they_o have_v by_o murder_v themselves_o seek_v for_o ease_n in_o death_n and_o in_o hell_n itself_o think_v that_o no_o state_n can_v be_v so_o evil_a and_o therefore_o that_o any_o change_n will_v be_v good_a sect._n 2._o now_o further_o in_o this_o humiliation_n of_o a_o sinner_n we_o be_v to_o declare_v these_o two_o point_n first_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o grace_n or_o of_o nature_n and_o second_o whether_o it_o be_v absolute_a necessity_n for_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n or_o no._n for_o the_o first_o although_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o have_v a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n contrary_a to_o that_o obstinacy_n atheism_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v in_o the_o wicked_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o nature_n come_v of_o that_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o conscience_n of_o sin_n which_o remain_v in_o man_n since_o his_o creation_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o this_o humiliation_n be_v that_o true_a contrition_n and_o softness_n of_o heart_n which_o have_v place_n in_o those_o who_o be_v regenerate_v and_o whereby_o they_o do_v easy_o without_o any_o resistance_n or_o delay_n yield_v to_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v at_o the_o first_o move_v by_o his_o promise_n &_o blessing_n to_o love_v he_o by_o his_o threaten_n and_o judgement_n to_o fear_v he_o and_o by_o both_o to_o obey_v he_o only_o it_o be_v a_o servile_a fear_n of_o punishment_n and_o of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n wherewith_o obstinacy_n in_o sin_n may_v easy_o and_o do_v often_o concur_v but_o why_o will_v some_o man_n say_v if_o this_o humiliation_n be_v natural_a be_v it_o not_o if_o not_o in_o all_o yet_o in_o most_o man_n as_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o yea_o why_o be_v it_o in_o so_o few_o as_o we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o and_o that_o almost_o all_o general_o live_v in_o pleasure_n and_o in_o senseless_a security_n without_o any_o conscience_n of_o sin_n or_o fear_v of_o punishment_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o humiliation_n be_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n not_o be_v neglect_v &_o suffer_v either_o to_o lie_v dead_a or_o to_o decrease_v daily_o as_o it_o do_v in_o most_o man_n for_o then_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o send_v forth_o this_o fruit_n but_o be_v at_o length_n clean_o extinguish_v and_o turn_v into_o mere_a atheism_n but_o augment_v by_o the_o write_a law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n and_o stir_v up_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n otherwise_o this_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v work_v this_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n in_o respect_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n for_o how_o can_v they_o have_v a_o trouble_a conscience_n who_o have_v no_o conscience_n or_o fear_v of_o god_n who_o they_o do_v not_o know_v to_o exist_v at_o least_o not_o to_o do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a hence_o it_o come_v that_o this_o humiliation_n be_v so_o seldom_o find_v even_o among_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o faith_n for_o that_o they_o have_v no_o sound_a knowledge_n and_o settle_a persuasion_n of_o god_n but_o a_o slight_a and_o waver_a opinion_n &_o therefore_o no_o great_a or_o vehement_a humiliation_n but_o only_o be_v sometime_o disquiet_v in_o â—heir_a mind_n in_o their_o misery_n and_o in_o the_o commit_n of_o notorious_a sin_n as_o even_o the_o very_a heathen_a be_v sometime_o of_o who_o we_o read_v that_o they_o have_v be_v strange_o sting_v in_o their_o conscience_n by_o heinous_a sin_n and_o drive_v by_o a_o fearful_a sense_n and_o expectation_n of_o god_n revenge_a hand_n into_o madness_n horror_n and_o desperation_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v so_o to_o esteem_v this_o humiliation_n as_o that_o which_o although_o it_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a work_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o regeneration_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o step_n towards_o it_o and_o far_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o tâ—e_v contrary_a atheism_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o be_v to_o inquire_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o humiliation_n whether_o it_o may_v be_v spare_v or_o be_v so_o absolute_o needful_a as_o that_o without_o it_o no_o regeneration_n or_o salvation_n may_v be_v hope_v for_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o that_o no_o man_n can_v seek_v to_o be_v ease_v of_o the_o burden_n of_o his_o sin_n by_o christ_n unless_o he_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o they_o or_o to_o be_v heal_v by_o he_o unless_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v wound_v and_o bruise_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o alike_o vehement_a and_o manifest_a in_o all_o neither_o be_v it_o needful_a that_o it_o shall_v so_o be_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o repentant_a have_v a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o so_o be_v as_o he_o can_v but_o be_v affect_v with_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n in_o respect_n of_o they_o although_o there_o be_v not_o those_o horrible_a pangâ—_n of_o horror_n which_o be_v in_o the_o repentance_n of_o some_o the_o degree_n of_o humiliation_n arise_v of_o these_o three_o cause_n first_o of_o the_o diversity_n of_o sinfulness_n in_o the_o repentant_a for_o as_o the_o heavy_a the_o burden_n be_v the_o more_o it_o press_v down_o so_o the_o mo_z and_o the_o more_o heinous_a that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o repentant_a be_v the_o great_a be_v his_o humiliation_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o those_o fearful_a agony_n of_o sorrow_n and_o desperation_n be_v not_o usual_o see_v but_o where_o many_o heinous_a sin_n have_v go_v before_o second_o it_o arise_v of_o the_o diversity_n of_o those_o outward_a affliction_n and_o iugdement_n wherewith_o the_o repentant_a be_v punish_v the_o which_o be_v of_o themselves_o grievous_a unto_o he_o and_o some_o time_n such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v bear_v by_o flesh_n and_o blood_n without_o great_a perturbation_n and_o anguish_n of_o soul_n and_o so_o be_v add_v to_o the_o inward_a burden_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o of_o a_o trouble_a spirit_n whereof_o the_o wise_a man_n ask_v who_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o make_v this_o humiliation_n very_o great_a three_o it_o arise_v of_o the_o delay_n of_o grace_n the_o which_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o some_o far_o soon_o than_o he_o do_v to_o other_o who_o be_v keep_v a_o long_a â—ime_n in_o suspense_n and_o not_o feel_v that_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n which_o they_o desine_fw-la and_o expect_v have_v less_o hope_n of_o obtain_v pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o consequent_o great_a fear_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n due_a to_o sin_n whereas_o otherwise_o be_v soon_o some_o sudden_o without_o any_o sensible_a humiliation_n or_o time_n of_o repentance_n give_v unto_o they_o receive_v into_o favour_n have_v not_o the_o like_a cause_n of_o this_o excessive_a sorrow_n and_o fear_n last_o the_o degree_n of_o humiliation_n arise_v of_o diverse_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o repentant_a think_v the_o one_o more_o or_o less_o heinous_a the_o other_o more_o or_o less_o intolerable_a so_o be_v his_o humiliation_n less_o or_o great_a yet_o always_o as_o it_o have_v be_v say_v it_o must_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n otherwise_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o suspect_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o regeneration_n into_o the_o which_o there_o be_v entrance_n but_o through_o this_o narrow_a gate_n of_o shame_n sorrow_n fear_n and_o anguish_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o can_v remember_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v in_o this_o low_a estate_n of_o humiliation_n can_v think_v that_o he_o be_v as_o yet_o exalt_v by_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o must_v now_o at_o length_n labour_n to_o be_v thus_o humble_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n not_o put_v far_o out_o of_o his_o mind_n the_o evil_a day_n and_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o may_v any_o way_n vex_v or_o trouble_v he_o as_o usual_o and_o natural_o man_n do_v but_o rather_o lay_v this_o corrosive_a of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o his_o sin_n commit_v to_o his_o conscience_n &_o suffer_v it_o there_o even_o to_o eat_v and_o fret_v away_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n till_o god_n in_o mercy_n take_v it_o away_o thus_o we_o leave_v this_o poor_a distress_a soul_n out_o of_o conceit_n with_o himself_o esteem_v himself_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o and_z forlorn_a caitiff_n in_o the_o world_n &_o say_v with_o himself_o o_o miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o death_n we_o go_v on_o to_o that_o which_o follow_v sect._n 3_o thus_o
that_o rest_a place_n which_o in_o that_o place_n be_v call_v abraham_n bosom_n or_o rather_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v but_o in_o the_o way_n towards_o it_o it_o do_v often_o look_v back_o to_o sin_n yea_o return_n and_o go_v back_o again_o even_o till_o it_o come_v to_o death_n door_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n but_o there_o it_o stay_v have_v no_o entrance_n grant_v yea_o in_o truth_n desire_v none_o and_o that_o we_o may_v return_v to_o our_o accustom_a similitude_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v in_o it_o two_o contrary_a quality_n sin_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o which_o as_o the_o one_o prevail_v against_o the_o other_o so_o be_v the_o soul_n in_o weakness_n or_o in_o strength_n in_o sickness_n or_o in_o health_n in_o death_n or_o in_o life_n sect._n 2._o the_o evil_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v to_o be_v cure_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n infirmity_n and_o disease_n spiritual_a infirmity_n be_v the_o relic_n of_o sin_n subdue_v in_o a_o faithful_a man_n work_v against_o grace_n make_v he_o prone_a or_o reâ—die_a to_o fall_v into_o outward_a and_o actual_a sin_n and_o backward_o in_o perform_v the_o contrary_a spiritual_a duty_n this_o description_n which_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n set_v down_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v particular_o explain_v and_o first_o in_o that_o we_o make_v it_o a_o relic_n of_o sin_n we_o distinguish_v it_o from_o humane_a infirmity_n the_o which_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o of_o all_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v compare_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n and_o which_o make_v that_o he_o can_v serve_v god_n in_o so_o great_a measure_n that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o strong_a against_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n not_o so_o far_o from_o commit_v it_o or_o so_o sure_a and_o constant_a in_o holiness_n but_o that_o he_o may_v decrease_v in_o it_o yea_o omit_v for_o a_o time_n some_o duty_n yet_o without_o sin_n as_o the_o angel_n be_v to_o this_o kind_n we_o be_v to_o refer_v that_o ignorance_n fear_n and_o forgetfulness_n and_o many_o other_o infirmity_n which_o have_v place_n in_o the_o state_n of_o man_n innocence_n &_o which_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ._n those_o natural_a infirmity_n be_v not_o sin_n for_o they_o be_v create_v in_o man_n by_o god_n all_o who_o work_n be_v good_a neither_o be_v they_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n for_o they_o be_v before_o sin_n and_o in_o he_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n yea_o the_o angel_n themselves_o be_v compare_v with_o god_n be_v more_o weak_a have_v mo_z and_o great_a infirmites_n then_o man_n have_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o but_o these_o infirmity_n whereof_o we_o speak_v be_v the_o relic_n of_o sin_n and_o sin_n it_o self_n not_o lie_v idle_a but_o work_v otherwise_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n be_v in_o all_o man_n and_o can_v possible_o be_v remove_v but_o we_o speak_v of_o infirmity_n which_o may_v be_v remoove_v and_o from_o the_o which_o many_o christian_n be_v free_a for_o sin_n may_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v so_o suppress_v that_o it_o have_v not_o a_o day_n he_o and_o ordinary_a work_n in_o we_o as_o these_o infirmity_n have_v in_o bring_v forth_o actual_a sin_n not_o outward_o which_o be_v sin_n perfect_v for_o then_o these_o infirmity_n be_v grievous_a disease_n but_o inward_o in_o the_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n all_o which_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n do_v daily_a work_n but_o it_o be_v seldom_o bring_v forth_o into_o act_n be_v put_v back_o and_o keep_v down_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o sometime_o it_o do_v prevail_v even_o to_o actual_a sin_n for_o as_o that_o city_n which_o be_v continual_o besiege_v and_o assault_v can_v not_o but_o be_v take_v at_o length_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o as_o they_o who_o have_v the_o care_n and_o defence_n of_o it_o commit_v unto_o they_o can_v but_o sometime_o remit_v of_o their_o diligence_n and_o be_v overtake_v with_o sleep_n drink_n forgetfulness_n fair_a promise_n and_o pretence_n or_o by_o some_o such_o mean_n so_o where_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v continual_o work_v in_o the_o heart_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v at_o one_o place_n or_o other_o upon_o one_o occasion_n or_o temptation_n or_o other_o burst_v forth_o into_o open_a sin_n for_o example_n a_o christian_n be_v endue_v by_o god_n with_o the_o gift_n of_o continency_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o lead_v a_o life_n free_a from_o all_o adultery_n fornication_n and_o all_o such_o uncleanness_n yet_o he_o feel_v inward_o in_o his_o minâ—e_n that_o burn_v whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1._o cor._n 7.9_o here_o be_v both_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n suppress_v sin_n and_o also_o the_o relic_n of_o incontinency_n not_o live_v idle_a but_o work_v vehementlie_o and_o continual_o not_o in_o life_n and_o action_n but_o inward_o in_o the_o soul_n yet_o where_o this_o infirmity_n be_v there_o sometime_o the_o outward_a sin_n itself_o will_v happen_v for_o although_o a_o christian_a do_v ordinary_o keep_v watch_n and_o ward_n over_o his_o soul_n lest_o that_o he_o do_v fall_v into_o sin_n yet_o sometime_o he_o will_v be_v somewhat_o careless_a overcome_v by_o the_o force_n and_o variety_n of_o temptation_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o uncleanness_n an_o other_o example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o say_a epistle_n in_o the_o chapter_n follow_v a_o pagan_a be_v convert_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n renounce_v his_o false_a god_n &_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n only_o in_o christ_n here_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n prevayl_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n and_o suppress_v it_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o relic_n of_o this_o sin_n in_o his_o mind_n whereby_o he_o think_v that_o his_o idol_n his_o old_a god_n be_v not_o altogether_o void_a of_o power_n and_o excellency_n &_o aught_o to_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o worship_n give_v unto_o they_o this_o be_v the_o infirmity_n and_o the_o work_n of_o it_o inward_o in_o his_o mind_n yet_o he_o suppress_v it_o by_o the_o knowledge_n &_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o open_a idolator_n but_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n only_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v easy_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o example_n and_o persuasion_n of_o other_o to_o give_v some_o outward_a worship_n and_o honour_n to_o these_o false_a go_n many_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v bring_v but_o these_o may_v serve_v now_o that_o we_o see_v what_o a_o spiritual_a infirmity_n be_v we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o see_v how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v heal_v and_o remove_v wherein_o there_o be_v great_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o be_v use_v both_o for_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n require_v the_o inward_a purity_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a purity_n of_o life_n as_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o great_a and_o open_a sin_n wherein_o this_o weak_a christian_n be_v who_o although_o for_o a_o time_n he_o walk_v upright_o in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n yet_o he_o be_v like_a enough_o to_o stumble_v and_o fall_v when_o he_o meet_v with_o a_o stumble_a block_n to_o wit_n any_o great_a occasion_n and_o provocation_n to_o sin_n sect._n 3_o but_o whither_o be_v these_o infirmity_n curable_a or_o no_o sure_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v able_a to_o mortify_v all_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o sinful_a nature_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v yea_o it_o be_v like_a enough_o that_o god_n who_o have_v begin_v the_o good_a work_n of_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n will_v perfect_v and_o accomplish_v it_o and_o that_o as_o he_o have_v cut_v down_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n so_o he_o will_v in_o his_o good_a time_n pull_v the_o root_n out_o of_o the_o ground_n also_o there_o be_v indeed_o some_o infirmity_n in_o the_o faithful_a which_o be_v incurable_a some_o which_o be_v hardly_o and_o very_o seldom_o cure_v in_o the_o first_o sort_n we_o be_v to_o reckon_v the_o original_a corruption_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o infirmity_n yea_o corrupt_a as_o be_v the_o relic_n of_o sin_n and_o sin_n itself_o this_o infirmity_n stick_v so_o fast_o in_o our_o very_a bone_n &_o marrow_n that_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o be_v remove_v and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o hope_v for_o or_o to_o go_v about_o the_o total_a heal_n of_o it_o for_o although_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o god_n to_o sanctify_v we_o full_o and_o whole_o as_o the_o apostle_n pray_v 1._o thâ—ss_n 5.23_o yet_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n and_o word_n
much_o of_o the_o inward_a humiliation_n of_o the_o soul_n require_v in_o repentance_n unto_o the_o which_o the_o outward_a behaviour_n must_v be_v correspondent_a as_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apparel_n of_o man_n be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o condition_n degree_n and_o kind_a of_o life_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v now_o put_v on_o this_o repentant_a a_o black_a mourn_a weed_n that_o so_o his_o outward_a behaviour_n may_v be_v suitable_a to_o the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o as_o he_o be_v in_o soul_n and_o conscience_n cast_v down_o by_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o sin_n &_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n so_o he_o may_v behave_v himself_o according_o and_o express_v his_o inward_a humiliation_n in_o all_o his_o word_n deed_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n but_o what_o need_v this_o will_v some_o man_n say_v consider_v that_o god_n regard_v not_o the_o outward_a but_o the_o inward_a man_n &_o will_v accept_v a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n without_o these_o outward_a show_n and_o ceremony_n yea_o we_o be_v flat_o forbid_v by_o christ_n mat._n 6.16_o to_o wear_v this_o hypocrite_n weed_n of_o outward_a humility_n and_o holiness_n when_o thou_o fast_o look_v not_o sour_a as_o hypocrite_n do_v for_o they_o disfigure_v their_o face_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o man_n to_o fast_o but_o when_o thou_o fast_o anoint_v thy_o head_n &_o wash_v thy_o face_n that_o thou_o seem_v not_o to_o man_n to_o fast_o bâ—â—_n to_o thy_o father_n in_o secret_a we_o answer_v confess_v that_o outward_a humiliation_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o inward_a contrition_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v not_o acceptable_a but_o abominable_a to_o god_n yea_o that_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v omit_v as_o namely_o when_o by_o use_v it_o we_o shall_v incur_v the_o suspicion_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o vainglory_n in_o the_o which_o sense_n this_o prohibition_n of_o it_o which_o christ_n make_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o god_n both_o like_v and_o require_v yea_o which_o be_v many_o way_n profitable_a for_o he_o that_o use_v it_o for_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v both_o by_o the_o soul_n and_o by_o the_o body_n and_o will_v have_v the_o inward_a holiness_n of_o the_o one_o express_v and_o profess_v by_o the_o outward_a obedience_n of_o the_o other_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n please_v and_o acceptable_a in_o his_o sight_n that_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n and_o conformity_n in_o all_o thing_n belong_v unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v in_o the_o judicial_a law_n forbid_v the_o jew_n from_o sow_v diverse_a seed_n in_o the_o same_o field_n or_o from_o make_v their_o garment_n half_a linen_n and_o half_a woollen_a from_o mourning_n in_o a_o festival_n time_n nehe._n 8.9_o or_o from_o joy_v and_o feast_v in_o a_o time_n of_o mourning_n joel_n 2.16_o how_o much_o more_o undecent_a than_o will_v he_o think_v this_o repugnancy_n betwixt_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n that_o when_o the_o one_o weep_v the_o other_o shall_v laugh_v when_o the_o soul_n be_v humble_v with_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n the_o body_n shall_v he_o puff_v up_o and_o swell_v in_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n yea_o this_o outward_a humiliation_n be_v very_o needful_a and_o profitable_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o repentant_a himself_o for_o as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o holiness_n the_o more_o they_o be_v practise_v by_o the_o body_n in_o life_n and_o action_n the_o more_o they_o be_v confirm_v and_o increase_v inward_o in_o the_o soul_n so_o the_o more_o that_o a_o man_n give_v himself_o to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o the_o outward_a exercise_n of_o humiliation_n before_o man_n the_o more_o do_v he_o humble_v himself_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n beside_o this_o outward_a humiliation_n will_v be_v a_o great_a furtherance_n to_o another_o part_n of_o repentance_n to_o wit_n amendment_n of_o life_n and_o a_o very_a effectual_a mean_n of_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n with_o all_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n thereof_o for_o it_o require_v a_o abstinence_n from_o the_o use_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n by_o the_o which_o we_o know_v that_o the_o flesh_n be_v hearten_v be_v make_v to_o rebel_n yea_o to_o prevail_v against_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o regenerate_a and_o in_o all_o motion_n tend_v to_o holiness_n which_o can_v be_v in_o a_o carnal_a man_n sect._n 4_o this_o outward_a humiliation_n must_v stretch_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a behaviour_n and_o life_n of_o this_o repentant_a and_o must_v have_v place_n in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o deed_n for_o so_o we_o make_v it_o of_o two_o sort_n verbal_a and_o real_a verbal_a humiliation_n be_v common_o call_v confession_n which_o be_v a_o ready_a and_o voluntary_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o deserve_a wretchedness_n to_o god_n and_o to_o man_n it_o be_v a_o notable_a effect_n and_o sign_n of_o the_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a humiliation_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o every_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v chary_a of_o his_o own_o credit_n and_o estimation_n very_o unwilling_a to_o hear_v or_o admit_v from_o another_o any_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o impair_n of_o it_o but_o nothing_o go_v more_o against_o his_o stomach_n then_o that_o he_o himself_o shall_v utter_v any_o thing_n any_o way_n tend_v to_o his_o own_o disgrace_n and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v throw_v mire_n on_o his_o own_o face_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o man_n do_v by_o all_o mean_n cover_v and_o coâ—ceale_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n and_o although_o they_o can_v stop_v other_o man_n mouth_n yet_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v their_o own_o counsel_n so_o that_o whensoever_o a_o man_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o true_a plain_a and_o voluntary_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n it_o be_v unfallible_a argument_n of_o great_a humiliation_n and_o therefore_o god_n threaten_v levi._n 26.40_o extreme_a misery_n in_o which_o the_o great_a humiliation_n have_v place_n unto_o the_o people_n say_v that_o the_o remnant_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v pine_v away_o in_o the_o land_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o shall_v confess_v their_o sin_n in_o this_o respect_n confession_n be_v require_v and_o have_v always_o be_v perform_v in_o true_a repentance_n pro._n 28.13_o he_o that_o hide_v his_o sin_n shall_v not_o prosper_v but_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v it_o thus_o nehem._n 9.2_o in_o that_o public_a repentance_n the_o people_n be_v assemble_v together_o in_o fast_v sackcloth_n and_o earth_n upon_o they_o and_o they_o stand_v and_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o forefa-fathers_n and_o likewise_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n which_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o repentance_n more_o than_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o regeneration_n the_o people_n that_o be_v baptize_v confess_v their_o sin_n math._n 3.6_o this_o confession_n be_v to_o be_v make_v first_o and_o chief_o unto_o god_n against_o who_o all_o sin_n be_v commit_v and_o that_o for_o the_o illustration_n of_o his_o glory_n for_o by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o purity_n &_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v illustrate_v thus_o the_o prophet_n david_n confess_v psal_n 51._o i_o know_v my_o iniquity_n and_o my_o sin_n be_v ever_o before_o i_o against_o thou_o o_o lord_n i_o have_v sin_v and_o do_v evil_a in_o thy_o sight_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v justify_v in_o thy_o say_n and_o find_v pure_a when_o thou_o iudge_v behold_v i_o be_v bear_v in_o sin_n and_o in_o iniquity_n have_v my_o mother_n conceive_v i_o yea_o this_o confession_n must_v be_v make_v simple_o plain_o and_o full_o all_o excuse_n pretence_n and_o shift_n be_v lay_v aside_o without_o conceal_v either_o any_o sin_n although_o never_o so_o great_a and_o heinous_a or_o any_o circumstance_n whereby_o the_o heinousness_n of_o it_o may_v be_v aggravate_v second_o this_o confession_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v make_v to_o man_n whereunto_o our_o repentant_a will_n much_o more_o unwilling_o yield_v who_o although_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o more_o afraid_a and_o ashamed_a to_o confess_v his_o sin_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n who_o be_v purity_n itself_o uncapable_a of_o any_o manner_n of_o pollution_n yet_o he_o be_v more_o ashamed_a of_o his_o sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n because_o he_o be_v not_o so_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o sensible_a but_o how_o unwilling_a soever_o he_o be_v it_o must_v be_v do_v and_o that_o even_o for_o that_o end_n chief_o in_o regard_n whereof_o he_o be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o do_v it_o for_o god_n know_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o against_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n then_o by_o lay_v open_a his_o grievous_a sin_n and_o offence_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n to_o incur_v shame_n and_o ignominy_n with_o
and_o indifferent_a matter_n wherein_o they_o may_v much_o better_o agree_v and_o join_v with_o they_o another_o cause_n be_v the_o contempt_n either_o true_a or_o suppose_v of_o unregenerat_a man_n as_o of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o most_o wretched_a estate_n for_o often_o they_o who_o profess_v this_o regeneration_n do_v either_o think_v too_o hardly_o and_o uncharitable_o or_o else_o utter_v unreasonable_o and_o indiscreete_o what_o they_o true_o think_v of_o other_o yea_o although_o they_o do_v not_o offend_v in_o these_o respect_n yet_o man_n of_o lewd_a behaviour_n and_o dissolute_a life_n will_v &_o not_o without_o cause_n think_v that_o those_o who_o live_v just_o and_o upright_o have_v a_o base_a opinion_n of_o they_o by_o the_o which_o mean_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o their_o affection_n shall_v be_v alienate_v from_o they_o last_o even_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v grace_n from_o god_n much_o more_o they_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o that_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v not_o have_v in_o they_o many_o want_n and_o infirmity_n yea_o sometime_o great_a vice_n and_o sin_n by_o the_o which_o they_o do_v just_o incur_v the_o offence_n of_o man_n by_o these_o and_o such_o other_o mean_n it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v thaâ—_n carnal_a man_n conceive_v such_o a_o mislike_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v regeneration_n that_o they_o can_v abide_v to_o hear_v of_o it_o or_o of_o any_o mean_n tend_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o remove_n of_o this_o hindrance_n it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v this_o great_a favour_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o be_v renew_a by_o his_o spirit_n to_o use_v all_o diligence_n in_o not_o give_v offence_n either_o to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n to_o christian_a or_o infidel_n to_o one_o or_o other_o and_o so_o not_o to_o make_v so_o excellent_a a_o thing_n as_o regeneration_n be_v it_o be_v the_o only_a miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n which_o have_v continual_a place_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v evil_o speak_v off_o but_o forsomuch_o as_o when_o they_o have_v do_v all_o that_o they_o can_v offence_n will_v be_v take_v where_o it_o be_v not_o give_v and_o for_o that_o we_o have_v not_o to_o deal_v in_o this_o treatise_n with_o man_n already_o regenerate_v that_o we_o shall_v show_v how_o they_o may_v live_v without_o give_v offence_n therefore_o leave_v they_o we_o will_v come_v to_o the_o unregenerat_a man_n who_o be_v offend_v by_o they_o and_o by_o this_o offence_n hinder_v from_o seek_v regeneration_n to_o who_o we_o be_v to_o commend_v that_o wisdom_n which_o stay_v man_n from_o be_v carry_v headlong_o in_o affection_n against_o any_o person_n or_o cause_n whatsoever_o but_o especial_o against_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v in_o they_o any_o likelihood_n of_o religion_n as_o gamaliel_n appease_v the_o jew_n act._n 5_o 38.39_o yea_o that_o wisdom_n which_o tech_v we_o to_o 〈◊〉_d a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o person_n and_o â—he_v cause_n of_o man_n and_o not_o suffer_v our_o judgement_n 〈◊〉_d weigh_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o one_o to_o 〈◊〉_d blind_a and_o forestall_v by_o anger_n love_n hatred_n or_o any_o other_o affection_n which_o we_o bear_v unto_o the_o other_o yea_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o man_n whilst_o they_o live_v here_o on_o earth_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o infirmity_n vice_n and_o grievous_a sin_n yea_o even_o they_o who_o god_n have_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o in_o these_o respect_n to_o condemn_v or_o reject_v that_o religion_n which_o any_o man_n do_v profess_v but_o to_o give_v to_o man_n that_o gentle_a reproof_n which_o their_o sin_n do_v deserve_v and_o to_o give_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o man_n that_o reverence_n and_o practice_v which_o belonge_v unto_o it_o sect._n 8._o thus_o we_o have_v in_o some_o sort_n remoove_v the_o hindrance_n of_o regeneration_n which_o keep_v man_n in_o their_o natural_a sinfulness_n and_o security_n wherein_o they_o be_v before_o and_o make_v this_o our_o carnal_a nicodemus_n desirous_a of_o grace_n whereof_o before_o he_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a and_o careless_a it_o remain_v that_o he_o put_v this_o his_o desire_n in_o execution_n and_o that_o without_o delay_n not_o defer_v it_o from_o one_o day_n or_o time_n of_o his_o life_n to_o another_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o appoint_a season_n as_o foâ—_n all_o other_o action_n so_o also_o for_o this_o the_o â—hich_v if_o he_o let_v slip_v he_o shall_v either_o not_o desire_v to_o have_v it_o or_o not_o have_v it_o although_o he_o do_v desire_v it_o but_o man_n will_v here_o object_v and_o say_v may_v we_o not_o at_o any_o time_n both_o seek_v and_o find_v grace_n have_v not_o god_n say_v â—n_v his_o word_n that_o at_o what_o time_n soever_o a_o sinner_n repent_v of_o his_o sin_n he_o will_v put_v they_o all_o out_o of_o his_o remembrance_n we_o answer_v that_o god_n indeed_o may_v always_o be_v find_v if_o he_o be_v seek_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o he_o can_v always_o be_v seek_v and_o therefore_o not_o find_v for_o first_o we_o know_v that_o this_o our_o purpose_n of_o seek_v god_n may_v be_v prevent_v and_o make_v frustrate_a by_o death_n the_o which_o be_v the_o full_a and_o last_o period_n of_o all_o the_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n of_o man_n god_n indeed_o be_v in_o the_o low_a hell_n as_o much_o as_o in_o the_o high_a heaven_n but_o in_o the_o grave_n there_o be_v no_o remission_n of_o sin_n yea_o no_o hope_n or_o desire_v of_o grace_n beside_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o this_o carnal_a man_n that_o defer_v his_o repentance_n in_o this_o sort_n as_o he_o make_v his_o account_n although_o sometime_o he_o come_v short_a of_o his_o reckon_n do_v by_o the_o long_a suffering_n of_o god_n prolong_v his_o day_n how_o know_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v always_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o the_o mean_n of_o regeneration_n without_o the_o which_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o work_v it_o yea_o if_o he_o have_v life_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n needful_a for_o this_o purpose_n be_v he_o so_o foolish_a and_o ignorant_a of_o his_o natural_a disposition_n as_o to_o imagine_v that_o this_o desire_n of_o grace_n and_o resolution_n of_o seek_v god_n will_v continue_v for_o ever_o or_o for_o any_o time_n if_o it_o be_v not_o put_v in_o practice_n this_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v suppose_v for_o this_o be_v a_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o man_n general_o and_o natural_o as_o they_o grow_v in_o strength_n wit_n and_o worldly_a wisdom_n so_o they_o grow_v in_o sinfulness_n atheism_n infidelity_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v every_o day_n further_o and_o further_o off_o from_o seek_v god_n for_o as_o drunkard_n do_v by_o drink_v not_o quench_v their_o thirst_n and_o satisfy_v their_o appetite_n but_o increase_v the_o burn_a thirst_n of_o their_o body_n and_o the_o insatiable_a intemperance_n of_o their_o mind_n so_o all_o other_o worldly_a pleasure_n the_o long_o they_o be_v enjoy_v the_o more_o greedy_o they_o be_v desire_v and_o more_o obstinate_o prefer_v before_o god_n and_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o the_o prophet_n say_v jere._n 13.23_o that_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o a_o aethiopian_n to_o change_v the_o colour_n of_o his_o skin_n or_o for_o a_o libard_n to_o shake_v off_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o skin_n as_o for_o those_o to_o do_v good_a who_o be_v by_o a_o long_a custom_n teach_v the_o way_n and_o wile_n of_o sin_v yea_o there_o be_v far_o less_o hope_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o regeneration_n who_o have_v sometime_o this_o purpose_n of_o turn_v to_o god_n do_v neglect_n and_o loose_v it_o then_o of_o they_o who_o never_o once_o think_v of_o any_o such_o matter_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unlike_o matter_n that_o a_o man_n will_v in_o his_o age_n set_v his_o affection_n on_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o he_o reject_v and_o condemn_v before_o when_o as_o he_o be_v less_o addict_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o sin_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o any_o age_n except_o infancy_n both_o god_n may_v work_v regeneration_n in_o man_n and_o man_n repentance_n in_o himself_o yet_o as_o the_o bough_n of_o a_o tree_n be_v by_o the_o growth_n of_o many_o year_n become_v stiff_a and_o strong_a be_v now_o far_o more_o easy_o break_v then_o bow_v so_o for_o the_o most_o part_n man_n of_o age_n experience_n and_o worldly_a wisdom_n do_v soon_o loose_v their_o life_n then_o leave_v their_o carnal_a desire_n which_o they_o have_v so_o careful_o nourish_v and_o strengthen_v all_o their_o life_n time_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o know_v and_o consider_v that_o as_o all_o other_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n so_o also_o this_o repentance_n have_v a_o appoint_a season_n which_o be_v in_o no_o case_n to_o
hear_n of_o god_n word_n the_o three_o earnest_n and_o continual_a prayer_n by_o the_o first_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o come_v to_o god_n cast_v off_o his_o filthy_a sin_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a garment_n of_o a_o religious_a just_a upright_o and_o honest_a life_n by_o the_o second_o he_o stand_v wait_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o god_n mercy_n where_o usual_o man_n be_v receyve_v into_o favour_n by_o the_o three_o he_o become_v a_o little_a more_o bold_a presume_v to_o knock_v and_o rap_v at_o god_n gate_n where_o we_o leave_v he_o prepare_v wait_v and_o knock_v till_o it_o please_v god_n to_o open_v and_o let_v he_o in_o sect._n 5._o and_o yet_o there_o remain_v one_o point_n to_o be_v brief_o declare_v to_o wit_n how_o this_o repentant_a be_v now_o as_o we_o be_v to_o hope_v judge_v and_o suppose_v of_o a_o carnal_a make_v a_o spiritual_a man_n may_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n for_o although_o regeneration_n be_v so_o great_a and_o a_o total_a change_n be_v usual_o so_o evident_a especial_o to_o he_o in_o who_o it_o have_v place_n that_o he_o can_v not_o doubt_v of_o it_o yet_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o natural_a infidelity_n which_o remain_v in_o they_o that_o even_o the_o faithful_a be_v bring_v to_o this_o pass_n that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o themselves_o but_o either_o think_v or_o at_o the_o least_o suspect_n themselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n when_o as_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v arryve_v in_o the_o haven_n this_o controversy_n must_v be_v take_v away_o by_o compare_v our_o present_a estate_n with_o our_o former_a and_o by_o consider_v that_o change_n which_o we_o feel_v to_o be_v of_o a_o sudden_a wrought_v in_o ourselves_o in_o the_o earnest_a performance_n of_o some_o christian_a exercise_n tend_v to_o regeneration_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o it_o in_o our_o banquet_n pastime_n sleep_n recreation_n or_o while_o we_o be_v busy_v about_o worldly_a affair_n but_o while_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n while_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o public_o or_o perhaps_o private_o alone_a or_o with_o other_o while_o we_o humble_v ourselves_o in_o fast_v and_o unfeigned_a sorrow_n for_o our_o sin_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o which_o christian_n duty_n god_n be_v by_o his_o mighty_a power_n able_a to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o way_n he_o lift_v to_o change_v the_o natural_a disposition_n of_o his_o soul_n who_o he_o then_o call_v make_v it_o look_v toward_o himself_o which_o before_o do_v frowardlie_a abhor_v from_o all_o good_a and_o uppe_o to_o heaven_n which_o before_o have_v the_o eye_n fix_v in_o earthly_a thing_n whereupon_o this_o repentaunt_a for_o we_o will_v yet_o give_v he_o his_o old_a name_n because_o he_o doubt_v himself_o to_o be_v still_o not_o a_o new_a but_o the_o old_a man_n feel_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n his_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n strange_o change_v for_o whereas_o before_o he_o feel_v himself_o so_o hard_o heart_v that_o although_o he_o see_v his_o sin_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o greeve_v for_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o they_o now_o he_o pour_v out_o of_o his_o eye_n river_n of_o tear_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o dishonour_n which_o he_o have_v by_o his_o sin_n bâ—ought_v to_o the_o name_n of_o god_n whereas_o before_o he_o doubt_v of_o god_n favour_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n now_o he_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v of_o both_o and_o so_o he_o be_v now_o replenish_v with_o unspeakable_a joy_n &_o hear_v the_o spirit_n not_o of_o bondage_n and_o fear_v wherewith_o he_o be_v possess_v but_o of_o adoption_n cry_v in_o his_o heart_n abba_n father_n he_o now_o feel_v himself_o able_a to_o withstand_v those_o sin_n whereunto_o before_o he_o yield_v continual_o at_o the_o first_o to_o have_v a_o delight_n in_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o in_o all_o christian_a exercise_n whereunto_o before_o he_o be_v draw_v by_o fear_n of_o the_o displeasure_n either_o of_o man_n or_o perhaps_o in_o some_o conscience_n of_o sin_n in_o fear_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o avoid_v it_o and_o to_o conclude_v he_o feel_v all_o those_o part_n of_o holiness_n wrought_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o his_o soul_n which_o be_v requite_v in_o the_o faithful_a finis_fw-la the_o argument_n of_o the_o treatise_n follow_v as_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o man_n body_n that_o it_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o natural_a perfection_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o equal_a temperature_n and_o just_a proportion_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o for_o that_o it_o be_v leave_v here_o will_v soon_o perish_v and_o come_v to_o nougâ—t_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v continual_o both_o nourish_v with_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o also_o preserve_v from_o all_o hurtful_a thing_n yea_o careful_o restore_v to_o the_o former_a state_n of_o health_n if_o by_o any_o inward_a or_o outward_a mean_n it_o fall_v into_o sickness_n or_o be_v any_o way_n hurt_n wound_a or_o distemper_v no_o more_o will_v it_o serve_v for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v both_o prepare_v by_o repentance_n for_o regeneration_n yea_o actual_o regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o it_o likewise_o must_v continual_o be_v tend_v feed_v and_o cherish_v yea_o heal_v of_o all_o those_o malady_n which_o by_o any_o mean_n happen_v unto_o it_o this_o we_o call_v the_o right_n diet_v of_o the_o soul_n resemble_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o body_n that_o both_o the_o doctrine_n may_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a be_v illustrate_v &_o declare_v by_o sensible_a &_o familiar_a similitude_n and_o also_o that_o the_o continual_a care_n and_o pain_n which_o we_o take_v about_o our_o body_n tâ—e_v order_v &_o diet_v of_o they_o may_v always_o be_v put_v we_o 〈◊〉_d mind_n of_o perform_v the_o same_o duty_n unto_o our_o soul_n for_o the_o which_o we_o oght_v to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_a as_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v better_a they_o this_o short_a and_o miserable_a life_n this_o spiritual_a diet_n have_v two_o part_n conseruative_n and_o restorative_n the_o former_a continue_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o holiness_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n the_o other_o restore_v it_o when_o it_o be_v lose_v and_o repair_v it_o be_v decay_v again_o conseruative_a diet_n have_v two_o part_n nutritive_a and_o preservative_n consist_v the_o one_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o those_o thing_n by_o the_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v nourish_v the_o other_o in_o the_o careful_a avoid_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v hurtful_a unto_o it_o spiritual_a nourishment_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n food_n and_o exercise_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v the_o matter_n the_o other_o the_o mean_n manner_n or_o form_n of_o nutrition_n further_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o the_o soul_n have_v resemblance_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o body_n and_o how_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o simple_a and_o spiritual_a can_v be_v subject_a to_o alteration_n distemper_n and_o disease_n which_o have_v place_n in_o the_o body_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o contrariety_n of_o quality_n prevail_a or_o yield_v one_o to_o another_o to_o wit_n that_o as_o in_o the_o body_n heat_n and_o moisture_n so_o in_o the_o soul_n holiness_n &_o sinfulness_n do_v continual_o fight_v together_o the_o one_o labour_v to_o consume_v and_o expel_v the_o other_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o flesh_n labour_v to_o quench_v all_o the_o good_a motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n strive_v to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o all_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n thereof_o gal._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n lu_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o this_o be_v the_o composition_n &_o temperature_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v place_n only_o in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n wherein_o the_o soul_n have_v in_o itself_o both_o holiness_n and_o sinfulness_n but_o not_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n or_o yet_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n in_o carnal_a man_n when_o as_o tâ—e_v soul_n be_v altogether_o either_o holy_a or_o sinful_a can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v this_o composition_n or_o temperature_n these_o point_n of_o doctrine_n may_v profitable_o be_v consider_v but_o first_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o pain_n and_o care_v take_v in_o diet_v and_o order_v the_o soul_n aught_o to_o be_v continual_a without_o any_o intermission_n for_o that_o as_o the_o body_n be_v neglect_v for_o
a_o small_a time_n become_v weak_a and_o distemper_a yea_o soon_o fall_v into_o sickness_n and_o do_v perish_v so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o soul_n the_o which_o be_v neglect_v but_o a_o little_a there_o will_v a_o decrease_v of_o holiness_n be_v plain_o feel_v yea_o perhaps_o see_v by_o other_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v manifest_a to_o wit_n because_o both_o outward_a occasion_n and_o temptation_n and_o also_o tâ—e_v inward_a corruption_n of_o sin_n never_o cease_v from_o oppugn_v this_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o body_n must_v continual_o be_v repair_v with_o nourishment_n because_o it_o be_v continual_o consume_v by_o our_o natural_a heat_n so_o must_v the_o soul_n by_o a_o good_a diet_n daily_o use_v be_v preserve_v thus_o the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_n exhort_v we_o to_o a_o continual_a use_n of_o all_o spiritual_a exercise_n as_o namely_o of_o prayer_n eph._n 6.18_o pray_v always_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o 1._o thess._n 5.16_o rejoice_v evermore_o pray_v continual_o not_o as_o if_o as_o some_o have_v fond_o imagine_v we_o ought_v to_o give_v ourselves_o so_o whole_o to_o spiritual_a exercise_n as_o that_o we_o neglect_v our_o body_n &_o this_o present_a life_n as_o most_o man_n bestow_v all_o their_o time_n care_n and_o labour_n about_o their_o body_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o their_o soul_n for_o as_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n so_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o both_o be_v careful_o preserve_v and_o that_o both_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o present_a life_n we_o labour_v daily_o &_o diligent_o in_o some_o lawful_a call_n &_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o the_o life_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o use_v that_o spiritual_a diet_n which_o we_o be_v about_o to_o declare_v yet_o as_o heavenly_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a thing_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a and_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v then_o earthly_a thing_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v great_a care_n of_o the_o one_o then_o of_o the_o other_o and_o so_o to_o frame_v the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o entangle_v ourselves_o in_o no_o mo_z worldly_a duty_n than_o be_v needful_a thus_o the_o apostle_n counsel_v 1._o cor._n 7._o that_o the_o servant_n shall_v not_o neglect_v any_o duty_n which_o his_o master_n enjoin_v he_o under_o pretence_n of_o serve_v god_n but_o yet_o desire_v a_o free_a life_n because_o in_o it_o he_o may_v have_v great_a opportunity_n and_o leisure_n to_o serve_v god_n and_o like_o wise_a that_o we_o shall_v prefer_v a_o single_a life_n before_o marriage_n which_o usual_o bring_v with_o it_o many_o care_n &_o trouble_n according_a to_o this_o rule_n they_o who_o god_n have_v bless_v with_o riches_n and_o abundance_n of_o worldly_a thing_n aught_o to_o give_v more_o time_n care_n and_o labour_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n they_o they_o who_o be_v in_o poverty_n and_o want_v thing_n needful_a and_o to_o say_v with_o themselves_o soul_n thou_o have_v good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n and_o therefore_o not_o take_v thy_o ease_n and_o make_v thyself_o drink_v with_o the_o superfluity_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n but_o take_v time_n as_o much_o as_o thou_o will_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o cleanse_v thyself_o from_o the_o filthiness_n of_o sin_n which_o make_v the_o abominable_a to_o god_n but_o usual_o man_n as_o it_o be_v add_v thirst_n to_o drunkenness_n the_o more_o they_o have_v the_o more_o they_o desire_v to_o have_v and_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o seek_v worldly_a thing_n than_o they_o who_o be_v in_o great_a want_n beside_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o right_n diet_v of_o the_o soul_n that_o wâ—_n know_v and_o consider_v the_o present_a state_n or_o constitution_n of_o it_o â—hether_o it_o be_v in_o infancy_n or_o in_o ripe_a age_n in_o the_o increase_n or_o decrease_v of_o holiness_n in_o strength_n or_o in_o faintness_n in_o temptation_n or_o not_o that_o so_o we_o may_v use_v that_o diet_n which_o be_v most_o convenient_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o it_o otherwise_o we_o can_v but_o err_v in_o diet_v it_o yea_o even_o in_o the_o careful_a use_n of_o the_o most_o wholesome_a meat_n and_o sovereign_a remedy_n for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o order_v the_o body_n aright_o either_o in_o sickness_n or_o in_o health_n without_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o our_o complexion_n age_n and_o strength_n and_o unless_o we_o mark_v in_o what_o part_n it_o be_v most_o weak_a or_o strong_a that_o according_o choice_n may_v be_v make_v both_o of_o meat_n in_o health_n and_o of_o remedy_n in_o sickness_n so_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o right_a order_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o we_o know_v our_o age_n and_o strength_n in_o christ_n whether_o we_o be_v ripe_a and_o strong_a man_n able_a to_o digest_v solid_a meat_n or_o but_o babe_n and_o weakling_n who_o must_v be_v feed_v with_o milk_n and_o also_o our_o infirmity_n what_o sin_n we_o be_v most_o subject_a unto_o that_o so_o we_o may_v avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o they_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o a_o treatise_n show_v how_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v renew_a or_o endue_v with_o holiness_n be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o preserve_v in_o that_o estate_n chap._n 1._o section_n 1._o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v that_o whereby_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o holiness_n and_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n wherewith_o god_n do_v endue_v it_o in_o regeneration_n be_v maintain_v and_o continue_v as_o we_o know_v that_o physician_n prescribe_v a_o diet_n for_o continuance_n of_o health_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o remove_n of_o sickness_n for_o whereas_o christ_n say_v mar._n 2.17_o the_o whole_a have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o physician_n but_o the_o sick_a and_o that_o therefore_o he_o come_v to_o call_v not_o just_a man_n but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n he_o mean_v not_o that_o any_o man_n be_v so_o holy_a as_o that_o he_o need_v not_o both_o his_o own_o continual_a care_n in_o watch_v over_o his_o soul_n as_o also_o the_o continual_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o that_o they_o who_o be_v sick_a or_o rather_o dead_a in_o sin_n and_o impenitency_n have_v more_o need_n of_o help_n than_o they_o who_o be_v already_o endue_v with_o the_o life_n of_o holiness_n for_o as_o it_o be_v true_o say_v in_o other_o thing_n non_fw-la minor_fw-la est_fw-la virtus_fw-la quam_fw-la quaerere_fw-la parta_fw-la tueri_fw-la so_o be_v it_o true_a in_o respect_n of_o spiritual_a health_n the_o which_o can_v possible_o be_v keep_v without_o continual_a care_n although_o in_o exact_a comparison_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o continue_v either_o bodily_a or_o spiritual_a health_n where_o it_o be_v already_o then_o to_o procure_v it_o where_o it_o be_v as_o yet_o want_v here_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o this_o spiritual_a health_n be_v and_o how_o any_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v it_o when_o as_o all_o be_v sinful_a we_o answer_v that_o although_o no_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n yet_o a_o state_n of_o spiritual_a health_n may_v be_v attain_v unto_o even_o in_o this_o sinful_a life_n and_o be_v then_o attain_v when_o as_o a_o faithful_a man_n lead_v a_o holy_a and_o unblamâ—ble_a life_n perform_v although_o in_o weakness_n &_o imperfection_n yea_o in_o some_o corruption_n of_o sin_n all_o duty_n belong_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n and_o be_v irreprovable_a in_o regard_n of_o any_o great_a sin_n for_o as_o most_o man_n live_v be_v true_o say_v to_o have_v their_o health_n howsoever_o that_o exact_a temperature_n ad_fw-la pondus_fw-la whereof_o physician_n dispute_v can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o man_n or_o in_o any_o age_n so_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n be_v not_o require_v to_o spiritual_a health_n but_o as_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o bodily_a health_n that_o the_o distemperature_n be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o manifest_a as_o that_o it_o hinder_v any_o of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n from_o their_o function_n so_o if_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o bridle_v aâ—_n that_o it_o hinder_v not_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o christian_n duty_n there_o be_v spiritual_a health_n yea_o although_o this_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o strong_a that_o it_o do_v sometime_o bring_v forth_o some_o sin_n and_o hinder_v in_o part_n the_o performance_n of_o some_o christian_a duty_n yet_o if_o for_o the_o general_a course_n of_o life_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n do_v prevail_v so_o that_o it_o repress_v that_o sin_n &_o perform_v all_o duty_n sometime_o faint_o &_o imperfect_o at_o other_o time_n full_o &_o courageous_o yet_o here_o be_v health_n for_o so_o as_o in_o the_o body_n so_o also_o in_o the_o soul_n we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o health_n and_o
strength_n betwixt_o sickness_n and_o infirmity_n many_o have_v their_o health_n who_o be_v not_o strong_a and_o many_o whole_a man_n have_v many_o infirmity_n for_o example_n many_o be_v thick_a of_o hear_v &_o sight_n yet_o they_o can_v both_o hear_v &_o see_v &_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v account_v whole_a not_o maim_v or_o sick_a as_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v more_o at_o large_a hereafter_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o every_o faithful_a man_n to_o preserve_v himself_o not_o only_o in_o health_n but_o also_o in_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o holiness_n yea_o to_o increase_v his_o strength_n from_o one_o degree_n to_o another_o the_o which_o three_o effect_n come_v of_o this_o first_o part_n of_o spiritual_a diet._n for_o first_o it_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o holiness_n get_v by_o the_o first_o act_n of_o regeneration_n second_o it_o continue_v that_o strength_n or_o measure_n of_o grace_n whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_a in_o the_o progress_n of_o it_o and_o last_o it_o increase_v strength_n and_o grace_n the_o which_o diverse_a effect_n or_o degree_n of_o holiness_n aâ—ise_v of_o the_o diverse_a use_n of_o this_o spiritual_a diâ—t_n as_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o careful_o and_o diligent_o use_v for_o as_o the_o natural_a life_n of_o man_n may_v if_o no_o outward_a violence_n come_v be_v preserve_v with_o the_o least_o care_n cost_n and_o pain_n that_o can_v be_v but_o if_o a_o man_n desire_v to_o keep_v his_o body_n in_o strength_n and_o vigour_n there_o must_v choice_n of_o diet_n be_v make_v and_o care_v use_v and_o most_o of_o all_o if_o he_o go_v about_o to_o augment_v either_o his_o stature_n in_o his_o young_a year_n or_o afterwards_o his_o strength_n or_o flesh_n he_o must_v be_v yet_o more_o careful_a yea_o curious_a in_o his_o diet_n bestow_v all_o his_o time_n yea_o great_a care_n and_o cost_v in_o it_o so_o it_o be_v in_o spiritual_a life_n the_o which_o be_v once_o put_v into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n will_v continue_v there_o ever_o by_o itself_o although_o as_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v the_o owner_n of_o it_o be_v negligent_a in_o maintain_v it_o yea_o in_o a_o manner_n careless_a of_o it_o whereas_o he_o that_o desire_v to_o continue_v a_o whole_a and_o strong_a man_n in_o christ_n without_o any_o sickness_n or_o decrease_v of_o grace_n must_v make_v account_n to_o bestow_v great_a care_n in_o this_o work_n aâ—d_v far_o great_a if_o as_o he_o ought_v he_o desiâ—e_v to_o increase_v in_o grace_n sect._n 2._o this_o preservative_n diet_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o first_o iâ—_n to_o avoid_v what_o soever_o be_v any_o way_n hurtful_a to_o tâ—e_v soul_n in_o respect_n of_o holiness_n the_o other_o be_v to_o use_v aright_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o in_o the_o fiâ—st_o kind_a we_o be_v to_o avoid_v first_o and_o chief_o the_o commit_n of_o actual_a sin_n especial_o of_o those_o which_o be_v great_a and_o heinous_a these_o be_v to_o be_v account_v as_o very_a poison_n to_o the_o soul_n many_o way_n impair_n the_o holiness_n of_o it_o first_o in_o that_o they_o seldom_o come_v alone_o but_o accompany_v with_o some_o other_o sin_n as_o lot_n drunkenness_n bring_v forth_o incest_n and_o david_n adultery_n horrible_a murder_n this_o come_v to_o pass_v diverse_a way_n for_o as_o he_o who_o take_v a_o taste_n of_o honey_n be_v easy_o draw_v on_o by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o to_o eat_v of_o it_o to_o his_o great_a hurt_n so_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n be_v once_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v will_v not_o afterward_o be_v easy_o reject_v &_o contemn_v yea_o as_o the_o merchant_n venturer_n have_v receive_v a_o great_a loss_n by_o sea_n or_o the_o soldier_n a_o great_a wound_n in_o battle_n often_o become_v desperate_a and_o careless_a of_o their_o own_o estate_n so_o oftentimes_o a_o christian_a by_o commit_v some_o grievous_a sin_n be_v bring_v to_o this_o pass_n that_o he_o lay_v aside_o the_o care_n and_o study_v of_o holiness_n and_o let_v all_o go_v at_o six_o and_o seven_o thus_o one_o sin_n draw_v on_o another_o and_o two_o twenty_o the_o soul_n be_v at_o length_n whole_o possess_v and_o overcome_v by_o sin_n and_o even_o as_o a_o city_n or_o castle_n be_v take_v by_o the_o enemy_n yield_v without_o resistance_n and_o if_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n support_v he_o in_o this_o temptation_n he_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o this_o desperate_a pass_n yet_o the_o commit_n of_o any_o one_o sin_n take_v from_o he_o or_o do_v great_o diminish_v diverse_a particular_a grace_n especial_o affiance_n hope_v spiritual_a joy_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o in_o stead_n of_o these_o bring_v a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o of_o those_o judgment_n which_o he_o usual_o pour_v upon_o sinner_n yea_o it_o hinder_v he_o from_o call_v on_o god_n by_o prayer_n with_o that_o confidence_n &_o alacrity_n which_o be_v meet_v for_o that_o now_o he_o can_v come_v to_o he_o as_o a_o obedient_a son_n to_o a_o love_a father_n but_o as_o a_o rebel_n or_o fugitive_n to_o a_o angry_a master_n yea_o sometime_o the_o commit_n of_o sin_n work_v the_o contrary_a effect_n take_v away_o or_o diminish_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n who_o although_o seldom_o for_o that_o this_o most_o fearful_a punishment_n of_o impunity_n belong_v to_o the_o reprobate_a one_o yet_o sometime_o suffer_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o go_v unpunished_a for_o a_o time_n so_o as_o it_o be_v let_v the_o reins_n lose_v unto_o they_o that_o he_o may_v see_v or_o rather_o let_v themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n see_v whither_o they_o will_v go_v and_o what_o corruption_n be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o what_o infirmity_n in_o the_o nature_n even_o of_o regenerate_a man_n in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o respect_v the_o commit_n of_o sin_n be_v hurtful_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o with_o all_o care_n to_o be_v avoid_v by_o he_o who_o desire_v and_o endevour_v to_o diet_v his_o soul_n aright_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v first_o by_o consider_v the_o loathsome_a nature_n the_o horrible_a parentage_n be_v come_v from_o satan_n that_o foul_a spirit_n the_o ugly_a and_o monstrous_a shape_n be_v clean_o contrary_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o man_n yea_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o fearful_a fruit_n which_o it_o bring_v forth_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o be_v kindle_v but_o a_o little_a make_v the_o hard_a stony_a mountain_n to_o melt_v away_o like_a wax_n the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n the_o unthankful_a and_o ungracious_a disobey_v of_o so_o gracious_a and_o good_a a_o father_n the_o slander_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o grieve_v and_o snub_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n by_o who_o we_o be_v seal_v up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n the_o horror_n of_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n and_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n ram._n 6._o make_v the_o only_a fruit_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n shame_n and_o ignominy_n these_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v can_v but_o stay_v the_o most_o violent_a and_o rage_a motion_n of_o sin_n yea_o they_o be_v of_o such_o weight_n that_o if_o they_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n wiâ—h_v all_o worldly_a pleasure_n whatsoever_o the_o which_o be_v the_o only_a proctor_n of_o sin_n plead_v vehement_o for_o it_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o man_n free_a will_n they_o will_v unless_o the_o balance_n be_v strange_o false_a and_o the_o judge_n palpable_o blind_v and_o pervert_v weigh_v they_o down_o as_o a_o mountain_n will_v do_v a_o molhill_n without_o any_o controversy_n or_o comparison_n sin_n be_v indeed_o as_o pleasant_a in_o the_o mouth_n as_o be_v the_o honey_n comb_n but_o it_o be_v vain_a and_o momentanie_n yea_o it_o rot_v the_o bowel_n body_n and_o soul_n second_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v by_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n and_o provocation_n of_o it_o for_o as_o he_o who_o will_v not_o have_v his_o house_n set_v on_o fire_n will_v not_o willing_o bring_v fire_n into_o any_o room_n where_o there_o be_v powder_n flax_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n which_o will_v ready_o take_v fire_n so_o he_o that_o will_v not_o have_v the_o lust_n of_o firm_a kindle_v in_o his_o heart_n must_v careful_o avoid_v all_o outward_a object_n which_o stir_v they_o up_o and_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n entice_v man_n and_o even_o lead_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o the_o commit_n of_o they_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o give_v this_o good_a and_o wholesome_a counsel_n be_v well_o know_v job._n 3.1_o i_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o my_o eye_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v
by_o dip_v and_o drown_v the_o body_n in_o water_n for_o when_o as_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o our_o own_o body_n or_o else_o behold_v it_o administer_v unto_o other_o feel_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o eternal_a death_n due_a unto_o we_o for_o sin_n &_o a_o mortification_n of_o thinherent_a corruption_n of_o sin_n come_v from_o thence_o they_o do_v we_o feed_v our_o soul_n by_o this_o sacrament_n &_o that_o no_o less_o when_o we_o see_v it_o administer_v to_o other_o then_o when_o we_o feel_v it_o in_o our_o own_o body_n and_o therefore_o the_o custom_n which_o have_v prevail_v in_o most_o place_n of_o neglect_v &_o contemn_v this_o part_n of_o the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v and_o sharp_o reproove_v likewise_o in_o the_o other_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o bread_n and_o the_o wine_n receive_v in_o it_o feed_v both_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n the_o one_o by_o their_o natural_a virtue_n the_o other_o by_o their_o mystical_a and_o sacramental_a signification_n work_v in_o we_o a_o fresh_a remembrance_n and_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n represent_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n in_o piece_n and_o the_o pouâ—ing_n forth_o of_o the_o wine_n sect._n 5._o thus_o much_o of_o the_o public_a food_n of_o the_o soul_n beside_o the_o which_o we_o have_v other_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v use_v private_o for_o christian_n must_v not_o be_v as_o babe_n unable_a to_o feed_v themselves_o or_o to_o take_v any_o nourishment_n unless_o it_o be_v put_v into_o their_o mouth_n by_o other_o but_o must_v as_o they_o receive_v the_o meat_n prepare_v by_o other_o so_o also_o dress_v some_o for_o themselves_o and_o that_o by_o gather_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o only_a food_n of_o the_o soul_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v even_o there_o where_o the_o public_a food_n be_v have_v to_o wit_n in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o god_n in_o these_o field_n the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o be_v continual_o conversant_a in_o they_o and_o so_o to_o make_v his_o soul_n strong_a fat_a and_o lusty_a first_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o read_n studying_z understand_v and_o meditate_v of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o profitable_a read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n diverse_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o we_o read_v it_o with_o this_o intent_n and_o purpose_n to_o edify_v ourselves_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n make_v our_o spiritual_a edification_n the_o end_n of_o our_o read_n otherwise_o we_o may_v spend_v all_o our_o day_n yea_o although_o they_o be_v as_o many_o as_o the_o day_n of_o methuselah_n and_o yet_o receive_v no_o more_o increase_n of_o holiness_n than_o they_o who_o never_o hear_v tell_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o why_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v find_v this_o spiritual_a food_n but_o he_o who_o do_v hunger_n after_o it_o and_o seek_v it_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n indeed_o god_n sometime_o be_v find_v of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o seek_v nor_o yet_o so_o much_o as_o ask_v after_o he_o and_o do_v by_o his_o spirit_n renew_v those_o who_o do_v not_o once_o think_v of_o regeneration_n or_o salvation_n but_o here_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n in_o regenerate_a man_n but_o of_o that_o ordinary_a continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o holiness_n which_o every_o faithful_a man_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o work_v in_o himself_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v this_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v he_o that_o seek_v it_o not_o shall_v never_o find_v it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o have_v be_v very_o painful_a reader_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o never_o find_v in_o they_o any_o spiritual_a fruit_n or_o comfort_n because_o they_o read_v they_o not_o to_o that_o end_n but_o for_o some_o sinister_a respect_n the_o jew_n take_v great_a pain_n in_o read_v or_o rather_o in_o learning_n without_o book_n the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o so_o great_a as_o may_v make_v christian_n who_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o bestow_v so_o much_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o seek_v or_o keep_v christ_n pardon_v of_o sin_n &_o eternal_a glory_n as_o they_o do_v in_o seek_v a_o earthly_a king_n &_o earthly_a glory_n the_o which_o only_o they_o look_v for_o by_o their_o messiah_n and_o yet_o they_o find_v not_o christ_n nor_o any_o spiritual_a grace_n because_o they_o seek_v not_o for_o such_o thing_n so_o many_o other_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n for_o other_o sinister_a end_n some_o to_o get_v the_o knowledge_n of_o curious_a and_o unprofitable_a question_n and_o controversy_n of_o endless_a genealogy_n yea_o some_o for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o erroneous_a &_o heretical_a opinion_n some_o for_o mere_a knowledge_n &_o vain_a ostentation_n but_o he_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o good_a physician_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n must_v lay_v aside_o these_o and_o all_o such_o respect_n propound_v to_o himself_o the_o confirmation_n and_o increase_n of_o his_o faith_n love_n patience_n temperance_n &_o of_o all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n these_o thing_n must_v be_v continual_o in_o his_o mind_n yea_o he_o must_v apply_v to_o these_o purpose_n all_o the_o precept_n example_n and_o doctrine_n wherewith_o he_o meet_v mind_v only_a point_n of_o spiritual_a edification_n and_o especial_o those_o whereof_o he_o most_o doubt_v and_o will_v be_v resolve_v and_o which_o belong_v most_o to_o his_o present_a use_n this_o rule_n and_o counsel_n we_o have_v give_v by_o eliphas_n job._n 5.27_o who_o after_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v at_o large_a both_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o his_o goodness_n in_o spare_v save_v and_o bless_v the_o godly_a he_o add_v this_o notable_a conclusion_n loe_o thus_o we_o have_v inquire_v of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o and_o know_v it_o for_o thyself_o that_o be_v do_v not_o content_v thyself_o with_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o this_o doctrine_n but_o apply_v it_o to_o thy_o own_o special_a state_n not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o a_o christian_a in_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o observe_v and_o study_v those_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o direct_o tend_v to_o spiritual_a edification_n for_o it_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a if_o he_o can_v give_v so_o much_o time_n to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n as_o that_o he_o know_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thâ—_n story_n all_o question_n which_o can_v be_v move_v about_o any_o place_n but_o that_o when_o as_o all_o can_v be_v have_v as_o it_o be_v seldom_o see_v that_o any_o gyve_v or_o can_v give_v himself_o so_o whole_o to_o this_o study_n who_o have_v any_o other_o call_v choice_n be_v make_v of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o needful_a profitable_a and_o excellent_a in_o the_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v also_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n for_o his_o daily_a read_n study_v and_o meditate_v in_o the_o which_o this_o spiritual_a food_n do_v most_o plentiful_o grow_v and_o may_v most_o easy_o be_v have_v for_o although_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o comfort_n and_o edification_n and_o that_o no_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v account_v barren_a and_o unprofitable_a yet_o some_o part_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o more_o effectual_a for_o spiritual_a edification_n than_o other_o be_v in_o that_o they_o handle_v those_o point_n wherein_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v more_o full_o and_o plain_o then_o other_o do_v thus_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n to_o the_o which_o they_o be_v as_o commentary_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o that_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n plain_o reveal_v which_o before_o be_v cover_v with_o type_n and_o ceremony_n yea_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o other_o do_v more_o didirect_o aim_v at_o this_o mark_n than_o the_o story_n of_o the_o life_n and_o act_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n it_o seem_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o psalm_n do_v most_o excellent_a in_o this_o behalf_n the_o which_o consist_v whole_o of_o spiritual_a meditation_n observation_n precept_n and_o experiment_n insomuch_o that_o it_o may_v true_o be_v call_v the_o christian_a man_n garden_n wherein_o all_o manner_n of_o
edifycation_n for_o if_o the_o heathen_a who_o have_v no_o spiritual_a eye_n wherewith_o to_o see_v can_v observe_v the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o these_o creature_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v rom._n 1._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o spiritual_a man_n find_v in_o this_o field_n plentiful_a food_n for_o the_o feed_n of_o the_o soul_n sect._n 8._o the_o last_o field_n wherein_o this_o spiritual_a food_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v grow_v and_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v be_v the_o action_n of_o god_n for_o as_o in_o the_o creation_n so_o also_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o world_n god_n be_v to_o be_v see_v and_o seek_v as_o in_o the_o one_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o other_o his_o providence_n justice_n and_o mercy_n do_v manifest_o appear_v or_o rather_o clear_o shine_v his_o providence_n by_o the_o which_o all_o thing_n all_o the_o action_n and_o faculty_n of_o all_o creature_n be_v dispose_v order_v direct_v restrain_v uphold_v as_o that_o they_o all_o several_o and_o joint_o tend_v to_o those_o end_n for_o the_o which_o he_o appoint_v they_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v bring_v to_o pass_v as_o namely_o first_o principal_o and_o general_o the_o set_v forth_o of_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v the_o last_o end_n both_o of_o the_o creation_n and_o also_o of_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o second_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o justice_n upon_o the_o reprobate_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a his_o justice_n appear_v in_o that_o he_o recompense_v every_o one_o according_a unto_o his_o do_n and_o that_o without_o favour_n or_o respect_n of_o person_n lay_v fearful_a judgement_n even_o upon_o his_o elect_a for_o their_o sin_n and_o reward_v the_o good_a deed_n of_o the_o reprobate_n with_o temporal_a blessing_n but_o most_o of_o all_o he_o do_v daily_o pour_v forth_o the_o treasure_n of_o his_o goodness_n love_n &_o mercy_n towards_o his_o faithful_a servant_n in_o preserve_v they_o from_o all_o evil_a and_o in_o provide_v for_o they_o whatsoever_o be_v needful_a these_o thing_n may_v profitable_o and_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o age_n and_o story_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o age_n and_o time_n wherein_o we_o ourselves_o live_v for_o that_o we_o give_v great_a credence_n &_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o behold_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v note_v ourselves_o know_v the_o person_n in_o who_o they_o befall_v and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o say_a action_n then_o with_o those_o which_o we_o have_v at_o the_o second_o hand_n by_o the_o report_n of_o other_o and_o which_o in_o all_o respect_n be_v strange_a and_o unknown_a unto_o us._n thus_o the_o prophet_n david_n mention_v psal._n 37.25_o one_o of_o his_o own_o observation_n the_o which_o he_o have_v be_v all_o his_o life_n time_n even_o a_o whole_a age_n in_o gather_v of_o the_o gracious_a providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o servant_n say_v i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o i_o be_o old_a yet_o do_v i_o never_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_a or_o his_o seed_n beg_v their_o bread_n of_o these_o observation_n concern_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n bestow_v on_o the_o righteous_a and_o his_o fearful_a plague_n pour_v on_o the_o wicked_a the_o book_n of_o job_n and_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v full_a yea_o it_o be_v in_o many_o place_n make_v a_o sign_n of_o godliness_n to_o mark_v the_o do_n of_o god_n as_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o be_v of_o a_o ungodly_a man_n as_o eccl._n 2.14_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v his_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n but_o the_o fool_n walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o es._n 57.1_o the_o just_a man_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v come_v and_o no_o man_n regard_v that_o be_v carnal_a man_n who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o god_n deal_n nor_o exercise_v in_o mark_v they_o know_v not_o this_o that_o the_o untimely_a death_n of_o righteous_a man_n be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o some_o grievous_a plague_n which_o god_n be_v to_o bring_v upon_o that_o city_n or_o country_n where_o they_o dwell_v and_o more_o especial_o we_o be_v careful_o to_o observe_v those_o action_n of_o god_n which_o concern_v ourselves_o as_o namely_o how_o he_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n provide_v for_o we_o all_o thing_n needful_a even_o in_o our_o great_a want_n when_o as_o all_o man_n do_v forsake_v we_o how_o he_o have_v preserve_v we_o from_o great_a danger_n how_o he_o have_v chastise_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n how_o he_o have_v hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o grant_v our_o request_n how_o he_o have_v comfort_v we_o in_o our_o affliction_n how_o he_o have_v reward_v all_o our_o good_a work_n &_o godly_a endeavour_n how_o he_o have_v assist_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o time_n of_o tentation_n how_o he_o have_v sometime_o let_v we_o remain_v in_o sin_n irrepentance_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n &_o at_o other_o time_n have_v give_v we_o soft_a heart_n melt_v at_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n as_o wax_v before_o the_o fire_n &_o send_v forth_o river_n of_o the_o tear_n of_o true_a repentance_n how_o he_o have_v plague_v for_o our_o sin_n or_o bless_v for_o our_o sake_n our_o friend_n acquaintance_n wife_n child_n kinsfolk_n and_o servant_n how_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o his_o will_n and_o truth_n unto_o we_o and_o in_o short_a how_o he_o have_v in_o every_o respect_n deal_v with_o we_o since_o we_o first_o know_v or_o serve_v he_o sect._n 9_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o right_a manner_n of_o feed_v the_o soul_n with_o the_o heavenly_a manna_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n creature_n and_o action_n of_o god_n beside_o the_o which_o there_o be_v require_v in_o the_o right_a nourishment_n of_o it_o spiritual_a exercise_n for_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o body_n the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v feed_v to_o the_o full_a and_o daily_o fill_v with_o meat_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v preserve_v much_o less_o increase_v in_o health_n strength_n and_o vigour_n unless_o it_o be_v exercise_v that_o so_o the_o meat_n receive_v into_o the_o belly_n may_v be_v draw_v and_o fasten_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o nourish_v but_o soon_o pass_v away_o without_o any_o profit_n so_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o spiritual_a health_n and_o strength_n exercise_n be_v no_o less_o needful_a than_o food_n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v plain_o in_o many_o who_o although_o they_o feed_v their_o soul_n with_o all_o be_v and_o diligence_n be_v continual_o conversant_a in_o study_v hear_v read_v meditate_v and_o regard_v the_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o nourish_v by_o this_o food_n because_o they_o do_v not_o join_v exercise_n unto_o it_o this_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o spiritual_a grace_n or_o the_o performance_n of_o christian_a duty_n belong_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v of_o diverse_a kind_n as_o there_o be_v many_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o of_o christian_a duty_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a kind_n of_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v prayer_n or_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n both_o public_a &_o also_o private_a by_o the_o right_a use_n whereof_o we_o shall_v feel_v all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o be_v stir_v up_o in_o we_o yea_o confirm_v and_o increase_v yea_o all_o drowsiness_n and_o heaviness_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v shake_v off_o as_o will_v easy_o appear_v by_o consideder_v the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o for_o the_o more_o that_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n and_o the_o multitude_n and_o heinousness_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v paint_v they_o out_o in_o their_o natural_a shape_n and_o in_o lively_a colour_n the_o more_o we_o loath_a and_o abhor_v they_o the_o often_o and_o more_o serious_o that_o we_o consider_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n either_o present_a or_o which_o be_v like_a enough_o to_o be_v short_o pour_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o also_o the_o benefit_n temporal_a and_o spiritual_a receive_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o more_o we_o increase_v in_o fear_n and_o love_n and_o all_o dutiful_a thankfulness_n towards_o he_o and_o therefore_o whosoever_o desire_v to_o preserve_v his_o soul_n in_o health_n and_o strength_n must_v have_v special_a regard_n to_o this_o that_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o daily_a &_o continual_a use_n of_o prayer_n the_o necessity_n and_o efficacy_n whereof_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o may_v true_o be_v call_v