say_v the_o haven_n be_v find_v then_o farewell_n all_o danger_n and_o haphazard_n holiness_n be_v although_o not_o in_o full_a possession_n of_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n yet_o past_o all_o peradventure_o of_o perish_v here_o on_o earth_n yet_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o such_o fearful_a tempest_n be_v raise_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o sathan_n the_o unrulinesse_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o entismente_n of_o the_o world_n that_o both_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o and_o also_o other_o behold_v they_o do_v not_o without_o cause_n fear_v shipwreck_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o good_a conscience_n and_o so_o the_o loss_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o which_o precious_a jewel_n they_o carry_v in_o these_o weak_a vessel_n for_o as_o sometime_o they_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o powerful_a work_n of_o his_o spirit_n even_o lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o the_o abundance_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o santification_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v so_o at_o other_o time_n they_o be_v by_o the_o frailty_n of_o the_o flesh_n plunge_v into_o grievous_a sin_n and_o so_o in_o a_o manner_n cast_v down_o into_o hell_n as_o man_n void_a of_o all_o goodness_n this_o come_v to_o pass_v first_o and_o chief_o by_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n withdraw_v the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n from_o the_o faithful_a man_n and_o so_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o sathan_n and_o his_o own_o flesh_n suffer_v he_o to_o fall_v not_o to_o his_o destruction_n but_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o holiness_n for_o even_o as_o a_o man_n by_o his_o intemperance_n or_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o misgovern_v his_o body_n fall_v into_o some_o dangerous_a sickness_n have_v after_o his_o recovery_n more_o perfect_a health_n &_o great_a strength_n than_o he_o have_v before_o his_o sickness_n because_o he_o be_v now_o school_v &_o teach_v by_o woeful_a experience_n to_o know_v his_o own_o strength_n which_o he_o see_v now_o to_o be_v but_o weakness_n whereof_o he_o do_v presume_v so_o much_o be_v fore_o and_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o force_n either_o to_o preserve_v or_o to_o impair_v his_o health_n and_o so_o to_o be_v careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o use_v the_o one_o &_o wary_a in_o avoid_v the_o other_o so_o fare_v it_o with_o a_o christian_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o spiritual_a health_n of_o his_o soul_n for_o he_o be_v now_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n raise_v up_o from_o some_o grievous_a fall_n receive_v a_o great_a increase_n of_o holiness_n and_o of_o spiritual_a grace_n he_o see_v his_o own_o weakness_n how_o unable_a he_o be_v of_o himself_o to_o resist_v temptation_n or_o the_o corrupt_a motion_n of_o his_o own_o flesh_n and_o so_o he_o be_v humble_v both_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o brethren_n which_o be_v a_o grace_n much_o esteem_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n further_n he_o become_v more_o careful_a in_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n and_o provocation_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o use_v all_o holy_a exercise_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o pray_v and_o all_o other_o mean_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v strengthen_v and_o increase_v in_o holiness_n hence_o be_v be_v that_o this_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n common_a to_o all_o the_o faithful_a although_o not_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n for_o so_o it_o please_v god_n to_o leave_v they_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o sathan_n that_o so_o he_o may_v both_o see_v what_o be_v in_o they_o 31._o as_o he_o do_v to_o ezechias_n 2._o chro._n 32._o 31._o and_o also_o show_v to_o they_o their_o great_a weakness_n the_o mean_n of_o this_o decrease_n be_v the_o crafty_a maliciousness_n of_o that_o old_a serpent_n who_o go_v about_o continual_o seek_v which_o of_o the_o faithful_a he_o may_v most_o hurt_v use_v all_o that_o liberty_n which_o god_n grant_v unto_o he_o &_o employ_v his_o whole_a time_n about_o no_o other_o business_n but_o in_o put_v evil_a motion_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o man_n and_o in_o cast_v bait_n before_o their_o eye_n and_o other_o sense_n wherewith_o to_o catch_v they_o second_o this_o decrease_n come_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n which_o remain_v in_o the_o faithful_a as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o which_o do_v continual_o send_v forth_o some_o sin_n or_o other_o even_o as_o the_o root_n of_o a_o tree_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o ground_n will_v sprout_v forth_o although_o the_o body_n of_o the_o tree_n be_v cut_v down_o hither_o we_o be_v to_o refer_v the_o manifold_a occasion_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n which_o do_v offer_v themselves_o in_o the_o course_n of_o manslife_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o there_o happen_v to_o a_o christian_a manifold_a change_n and_o decrease_v of_o godliness_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v wound_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o malicious_a enemy_n that_o he_o be_v scorch_v who_o be_v force_v to_o carry_v fire_n in_o his_o bosom_n or_o last_o that_o he_o be_v defile_v who_o be_v always_o among_o vessel_n full_a of_o pitch_n but_o to_o declare_v this_o doctrine_n more_o particular_o as_o the_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o do_v require_v in_o that_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o decrease_n of_o renew_a holiness_n we_o suppose_v a_o certain_a state_n and_o ripeness_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o christian_n and_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o most_o of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v true_o regenerate_v which_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n proceed_v from_o a_o sanctify_a soul_n be_v endue_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n with_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o those_o part_n of_o holiness_n which_o have_v be_v describe_v in_o the_o third_o section_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n this_o state_n may_v be_v call_v the_o ripe_a age_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o as_o he_o do_v from_o his_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n whereof_o hereafter_o grow_v up_o till_o he_o come_v to_o a_o ripe_a man_n in_o christ_n so_o when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o this_o state_n he_o do_v not_o there_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o settle_a estate_n in_o this_o life_n either_o of_o holiness_n or_o of_o sin_n but_o sometime_o grow_v on_o to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o perfection_n whereof_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n or_o else_o he_o decrease_v in_o holiness_n and_o so_o grow_v backward_o even_o as_o we_o see_v it_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o body_n of_o man_n which_o be_v come_v to_o their_o ripnes_n do_v daily_o decrease_v in_o strength_n and_o vigour_n till_o at_o the_o length_n they_o become_v as_o weak_a &_o impotent_a as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o first_o infancy_n this_o decrease_n be_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o diverse_a kind_n of_o it_o which_o be_v two_o particular_a and_o general_n particular_a decrease_n be_v when_o as_o some_o one_o part_n of_o holiness_n be_v lose_v the_o other_o remain_v for_o although_o no_o one_o part_n of_o holiness_n can_v be_v want_v but_o the_o whole_a soul_n of_o man_n be_v the_o worse_a in_o that_o respect_n as_o we_o know_v that_o if_o any_o one_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v bruise_v or_o maim_v all_o the_o rest_n do_v suffer_v with_o it_o yet_o one_o part_n either_o of_o body_n or_o soul_n may_v be_v out_o of_o order_n the_o whole_a be_v in_o the_o natural_a disposition_n this_o particular_a decrease_n have_v many_o degree_n the_o first_o be_v when_o as_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o man_n regenerate_v do_v fail_v in_o some_o outward_a action_n by_o give_v place_n unto_o some_o evident_a and_o palpable_a sin_n for_o as_o for_o light_n &_o small_a offence_n commit_v in_o thought_n inword_n and_o in_o some_o kind_n of_o deed_n these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v any_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n because_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o will_v always_o be_v find_v even_o in_o they_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o sanctification_n but_o great_a sin_n such_o as_o be_v murder_n adultery_n theft_n perjury_n or_o any_o other_o of_o that_o sort_n be_v seldom_o find_v in_o man_n true_o regenerate_v and_o be_v find_v they_o do_v impair_v the_o outward_a holiness_n of_o their_o life_n for_o no_o man_n do_v account_v that_o life_n so_o holy_a wherein_o gross_a sin_n be_v sometime_o find_v as_o that_o which_o be_v without_o spot_n of_o grievous_a sin_n this_o decrease_n do_v often_o happen_v to_o the_o faithful_a as_o we_o know_v peter_n sin_v by_o deny_v christ_n david_n by_o commit_v adultery_n and_o murder_n noah_n in_o drunkenness_n lot_n in_o incestand_v many_o other_o in_o other_o kind_n of_o
sin_n be_v thereto_o carry_v by_o the_o force_n of_o temptation_n as_o in_o a_o great_a tempest_n by_o a_o mighty_a gale_n of_o wind_n before_o they_o can_v be_v think_v themselves_o what_o they_o be_v about_o to_o do_v or_o what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o it_o whereof_o it_o come_v that_o this_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n stay_v itself_o in_o one_o or_o a_o few_o action_n do_v not_o necessary_o argue_v any_o inward_a want_n of_o the_o contrary_a grace_n or_o any_o inward_a decrease_n of_o holiness_n either_o go_v before_o or_o follow_v after_o because_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v into_o it_o as_o of_o a_o sudden_a before_o he_o be_v aware_a and_o immediate_o recover_v his_o former_a station_n by_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_n either_o david_n void_a of_o continency_n for_o that_o adultery_n commit_v with_o berseba_n or_o peter_n to_o have_v want_v faith_n because_o he_o do_v at_o one_o time_n renounce_v the_o faith_n or_o noah_n to_o have_v be_v a_o intemperate_a person_n because_o he_o be_v once_o drink_v no_o more_o than_o we_o be_v to_o think_v he_o a_o weak_a man_n who_o stumble_v by_o chance_n at_o a_o block_n lie_v in_o his_o way_n and_o yet_o do_v straight_o way_n save_o himself_o from_o fall_v yea_o sudden_a sin_n may_v be_v with_o great_a grace_n than_o they_o have_v who_o be_v free_a from_o the_o aforesaid_a sin_n of_o noah_n lot_n david_n peter_n be_v far_o inferior_a in_o holiness_n to_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o seruamt_n of_o god_n to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a and_o free_a as_o from_o the_o least_o and_o most_o secret_a sin_n so_o especial_o from_o open_a &_o gross_a sin_n and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o by_o they_o they_o dishonour_v god_n his_o religion_n worship_n and_o name_n open_v the_o mouth_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n to_o blaspheme_v his_o holy_a name_n the_o which_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o grievous_a and_o bitter_a unto_o they_o then_o a_o thousand_o death_n and_o torment_n second_o they_o provoke_v god_n to_o lay_v some_o fearful_a punishment_n upon_o they_o who_o howsoever_o he_o suffer_v the_o reprobate_a one_o to_o go_v on_o all_o their_o life_n time_n in_o sin_n yet_o he_o never_o suffer_v any_o notorious_a sin_n of_o his_o servant_n to_o go_v unpunished_a three_o they_o wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o god_n heavy_a iudgmente_n holiness_n they_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n against_o who_o will_n they_o commite_v that_o sin_n they_o offend_v their_o brethren_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v if_o not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o that_o special_a grace_n wherewith_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v restrain_v from_o sin_n yet_o but_o weak_a christian_n in_o that_o respect_n as_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o judge_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o peter_n the_o continency_n of_o david_n the_o temperance_n of_o noah_n be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o fall_n but_o weak_a howsoever_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o other_o grace_n last_o one_o heinous_a sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v because_o usual_o it_o draw_v more_o after_o it_o for_o when_o as_o a_o man_n have_v once_o take_v a_o taste_n of_o sin_n and_o feel_v the_o sensual_a sweetness_n of_o it_o he_o be_v far_o more_o easy_o draw_v to_o it_o than_o he_o be_v before_o and_o so_o he_o go_v from_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o the_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n to_o the_o second_o namely_o to_o a_o habit_n of_o some_o one_o sin_n or_o the_o want_n of_o some_o particular_a grace_n the_o which_o appear_v by_o the_o often_o commit_v and_o iterate_v of_o the_o same_o sin_n yea_o after_o that_o the_o faithful_a man_n have_v often_o by_o repentance_n labour_v to_o purge_v himself_o from_o that_o sin_n and_o by_o prayer_n to_o obtain_v the_o contrary_a grace_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n this_o decrease_n also_o have_v sometime_o place_n in_o a_o man_n true_o regenerate_v especial_o in_o that_o kind_n of_o sin_n whereunto_o he_o be_v either_o by_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o his_o body_n and_o mind_n or_o a_o evil_a custom_n get_v before_o his_o conversion_n natural_o incline_v whether_o it_o be_v pride_n anger_n covetousness_n or_o any_o other_o sin_n but_o as_o it_o be_v far_o more_o grievous_a than_o the_o first_o degree_n so_o it_o be_v with_o great_a care_n to_o be_v avoid_v for_o it_o double_v and_o triple_v the_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n the_o offence_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o reproach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o corrosive_a of_o a_o gnaw_a conscience_n and_o last_o it_o make_v a_o ready_a way_n for_o high_a degree_n of_o decrease_n to_o wit_n the_o habit_n of_o diverse_a sin_n the_o want_n of_o many_o particular_a grace_n and_o so_o to_o the_o high_a and_o most_o fearful_a degree_n which_o be_v a_o general_a decrease_n of_o holiness_n which_o be_v now_o brief_o to_o be_v declare_v where_o first_o we_o be_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o general_a and_o a_o total_a decrease_n a_o general_a decrease_n be_v when_o all_o the_o part_n of_o renew_a holiness_n and_o of_o spiritual_a grace_n receive_v be_v diminish_v but_o a_o total_a decrease_n be_v a_o utter_a decay_n of_o holiness_n as_o whereby_o nothing_o be_v leave_v this_o can_v not_o happen_v to_o any_o one_o who_o be_v true_o regenerate_v who_o in_o the_o great_a extremity_n and_o depth_n of_o his_o fall_n retain_v some_o relic_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o of_o grace_n receive_v yea_o somelife_o of_o faith_n whereby_o he_o live_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n howsoever_o he_o be_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n and_o even_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n a_o dead_a rot_a stock_n even_o as_o we_o know_v that_o the_o tree_n have_v heat_n and_o life_n in_o their_o root_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o cold_a and_o sharp_a winter_n yea_o as_o many_o beast_n lie_v all_o the_o winter_n long_o in_o hole_n of_o the_o earth_n without_o eat_v drink_v stir_v or_o have_v any_o jot_n of_o heat_n sense_n or_o life_n in_o any_o of_o their_o outward_a part_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o remnant_n of_o life_n and_o of_o heat_n lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v in_o summer_n stir_v uppe_o do_v revine_a the_o beast_n so_o that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o go_v or_o run_v up_o and_o down_o and_o to_o perform_v all_o natural_a action_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o do_v before_o this_o christ_n do_v plain_o teach_v joh._n 4._o 14._o 14._o saying_n whosoever_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o that_o be_v whosoever_o believe_v in_o i_o as_o it_o be_v expound_v john_n 7._o 38_o shall_v never_o be_v more_o a_o thirst_n 38._o but_o the_o water_n that_o i_o will_v give_v he_o shall_v be_v in_o he_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n 9_o and_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o total_o for_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o fall_v clean_o away_o from_o god_n because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n yet_o a_o man_n regenerate_v may_v decrease_v not_o only_o in_o one_o in_o a_o few_o or_o in_o many_o grace_n but_o also_o general_o in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n this_o decrease_n of_o renew_a holiness_n be_v of_o two_o kind_n for_o as_o of_o bodily_a disease_n some_o begin_v at_o the_o hart_n which_o be_v the_o root_n and_o fountain_n of_o life_n in_o the_o body_n and_o so_o spread_v themselves_o over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n other_o have_v their_o beginning_n in_o some_o outward_a and_o inferior_a part_n and_o pierce_v in_o till_o that_o they_o come_v to_o the_o heart_n so_o of_o these_o general_n decrease_v of_o holiness_n which_o be_v as_o grievous_a disease_n of_o the_o soul_n some_o begin_v at_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o root_n and_o fountain_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o so_o have_v stop_v the_o fountain_n do_v easy_o dry_v up_o the_o stream_n issue_v from_o it_o other_o begin_v at_o the_o mean_a and_o base_a part_n of_o sanctification_n and_o so_o first_o kill_v the_o fruit_n than_o the_o branch_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o tree_n till_o at_o length_n they_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o root_n itself_o both_o these_o way_n do_v sathan_n use_v to_o destroy_v this_o wonderful_a work_n of_o regeneration_n wrought_v in_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o first_o way_n be_v the_o near_a and_o ready_a for_o if_o faith_n once_o fail_v all_o holiness_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n whereas_o faith_n may_v stand_v in_o some_o sort_n although_o most_o of_o the_o
other_o part_n of_o santification_n be_v want_v as_o the_o body_n may_v live_v although_o it_o lack_v the_o arm_n leg_n and_o other_o part_n but_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v once_o wound_v death_n be_v then_o hard_a at_o hand_n and_o therefore_o satan_n do_v most_o of_o all_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n labour_v to_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o faithful_a man_n desire_v to_o strike_v through_o the_o hart_n at_o the_o first_o stroke_n that_o so_o as_o abisai_n say_v 1._o sam._n 26._o 8._o 8._o he_o may_v save_v the_o labour_n of_o strike_v twice_o this_o christ_n tell_v peter_n that_o sathan_n have_v desire_v to_o tempt_v he_o 2._o but_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n whereat_o sathan_n will_v direct_o strike_v shall_v not_o fail_v the_o weapon_n wherewith_o he_o use_v to_o strike_v at_o faith_n be_v many_o and_o diverse_a as_o namely_o these_o first_o the_o cross_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o present_a life_n which_o god_n lay_v on_o his_o child_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 7._o 7._o but_o they_o feel_v they_o bitter_a and_o after_o a_o sort_n intolerable_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n labour_n by_o earnest_n and_o continual_a prayer_n as_o also_o by_o all_o other_o mean_v to_o be_v free_v from_o they_o the_o which_o thing_n when_o as_o they_o can_v bring_v to_o pass_v be_v suffer_v to_o languish_v yea_o often_o to_o perish_v outward_o in_o their_o trouble_n they_o straight_o way_n be_v move_v by_o sathan_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forsake_v they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o help_n or_o good_a thing_n to_o be_v look_v for_o at_o his_o hand_n this_o policy_n sathan_n himself_o do_v bewray_v and_o confess_v job._n 1._o 11_o do_v job_n fear_n god_n for_o nought_o thou_o have_v bless_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n but_o lay_v thy_o hand_n upon_o he_o in_o outward_a cross_n and_o thou_o shall_v see_v that_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o off_o from_o trust_v in_o thou_o 11._o that_o he_o will_v curse_v thou_o to_o thy_o face_n the_o temptation_n be_v then_o most_o forceable_a when_o as_o the_o faithful_a in_o their_o great_a misery_n be_v exasperate_v and_o as_o it_o be_v have_v their_o tooth_n set_v on_o edge_n by_o the_o great_a prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a insomuch_o that_o they_o often_o repent_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v not_o choose_v that_o course_n &_o manner_n of_o life_n whereby_o they_o see_v they_o to_o flourish_v but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v withstand_v by_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v chastise_v his_o child_n and_o purge_v they_o in_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n that_o so_o he_o may_v make_v glorious_a and_o heavenly_a vessel_n of_o they_o whereas_o the_o wicked_a be_v as_o sheep_n feed_v fat_a against_o the_o day_n of_o slaughter_n that_o they_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n make_v conformable_a to_o christ_n their_o head_n that_o the_o great_a affliction_n of_o this_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v &_o that_o â—s_v it_o be_v luke_n 16._o 25._o 25._o as_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o life_n have_v pleasure_n and_o the_o godly_a pain_n so_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o godly_a shall_v be_v comfort_v and_o the_o other_o torment_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o we_o read_v eccles._n 8._o 12._o 17._o though_o the_o wicked_a man_n do_v evil_a a_o hundred_o time_n and_o yet_o prolong_v his_o day_n yet_o i_o know_v that_o in_o the_o end_n it_o will_v be_v well_o with_o they_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o with_o no_o other_o again_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v often_o tempt_v by_o consideration_n have_v of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o dead_a body_n for_o so_o by_o measure_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o their_o own_o shallow_a reason_n they_o stagger_v at_o it_o and_o sometime_o fall_v flat_o down_o 2._o tim._n 2._o 18._o 18._o hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n teach_v that_o the_o resurrection_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v already_o past_a and_o so_o they_o do_v subvert_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o but_o for_o this_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n the_o third_o temptation_n be_v the_o obscure_a secret_a and_o hide_a manner_n of_o god_n work_v in_o these_o last_o age_n wherein_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o full_o in_o his_o son_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n do_v hide_v himself_o from_o the_o eye_n even_o of_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o in_o vision_n revelation_n dream_n the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n in_o temporal_a punishment_n and_o blessing_n oâ—_n in_o any_o other_o sensible_a manner_n but_o suffer_v all_o thing_n to_o go_v on_o and_o work_v after_o their_o own_o inclination_n as_o namely_o tyrant_n to_o rage_n and_o oppress_v his_o church_n to_o persecute_v his_o people_n to_o erect_v idolatry_n to_o deface_v his_o worship_n to_o blaspheme_v his_o name_n so_o as_o if_o he_o have_v clean_o cast_v off_o the_o care_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o in_o this_o world_n but_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o trouble_v we_o for_o sensible_a apparition_n blessing_n and_o action_n be_v for_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n which_o now_o be_v come_v to_o her_o ripe_a age_n and_o yet_o the_o action_n of_o god_n be_v no_o less_o wonderful_a than_o before_o yea_o they_o be_v as_o manifest_v to_o spiritual_a eye_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v to_o the_o carnal_a eye_n of_o man_n the_o last_o weapon_n wherewith_o satan_n strike_v at_o faith_n be_v minister_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o to_o wit_n their_o manifold_a and_o grievous_a sin_n especial_o those_o whereinto_o they_o fall_v again_o and_o again_o have_v often_o repent_v they_o &_o whereof_o they_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n get_v the_o upper_a hand_n here_o satan_n think_v that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o advantage_n against_o the_o faithful_a as_o he_o himself_o desire_v for_o in_o the_o other_o temptation_n he_o do_v fight_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o which_o now_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v on_o his_o side_n for_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n do_v everywhere_a teach_v that_o all_o who_o be_v justify_v be_v sanctify_v from_o a_o sinful_a life_n and_o have_v power_n give_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o resist_v and_o mortify_v sin_n especial_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n hereof_o he_o infer_v after_o this_o manner_n thou_o have_v no_o such_o power_n or_o grace_n to_o resist_v sin_n thou_o can_v not_o for_o thy_o life_n abstain_v from_o commit_v it_o but_o do_v add_v one_o fall_v to_o another_o one_o sin_n to_o another_o even_o against_o thy_o own_o conscience_n &_o therefore_o thy_o faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o either_o mere_a hypocrisy_n and_o unbelief_n or_o at_o the_o most_o it_o be_v but_o some_o light_a shadow_n of_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o reprobate_n this_o argument_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v answer_v and_o therefore_o it_o drive_v many_o faithful_a man_n to_o their_o wit_n end_n and_o even_o to_o despair_v of_o themselves_o and_o of_o the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o most_o fearful_a thing_n kill_v all_o holiness_n even_o at_o the_o root_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v avoid_v by_o all_o mean_n especial_o by_o learning_n if_o we_o be_v as_o yet_o ignorant_a how_o to_o answer_v this_o argument_n thus_o cunning_o compact_v by_o satan_n the_o best_a answer_n that_o can_v be_v make_v be_v that_o he_o who_o be_v thus_o tempt_v labour_n by_o fast_v prayer_n continual_a read_n meditate_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o diligent_a weigh_v the_o nature_n and_o manifold_a evil_n ensue_v of_o it_o to_o purge_v himself_o of_o the_o sin_n wherewith_o satan_n do_v so_o buffet_v he_o and_o so_o to_o wring_v his_o weapon_n by_o force_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n but_o if_o this_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v as_o often_o the_o faithful_a can_v get_v the_o mastery_n over_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o corrupt_a desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n than_o we_o must_v answer_v that_o a_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n may_v be_v at_o some_o time_n without_o some_o fruit_n as_o the_o tree_n be_v in_o the_o winter_n season_n as_o appear_v manifest_o by_o the_o example_n of_o diverse_a faithful_a man_n as_o namely_o in_o david_n that_o notable_a man_n who_o do_v not_o only_o commit_v adultery_n which_o be_v a_o most_o grievous_a sin_n the_o harm_n whereof_o can_v by_v any_o mean_n be_v amend_v yea_o and_o add_v murder_n to_o it_o a_o more_o horrible_a sin_n but_o also_o as_o may_v be_v probable_o gather_v seem_v to_o have_v continue_v
separation_n have_v tow_n part_n rebellion_n &_o deformity_n in_o the_o which_o tow_n thing_n the_o whole_a sinfulness_n of_o man_n consist_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o defection_n from_o all_o subjection_n due_a to_o god_n and_o from_o that_o image_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v create_v sect._n 3_o of_o the_o renew_a holiness_n of_o man_n as_o god_n have_v in_o great_a mercy_n decree_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o utter_o perish_v by_o adam_n fall_n but_o rather_o by_o his_o mercy_n recover_v that_o happiness_n which_o he_o both_o have_v and_o lose_v so_o he_o have_v in_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n appoint_v the_o same_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o to_o wit_n the_o perfect_a holiness_n of_o man_n without_o the_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o creature_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o therefore_o as_o god_n do_v in_o the_o beginning_n create_v in_o man_n perfect_a holiness_n as_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v happiness_n so_o he_o do_v for_o the_o same_o end_n recreate_v holiness_n in_o he_o this_o action_n of_o god_n be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n regeneration_n and_o the_o holiness_n itself_o the_o new_a man_n or_o the_o new_a creature_n because_o the_o former_a holiness_n be_v so_o clean_o decay_v and_o abolish_v no_o one_o part_n of_o it_o remain_v that_o the_o restore_n of_o it_o again_o do_v make_v man_n to_o be_v a_o new_a yea_o almost_o another_o creature_n work_v in_o he_o a_o total_a change_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o give_v he_o a_o new_a mind_n a_o new_a will_n new_a affection_n and_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n not_o that_o this_o change_n be_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o body_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o will_n of_o a_o man_n for_o that_o be_v the_o same_o both_o in_o a_o carnal_a and_o in_o a_o regenerate_a man_n man_n but_o only_o in_o quality_n and_o condition_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v true_o call_v a_o second_o creation_n because_o there_o be_v no_o root_n leave_v in_o man_n from_o the_o which_o holiness_n may_v be_v produce_v no_o in_o clination_n to_o good_a whereby_o it_o may_v be_v further_v no_o faculty_n remain_v in_o he_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v effect_v for_o howsoever_o some_o do_v erroneous_o think_v and_o teach_v that_o some_o part_n of_o regeneration_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n as_o if_o man_n do_v of_o themselves_o see_v choose_v embrace_z &_o love_v the_o truth_n yet_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o to_o think_v far_o otherwise_o to_o wit_n that_o man_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o this_o work_n but_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o even_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a generation_n of_o any_o live_a creature_n there_o must_v two_o thing_n concur_v first_o the_o agent_n or_o worker_n the_o which_o the_o philosopher_n call_v principium_fw-la actiwm_fw-la and_o it_o may_v be_v resemble_v to_o the_o workman_n in_o artificial_a thing_n the_o which_o give_v the_o form_n and_o be_v to_o the_o creature_n second_o the_o matter_n whereof_o the_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o frame_v call_v principium_fw-la passiwm_fw-la the_o which_o can_v be_v say_v to_o work_v but_o only_o to_o suffer_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o other_o so_o it_o be_v in_o regeneration_n first_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o workman_n in_o it_o he_o be_v the_o begetter_n of_o this_o newman_n the_o fashioner_n of_o this_o new_a creature_n second_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o man_n be_v the_o matter_n whereof_o this_o new_a creature_n be_v make_v not_o work_v together_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o only_o suffer_v the_o work_n of_o it_o for_o regeneration_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o sanctify_a or_o renew_v mind_n and_o will_n the_o begetter_n of_o this_o new_a man_n be_v god_n himself_o even_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n change_v our_o mind_n and_o heartt_n and_o frame_v in_o they_o all_o holiness_n 6._o joh._n 3._o 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 and_o that_o although_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o pet._n 1._o 23._o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a even_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o abide_v for_o ever_o yet_o by_o a_o strange_a and_o supernatural_a work_n 23._o which_o no_o wit_n eloquence_n devise_n strength_n or_o power_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n but_o only_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v to_o pass_v math._n 19_o 26._o 26._o with_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o not_o with_o god_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o creature_n to_o change_v in_o one_o moment_n the_o mind_n will_n affection_n and_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o a_o man_n espceial_o to_o that_o state_n which_o be_v repugnant_a and_o clean_o contrary_a to_o his_o natural_a disposion_n as_o regeneration_n be_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o this_o spiritual_a work_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o carnal_a generation_n wherein_o one_o thing_n beget_v another_o like_a to_o itself_o by_o a_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n which_o god_n have_v put_v into_o each_o live_a creature_n without_o any_o extraordinary_a work_n or_o blessing_n from_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v able_a be_v in_o the_o natural_a disposition_n whensoever_o it_o list_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o effect_n without_o fail_v but_o no_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n although_o endue_v with_o most_o excellent_a gift_n can_v beget_v this_o new_a man_n by_o the_o sole_a virtue_n of_o his_o mimisterie_n for_o then_o regeneration_n will_v be_v a_o common_a and_o a_o ordinary_a thing_n as_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v far_o otherwise_o and_o that_o usual_o of_o a_o hundred_o hearer_n there_o be_v scarce_o one_o true_o convert_v so_o that_o in_o the_o beget_n of_o this_o new_a man_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v but_o the_o instrument_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v without_o the_o which_o it_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o form_v this_o new_a creature_n than_o the_o tool_n belong_v to_o any_o work_n be_v able_a to_o bring_v the_o same_o to_o pass_v without_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o artificer_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o first_o creation_n so_o also_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n holiness_n ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o hand_n and_o work_v of_o god_n yea_o in_o truth_n a_o immediate_a supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a work_n we_o say_v immeditate_v not_o that_o he_o use_v no_o mean_n in_o regenerate_v the_o faithful_a but_o for_o that_o the_o force_n virtue_n and_o ability_n of_o work_v be_v not_o any_o jot_n in_o the_o mean_n but_o whole_o and_o only_o in_o god._n again_o it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a work_n for_o even_o as_o sin_n yea_o the_o retain_v exercise_v and_o increase_v of_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n so_o the_o resist_a renounce_v and_o forsake_v of_o it_o and_o especial_o the_o seek_n attain_v keep_v exercise_v and_o increase_n of_o the_o contrary_a holiness_n be_v no_o less_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n than_o it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o fly_v up_o to_o heaven_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o regeneration_n be_v a_o miraculous_a work_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a disposition_n and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n as_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v not_o find_v out_o and_o comprehend_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o that_o drive_v man_n to_o admiration_n and_o astonishment_n and_o so_o become_v a_o miracle_n unto_o they_o if_o it_o be_v here_o object_v that_o regeneration_n be_v a_o ordinary_a matter_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v daily_o and_o usual_o in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v do_v in_o all_o age_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o miracle_n we_o answer_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o wonder_v at_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o carnal_a man_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o matter_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o nicodemus_n 4_o john_n 3._o 4._o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v which_o be_v old_a can_v he_o enter_v into_o his_o mother_n womb_n again_o and_o be_v bear_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o wonder_v but_o rather_o laugh_v at_o it_o and_o they_o who_o by_o experience_n know_v it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o affect_v with_o the_o serious_a cogitation_n of_o it_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v yet_o this_o do_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o for_o if_o god_n shall_v often_o raise_v uppe_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a man_n will_v at_o length_n cease_v from_o wonder_v at_o it_o but_o
of_o god_n for_o if_o man_n be_v account_v righteous_a for_o his_o holiness_n or_o love_n he_o may_v impute_v his_o salvation_n to_o his_o own_o desert_n for_o perfect_a love_n deserve_v love_n and_o holiness_n will_v challenge_v life_n as_o of_o due_a debt_n but_o affiance_n impli_v a_o humble_a loyal_a and_o dutiful_a subjection_n acknowledge_v the_o unworthines_n baseness_n insufficiency_n and_o weakness_n of_o man_n and_o together_o the_o mercy_n goodness_n love_n favour_n bounty_n truth_n and_o power_n of_o god_n this_o reason_n be_v use_v for_o this_o purpose_n 27._o ro._n 3._o 27._o what_o law_n or_o mean_n of_o salvation_n do_v take_v away_o all_o boast_n from_o man_n and_o so_o give_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o god_n not_o the_o law_n of_o work_n or_o inherent_a holiness_n but_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n yea_o of_o all_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o man_n faith_n only_o have_v in_o it_o this_o natural_a property_n to_o make_v a_o man_n partaker_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o righteousness_n and_o so_o of_o salvation_n for_o even_o as_o a_o tenant_n enjoy_v his_o house_n and_o land_n not_o for_o that_o he_o love_v or_o fear_v his_o lord_n or_o for_o any_o virtue_n wherewith_o he_o be_v endue_v but_o only_o because_o he_o do_v depend_v on_o his_o lord_n and_o so_o do_v purchase_v unto_o he_o worship_n and_o honour_n by_o rely_v himself_o whole_o upon_o his_o love_n favour_n liberality_n constancy_n ability_n &_o riches_n so_o stand_v the_o case_n with_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o salvation_n for_o no_o grace_n save_v only_o this_o affiance_n on_o god_n and_o on_o his_o mercy_n in_o christ_n can_v convey_v unto_o we_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v common_o say_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o faith_n do_v justify_v not_o as_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n whereof_o no_o one_o part_n no_o not_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o if_o any_o one_o be_v want_v will_v serve_v to_o make_v a_o man_n righteous_a before_o god_n but_o as_o it_o have_v in_o it_o this_o proper_a virtue_n to_o make_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o death_n of_o the_o believer_n &_o so_o the_o righteousness_n arise_v of_o the_o say_a death_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o belever_n 7._o for_o he_o that_o have_v suffer_v death_n be_v iustisied_a from_o sin_n thus_o much_o of_o the_o object_n nature_n &_o attribute_n of_o evangelical_a faith_n it_o remain_v that_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n we_o shall_v declare_v the_o relation_n which_o be_v betwixt_o faith_n &_o they_o it_o have_v be_v say_v of_o faith_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o root_n from_o the_o which_o other_o grace_n do_v spring_n in_o that_o it_o ti_v we_o to_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n as_o to_o the_o only_a giver_n of_o all_o happiness_n the_o which_o thing_n be_v true_a of_o this_o evangelical_a faith_n after_o a_o special_a manner_n for_o in_o that_o it_o join_v we_o to_o christ_n it_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o rather_o cause_v a_o increase_n of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n for_o regeneration_n be_v although_o not_o in_o time_n yet_o in_o nature_n before_o faith_n therefore_o this_o faith_n be_v make_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o the_o new_a man_n 20._o even_o as_o the_o hart_n be_v in_o the_o body_n the_o fountain_n of_o heat_n gal._n 2._o 20._o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o &_o in_o that_o i_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o have_v love_v i_o and_o give_v his_o life_n for_o i_o and_o act._n 15._o 9_o peter_n say_v that_o god_n do_v purify_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o gentiles_n 9_o that_o be_v as_o it_o be_v expound_v verse_n 8._o work_v sanctification_n in_o they_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o house_n where_o upon_o the_o whole_a building_n stand_v and_o to_o the_o root_n of_o a_o tree_n which_o give_v heat_n sap_n and_o life_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o 2d_o coll._n 1._o 23._o if_o you_o continue_v found_v and_o establish_v in_o faith_n and_o to_o a_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n 38._o joh._n 7._o 38._o he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o out_o of_o his_o belly_n shall_v flow_v river_n of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v put_v before_o all_o other_o grace_n 2._o pet._n 1._o 5._o join_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o your_o virtue_n knowledge_n temperance_n 5._o patience_n godliness_n brotherly_a love_n and_o kyndnes_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v usual_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o part_n of_o sanctification_n they_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o love_n 6._o or_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1_o tress_n 3._o 6._o tymothie_n have_v bring_v we_o tiding_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o love_n 5_o so_o it_o be_v say_v act._n 6._o 5._o that_o stephen_n be_v a_o man_n full_a of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n not_o that_o faith_n itself_o be_v not_o a_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o spiritual_a holiness_n of_o man_n but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o first_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o man_n holiness_n and_o salvation_n who_o must_v be_v by_o faith_n free_v from_o sin_n and_o death_n before_o he_o can_v be_v endue_v with_o positive_a holiness_n and_o life_n thus_o the_o apostle_n do_v often_o exhort_v we_o to_o fanctification_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n by_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o justification_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o faith_n 14._o as_o we_o may_v see_v ro._n 6._o 14._o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o you_o because_o you_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n but_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o justification_n do_v bring_v forth_o sanctification_n especial_o see_v that_o to_o man_n reason_n it_o be_v rather_o a_o motive_n to_o a_o wicked_a and_o dissolute_a life_n that_o by_o the_o multitude_n and_o heinousness_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o be_v pardon_v may_v the_o more_o appear_v 1._o rom._n 3._o 7._o and_o 6._o 1._o we_o answer_v that_o justification_n do_v of_o necessity_n bring_v forth_o sanctification_n and_o that_o diverse_a way_n for_o first_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o unspeakable_a love_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o eternal_a damnation_n do_v inflame_v the_o hart_n of_o the_o believer_n with_o a_o great_a love_n of_o god_n the_o which_o can_v be_v show_v any_o other_o way_n then_o by_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o by_o labour_v to_o glorify_v his_o holy_a name_n by_o a_o holy_a life_n second_o god_n do_v save_o the_o faithful_a not_o as_o stock_n or_o stone_n without_o require_v any_o work_n action_n or_o duty_n at_o their_o hand_n but_o so_o as_o that_o he_o make_v they_o to_o be_v his_o fellow_n worker_n not_o that_o man_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n of_o himself_o without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o that_o man_n be_v endue_v and_o renew_v by_o grace_n do_v after_o a_o sort_n work_v his_o own_o salvation_n not_o by_o any_o natural_a virtue_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o therefore_o as_o christ_n take_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n be_v commit_v so_o the_o faithful_a aught_o to_o endeavour_n that_o sin_n be_v not_o commit_v otherwise_o if_o they_o shall_v still_o of_o set_a purpose_n commit_v sin_n they_o shall_v cross_v christ_n in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o redemption_n defile_v themselves_o with_o sin_n who_o he_o have_v cleanse_v with_o his_o blood_n yea_o they_o shall_v crucify_v he_o again_o &_o tread_v under_o foot_n his_o blood_n as_o a_o vile_a thing_n three_o the_o faithful_a do_v labour_n for_o sanctification_n as_o for_o the_o only_a testimony_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o justification_n for_o faith_n without_o the_o other_o part_n of_o holiness_n be_v but_o adeade_o and_o unprofitable_a faith_n last_o the_o faithful_a man_n know_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o without_o the_o rest_n of_o sanctification_n sufficient_a for_o the_o attain_n of_o salvation_n for_o although_o it_o alone_o dothful_o justify_v that_o be_v bring_v perfect_a remission_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n whatsoever_o yet_o before_o that_o a_o man_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o must_v be_v endue_v with_o perfect_a positive_a holiness_n the_o which_o can_v be_v make_v perfect_a in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v unless_o it_o be_v begin_v and_o careful_o seek_v after_o
often_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o infirmity_n and_o sin_n appeare_v in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n make_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o religion_n doubtful_a to_o other_o yet_o he_o himself_o feel_v the_o inward_a work_n and_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v undoubted_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n we_o confess_v that_o a_o man_n true_o regenerate_v may_v have_v his_o faith_n sore_o shake_v and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n great_o blemish_v by_o the_o force_n of_o temptation_n and_o so_o may_v for_o a_o time_n want_v in_o part_n or_o whole_o this_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o have_v it_o at_o a_o other_o time_n yea_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o most_o of_o the_o faithful_a last_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o this_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v or_o can_v be_v to_o a_o faithful_a man_n a_o motive_n to_o sin_n and_o dissoluteness_n of_o life_n with_o the_o which_o it_o can_v stand_v for_o as_o it_o be_v get_v by_o holiness_n whereby_o a_o man_n see_v that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o effectual_o call_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v lose_v by_o a_o sinful_a and_o wicked_a life_n the_o which_o show_v plain_o that_o a_o man_n be_v destitute_a of_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o god_n spirit_n for_o by_o the_o fruit_n the_o tree_n be_v know_v nay_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o great_a froce_a in_o restrain_v the_o faithful_a from_o sin_n then_o this_o that_o they_o know_v that_o the_o commit_n of_o any_o one_o wilful_a sin_n do_v wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o diminish_v this_o notable_a treasure_n of_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n for_o as_o he_o that_o take_v one_o or_o a_o fewestone_n out_o of_o a_o wall_n although_o he_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o building_n yet_o he_o make_v it_o the_o weak_a so_o a_o few_o sinful_a action_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n although_o they_o can_v not_o deprive_v he_o of_o this_o assurance_n it_o have_v be_v gather_v and_o as_o it_o be_v build_v up_o with_o the_o holiness_n of_o many_o year_n yet_o they_o do_v diminish_v it_o and_o can_v not_o but_o trouble_v his_o conscience_n chap._n four_o sect._n 1_o of_o the_o create_a holiness_n of_o man_n memory_n it_o have_v be_v little_a available_a for_o the_o holy_a and_o happy_a estate_n of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o those_o notable_a faculty_n of_o conceave_a understand_v and_o know_v god_n will_v and_o word_n when_o god_n do_v reveal_v himself_o unto_o he_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v make_v able_a to_o retain_v the_o say_a knowledge_n for_o the_o time_n follow_v for_o otherwise_o god_n shall_v have_v pour_v his_o grace_n into_o a_o bottomless_a or_o break_a vessel_n memory_n which_o can_v not_o keep_v or_o contain_v any_o thing_n and_o man_n shall_v have_v reap_v little_a profit_n by_o that_o which_o will_v be_v as_o soon_o lose_v as_o get_v for_o this_o cause_n god_n in_o great_a wisdom_n do_v endue_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o a_o special_a faculty_n usual_o call_v memory_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o man_n in_o this_o state_n of_o innocence_n do_v safe_o keep_v whatsoever_o the_o mind_n do_v true_o conceive_v and_o so_o when_o occasion_n serve_v do_v give_v the_o say_a knowledge_n back_o again_o to_o the_o mind_n to_o be_v think_v upon_o meditate_a utter_v in_o word_n and_o follow_v in_o peed_n so_o that_o the_o memory_n be_v the_o storehouse_n of_o the_o soul_n wherein_o thing_n both_o new_a and_o old_a be_v careful_o lay_v up_o and_o faithful_o preserve_v and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o register_n of_o the_o mind_n take_v a_o note_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o come_v into_o it_o this_o faculty_n as_o all_o the_o other_o of_o man_n soul_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n so_o perfect_a and_o of_o such_o strength_n as_o that_o by_o it_o man_n may_v at_o any_o time_n call_v to_o mind_n not_o every_o trifle_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v a_o thousand_o year_n past_a for_o so_o his_o memory_n shall_v have_v be_v confound_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n infinite_a but_o whatsoever_o thing_n have_v at_o any_o time_n be_v reveal_v unto_o he_o by_o god_n or_o be_v conceive_v by_o his_o natural_a faculty_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o any_o importance_n the_o know_v and_o remember_v whereof_o may_v serve_v to_o some_o notable_a use_n and_o profit_n unto_o he_o as_o for_o other_o common_a matter_n of_o life_n which_o it_o be_v more_o gain_n to_o loose_v then_o to_o keep_v in_o these_o human_a infirmity_n prevail_v to_o forgetfulness_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o man_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n or_o any_o other_o as_o god_n be_v who_o nature_n be_v every_o way_n infinite_a do_v in_o one_o moment_n and_o with_o one_o motion_n of_o mind_n remember_v or_o rather_o know_v all_o particular_n that_o have_v be_v do_v at_o any_o time_n for_o god_n do_v think_v of_o all_o thing_n together_o without_o confusion_n but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v not_o only_o finite_a but_o also_o have_v in_o it_o a_o kind_n of_o weakness_n if_o we_o compare_v he_o with_o the_o angel_n can_v not_o think_v of_o many_o much_o less_o of_o infinite_a thing_n at_o once_o but_o of_o one_o thing_n after_o a_o other_o and_o so_o do_v the_o memory_n remember_v those_o particular_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o custody_n of_o it_o let_v go_v matter_n of_o no_o use_n that_o there_o may_v be_v place_n for_o thing_n of_o importance_n as_o be_v the_o action_n comaundemente_n apparition_n revelation_n and_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o knowe_a and_o remember_v whereof_o the_o happiness_n and_o holiness_n of_o man_n do_v consist_v memory_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v he_o in_o hand_n to_o commit_v these_o thing_n to_o sure_a custody_n the_o which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o do_v so_o as_o that_o after_o many_o thousand_o year_n he_o be_v able_a to_o remember_v that_o which_o may_v any_o way_n serve_v for_o his_o good_a neither_o â—â—ede_n we_o marvel_v thereat_o consider_v the_o frailty_n of_o our_o own_o memory_n which_o be_v never_o good_a when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o best_a and_o be_v soon_o clean_o lose_v by_o sickness_n age_n or_o any_o such_o mean_n for_o as_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n whereby_o as_o by_o a_o instrument_n the_o soul_n work_v so_o be_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o body_n of_o man_n do_v continue_v in_o perfect_a vigour_n for_o many_o thousand_o year_n yea_o for_o ever_o so_o do_v his_o mind_n or_o memory_n retain_v the_o first_o vigour_n without_o be_v diminish_v whereby_o we_o see_v that_o man_n in_o this_o faculty_n of_o memory_n whereby_o his_o knowledge_n be_v make_v eternal_a do_v notable_o resemble_v god_n who_o nature_n be_v eternal_a sect._n 2._o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o man_n memory_n as_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n so_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o faculty_n man_n since_o the_o fall_n be_v so_o change_v from_o his_o first_o estate_n that_o he_o scarce_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o creature_n that_o he_o be_v have_v as_o whole_o lose_v this_o faculty_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o for_o howsoever_o in_o regard_n of_o earthly_a worldly_a and_o sensible_a thing_n this_o faculty_n be_v after_o a_o sort_n remain_v in_o man_n yet_o it_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o force_n or_o power_n to_o retain_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o how_o shall_v the_o memory_n keep_v when_o as_o the_o mind_n can_v conceive_v it_o but_o man_n corruption_n can_v so_o be_v cloak_v in_o this_o behalf_n as_o if_o it_o it_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o not_o in_o this_o and_o other_o faculty_n for_o although_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o mover_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o other_o faculty_n yet_o each_o faculty_n have_v his_o peculiar_a fault_n the_o which_o may_v plain_o be_v see_v in_o the_o memory_n for_o suppose_v that_o which_o do_v daily_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o carnal_a man_n do_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o fashion_n sake_n but_o also_o mark_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n understand_v it_o memory_n a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o all_o be_v safe_a and_o bring_v to_o a_o good_a pass_n the_o mind_n have_v do_v his_o duty_n in_o conceive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o body_n have_v do_v in_o hear_v so_o that_o now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v come_v to_o the_o memory_n and_o
but_o especial_o it_o appear_v in_o those_o who_o in_o old_a time_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v philosopher_n that_o be_v seeker_n and_o practiser_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n as_o namely_o socrates_n plato_n with_o many_o other_o as_o aristides_n cato_n seneca_n who_o virtue_n we_o can_v not_o think_v to_o have_v be_v mere_a hypocrisy_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o affect_v inward_o in_o their_o mind_n as_o they_o profess_v outward_o in_o their_o life_n yet_o we_o confess_v that_o this_o decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n be_v not_o a_o like_a in_o all_o for_o in_o some_o it_o be_v inward_a and_o true_a as_o have_v be_v say_v but_o in_o other_o yea_o most_o common_o it_o be_v only_o in_o outward_a life_n sinfulness_n for_o many_o do_v lead_v a_o honest_a and_o irreproveable_a life_n be_v vicious_o dispose_v in_o their_o mind_n some_o for_o fear_n of_o civil_a punishment_n or_o of_o public_a shame_n other_o for_o vain_a glory_n sake_n as_o do_v the_o pharisy_n again_o this_o decrease_n be_v more_o general_a in_o some_o who_o abstain_v from_o many_o kind_n of_o vice_n than_o it_o be_v in_o other_o who_o be_v faulty_a in_o many_o respect_n and_o last_o this_o decrease_n be_v more_o firm_a and_o permanent_a in_o some_o continue_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o life_n but_o in_o other_o it_o have_v place_n in_o their_o young_a year_n by_o force_n of_o good_a education_n but_o be_v afterwards_o altogether_o forget_v and_o reject_v in_o the_o heathen_a it_o be_v more_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n the_o which_o be_v more_o easy_o know_v then_o be_v the_o duty_n belong_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o in_o hypocritical_a christian_n the_o outward_a decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n be_v great_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n for_o they_o will_v be_v very_o devout_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o live_v very_o wicked_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o brethren_n these_o and_o many_o other_o degree_n and_o difference_n of_o this_o natural_a decrease_n may_v easy_o be_v observe_v in_o many_o both_o within_o and_o without_o the_o church_n and_o also_o in_o all_o history_n whether_o divine_a or_o human_a but_o be_v too_o many_o to_o be_v handle_v in_o this_o short_a treatise_n chap._n four_o of_o the_o supernatural_a decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n as_o the_o increase_n of_o light_n do_v make_v a_o decrease_n of_o darkness_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o two_o thing_n of_o contrary_a nature_n sholude_v be_v together_o in_o one_o subject_n the_o one_o not_o expel_v the_o other_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n so_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o man_n holiness_n bestow_v on_o unregenerate_a man_n do_v work_n in_o they_o a_o decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n make_v they_o less_o sinful_a than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v and_o then_o usual_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v this_o decrease_n we_o call_v supernatural_a because_o it_o can_v be_v attain_v unto_o by_o those_o natural_a mean_n of_o diminish_v sin_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a pagan_a that_o ever_o live_v but_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n sound_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n sinfullnesse_n without_o the_o which_o this_o decrease_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v find_v nor_o yet_o in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o who_o many_o do_v exceed_v the_o heathen_a in_o sin_n but_o only_o in_o those_o who_o do_v yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n although_o not_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o faithful_a do_v yet_o in_o so_o great_a measure_n that_o this_o decrease_n of_o sin_n may_v very_o fit_o be_v call_v a_o shadow_n of_o true_a regeneration_n there_o be_v no_o grace_n effectual_o wrought_v in_o the_o faithful_a whereof_o a_o resemblance_n may_v not_o be_v find_v in_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n for_o not_o only_o their_o life_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o they_o be_v inward_o enlighten_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v well_o affect_v towards_o it_o and_o endue_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o faith_n hope_n love_n patience_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o that_o not_o in_o hypocrisy_n though_o many_o do_v make_v a_o outward_a show_n and_o profession_n of_o those_o grace_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o any_o shadow_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o in_o truth_n as_o we_o read_v heb._n 6._o 4._o 5._o 5._o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o in_o general_a be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o they_o fall_v away_o etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o god_n do_v bestow_v these_o excellent_a grace_n on_o the_o reprobate_n as_o it_o be_v throw_v pearl_n among_o swine_n we_o answer_v that_o he_o do_v it_o especial_o for_o these_o three_o cause_n first_o for_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o his_o own_o glory_n for_o by_o this_o work_n his_o love_n mercy_n goodness_n wisdom_n and_o truth_n appear_v even_o to_o the_o reprobate_n on_o who_o as_o he_o let_v the_o rain_n to_o fall_v and_o his_o sun_n to_o shine_v as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o faithful_a so_o he_o pour_v forth_o his_o grace_n as_o well_o on_o the_o one_o as_o on_o the_o other_o although_o not_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o although_o the_o eternal_a love_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v with_o it_o eternal_a salvation_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o elect_a only_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o general_a and_o as_o we_o may_v term_v it_o a_o temporary_a love_n which_o god_n bear_v to_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o in_o they_o towards_o all_o man_n both_o elect_a and_o reprobate_a second_o this_o be_v do_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o elect_a for_o who_o sake_n god_n bless_v the_o reprobate_a with_o who_o they_o live_v both_o in_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o who_o salvation_n be_v further_v and_o some_o time_n wrought_v by_o the_o gift_n and_o ministry_n of_o these_o man_n last_o god_n do_v by_o this_o mean_n make_v they_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o these_o grace_n the_o more_o inexcusable_a in_o that_o they_o contemn_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n so_o great_a mercy_n now_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v the_o difference_n which_o be_v betwixt_o true_a regeneration_n and_o this_o supernatural_a decrease_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o shadow_n of_o it_o first_o therefore_o true_a regeneration_n be_v general_a stretch_n itself_o over_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o work_v a_o universal_a holiness_n as_o the_o leaven_n which_o be_v put_v into_o a_o great_a lump_n of_o dough_n never_o cease_v spread_a itself_o abroad_o till_o the_o whole_a lump_n be_v season_v luke_n 13._o 21._o 21._o but_o the_o shadow_n fail_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o one_o point_n of_o holiness_n or_o other_o yea_o often_o many_o part_n of_o sanctification_n be_v want_v as_o the_o mind_n be_v often_o enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n whenas_o the_o obedience_n of_o life_n and_o outward_a action_n be_v want_v 1._o 1._o cor._n 8._o 1._o we_o have_v all_o knowledge_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o love_n edifi_v again_o there_o may_v be_v see_v in_o they_o good_a affection_n without_o knowledge_n rom._n 6._o 9_o i_o bear_v witness_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o zeal_n of_o god_n yet_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n yea_o often_o the_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v in_o part_n and_o in_o part_n remain_v in_o ignorance_n as_o in_o those_o who_o profess_v and_o hold_v in_o judgement_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o fund_z amental_a and_o chief_a doctrine_n of_o it_o do_v together_o maintain_v many_o error_n and_o heresy_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o thaâ—_n one_o true_o regenerate_v may_v be_v in_o some_o error_n for_o we_o all_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 1._o cor._n 13._o yet_o this_o be_v the_o force_n and_o property_n of_o a_o regenerate_a mind_n to_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o truth_n from_o error_n when_o as_o both_o be_v lay_v before_o it_o 1_o howsoever_o it_o do_v not_o see_v it_o before_o and_o therefore_o when_o as_o we_o see_v a_o man_n although_o endue_v with_o many_o gift_n yet_o to_o be_v of_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o unsound_a judgement_n incline_v always_o to_o the_o wrong_a part_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n his_o regeneration_n may_v in_o that_o respect_n be_v
man_n outward_o and_o civil_o honest_a may_v be_v reckon_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o age_n country_n or_o story_n which_o do_v not_o aford_v many_o example_n of_o man_n who_o have_v exceed_v in_o impiety_n against_o god_n and_o in_o injustice_n toward_o man_n and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o wicked_a behaviour_n the_o ordinary_a and_o common_a sort_n of_o sinful_a man_n by_o many_o degree_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o increase_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o crooked_a and_o corrupt_a disposition_n of_o man_n will_n which_o be_v whole_o bend_v and_o set_v upon_o sin_n and_o do_v so_o greedy_o and_o insatiable_o pursue_v after_o it_o as_o that_o unless_o it_o be_v restrain_v by_o some_o mean_n it_o can_v not_o rest_v till_o it_o come_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n it_o employ_v all_o the_o part_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n yea_o all_o inward_a and_o outward_a blessing_n what_o soever_o it_o make_v the_o mind_n devise_v new_a way_n of_o commit_v sin_n new_a excuse_n pretence_n colour_n and_o defence_n for_o it_o be_v commit_v so_o that_o the_o great_a gift_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o of_o body_n that_o a_o man_n have_v ceave_v the_o fit_a instrument_n have_v his_o will_n and_o his_o corrupt_a desire_n to_o increase_v sin_n here_o of_o it_o come_v that_o not_o idiot_n simple_a and_o unlearned_a man_n not_o the_o weak_a in_o body_n or_o the_o base_a in_o condition_n not_o the_o poor_a nor_o the_o young_a but_o the_o most_o witty_a learned_a strong_a noble_a rich_a age_a be_v these_o notorious_a wicked_a one_o the_o most_o horrible_a monster_n in_o all_o outrage_n of_o sin_n which_o any_o story_n do_v mention_n be_v great_a emperor_n and_o mighty_a man_n as_o nero_n caligula_n and_o such_o other_o and_o who_o be_v so_o wretched_a covetous_a worldly_a so_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a in_o ignorance_n superstition_n infidelity_n yea_o in_o hatred_n of_o all_o goodness_n as_o be_v they_o who_o by_o year_n have_v get_v wisdom_n experience_n riches_n and_o honour_n so_o that_o we_o may_v easy_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o cor._n 1._o 26_o not_o many_o noble_a 26._o wise_a scotfree_a or_o great_a man_n be_v call_v to_o the_o sincere_a obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o sin_n do_v more_o abound_v in_o this_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n than_o it_o do_v in_o old_a time_n wherein_o man_n be_v more_o rude_a simple_a and_o ignorant_a than_o child_n be_v in_o these_o day_n who_o be_v so_o soon_o ripe_a and_o expert_a in_o all_o wickedness_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v perfect_a man_n not_o weak_a infant_n and_o no_o marvel_n sinâ—fulnesse_n see_v that_o this_o last_o age_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a sink_n wherein_o all_o the_o sin_n error_n heresy_n superstition_n all_o the_o shift_n craft_n deceit_n yea_o all_o the_o wicked_a invention_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o age_n be_v gather_v together_o and_o therefore_o it_o bring_v forth_o so_o great_a multitude_n of_o expert_a practitioner_n in_o sin_n who_o beside_o that_o which_o their_o own_o invention_n do_v afford_v be_v furnish_v with_o the_o example_n &_o try_a experiment_n of_o all_o age_n this_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v 12._o math._n 24._o 12._o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v in_o the_o latter_a time_n the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a 1._o 2._o tim._n 3._o 1._o this_o know_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v come_v perilous_a time_n for_o man_n be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a proud_a curse_a speaker_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n unthankful_a unholy_a without_o natural_a affection_n truce_n breaker_n false_a accuser_n intemperate_a fierce_a have_v no_o love_n to_o those_o who_o be_v good_a traitor_n heady_a high_a mind_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o of_o god_n have_v a_o show_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 3_o and_o again_o 2._o pet._n 3._o 3_o this_o first_o understand_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n shall_v come_v mocker_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n in_o these_o and_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v foretell_v sinâ—â—llnesse_n and_o even_o paint_v out_o the_o great_a corruption_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o these_o day_n that_o we_o may_v beware_v lest_o that_o we_o be_v draw_v away_o by_o the_o infidelity_n and_o other_o heinous_a sin_n which_o reign_v everywhere_o &_o so_o save_v ourselves_o as_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n from_o this_o froward_a &_o godless_a generation_n wherein_o we_o live_v last_o as_o the_o excellency_n of_o natural_a gift_n and_o outward_a blessing_n be_v abuse_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o the_o excessivenesse_n of_o sin_n not_o of_o itself_o but_o by_o the_o corrupt_a disposition_n of_o our_o nature_n so_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o man_n live_v in_o the_o church_n do_v often_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n work_v the_o same_o effect_n and_o that_o in_o far_o great_a measure_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o among_o heathen_a man_n they_o who_o be_v of_o small_a wit_n capacity_n knowledge_n strength_n and_o riches_n shall_v be_v wicked_a in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n as_o they_o who_o excel_v in_o the_o foresay_a respect_n so_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o any_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v some_o of_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v to_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o sin_n as_o they_o in_o who_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o work_v that_o shadow_n of_o regeneration_n which_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o none_o can_v fall_v into_o that_o extreme_a impiety_n which_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o sin_n even_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n call_v in_o scripture_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o can_v never_o be_v forgive_v but_o they_o who_o do_v sometime_o before_o receive_v grace_n from_o god_n 5._o to_o see_v love_n and_o obey_v the_o truth_n heb._n 6._o 5._o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o who_o be_v once_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o they_o fall_v namely_o into_o this_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o open_a wilful_a and_o desperate_a hatred_n of_o god_n of_o his_o glory_n of_o his_o religion_n of_o his_o feruant_n and_o of_o all_o good_a thing_n as_o many_o of_o the_o hebrew_n do_v to_o who_o this_o be_v write_v shall_v be_v renew_v by_o repentance_n this_o excellency_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n abuse_v be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o wicked_a angel_n fall_v into_o that_o extremity_n of_o sin_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o man_n in_o who_o this_o sin_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o monstrous_a hugeness_n of_o it_o be_v rare_a and_o happen_v not_o but_o in_o those_o who_o for_o their_o cruel_a spiteful_a desperate_a and_o malicious_a hatred_n to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o godly_a be_v rather_o to_o be_v count_v devil_n incarnate_a then_o reasonable_a man_n for_o it_o be_v hear_v for_o a_o christian_n who_o have_v once_o know_v god_n to_o cast_v away_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o shame_n of_o man_n and_o for_o to_o burst_v forth_o into_o such_o outrage_n yet_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o for_o nought_o teach_v we_o it_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v although_o seldom_o yet_o often_o than_o it_o be_v well_o mark_v sincereness_n this_o increase_n of_o sin_n call_v supernatural_a because_o it_o can_v happen_v but_o in_o a_o man_n after_o a_o sort_n regenerate_v be_v teach_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o evil_a spirit_n which_o return_v to_o the_o place_n out_o of_o the_o which_o he_o be_v cast_v go_v not_o alone_o but_o take_v with_o he_o seven_o other_o wicked_a spirit_n every_o one_o worse_a than_o himself_o and_o so_o the_o end_n of_o that_o man_n be_v worse_o that_o be_v far_o more_o sinful_a than_o the_o beginning_n even_o as_o we_o see_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o natural_a thing_n as_o namely_o in_o water_n which_o after_o it_o have_v be_v a_o little_a warm_v become_v more_o cold_a than_o if_o it_o have_v never_o have_v any_o heat_n in_o it_o and_o so_o man_n who_o have_v have_v some_o heat_n of_o religion_n kindle_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o they_o contemn_v and_o abuse_v the_o say_a grace_n become_v more_o wicked_a and_o irreligious_a than_o they_o who_o never_o know_v what_o religion_n mean_v chapter_n vii_o of_o the_o decrease_n of_o renew_a holiness_n although_o the_o faithful_a man_n be_v now_o true_o regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v bold_o boast_v and_o
worldly_a polices_fw-la and_o shift_n by_o the_o which_o a_o man_n flatter_v himself_o in_o that_o palpable_a decrease_n as_o if_o he_o be_v in_o as_o good_a a_o estate_n as_o ever_o he_o be_v so_o that_o we_o may_v compare_v the_o decrease_n of_o faith_n to_o a_o violent_a fever_n the_o which_o as_o it_o may_v soon_o kill_v a_o man_n so_o it_o may_v soon_o be_v amend_v but_o this_o latter_a kind_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o linger_a consumption_n wherein_o as_o a_o man_n pine_v away_o by_o little_a and_o little_a not_o on_o a_o sudden_a but_o live_v in_o it_o for_o the_o space_n of_o many_o year_n so_o he_o can_v be_v cure_v of_o it_o but_o in_o some_o long_a space_n because_o it_o be_v so_o confirm_v in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n yet_o both_o these_o kind_n of_o decrease_v be_v most_o fearful_a condition_n and_o those_o from_o the_o which_o it_o stand_v every_o christian_n in_o hand_n daily_o to_o desire_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o christ_n to_o deliver_v he_o and_o rather_o to_o take_v he_o out_o of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o perfect_a godliness_n then_o to_o suffer_v he_o to_o fall_v so_o grievous_o as_o no_o doubt_n he_o do_v to_o many_o of_o his_o dear_a servant_n last_o it_o may_v here_o be_v ask_v what_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o these_o great_a fall_n which_o happen_v to_o the_o faithful_a whether_o they_o continue_v in_o they_o till_o death_n or_o else_o recover_v their_o former_a estate_n we_o answer_v that_o god_n as_o he_o do_v for_o a_o time_n humble_v they_o under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n satan_n and_o their_o own_o corrupt_a flesh_n so_o he_o do_v in_o his_o good_a time_n show_v forth_o the_o powerful_a and_o mighty_a virtue_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o all_o this_o while_n lie_v lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v in_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o their_o regeneration_n give_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o unseparable_a guide_n and_o ruler_n to_o bring_v they_o through_o the_o manifold_a temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o hinderaunce_n of_o their_o salvation_n to_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o faithful_a man_n do_v after_o long_o struggle_v with_o his_o enemy_n yea_o after_o that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n in_o bondage_n under_o they_o yea_o clean_a dead_a in_o outward_a appearance_n not_o only_o recover_v his_o former_a degree_n of_o holiness_n but_o also_o become_v more_o strong_a in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n 29._o than_o he_o be_v before_o as_o we_o read_v es._n 40._o 29._o god_n will_v give_v strength_n to_o he_o that_o be_v clean_o weary_v so_o that_o he_o shall_v go_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n &_o renew_v his_o age_n as_o do_v the_o eagle_n he_o shall_v bring_v four_o more_o fruit_n in_o his_o age_n and_o become_v more_o zealous_a in_o serve_v god_n than_o he_o be_v at_o any_o time_n before_o yet_o sometime_o it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o these_o spiritual_a conflict_n not_o by_o withdraw_v the_o force_n of_o the_o temptation_n from_o the_o faithful_a but_o by_o take_v they_o from_o it_o &_o out_o of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o sathan_n to_o that_o state_n wherein_o they_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v trouble_v with_o any_o such_o temptation_n as_o may_v endanger_v their_o salvation_n so_o that_o the_o faithful_a do_v sometime_o depart_v this_o life_n as_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o temptation_n so_o in_o the_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o their_o salvation_n for_o he_o that_o be_v once_o engraft_a and_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o a_o true_a faith_n as_o all_o the_o regenerate_v be_v whether_o he_o die_v in_o a_o holy_a life_n or_o in_o some_o sin_n whether_o in_o repentance_n or_o in_o impenitency_n whether_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o much_o doubt_n yea_o although_o he_o seem_v to_o despair_v of_o himself_o always_o he_o die_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a life_n for_o in_o the_o great_a decrease_n of_o holiness_n which_o can_v befall_v to_o a_o faithful_a man_n there_o remain_v some_o spark_n of_o grace_n but_o especial_o the_o love_n of_o god_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o of_o his_o child_n will_v show_v itself_o and_o also_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n otherwise_o perhaps_o invisible_a in_o the_o great_a agony_n or_o tempest_n of_o temptation_n whatsoever_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o renew_a holiness_n as_o in_o the_o natural_a birth_n of_o man_n his_o body_n come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o so_o great_a and_o strong_a as_o afterward_o it_o become_v but_o little_a weak_a and_o impotent_a so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a birth_n of_o regeneration_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o the_o first_o moment_n endue_v with_o perfection_n but_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o renew_a holiness_n from_o the_o which_o it_o be_v to_o grow_v and_o go_v on_o forward_o to_o a_o perfect_a estate_n for_o the_o first_o act_n of_o regeneration_n do_v put_v into_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n not_o the_o actual_a habit_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n but_o the_o seed_n and_o beginning_n of_o they_o which_o be_v continual_o to_o be_v increase_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o new_a man_n in_o the_o faithful_a have_v his_o infancy_n wherein_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v as_o yet_o in_o small_a measure_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n seed_n which_o be_v at_o the_o first_o the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n become_v very_o great_a and_o to_o leaven_n which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v in_o some_o one_o part_n only_o of_o the_o dough_n but_o in_o time_n spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a lump_n holiness_n this_o meanness_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n appear_v even_o in_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o who_o be_v as_o yet_o his_o disciple_n and_o scholar_n christ_n do_v often_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n joh._n 6._o 12._o 12._o i_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o 2._o but_o you_o can_v not_o bear_v they_o now_o and_o act._n 19_o 2._o there_o be_v at_o ephesus_n certain_a believe_a disciple_n who_o be_v so_o weak_a in_o knowledge_n that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n likewise_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 1._o cor._n 3._o 1._o 2._o 2._o that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v unto_o they_o but_o as_o unto_o babe_n in_o christ_n not_o in_o knowledge_n but_o in_o practice_n and_o there_o fore_o can_v not_o give_v unto_o they_o any_o strong_a meat_n but_o only_a milk_n to_o drink_v of_o this_o weakness_n in_o capacity_n and_o knowledge_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v 19_o gal._n 4._o 19_o rom._n 6._o 19_o 19_o hereof_o come_v weakness_n in_o faith_n rom._n 14._o 14._o and_o also_o necessary_o the_o weakness_n of_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o holiness_n wherein_o no_o christian_n ought_v to_o rest_v as_o content_v himself_o with_o that_o small_a measure_n of_o grace_n but_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v carry_v forward_o to_o perfection_n especial_o see_v that_o this_o state_n of_o spiritual_a infancy_n be_v easy_o overthrow_v and_o bring_v to_o nothing_o by_o the_o malice_n of_o sathan_n it_o be_v weak_a and_o not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o force_n of_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o although_o some_o do_v abide_v long_o in_o this_o weak_a estate_n and_o perhaps_o end_v their_o day_n in_o it_o yet_o usual_o god_n give_v to_o those_o who_o be_v true_o regenerate_v a_o daily_a increase_n &_o a_o new_a supply_n of_o grace_n insomuch_o that_o in_o a_o competente_a time_n they_o become_v of_o ripe_a age_n and_o of_o perfect_a strength_n in_o christ._n whereunto_o a_o christian_n be_v then_o come_v when_o as_o he_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o any_o grace_n needful_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o christian_n duty_n but_o lead_v a_o life_n in_o every_o respect_n holy_a and_o unblameable_a proceed_v from_o those_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o have_v be_v describe_v in_o the_o three_o section_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o yet_o this_o perfect_a estate_n of_o a_o christian_n be_v not_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n which_o may_v be_v attain_v in_o this_o life_n for_o beside_o and_o beyond_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o the_o faithful_a do_v ordinare_o attain_v unto_o it_o please_v god_n to_o endue_v some_o of_o his_o servant_n with_o a_o more_o plentiful_a abundance_n of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o he_o promise_v math._n 25._o 29._o that_o to_o he_o that_o have_v there_o shall_v more_o be_v