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
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
two_o treatise_n concern_v regeneration_n 1._o of_o repentance_n 2._o of_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o soul_n show_v the_o one_o how_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v seek_v after_o and_o may_v be_v attain_v unto_o the_o other_o how_o it_o be_v get_v iâ—_n to_o be_v preserve_v and_o continue_v math._n 7.7_o knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v london_n print_a by_o thomas_n creed_n for_o robert_n dexter_n and_o ralph_n jackson_n 1597._o the_o occasion_n and_o argument_n of_o of_o the_o treatise_n follow_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n confirm_v by_o experience_n and_o also_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n tâ—e_v which_o be_v two_o be_v both_o one_o in_o effect_n so_o sure_a witness_n that_o no_o exception_n can_v be_v take_v against_o either_o of_o they_o that_o the_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n be_v very_o small_a especial_o in_o this_o last_o &_o most_o corrupt_a age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o as_o we_o have_v it_o foretell_v in_o scripture_n faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v but_o iniquity_n do_v abound_v and_o that_o most_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n deceive_v both_o themselves_o with_o a_o false_a conceit_n and_o also_o other_o with_o a_o hypocritical_a show_n of_o religion_n when_o as_o in_o truth_n they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o mean_v for_o many_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v religion_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n wherein_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v and_o without_o the_o which_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o attain_v to_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o clear_a sunshine_n and_o palpable_a darkness_n to_o be_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n for_o although_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a love_n â—ee_o judge_v the_o best_a of_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o grace_n take_v for_o pure_a gold_n whatsoever_o do_v glister_v yet_o most_o man_n be_v so_o estrange_v from_o god_n have_v no_o sense_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o mind_n nor_o any_o savour_n of_o it_o in_o their_o word_n and_o deed_n be_v in_o their_o whole_a behaviour_n so_o far_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o any_o duty_n belong_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n that_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a have_v sufficient_a warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o think_v and_o say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n not_o as_o yet_o call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o truth_n howsoever_o they_o may_v be_v according_a to_o god_n secret_a counsel_n in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o elect_a thus_o man_n live_v and_o thus_o they_o die_v in_o the_o most_o fearful_a state_n of_o eternal_a death_n the_o which_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v will_v work_v grief_n even_o in_o the_o hard_a heart_n and_o stir_v it_o up_o to_o a_o pitiful_a desire_n of_o amend_v it_o for_o if_o we_o be_v just_o move_v to_o pity_v by_o behold_v the_o moment_n any_o misery_n of_o man_n and_o the_o distress_a state_n of_o their_o body_n be_v consume_v with_o sore_n and_o sickness_n and_o even_o at_o death_n door_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v grieve_v for_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o their_o soul_n not_o die_v but_o be_v already_o clean_o dead_a in_o sin_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o that_o state_n which_o lead_v to_o unspeakable_a torment_n and_o the_o hot-burning_a furnace_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n but_o helpless_a pity_n increase_v the_o evil_a communicate_v it_o to_o those_o who_o before_o be_v free_a from_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o rest_v but_o rather_o to_o put_v to_o our_o help_a hand_n and_o so_o both_o with_o hand_n and_o heart_n to_o endeavour_n the_o relieve_v of_o this_o woeful_a and_o wretched_a estate_n but_o it_o there_o any_o help_n for_o this_o spiritual_a misery_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o man_n can_v man_n work_v this_o regeneration_n in_o themselves_o or_o in_o other_o and_o so_o change_v a_o carnal_a and_o sinful_a man_n into_o a_o holy_a and_o new_a creature_n no_o sure_o regeneration_n be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n impossible_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o man_n angel_n or_o any_o creature_n for_o although_o many_o creature_n have_v life_n in_o themselves_o yet_o none_o can_v give_v natural_a much_o less_o spiritual_a life_n to_o another_o so_o then_o belike_o there_o be_v not_o any_o duty_n look_v for_o at_o man_n hand_n in_o this_o behalf_n but_o only_o that_o he_o pity_v and_o bewail_v his_o oâ—ne_n and_o other_o man_n desperate_a estate_n and_o the_o blame_n of_o man_n sinfulness_n and_o damnation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o man_n â—ho_fw-mi can_v help_v though_o they_o will_v but_o on_o god_n who_o keep_v this_o faculty_n of_o regenerate_a man_n in_o his_o oâ—ne_a hand_n neither_o himself_o help_v man_n neither_o yet_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o help_v himself_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o follow_v of_o the_o aforesaid_a ground_n but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o any_o case_n to_o be_v admit_v for_o god_n do_v both_o himself_o reneâ—_n man_n by_o his_o spirit_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o also_o have_v appoint_v the_o meaane_n by_o the_o which_o man_n be_v to_o work_v his_o own_o salvation_n the_o which_o if_o he_o will_v not_o try_v and_o use_v who_o can_v either_o deny_v or_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o blame_n be_v in_o himself_o and_o not_o in_o god_n the_o which_o if_o he_o use_n can_v prevail_v yet_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o his_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o which_o be_v so_o dead_a in_o sin_n that_o it_o can_v be_v recover_v no_o not_o by_o good_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o as_o touch_v the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n the_o which_o we_o confess_v make_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o renew_v himself_o god_n be_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v think_v the_o author_n of_o it_o for_o he_o create_v man_n in_o perfect_a holiness_n but_o man_n do_v careless_o &_o wilful_o loose_v that_o holiness_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o but_o as_o for_o the_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o recover_n of_o holiness_n man_n can_v not_o but_o take_v that_o whole_o to_o himself_o who_o although_o he_o can_v renew_v himself_o though_o he_o will_v yet_o if_o he_o will_v he_o may_v use_v the_o mean_n appoint_v for_o that_o purpose_n as_o will_n more_o plain_o appear_v in_o the_o particular_n but_o man_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v careless_a of_o eternal_a salvation_n yea_o altogether_o unwilling_a to_o take_v that_o pain_n in_o seek_v it_o which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o find_v it_o will_v allege_v in_o defence_n of_o this_o his_o wilful_a contempt_n of_o god_n word_n that_o it_o be_v folly_n for_o he_o to_o seek_v regeneration_n the_o which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o effect_v whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o despair_v of_o the_o truth_n goodness_n mercy_n or_o power_n of_o god_n and_o make_v his_o sinfulness_n the_o great_a and_o his_o damnation_n the_o more_o just_a and_o grievous_a but_o rather_o do_v his_o endeavour_n in_o the_o careful_a and_o continual_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n as_o god_n have_v command_v and_o so_o leave_v both_o the_o success_n of_o his_o labour_n and_o â—is_n own_o salvation_n to_o the_o will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n the_o which_o that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o be_v needful_a that_o we_o knoâ—_n and_o consider_v the_o mean_n whereby_o regeneration_n may_v be_v attain_v unto_o or_o at_o the_o least_o ought_v to_o be_v seek_v after_o it_o be_v not_o gold_n or_o silver_n although_o simon_n magus_n suppose_v that_o spiritual_a grace_n may_v be_v buy_v with_o money_n as_o worldly_a commodity_n be_v that_o can_v purchase_v regeneration_n not_o favour_n friendship_n or_o any_o desert_n of_o holiness_n but_o only_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o mean_n of_o regeneration_n be_v the_o way_n lead_v unto_o it_o call_v in_o scripture_n repentance_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n metanoia_n that_o be_v a_o after_z mind_n or_o a_o right_a mind_n after_o a_o wrong_a mind_n for_o as_o in_o other_o matter_n it_o come_v daily_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n be_v in_o process_n of_o time_n bring_v by_o experience_n to_o see_v their_o own_o error_n wherein_o they_o have_v do_v amiss_o be_v displease_v with_o themselves_o for_o so_o do_v with_o that_o they_o have_v do_v otherwise_o and_o so_o be_v say_v to_o repent_v of_o this_o or_o that_o action_n so_o a_o carnal_a man_n â—aving_a all_o â—is_n life_n time_n live_v in_o vain_a and_o sinful_a pleasure_n altogether_o careless_a of_o
to_o a_o treasure_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o field_n and_o be_v find_v by_o he_o who_o look_v for_o no_o such_o thing_n in_o that_o place_n and_o thus_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o many_o come_n to_o hear_v god_n word_n for_o fashion_n sake_n or_o in_o a_o wicked_a desire_n of_o hinder_v it_o and_o hurt_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o have_v be_v of_o a_o sudden_a wonderful_o convert_v and_o effectual_o renew_a thus_o it_o please_v god_n sometime_o to_o work_v regeneration_n without_o any_o mean_n that_o it_o may_v be_v see_v to_o come_v not_o from_o any_o virtue_n inherent_a in_o the_o mean_n but_o from_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o his_o ordinary_n and_o usual_a manner_n of_o work_v according_a to_o the_o which_o he_o do_v nothing_o without_o some_o kind_n of_o mean_n no_o not_o in_o miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a action_n wherein_o the_o mean_n do_v not_o help_v forward_o the_o matter_n any_o jot_n but_o only_o be_v use_v for_o a_o show_n or_o colour_n to_o hide_v the_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n who_o glory_n it_o be_v to_o keâ—pe_v himself_o his_o counsel_n judgement_n and_o manner_n of_o work_v secret_a and_o hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o we_o read_v pro._n 25.25_o thus_o he_o heal_v nâ—aman_n by_o wash_v he_o in_o jordan_n and_o the_o sick_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o anoint_v they_o with_o oil_n and_o thus_o he_o raise_v the_o widow_n son_n 2._o king_n 4_o 35._o from_o death_n by_o lay_v the_o warm_a body_n of_o elizeus_fw-la upon_o his_o dead_a and_o cold_a body_n and_o thus_o he_o heal_v the_o sickness_n of_o the_o soul_n yea_o restore_v it_o from_o death_n to_o life_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n in_o all_o which_o miraculous_a action_n the_o mean_n be_v not_o in_o any_o respectable_a to_o bring_v forth_o the_o effect_n yet_o they_o have_v in_o they_o a_o virtue_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n whereto_o the_o effect_n may_v easy_o be_v ascribe_v by_o carnal_a and_o ignorant_a man_n so_o that_o although_o god_n can_v always_o and_o do_v at_o some_o time_n work_v regeneration_n without_o mean_n yet_o ordinarilye_o he_o use_v mean_n the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n whereof_o be_v a_o impious_a tempt_a of_o god_n and_o presume_v of_o his_o goodness_n hencâ—_n it_o be_v that_o regeneration_n have_v place_n and_o be_v to_o be_v find_v not_o among_o the_o jew_n turk_n moor_n and_o other_o infidel_n but_o only_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n wherein_o his_o word_n be_v preach_v his_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o all_o other_o mean_n of_o beginning_n and_o continue_v grace_n daily_o use_v yea_o of_o church_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o some_o be_v more_o pure_a and_o sound_a in_o doctrine_n more_o diligent_a and_o zealous_a in_o serve_v god_n and_o in_o use_v all_o christian_a exercise_n so_o they_o have_v often_o experience_n of_o this_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n put_v his_o help_a hand_n to_o the_o godly_a endeavour_n of_o his_o servant_n yea_o of_o christian_n those_o who_o be_v careful_a and_o painful_a in_o seek_v and_o serve_v god_n be_v far_o lyke_a to_o attain_v to_o grace_n than_o they_o who_o be_v otherwise_o even_o as_o they_o be_v like_a to_o retain_v and_o recover_v their_o health_n who_o be_v careful_a in_o use_v a_o competent_a diet_n of_o meat_n and_o medicine_n than_o they_o who_o do_v careless_o distemper_v themselves_o in_o sickness_n and_o in_o health_n nor_o regard_v what_o thing_n be_v wholesome_a or_o hurtful_a for_o they_o sect._n 5._o thus_o much_o of_o the_o falsâ—_n conceit_n or_o error_n conceive_v of_o regeneration_n by_o â—he_n which_o man_n be_v hinder_v from_o seek_v it_o the_o first_o be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o spiriâ—â—_n all_o regeneration_n the_o second_o despair_v of_o obtain_v it_o by_o any_o mean_n the_o three_o presumption_n or_o a_o persuasion_n of_o get_v it_o without_o mean_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o other_o hindrance_n whereof_o to_o let_v the_o rest_n pass_v these_o three_o be_v most_o usual_a the_o first_o be_v infidelity_n &_o atheism_n the_o second_o worldly_a care_n and_o pleasure_n the_o three_o be_v offence_n take_v at_o those_o who_o profess_v this_o regeneration_n for_o the_o first_o although_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v name_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yet_o many_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n have_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o mind_n no_o other_o religion_n than_o atheism_n no_o god_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n no_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o world_n than_o this_o which_o they_o present_o enjoy_v they_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n nor_o devil_n no_o heaven_n nor_o hell_n no_o reward_n for_o the_o godly_a nor_o punishment_n appoint_v for_o the_o wicked_a no_o truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o folly_n to_o serve_v god_n or_o at_o the_o least_o they_o do_v so_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v not_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o either_o move_v to_o any_o good_a or_o restrain_v from_o any_o evil_n as_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n among_o who_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n from_o death_n be_v call_v in_o question_n that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n that_o be_v be_v mere_a atheist_n that_o this_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o many_o christian_n it_o appear_v both_o by_o their_o life_n &_o deal_n which_o be_v altogether_o void_a of_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o also_o by_o the_o plain_a and_o voluntary_a confession_n of_o the_o simple_a sort_n be_v by_o sickness_n fear_n hope_v love_n or_o any_o other_o mean_n make_v to_o declare_v their_o conscience_n in_o this_o behalf_n these_o man_n can_v possible_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n see_v that_o they_o make_v no_o account_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n whereunto_o it_o lead_v and_o therefore_o this_o hindrance_n can_v be_v take_v away_o but_o by_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v and_o will_v certain_o perform_v it_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o seek_v for_o it_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o take_v in_o hand_n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n the_o which_o require_v many_o several_a tractate_v yet_o as_o touch_v this_o ignorance_n of_o god_n the_o which_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o error_n whatsoever_o it_o may_v be_v refute_v by_o as_o many_o argument_n as_o there_o be_v creature_n in_o the_o world_n all_o which_o joint_o and_o severallie_o do_v preach_v and_o make_v manifest_a the_o deity_n power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o do_v not_o put_v out_o their_o own_o eye_n not_o only_o to_o christian_n live_v in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o even_o to_o infidel_n remain_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o their_o natural_a blindness_n as_o we_o read_v roman_n 2.20_o the_o godheade_n that_o be_v the_o eternity_n and_o power_n of_o god_n may_v be_v behold_v in_o the_o creature_n for_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n suppose_v some_o infinite_a power_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v make_v and_o be_v continual_o order_v and_o preserve_v and_o some_o great_a king_n and_o monarch_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o who_o will_v one_o day_n call_v all_o his_o subject_n to_o account_v and_o give_v unto_o every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o work_n the_o great_a objection_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n make_v against_o the_o godheade_n and_o the_o most_o forcible_a motive_n to_o this_o infidelity_n be_v the_o invisibilitie_n and_o insensible_a secrecy_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o action_n in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o continual_o show_v forth_o his_o omnipotency_n in_o new_a and_o strange_a miracle_n his_o justice_n in_o punish_v sin_n and_o reward_v good_a deed_n his_o presence_n in_o hear_v those_o that_o pray_v unto_o he_o but_o suffer_v all_o thing_n to_o go_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n yea_o as_o if_o he_o have_v lay_v aside_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o world_n the_o wicked_a to_o prospeâ—_fw-la and_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v afflict_v aâ—_n for_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n although_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n that_o can_v be_v yet_o it_o be_v daily_o and_o continualle_o behold_v cease_v to_o drive_v man_n to_o admiration_n or_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o the_o common_a provet_v be_v say_v that_o a_o wonder_n last_v but_o nine_o day_n yea_o this_o secrecy_n of_o god_n be_v great_a now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o these_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
pass_v in_o bodily_a disease_n whereof_o some_o go_v over_o the_o whole_a body_n as_o fever_n consumption_n leprosy_n and_o many_o other_o be_v but_o in_o one_o part_n as_o the_o pleurisy_n in_o the_o side_n the_o gout_n in_o the_o foot_n and_o such_o like_a of_o the_o former_a kind_n there_o especial_o be_v three_o whereof_o the_o first_o may_v be_v call_v security_n or_o impenitency_n the_o second_o worldliness_n the_o three_o distrust_n for_o the_o first_o although_o total_a impenitency_n can_v be_v in_o a_o man_n regenerate_v for_o where_o faith_n &_o repentance_n be_v once_o true_o wrought_v by_o god_n spirit_n there_o they_o abide_v for_o ever_o yet_o whensoever_o he_o continue_v in_o commit_v gross_a sin_n contrary_a to_o his_o own_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n as_o the_o faithful_a sometime_o do_v than_o he_o be_v impenitent_a in_o respect_n of_o those_o sin_n indeed_o usual_o when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o commit_v sin_n he_o do_v straight_o way_n by_o repentance_n recover_v his_o former_a state_n fly_v to_o god_n in_o humble_a prayer_n for_o pardon_n of_o it_o and_o for_o grace_n whereby_o to_o resist_v it_o this_o he_o obtain_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o as_o the_o father_n of_o the_o prodigal_a young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o ready_a to_o give_v pardon_n and_o grace_n than_o he_o be_v to_o ask_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o meet_v &_o in_o a_o manner_n prevent_v he_o with_o it_o yet_o sometime_o afterward_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o same_o sâ—n_n and_o remember_v how_o late_o he_o be_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n recover_v out_o of_o it_o be_v backward_o and_o unwilling_a to_o go_v to_o god_n for_o help_v as_o before_o either_o be_v ashamed_a to_o ask_v that_o again_o which_o he_o so_o late_o obtain_v and_o so_o careless_o lose_v or_o perhaps_o despair_a of_o attain_v it_o although_o he_o shall_v ask_v it_o or_o last_o be_v so_o inveigle_v and_o besot_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o sin_n that_o he_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o continue_v in_o it_o and_o so_o think_v and_o that_o true_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a or_o rather_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o repent_v of_o that_o sin_n wherein_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v whereupon_o he_o go_v on_o from_o day_n to_o day_n from_o year_n to_o year_n in_o his_o sin_n never_o call_v himself_o to_o account_v for_o it_o and_o scarce_o once_o think_v of_o leave_v it_o till_o at_o length_n he_o become_v so_o benumb_v and_o hard-hearted_a in_o it_o that_o he_o can_v not_o repent_v of_o it_o though_o he_o will_v he_o can_v not_o pour_v forth_o tear_n of_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n as_o he_o do_v at_o the_o first_o thus_o he_o affect_v in_o his_o conscience_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o sin_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n give_v over_o all_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a exercise_n as_o the_o hear_n meditate_v read_v and_o confer_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n public_a &_o private_a prayer_n and_o all_o other_o mean_v serve_v for_o edification_n use_v they_o not_o in_o conscience_n but_o in_o hypocrisy_n &_o in_o outward_a show_n be_v cold_a yea_o heavy_a lumpish_a and_o dead_a in_o all_o such_o action_n if_o it_o so_o fall_v forth_o that_o his_o conscience_n be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n by_o some_o judgement_n or_o any_o other_o mean_n so_o that_o he_o purpose_v and_o desire_v to_o repent_v and_o to_o leave_v his_o sin_n yet_o he_o find_v himself_o so_o untoward_a to_o this_o work_n and_o so_o hard_o heart_v unable_a to_o call_v upon_o god_n in_o hope_n of_o be_v hear_v that_o he_o give_v it_o over_o at_o the_o first_o and_o so_o be_v further_a of_o then_o he_o be_v this_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o impenitency_n the_o which_o that_o it_o be_v a_o disease_n spread_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a soul_n of_o man_n we_o can_v not_o doubt_v it_o may_v well_o be_v compare_v to_o that_o sickness_n wherein_o man_n lie_v for_o dead_a for_o many_o hour_n together_o so_o that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v perceive_v that_o they_o draw_v breath_n it_o come_v of_o the_o commit_n of_o and_o yield_v to_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n such_o whereof_o a_o man_n conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o stand_v with_o the_o fear_n and_o service_n of_o god_n but_o that_o of_o necessity_n the_o one_o must_v be_v leave_v off_o and_o lay_v aside_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o repentance_n for_o in_o it_o a_o man_n be_v bring_v almost_o to_o that_o estate_n wherein_o he_o be_v before_o regeneration_n so_o that_o now_o as_o it_o be_v hebrues_n 6.1_o he_o must_v lay_v again_o the_o foundation_n of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n he_o must_v enter_v into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o that_o fearful_a estate_n wherein_o he_o be_v whereof_o it_o will_v certain_o follow_v that_o he_o will_v never_o please_v himself_o in_o it_o or_o be_v content_a till_o he_o find_v some_o remedy_n the_o which_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n by_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o have_v thus_o prevail_v over_o he_o and_o by_o force_v himself_o although_o most_o untoward_a to_o the_o daily_a use_n of_o all_o holy_a &_o spiritual_a exercise_n whereby_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n may_v be_v kindle_v &_o stir_v up_o in_o he_o a_o example_n both_o of_o this_o impenitency_n and_o also_o of_o this_o renew_a repentance_n we_o have_v in_o the_o prophet_n david_n who_o by_o commit_v two_o heinous_a sin_n adultery_n and_o murder_n fall_v into_o this_o estate_n and_o therein_o continue_v for_o some_o time_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v recover_v out_o of_o it_o as_o we_o read_v ps._n 51.10_o create_v in_o i_o a_o clean_a heart_n o_o god_n and_o renew_v a_o right_a spirit_n within_o i_o cast_v i_o not_o from_o thy_o presence_n and_o take_v not_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n from_o i_o restore_v i_o to_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o salvation_n and_o establish_v i_o with_o thy_o spirit_n sect._n 5._o the_o second_o general_a disease_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v worldliness_n which_o be_v a_o immoderate_a desire_n of_o get_v have_v and_o enjoy_v worldly_a pleasure_n it_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n call_v covetousness_n and_o say_v to_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a that_o be_v that_o which_o work_v in_o man_n decrease_v of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o holiness_n and_o so_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n for_o it_o steal_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n from_o god_n make_v he_o set_v all_o his_o care_n study_n and_o to_o bend_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n on_o earthly_a pleasure_n 1._o timo._n 6.10_o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o snare_n into_o many_o foolish_a and_o noisome_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n â—n_a perdition_n for_o the_o desire_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o have_v lust_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n as_o 2._o tim._n 4.10_o he_o complain_v of_o demas_n that_o he_o have_v forsake_v he_o and_o embrace_v the_o present_a world_n this_o be_v the_o common_a disease_n of_o this_o age_n wherein_o those_o who_o fear_n and_o serve_v god_n be_v almost_o general_o far_a more_o addict_v to_o the_o world_n then_o be_v meet_v divide_v themselves_o in_o a_o manner_n betwixt_o god_n and_o mammon_n be_v far_o more_o greedy_a in_o desire_v careful_a in_o seek_v wretched_a in_o keep_v and_o light_n in_o use_v earthly_a pleasure_n then_o in_o reason_n they_o shall_v be_v who_o know_v they_o to_o be_v vain_a and_o momentany_a &_o who_o do_v certain_o hope_v and_o look_v for_o eternal_a glory_n and_o pleasure_n in_o heaven_n by_o the_o which_o mean_n they_o become_v faint_a and_o weak_a in_o regard_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n for_o first_o the_o care_n and_o time_n which_o shall_v be_v bestow_v in_o preserve_v and_o increase_n it_o be_v bestow_v in_o get_v worldly_a pleasure_n second_o the_o mind_n be_v besot_v and_o even_o overwhelm_v by_o the_o continual_a and_o immoderate_a use_n of_o they_o three_o it_o make_v they_o lay_v aside_o the_o performance_n of_o christian_n duty_n of_o love_n belong_v both_o to_o god_n &_o to_o their_o brother_n by_o the_o diligent_a use_n whereof_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v strengthen_v in_o godliness_n so_o it_o be_v weaken_v by_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o and_o last_o the_o greedy_a desire_n of_o worldly_a thing_n make_v man_n use_v many_o unlawful_a mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o they_o and_o not_o to_o be_v so_o careful_a in_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v this_o disease_n of_o the_o soul_n