spiritual_o so_o that_o all_o the_o birth_n produce_v by_o man_n be_v but_o fleshly_a all_o the_o change_n man_n can_v make_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n or_o any_o else_o be_v but_o from_o flesh_n to_o flesh_n from_o grosser_n flesh_n to_o flesh_n somewhat_o more_o refine_v conversion_n by_o miracle_n and_o strong_a argument_n be_v but_o a_o fleshly_a conversion_n all_o the_o way_n that_o man_n can_v take_v to_o bring_v his_o own_o heart_n to_o believe_v to_o close_v in_o with_o christ_n to_o love_n christ_n can_v produce_v but_o a_o fleshly_a faith_n a_o fleshly_a love_n all_o the_o way_n man_n can_v take_v to_o kill_v and_o subdue_v sin_n in_o he_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fleshly_a mortify_n of_o sin_n sin_n be_v true_o alive_a for_o all_o this_o and_o will_v discover_v its_o life_n again_o when_o it_o see_v its_o time_n christ_n do_v especial_o allude_v to_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v in_o nicodemus_n his_o eye_n be_v it_o thou_o bear_v of_o these_o thy_o birth_n be_v but_o fleshly_a how_o spiritual_a soever_o such_o a_o person_n may_v seem_v how_o spiritual_o soever_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o act_v yet_o at_o the_o root_n he_o be_v but_o fleshly_a the_o change_n be_v make_v but_o by_o flesh_n and_o the_o thing_n change_v be_v still_o but_o flesh_n how_o glorious_a soever_o the_o change_n may_v seem_v think_v well_o of_o it_o it_o can_v be_v say_v too_o often_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n man_n can_v use_v to_o bring_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n they_o be_v but_o fleshly_a and_o can_v produce_v but_o fleshly_a operation_n in_o he_o all_o this_o faith_n and_o holiness_n though_o raise_v to_o never_o so_o great_a a_o height_n it_o be_v but_o that_o his_o heart_n must_v be_v mortify_v to_o if_o ever_o he_o live_v spiritual_o oh_a it_o will_v be_v sweet_a and_o profitable_a to_o consider_v the_o abundance_n of_o fleshly_a change_n wherewith_o the_o devil_n cozen_v man_n they_o see_v a_o real_a change_n in_o themselves_o and_o so_o think_v they_o be_v sure_a whereas_o it_o be_v but_o a_o real_a fleshly_a change_n not_o a_o real_a spiritual_a change_n and_o so_o indeed_o not_o real_a in_o the_o true_a sense_n a_o change_n from_o natural_a unbelief_n to_o natural_a faith_n for_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o nature_n to_o believe_v which_o may_v either_o be_v affright_v or_o persuade_v to_o put_v forth_o itself_o for_o its_o own_o preservation_n nature_n be_v convince_v of_o its_o present_a danger_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o safety_n but_o by_o believe_v on_o christ_n which_o faith_n must_v be_v accompany_v with_o love_n to_o christ_n the_o truth_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o this_o love_n must_v show_v itself_o in_o obedience_n nature_n i_o say_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o do_v present_o muster_v up_o all_o its_o force_n of_o faith_n love_n obedience_n lay_v they_o at_o christ_n foot_n to_o dispose_v of_o it_o will_v trust_v he_o love_v what_o he_o will_v have_v it_o love_v obey_v what_o he_o will_v command_v it_o hate_v what_o he_o will_v have_v it_o hate_v deny_v itself_o its_o own_o end_n interest_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o spiritual_a but_o it_o will_v undertake_v and_o go_v through_o after_o its_o manner_n rather_o than_o perish_v and_o alas_o what_o be_v this_o all_o this_o be_v but_o nature_n work_v from_o its_o own_o principle_n with_o its_o own_o power_n to_o its_o own_o end_n there_o be_v no_o new_a birth_n necessary_a to_o all_o this_o though_o all_o this_o do_v also_o proceed_v from_o a_o new_a birth_n where_o it_o be_v after_o more_o a_o excellent_a manner_n than_o nature_n can_v attain_v to_o but_o now_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v or_o beget_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n that_o which_o the_o spirit_n beget_v which_o the_o spirit_n produce_v be_v spirit_n that_o faith_n that_o love_n to_o god_n which_o he_o breathe_v into_o a_o man_n that_o be_v true_o spiritual_a if_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v change_v not_o by_o reason_n not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n but_o by_o he_o by_o his_o immediate_a power_n than_o the_o change_n be_v true_a and_o sound_a as_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n who_o beget_v so_o that_o which_o be_v beget_v by_o he_o with_o that_o water_n which_o he_o use_v in_o his_o act_n of_o generation_n be_v a_o true_a and_o spiritual_a birth_n there_o be_v three_o particular_n which_o discover_v the_o reality_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o thing_n 1_o the_o original_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v 2_o the_o nature_n whereof_o they_o be_v and_o 3_o the_o effect_n which_o they_o produce_v every_o spiritual_a thing_n it_o come_v from_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v spiritual_a itself_o and_o it_o work_v spiritual_o there_o be_v a_o true_a tincture_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o of_o its_o original_n in_o every_o effect_n it_o produce_v as_o every_o natural_a man_n be_v beget_v by_o a_o man_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o man_n in_o himself_o and_o act_v like_o a_o man_n work_v the_o operation_n of_o a_o man_n so_o every_o new_a man_n every_o spiritual_a man_n be_v beget_v by_o the_o spirit_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o he_o and_o discover_v his_o nature_n and_o original_n in_o every_o one_o of_o his_o spiritual_a motion_n and_o action_n his_o faith_n his_o love_n every_o thing_n in_o he_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o spirit_n move_v and_o act_v spiritual_o the_o former_a of_o these_o christ_n argue_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n from_o in_o this_o place_n its_o come_n from_o the_o spirit_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n what_o ever_o the_o spirit_n work_v in_o a_o man_n be_v true_o spiritual_a that_o light_n he_o show_v be_v true_a spiritual_a light_n that_o grace_n he_o give_v be_v true_a spiritual_a grace_n that_o change_n he_o make_v be_v a_o true_a spiritual_a change_n but_o all_o other_o change_n be_v but_o counterset_n of_o that_o true_a spiritual_a one_o which_o he_o alone_o can_v make_v and_o this_o may_v show_v we_o the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o many_o change_n in_o this_o flit_a age_n it_o be_v because_o most_o man_n be_v change_v by_o the_o flesh_n the_o great_a power_n of_o flesh_n still_o change_v they_o a_o strong_a objection_n which_o they_o can_v answer_v will_v startle_v any_o man_n that_o be_v change_v by_o a_o power_n of_o flesh_n hence_o man_n take_v up_o one_o practice_n to_o day_n another_o to_o morrow_n now_o acknowledge_v this_o or_o that_o for_o a_o truth_n by_o and_o by_o it_o be_v false_a then_o true_a again_o why_o because_o they_o see_v not_o thing_n by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o never_o vary_v but_o by_o a_o force_n of_o argument_n by_o a_o power_n of_o reason_n which_o sometime_o appear_v strong_a sometime_o weak_a sometime_o great_a sometime_o lesser_a but_o a_o soul_n who_o light_n be_v change_v who_o practice_n be_v change_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o change_n remain_v good_a let_v all_o the_o wind_n and_o gust_n of_o argument_n blow_v never_o so_o strong_o take_v heed_n therefore_o of_o change_v your_o apprehension_n or_o practice_n about_o any_o thing_n till_o you_o can_v say_v the_o spirit_n change_v they_o else_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o fleshly_a change_n what_o further_o remain_v but_o that_o every_o one_o that_o love_v his_o soul_n shall_v lay_v this_o to_o heart_n and_o consider_v thorough_o according_a to_o the_o weightiness_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o how_o it_o be_v with_o he_o what_o that_o religion_n be_v whereupon_o he_o ground_v his_o hope_n what_o oil_n feed_v his_o lamp_n whence_o his_o faith_n his_o love_n come_v and_o of_o what_o rank_n and_o kind_n they_o be_v and_o not_o to_o do_v this_o slight_o or_o determine_v sudden_o as_o be_v most_o usual_a with_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o be_v thankful_a unto_o god_n for_o and_o make_v much_o of_o the_o least_o hope_n which_o be_v not_o every_o one_o lot_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n not_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v or_o let_v god_n alone_o till_o he_o have_v bring_v we_o to_o a_o absolute_a certainty_n then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o we_o may_v safe_o without_o hazard_n give_v over_o the_o debate_n of_o this_o question_n and_o though_o we_o may_v perhaps_o be_v a_o long_a while_n before_o we_o attain_v it_o yet_o if_o god_n carry_v on_o our_o heart_n in_o the_o pursuit_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o sweet_a pledge_n and_o refresh_n in_o the_o way_n as_o may_v much_o mitigate_v god_n seem_a tediousness_n in_o defer_v our_o full_a satisfaction_n herein_o and_o indeed_o though_o god_n lead_v his_o people_n in_o such_o harsh_a and_o difficult_a way_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o
heart_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n convey_v thither_o and_o work_v there_o there_o be_v three_o great_a effect_n of_o this_o water_n it_o beget_v it_o wash_v it_o nourish_v it_o beget_v a_o dead_a man_n to_o life_n it_o beget_v a_o man_n unto_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o live_n and_o active_a water_n or_o rather_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n whereof_o a_o man_n be_v beget_v and_o bear_v or_o at_o least_o the_o vessel_n that_o live_a vessel_n which_o contain_v it_o it_o be_v that_o also_o wherewith_o he_o be_v wash_v after_o he_o be_v bear_v though_o there_o be_v a_o wash_n with_o blood_n too_o and_o it_o nourish_v he_o after_o he_o be_v both_o bear_v and_o wash_v he_o live_v upon_o the_o very_a same_o water_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o and_o with_o it_o be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o effect_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o that_o strike_v that_o water_n have_v in_o the_o generation_n and_o birth_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n he_o be_v bear_v of_o it_o it_o be_v by_o let_v in_o these_o water_n upon_o the_o soul_n and_o into_o the_o soul_n that_o god_n change_v it_o and_o make_v it_o a_o new_a our_o change_n in_o our_o spirit_n and_o our_o conversion_n to_o god_n proceed_v from_o and_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o that_o power_n of_o truth_n that_o god_n let_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o to_o that_o the_o apostle_n ascribe_v it_o as_o in_o many_o other_o place_n rom._n 6._o 17._o iam._n 1._o 1â—_z as_o our_o first_o change_n from_o god_n be_v by_o drink_v of_o the_o devil_n water_n which_o be_v water_n of_o darkness_n and_o death_n water_n of_o error_n and_o deceit_n so_o this_o great_a change_n to_o god_n again_o be_v wrought_v by_o drink_v of_o god_n water_n his_o spiritual_a water_n of_o life_n which_o be_v his_o truth_n which_o he_o hold_v out_o unto_o we_o wherein_o there_o be_v no_o darkness_n nor_o deceit_n at_o all_o but_o they_o be_v clear_a live_a and_o substantial_a 3._o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v to_o have_v this_o change_n from_o these_o water_n wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n a_o man_n can_v never_o change_v his_o own_o heart_n by_o any_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n but_o it_o must_v be_v the_o spirit_n that_o must_v do_v it_o this_o water_n be_v too_o spiritual_a a_o seed_n for_o any_o man_n to_o sow_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n no_o man_n no_o creature_n can_v sow_v another_o seed_n this_o be_v the_o spirit_n seed_n and_o he_o must_v sow_v it_o if_o it_o be_v sow_v christ_n himself_o open_v and_o illustrate_v this_o further_a in_o the_o eight_o verse_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n breathe_v his_o own_o breath_n blow_v his_o own_o blast_n make_v his_o own_o sound_n of_o life_n himself_o in_o our_o spirit_n and_o thus_o be_v we_o bear_v of_o he_o it_o be_v not_o all_o the_o change_v a_o man_n can_v make_v by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a truth_n nay_o by_o the_o light_n of_o spiritual_a truth_n work_v they_o upon_o his_o heart_n with_o never_o so_o much_o pain_n that_o will_v amount_v to_o a_o new_a birth_n but_o it_o must_v be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n breathe_v this_o seed_n into_o he_o and_o form_v he_o into_o a_o new_a creature_n by_o this_o seed_n as_o it_o be_v water_n or_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n whereby_o we_o be_v beget_v so_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o who_o beget_v and_o that_o he_o do_v of_o his_o own_o inclination_n too_o iam._n 1._o 18._o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n 4._o what_o be_v it_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v his_o spiritual_a dominion_n in_o christ_n to_o which_o every_o spiritual_a thing_n belong_v and_o in_o which_o all_o spiritual_a excellency_n and_o blessedness_n be_v lay_v up_o to_o enter_v into_o this_o kingdom_n be_v by_o a_o spiritual_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o come_v within_o the_o verge_n and_o bound_n of_o it_o even_o that_o very_a act_n which_o nicodemus_n be_v speak_v of_o vers._n 3._o namely_o a_o act_n of_o true_a say_v by_o lay_v hold_n on_o jesus_n christ_n and_o become_v one_o with_o he_o a_o man_n present_o have_v right_a unto_o and_o entrance_n into_o this_o kingdom_n now_o say_v christ_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o do_v this_o who_o be_v not_o first_o new_a bear_v he_o can_v never_o true_o mount_v upward_o who_o earthly_a nature_n be_v not_o first_o change_v a_o man_n may_v talk_v of_o spiritual_a glory_n and_o his_o right_n unto_o they_o but_o of_o a_o truth_n he_o be_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n nor_o can_v by_o true_a faith_n who_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o and_o that_o both_o of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v life_n and_o blessedness_n from_o he_o require_v a_o birth_n of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n there_o must_v a_o new_a birth_n of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n precede_v there_o without_o which_o the_o person_n be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o it_o he_o must_v be_v make_v up_o again_o of_o water_n and_o that_o not_o of_o his_o own_o form_v neither_o but_o of_o the_o spirit_n form_v and_o then_o by_o faith_n he_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n and_o become_v entitle_v to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o kingdom_n which_o without_o this_o birth_n foregoing_a can_v be_v do_v vers._n 6._o in_o this_o verse_n christ_n lay_v down_o a_o position_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n he_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o the_o spirit_n or_o else_o a_o man_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n for_o that_o be_v a_o spiritual_a act_n and_o a_o man_n can_v act_v no_o high_o than_o he_o be_v and_o he_o be_v not_o spiritual_a he_o be_v but_o flesh_n if_o he_o be_v bear_v but_o of_o flesh_n that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n flesh_n here_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o its_o latitude_n but_o for_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v powerful_a in_o spiritual_a generation_n and_o production_n for_o that_o power_n of_o man_n together_o with_o the_o mean_n and_o engine_n that_o he_o can_v come_v by_o whether_o natural_a or_o spiritual_a whereby_o he_o work_v a_o change_n in_o his_o own_o heart_n or_o upon_o other_o in_o imitation_n of_o that_o change_n which_o god_n alone_o do_v and_o can_v work_v by_o his_o spirit_n nature_n reason_n art_n with_o all_o the_o advantage_n they_o can_v possible_o desire_v or_o have_v nature_n enlighten_v and_o purify_v by_o reason_n and_o art_n nature_n furnish_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n with_o desire_n to_o be_v like_o god_n to_o recover_v his_o image_n to_o obey_v he_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o flesh_n and_o do_v more_o direct_o thus_o reach_v the_o state_n of_o nicodemus_n to_o who_o christ_n speak_v who_o present_a conviction_n be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n miracle_n meet_v with_o his_o reason_n and_o ingenuity_n then_o if_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o more_o gross_a sense_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n denote_v the_o great_a change_n that_o possible_o can_v be_v make_v in_o a_o man_n by_o this_o power_n with_o all_o the_o mean_n that_o it_o can_v use_v the_o change_n be_v so_o great_a that_o a_o man_n be_v new_o bear_v become_v a_o new_a man_n be_v change_v inside_n and_o outside_n both_o to_o his_o own_o appearance_n and_o in_o the_o thought_n of_o other_o it_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o that_o work_n whereby_o god_n bring_v a_o man_n forth_o a_o new_a man_n the_o flesh_n will_v take_v his_o tool_n set_v about_o his_o work_n and_o seem_v to_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n bring_v forth_o the_o new_a birth_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o substance_n it_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o flesh_n this_o birth_n when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v use_v all_o the_o spiritual_a mean_n he_o can_v yet_o it_o be_v but_o flesh_n the_o fruit_n can_v have_v no_o more_o virtue_n or_o strength_n and_o spirituality_n than_o the_o root_n have_v from_o whence_o it_o do_v proceed_v which_o be_v but_o flesh_n and_o though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o spiritual_a engine_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o flesh_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n for_o those_o engine_n can_v work_v of_o themselves_o and_o the_o flesh_n can_v make_v they_o work_v
not_o to_o set_v up_o ourselves_o by_o they_o but_o to_o perfect_v this_o unity_n to_o build_v up_o one_o another_o in_o faith_n in_o knowledge_n and_o that_o so_o we_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n grow_v up_o into_o christ_n the_o head_n vers._n 7._o to_o 16._o second_o the_o world_n towards_o they_o we_o must_v walk_v wise_o chap._n 5._o 15._o first_o take_v heed_n of_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o any_o evil_a nay_o of_o countenance_v the_o least_o evil_n in_o they_o chap._n 4._o 17._o chap._n 5._o 7._o 11._o second_o redeem_v the_o time_n from_o they_o as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v for_o converse_v with_o god_n three_o do_v as_o much_o good_a as_o we_o can_v to_o they_o while_o we_o be_v with_o they_o both_o which_o be_v include_v in_o that_o phrase_n of_o redeem_v the_o time_n vers._n 16._o three_o those_o in_o near_a relation_n to_o we_o whether_o bring_v home_o to_o christ_n or_o in_o their_o natural_a condition_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v the_o strict_a law_n of_o that_o relation_n we_o stand_v debtor_n to_o they_o in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o fail_v in_o towards_o they_o be_v they_o superior_a or_o inferior_a how_o ever_o they_o act_v towards_o we_o chap._n 5._o vers._n 22._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n and_o chap._n 6._o to_o vers._n 10._o our_o engagement_n to_o christ_n do_v not_o set_v we_o free_a from_o our_o relation_n and_o duty_n in_o any_o kind_n to_o man_n but_o only_o lay_v a_o bond_n on_o he_o to_o furnish_v we_o with_o free_a spirit_n and_o power_n to_o fill_v up_o what_o we_o owe_v in_o every_o relation_n christ_n give_v we_o not_o freedom_n from_o but_o freedom_n unto_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n 4._o to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n not_o to_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o from_o acknowledge_v and_o admire_v god_n in_o every_o step_n of_o his_o love_n mercy_n wisdom_n power_n and_o grace_n nor_o from_o this_o walk_a worthy_a of_o the_o gospel_n by_o any_o enemy_n any_o temptation_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o befall_v we_o in_o any_o kind_n chap._n 6._o 10._o 11._o but_o to_o stand_v arm_v against_o our_o enemy_n who_o be_v spiritual_o mighty_a and_o lay_v the_o sore_a temptatious_a and_o bait_n in_o spiritual_a thing_n vers._n 12._o we_o be_v to_o stand_v arm_v thus_o 1._o with_o a_o understanding_n have_v its_o light_n clear_a about_o it_o and_o with_o a_o will_n have_v a_o holy_a disposition_n ready_a to_o act_v in_o any_o kind_n god_n shall_v please_v to_o call_v it_o out_o unto_o vers._n 14._o to_o have_v a_o understanding_n ready_a to_o put_v forth_o itself_o know_v how_o to_o carry_v itself_o how_o to_o obey_v how_o to_o suffer_v how_o to_o embrace_v how_o to_o resist_v and_o a_o will_v gracious_o dispose_v to_o either_o whensoever_o god_n shall_v call_v it_o forth_o our_o loin_n common_o be_v ungirt_a our_o light_n be_v to_o seek_v our_o grace_n hang_v loose_a about_o we_o that_o we_o be_v unfit_a to_o act_v for_o god_n at_o all_o much_o more_o unfit_a to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o face_n of_o that_o opposition_n which_o we_o be_v still_o likely_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o every_o spiritual_a undertake_n and_o for_o want_v of_o this_o piece_n of_o armour_n we_o lie_v open_a to_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n 2._o with_o a_o holy_a resolution_n to_o act_v for_o christ_n according_a to_o that_o light_n he_o shall_v give_v in_o to_o the_o conscience_n to_o meddle_v with_o no_o evil_a to_o omit_v no_o duty_n of_o any_o kind_n this_o be_v that_o breastplate_n that_o keep_v the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n pure_a and_o safe_a vers._n 14._o when_o the_o devil_n doâ—s_v not_o find_v we_o resolve_v against_o sin_n or_o resolve_v for_o duty_n be_v it_o how_o it_o will_v with_o we_o he_o common_o take_v we_o in_o his_o snare_n 3._o with_o affection_n take_v with_o the_o sweet_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o pardon_v of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o ready_a to_o hold_v out_o these_o truth_n for_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v out_o its_o way_n into_o man_n heart_n vers._n 15._o trouble_n and_o â—fflictions_n we_o meet_v with_o within_o and_o without_o will_v quick_o damp_n our_o affection_n if_o they_o be_v not_o well_o fence_v with_o these_o 4._o with_o faith_n over_o all_o these_o defend_v even_o these_o as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o in_o other_o respect_n by_o faith_n by_o faith_n interpose_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n between_o we_o and_o every_o enemy_n that_o may_v come_v to_o assault_v we_o in_o these_o or_o in_o any_o other_o respect_n that_o may_v come_v to_o ungird_v we_o and_o make_v we_o unfit_a to_o act_v to_o damp_n our_o holy_a resolution_n for_o god_n to_o deaden_v our_o affection_n towards_o the_o sweet_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o christ_n or_o to_o wound_v we_o with_o any_o temptation_n whatsoever_o faith_n be_v a_o true_a shield_n it_o defend_v both_o the_o person_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o armour_n as_o we_o know_v a_o shield_n do_v the_o devil_n can_v prevail_v in_o any_o point_n against_o a_o believe_a soul_n vers._n 16._o alas_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o ourselves_o do_v no_o good_a avoid_v no_o evil_a all_o our_o strength_n lie_v in_o trust_v god_n with_o ourselves_o in_o every_o condition_n and_o with_o every_o spiritual_a advantage_n and_o help_n he_o have_v give_v we_o to_o manage_v it_o as_o he_o please_v for_o we_o 5._o with_o hope_n of_o salvation_n by_o grace_n both_o for_o eternity_n and_o from_o any_o present_a distress_n in_o god_n time_n because_o many_o seem_a misery_n may_v befall_v the_o believe_a soul_n contradiction_n to_o his_o prayer_n desire_n faith_n yea_o to_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o he_o he_o must_v have_v a_o helmet_n of_o hope_n vers._n 17._o as_o well_o as_o a_o shield_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v up_o his_o spirit_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o fear_v look_v up_o to_o god_n what_o ever_o befall_v he_o 6._o with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o live_a word_n the_o word_n which_o be_v spirit_n and_o life_n this_o will_v kill_v all_o false_a reason_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o christ_n this_o will_v make_v enemy_n fly_v from_o the_o soul_n for_o they_o hate_v the_o word_n of_o life_n they_o know_v it_o be_v their_o death_n and_o it_o will_v also_o make_v the_o soul_n itself_o subject_a unto_o christ_n vers._n 17._o and_o all_o this_o and_o every_o thing_n else_o must_v be_v do_v by_o prayer_n vers._n 18._o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o not_o gain_v this_o armour_n not_o put_v it_o on_o not_o use_v it_o all_o must_v be_v do_v by_o prayer_n by_o entreat_v another_o to_o do_v it_o for_o we_o we_o can_v believe_v we_o must_v prâ—y_o for_o faith_n neither_o can_v we_o pray_v we_o must_v believe_v for_o prayer_n we_o can_v do_v either_o both_o must_v flow_v from_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v do_v in_o the_o spirit_n pray_v always_o with_o all_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n oh_o how_o be_v we_o strip_v when_o every_o motion_n send_v we_o out_o of_o ourselves_o to_o another_o and_o yet_o withal_o tell_v we_o we_o be_v altogether_o unable_a to_o go_v out_o of_o ourselves_o or_o step_v the_o least_o step_n towards_o that_o other_o and_o we_o must_v watch_v unto_o prayer_n catch_v opportunity_n to_o breathe_v out_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n to_o do_v that_o in_o we_o which_o he_o bid_v we_o do_v not_o be_v discourage_v with_o any_o difficulty_n but_o persevere_v in_o our_o request_n for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n vers._n 18._o behold_v o_o christian_n thy_o spiritual_a employment_n thy_o easy_a and_o painful_a employment_n easy_a to_o thy_o spirit_n painful_a to_o thy_o flesh_n and_o as_o yet_o somewhat_o painful_a to_o thy_o spirit_n also_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o cumberance_n of_o thy_o flesh_n the_o weakness_n of_o thy_o spirit_n the_o power_n and_o fury_n of_o thy_o adversary_n finis_fw-la
a_o touchstone_n or_o trial_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o original_a from_o whence_o it_o spring_v and_o the_o root_n out_o of_o which_o it_o grow_v hold_v out_o by_o way_n of_o exposition_n of_o the_o 12_o and_o 13_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o john_n gospel_n and_o of_o the_o six_o former_a verse_n of_o the_o three_o chapter_n which_o treat_v express_o about_o this_o point_n intend_a not_o for_o the_o disquiet_n of_o any_o but_o for_o the_o eternal_a rest_n and_o peace_n of_o all_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n shall_v please_v to_o make_v it_o useful_a thereunto_o to_o which_o be_v add_v the_o spiritual_a practice_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n london_n print_v for_o giles_n calvert_n at_o the_o black_a spread-eagle_n at_o the_o west_n end_n of_o paul_n 1648._o to_o the_o reader_n reader_n if_o thou_o have_v any_o leisure_n from_o partake_v in_o or_o exclaim_v against_o the_o bitter_a contention_n of_o this_o present_a age_n which_o have_v eat_v out_o most_o man_n content_a in_o themselves_o and_o their_o pleasingness_n to_o other_o here_o be_v some_o serious_a consideration_n propose_v to_o thou_o as_o thou_o will_v one_o day_n acknowledge_v when_o thy_o eye_n come_v to_o be_v full_o open_v it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o look_v out_o after_o some_o other_o place_n and_o certainty_n of_o entertainment_n there_o when_o this_o earth_n by_o its_o continual_a shake_n and_o crack_v under_o we_o do_v so_o often_o threaten_v that_o it_o will_v not_o long_o support_v we_o there_o be_v no_o true_a security_n for_o we_o but_o by_o faith_n in_o chri_v he_o be_v the_o only_a rock_n and_o there_o be_v no_o step_v thither_o but_o by_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o certainty_n but_o by_o a_o assure_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o faith_n whereof_o there_o be_v so_o many_o and_o such_o accurate_a cheat_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o discern_v the_o difference_n without_o through_o sift_v and_o scan_v the_o devil_n that_o great_a cozoun_a merchant_n have_v all_o kind_n of_o counterfeit_a ware_n which_o he_o paint_v and_o guild_v that_o he_o may_v put_v off_o for_o true_a he_o have_v grosser_n ware_n for_o the_o grosser_n sort_n who_o he_o can_v content_v with_o any_o thing_n but_o more_o refine_a stuff_n for_o such_o as_o look_v more_o narrow_o into_o thing_n man_n that_o be_v open_o vain_a and_o profane_a yet_o can_v hardly_o be_v beat_v off_o from_o it_o but_o that_o they_o love_v god_n and_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o will_v carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n though_o they_o do_v not_o live_v so_o strict_o as_o other_o yet_o they_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v it_o god_n look_v after_o this_o deceit_n thou_o see_v through_o oh_o strict_a soul_n but_o know_v withal_o the_o devil_n have_v more_o curious_a counterfeit_n wherein_o there_o be_v the_o exact_a proportion_n of_o the_o thing_n resemble_v all_o but_o the_o life_n and_o power_n yea_o he_o be_v cunning_a also_o in_o imitate_v the_o life_n and_o power_n of_o every_o thing_n he_o have_v a_o resemblance_n of_o that_o too_o for_o those_o that_o will_v not_o otherwise_o be_v content_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o attain_v the_o truth_n and_o substance_n which_o if_o they_o be_v not_o thus_o deceive_v by_o he_o with_o the_o similitude_n of_o they_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o pursue_v thou_o be_v confident_a thou_o be_v not_o deceive_v so_o be_v all_o that_o be_v deceive_v the_o devil_n can_v not_o deceive_v thou_o with_o that_o which_o be_v false_a if_o he_o do_v not_o withal_o work_v in_o thou_o a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v true_a what_o will_v it_o hurt_v thou_o to_o try_v and_o try_v thorough_o nay_o sure_o it_o will_v much_o advantage_v thy_o very_a confidence_n after_o trial_n thou_o may_v be_v confident_a upon_o knowledge_n now_o thou_o be_v confident_a but_o upon_o supposition_n and_o if_o thou_o shall_v at_o last_o prove_v mistake_v thou_o will_v have_v too_o much_o time_n to_o befool_v thyself_o and_o bewail_v thy_o confidence_n thou_o will_v be_v more_o angry_a that_o thou_o be_v press_v no_o further_a to_o trial_n than_o thou_o be_v now_o offend_v that_o thou_o be_v press_v so_o much_o to_o it_o thou_o be_v but_o a_o traveller_n in_o this_o world_n and_o yet_o thou_o will_v look_v after_o a_o sure_a title_n in_o these_o transitory_a thing_n oh_o look_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o flaw_n in_o thy_o title_n to_o thy_o true_a inheritance_n and_o if_o thy_o spirit_n be_v serious_o bend_v towards_o this_o employment_n here_o perhaps_o the_o lord_n may_v administer_v to_o thou_o some_o help_n and_o direction_n or_o furnish_v thou_o better_o some_o other_o way_n when_o he_o shall_v see_v good_a the_o way_n of_o trial_n here_o propound_v be_v certain_a though_o somewhat_o difficult_a yea_o indeed_o altogether_o impossible_a without_o the_o help_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o yet_o what_o sweet_a safe_a true_a direction_n can_v be_v give_v to_o we_o poor_a weak_a empty_a creature_n who_o be_v nothing_o who_o can_v do_v nothing_o then_o to_o fly_v to_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o issue_v out_o that_o power_n to_o we_o and_o manage_v it_o in_o we_o whereby_o the_o thing_n we_o desire_v may_v be_v effect_v and_o to_o wait_v quiet_o upon_o he_o in_o our_o present_a uncertain_a condition_n till_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o do_v it_o rather_o than_o patch_v up_o a_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o own_o and_o this_o way_n of_o trial_n be_v not_o any_o invention_n of_o i_o but_o it_o be_v plain_o represent_v in_o these_o scripture_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o john_n and_o christ_n refer_v the_o trial_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o birth_n and_o of_o the_o birth_n to_o the_o spirit_n as_o thou_o may_v more_o full_o see_v in_o the_o discourse_n itself_o to_o which_o i_o now_o leave_v thou_o to_o make_v what_o use_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n shall_v direct_v thou_o thou_o in_o what_o the_o lord_n please_v isaac_n pennington_n a_o touchstone_n or_o trial_n of_o faith_n john_n 1._o verse_n 12._o 13._o but_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o to_o they_o give_v he_o power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o his_o name_n which_o be_v bear_v not_o of_o blood_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n this_o sweet_a and_o soar_a evangelist_n have_v glance_v at_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o lord_n christ_n in_o his_o relation_n to_o god_n be_v his_o word_n his_o presence_n and_o oneness_n with_o god_n vers._n 1._o in_o his_o influence_n upon_o all_o thing_n he_o give_v they_o their_o be_v vers._n 3._o he_o give_v they_o their_o life_n too_o for_o it_o be_v first_o in_o he_o and_o his_o life_n contain_v all_o that_o light_n that_o man_n at_o any_o time_n receive_v either_o natural_a or_o spiritual_a either_o from_o and_o through_o the_o creature_n in_o at_o the_o window_n of_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o reason_n or_o more_o immediate_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n into_o his_o own_o spirit_n vers._n 4._o have_v thus_o give_v a_o general_a and_o pithy_a description_n of_o he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o main_a subject_n of_o his_o discourse_n he_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o speak_v of_o his_o forerunner_n and_o what_o of_o christ_n may_v be_v learn_v from_o he_o he_o describe_v this_o forerunner_n 1._o by_o his_o mission_n he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n he_o do_v not_o go_v of_o his_o own_o head_n but_o god_n bid_v he_o go_v 2._o by_o his_o name_n his_o name_n be_v john_n vers._n 6._o 3._o by_o the_o end_n of_o his_o come_n it_o be_v for_o to_o be_v a_o witness_n to_o testify_v somewhat_o from_o god_n unto_o the_o world_n 4._o concerning_o what_o he_o be_v to_o witness_v it_o be_v concerning_o that_o light_n he_o have_v speak_v of_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o shine_v in_o the_o darkness_n uncomprehend_a by_o the_o darkness_n that_o this_o be_v the_o light_n indeed_o 5._o to_o what_o end_n he_o be_v to_o witness_v this_o that_o all_o through_o he_o may_v believe_v that_o by_o his_o mean_n man_n may_v universal_o come_v to_o acknowledge_v this_o light_n and_o to_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o it_o to_o lead_v they_o unto_o life_n vers._n 7._o in_o verse_n 8._o he_o remove_v a_o mistake_n which_o may_v arise_v in_o man_n mind_n concerning_o this_o end_n he_o be_v not_o that_o light_n but_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o that_o light_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v do_v not_o mistake_v he_o be_v not_o this_o light_n himself_o he_o come_v not_o to_o that_o end_n to_o be_v the_o light_n but_o only_o to_o give_v in_o a_o testimony_n from_o god_n concerning_o the_o light_n to_o tell_v man_n which_o be_v it_o that_o man_n may_v not_o have_v
such_o guide_n as_o have_v have_v glorious_a pretence_n in_o view_n but_o corrupt_a end_n in_o their_o heart_n they_o become_v ten_o time_n worse_o at_o present_a and_o will_v be_v ten_o time_n more_o miserable_a at_o last_o then_o if_o they_o have_v never_o know_v such_o and_o such_o way_n of_o religion_n or_o have_v not_o be_v so_o zealous_a in_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a birth_n neither_o whence_o true_a faith_n do_v flow_v all_o the_o change_n that_o be_v make_v in_o we_o from_o any_o corrupt_a end_n or_o desire_v of_o our_o own_o or_o of_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o will_v be_v of_o little_a value_n to_o we_o 3._o nor_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n the_o will_n of_o man_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n note_v the_o pure_a and_o most_o ingenuous_a part_n and_o that_o either_o in_o a_o man_n self_n or_o any_o other_o it_o note_v that_o desire_v that_o be_v natural_o in_o man_n to_o find_v out_o god_n and_o his_o will_n and_o to_o worship_n and_o please_v he_o and_o so_o to_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n the_o soul_n can_v meet_v with_o in_o reference_n thereunto_o as_o seek_v into_o his_o word_n hear_v confer_v pray_v and_o observe_v what_o it_o find_v to_o be_v his_o will_n this_o indeed_o be_v noble_a ingenuous_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n in_o its_o kind_n and_o degree_n but_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o rise_v so_o high_a as_o this_o birth_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o all_o this_o prosecute_v by_o the_o soul_n yet_o will_v never_o bring_v it_o to_o god_n though_o god_n do_v ordinary_o if_o not_o always_o bring_v such_o person_n to_o himself_o who_o he_o thus_o serious_o and_o constant_o incline_v nor_o will_v this_o desire_n in_o other_o with_o all_o the_o mean_n they_o can_v use_v accomplish_v it_o though_o they_o themselves_o be_v new_o bear_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o beget_v another_o though_o the_o most_o precious_a saint_n that_o be_v shall_v never_o so_o earnest_o desire_v the_o beget_n of_o a_o soul_n to_o god_n out_o of_o the_o pure_a end_n that_o may_v be_v and_o shall_v use_v all_o spiritual_a mean_n towards_o it_o pray_v hard_o to_o god_n diligent_o spread_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n before_o the_o person_n and_o beg_v on_o he_o day_n after_o day_n with_o tear_n to_o pity_v his_o poor_a perish_a soul_n yet_o all_o this_o will_v not_o do_v abraham_n do_v as_o much_o for_o ishmael_n as_o can_v be_v do_v if_o the_o will_n of_o man_n will_v have_v do_v it_o he_o be_v careful_a to_o instruct_v his_o whole_a family_n but_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n very_o fain_o will_v he_o have_v have_v grace_n breathe_v into_o he_o oh_o that_o ishmael_n may_v live_v before_o thou_o how_o fain_o will_v isaac_n have_v have_v the_o blessing_n run_v to_o esau_n how_o much_o do_v christ_n do_v for_o the_o jew_n how_o large_a be_v his_o affection_n oh_o that_o thou_o have_v know_v at_o least_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o thy_o peace_n how_o vast_a his_o pain_n all_o the_o day_n long_o have_v i_o stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n to_o a_o foolish_a and_o gainsay_v people_n so_o paul_n for_o the_o jew_n rom._n 9_o 2_o 3._o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n though_o they_o do_v travel_v with_o man_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o beget_v or_o bring_v forth_o who_o they_o will_v and_o those_o person_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o this_o will_n of_o they_o yet_o that_o birth_n come_v to_o nothing_o they_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n afterwards_o both_o from_o christ_n while_o he_o be_v alive_a as_o this_o book_n abundant_o testify_v and_o from_o the_o church_n after_o his_o ascension_n so_o that_o here_o be_v the_o three_o great_a engine_n of_o religion_n which_o turn_v all_o the_o world_n upside_o down_o and_o make_v almost_o all_o the_o change_n in_o religion_n among_o man_n tradition_n corruption_n reason_n and_o ingenuity_n they_o be_v all_o here_o discard_v as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o convey_v the_o true_a birth_n whence_o true_a faith_n proceed_v then_o at_o last_o the_o evangelist_n have_v show_v whence_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v show_v also_o whence_o it_o do_v proceed_v both_o the_o birth_n and_o the_o faith_n but_o of_o god_n the_o birth_n come_v from_o god_n the_o faith_n from_o the_o birth_n or_o from_o the_o new_a bear_a child_n god_n by_o his_o spirit_n breathe_v a_o breath_n of_o life_n into_o he_o put_v a_o new_a principle_n within_o he_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o he_o come_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n god_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n change_v he_o and_o make_v he_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o then_o he_o come_v to_o put_v forth_o this_o new_a act_n of_o true_a and_o spiritual_a faith_n god_n sow_v a_o seed_n in_o he_o cause_v this_o seed_n to_o grow_v and_o at_o length_n bring_v it_o forth_o so_o that_o the_o child_n be_v bear_v and_o then_o faith_n natural_o after_o the_o law_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n sprout_n from_o it_o the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o live_a child_n be_v to_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n which_o before_o lie_v hide_v in_o he_o and_o this_o be_v do_v this_o birth_n be_v bring_v about_o not_o from_o a_o man_n own_o will_n whether_o corrupt_a or_o ingenuous_a nor_o from_o the_o will_n of_o any_o else_o but_o from_o god_n from_o his_o will_n of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o iam._n 1._o 18._o this_o and_o this_o alone_o be_v the_o true_a birth_n for_o a_o close_a to_o these_o two_o verse_n take_v notice_n of_o these_o four_o great_a truth_n wherein_o much_o of_o the_o gospel_n do_v lie_v three_o of_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o two_o verse_n the_o first_o of_o they_o in_o the_o foregoing_a part_n of_o the_o chapter_n 1._o that_o christ_n be_v the_o light_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o lighten_v man_n out_o of_o their_o darkness_n there_o be_v no_o get_v out_o of_o spiritual_a darkness_n but_o by_o christ_n the_o true_a and_o only_o spiritual_a light_n 2._o the_o person_n for_o who_o he_o do_v this_o must_v believe_v must_v receive_v he_o by_o faith_n for_o their_o light_n 3._o faith_n proceed_v from_o the_o new_a birth_n a_o man_n must_v be_v new_o bear_v that_o he_o may_v believe_v 4._o the_o great_a privilege_n christ_n bestow_v on_o those_o that_o believe_v which_o be_v this_o he_o give_v they_o authority_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n those_o that_o will_v be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v believe_v on_o his_o christ_n those_o that_o will_v believe_v on_o god_n christ_n must_v be_v bear_v of_o god_n those_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n can_v but_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o christ_n can_v but_o lighten_v they_o out_o of_o their_o darkness_n for_o that_o end_n he_o come_v john_n 3._o vers._n 1._o there_o be_v a_o man_n of_o the_o pharisee_n name_v nicodemus_n a_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n 2._o the_o same_o come_v to_o jesus_n by_o night_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o rabbi_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o thou_o art_n a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o 3._o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o very_o very_o i_o say_v thou_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 4._o nicodemus_n say_v unto_o he_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v when_o he_o be_v old_a can_v he_o enter_v the_o second_o time_n into_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o be_v bear_v 5._o jesus_n answer_v very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 6._o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n here_o be_v a_o excellent_a dispute_n between_o christ_n and_o nicodemus_n concerning_o true_a faith_n john_n have_v describe_v it_o before_o in_o the_o twelve_o and_o thirteen_o verse_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n where_o he_o have_v show_v that_o those_o that_o do_v indeed_o believe_v be_v bear_v of_o god_n this_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o they_o which_o do_v entitle_v they_o unto_o christ_n and_o whereupon_o they_o do_v receive_v the_o right_n of_o sonship_n in_o and_o from_o he_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o light_n set_v before_o they_o by_o man_n nor_o from_o any_o inclination_n of_o heart_n which_o man_n can_v work_v in_o they_o but_o from_o a_o new_a principle_n of_o life_n breathe_v into_o their_o soul_n by_o god_n here_o the_o case_n be_v more_o full_o argue_v between_o christ_n and_o nicodemuus_n nicodemus_n a_o pharisee_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o jew_n come_v to_o christ_n
our_o sinfulness_n from_o our_o filthiness_n by_o the_o same_o blood_n eph._n 1._o 17._o second_o we_o be_v make_v son_n and_o have_v a_o son-like_a inheritance_n we_o be_v make_v god_n portion_n and_o god_n be_v make_v our_o portion_n vers._n 5._o and_o 11._o three_o we_o have_v all_o we_o can_v desire_v in_o this_o life_n we_o have_v access_n to_o god_n for_o any_o thing_n chap._n 2._o 18._o and_o chap._n 3._o 12._o who_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v every_o thing_n for_o we_o we_o need_v free_o and_o to_o put_v we_o upon_o pray_v for_o every_o thing_n we_o need_v and_o also_o upon_o believe_v and_o wait_v that_o we_o may_v miss_v of_o no_o mercy_n his_o grace_n have_v design_v we_o god_n will_v take_v care_n of_o we_o as_o of_o his_o own_o household_n chap._n 2._o 19_o he_o will_v be_v as_o sure_a of_o our_o grow_n up_o as_o he_o be_v of_o the_o foundation_n he_o have_v lay_v to_o bottom_n we_o upon_o vers._n 20._o 21._o ii_o we_o further_o suck_v in_o and_o better_o relish_v the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o compare_v our_o present_a state_n with_o our_o former_a we_o be_v dead_a but_o be_v alive_a we_o be_v darkness_n but_o now_o be_v light_a we_o be_v curse_v with_o all_o spiritual_a curse_n in_o adam_n but_o now_o be_v bless_v with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n in_o christ_n we_o be_v without_o god_n without_o hope_n stranger_n to_o life_n and_o blessedness_n but_o now_o we_o be_v in_o god_n and_o full_a of_o hope_n and_o every_o way_n nigh_o unto_o he_o and_o every_o excellency_n in_o he_o chap._n 2._o 1._o 2_o 3._o and_o vers._n 6._o 12._o 13._o and_o chap._n 1._o 3._o 2._o to_o admire_v that_o god_n and_o that_o christ_n who_o have_v do_v this_o for_o we_o who_o have_v make_v such_o a_o sweet_a change_n in_o our_o condition_n 1_o admire_v that_o great_a love_n wherewith_o they_o love_v we_o which_o be_v work_v from_o all_o eternity_n to_o effect_v that_o for_o we_o which_o now_o they_o be_v carry_v on_o amain_o chap._n 2._o 4._o chap._n 3._o 19_o 2_o admire_v that_o abundant_a freegrace_n that_o have_v make_v no_o spare_a of_o any_o thing_n for_o we_o but_o have_v act_v full_o according_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o love_n chap._n 1._o 7._o chap._n 2._o 5._o and_o 7._o there_o be_v but_o two_o precious_a life_n the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o grace_n have_v give_v we_o they_o both_o to_o recover_v we_o from_o death_n the_o life_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v for_o we_o and_o to_o keep_v we_o in_o life_n the_o life_n of_o god_n be_v give_v to_o we_o 3_o admire_v that_o rich_a mercy_n wherein_o all_o our_o former_a sin_n and_o every_o day_n unkindness_n even_o against_o christ_n and_o his_o precious_a gospel_n and_o god_n our_o father_n and_o the_o sweet_a spirit_n be_v continual_o bury_v chap._n 2._o 4._o 4_o admire_v that_o various_a that_o manifold_a that_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o chap._n 3._o 10._o which_o lay_v all_o the_o plot_n of_o love_n and_o which_o work_v we_o up_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n and_o near_a and_o near_o to_o our_o happiness_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o pull_v back_n in_o ourselves_o in_o the_o world_n in_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n in_o the_o variety_n of_o our_o condition_n which_o all_o almost_o distemper_v we_o that_o though_o we_o be_v untoward_a under_o every_o thing_n and_o in_o danger_n by_o every_o thing_n yet_o we_o lose_v nothing_o 5_o admire_v the_o mighty_a power_n which_o have_v thus_o translate_v we_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n which_o daily_o preserve_v we_o from_o â—â—lling_v back_o again_o and_o be_v often_o mighty_o work_v in_o we_o to_o raise_v we_o up_o to_o further_a degree_n of_o perfection_n chap._n 1._o 19_o 20._o chap._n 3._o â—0_n 3._o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o this_o bless_a gospel_n state_n chap._n 4._o 1._o wherein_o god_n be_v our_o father_n and_o christ_n our_o head_n wherein_o we_o have_v so_o many_o precious_a privilege_n at_o present_a and_o hope_n for_o the_o future_a wherein_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o break_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o all_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n in_o ourselves_o too_o to_o live_v like_o man_n that_o live_v upon_o a_o new_a principle_n from_o god_n and_o in_o god_n and_o to_o god_n walk_v it_o note_v our_o whole_a course_n all_o the_o service_n we_o be_v now_o to_o perform_v to_o christ_n who_o we_o be_v and_o who_o alone_o we_o be_v now_o to_o serve_v in_o care_n over_o our_o own_o heart_n in_o all_o duty_n of_o worship_n in_o our_o calling_n in_o our_o converse_n in_o every_o thing_n this_o walk_a worthy_a principal_o appear_v in_o our_o manner_n of_o act_v towards_o man_n whereof_o there_o be_v three_o sort_n 1_o our_o fellow-christian_o 2_o the_o world_n and_o 3_o person_n that_o stand_v in_o outward_a relation_n to_o we_o first_o our_o fellow-christian_n and_o special_o those_o in_o church-communion_n with_o we_o for_o they_o be_v those_o god_n have_v more_o special_o set_v we_o to_o walk_v with_o they_o be_v those_o with_o who_o we_o be_v chief_o to_o worship_n and_o who_o we_o must_v especial_a love_n and_o of_o who_o we_o must_v especial_a take_v care_n and_o watch_v over_o now_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o act_n towards_o they_o must_v be_v 1._o with_o all_o humbleness_n and_o meekness_n with_o low_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o and_o in_o a_o meet_a manner_n chap._n 4._o 2._o 2._o with_o long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n vers._n 2._o we_o must_v not_o be_v apt_a to_o apprehend_v injury_n or_o seek_v recompense_n for_o injury_n but_o suffer_v long_o and_o forbear_v one_o another_o and_o not_o simple_o because_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v forbear_v we_o much_o and_o forgive_v we_o much_o that_o we_o shall_v so_o do_v but_o from_o the_o love_n we_o bear_v one_o to_o another_o from_o a_o tender_a brotherly_a affection_n and_o in_o a_o tender_a brotherly_a manner_n 3._o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o what_o shall_v be_v our_o great_a aim_n and_o endeavour_v in_o our_o act_n one_o towards_o another_o vers._n 3._o to_o keep_v up_o unity_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o keep_v it_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n we_o must_v not_o keep_v a_o sinful_a unity_n a_o carnal_a unity_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n no_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n must_v bind_v up_o no_o such_o unity_n in_o it_o but_o there_o must_v be_v war_n with_o and_o opposition_n against_o all_o such_o unity_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o unity_n the_o foundation_n whereof_o god_n have_v lay_v among_o we_o who_o have_v make_v we_o perfect_o one_o in_o spiritual_n be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o body_n have_v all_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o life_n run_v in_o we_o have_v all_o the_o same_o hope_n to_o attain_v the_o same_o end_n all_o the_o same_o lord_n to_o serve_v all_o the_o same_o way_n of_o union_n with_o he_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o own_v of_o he_o all_o the_o same_o god_n and_o father_n who_o beget_v we_o all_o vers._n 4._o 5_o 6._o to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v we_o have_v all_o also_o the_o same_o enemy_n and_o the_o same_o danger_n now_o god_n have_v lay_v such_o a_o foundation_n of_o unity_n in_o all_o our_o spirit_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o keep_v up_o unity_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v spiritual_a and_o not_o to_o rent_v one_o from_o another_o in_o that_o wherein_o god_n have_v make_v we_o one_o humbleness_n take_v away_o the_o root_n of_o contention_n which_o be_v the_o bane_n of_o all_o society_n quick_o eat_v out_o both_o the_o sweetness_n and_o benefit_n of_o they_o for_o that_o still_o flow_v from_o pride_n pride_n beget_v pride_n feed_v contention_n a_o man_n that_o have_v low_a thought_n of_o himself_o have_v little_a mind_n to_o contend_v it_o be_v height_n of_o spirit_n that_o blow_v up_o the_o fire_n of_o contention_n meekness_n take_v away_o the_o occasion_n of_o contention_n which_o arise_v much_o from_o a_o rough_a harsh_a manner_n of_o expression_n a_o meek_a spirit_n as_o it_o seldom_o take_v occasion_n of_o contention_n but_o quiet_o let_v it_o pass_v so_o it_o seldom_o give_v other_o occasion_n to_o contend_v with_o it_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o break_n forth_o of_o contention_n when_o occasion_n be_v give_v but_o beside_o all_o these_o there_o must_v be_v a_o endeavour_n a_o industry_n use_v to_o keep_v up_o true_a and_o spiritual_a unity_n 4._o the_o apostle_n direct_v we_o how_o to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o several_a gift_n profitable_o according_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v which_o be_v