who_o in_o great_a wisdom_n have_v leave_v this_o corruption_n in_o the_o faithful_a to_o exercise_v they_o while_o they_o remain_v here_o on_o earth_n yea_o as_o this_o infirmity_n can_v not_o be_v whole_o take_v away_o so_o it_o can_v not_o be_v whole_o hinder_v from_o work_v for_o it_o send_v forth_o some_o fruit_n even_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n who_o sin_n often_o but_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o this_o infirmity_n in_o this_o place_n for_o although_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o definition_n agree_v unto_o it_o yet_o the_o late_a do_v not_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o spiritual_a infirmity_n yea_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n yea_o work_a many_a way_n and_o strive_v against_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o make_v a_o faithful_a man_n prone_a and_o ready_a to_o the_o commit_n of_o actual_a sin_n or_o backward_o in_o serve_v of_o god_n for_o notwithstanding_o it_o many_o be_v far_o off_o from_o actual_a sin_n and_o forward_o in_o serve_v god._n but_o those_o spiritual_a infirmity_n in_o the_o heal_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o labour_v do_v work_v sensible_o and_o forcible_o yea_o they_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n prevail_v usual_o inward_o in_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o sometime_o they_o prevail_v in_o the_o outward_a act_n original_a corruption_n may_v be_v so_o restrain_v that_o it_o can_v work_v but_o secret_o and_o without_o force_n or_o apparent_a effect_n but_o these_o do_v after_o a_o sort_n part_n stake_n with_o grace_n reign_v inward_o in_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n at_o least_o often_o and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o course_n howsoever_o they_o be_v so_o subdue_v and_o repress_v that_o they_o seldom_o come_v to_o the_o perfection_n and_o act_n of_o sin_n yet_o of_o these_o infirmity_n whereof_o we_o speak_v some_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n incurable_a to_o wit_n first_o those_o which_o be_v ground_v upon_o some_o erroneous_a opinion_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o infirmity_n in_o itself_o so_o often_o it_o bring_v forth_o a_o evil_a custom_n in_o action_n and_o as_o usual_o it_o be_v inveterat_fw-la be_v incorrigible_a so_o be_v the_o effect_n which_o come_v of_o it_o for_o example_n many_o think_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o daily_a and_o continual_a use_n of_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n be_v not_o in_o nature_n unlawful_a howsoever_o for_o use_v they_o be_v inconvenient_a and_o a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o salvation_n this_o be_v their_o opinion_n and_o this_o be_v their_o practice_n thus_o they_o live_v and_o thus_o they_o do_v the_o like_a we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o all_o those_o infirmity_n which_o have_v their_o beginning_n and_o foundation_n in_o a_o unchangeable_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n howsoever_o this_o unchangeable_a disposition_n of_o the_o body_n come_v whither_o by_o nature_n or_o by_o some_o other_o accidental_a mean_n for_o example_n many_o be_v by_o the_o distemperature_n of_o their_o body_n incessant_o and_o vehement_o provoke_v and_o even_o prick_v on_o to_o carnal_a lust_n to_o drunkenness_n to_o slothfulness_n to_o anger_n impatiency_n and_o to_o other_o sin_n hereof_o it_o come_v that_o the_o soul_n follow_v the_o disposition_n &_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n be_v also_o thus_o affect_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o body_n make_v the_o mind_n to_o think_v of_o it_o the_o will_n to_o choose_v the_o affection_n to_o embrace_v and_o hunt_v after_o it_o the_o which_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n although_o they_o be_v continual_o withstand_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n strive_v not_o only_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o burst_v into_o actual_a sin_n but_o also_o whole_o to_o dispossess_v they_o yet_o they_o have_v too_o sure_a foot_n to_o be_v clean_o take_v away_o but_o how_o hard_o of_o heal_v soever_o they_o be_v we_o must_v endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o they_o both_o for_o that_o we_o be_v as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o we_o in_o continual_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o open_a grievous_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n as_o have_v be_v say_v that_o that_o city_n which_o be_v continual_o both_o besiege_v and_o also_o assault_v be_v in_o continual_a danger_n as_o also_o because_o they_o be_v a_o continual_a trouble_n and_o grief_n unto_o we_o yea_o a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n belong_v either_o to_o god_n to_o our_o brother_n or_o to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o calling_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 12.7_o call_v one_o of_o these_o spiritual_a infirmity_n a_o prick_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n continual_o buffet_v he_o that_o be_v great_o trouble_v and_o grieve_v he_o the_o mean_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v be_v these_o first_o and_o chief_o prayer_n unto_o god_n from_o who_o only_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n yea_o fervent_a earnest_a importunate_a and_o uncessant_a prayer_n as_o the_o say_a apostle_n say_v that_o he_o desire_v god_n thrice_o that_o be_v earnest_o and_o often_o that_o he_o will_v take_v that_o infirmity_n and_o temptation_n from_o he_o where_o it_o be_v add_v that_o god_n make_v he_o this_o answer_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a foâ—_n thou_o my_o power_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n whereby_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o his_o importunity_n in_o prayer_n be_v either_o reprove_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v or_o else_o forbid_v which_o may_v be_v admit_v although_o it_o be_v like_a that_o he_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o pray_v but_o only_o comfort_v and_o strengthen_v in_o temptation_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o prayer_n or_o to_o give_v over_o as_o despair_a of_o victory_n against_o it_o but_o rather_o to_o call_v for_o grace_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n yea_o even_o to_o the_o last_o gasp_n to_o continue_v in_o earnest_a prayer_n the_o second_o mean_n be_v to_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o whither_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n or_o in_o some_o evil_a custom_n and_o company_n or_o a_o erroneous_a opinion_n the_o three_o be_v to_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n which_o may_v provoke_v we_o to_o that_o sin_n or_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o it_o the_o last_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v any_o settle_a place_n in_o our_o mind_n or_o affection_n as_o it_o be_v come_v to_o composition_n with_o it_o and_o give_v half_a unto_o it_o for_o if_o it_o bear_v rule_v in_o the_o souâ—e_n it_o will_v certain_o break_v forth_o often_o in_o outward_a action_n but_o rather_o to_o put_v it_o far_o out_o of_o our_o mind_n and_o not_o give_v unto_o it_o any_o rest_a place_n sect._n 4._o thus_o much_o of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o disease_n follow_v a_o spiritual_a disease_n be_v the_o reign_v of_o sin_n or_o ordinary_a and_o habitual_a prevail_a of_o sin_n against_o grace_n this_o definition_n be_v to_o be_v particular_o declare_v thus_o it_o have_v be_v often_o say_v that_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n there_o be_v two_o contrary_a quality_n sin_n and_o holiness_n these_o two_o be_v of_o contrary_a nature_n continual_o war_a the_o one_o against_o the_o other_o the_o field_n wherein_o this_o battle_n be_v fight_v be_v the_o will_n of_o man_n the_o which_o be_v hale_v now_o to_o this_o now_o to_o that_o side_n at_o length_n the_o one_o get_v it_o and_o withal_o the_o victory_n for_o in_o this_o battle_n the_o outward_a action_n which_o proceed_v whole_o from_o the_o will_n for_o that_o a_o man_n will_v that_o he_o do_v be_v the_o victory_n which_o if_o it_o be_v sinful_a than_o sin_n have_v prevail_v if_o sin_n take_v the_o repulse_n and_o can_v be_v bring_v forth_o then_o grace_n have_v prevail_v and_o get_v the_o victory_n there_o be_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o if_o sin_n prevail_v there_o be_v a_o grievous_a disease_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o not_o any_o prevayl_v of_o sin_n but_o the_o ordinary_a prevayl_v of_o it_o make_v a_o spiritual_a sickness_n for_o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o even_o in_o spiritual_a infirmity_n sin_n be_v sometime_o bring_v forth_o but_o not_o usual_o or_o ordinare_o as_o noah_n drunkenness_n lot_n incest_n david_n murder_n and_o adultery_n be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o happen_v perhaps_o but_o once_o in_o all_o the_o time_n of_o their_o life_n and_o therefore_o these_o sin_n argue_v not_o any_o disease_n but_o infirmity_n in_o their_o soul_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o spiritual_a disease_n be_v the_o kind_n of_o it_o be_v two_o total_a and_o particular_a the_o one_o stretch_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a soul_n of_o man_n make_v a_o sensible_a decrease_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o holiness_n the_o other_o rest_v in_o some_o part_n as_o it_o come_v to_o
hear_n of_o god_n word_n the_o three_o earnest_n and_o continual_a prayer_n by_o the_o first_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o come_v to_o god_n cast_v off_o his_o filthy_a sin_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a garment_n of_o a_o religious_a just_a upright_o and_o honest_a life_n by_o the_o second_o he_o stand_v wait_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o god_n mercy_n where_o usual_o man_n be_v receyve_v into_o favour_n by_o the_o three_o he_o become_v a_o little_a more_o bold_a presume_v to_o knock_v and_o rap_v at_o god_n gate_n where_o we_o leave_v he_o prepare_v wait_v and_o knock_v till_o it_o please_v god_n to_o open_v and_o let_v he_o in_o sect._n 5._o and_o yet_o there_o remain_v one_o point_n to_o be_v brief_o declare_v to_o wit_n how_o this_o repentant_a be_v now_o as_o we_o be_v to_o hope_v judge_v and_o suppose_v of_o a_o carnal_a make_v a_o spiritual_a man_n may_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n for_o although_o regeneration_n be_v so_o great_a and_o a_o total_a change_n be_v usual_o so_o evident_a especial_o to_o he_o in_o who_o it_o have_v place_n that_o he_o can_v not_o doubt_v of_o it_o yet_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o natural_a infidelity_n which_o remain_v in_o they_o that_o even_o the_o faithful_a be_v bring_v to_o this_o pass_n that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o themselves_o but_o either_o think_v or_o at_o the_o least_o suspect_n themselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n when_o as_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v arryve_v in_o the_o haven_n this_o controversy_n must_v be_v take_v away_o by_o compare_v our_o present_a estate_n with_o our_o former_a and_o by_o consider_v that_o change_n which_o we_o feel_v to_o be_v of_o a_o sudden_a wrought_v in_o ourselves_o in_o the_o earnest_a performance_n of_o some_o christian_a exercise_n tend_v to_o regeneration_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o it_o in_o our_o banquet_n pastime_n sleep_n recreation_n or_o while_o we_o be_v busy_v about_o worldly_a affair_n but_o while_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n while_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o public_o or_o perhaps_o private_o alone_a or_o with_o other_o while_o we_o humble_v ourselves_o in_o fast_v and_o unfeigned_a sorrow_n for_o our_o sin_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o which_o christian_n duty_n god_n be_v by_o his_o mighty_a power_n able_a to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o way_n he_o lift_v to_o change_v the_o natural_a disposition_n of_o his_o soul_n who_o he_o then_o call_v make_v it_o look_v toward_o himself_o which_o before_o do_v frowardlie_a abhor_v from_o all_o good_a and_o uppe_o to_o heaven_n which_o before_o have_v the_o eye_n fix_v in_o earthly_a thing_n whereupon_o this_o repentaunt_a for_o we_o will_v yet_o give_v he_o his_o old_a name_n because_o he_o doubt_v himself_o to_o be_v still_o not_o a_o new_a but_o the_o old_a man_n feel_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n his_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n strange_o change_v for_o whereas_o before_o he_o feel_v himself_o so_o hard_o heart_v that_o although_o he_o see_v his_o sin_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o greeve_v for_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o they_o now_o he_o pour_v out_o of_o his_o eye_n river_n of_o tear_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o dishonour_n which_o he_o have_v by_o his_o sin_n bâ—ought_v to_o the_o name_n of_o god_n whereas_o before_o he_o doubt_v of_o god_n favour_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n now_o he_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v of_o both_o and_o so_o he_o be_v now_o replenish_v with_o unspeakable_a joy_n &_o hear_v the_o spirit_n not_o of_o bondage_n and_o fear_v wherewith_o he_o be_v possess_v but_o of_o adoption_n cry_v in_o his_o heart_n abba_n father_n he_o now_o feel_v himself_o able_a to_o withstand_v those_o sin_n whereunto_o before_o he_o yield_v continual_o at_o the_o first_o to_o have_v a_o delight_n in_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o in_o all_o christian_a exercise_n whereunto_o before_o he_o be_v draw_v by_o fear_n of_o the_o displeasure_n either_o of_o man_n or_o perhaps_o in_o some_o conscience_n of_o sin_n in_o fear_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o avoid_v it_o and_o to_o conclude_v he_o feel_v all_o those_o part_n of_o holiness_n wrought_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o his_o soul_n which_o be_v requite_v in_o the_o faithful_a finis_fw-la the_o argument_n of_o the_o treatise_n follow_v as_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o man_n body_n that_o it_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o natural_a perfection_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o equal_a temperature_n and_o just_a proportion_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o for_o that_o it_o be_v leave_v here_o will_v soon_o perish_v and_o come_v to_o nougâ—t_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v continual_o both_o nourish_v with_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o also_o preserve_v from_o all_o hurtful_a thing_n yea_o careful_o restore_v to_o the_o former_a state_n of_o health_n if_o by_o any_o inward_a or_o outward_a mean_n it_o fall_v into_o sickness_n or_o be_v any_o way_n hurt_n wound_a or_o distemper_v no_o more_o will_v it_o serve_v for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v both_o prepare_v by_o repentance_n for_o regeneration_n yea_o actual_o regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o it_o likewise_o must_v continual_o be_v tend_v feed_v and_o cherish_v yea_o heal_v of_o all_o those_o malady_n which_o by_o any_o mean_n happen_v unto_o it_o this_o we_o call_v the_o right_n diet_v of_o the_o soul_n resemble_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o body_n that_o both_o the_o doctrine_n may_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a be_v illustrate_v &_o declare_v by_o sensible_a &_o familiar_a similitude_n and_o also_o that_o the_o continual_a care_n and_o pain_n which_o we_o take_v about_o our_o body_n tâ—e_v order_v &_o diet_v of_o they_o may_v always_o be_v put_v we_o 〈◊〉_d mind_n of_o perform_v the_o same_o duty_n unto_o our_o soul_n for_o the_o which_o we_o oght_v to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_a as_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v better_a they_o this_o short_a and_o miserable_a life_n this_o spiritual_a diet_n have_v two_o part_n conseruative_n and_o restorative_n the_o former_a continue_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o holiness_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n the_o other_o restore_v it_o when_o it_o be_v lose_v and_o repair_v it_o be_v decay_v again_o conseruative_a diet_n have_v two_o part_n nutritive_a and_o preservative_n consist_v the_o one_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o those_o thing_n by_o the_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v nourish_v the_o other_o in_o the_o careful_a avoid_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v hurtful_a unto_o it_o spiritual_a nourishment_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n food_n and_o exercise_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v the_o matter_n the_o other_o the_o mean_n manner_n or_o form_n of_o nutrition_n further_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o the_o soul_n have_v resemblance_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o body_n and_o how_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o simple_a and_o spiritual_a can_v be_v subject_a to_o alteration_n distemper_n and_o disease_n which_o have_v place_n in_o the_o body_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o contrariety_n of_o quality_n prevail_a or_o yield_v one_o to_o another_o to_o wit_n that_o as_o in_o the_o body_n heat_n and_o moisture_n so_o in_o the_o soul_n holiness_n &_o sinfulness_n do_v continual_o fight_v together_o the_o one_o labour_v to_o consume_v and_o expel_v the_o other_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o flesh_n labour_v to_o quench_v all_o the_o good_a motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n strive_v to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o all_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n thereof_o gal._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n lu_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o this_o be_v the_o composition_n &_o temperature_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v place_n only_o in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n wherein_o the_o soul_n have_v in_o itself_o both_o holiness_n and_o sinfulness_n but_o not_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n or_o yet_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n in_o carnal_a man_n when_o as_o tâ—e_v soul_n be_v altogether_o either_o holy_a or_o sinful_a can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v this_o composition_n or_o temperature_n these_o point_n of_o doctrine_n may_v profitable_o be_v consider_v but_o first_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o pain_n and_o care_v take_v in_o diet_v and_o order_v the_o soul_n aught_o to_o be_v continual_a without_o any_o intermission_n for_o that_o as_o the_o body_n be_v neglect_v for_o
or_o any_o way_n hinder_v set_v ourselves_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n as_o we_o read_v psal._n 119.61_o even_o at_o midnight_n will_v i_o rise_v to_o praise_v thou_o and_o to_o think_v of_o all_o thy_o judgement_n or_o at_o the_o least_o to_o sequester_v ourselves_o in_o the_o day_n time_n from_o the_o company_n of_o other_o as_o we_o read_v gen._n 24.63_o that_o isaac_n in_o the_o evening_n do_v walk_v forth_o into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v and_o pray_v and_o mat._n 14.23_o that_o christ_n when_o his_o time_n of_o prayer_n be_v come_v send_v the_o multitude_n away_o and_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n alone_o to_o pray_v and_o be_v there_o alone_o as_o also_o mark_v 1.35_o that_o very_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o day_n he_o go_v into_o a_o desert_n or_o solitary_a place_n and_o there_o pray_v but_o as_o for_o sudden_a prayer_n he_o do_v often_o perform_v that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o other_o affair_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o other_o even_o of_o the_o whole_a multitude_n thus_o he_o pray_v john_n 11.41_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o work_v in_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o death_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o what_o with_o extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a what_o with_o set_v and_o sudden_a prayer_n the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o continual_a exercise_n of_o pray_v to_o the_o daily_o and_o diligent_a performance_n whereof_o he_o whosoever_o desire_v to_o have_v his_o soul_n in_o good_a estate_n be_v to_o look_v careful_o lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n he_o be_v draw_v away_o and_o become_v negligent_a in_o this_o behalf_n as_o we_o see_v it_o often_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christian_n do_v so_o entangle_v and_o even_o overwhelm_v themselves_o with_o worldly_a care_n and_o affair_n that_o they_o can_v scarce_o spare_v any_o time_n either_o for_o extraordinary_a or_o for_o ordinary_a either_o for_o set_v or_o for_o sudden_a prayer_n yea_o if_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a hindrance_n yet_o the_o slothfulness_n of_o the_o flesh_n unwilling_a of_o itself_o to_o take_v pain_n in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v a_o sufficient_a hindrance_n and_o make_v many_o cold_a negligent_a yea_o &_o at_o length_n altogether_o careless_a of_o this_o duty_n as_o we_o read_v mar._n 14.37_o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o as_o they_o have_v this_o duty_n impose_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o drowsy_a sluggishness_n hinder_v from_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o the_o which_o so_o far_o prevail_v with_o they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o get_v the_o upper_a hand_n of_o it_o no_o not_o when_o they_o be_v sharp_o reprove_v by_o christ_n &_o stir_v up_o to_o prayer_n for_o so_o he_o say_v peter_n sleep_v thou_o can_v thou_o not_o watch_v one_o hour_n watch_z and_o pray_v lest_o you_o fall_v into_o temptation_n the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o therefore_o christ_n speak_v of_o pray_v luc._n 8.1_o add_v this_o caveat_n that_o they_o shall_v pray_v and_o not_o be_v weary_v with_o it_o so_o that_o we_o be_v forewarn_v by_o christ_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n lest_o that_o by_o these_o or_o any_o other_o mean_n we_o be_v either_o altogether_o hinder_v or_o make_v negligent_a in_o this_o exercise_n wherein_o as_o have_v often_o be_v say_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v consist_v as_o no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v if_o we_o consider_v and_o weigh_v the_o unspeakable_a fruit_n and_o comfort_n arise_v of_o it_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v less_o irksome_a or_o more_o pleasant_a to_o a_o christian_a soul_n then_o to_o have_v daily_a company_n conversation_n conference_n and_o talk_n with_o god_n his_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n his_o protector_n and_o mediator_n his_o lord_n and_o his_o god_n the_o fountain_n and_o full_a treasure_n of_o all_o blessing_n the_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_o perform_v then_o that_o which_o procure_v pardon_n for_o all_o sin_n which_o remoove_v all_o evil_n which_o supply_v all_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a want_n which_o increase_v all_o grace_n and_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o sound_n and_o perfect_a health_n even_o as_o bodily_a exercise_n do_v the_o body_n and_o therefore_o as_o man_n feel_v their_o body_n any_o way_n heavy_a distemper_a and_o out_o of_o course_n straightway_o they_o fly_v to_o this_o remedy_n of_o exercise_n not_o doubt_v but_o that_o it_o will_v soon_o put_v it_o away_o so_o whensoever_o we_o feel_v ourselves_o prone_a to_o sin_n and_o untoward_a and_o sluggish_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n if_o we_o give_v ourselves_o to_o this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n &_o stretch_v out_o the_o joint_n of_o our_o soul_n before_o god_n we_o shall_v no_o doubt_n feel_v a_o great_a change_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o that_o now_o they_o be_v light_n and_o able_a to_o lift_v up_o themselves_o to_o heaven_n sect._n 11._o thus_o we_o see_v what_o singular_a force_n and_o virtue_n in_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n have_v and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n who_o according_a to_o his_o gracious_a promise_n grant_v whatsoever_o his_o child_n ask_v by_o prayer_n according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n prayer_n be_v as_o profitable_a for_o the_o body_n as_o for_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o procure_v temporal_a blessing_n as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a grace_n but_o also_o by_o a_o proper_a virtue_n inherent_a in_o itself_o for_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o the_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n in_o pour_v his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n into_o their_o heart_n who_o ask_v it_o by_o hearty_a prayer_n the_o very_a action_n of_o prayer_n do_v although_o not_o merit_n yet_o both_o confirm_v and_o increase_v grace_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o of_o force_n for_o temporal_a blessing_n for_o no_o man_n can_v by_o pray_v enrich_v himself_o only_a it_o procure_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o so_o bring_v riches_n but_o as_o for_o spiritual_a grace_n it_o work_v not_o the_o beginning_n but_o the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o they_o not_o only_o from_o god_n but_o also_o by_o itself_o as_o have_v be_v note_v before_o and_o will_v more_o plain_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o follow_v for_o first_o for_o prayer_n in_o general_a whosoever_o give_v himself_o to_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o it_o he_o do_v of_o necessity_n daily_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o his_o spiritual_a state_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o it_o the_o which_o can_v but_o work_v in_o he_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n for_o as_o the_o careless_a neglect_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n come_v from_o a_o greedy_a seek_n and_o a_o sensual_a enjoy_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n bring_v a_o daily_a decrease_n so_o the_o serious_a and_o continual_a meditation_n of_o they_o bring_v increase_v of_o grace_n the_o which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v watchfulness_n as_o the_o contrary_a neglect_n be_v drowsy_a sleep_a and_o therefore_o these_o two_o be_v usual_o join_v together_o watch_z and_o pray_v as_o mar._n 13.33_o look_v watch_n and_o pray_v and_o math._n 26.41_o watch_n and_o pray_v lest_o you_o fall_v into_o temptation_n that_o be_v give_v yourselves_o to_o prayer_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o your_o own_o estate_n such_o as_o use_v to_o be_v not_o in_o drowsy_a head_n but_o in_o man_n give_v to_o much_o wake_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o may_v be_v strong_a in_o grace_n and_o so_o enable_v to_o resist_v the_o force_n of_o sin_n this_o appear_v more_o evident_o in_o the_o particular_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v make_v a_o full_a and_o plain_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n before_o god_n desire_v he_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o christ_n to_o pardon_v they_o promise_v and_o vow_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o will_v never_o again_o so_o displease_v and_o so_o dishonour_v he_o and_o not_o be_v make_v even_o by_o this_o confession_n far_o off_o from_o commit_v of_o sin_n and_o if_o we_o suppose_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o strong_a in_o he_o and_o do_v so_o much_o prevail_v that_o notwithstanding_o his_o diligent_a pray_v he_o still_o fall_v into_o sin_n yet_o that_o will_v stand_v true_a which_o we_o affirm_v to_o wit_n that_o diligent_a prayer_n and_o the_o commit_n of_o sin_n will_v not_o stand_v other_o for_o if_o prayer_n can_v make_v he_o cease_v from_o sin_v yet_o his_o sin_v will_v make_v he_o leave_v off_o pray_v and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o open_v his_o mouth_n to_o god_n or_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n to_o
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
i_o regard_v a_o maiden_n and_o prou._n 23.31_o look_v not_o on_o the_o wine_n when_o it_o be_v red_a when_o it_o show_v his_o colour_n in_o the_o cup_n for_o in_o the_o end_n it_o will_v bite_v as_o a_o serpent_n thy_o eye_n shall_v look_v on_o strange_a woman_n and_o thy_o heart_n shall_v speak_v froward_a thing_n by_o keep_v this_o rule_n a_o weak_a christian_a shall_v go_v on_o with_o a_o straight_a foot_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n when_o as_o one_o endue_v with_o a_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n neglect_v it_o in_o confidence_n of_o his_o own_o strength_n shall_v stumble_v and_o fall_v into_o grievous_a sin_n yea_o as_o one_o have_v a_o weak_a constitution_n of_o body_n be_v in_o safety_n and_o as_o we_o say_v out_o of_o gunshot_n be_v like_a to_o live_v than_o the_o strong_a man_n be_v in_o battle_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o enemy_n so_o a_o weak_a man_n be_v out_o of_o temptation_n and_o avoid_v occasion_n of_o sin_n be_v like_a to_o stand_v then_o he_o who_o rash_o rush_v upon_o the_o pike_n and_o have_v many_o occasion_n of_o sin_v although_o in_o his_o mind_n affection_n and_o purpose_n he_o do_v more_o abhor_v from_o sin_n &_o so_o have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o contrary_a grace_n than_o the_o other_o last_o this_o care_n in_o avoid_v sin_n by_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o by_o eschew_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o aught_o to_o be_v exercise_v chief_o in_o regard_n of_o those_o sin_n &_o the_o occasion_n of_o they_o whereunto_o we_o know_v ourselves_o natural_o incline_v to_o the_o which_o we_o be_v often_o tempt_v &_o have_v often_o yield_v even_o as_o man_n do_v most_o fortify_v by_o art_n those_o place_n of_o their_o town_n &_o city_n which_o be_v weak_a by_o nature_n &_o flock_v thither_o apace_o to_o defend_v where_o they_o see_v the_o enemy_n most_o busy_a in_o assault_v sect._n 3_o to_o this_o head_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n we_o be_v to_o refer_v the_o company_n of_o wicked_a and_o godless_a man_n who_o of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o most_o forcible_a tentation_n and_o allurement_n to_o sin_n other_o occasion_n be_v dumb_a and_o can_v plead_v for_o themselves_o but_o by_o our_o own_o tongue_n and_o therefore_o no_o further_o than_o we_o ourselves_o think_v good_a but_o these_o will_v be_v importunate_a suitor_n yea_o if_o they_o have_v any_o power_n over_o we_o insolent_a and_o tirannical_a compeller_n and_o commander_n for_o so_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o those_o tempter_n have_v diverse_a mean_n by_o the_o which_o to_o draw_v we_o from_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n to_o the_o commit_n of_o sin_n first_o their_o bare_a example_n the_o which_o although_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v but_o only_o as_o a_o spectacle_n of_o the_o filthiness_n of_o sin_n as_o we_o see_v in_o drunken_a man_n the_o beastliness_n of_o that_o sin_n more_o plain_o than_o we_o can_v have_v it_o any_o way_n describe_v unto_o we_o yet_o it_o do_v often_o prevail_v with_o those_o who_o be_v weak_a especial_o when_o as_o the_o person_n of_o those_o wicked_a man_n be_v honourable_a &_o to_o be_v have_v in_o account_n for_o their_o wisdom_n learning_n riches_n dignity_n authority_n or_o in_o any_o other_o worldly_a respect_n but_o we_o be_v to_o be_v forewarn_v and_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o this_o know_v that_o not_o the_o action_n of_o sinful_a man_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o which_o all_o our_o action_n be_v to_o be_v square_v and_o that_o of_o man_n for_o the_o most_o part_v not_o the_o wise_a and_o mighty_a but_o the_o simple_a and_o base_a be_v choose_v by_o god_n to_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o precedent_n of_o godliness_n unto_o other_o neither_o do_v these_o tempter_n stay_v here_o be_v content_a with_o those_o who_o be_v move_v by_o their_o example_n to_o tread_v in_o their_o step_n but_o as_o every_o one_o think_v best_o of_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o way_n desire_v to_o have_v all_o other_o like_a to_o himself_o they_o add_v to_o example_n persuasion_n entreat_v importunity_n yea_o if_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o all_o these_o temptation_n may_v &_o must_v be_v resist_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o so_o we_o may_v preserve_v our_o soul_n without_o spot_n till_o the_o day_n of_o christ._n yea_o though_o we_o be_v compass_v in_o on_o every_o side_n with_o example's_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n have_v no_o step_n free_a from_o grievous_a offence_n &_o stumble_a block_n aâ—_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o godly_a man_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o wicked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n as_o lot_n live_v in_o sodom_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o these_o stream_n of_o wickedness_n from_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n nor_o follow_v the_o multitude_n to_o evil_a but_o rather_o manful_o strive_v against_o all_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n peter_n exhort_v we_o act._n 2_o 40._o save_o ourselves_o from_o that_o froward_a generation_n wherein_o no_o question_n we_o shall_v find_v great_a difficulty_n yea_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v great_a hindrance_n &_o even_o a_o impossibility_n of_o attain_v that_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n which_o otherwise_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o that_o the_o full_a practice_n of_o godliness_n can_v be_v have_v but_o will_v be_v unseasonable_a and_o inconvenient_a this_o christ_n teach_v math._n 24_o 1â—_n because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v the_o love_n of_o many_o will_v wax_v cold_a and_o 2._o tim._n 3.1_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o abundance_n of_o sin_n there_o mention_v will_v make_v perilous_a time_n in_o the_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v hard_a for_o god_n child_n to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o themselves_o free_a from_o the_o sin_n reign_v everywhere_o for_o as_o in_o a_o general_a distemperature_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o air_n it_o be_v hard_o even_o for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o healthful_a &_o strong_a constitution_n of_o body_n to_o avoid_v sickness_n so_o it_o be_v in_o corrupt_a age_n and_o place_n very_o haâ—d_a to_o live_v unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o hard_a or_o impossible_a to_o god_n who_o by_o his_o grace_n be_v able_a to_o preserve_v we_o from_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o these_o flood_n of_o wickedness_n as_o he_o do_v lot_n in_o sodom_n &_o have_v do_v many_o other_o of_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o infidel_n and_o open_a idolatour_n sect._n 4._o another_o thing_n hurtful_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v in_o this_o spiritual_a diet_n be_v licentiousness_n which_o be_v the_o unnecessary_a use_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n when_o we_o be_v not_o content_a with_o meat_n drink_n and_o apparel_n and_o other_o thing_n needful_a but_o lust_n after_o superfluous_a thing_n as_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v fill_v with_o manna_n do_v after_o the_o flesh_n pot_n of_o egypt_n the_o which_o although_o they_o may_v be_v sometime_o lawful_o use_v for_o that_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n serve_v and_o be_v create_v not_o only_o for_o necessity_n for_o then_o infinite_a thing_n be_v in_o vain_a for_o a_o few_o be_v needful_a but_o also_o for_o the_o pleasure_n &_o solace_n &_o delight_n of_o the_o faithful_a yet_o the_o daily_a and_o ordinary_a use_n of_o they_o be_v hurtful_a and_o not_o to_o be_v grant_v or_o take_v first_o in_o that_o it_o take_v away_o our_o time_n &_o care_n which_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o the_o study_n and_o practice_v of_o godliness_n and_o all_o christian_a duty_n from_o these_o thing_n and_o bestow_v they_o on_o vain_a and_o momentanie_n pleasure_n for_o although_o we_o may_v after_o a_o sort_n do_v both_o to_o wit_n sometime_o with_o mary_n sit_v at_o christ_n foot_n hear_v his_o word_n &_o anon_o with_o martha_n give_v ourselves_o to_o worldly_a matter_n yet_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o superfluous_a use_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n will_v be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o those_o other_o duty_n and_o make_v we_o altogether_o unfit_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v have_v in_o some_o measure_n that_o care_n for_o his_o soul_n which_o be_v meet_v and_o withal_o not_o only_o perform_v all_o the_o necessary_a duty_n belong_v to_o his_o call_n and_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o his_o body_n yea_o and_o sometime_o walk_v forth_o and_o make_v a_o vagary_n into_o the_o garden_n of_o pleasure_n thereby_o
by_o dip_v and_o drown_v the_o body_n in_o water_n for_o when_o as_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o our_o own_o body_n or_o else_o behold_v it_o administer_v unto_o other_o feel_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o eternal_a death_n due_a unto_o we_o for_o sin_n &_o a_o mortification_n of_o thinherent_a corruption_n of_o sin_n come_v from_o thence_o they_o do_v we_o feed_v our_o soul_n by_o this_o sacrament_n &_o that_o no_o less_o when_o we_o see_v it_o administer_v to_o other_o then_o when_o we_o feel_v it_o in_o our_o own_o body_n and_o therefore_o the_o custom_n which_o have_v prevail_v in_o most_o place_n of_o neglect_v &_o contemn_v this_o part_n of_o the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v and_o sharp_o reproove_v likewise_o in_o the_o other_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o bread_n and_o the_o wine_n receive_v in_o it_o feed_v both_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n the_o one_o by_o their_o natural_a virtue_n the_o other_o by_o their_o mystical_a and_o sacramental_a signification_n work_v in_o we_o a_o fresh_a remembrance_n and_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n represent_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n in_o piece_n and_o the_o pouâ—ing_n forth_o of_o the_o wine_n sect._n 5._o thus_o much_o of_o the_o public_a food_n of_o the_o soul_n beside_o the_o which_o we_o have_v other_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v use_v private_o for_o christian_n must_v not_o be_v as_o babe_n unable_a to_o feed_v themselves_o or_o to_o take_v any_o nourishment_n unless_o it_o be_v put_v into_o their_o mouth_n by_o other_o but_o must_v as_o they_o receive_v the_o meat_n prepare_v by_o other_o so_o also_o dress_v some_o for_o themselves_o and_o that_o by_o gather_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o only_a food_n of_o the_o soul_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v even_o there_o where_o the_o public_a food_n be_v have_v to_o wit_n in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o god_n in_o these_o field_n the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o be_v continual_o conversant_a in_o they_o and_o so_o to_o make_v his_o soul_n strong_a fat_a and_o lusty_a first_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o read_n studying_z understand_v and_o meditate_v of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o profitable_a read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n diverse_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o we_o read_v it_o with_o this_o intent_n and_o purpose_n to_o edify_v ourselves_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n make_v our_o spiritual_a edification_n the_o end_n of_o our_o read_n otherwise_o we_o may_v spend_v all_o our_o day_n yea_o although_o they_o be_v as_o many_o as_o the_o day_n of_o methuselah_n and_o yet_o receive_v no_o more_o increase_n of_o holiness_n than_o they_o who_o never_o hear_v tell_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o why_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v find_v this_o spiritual_a food_n but_o he_o who_o do_v hunger_n after_o it_o and_o seek_v it_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n indeed_o god_n sometime_o be_v find_v of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o seek_v nor_o yet_o so_o much_o as_o ask_v after_o he_o and_o do_v by_o his_o spirit_n renew_v those_o who_o do_v not_o once_o think_v of_o regeneration_n or_o salvation_n but_o here_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n in_o regenerate_a man_n but_o of_o that_o ordinary_a continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o holiness_n which_o every_o faithful_a man_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o work_v in_o himself_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v this_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v he_o that_o seek_v it_o not_o shall_v never_o find_v it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o have_v be_v very_o painful_a reader_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o never_o find_v in_o they_o any_o spiritual_a fruit_n or_o comfort_n because_o they_o read_v they_o not_o to_o that_o end_n but_o for_o some_o sinister_a respect_n the_o jew_n take_v great_a pain_n in_o read_v or_o rather_o in_o learning_n without_o book_n the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o so_o great_a as_o may_v make_v christian_n who_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o bestow_v so_o much_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o seek_v or_o keep_v christ_n pardon_v of_o sin_n &_o eternal_a glory_n as_o they_o do_v in_o seek_v a_o earthly_a king_n &_o earthly_a glory_n the_o which_o only_o they_o look_v for_o by_o their_o messiah_n and_o yet_o they_o find_v not_o christ_n nor_o any_o spiritual_a grace_n because_o they_o seek_v not_o for_o such_o thing_n so_o many_o other_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n for_o other_o sinister_a end_n some_o to_o get_v the_o knowledge_n of_o curious_a and_o unprofitable_a question_n and_o controversy_n of_o endless_a genealogy_n yea_o some_o for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o erroneous_a &_o heretical_a opinion_n some_o for_o mere_a knowledge_n &_o vain_a ostentation_n but_o he_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o good_a physician_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n must_v lay_v aside_o these_o and_o all_o such_o respect_n propound_v to_o himself_o the_o confirmation_n and_o increase_n of_o his_o faith_n love_n patience_n temperance_n &_o of_o all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n these_o thing_n must_v be_v continual_o in_o his_o mind_n yea_o he_o must_v apply_v to_o these_o purpose_n all_o the_o precept_n example_n and_o doctrine_n wherewith_o he_o meet_v mind_v only_a point_n of_o spiritual_a edification_n and_o especial_o those_o whereof_o he_o most_o doubt_v and_o will_v be_v resolve_v and_o which_o belong_v most_o to_o his_o present_a use_n this_o rule_n and_o counsel_n we_o have_v give_v by_o eliphas_n job._n 5.27_o who_o after_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v at_o large_a both_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o his_o goodness_n in_o spare_v save_v and_o bless_v the_o godly_a he_o add_v this_o notable_a conclusion_n loe_o thus_o we_o have_v inquire_v of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o and_o know_v it_o for_o thyself_o that_o be_v do_v not_o content_v thyself_o with_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o this_o doctrine_n but_o apply_v it_o to_o thy_o own_o special_a state_n not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o a_o christian_a in_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o observe_v and_o study_v those_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o direct_o tend_v to_o spiritual_a edification_n for_o it_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a if_o he_o can_v give_v so_o much_o time_n to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n as_o that_o he_o know_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thâ—_n story_n all_o question_n which_o can_v be_v move_v about_o any_o place_n but_o that_o when_o as_o all_o can_v be_v have_v as_o it_o be_v seldom_o see_v that_o any_o gyve_v or_o can_v give_v himself_o so_o whole_o to_o this_o study_n who_o have_v any_o other_o call_v choice_n be_v make_v of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o needful_a profitable_a and_o excellent_a in_o the_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v also_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n for_o his_o daily_a read_n study_v and_o meditate_v in_o the_o which_o this_o spiritual_a food_n do_v most_o plentiful_o grow_v and_o may_v most_o easy_o be_v have_v for_o although_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o comfort_n and_o edification_n and_o that_o no_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v account_v barren_a and_o unprofitable_a yet_o some_o part_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o more_o effectual_a for_o spiritual_a edification_n than_o other_o be_v in_o that_o they_o handle_v those_o point_n wherein_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v more_o full_o and_o plain_o then_o other_o do_v thus_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n to_o the_o which_o they_o be_v as_o commentary_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o that_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n plain_o reveal_v which_o before_o be_v cover_v with_o type_n and_o ceremony_n yea_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o other_o do_v more_o didirect_o aim_v at_o this_o mark_n than_o the_o story_n of_o the_o life_n and_o act_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n it_o seem_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o psalm_n do_v most_o excellent_a in_o this_o behalf_n the_o which_o consist_v whole_o of_o spiritual_a meditation_n observation_n precept_n and_o experiment_n insomuch_o that_o it_o may_v true_o be_v call_v the_o christian_a man_n garden_n wherein_o all_o manner_n of_o
the_o soul_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v that_o whereon_o the_o life_n and_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v depend_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o either_o that_o christian_n who_o be_v diligent_a in_o prayer_n shall_v be_v weak_a in_o grace_n or_o that_o grace_n shall_v abound_v where_o there_o be_v neglect_n of_o prayer_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o account_v diligence_n in_o prayer_n or_o how_o often_o ought_v a_o christian_a to_o perform_v this_o duty_n the_o answer_n we_o have_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o namely_o thessalonian_o 5.17_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o ephesian_n 6.18_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n with_o all_o perseverance_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n at_o all_o time_n and_o luke_n 18.1_o he_o tell_v they_o a_o parable_n to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o shall_v pray_v always_o and_o never_o be_v weary_v this_o general_a commandment_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o restrain_v pray_v at_o all_o season_n upon_o all_o occasion_n think_v not_o this_o exercise_n to_o be_v needless_a unprofitable_a or_o unseasonable_a at_o any_o time_n in_o the_o night_n or_o in_o the_o day_n in_o the_o morning_n or_o at_o noon_n in_o the_o town_n or_o in_o the_o field_n in_o business_n or_o in_o leisure_n thus_o have_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n live_v and_o thus_o they_o have_v pass_v on_o their_o day_n in_o continual_a invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n thus_o do_v paul_n 1._o thes._n 3.10_o night_n and_o day_n without_o measure_n i_o pray_v etc._n etc._n and_o david_n psal._n 55.18_o in_o the_o evening_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o at_o noon_n day_n i_o will_v meditate_v i_o will_v make_v a_o noise_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o we_o read_v of_o daniel_n dan._n 6.10_o that_o it_o be_v his_o custom_n to_o pray_v unto_o god_n thrice_o every_o day_n out_o of_o the_o which_o precept_n and_o example_n we_o may_v easy_o gather_v how_o much_o time_n and_o care_n ought_v to_o be_v allot_v and_o bestow_v upon_o this_o exercise_n and_o that_o it_o be_v continual_o to_o be_v perform_v for_o it_o be_v not_o with_o our_o soul_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o it_o be_v with_o our_o body_n the_o which_o may_v easy_o surfeit_v of_o meat_n or_o of_o exercise_n for_o that_o they_o be_v of_o mean_a strength_n can_v not_o bear_v much_o of_o either_o but_o be_v soon_o overcharge_v and_o hurt_v whereas_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o any_o pitch_n or_o set_v limit_n either_o of_o holiness_n but_o be_v to_o grow_v on_o further_a even_o when_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o high_a or_o of_o the_o mean_n by_o the_o which_o it_o be_v attain_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v exceed_v in_o this_o behalf_n unless_o perhaps_o we_o as_o very_o few_o do_v fall_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o heresy_n which_o give_v all_o the_o time_n of_o a_o man_n life_n to_o prayer_n and_o none_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n in_o follow_v the_o work_n of_o our_o calling_n the_o which_o be_v in_o no_o case_n to_o be_v admit_v and_o therefore_o that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o be_v require_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o this_o behalf_n and_o what_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o right_n diet_v of_o the_o soul_n we_o will_v consider_v this_o point_n more_o at_o large_a and_o in_o particular_a in_o this_o manner_n as_o bodilye_o so_o also_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a the_o one_o be_v to_o be_v use_v daily_o the_o other_o at_o some_o time_n only_o as_o occasion_n require_v for_o as_o sometime_o the_o body_n require_v long_a and_o vehement_a exercise_n the_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v in_o ordinary_a diet_n for_o that_o it_o will_v soon_o dry_v up_o and_o consume_v the_o body_n so_o it_o be_v sometime_o needful_a that_o a_o christian_n use_n extraordinary_a prayer_n and_o that_o for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o this_o exercise_n he_o lay_v aside_o for_o a_o time_n all_o other_o duty_n care_n and_o incumberance_n whatsoever_o the_o which_o he_o may_v not_o do_v ordinary_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v 1._o cor._n 7._o that_o when_o as_o it_o be_v so_o needful_a in_o any_o respect_n as_o for_o the_o avoid_n or_o remove_v of_o any_o great_a afffliction_n or_o heavy_a judgement_n which_o he_o have_v by_o his_o sin_n pull_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o some_o needful_a grace_n or_o temporal_a blessing_n he_o may_v omit_v for_o a_o season_n the_o duty_n of_o marriage_n and_o give_v himself_o whole_o to_o prayer_n but_o ordinary_a prayer_n may_v stand_v with_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n neither_o hinder_v they_o nor_o yet_o be_v hinder_v by_o they_o so_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v both_o serve_v god_n by_o prayer_n and_o also_o do_v whatsoever_o his_o calling_n although_o it_o be_v laborious_a and_o troublesome_a do_v require_v this_o ordinary_a prayer_n be_v perform_v after_o two_o sort_n either_o at_o set_n and_o certain_a time_n or_o else_o upon_o occasion_n as_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n with_o man_n to_o eat_v drink_n and_o exercise_v themselves_o both_o at_o time_n appoint_v for_o these_o purpose_n and_o also_o as_o diverse_a occasion_n do_v offer_v themselves_o so_o a_o christian_n be_v to_o pray_v as_o the_o apostle_n will_v timothy_n to_o prâ—ach_v both_o in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n at_o set_a time_n &_o of_o a_o sudden_a set_a prayer_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o full_a and_o ample_a manner_n the_o other_o kind_n which_o we_o will_v call_v sudden_a prayer_n brief_o in_o few_o word_n even_o as_o we_o know_v and_o see_v that_o man_n at_o their_o set_a meal_n take_v a_o great_a quantity_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_v than_o they_o do_v at_o other_o time_n for_o why_o set_v prayer_n must_v have_v in_o it_o all_o the_o part_n or_o kind_n of_o prayer_n as_o the_o apostle_n write_v ephe._n 6._o pray_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o wit_n confession_n of_o sin_n commit_v deprecation_n of_o judgement_n present_a or_o imminent_a require_v of_o grace_n needful_a thanksgiving_n for_o benefit_n receyve_v intercession_n for_o other_o set_a prayer_n must_v consist_v of_o all_o these_o part_n yea_o which_o be_v more_o the_o particular_a at_o least_o the_o chief_a sin_n judgement_n grace_n blessing_n benefit_n person_n ought_v to_o be_v rehearse_v and_o mention_v whereof_o it_o come_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n contain_v in_o it_o so_o many_o diverse_a matter_n can_v be_v contain_v in_o a_o few_o word_n or_o utter_v in_o a_o short_a time_n whereas_o sudden_a prayer_n conceyve_v upon_o some_o particular_a occasion_n and_o have_v but_o one_o matter_n may_v be_v dispatch_v in_o one_o word_n sect._n 10._o the_o use_n of_o set_a prayer_n be_v manifest_a for_o they_o be_v many_o even_o as_o many_o as_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n all_o which_o be_v supply_v by_o mean_n of_o it_o but_o wherefore_o then_o serve_v sudden_a prayer_n sure_o for_o sudden_a use_n happen_v beside_o a_o man_n expectation_n and_o necessary_o require_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o when_o a_o christian_a commit_v any_o sin_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n straightway_o he_o desire_v god_n to_o pardon_v his_o sin_n likewise_o when_o he_o receive_v any_o blessing_n from_o god_n he_o give_v thanks_o without_o any_o delay_n and_o likewise_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o prayer_n as_o we_o know_v that_o the_o church_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n have_v general_o take_v up_o this_o custom_n of_o pray_v at_o the_o take_n of_o meat_n the_o which_o of_o temporal_a blessing_n be_v most_o needful_a &_o most_o often_o receive_v this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v perform_v at_o any_o time_n and_o in_o any_o place_n for_o of_o it_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o tim._n 2.8_o i_o will_v that_o the_o man_n pray_v in_o every_o place_n lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n yea_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o other_o affair_n whatsoever_o &_o in_o the_o company_n of_o other_o but_o for_o set_v prayer_n choice_n must_v be_v make_v of_o a_o secret_a place_n &_o of_o such_o a_o time_n wherein_o we_o be_v free_v &_o as_o it_o be_v loose_v from_o all_o other_o business_n that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v our_o mind_n &_o affection_n whole_o set_v upon_o it_o mat._n 6.6_o when_o thou_o praie_v enter_v into_o thy_o chamber_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v thy_o door_n pray_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o secret_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o account_v some_o part_n of_o the_o night_n the_o fit_a season_n for_o this_o work_n because_o than_o we_o be_v free_v from_o all_o other_o duty_n belong_v either_o to_o our_o calling_n or_o to_o our_o brethren_n and_o so_o may_v without_o be_v interrupt_v
he_o himself_o little_o think_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o read_v eccle._n 11.1_o cast_v thy_o bread_n on_o the_o water_n and_o after_o many_o day_n thou_o shall_v find_v it_o by_o this_o argument_n which_o god_n in_o mercy_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o for_o the_o help_a of_o our_o weakness_n in_o this_o behalf_n we_o be_v to_o be_v encourage_v to_o go_v on_o in_o a_o daily_a and_o liberal_a practice_n of_o christian_a duty_n towards_o our_o brother_n and_o not_o to_o spare_v for_o any_o cost_n for_o we_o do_v not_o loose_v it_o but_o only_o lend_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v assure_o pay_v we_o our_o own_o with_o advantage_n we_o shall_v receive_v a_o hundred_o fold_n in_o this_o life_n and_o a_o far_o better_a reward_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o god_n iâ—_n not_o unjust_a that_o he_o shall_v forget_v the_o good_a work_n the_o painful_a love_n of_o those_o who_o minister_v unto_o the_o saint_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v but_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n give_v to_o a_o prophet_n or_o any_o of_o god_n servant_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v but_o have_v a_o reward_n this_o motive_n to_o good_a work_n god_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o not_o that_o we_o shall_v rest_v in_o it_o or_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v the_o chief_a place_n in_o this_o consultation_n for_o then_o satan_n may_v object_v against_o we_o as_o he_o do_v against_o job_n do_v job_n serve_v god_n for_o nought_o have_v thou_o not_o compass_v he_o in_o with_o thy_o blessing_n and_o so_o to_o we_o thou_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n or_o perform_v these_o christian_a duty_n in_o love_n either_o of_o he_o or_o of_o thy_o brethren_n or_o for_o conscience_n but_o in_o a_o greedy_a desire_n and_o a_o carnal_a hope_n of_o advantage_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a if_o so_o be_v that_o we_o can_v contemn_v and_o pass_v by_o this_o argument_n not_o mistrust_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o this_o behalf_n but_o prefer_v simple_a obedience_n the_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a glory_n before_o any_o reward_n that_o god_n can_v give_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n by_o these_o and_o such_o other_o motive_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v plentiful_o afford_v unto_o we_o we_o be_v to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o daily_a performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n of_o love_n thankfulness_n compassion_n and_o mercy_n and_o to_o account_v this_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a exercise_n no_o less_o needful_a to_o be_v daily_o perform_v than_o any_o other_o chap._n iii_o sect._n 1_o hitherto_o we_o have_v declare_v how_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v by_o god_n endue_v with_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o holiness_n and_o also_o with_o health_n &_o strength_n whereby_o it_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v all_o the_o action_n belong_v unto_o it_o be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o preserve_v in_o that_o estate_n the_o which_o thing_n if_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v desire_v and_o endeavour_v by_o all_o christian_n so_o it_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v than_o be_v this_o our_o labour_n bring_v to_o a_o end_n there_o be_v nothing_o else_o needful_a to_o be_v declare_v as_o touch_v the_o welfare_n and_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o as_o for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o do_v know_v the_o art_n and_o mean_n of_o preserve_v health_n for_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o knowledge_n cunning_a and_o care_n in_o this_o behalf_n infirmity_n and_o disease_n may_v happen_v as_o we_o know_v by_o daily_a experience_n that_o many_o notable_a physician_n have_v fall_v into_o dangerous_a and_o mortal_a sickness_n and_o by_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o untimely_a death_n so_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o our_o spiritual_a welfare_n that_o we_o know_v how_o to_o diet_v and_o order_v our_o soul_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o health_n and_o strength_n it_o be_v also_o require_v that_o we_o know_v how_o by_o a_o convenient_a and_o meet_a diet_n to_o recover_v they_o out_o of_o sickness_n and_o to_o heal_v all_o the_o malady_n happen_v unto_o they_o for_o why_o no_o man_n as_o we_o remain_v in_o these_o earthly_a &_o corruptible_a body_n can_v promise_v unto_o himself_o continual_a and_o certain_a health_n because_o both_o our_o knowledge_n and_o also_o our_o care_n in_o practise_v be_v unperfite_a for_o if_o no_o man_n can_v attain_v so_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v sensible_a but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v hide_v in_o it_o corruption_n and_o secret_a sickness_n never_o perceave_v till_o that_o they_o can_v be_v amend_v as_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v in_o impostume_n plurify_v and_o such_o other_o inward_a disease_n what_o marvel_v if_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o so_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o nature_n whereof_o be_v far_o more_o subtle_a and_o therefore_o much_o more_o hard_a to_o be_v thorough_o know_v especial_o by_o he_o who_o be_v fall_v into_o some_o special_a sickness_n wherein_o man_n be_v far_o less_o able_a to_o order_v themselves_o aright_o than_o they_o be_v in_o health_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o have_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n show_v how_o the_o health_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v continue_v when_o it_o be_v present_a so_o now_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v procure_v where_o it_o be_v want_v or_o recover_v when_o it_o be_v lose_v it_o be_v indeed_o the_o part_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o be_v careful_a in_o keep_v the_o health_n both_o of_o his_o body_n and_o of_o his_o soul_n and_o not_o presume_v of_o his_o cunning_n in_o recover_v it_o to_o be_v careless_a of_o it_o no_o man_n be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o cast_v himself_o into_o the_o sea_n although_o he_o think_v that_o he_o may_v escape_v by_o swim_v to_o wound_v his_o body_n because_o it_o may_v be_v heal_v to_o take_v poison_n because_o he_o can_v counterpoise_v it_o by_o the_o contrary_a &_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o make_v this_o use_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o let_v his_o soul_n fall_v into_o any_o spiritual_a meladie_o because_o he_o know_v where_o to_o have_v a_o remedy_n it_o be_v so_o much_o easy_a to_o keep_v sickness_n out_o of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n then_o to_o get_v it_o out_o after_o that_o it_o have_v get_v entrance_n as_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a for_o a_o whole_a and_o strong_a man_n then_o for_o a_o sick_a and_o weak_a man_n to_o withstand_v or_o resist_v his_o adversary_n for_o possession_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o therefore_o this_o restorative_n or_o rather_o curative_a diet_n which_o now_o we_o take_v in_o hand_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v to_o any_o man_n a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o negligent_a order_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o to_o be_v account_v the_o last_o refuge_n whither_o we_o must_v fly_v when_o as_o by_o the_o force_n of_o sin_n we_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o former_a diet_n of_o preserve_v health_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o so_o pure_a a_o nature_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o infirmity_n and_o disease_n sure_o by_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n in_o it_o the_o which_o where_o it_o have_v the_o whole_a place_n and_o rule_v the_o contrary_a holiness_n be_v altogether_o want_v as_o it_o be_v in_o carnal_a man_n be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o holiness_n be_v the_o life_n of_o it_o where_o it_o be_v and_o work_v yet_o keep_v under_o and_o overrule_v so_o that_o it_o can_v prevail_v it_o be_v a_o infirmity_n and_o last_o when_o it_o have_v in_o this_o wrestle_v prevail_v and_o get_v the_o upper_a hand_n do_v reign_n and_o rule_v it_o be_v a_o sickness_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o sin_n in_o the_o carnal_a man_n be_v death_n in_o the_o regenerate_a soul_n it_o be_v either_o a_o infirmity_n or_o a_o disease_n far_o it_o can_v go_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v whole_o expel_v holiness_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n as_o it_o be_v heat_n out_o of_o the_o body_n and_o so_o bring_v death_n for_o as_o abraham_n be_v bring_v in_o speak_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n luke_n 16.26_o as_o betwixt_o heaven_n and_o hell_n so_o between_o carnalitie_n and_o regeneration_n there_o be_v such_o a_o gulf_n set_v that_o they_o who_o wood_n can_v without_o the_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n pass_v from_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n to_o regeneration_n nor_o from_o regeneration_n to_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n by_o that_o or_o any_o other_o mean_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v out_o of_o
that_o rest_a place_n which_o in_o that_o place_n be_v call_v abraham_n bosom_n or_o rather_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v but_o in_o the_o way_n towards_o it_o it_o do_v often_o look_v back_o to_o sin_n yea_o return_n and_o go_v back_o again_o even_o till_o it_o come_v to_o death_n door_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n but_o there_o it_o stay_v have_v no_o entrance_n grant_v yea_o in_o truth_n desire_v none_o and_o that_o we_o may_v return_v to_o our_o accustom_a similitude_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v in_o it_o two_o contrary_a quality_n sin_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o which_o as_o the_o one_o prevail_v against_o the_o other_o so_o be_v the_o soul_n in_o weakness_n or_o in_o strength_n in_o sickness_n or_o in_o health_n in_o death_n or_o in_o life_n sect._n 2._o the_o evil_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v to_o be_v cure_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n infirmity_n and_o disease_n spiritual_a infirmity_n be_v the_o relic_n of_o sin_n subdue_v in_o a_o faithful_a man_n work_v against_o grace_n make_v he_o prone_a or_o reâ—die_a to_o fall_v into_o outward_a and_o actual_a sin_n and_o backward_o in_o perform_v the_o contrary_a spiritual_a duty_n this_o description_n which_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n set_v down_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v particular_o explain_v and_o first_o in_o that_o we_o make_v it_o a_o relic_n of_o sin_n we_o distinguish_v it_o from_o humane_a infirmity_n the_o which_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o of_o all_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n and_o which_o make_v that_o he_o can_v serve_v god_n in_o so_o great_a measure_n that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a against_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n not_o so_o far_o from_o commit_v it_o or_o so_o sure_a and_o constant_a in_o holiness_n but_o that_o he_o may_v decrease_v in_o it_o yea_o omit_v for_o a_o time_n some_o duty_n yet_o without_o sin_n as_o the_o angel_n be_v to_o this_o kind_n we_o be_v to_o refer_v that_o ignorance_n fear_n and_o forgetfulness_n and_o many_o other_o infirmity_n which_o have_v place_n in_o the_o state_n of_o man_n innocence_n &_o which_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ._n those_o natural_a infirmity_n be_v not_o sin_n for_o they_o be_v create_v in_o man_n by_o god_n all_o who_o work_n be_v good_a neither_o be_v they_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n for_o they_o be_v before_o sin_n and_o in_o he_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n yea_o the_o angel_n themselves_o be_v compare_v with_o god_n be_v more_o weak_a have_v mo_z and_o great_a infirmites_n then_o man_n have_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o but_o these_o infirmity_n whereof_o we_o speak_v be_v the_o relic_n of_o sin_n and_o sin_n it_o self_n not_o lie_v idle_a but_o work_v otherwise_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n be_v in_o all_o man_n and_o can_v possible_o be_v remove_v but_o we_o speak_v of_o infirmity_n which_o may_v be_v remoove_v and_o from_o the_o which_o many_o christian_n be_v free_a for_o sin_n may_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v so_o suppress_v that_o it_o have_v not_o a_o day_n he_o and_o ordinary_a work_n in_o we_o as_o these_o infirmity_n have_v in_o bring_v forth_o actual_a sin_n not_o outward_o which_o be_v sin_n perfect_v for_o then_o these_o infirmity_n be_v grievous_a disease_n but_o inward_o in_o the_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n all_o which_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n do_v daily_a work_n but_o it_o be_v seldom_o bring_v forth_o into_o act_n be_v put_v back_o and_o keep_v down_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o sometime_o it_o do_v prevail_v even_o to_o actual_a sin_n for_o as_o that_o city_n which_o be_v continual_o besiege_v and_o assault_v can_v not_o but_o be_v take_v at_o length_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o as_o they_o who_o have_v the_o care_n and_o defence_n of_o it_o commit_v unto_o they_o can_v but_o sometime_o remit_v of_o their_o diligence_n and_o be_v overtake_v with_o sleep_n drink_n forgetfulness_n fair_a promise_n and_o pretence_n or_o by_o some_o such_o mean_n so_o where_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v continual_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v at_o one_o place_n or_o other_o upon_o one_o occasion_n or_o temptation_n or_o other_o burst_v forth_o into_o open_a sin_n for_o example_n a_o christian_n be_v endue_v by_o god_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o continency_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o lead_v a_o life_n free_a from_o all_o adultery_n fornication_n and_o all_o such_o uncleanness_n yet_o he_o feel_v inward_o in_o his_o minâ—e_n that_o burn_v whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o cor._n 7.9_o here_o be_v both_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n suppress_v sin_n and_o also_o the_o relic_n of_o incontinency_n not_o live_v idle_a but_o work_v vehementlie_o and_o continual_o not_o in_o life_n and_o action_n but_o inward_o in_o the_o soul_n yet_o where_o this_o infirmity_n be_v there_o sometime_o the_o outward_a sin_n itself_o will_v happen_v for_o although_o a_o christian_a do_v ordinary_o keep_v watch_n and_o ward_n over_o his_o soul_n lest_o that_o he_o do_v fall_v into_o sin_n yet_o sometime_o he_o will_v be_v somewhat_o careless_a overcome_v by_o the_o force_n and_o variety_n of_o temptation_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o uncleanness_n an_o other_o example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o say_a epistle_n in_o the_o chapter_n follow_v a_o pagan_a be_v convert_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n renounce_v his_o false_a god_n &_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n only_o in_o christ_n here_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n prevayl_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n and_o suppress_v it_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o relic_n of_o this_o sin_n in_o his_o mind_n whereby_o he_o think_v that_o his_o idol_n his_o old_a god_n be_v not_o altogether_o void_a of_o power_n and_o excellency_n &_o aught_o to_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o worship_n give_v unto_o they_o this_o be_v the_o infirmity_n and_o the_o work_n of_o it_o inward_o in_o his_o mind_n yet_o he_o suppress_v it_o by_o the_o knowledge_n &_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o open_a idolator_n but_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n only_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v easy_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o example_n and_o persuasion_n of_o other_o to_o give_v some_o outward_a worship_n and_o honour_n to_o these_o false_a go_n many_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v bring_v but_o these_o may_v serve_v now_o that_o we_o see_v what_o a_o spiritual_a infirmity_n be_v we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o see_v how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v heal_v and_o remove_v wherein_o there_o be_v great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v use_v both_o for_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n require_v the_o inward_a purity_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a purity_n of_o life_n as_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o great_a and_o open_a sin_n wherein_o this_o weak_a christian_n be_v who_o although_o for_o a_o time_n he_o walk_v upright_o in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n yet_o he_o be_v like_a enough_o to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v when_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o stumble_a block_n to_o wit_n any_o great_a occasion_n and_o provocation_n to_o sin_n sect._n 3_o but_o whither_o be_v these_o infirmity_n curable_a or_o no_o sure_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v able_a to_o mortify_v all_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o sinful_a nature_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v yea_o it_o be_v like_a enough_o that_o god_n who_o have_v begin_v the_o good_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n will_v perfect_v and_o accomplish_v it_o and_o that_o as_o he_o have_v cut_v down_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n so_o he_o will_v in_o his_o good_a time_n pull_v the_o root_n out_o of_o the_o ground_n also_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o infirmity_n in_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v incurable_a some_o which_o be_v hardly_o and_o very_o seldom_o cure_v in_o the_o first_o sort_n we_o be_v to_o reckon_v the_o original_a corruption_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o infirmity_n yea_o corrupt_a as_o be_v the_o relic_n of_o sin_n and_o sin_n itself_o this_o infirmity_n stick_v so_o fast_o in_o our_o very_a bone_n &_o marrow_n that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o be_v remove_v and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o hope_v for_o or_o to_o go_v about_o the_o total_a heal_n of_o it_o for_o although_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o god_n to_o sanctify_v we_o full_o and_o whole_o as_o the_o apostle_n pray_v 1._o thâ—ss_n 5.23_o yet_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n and_o word_n