v daily_o see_v and_o behold_v his_o wisdom_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o account_v ourselves_o happy_a when_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o company_n house_n &_o presence_n of_o god_n behold_v the_o wonderful_a mystery_n of_o his_o wisdom_n lay_v open_a before_o our_o eye_n the_o which_o pass_v the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n and_o of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n further_o than_o the_o great_a ocean_n do_v a_o drop_n of_o water_n and_o sure_o whosoever_o can_v and_o do_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n serious_o consider_v the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o his_o church_n from_o time_n to_o time_n the_o tragical_a end_n of_o the_o reprobate_n live_v here_o for_o a_o time_n in_o all_o jollity_n and_o pleasure_n the_o happy_a estate_n abide_v the_o godly_a who_o in_o this_o world_n be_v miserable_o afflict_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n come_v of_o his_o own_o wilfulness_n the_o salvation_n and_o regeneration_n of_o the_o elect_a proceed_n from_o the_o mercy_n &_o love_n of_o god_n he_o that_o compare_v the_o law_n with_o the_o gospel_n the_o babish_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v come_v to_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n the_o agreement_n of_o the_o tip_n with_o the_o body_n the_o wisdom_n contain_v in_o the_o judicial_a law_n of_o moses_n and_o last_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o incarnation_n death_n &_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o â—est_n of_o point_n of_o christian_n religion_n shall_v undouted_o see_v &_o will_v confess_v that_o all_o the_o wise_a law_n the_o deep_a devise_n &_o counsel_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o subtle_a politician_n that_o ever_o live_v the_o learnede_a work_n of_o the_o witty_a philosopher_n and_o schoolman_n be_v but_o mere_a foolery_n &_o silly_a shift_n yea_o he_o shall_v be_v compel_v to_o cry_v out_o &_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 11._o o_o the_o riches_n of_o depth_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v and_o 1._o tim._n 3.16_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v in_o the_o world_n and_o receive_v up_o in_o glory_n neither_o can_v any_o man_n answer_n &_o say_v i_o confess_v indeed_o that_o there_o be_v notable_a point_n of_o wisdom_n to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o hear_n &_o consider_v whereof_o i_o have_v take_v great_a delight_n but_o i_o have_v hear_v they_o so_o often_o reiterated_a that_o now_o it_o be_v irksome_a to_o i_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v for_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v even_o the_o honey_n comb_n the_o sweet_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v loathsome_a to_o the_o full_a stomach_n but_o we_o can_v be_v thus_o affect_v towards_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n therein_o contain_v the_o which_o be_v so_o infinite_a that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v sound_v to_o the_o bottom_n and_o full_o comprehend_v by_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o it_o come_v forth_o every_o day_n new_a and_o fresh_a not_o cloy_a the_o heaâ—er_n but_o inflame_v he_o more_o and_o more_o with_o a_o desire_n of_o hear_v and_o learning_n of_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o a_o wonder_n last_v but_o nine_o day_n for_o that_o nothing_o happen_v so_o strange_a but_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o at_o length_n will_v be_v find_v out_o but_o the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v more_o amaze_v he_o that_o have_v spend_v all_o his_o time_n in_o the_o seâ—ious_a contemplation_n of_o they_o then_z he_o who_o iâ—_n a_o novice_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ._n thus_o we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o we_o ought_v to_o stir_v up_o in_o ourselves_o a_o greedy_a and_o unsatiable_a appetite_n of_o it_o yea_o great_a care_n and_o attention_n in_o hear_v it_o yea_o they_o whâ—m_o god_n have_v endue_v with_o most_o excellent_a spiritual_a gift_n and_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n ought_v not_o to_o think_v themselves_o exempt_v from_o this_o duty_n of_o continual_a &_o attentive_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n as_o no_o man_n be_v so_o strong_a in_o body_n that_o he_o may_v abstain_v from_o meat_n because_o he_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o to_o restore_v that_o spiritual_a strength_n which_o be_v daily_o weaken_v by_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n and_o also_o to_o increase_v his_o strength_n till_o he_o come_v to_o some_o ripeness_n in_o christ._n but_o contrary_o he_o be_v with_o great_a care_n joy_n and_o pleasure_n to_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n when_o soever_o just_a occasion_n be_v give_v sect._n 3_o fvrth_o as_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o feed_n of_o the_o body_n that_o meat_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o stomocke_n for_o that_o if_o by_o any_o infirmity_n thereof_o it_o be_v straightway_o void_v it_o do_v not_o any_o jot_n nourish_v the_o body_n no_o more_o will_v it_o serve_v for_o the_o feed_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o great_a joy_n &_o delight_n yea_o with_o care_n and_o attention_n unless_o also_o we_o remember_v and_o so_o keep_v it_o in_o our_o soul_n this_o point_n of_o spiritual_a diet_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v regard_v for_o that_o many_o fail_v in_o it_o who_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n hear_v aright_o as_o many_o have_v a_o insatiable_a appetite_n in_o devour_a meat_n who_o can_v keep_v it_o for_o any_o space_n of_o time_n this_o we_o see_v both_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o seed_n luke_n 8.13_o and_o also_o in_o daily_a experience_n whereof_o the_o one_o say_v that_o many_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n but_o it_o take_v no_o root_n in_o they_o the_o other_o show_v we_o by_o the_o unfruitful_a and_o barren_a profession_n of_o many_o christian_n that_o be_v daily_a and_o attentive_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o let_v it_o soon_o slip_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n for_o that_o otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o possible_o but_o bring_v forth_o some_o fruit_n in_o their_o life_n the_o mean_n of_o remember_v the_o word_n preach_v be_v these_o first_o careful_a attention_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v remember_v which_o be_v not_o first_o mind_v &_o mark_v second_o to_o repeat_v with_o other_o either_o with_o our_o friend_n in_o way_n of_o conference_n discuss_v every_o point_n several_o to_o see_v what_o be_v doubtful_a or_o manifest_a what_o singular_a and_o excellent_a or_o usual_a for_o as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o say_n of_o man_n some_o be_v more_o notable_a than_o other_o or_o with_o those_o who_o be_v any_o way_n commit_v to_o our_o charge_n in_o way_n of_o examination_n as_o our_o wife_n child_n servant_n scholar_n and_o such_o other_o but_o of_o all_o other_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o remember_v the_o word_n be_v application_n when_o as_o both_o in_o and_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o we_o consider_v how_o it_o concern_v ourselves_o or_o any_o other_o what_o experiment_n we_o have_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o how_o it_o will_v make_v for_o our_o spiritual_a edification_n whereunto_o if_o practice_n be_v join_v than_o we_o make_v it_o our_o own_o for_o ever_o thus_o we_o be_v carcful_a in_o receive_v the_o food_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v and_o as_o christ_n warn_v we_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o hear_v it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v continue_v and_o increase_v the_o spiritual_a health_n of_o our_o soul_n sect._n 4._o in_o this_o public_a banquet_n which_o god_n make_v in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o refresh_n strengthen_v and_o feed_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o child_n beside_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o have_v the_o first_o &_o the_o chief_a place_n there_o be_v a_o second_o service_n to_o wit_n the_o sacrament_n appoint_v for_o the_o same_o end_n &_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o other_o although_o in_o another_o form_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v prepare_v after_o another_o manner_n they_o nourish_v the_o soul_n in_o that_o they_o increase_v in_o we_o knowledge_n faith_n mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o new_a obedience_n when_o as_o the_o true_a use_n end_n and_o signification_n of_o they_o be_v due_o weigh_v as_o namely_o in_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o death_n the_o mortification_n both_o of_o our_o soul_n for_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o also_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n inherent_a in_o our_o soul_n signify_v
that_o rest_a place_n which_o in_o that_o place_n be_v call_v abraham_n bosom_n or_o rather_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v but_o in_o the_o way_n towards_o it_o it_o do_v often_o look_v back_o to_o sin_n yea_o return_n and_o go_v back_o again_o even_o till_o it_o come_v to_o death_n door_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n but_o there_o it_o stay_v have_v no_o entrance_n grant_v yea_o in_o truth_n desire_v none_o and_o that_o we_o may_v return_v to_o our_o accustom_a similitude_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v in_o it_o two_o contrary_a quality_n sin_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o which_o as_o the_o one_o prevail_v against_o the_o other_o so_o be_v the_o soul_n in_o weakness_n or_o in_o strength_n in_o sickness_n or_o in_o health_n in_o death_n or_o in_o life_n sect._n 2._o the_o evil_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v to_o be_v cure_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n infirmity_n and_o disease_n spiritual_a infirmity_n be_v the_o relic_n of_o sin_n subdue_v in_o a_o faithful_a man_n work_v against_o grace_n make_v he_o prone_a or_o reâ—die_a to_o fall_v into_o outward_a and_o actual_a sin_n and_o backward_o in_o perform_v the_o contrary_a spiritual_a duty_n this_o description_n which_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n set_v down_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v particular_o explain_v and_o first_o in_o that_o we_o make_v it_o a_o relic_n of_o sin_n we_o distinguish_v it_o from_o humane_a infirmity_n the_o which_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o of_o all_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n and_o which_o make_v that_o he_o can_v serve_v god_n in_o so_o great_a measure_n that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a against_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n not_o so_o far_o from_o commit_v it_o or_o so_o sure_a and_o constant_a in_o holiness_n but_o that_o he_o may_v decrease_v in_o it_o yea_o omit_v for_o a_o time_n some_o duty_n yet_o without_o sin_n as_o the_o angel_n be_v to_o this_o kind_n we_o be_v to_o refer_v that_o ignorance_n fear_n and_o forgetfulness_n and_o many_o other_o infirmity_n which_o have_v place_n in_o the_o state_n of_o man_n innocence_n &_o which_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ._n those_o natural_a infirmity_n be_v not_o sin_n for_o they_o be_v create_v in_o man_n by_o god_n all_o who_o work_n be_v good_a neither_o be_v they_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n for_o they_o be_v before_o sin_n and_o in_o he_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n yea_o the_o angel_n themselves_o be_v compare_v with_o god_n be_v more_o weak_a have_v mo_z and_o great_a infirmites_n then_o man_n have_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o but_o these_o infirmity_n whereof_o we_o speak_v be_v the_o relic_n of_o sin_n and_o sin_n it_o self_n not_o lie_v idle_a but_o work_v otherwise_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n be_v in_o all_o man_n and_o can_v possible_o be_v remove_v but_o we_o speak_v of_o infirmity_n which_o may_v be_v remoove_v and_o from_o the_o which_o many_o christian_n be_v free_a for_o sin_n may_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v so_o suppress_v that_o it_o have_v not_o a_o day_n he_o and_o ordinary_a work_n in_o we_o as_o these_o infirmity_n have_v in_o bring_v forth_o actual_a sin_n not_o outward_o which_o be_v sin_n perfect_v for_o then_o these_o infirmity_n be_v grievous_a disease_n but_o inward_o in_o the_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n all_o which_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n do_v daily_a work_n but_o it_o be_v seldom_o bring_v forth_o into_o act_n be_v put_v back_o and_o keep_v down_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o sometime_o it_o do_v prevail_v even_o to_o actual_a sin_n for_o as_o that_o city_n which_o be_v continual_o besiege_v and_o assault_v can_v not_o but_o be_v take_v at_o length_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o as_o they_o who_o have_v the_o care_n and_o defence_n of_o it_o commit_v unto_o they_o can_v but_o sometime_o remit_v of_o their_o diligence_n and_o be_v overtake_v with_o sleep_n drink_n forgetfulness_n fair_a promise_n and_o pretence_n or_o by_o some_o such_o mean_n so_o where_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v continual_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v at_o one_o place_n or_o other_o upon_o one_o occasion_n or_o temptation_n or_o other_o burst_v forth_o into_o open_a sin_n for_o example_n a_o christian_n be_v endue_v by_o god_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o continency_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o lead_v a_o life_n free_a from_o all_o adultery_n fornication_n and_o all_o such_o uncleanness_n yet_o he_o feel_v inward_o in_o his_o minâ—e_n that_o burn_v whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o cor._n 7.9_o here_o be_v both_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n suppress_v sin_n and_o also_o the_o relic_n of_o incontinency_n not_o live_v idle_a but_o work_v vehementlie_o and_o continual_o not_o in_o life_n and_o action_n but_o inward_o in_o the_o soul_n yet_o where_o this_o infirmity_n be_v there_o sometime_o the_o outward_a sin_n itself_o will_v happen_v for_o although_o a_o christian_a do_v ordinary_o keep_v watch_n and_o ward_n over_o his_o soul_n lest_o that_o he_o do_v fall_v into_o sin_n yet_o sometime_o he_o will_v be_v somewhat_o careless_a overcome_v by_o the_o force_n and_o variety_n of_o temptation_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o uncleanness_n an_o other_o example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o say_a epistle_n in_o the_o chapter_n follow_v a_o pagan_a be_v convert_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n renounce_v his_o false_a god_n &_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n only_o in_o christ_n here_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n prevayl_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n and_o suppress_v it_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o relic_n of_o this_o sin_n in_o his_o mind_n whereby_o he_o think_v that_o his_o idol_n his_o old_a god_n be_v not_o altogether_o void_a of_o power_n and_o excellency_n &_o aught_o to_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o worship_n give_v unto_o they_o this_o be_v the_o infirmity_n and_o the_o work_n of_o it_o inward_o in_o his_o mind_n yet_o he_o suppress_v it_o by_o the_o knowledge_n &_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o open_a idolator_n but_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n only_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v easy_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o example_n and_o persuasion_n of_o other_o to_o give_v some_o outward_a worship_n and_o honour_n to_o these_o false_a go_n many_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v bring_v but_o these_o may_v serve_v now_o that_o we_o see_v what_o a_o spiritual_a infirmity_n be_v we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o see_v how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v heal_v and_o remove_v wherein_o there_o be_v great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v use_v both_o for_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n require_v the_o inward_a purity_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a purity_n of_o life_n as_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o great_a and_o open_a sin_n wherein_o this_o weak_a christian_n be_v who_o although_o for_o a_o time_n he_o walk_v upright_o in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n yet_o he_o be_v like_a enough_o to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v when_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o stumble_a block_n to_o wit_n any_o great_a occasion_n and_o provocation_n to_o sin_n sect._n 3_o but_o whither_o be_v these_o infirmity_n curable_a or_o no_o sure_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v able_a to_o mortify_v all_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o sinful_a nature_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v yea_o it_o be_v like_a enough_o that_o god_n who_o have_v begin_v the_o good_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n will_v perfect_v and_o accomplish_v it_o and_o that_o as_o he_o have_v cut_v down_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n so_o he_o will_v in_o his_o good_a time_n pull_v the_o root_n out_o of_o the_o ground_n also_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o infirmity_n in_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v incurable_a some_o which_o be_v hardly_o and_o very_o seldom_o cure_v in_o the_o first_o sort_n we_o be_v to_o reckon_v the_o original_a corruption_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o infirmity_n yea_o corrupt_a as_o be_v the_o relic_n of_o sin_n and_o sin_n itself_o this_o infirmity_n stick_v so_o fast_o in_o our_o very_a bone_n &_o marrow_n that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o be_v remove_v and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o hope_v for_o or_o to_o go_v about_o the_o total_a heal_n of_o it_o for_o although_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o god_n to_o sanctify_v we_o full_o and_o whole_o as_o the_o apostle_n pray_v 1._o thâ—ss_n 5.23_o yet_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n and_o word_n
grace_n &_o if_o he_o may_v what_o difference_n there_o be_v betwixt_o he_o and_o a_o carnal_a man_n we_o answer_v that_o regeneration_n be_v the_o root_n and_o the_o possibility_n but_o not_o the_o act_n of_o all_o grace_n as_o a_o live_a body_n although_o natural_o it_o be_v thou_o subject_a of_o sense_n yet_o some_o one_o part_n of_o it_o may_v be_v benumb_v and_o senseless_a so_o the_o soul_n of_o one_o regenerate_v have_v in_o it_o at_o least_o the_o beginning_n and_o seed_n of_o all_o grace_n howsoever_o some_o of_o they_o at_o some_o time_n do_v not_o work_v or_o appear_v whereas_o a_o carnal_a man_n be_v altogether_o destitute_a yea_o uncapable_a of_o they_o among_o these_o particular_a disease_n the_o first_o place_n be_v give_v to_o the_o disease_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o which_o be_v three_o in_o number_n conceit_n error_n and_o ignorancâ—_n of_o god_n particular_a providence_n conceit_n be_v a_o fond_a opinion_n which_o a_o man_n have_v of_o his_o own_o excellency_n in_o respect_n of_o other_o esteem_v himself_o more_o just_a wise_a and_o holy_a than_o any_o other_o and_o therefore_o more_o high_o in_o god_n favour_n and_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v honour_v among_o man_n this_o proceed_v from_o that_o self_n love_n which_o be_v natural_o in_o every_o man_n yea_o in_o every_o live_a thing_n by_o the_o which_o he_o be_v move_v to_o desire_v and_o to_o endeavour_n the_o advance_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o better_n of_o his_o own_o estate_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n he_o have_v his_o mind_n continual_o set_v and_o fix_v on_o those_o thing_n wherein_o his_o excellency_n do_v consist_v and_o so_o fit_v his_o opinion_n to_o his_o desire_n and_o affection_n think_v they_o to_o be_v mo_z and_o great_a and_o himself_o more_o excellent_a in_o respect_n of_o they_o than_o he_o be_v in_o deed_n thus_o be_v not_o only_o carnal_a man_n in_o regard_n of_o outward_a blessing_n and_o natural_a gift_n but_o even_o the_o godly_a often_o puff_v up_o in_o pride_n in_o regard_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n see_v themselves_o to_o be_v advance_v to_o so_o high_a a_o dignity_n as_o far_o pass_v the_o common_a condition_n of_o man_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n as_o wisdom_n be_v better_a than_o folly_n light_v then_o darkness_n holiness_n then_o sinfulness_n and_o happiness_n then_o eternal_a misery_n yea_o as_o they_o have_v a_o more_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o they_o feel_v wrought_v and_o work_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n then_o of_o other_o man_n which_o they_o but_o conjecture_v and_o of_o other_o man_n want_n infirmity_n sin_n and_o fault_n then_o of_o their_o own_o whereof_o they_o can_v abide_v to_o think_v or_o hear_v so_o they_o think_v far_o better_o of_o themselves_o then_o of_o other_o this_o corruption_n do_v many_o way_n show_v forth_o itself_o as_o namely_o in_o insolent_a talk_n and_o behaviour_n in_o obstinate_a maintain_n of_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o unlawful_a or_o unmeete_a practice_n and_o especial_o in_o contempt_n of_o our_o brethren_n their_o company_n gift_n opinion_n in_o tâ—o_fw-la spare_v acknowledge_v of_o their_o virtue_n and_o grace_n but_o it_o be_v careful_o to_o be_v resist_v and_o avoid_v as_o be_v displease_v yea_o odious_a to_o god_n who_o resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o in_o who_o eye_n nothing_o be_v more_o acceptable_a than_o a_o meek_a and_o lowly_a spirit_n as_o also_o hurtful_a to_o ourselves_o in_o that_o it_o make_v we_o obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a in_o error_n and_o sin_n and_o deprive_v we_o of_o that_o good_a and_o comfort_n which_o may_v be_v reap_v by_o the_o gift_n and_o company_n of_o our_o brethren_n whereof_o we_o may_v reap_v great_a profit_n and_o comfort_n the_o remedy_n of_o this_o disease_n be_v the_o consideration_n not_o of_o our_o gift_n and_o grace_n but_o of_o our_o way_n &_o sin_n the_o which_o no_o doubt_n will_v pull_v down_o these_o peacock_n feather_n and_o make_v we_o base_a yea_o vile_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n by_o this_o reason_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o roman_n rom._n 12.3_o not_o to_o be_v drink_v and_o besot_v with_o any_o great_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o but_o rather_o to_o think_v sober_o and_o modest_o of_o themselves_o for_o that_o god_n have_v give_v his_o grace_n not_o all_o to_o any_o one_o lest_o he_o shall_v have_v matter_n of_o pride_n but_o some_o to_o every_o one_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o contempt_n of_o other_o wherein_o the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v praise_v and_o admire_v who_o do_v so_o temper_v his_o grace_n bestow_v on_o the_o faithful_a with_o their_o own_o want_n and_o sin_n that_o neither_o the_o one_o be_v able_a to_o lift_v uppe_o the_o mind_n too_o high_a in_o vain_a conceit_n nor_o the_o other_o to_o press_v it_o down_o too_o low_a with_o disgrace_n but_o suppli_v the_o great_a want_n with_o other_o most_o excellent_a and_o rare_a gift_n and_o qualify_v the_o abundance_n of_o grace_n with_o some_o great_a want_n or_o grievous_a sin_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o example_n of_o lot_n noah_n david_n and_o solomon_n that_o the_o most_o heinous_a and_o horrible_a sin_n have_v be_v find_v in_o the_o holy_a man_n and_o extreme_a folly_n in_o the_o mirror_n of_o wisdom_n sect._n 8._o the_o second_o disease_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v error_n the_o which_o usual_o come_v of_o conceit_n and_o do_v accompany_v it_o where_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o light_a error_n in_o matter_n of_o small_a importance_n for_o no_o man_n either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v free_a from_o these_o as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v in_o this_o world_n but_o such_o as_o be_v near_o about_o the_o foundation_n and_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n &_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o endanger_v a_o man_n salvation_n as_o about_o christ_n his_o incarnation_n passion_n nature_n about_o the_o manner_n or_o matter_n of_o our_o justification_n the_o church_n or_o sacrament_n or_o any_o other_o weighty_a point_n yet_o not_o any_o such_o error_n make_v a_o spiritual_a disease_n but_o only_o when_o as_o it_o happen_v in_o a_o time_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n wherein_o the_o contrary_a truth_n be_v both_o plain_o reveal_v by_o god_n and_o also_o general_o or_o at_o least_o common_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o church_n otherwise_o if_o it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n wherein_o that_o truth_n be_v reveal_v the_o most_o grievous_a error_n that_o be_v do_v not_o argue_v the_o distemperature_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o make_v a_o spiritual_a disease_n as_o we_o know_v no_o man_n account_v he_o either_o blind_a or_o ill_o sight_v who_o can_v see_v and_o discern_v thing_n in_o the_o night_n or_o in_o the_o dark_a dungeon_n or_o he_o to_o be_v of_o a_o evil_a constitution_n of_o body_n who_o be_v infect_v with_o a_o common_a sickness_n or_o plague_n but_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o faithful_a be_v ignorant_a when_o they_o may_v see_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v by_o other_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o this_o case_n great_a error_n argue_v a_o evil_a constitution_n of_o the_o mind_n &_o a_o unsound_a judgement_n yea_o they_o make_v our_o regeneration_n to_o be_v doubt_v of_o and_o call_v into_o question_n for_o this_o be_v a_o property_n of_o a_o mind_n sanctify_a and_o enlighten_v by_o god_n spirit_n if_o not_o to_o search_v and_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v unknowen_a yet_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v it_o when_o it_o be_v offer_v but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v for_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n do_v witness_v it_o that_o man_n true_o regenerate_v may_v both_o live_v and_o die_v in_o great_a and_o most_o dangerous_a error_n yea_o when_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v both_o expound_v to_o they_o by_o other_o and_o also_o seek_v for_o by_o their_o own_o labour_n and_o continual_a study_n the_o remedy_n of_o this_o disease_n consist_v in_o these_o thing_n first_o that_o we_o suspect_v ourselves_o in_o those_o opinion_n wherein_o we_o disagree_v from_o those_o who_o be_v godly_a and_o learned_a know_v that_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o lead_v and_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o we_o second_o in_o know_v that_o god_n do_v often_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o greâ—uâ—us_a error_n to_o who_o he_o do_v show_v great_a favour_n not_o only_o in_o their_o regeneration_n but_o also_o in_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n so_o we_o read_v deut._n 13._o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o wonder_n and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v say_v let_v we_o serve_v strange_a
heaven_n with_o who_o it_o will_v seem_v that_o he_o do_v nothing_o but_o dally_v &_o dissemble_v promise_v obedience_n and_o straightway_o perform_v rebellion_n yea_o to_o tread_v down_o under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o vile_a thing_n by_o the_o which_o he_o be_v a_o little_a before_o wash_v and_o cleanse_v from_o his_o sin_n likewise_o for_o thanksgiving_n which_o be_v another_o part_n of_o prayer_n what_o heart_n be_v there_o that_o be_v so_o flinty_a and_o so_o ungraciouslye_o unthankful_a as_o not_o to_o be_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o unspeakable_a love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n show_v towards_o he_o stir_v up_o to_o love_n obey_v and_o glorify_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n by_o these_o mean_n and_o many_o other_o which_o may_v easy_o be_v gather_v by_o these_o prayer_n continue_v and_o increase_v spiritual_a strength_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o chief_a place_n in_o these_o spiritual_a exercise_n which_o we_o endeavour_n to_o describe_v sect._n 12_o to_o this_o head_n of_o prayer_n we_o be_v to_o refer_v sing_v which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o pray_v for_o prayer_n and_o psalm_n have_v the_o same_o matter_n only_o they_o differ_v in_o manner_n of_o utter_v which_o in_o the_o one_o be_v plain_a and_o natural_a in_o the_o other_o tune_v and_o artificial_a the_o use_n and_o end_n of_o it_o be_v to_o stir_v up_o by_o the_o pleasant_a harmony_n and_o agreement_n of_o the_o sound_n spiritual_a joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n and_o so_o to_o remove_v the_o heavy_a lumpishness_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o we_o read_v jam._n 5._o be_v any_o of_o you_o afflict_a let_v he_o pray_v be_v any_o merry_a let_v he_o sing_v for_o the_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v of_o notable_a force_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n do_v teach_v we_o of_o who_o many_o do_v and_o many_o mo_z may_v true_o do_v it_o testify_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o exercise_n of_o sing_v that_o it_o have_v usual_o strange_o alter_v and_o affect_v their_o mind_n that_o it_o have_v replenish_v their_o soul_n with_o heavenly_a delight_n &_o even_o make_v their_o heart_n to_o melt_v away_o in_o tear_n of_o unfeigned_a repentance_n the_o which_o before_o the_o use_n of_o this_o exercise_n be_v so_o hard_a and_o dead_a in_o impenitency_n that_o neither_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o private_a prayer_n the_o which_o two_o have_v the_o great_a force_n and_o the_o fiâ—st_a place_n in_o this_o spiritual_a diet_n the_o one_o for_o food_n the_o other_o for_o exercise_n can_v pierce_v into_o they_o or_o any_o jot_n move_v they_o thus_o it_o please_v god_n by_o weak_a mean_n to_o bring_v to_o pass_v strange_a thing_n and_o by_o this_o pleasure_n of_o the_o sense_n for_o so_o it_o be_v although_o it_o be_v not_o so_o gross_a as_o the_o other_o kind_n be_v to_o kindle_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o servant_n spiritual_a joy_n love_n zeal_n and_o obedience_n even_o as_o we_o read_v 2._o kin._n 3.15_o that_o elizeus_fw-la be_v about_o to_o prophesy_v call_v for_o a_o minstrel_n and_o so_o prophesy_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o play_v the_o which_o stir_v up_o the_o heat_n and_o zeal_n of_o his_o affection_n to_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o exercise_n of_o sing_v yea_o and_o that_o with_o a_o addition_n of_o the_o harmony_n of_o musical_a instrument_n be_v daily_o and_o familiar_a with_o the_o prophet_n david_n as_o those_o most_o excellent_a song_n which_o he_o make_v and_o have_v leave_v behind_o he_o to_o the_o church_n as_o monument_n of_o the_o surpass_a zeal_n and_o joy_n which_o he_o have_v in_o serve_v god_n do_v plain_o witness_v psalm_n one_o hundred_o and_o fitie_n praise_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o trumpet_n praise_v he_o upon_o the_o viol_n and_o harp_n praise_v he_o with_o the_o timbrel_n flute_n and_o with_o all_o sort_n of_o sweet_a instrument_n as_o also_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v ephe._n 5.18_o be_v not_o drink_v with_o wine_n wherein_o be_v excess_n but_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o yourselves_o in_o psalm_n and_o song_n and_o spiritual_a hymn_n make_v melody_n in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n the_o which_o spiritual_a delight_n of_o sing_v with_o a_o loud_a and_o tune_a voice_n yea_o with_o the_o sweet_a instrument_n of_o music_n increase_v the_o pleasure_n and_o even_o ravish_v the_o soul_n with_o surpass_a delight_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v account_v light_n or_o unseemly_o for_o a_o christian_n to_o use_v who_o in_o this_o case_n may_v say_v with_o david_n skip_v before_o the_o ark_n i_o will_v yet_o be_v more_o light_n in_o serve_v &_o praise_v god_n 2._o sam._n 6.23_o sect._n 13._o to_o the_o second_o head_n of_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v all_o those_o whereby_o a_o christian_a edifi_v other_o in_o the_o knowledge_n &_o obedience_n of_o christ_n for_o by_o edify_v other_o he_o edifi_v himself_o by_o impart_v his_o spiritual_a grace_n to_o other_o he_o do_v not_o only_o not_o loose_v they_o but_o also_o confirm_v and_o increase_v they_o to_o himself_o this_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n the_o which_o be_v put_v forth_o to_o use_v bring_v forth_o or_o rather_o bring_v in_o as_o many_o mo_z in_o the_o which_o respect_n the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v account_v a_o very_a effectual_a mean_n of_o increase_a all_o manner_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o teacher_n not_o as_o it_o be_v make_v by_o the_o supernatural_a &_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o beget_v grace_n but_o as_o have_v be_v say_v of_o prayer_n by_o a_o virtue_n inherent_a in_o itself_o agreeable_o to_o common_a reason_n the_o which_o teach_v we_o that_o by_o all_o likelihood_n as_o they_o who_o dress_v much_o meat_n for_o other_o taste_v some_o themselves_o and_o as_o nouâ—ses_n who_o chew_v meat_n for_o young_a child_n suffer_v some_o to_o slip_v down_o into_o their_o own_o belly_n so_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n who_o study_n day_n and_o night_n how_o they_o may_v be_v set_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o people_n the_o ugly_a and_o filthy_a shape_n of_o sin_n shall_v themselves_o be_v great_o enamour_a with_o it_o that_o they_o who_o labour_n to_o affright_v other_o with_o the_o fearful_a judgement_n of_o god_n shall_v stand_v in_o some_o awe_n and_o that_o they_o who_o inflame_v other_o with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n shall_v heat_v themselves_o and_o in_o brief_a that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n exhortation_n threaten_n and_o promise_n which_o they_o propound_v to_o the_o people_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n shall_v redound_v to_o their_o own_o profit_n and_o edification_n all_o man_n know_v and_o we_o confess_v that_o often_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v rom._n 2.20_o he_o that_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o guide_n to_o the_o blind_a a_o light_n to_o the_o ignorant_a himself_o blind_v with_o the_o deceit_n of_o sin_n and_o many_o although_o they_o teach_v other_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o sin_n yet_o they_o themselves_o commit_v most_o heinous_a sin_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o that_o one_o endue_v with_o faith_n and_o the_o spirte_n of_o god_n shall_v by_o the_o diligent_a and_o careful_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v wonderful_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o grace_n in_o this_o sense_n the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o tim._n 4.15.16_o these_o thing_n exercise_v and_o give_v thyself_o unto_o they_o that_o it_o may_v be_v see_v among_o all_o man_n how_o thou_o profite_a in_o they_o take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o and_o unto_o doctrine_n for_o so_o do_v thou_o shall_v save_v both_o thyself_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v thou_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o account_v that_o all_o they_o who_o be_v any_o way_n call_v to_o the_o expound_v or_o any_o kind_n of_o handle_v of_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o good_a mean_n of_o profit_v in_o godliness_n as_o also_o they_o who_o have_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o other_o commit_v unto_o they_o as_o husband_n parent_n and_o master_n they_o be_v by_o private_a teach_n catechise_n and_o instruct_v of_o their_o family_n wife_n child_n and_o servant_n to_o exercise_v and_o so_o to_o confirm_v and_o increase_v those_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v receyve_v yea_o no_o man_n be_v altogether_o destitute_a of_o this_o spiritual_a exercise_n for_o if_o he_o have_v no_o public_a function_n nor_o yet_o by_o his_o private_a call_v any_o subject_n unto_o he_o yet_o in_o that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n this_o duty_n of_o exhort_v and_o edify_v other_o and_o so_o of_o exercise_v his_o gift_n do_v belong_v unto_o he_o sect._n 14._o the_o last_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_a duty_n or_o a_o christian_a
life_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o bare_a and_o naked_a profession_n or_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o deed_n and_o action_n when_o as_o every_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n lurk_v inward_o in_o the_o heart_n send_v forth_o fruit_n in_o life_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o it_o for_o as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o our_o body_n both_o in_o the_o whole_a and_o also_o in_o the_o several_a part_n and_o member_n of_o they_o that_o the_o more_o they_o be_v exercise_v the_o more_o they_o be_v both_o confirm_v in_o strength_n and_o augment_v in_o quantity_n and_o contrarilie_o the_o more_o they_o cease_v from_o perform_v their_o natural_a function_n the_o less_o able_a they_o be_v to_o perform_v they_o yea_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v littlâ—_n and_o weak_a even_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o grace_n whereof_o as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o put_v in_o practice_n in_o the_o do_n of_o of_o good_a work_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o christian_a duty_n so_o they_o do_v either_o increase_n or_o decay_v for_o example_n a_o christian_n be_v diligent_a in_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o love_n towards_o his_o brethren_n he_o impart_v his_o good_n and_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o relieve_n of_o their_o necessity_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o their_o want_n this_o christian_a by_o this_o mean_n increase_v love_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n by_o give_v he_o become_v more_o liberal_a by_o show_v mercy_n on_o the_o distress_a more_o pitiful_a the_o more_o he_o give_v to_o his_o brethren_n of_o his_o temporal_a good_n the_o more_o he_o get_v to_o himself_o of_o spiritual_a love_n the_o more_o we_o suffer_v affliction_n the_o more_o we_o learn_v patience_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o five_o to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o eight_o verse_n that_o he_o learned_a patience_n by_o his_o suffering_n and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o fifthe_o to_o the_o roman_n that_o affliction_n work_v patience_n the_o more_o the_o body_n be_v tame_v and_o keep_v under_o by_o fast_v &_o such_o other_o mean_n the_o more_o the_o soul_n be_v strengthen_v and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o all_o other_o grace_n foâ—_n by_o practiâ—e_n they_o be_v keep_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o want_n of_o practice_n they_o be_v diminish_v and_o lose_v whereby_o it_o appear_v how_o necessary_a good_a work_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o as_o they_o take_v their_o be_v from_o inward_a grace_n so_o they_o give_v back_o again_o unto_o they_o strength_n and_o increase_v thus_o christ_n mat._n 7._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a builder_n make_v the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n even_o that_o without_o the_o which_o it_o can_v stand_v and_o continue_v but_o will_v decay_v by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o at_o length_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n in_o like_a manner_n paul_n 1._o tim._n 6.17_o make_v good_a work_n the_o foundation_n of_o godliness_n although_o in_o truth_n and_o in_o proper_a speech_n it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o and_o jam._n 1.22_o be_v you_o not_o only_a hearer_n but_o also_o doer_n of_o the_o law_n otherwise_o you_o deceyve_v yourselves_o for_o that_o all_o your_o religion_n will_v soon_o vanish_v away_o and_o come_v to_o nought_o for_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v lose_v by_o idleness_n as_o they_o be_v strengthen_v by_o use_n and_o labour_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o good_a work_n howsoever_o little_o esteem_v by_o many_o and_o seldom_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o life_n of_o any_o have_v a_o necessary_a and_o notable_a use_n in_o this_o spiritual_a diet._n and_o sure_o whosoever_o consider_v the_o life_n and_o profession_n of_o many_o christian_n yea_o even_o of_o those_o of_o who_o we_o be_v to_o think_v no_o otherwise_o but_o that_o they_o be_v true_o endue_v with_o faith_n how_o fruitless_a and_o altogether_o barren_a of_o good_a work_n they_o be_v need_v not_o marvel_v why_o most_o man_n either_o decrease_n or_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n in_o godliness_n but_o may_v easy_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v lose_v for_o want_n of_o use_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_a duty_n for_o now_o a_o day_n christians_n be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a pleasure_n content_v themselves_o with_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o christian_a duty_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n as_o be_v prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n lead_v a_o unblameable_a life_n but_o as_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o cost_n the_o impair_n of_o our_o worldly_a state_n and_o diminish_v of_o our_o earthly_a pleasure_n these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n but_o clean_o lay_v aside_o as_o thing_n of_o no_o necessity_n nor_o of_o any_o great_a use_n in_o regard_n of_o salvation_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o more_o they_o be_v neglect_v the_o more_o the_o grace_n from_o the_o which_o they_o shall_v proceed_v be_v diminish_v for_o as_o good_a child_n be_v to_o their_o parent_n so_o good_a work_n be_v to_o inward_a grace_n they_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v they_o as_o they_o come_v from_o they_o and_o so_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o both_o as_o cause_n and_o as_o effect_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o good_a work_n we_o will_v brief_o consider_v in_o how_o many_o other_o respect_v they_o be_v good_a and_o needful_a sect._n 15._o the_o first_o motive_n and_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o good_a work_n be_v the_o set_v forth_o of_o god_n glory_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n weâ—_n be_v both_o create_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o recreated_a in_o regeneration_n 1_o cor._n 6.20_o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n therefore_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o be_v go_n for_o that_o god_n be_v great_o glorify_v by_o our_o good_a work_n we_o know_v both_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o common_a reason_n mat._n 5.16_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o see_v your_o work_n may_v glorify_v your_o father_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o joh._n 15.8_o herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n and_o become_v my_o disciple_n and_o 1._o pet._n 2.12_o have_v your_o conversation_n honest_a among_o thâ—_n gentile_n that_o they_o behold_v your_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o visitation_n yea_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n itself_o for_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v not_o evil_a or_o unjust_a or_o any_o approver_n of_o evil_a but_o of_o purity_n justice_n uprightness_n and_o goodness_n again_o by_o obey_v god_n commandment_n we_o show_v and_o profess_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o we_o acknowledge_v love_n and_o fear_v he_o that_o we_o believe_v his_o word_n promise_n and_o threaten_n that_o we_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o whereas_o by_o neglect_v those_o christian_a duty_n which_o god_n require_v we_o show_v indeed_o whatsoever_o we_o profess_v in_o word_n that_o we_o make_v small_a reckon_n of_o he_o or_o of_o his_o word_n second_o we_o ought_v to_o abound_v in_o all_o good_a work_n that_o so_o we_o may_v give_v both_o to_o other_o and_o also_o to_o get_v to_o our_o own_o conscience_n many_o argument_n and_o pledge_n of_o true_a regeneration_n the_o which_o can_v be_v know_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o shall_v we_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o say_v that_o good_a work_n be_v some_o cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o be_v in_o part_n the_o matter_n of_o our_o justification_n it_o be_v not_o good_a or_o lawful_a to_o speak_v or_o lie_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n or_o to_o persuade_v good_a work_n by_o a_o untruth_n yet_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o look_v what_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o renew_a holiness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n so_o much_o may_v and_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o good_a work_n which_o be_v a_o part_n thereof_o to_o wit_n the_o holiness_n of_o the_o outward_a action_n for_o holiness_n be_v exercise_v by_o good_a work_n especial_o by_o those_o which_o be_v most_o costly_a and_o troublesome_a unto_o us._n for_o whosoever_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o his_o temporal_a commodity_n he_o do_v it_o in_o all_o likelihood_n in_o some_o spiritual_a respect_n and_o for_o conscience_n