other_o part_n of_o santification_n be_v want_v as_o the_o body_n may_v live_v although_o it_o lack_v the_o arm_n leg_n and_o other_o part_n but_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v once_o wound_v death_n be_v then_o hard_a at_o hand_n and_o therefore_o satan_n do_v most_o of_o all_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n labour_v to_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o faithful_a man_n desire_v to_o strike_v through_o the_o hart_n at_o the_o first_o stroke_n that_o so_o as_o abisai_n say_v 1._o sam._n 26._o 8._o 8._o he_o may_v save_v the_o labour_n of_o strike_v twice_o this_o christ_n tell_v peter_n that_o sathan_n have_v desire_v to_o tempt_v he_o 2._o but_o he_o have_v pray_v for_o he_o that_o his_o faith_n whereat_o sathan_n will_v direct_o strike_v shall_v not_o fail_v the_o weapon_n wherewith_o he_o use_v to_o strike_v at_o faith_n be_v many_o and_o diverse_a as_o namely_o these_o first_o the_o cross_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o present_a life_n which_o god_n lay_v on_o his_o child_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 7._o 7._o but_o they_o feel_v they_o bitter_a and_o after_o a_o sort_n intolerable_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n labour_n by_o earnest_n and_o continual_a prayer_n as_o also_o by_o all_o other_o mean_v to_o be_v free_v from_o they_o the_o which_o thing_n when_o as_o they_o can_v bring_v to_o pass_v be_v suffer_v to_o languish_v yea_o often_o to_o perish_v outward_o in_o their_o trouble_n they_o straight_o way_n be_v move_v by_o sathan_n to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forsake_v they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o help_n or_o good_a thing_n to_o be_v look_v for_o at_o his_o hand_n this_o policy_n sathan_n himself_o do_v bewray_v and_o confess_v job._n 1._o 11_o do_v job_n fear_n god_n for_o nought_o thou_o have_v bless_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n but_o lay_v thy_o hand_n upon_o he_o in_o outward_a cross_n and_o thou_o shall_v see_v that_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o off_o from_o trust_v in_o thou_o 11._o that_o he_o will_v curse_v thou_o to_o thy_o face_n the_o temptation_n be_v then_o most_o forceable_a when_o as_o the_o faithful_a in_o their_o great_a misery_n be_v exasperate_v and_o as_o it_o be_v have_v their_o tooth_n set_v on_o edge_n by_o the_o great_a prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a insomuch_o that_o they_o often_o repent_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v not_o choose_v that_o course_n &_o manner_n of_o life_n whereby_o they_o see_v they_o to_o flourish_v but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v withstand_v by_o consider_v that_o god_n do_v chastise_v his_o child_n and_o purge_v they_o in_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n that_o so_o he_o may_v make_v glorious_a and_o heavenly_a vessel_n of_o they_o whereas_o the_o wicked_a be_v as_o sheep_n feed_v fat_a against_o the_o day_n of_o slaughter_n that_o they_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n make_v conformable_a to_o christ_n their_o head_n that_o the_o great_a affliction_n of_o this_o world_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v &_o that_o â—s_v it_o be_v luke_n 16._o 25._o 25._o as_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o life_n have_v pleasure_n and_o the_o godly_a pain_n so_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o godly_a shall_v be_v comfort_v and_o the_o other_o torment_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o we_o read_v eccles._n 8._o 12._o 17._o though_o the_o wicked_a man_n do_v evil_a a_o hundred_o time_n and_o yet_o prolong_v his_o day_n yet_o i_o know_v that_o in_o the_o end_n it_o will_v be_v well_o with_o they_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o with_o no_o other_o again_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v often_o tempt_v by_o consideration_n have_v of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o dead_a body_n for_o so_o by_o measure_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o their_o own_o shallow_a reason_n they_o stagger_v at_o it_o and_o sometime_o fall_v flat_o down_o 2._o tim._n 2._o 18._o 18._o hymeneus_n and_o philetus_n teach_v that_o the_o resurrection_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v already_o past_a and_o so_o they_o do_v subvert_v the_o faith_n of_o many_o but_o for_o this_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n the_o third_o temptation_n be_v the_o obscure_a secret_a and_o hide_a manner_n of_o god_n work_v in_o these_o last_o age_n wherein_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o full_o in_o his_o son_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n do_v hide_v himself_o from_o the_o eye_n even_o of_o the_o faithful_a in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o in_o vision_n revelation_n dream_n the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n in_o temporal_a punishment_n and_o blessing_n oâ—_n in_o any_o other_o sensible_a manner_n but_o suffer_v all_o thing_n to_o go_v on_o and_o work_v after_o their_o own_o inclination_n as_o namely_o tyrant_n to_o rage_n and_o oppress_v his_o church_n to_o persecute_v his_o people_n to_o erect_v idolatry_n to_o deface_v his_o worship_n to_o blaspheme_v his_o name_n so_o as_o if_o he_o have_v clean_o cast_v off_o the_o care_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o in_o this_o world_n but_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o trouble_v we_o for_o sensible_a apparition_n blessing_n and_o action_n be_v for_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n which_o now_o be_v come_v to_o her_o ripe_a age_n and_o yet_o the_o action_n of_o god_n be_v no_o less_o wonderful_a than_o before_o yea_o they_o be_v as_o manifest_v to_o spiritual_a eye_n as_o ever_o they_o be_v to_o the_o carnal_a eye_n of_o man_n the_o last_o weapon_n wherewith_o satan_n strike_v at_o faith_n be_v minister_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o to_o wit_n their_o manifold_a and_o grievous_a sin_n especial_o those_o whereinto_o they_o fall_v again_o and_o again_o have_v often_o repent_v they_o &_o whereof_o they_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n get_v the_o upper_a hand_n here_o satan_n think_v that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o advantage_n against_o the_o faithful_a as_o he_o himself_o desire_v for_o in_o the_o other_o temptation_n he_o do_v fight_v against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o which_o now_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v on_o his_o side_n for_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n do_v everywhere_a teach_v that_o all_o who_o be_v justify_v be_v sanctify_v from_o a_o sinful_a life_n and_o have_v power_n give_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o resist_v and_o mortify_v sin_n especial_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n hereof_o he_o infer_v after_o this_o manner_n thou_o have_v no_o such_o power_n or_o grace_n to_o resist_v sin_n thou_o can_v not_o for_o thy_o life_n abstain_v from_o commit_v it_o but_o do_v add_v one_o fall_v to_o another_o one_o sin_n to_o another_o even_o against_o thy_o own_o conscience_n &_o therefore_o thy_o faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o either_o mere_a hypocrisy_n and_o unbelief_n or_o at_o the_o most_o it_o be_v but_o some_o light_a shadow_n of_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o reprobate_n this_o argument_n be_v hard_a to_o be_v answer_v and_o therefore_o it_o drive_v many_o faithful_a man_n to_o their_o wit_n end_n and_o even_o to_o despair_v of_o themselves_o and_o of_o the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o most_o fearful_a thing_n kill_v all_o holiness_n even_o at_o the_o root_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v avoid_v by_o all_o mean_n especial_o by_o learning_n if_o we_o be_v as_o yet_o ignorant_a how_o to_o answer_v this_o argument_n thus_o cunning_o compact_v by_o satan_n the_o best_a answer_n that_o can_v be_v make_v be_v that_o he_o who_o be_v thus_o tempt_v labour_n by_o fast_v prayer_n continual_a read_n meditate_v and_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o diligent_a weigh_v the_o nature_n and_o manifold_a evil_n ensue_v of_o it_o to_o purge_v himself_o of_o the_o sin_n wherewith_o satan_n do_v so_o buffet_v he_o and_o so_o to_o wring_v his_o weapon_n by_o force_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n but_o if_o this_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v as_o often_o the_o faithful_a can_v get_v the_o mastery_n over_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o corrupt_a desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n than_o we_o must_v answer_v that_o a_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n may_v be_v at_o some_o time_n without_o some_o fruit_n as_o the_o tree_n be_v in_o the_o winter_n season_n as_o appear_v manifest_o by_o the_o example_n of_o diverse_a faithful_a man_n as_o namely_o in_o david_n that_o notable_a man_n who_o do_v not_o only_o commit_v adultery_n which_o be_v a_o most_o grievous_a sin_n the_o harm_n whereof_o can_v by_v any_o mean_n be_v amend_v yea_o and_o add_v murder_n to_o it_o a_o more_o horrible_a sin_n but_o also_o as_o may_v be_v probable_o gather_v seem_v to_o have_v continue_v
enticement_n in_o all_o thing_n last_o as_o touch_v supplication_n which_o we_o make_v the_o three_o filial_a duty_n man_n be_v so_o whole_o alienate_v from_o god_n that_o what_o necessity_n soever_o do_v pinch_n he_o he_o have_v not_o either_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o will_n and_o as_o we_o use_v to_o speak_v neither_o the_o heart_n nor_o the_o face_n once_o to_o go_v to_o god_n by_o humble_a prayer_n for_o help_n he_o fly_v to_o worldly_a mean_n as_o to_o his_o own_o wisdom_n strength_n riches_n and_o friend_n and_o if_o all_o fail_v yet_o he_o will_v rather_o seek_v for_o help_v by_o sorcery_n and_o witchcraft_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o new_a father_n the_o devil_n than_o he_o will_v by_o prayer_n call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n thus_o be_v all_o unregenerate_a man_n affect_v howsoever_o in_o a_o show_n of_o religion_n or_o as_o a_o common_a proverb_n they_o will_v sometime_o say_v god_n help_v i_o or_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o whereas_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n have_v no_o confidence_n in_o god_n neither_o any_o hope_n of_o obtain_v any_o thing_n at_o his_o hand_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n why_o they_o shall_v think_v otherwise_o for_o god_n do_v not_o hear_v and_o help_v but_o detest_v and_o plague_v unbeliever_n sect._n 3_o of_o filial_a subjection_n renew_v thus_o we_o see_v how_o man_n be_v altogether_o spoil_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n of_o this_o excellent_a dignity_n of_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n he_o recover_v it_o in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n in_o as_o ample_a manner_n as_o he_o have_v it_o in_o his_o first_o creation_n for_o as_o all_o natural_a man_n be_v in_o adam_n ungracious_a bastard_n so_o they_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n not_o by_o partake_v his_o eternal_a and_o essential_a filiation_n whereof_o no_o creature_n be_v capable_a but_o by_o be_v renew_v and_o make_v conformable_a to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o human_a nature_n for_o as_o man_n lose_v this_o dignity_n by_o lose_v the_o image_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n his_o perfect_a holiness_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o he_o only_o of_o all_o earthly_a creature_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o be_v now_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n restore_v to_o the_o say_a image_n of_o god_n he_o be_v together_o restore_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 12._o joh._n 1._o 12._o as_o many_o as_o believe_v in_o he_o to_o those_o he_o give_v power_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 4._o for_o as_o we_o read_v 2._o pet._n 1._o 4._o we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n that_o be_v of_o the_o image_n or_o resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o that_o we_o fly_v the_o corruption_n of_o lust_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n reneâ—ed_v from_o this_o prerogative_n of_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n speak_v to_o man_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n who_o son_n do_v in_o time_n enjoy_v their_o father_n possession_n stir_v up_o the_o faithful_a to_o a_o undoubted_a expectation_n of_o eternal_a glory_n gal._n 4._o 7._o we_o be_v no_o more_o servant_n but_o son_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o god_n through_o christ_n 7._o &_o rom._n 8._o 17._o 17._o if_o we_o be_v son_n then_o be_v we_o heir_n 2_o the_o heir_n true_o of_o god_n and_o the_o fellow_n heir_n of_o christ_n and_o 1._o john_n 3._o 2._o we_o be_v now_o the_o son_n of_o god_n although_o our_o inheritance_n do_v not_o appear_v till_o christ_n appear_v now_o to_o proceed_v as_o the_o faithful_a be_v restore_v to_o this_o dignity_n so_o they_o be_v endue_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n with_o the_o disposition_n belong_v to_o it_o be_v so_o affect_v to_o god_n as_o child_n ought_v to_o be_v to_o their_o natural_a father_n they_o reverence_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n in_o word_n and_o deed_n in_o mind_n heart_n and_o in_o all_o their_o behaviour_n the_o great_a security_n and_o certainty_n which_o they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o good_a estate_n do_v not_o make_v they_o any_o way_n presumptuous_a neither_o do_v the_o familiarity_n which_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o have_v with_o they_o as_o with_o friend_n joh._n 15_o 15._o breed_v in_o they_o any_o contempt_n of_o god_n but_o they_o stand_v continual_o in_o awe_n of_o he_o 15._o and_o of_o his_o glorious_a presence_n yield_v to_o he_o his_o due_a honour_n both_o in_o word_n deed_n and_o affection_n whensoever_o they_o have_v any_o occasion_n to_o deal_v with_o he_o this_o we_o may_v observe_v as_o in_o the_o other_o servant_n of_o god_n so_o especial_o in_o abraham_n who_o although_o he_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v call_v jam._n 2._o 23._o 23._o and_o have_v familiar_a conversation_n and_o talk_n with_o god_n 7_o as_o one_o friend_n use_v to_o have_v with_o another_o 8._o yet_o he_o dare_v not_o speak_v the_o second_o time_n to_o god_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o sodomite_n without_o use_v some_o preface_n of_o reverence_n say_v gen._n 18._o 27._o 30._o behold_v i_o have_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o speak_v to_o god_n who_o be_o but_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o again_o vers._n 30_o let_v not_o my_o lord_n be_v angry_a if_o i_o speak_v for_o they_o this_o affection_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v describe_v 123._o psal._n 123_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o servant_n be_v upon_o his_o lord_n and_o as_o the_o handmaid_n do_v modest_o wait_v in_o presence_n of_o her_o mistress_n so_o be_v we_o affect_v to_o god_n likewise_o for_o the_o second_o duty_n which_o be_v imitation_n the_o faithful_a man_n endevour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o conform_v himself_o to_o the_o absolute_a purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n have_v wise_a consideration_n use_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o resurrection_n as_o most_o forcible_a argument_n to_o enforce_v the_o mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o vivification_n of_o all_o holiness_n in_o we_o 6._o rom._n 6._o and_o eph._n 5._o 1._o 1_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o belove_a child_n last_o as_o a_o son_n be_v pinch_v with_o any_o grief_n or_o want_n do_v straight_o way_n run_v to_o his_o father_n for_o relief_n so_o do_v the_o faithful_a in_o the_o manifold_a misery_n and_o cross_n of_o this_o present_a life_n seek_v for_o help_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o heavenly_a father_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o notable_a gift_n of_o god_n call_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o grace_n ability_n or_o faculty_n of_o pray_v wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v diligent_o to_o be_v declare_v and_o consider_v for_o that_o of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o man_n holiness_n none_o be_v a_o more_o unfallible_a sign_n of_o true_a regeneration_n then_o be_v this_o gift_n of_o prayer_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v able_a willing_a and_o ready_a to_o pray_v aright_o unto_o god_n as_o the_o present_a occasion_n do_v require_v for_o this_o gift_n consist_v of_o many_o particular_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n the_o which_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o carnal_a man_n first_o there_o be_v require_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o good_a &_o happy_a state_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o attain_v but_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n rom._n 8._o 26._o 26._o we_o know_v not_o for_o what_o to_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v but_o the_o spirit_n help_v our_o infirmity_n for_o all_o man_n general_o and_o natural_o feel_v their_o temporal_a want_n as_o poverty_n sickness_n shame_n and_o whatsoever_o belong_v to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o present_a life_n but_o as_o for_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n faith_n love_n patience_n and_o the_o rest_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n they_o never_o trouble_v themselves_o in_o seek_v they_o or_o be_v greeve_v for_o the_o want_n of_o they_o nay_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o never_o think_v of_o any_o such_o matter_n or_o know_v what_o these_o thing_n mean_v beside_o none_o can_v pray_v aright_o yea_o although_o he_o be_v enlighten_v with_o some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o spiritual_a state_n of_o man_n and_o have_v a_o glimmer_n of_o the_o thing_n belong_v unto_o it_o as_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v have_v unless_o he_o have_v true_a faith_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n both_o love_v he_o and_o will_v grant_v his_o request_n rom._n 10._o 14._o 14._o the_o apostle_n make_v it_o impossible_a for_o he_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o god_n to_o call_v upon_o he_o but_o the_o
wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n do_v whole_o consist_v for_o this_o be_v eternal_a salvation_n to_o know_v god_n to_o wit_n the_o father_n create_v we_o according_a to_o his_o own_o image_n in_o perfect_a purity_n the_o son_n redeem_v we_o by_o his_o precious_a blood_n from_o sin_n and_o misery_n the_o holy_a spirit_n sanctify_v and_o renew_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o eternal_a glory_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n we_o have_v think_v that_o our_o time_n and_o labour_n the_o which_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o mercy_n to_o thy_fw-mi to_o the_o study_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n can_v not_o be_v better_o bestow_v then_o in_o commend_v this_o save_a knowledge_n unto_o other_o and_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n which_o now_o we_o use_v be_v thereunto_o move_v by_o some_o urgent_a reason_n wherewith_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a that_o either_o we_o shall_v trouble_v you_o or_o you_o yourself_o our_o purpose_n or_o rather_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o make_v a_o 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the_o almighty_a jehova_n in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o change_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o the_o creature_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o permanent_a state_n to_o be_v find_v and_o to_o let_v pass_v the_o base_a sort_n of_o they_o which_o be_v make_v for_o corruption_n and_o to_o be_v consume_v in_o the_o use_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n even_o those_o which_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n angel_n and_o man_n of_o who_o estate_n the_o scripture_n witness_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o changeable_a but_o also_o strange_o change_v for_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o creation_n most_o happy_a glorious_a and_o holy_a become_v afterward_o most_o impure_a wretched_a and_o vile_a neither_o do_v it_o stay_v here_o but_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n man_n be_v restore_v to_o his_o first_o excellency_n so_o we_o read_v job._n 4._o 18._o 19_o behold_v in_o his_o servant_n he_o will_v not_o trust_v no_o not_o in_o his_o angel_n will_v he_o put_v any_o confidence_n how_o much_o less_o in_o man_n dwell_v in_o house_n of_o clay_n who_o foundation_n be_v in_o the_o dust_n &_o c_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o god_n have_v his_o be_v from_o himself_o but_o the_o creature_n depend_v on_o god_n by_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o therefore_o can_v neither_o exist_v nor_o continue_v in_o any_o estate_n long_o than_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n do_v permit_v this_o mutability_n of_o the_o creature_n appear_v chief_o in_o man_n who_o diverse_a state_n be_v three_o in_o number_n we_o do_v endeavour_n to_o lay_v open_a in_o this_o treatise_n the_o first_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o
have_v great_a mean_n of_o know_v believe_v and_o obey_v god_n than_o man_n have_v on_o earth_n yea_o their_o sin_n come_v from_o themselves_o by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o inclination_n of_o their_o will_n but_o man_n sin_v by_o their_o provocation_n temptation_n and_o delusion_n who_o as_o if_o they_o have_v commit_v a_o small_a offence_n in_o sin_v themselves_o do_v add_v to_o their_o own_o sin_n the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n moreover_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a that_o god_n shall_v restore_v these_o rebel_n to_o their_o former_a state_n for_o the_o illustration_n of_o his_o love_n towards_o this_o creature_n forsomuch_o as_o there_o be_v yet_o in_o heaven_n in_o the_o state_n of_o happiness_n many_o thousand_o of_o holy_a angel_n which_o be_v so_o many_o witness_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o endless_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o again_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o adversarye_n power_n oppose_v itself_o and_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o hinder_v it_o that_o so_o both_o the_o grace_n bestow_v on_o man_n may_v be_v stir_v up_o and_o exercise_v and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n preserve_v they_o from_o so_o great_a danger_n make_v manifest_a last_o by_o this_o uncurable_a state_n of_o these_o angel_n it_o appear_v that_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o yet_o can_v be_v in_o any_o creature_n any_o such_o absolute_a perfection_n as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v able_a of_o itself_o by_o any_o proper_a inherent_a and_o natural_a virtue_n and_o strength_n be_v not_o support_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n either_o to_o keep_v for_o ever_o or_o to_o recover_v any_o good_a &_o happy_a estate_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o angel_n may_v repent_v and_o so_o obtain_v salvation_n we_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o be_v unpossible_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o shall_v ever_o true_o repent_v and_o second_o that_o if_o they_o can_v after_o some_o sort_n repent_v yet_o they_o be_v altogether_o uncapable_a of_o salvation_n because_o god_n have_v not_o take_v unto_o himself_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o so_o by_o join_v it_o to_o himself_o who_o be_v life_n itself_o make_v it_o a_o live_n and_o holy_a nature_n the_o which_o be_v needful_a for_o salvation_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o treatise_n of_o justify_v faith_n chap._n 4._o sect._n 3_o but_o to_o leave_v these_o foul_a spirit_n in_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n of_o hell_n let_v we_o return_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o three_o state_n of_o man_n the_o which_o although_o in_o substance_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o first_o estate_n restore_v yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o it_o in_o these_o respect_n first_o because_o it_o be_v certain_a immutable_a and_o eternal_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o who_o be_v once_o bring_v from_o death_n to_o this_o state_n of_o salvation_n shall_v return_v back_o again_o but_o the_o first_o state_n of_o man_n be_v not_o only_o variable_a but_o very_o short_a and_o momentanie_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v this_o arise_v not_o of_o any_o natural_a and_o inherent_a strength_n of_o man_n but_o of_o the_o mere_a grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n support_v all_o his_o elect_a servant_n in_o this_o state_n and_o watch_v over_o they_o lest_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v fall_v away_o second_o both_o the_o part_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o this_o estate_n which_o be_v the_o outward_a and_o inward_a conjunction_n of_o man_n with_o god_n or_o more_o plain_o his_o happiness_n and_o holiness_n be_v great_a than_o they_o be_v before_o the_o increase_n of_o happiness_n the_o next_o section_n do_v declare_v and_o for_o the_o other_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o love_n of_o man_n yea_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o holiness_n be_v increase_v and_o double_v towards_o god_n who_o now_o be_v not_o only_o his_o lord_n and_o creator_n but_o also_o his_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n as_o he_o must_v needs_o love_v more_o to_o who_o many_o sin_n be_v forgive_v than_o he_o who_o be_v save_v by_o his_o own_o holiness_n for_o life_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o so_o acceptable_a at_o any_o time_n as_o it_o be_v after_o death_n whereof_o more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o three_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n chap._n ii_o sect._n 1_o of_o the_o happiness_n wherein_o man_n be_v create_v happiness_n be_v the_o enjoy_n of_o the_o great_a high_a and_o chief_a good_a to_o wit_n that_o which_o be_v full_o perfect_o primare_o eternal_o essential_o and_o only_o good_a as_o be_v god_n only_o math_n 19_o 17._o there_o be_v none_o good_a but_o god_n only_o thus_o do_v the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n enjoy_v god_n 17._o who_o face_n or_o more_o plain_o who_o glory_n shine_v as_o clere_o as_o the_o grace_n of_o a_o man_n do_v in_o his_o face_n they_o do_v continual_o behold_v likewise_o man_n before_o his_o fall_n live_v thus_o happy_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o who_o he_o have_v daily_o and_o as_o we_o may_v say_v familiar_a conversation_n yea_o god_n do_v many_o way_n reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o glory_n to_o he_o especial_o in_o the_o garden_n wherein_o he_o place_v he_o this_o be_v perfect_a felicity_n for_o he_o who_o have_v god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o blessing_n joy_n and_o pleasure_n have_v all_o thing_n belong_v to_o happiness_n psal._n 16_o 11._o 11._o thou_o shall_v make_v i_o know_v the_o path_n of_o life_n for_o there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n in_o thy_o face_n or_o presence_n and_o in_o thy_o right_a hand_n there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o from_o this_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n there_o flow_v many_o stream_n create_v even_o all_o blessing_n whatsoever_o the_o preservation_n or_o dignity_n of_o the_o body_n soul_n or_o of_o the_o whole_a person_n of_o man_n do_v any_o way_n require_v first_o for_o his_o body_n it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o proportion_n majestical_a beautiful_a gracious_a purchase_v fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o other_o base_a creature_n and_o favour_n even_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o who_o glory_n make_v whatsoever_o be_v any_o way_n commendable_a in_o the_o creature_n 8_o this_o remane_v in_o part_n even_o in_o the_o corrupt_a estate_n 10._o 1._o chro._n 12._o 8._o david_n man_n of_o war_n have_v face_n like_o lion_n act._n 7._o 20._o moses_n be_v new_o bear_v be_v gracious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n second_o the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a whereof_o there_o be_v no_o question_n to_o be_v make_v see_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_n teach_v we_o that_o death_n come_v in_o by_o sin_n 1._o cor._n 25._o 56._o the_o sting_n whereby_o death_n kill_v be_v sin_n 56_o rom._n 5._o 12._o by_o adam_n sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n 12._o and_o by_o sin_n death_n if_o we_o shall_v examine_v this_o doctrine_n by_o natural_a reason_n it_o will_v be_v find_v very_o doubtful_a for_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v make_v of_o earth_n shall_v of_o necessity_n at_o length_n be_v resolve_v into_o earth_n again_o as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n of_o all_o other_o creture_v yea_o that_o it_o consist_v of_o contrary_n continual_o fight_v and_o consume_v one_o another_o can_v not_o possible_o but_o be_v at_o length_n destroy_v for_o nothing_o that_o be_v divide_v in_o itself_o can_v continue_v for_o ever_o yea_o beside_o this_o natural_a death_n man_n body_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v subject_a to_o outward_a violence_n as_o if_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v pierce_v with_o a_o sword_n or_o throw_v down_o from_o a_o high_a rock_n no_o reason_n can_v show_v how_o the_o immortality_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v preserve_v whereunto_o we_o answer_v first_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n howsoever_o our_o shallow_a head_n be_v not_o able_a to_o sound_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o second_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o suppose_v man_n to_o be_v immortal_a as_o to_o live_v almost_o a_o thousand_o year_n as_o we_o read_v gen._n 5._o 27._o that_o methuselan_n do_v for_o we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o those_o long_a life_n of_o the_o father_n before_o the_o flood_n 27._o be_v even_o the_o relic_n of_o that_o immortality_n wherewith_o adam_n be_v endue_v at_o the_o first_o neither_o be_v we_o to_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o god_n to_o endue_v man_n body_n with_o such_o a_o exact_a &_o equal_a temperature_n as_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o as_o for_o violent_a death_n although_o we_o can_v deny_v but_o man_n be_v
separation_n have_v tow_n part_n rebellion_n &_o deformity_n in_o the_o which_o tow_n thing_n the_o whole_a sinfulness_n of_o man_n consist_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o defection_n from_o all_o subjection_n due_a to_o god_n and_o from_o that_o image_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v create_v sect._n 3_o of_o the_o renew_a holiness_n of_o man_n as_o god_n have_v in_o great_a mercy_n decree_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o utter_o perish_v by_o adam_n fall_n but_o rather_o by_o his_o mercy_n recover_v that_o happiness_n which_o he_o both_o have_v and_o lose_v so_o he_o have_v in_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n appoint_v the_o same_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o to_o wit_n the_o perfect_a holiness_n of_o man_n without_o the_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o creature_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o therefore_o as_o god_n do_v in_o the_o beginning_n create_v in_o man_n perfect_a holiness_n as_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v happiness_n so_o he_o do_v for_o the_o same_o end_n recreate_v holiness_n in_o he_o this_o action_n of_o god_n be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n regeneration_n and_o the_o holiness_n itself_o the_o new_a man_n or_o the_o new_a creature_n because_o the_o former_a holiness_n be_v so_o clean_o decay_v and_o abolish_v no_o one_o part_n of_o it_o remain_v that_o the_o restore_n of_o it_o again_o do_v make_v man_n to_o be_v a_o new_a yea_o almost_o another_o creature_n work_v in_o he_o a_o total_a change_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o give_v he_o a_o new_a mind_n a_o new_a will_n new_a affection_n and_o a_o new_a course_n of_o life_n not_o that_o this_o change_n be_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o body_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o will_n of_o a_o man_n for_o that_o be_v the_o same_o both_o in_o a_o carnal_a and_o in_o a_o regenerate_a man_n man_n but_o only_o in_o quality_n and_o condition_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v true_o call_v a_o second_o creation_n because_o there_o be_v no_o root_n leave_v in_o man_n from_o the_o which_o holiness_n may_v be_v produce_v no_o in_o clination_n to_o good_a whereby_o it_o may_v be_v further_v no_o faculty_n remain_v in_o he_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v effect_v for_o howsoever_o some_o do_v erroneous_o think_v and_o teach_v that_o some_o part_n of_o regeneration_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n as_o if_o man_n do_v of_o themselves_o see_v choose_v embrace_z &_o love_v the_o truth_n yet_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o to_o think_v far_o otherwise_o to_o wit_n that_o man_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o this_o work_n but_o only_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o even_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a generation_n of_o any_o live_a creature_n there_o must_v two_o thing_n concur_v first_o the_o agent_n or_o worker_n the_o which_o the_o philosopher_n call_v principium_fw-la actiwm_fw-la and_o it_o may_v be_v resemble_v to_o the_o workman_n in_o artificial_a thing_n the_o which_o give_v the_o form_n and_o be_v to_o the_o creature_n second_o the_o matter_n whereof_o the_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o frame_v call_v principium_fw-la passiwm_fw-la the_o which_o can_v be_v say_v to_o work_v but_o only_o to_o suffer_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o other_o so_o it_o be_v in_o regeneration_n first_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v the_o workman_n in_o it_o he_o be_v the_o begetter_n of_o this_o newman_n the_o fashioner_n of_o this_o new_a creature_n second_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o man_n be_v the_o matter_n whereof_o this_o new_a creature_n be_v make_v not_o work_v together_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o only_o suffer_v the_o work_n of_o it_o for_o regeneration_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o sanctify_a or_o renew_v mind_n and_o will_n the_o begetter_n of_o this_o new_a man_n be_v god_n himself_o even_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n change_v our_o mind_n and_o heartt_n and_o frame_v in_o they_o all_o holiness_n 6._o joh._n 3._o 6._o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o flesh_n be_v flesh_n and_o that_o which_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v spirit_n and_o that_o although_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o man_n and_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v 1._o pet._n 1._o 23._o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o corruptible_a seed_n but_o of_o incorruptible_a even_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o abide_v for_o ever_o yet_o by_o a_o strange_a and_o supernatural_a work_n 23._o which_o no_o wit_n eloquence_n devise_n strength_n or_o power_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n but_o only_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v to_o pass_v math._n 19_o 26._o 26._o with_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o not_o with_o god_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o creature_n to_o change_v in_o one_o moment_n the_o mind_n will_n affection_n and_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o a_o man_n espceial_o to_o that_o state_n which_o be_v repugnant_a and_o clean_o contrary_a to_o his_o natural_a disposion_n as_o regeneration_n be_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o this_o spiritual_a work_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o carnal_a generation_n wherein_o one_o thing_n beget_v another_o like_a to_o itself_o by_o a_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n which_o god_n have_v put_v into_o each_o live_a creature_n without_o any_o extraordinary_a work_n or_o blessing_n from_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v able_a be_v in_o the_o natural_a disposition_n whensoever_o it_o list_v to_o bring_v forth_o the_o effect_n without_o fail_v but_o no_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n although_o endue_v with_o most_o excellent_a gift_n can_v beget_v this_o new_a man_n by_o the_o sole_a virtue_n of_o his_o mimisterie_n for_o then_o regeneration_n will_v be_v a_o common_a and_o a_o ordinary_a thing_n as_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v far_o otherwise_o and_o that_o usual_o of_o a_o hundred_o hearer_n there_o be_v scarce_o one_o true_o convert_v so_o that_o in_o the_o beget_n of_o this_o new_a man_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v but_o the_o instrument_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v without_o the_o which_o it_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o form_v this_o new_a creature_n than_o the_o tool_n belong_v to_o any_o work_n be_v able_a to_o bring_v the_o same_o to_o pass_v without_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o artificer_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o first_o creation_n so_o also_o the_o regeneration_n of_o man_n holiness_n ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o hand_n and_o work_v of_o god_n yea_o in_o truth_n a_o immediate_a supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a work_n we_o say_v immeditate_v not_o that_o he_o use_v no_o mean_n in_o regenerate_v the_o faithful_a but_o for_o that_o the_o force_n virtue_n and_o ability_n of_o work_v be_v not_o any_o jot_n in_o the_o mean_n but_o whole_o and_o only_o in_o god._n again_o it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a work_n for_o even_o as_o sin_n yea_o the_o retain_v exercise_v and_o increase_v of_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n so_o the_o resist_a renounce_v and_o forsake_v of_o it_o and_o especial_o the_o seek_n attain_v keep_v exercise_v and_o increase_n of_o the_o contrary_a holiness_n be_v no_o less_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n than_o it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o fly_v up_o to_o heaven_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o regeneration_n be_v a_o miraculous_a work_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a disposition_n and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n as_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v not_o find_v out_o and_o comprehend_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o that_o drive_v man_n to_o admiration_n and_o astonishment_n and_o so_o become_v a_o miracle_n unto_o they_o if_o it_o be_v here_o object_v that_o regeneration_n be_v a_o ordinary_a matter_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v daily_o and_o usual_o in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v do_v in_o all_o age_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o miracle_n we_o answer_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o wonder_v at_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o carnal_a man_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o matter_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o nicodemus_n 4_o john_n 3._o 4._o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v which_o be_v old_a can_v he_o enter_v into_o his_o mother_n womb_n again_o and_o be_v bear_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o wonder_v but_o rather_o laugh_v at_o it_o and_o they_o who_o by_o experience_n know_v it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o affect_v with_o the_o serious_a cogitation_n of_o it_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v yet_o this_o do_v not_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o for_o if_o god_n shall_v often_o raise_v uppe_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a man_n will_v at_o length_n cease_v from_o wonder_v at_o it_o but_o
notwithstanding_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n it_o be_v a_o great_a miracle_n yea_o in_o truth_n great_a than_o be_v the_o raise_n of_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n for_o god_n have_v often_o give_v to_o mortal_a &_o sinful_a man_n the_o glory_n of_o restore_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n but_o he_o never_o give_v to_o any_o of_o his_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o regenerate_a man_n so_o that_o to_o conclude_v this_o first_o point_n as_o the_o first_o so_o the_o second_o creation_n of_o man_n holiness_n aught_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o proper_a work_n and_o action_n of_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n do_v plain_o teach_v we_o in_o many_o place_n 8._o gal._n 2._o 8._o now_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v other_o point_n in_o this_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n as_o namely_o these_o first_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n use_v second_o the_o manner_n of_o work_v three_o the_o time_n four_o the_o difference_n of_o regeneration_n last_o the_o sign_n of_o it_o the_o mean_n be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a the_o ordinary_a mean_n be_v as_o have_v be_v touch_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n the_o which_o he_o do_v accompany_v with_o the_o secret_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o those_o who_o he_o have_v ordain_v to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o whosoever_o desire_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o regeneration_n he_o must_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n give_v himself_o to_o the_o continual_a hear_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o withal_o he_o be_v to_o use_v all_o private_a mean_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v prepare_v for_o the_o public_a ministry_n so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v profitable_a unto_o he_o as_o namely_o the_o continual_a company_n and_o conference_n of_o those_o who_o have_v already_o attain_v to_o that_o which_o he_o desire_v and_o who_o have_v travail_v in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n may_v the_o more_o easy_o direct_v he_o in_o the_o same_o secondlie_o he_o must_v give_v himself_o to_o the_o read_n study_v and_o meditate_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o careful_a use_n of_o all_o those_o mean_n whereby_o he_o may_v be_v make_v to_o understand_v know_v and_o remember_v it_o but_o especial_o he_o be_v to_o desire_v this_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o only_o be_v able_a to_o grant_v his_o desire_n and_o without_o who_o work_v the_o most_o painful_a use_n of_o all_o mean_n be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a but_o he_o that_o careful_o use_v these_o aforesaid_a mean_n yet_o not_o trust_v in_o they_o but_o rely_v himself_o on_o the_o merciful_a promise_n of_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v ready_a at_o hand_n to_o all_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o shall_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o no_o man_n do_v in_o vain_a seek_v for_o help_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o touch_v the_o manner_n how_o regeneration_n be_v wrought_v 8_o christ_n teach_v we_o john_n 3._o 8_o that_o no_o man_n know_v it_o for_o even_o as_o say_v he_o thou_o hear_v the_o noise_n of_o the_o wind_n when_o it_o blow_v but_o yet_o thou_o can_v not_o see_v it_o or_o discern_v whence_o it_o come_v or_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o although_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n sound_v in_o our_o ear_n and_o know_v that_o god_n do_v by_o that_o sound_n beget_v man_n yet_o no_o man_n know_v how_o this_o be_v that_o be_v regeneration_n be_v not_o anoutward_a visible_a and_o sensible_a but_o a_o inward_a and_o secret_a work_n for_o even_o as_o a_o man_n be_v sudden_o take_v with_o the_o plague_n or_o any_o infectious_a sickness_n say_v he_o know_v not_o how_o it_o happen_v only_o he_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o even_o so_o the_o action_n of_o regeneration_n in_o itself_o be_v secret_a and_o unknowen_a but_o manifest_a in_o the_o effect_n which_o follow_v of_o it_o we_o may_v not_o unfit_o compare_v it_o to_o that_o sudden_a and_o strange_a change_n which_o befall_v saul_n â—_o whereof_o we_o read_v 1._o sam._n 10._o 9_o for_o when_o as_o god_n be_v about_o to_o advance_v saul_n from_o his_o private_a and_o base_a estate_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n he_o see_v that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o make_v he_o a_o new_a man_n endue_v with_o a_o new_a mind_n will_n and_o affection_n to_o take_v from_o he_o his_o rude_a and_o base_a condition_n and_o to_o endue_v he_o with_o a_o heroical_a spirit_n of_o wisdom_n courage_n and_o of_o all_o gift_n needful_a for_o so_o high_a a_o call_n and_o therefore_o even_o as_o he_o turn_v his_o back_n to_o go_v away_o from_o samuel_n god_n change_v he_o and_o give_v he_o a_o other_o heart_n and_o make_v he_o another_o man_n even_o so_o do_v god_n by_o change_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o his_o elect_a so_o secret_o as_o that_o they_o themselves_o know_v not_o which_o way_n it_o be_v do_v make_v they_o new_a man_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o his_o everlasting_a kingdom_n the_o time_n of_o regeneration_n be_v the_o year_n of_o discretion_n for_o this_o work_n have_v no_o place_n in_o infant_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o endue_v with_o the_o actual_a faculty_n of_o a_o reasonable_a mind_n and_o will_n the_o which_o must_v first_o existe_n before_o they_o can_v be_v change_v and_o be_v actual_o defile_v with_o sin_n before_o they_o can_v be_v cleanse_v second_o in_o the_o year_n of_o discretion_n there_o be_v no_o set_n and_o appoint_a time_n of_o regeneration_n for_o as_o we_o be_v teach_v math._n 20._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o work_n man_n some_o be_v call_v at_o the_o first_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n some_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o some_o in_o the_o last_o hour_n some_o in_o their_o young_a year_n some_o in_o their_o middle_a age_n and_o some_o in_o old_a age_n yet_o no_o man_n ought_v in_o this_o respect_n to_o defer_v the_o seek_n after_o regeneration_n for_o so_o he_o will_v be_v more_o and_o more_o unfit_a and_o unwilling_a to_o take_v any_o pain_n in_o this_o behalf_n and_o be_v at_o length_n so_o harden_v and_o benumb_v with_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o deep_a hypocrisy_n that_o there_o be_v far_o less_a hope_n of_o win_v he_o to_o the_o true_a obedience_n of_o christ_n then_o there_o be_v before_o three_o regeneration_n although_o it_o do_v continual_o increase_v as_o long_o as_o a_o man_n live_v yet_o it_o be_v wrought_v and_o begin_v in_o one_o hour_n in_o one_o moment_n of_o time_n even_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o hour_n of_o birth_n although_o there_o be_v many_o of_o life_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v whether_o that_o every_o regenerate_a man_n do_v know_v the_o special_a hour_n of_o his_o call_n we_o answer_v that_o regeneration_n be_v a_o universal_a change_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n and_o so_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n may_v easy_o be_v feel_v and_o perceive_v especial_o â—y_a he_o in_o who_o it_o be_v wrought_v and_o further_o this_o time_n of_o a_o man_n conversion_n ought_v most_o careful_o to_o be_v mark_v and_o register_v that_o so_o it_o may_v with_o continual_a and_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o thanksgiving_n evermore_o be_v remember_v for_o if_o as_o it_o be_v usual_o think_v the_o day_n of_o a_o man_n natural_a birth_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v the_o beginning_n although_o of_o temporal_a life_n yet_o of_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v not_o only_o diligent_o note_v and_o keep_v in_o mind_n but_o also_o solemn_o celebrate_v with_o great_a joy_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o meet_v that_o man_n shall_v mark_v the_o day_n of_o their_o spiritual_a birth_n it_o be_v the_o most_o happy_a day_n which_o can_v be_v see_v and_o in_o deed_n the_o beginning_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o yet_o oftentimes_o this_o particular_a time_n be_v neither_o mark_v when_o it_o be_v present_a nor_o remember_v when_o it_o be_v past_a namely_o by_o they_o who_o conversion_n be_v not_o so_o strange_a and_o violent_a but_o light_n and_o easy_a the_o which_o difference_n we_o be_v now_o in_o the_o four_o place_n to_o propound_v the_o diversity_n of_o regeneration_n be_v very_o great_a for_o that_o we_o may_v use_v our_o accustom_a similitude_n as_o man_n in_o his_o natural_a birth_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n sometime_o with_o great_a facility_n and_o safety_n at_o other_o time_n in_o so_o great_a pain_n anguish_n and_o danger_n that_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o enter_v into_o life_n through_o death_n even_o so_o this_o new_a man_n be_v sometime_o bear_v without_o any_o trouble_n sorrow_n or_o delay_v but_o often_o with_o such_o horror_n of_o conscience_n such_o
and_o legal_a holiness_n although_o not_o perfect_a in_o this_o life_n by_o his_o spirit_n yet_o because_o the_o moral_a law_n be_v give_v for_o this_o end_n to_o show_v man_n his_o unrighteousness_n by_o command_v inherent_a righteousness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o by_o legal_a righteousness_n be_v usual_o mean_v proper_a or_o inherent_a righteousness_n and_o so_o by_o legal_a faith_n be_v mean_v that_o faith_n which_o look_v for_o happiness_n by_o inherent_a righteousness_n the_o which_o may_v more_o fit_o be_v call_v natural_a faith_n because_o it_o be_v engrave_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o the_o other_o kind_n be_v supernatural_a yet_o we_o call_v it_o legal_a faith_n because_o perfect_a inherent_a righteousness_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o perfect_a keep_n of_o the_o law_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n as_o sin_n be_v define_v 1._o joh._n 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o sin_n be_v the_o break_n of_o the_o law_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o moral_a law_n write_v exod._n 20._o the_o which_o be_v engrave_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o adam_n in_o his_o first_o creation_n or_o any_o other_o law_n â—â—_o yea_o even_o of_o thing_n in_o nature_n indifferent_a enjoin_v to_o man_n by_o god_n the_o transgression_n whereof_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n for_o the_o creature_n sin_v whensoever_o he_o disobey_v the_o voice_n word_n law_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n whether_o in_o a_o thing_n in_o nature_n indifferent_a or_o simple_o unlawful_a thus_o do_v adam_n sin_n and_o fall_v away_o from_o god_n by_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o a_o certain_a tree_n which_o he_o be_v forbid_v to_o touch_v so_o that_o by_o this_o legal_a faith_n none_o can_v trust_v in_o god_n for_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o only_o he_o who_o in_o his_o own_o person_n fulfil_v the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o deed_n in_o word_n in_o thought_n in_o will_n and_o in_o affection_n yea_o in_o the_o universal_a purity_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v free_a from_o all_o curruption_n of_o sin_n the_o which_o thing_n forsomuch_o as_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v perform_v by_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n all_o be_v stain_v with_o that_o original_a impurity_n which_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n be_v shake_v off_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o natural_a faith_n can_v have_v place_n in_o any_o of_o they_o only_o the_o holy_a angel_n which_o continue_v in_o their_o natural_a purity_n &_o holiness_n be_v endue_v with_o it_o for_o they_o trust_v for_o happiness_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o own_o perfect_a righteousness_n yet_o this_o their_o happiness_n be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o their_o proper_a obedience_n as_o that_o it_o be_v whole_o deny_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n â—_o for_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 4._o 4_o if_o salvation_n be_v by_o work_n it_o be_v not_o of_o grace_n he_o mean_v the_o mere_a favour_n of_o god_n remit_v sin_n the_o which_o have_v place_n iâ—_n the_o other_o kind_n of_o faith_n yet_o even_o the_o holy_a angel_n although_o they_o be_v save_v by_o work_n that_o be_v by_o their_o own_o perfect_a holiness_n yet_o their_o holiness_n come_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n without_o the_o which_o support_v they_o in_o all_o temptation_n suggest_v by_o their_o own_o free_a mind_n and_o will_n or_o by_o the_o reprobate_a angel_n they_o can_v not_o stand_v sect._n 2._o of_o infidelity_n thus_o much_o of_o faith_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o first_o kind_n of_o rebellion_n whereby_o man_n fall_v away_o from_o god_n call_v infidelity_n for_o that_o it_o be_v both_o in_o name_n and_o nature_n clean_o contrary_a to_o faith_n for_o by_o it_o man_n cease_v to_o trust_v and_o depend_v upon_o god_n renounce_v his_o patronage_n and_o protection_n as_o be_v altogether_o unable_a to_o bestow_v any_o good_a thing_n much_o less_o perfect_a happiness_n upon_o his_o client_n and_o therefore_o he_o seek_v for_o another_o lord_n and_o king_n in_o who_o to_o trust_v so_o that_o as_o faith_n be_v affiance_n on_o god_n promise_n so_o this_o kind_n of_o rebellion_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v call_v &_o define_v defiance_n or_o distrust_v in_o god_n promise_n propound_v happiness_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o eternal_a misery_n to_o his_o disobedience_n the_o first_o example_n of_o infidelity_n infidelity_n be_v the_o devil_n with_o his_o wicked_a angel_n who_o not_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o happiness_n do_v begin_v to_o seek_v for_o it_o else_o where_o in_o the_o which_o consultation_n he_o see_v that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n more_o excellent_a than_o himself_o so_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n of_o attain_v happiness_n so_o like_a as_o for_o to_o rely_v himself_o upon_o himself_o upon_o his_o own_o strength_n power_n wit_n policy_n and_o invention_n by_o the_o which_o he_o do_v persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v become_v far_o more_o happy_a than_o he_o can_v be_v by_o continue_v in_o that_o obedience_n and_o allegiance_n which_o he_o do_v owe_v to_o god_n the_o second_o example_n of_o infidelity_n be_v adam_n who_o be_v by_o the_o deceit_n and_o persuasion_n of_o satan_n draw_v away_o from_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o on_o his_o word_n to_o trust_v in_o the_o â—evill_n and_o in_o that_o mean_n of_o attain_v happiness_n which_o he_o do_v show_v unto_o he_o in_o adam_n all_o mankind_n fall_v from_o faith_n to_o infidelity_n wherein_o it_o remain_v all_o man_n be_v breed_v â—orne_v &_o bring_v up_o without_o any_o affiance_n in_o god_n rely_v themselves_o for_o their_o happiness_n only_o on_o themselves_o their_o own_o wit_n learning_n beauty_n strength_n friend_n riches_n nobilâ—tie_n yea_o on_o sin_n satan_n and_o this_o present_a world_n and_o no_o more_o depend_v upon_o god_n tâ—en_o if_o there_o be_v not_o god_n for_o victory_n they_o trust_v in_o chariot_n and_o horseman_n for_o health_n in_o the_o physician_n for_o life_n in_o meat_n and_o drink_v for_o riches_n in_o their_o own_o industry_n or_o in_o their_o parent_n for_o glory_n &_o honour_n in_o worldly_a preferment_n and_o dignity_n not_o once_o upon_o any_o occasion_n acknowledge_v god_n or_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n this_o infidelity_n or_o defiance_n of_o god_n come_v of_o unbelief_n which_o be_v the_o blindness_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o ignorance_n of_o man_n not_o see_v the_o evident_a truth_n of_o god_n promise_n but_o be_v persuade_v that_o his_o word_n be_v altogether_o void_a of_o truth_n and_o that_o his_o promise_n be_v nothing_o but_o fair_a pretence_n his_o fearful_a threaten_n nothing_o but_o vain_a skar-crowe_n terrify_v and_o fray_v none_o but_o religious_a fool_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o order_v by_o his_o decree_n will_n and_o providence_n but_o by_o nature_n chance_n fortune_n and_o the_o counsel_n oâ—_n man_n so_o we_o read_v ephe._n 4._o 18._o the_o gentile_n have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v 18._o and_o so_o be_v alienate_v or_o estrange_v from_o god_n bâ—_n the_o ignorance_n which_o be_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o 2._o tim._n 3._o 8._o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n anâ—_n reprobate_a as_o touch_v faith_n 8._o last_o this_o blindness_n of_o mind_n the_o companion_n and_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n come_v by_o our_o natural_a corruption_n from_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n for_o whereas_o once_o the_o light_n of_o his_o mind_n be_v darken_v by_o the_o delusion_n of_o the_o devil_n insomuch_o that_o he_o think_v evil_a to_o be_v good_a and_o the_o way_n lead_v to_o extreme_a misery_n to_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o the_o great_a happiness_n it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o his_o will_n affection_n action_n and_o all_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v for_o that_o one_o of_o they_o do_v follow_v the_o disposition_n of_o a_o other_o so_o that_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n bring_v a_o perverse_a will_n and_o a_o sinful_a will_n and_o inordinate_a affection_n do_v darken_v the_o mind_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v hereof_o it_o follow_v that_o infidelity_n do_v both_o separate_a a_o man_n form_n god_n and_o also_o deprive_v he_o of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o holiness_n yea_o instead_o thereof_o fill_v all_o the_o part_n and_o faculty_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n with_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n for_o man_n renounce_v god_n be_v whole_o separate_v from_o he_o neither_o can_v any_o long_o receive_v any_o blessing_n from_o he_o for_o even_o as_o a_o subject_n or_o tenant_n discliam_v his_o king_n and_o lord_n and_o rely_v himself_o upon_o a_o new_a master_n even_o one_o who_o be_v a_o deadly_a and_o profess_a enemy_n to_o his_o first_o master_n do_v incontinent_o deprive_v himself_o of_o all_o those_o farm_n land_n house_n preferment_n and_o commodity_n whatsoever_o the_o
praise_n of_o god_n the_o godly_a count_n the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o world_n psal._n 62._o 6._o my_o mouth_n be_v fill_v even_o as_o it_o be_v with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n that_o be_v with_o the_o most_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a thing_n when_o as_o i_o praise_v the_o lord_n 6._o say_v the_o prophet_n 5_o and_o again_o psal._n 84._o 5._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o stand_v in_o thy_o court_n o_o god_n for_o why_o they_o shall_v evermore_o be_v praise_v thou_o for_o although_o the_o faithful_a may_v praise_v god_n though_o they_o live_v out_o of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o wilderness_n yet_o for_o the_o great_a advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n they_o desire_v and_o labour_n that_o they_o may_v praise_v god_n not_o among_o wild_a beast_n and_o tree_n but_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o god_n people_n as_o it_o be_v before_o many_o witness_n now_o as_o touch_v the_o second_o duty_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v to_o move_v only_o in_o the_o creator_n and_o by_o virtue_n receive_v from_o he_o we_o know_v that_o as_o the_o body_n of_o the_o faithful_a do_v not_o move_v themselves_o but_o be_v move_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n within_o their_o body_n so_o neither_o their_o body_n nor_o soul_n be_v move_v by_o any_o other_o power_n but_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o do_v not_o think_v their_o own_o thought_n desire_v their_o own_o pleasure_n speak_v their_o own_o word_n or_o do_v their_o own_o work_n but_o be_v whole_o move_v and_o order_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n last_o this_o property_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v note_v that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o patient_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n which_o can_v be_v lay_v upon_o he_o in_o in_o this_o world_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o chapter_n of_o filial_a subjection_n but_o also_o will_v be_v content_a if_o that_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o destroy_v he_o utter_o 〈◊〉_d and_o eternal_o job._n 13._o 15._o if_o god_n kill_v i_o saâ—â—_n shall_v i_o not_o trust_v in_o he_o so_o david_n say_v 2._o sam._n 15._o 26._o if_o i_o have_v find_v favour_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n he_o will_v bring_v i_o back_o again_o to_o see_v the_o place_n of_o his_o worship_n 5._o but_o if_o he_o say_v i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o what_o then_o behold_v here_o i_o be_o let_v he_o do_v to_o i_o whatsoever_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n chap._n xi_o of_o man_n subjection_n to_o god_n as_o to_o a_o husband_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o diverse_a kind_n of_o the_o renew_a subjection_n of_o man_n correspondent_a to_o the_o kind_n of_o create_a subjection_n to_o the_o which_o there_o be_v one_o other_o kind_n of_o subjection_n to_o be_v add_v the_o which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v lose_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n husband_n this_o be_v the_o subjection_n of_o the_o wife_n to_o the_o husband_n by_o the_o which_o bond_n it_o have_v please_v god_n of_o his_o unspeakable_a mercy_n and_o love_n to_o tie_v the_o faithful_a to_o himself_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v to_o he_o not_o only_o as_o subject_n son_n servant_n scholar_n and_o creature_n but_o also_o as_o his_o espouse_a wife_n this_o strange_a marriage_n be_v celebrate_v and_o extol_v in_o that_o song_n of_o song_n the_o which_o be_v whole_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o faithful_a likewise_o it_o be_v set_v down_o â—2_n ephe._n 5._o verse_n 22._o to_o verse_n 33._o the_o husband_n be_v the_o wife_n head_n as_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o as_o the_o church_n be_v in_o subjection_n to_o christ_n so_o ought_v wife_n to_o be_v to_o their_o husband_n this_o kind_n of_o subjection_n be_v call_v ephe._n 5._o 32_o 32._o a_o great_a mystery_n and_o therefore_o it_o need_v to_o be_v explain_v after_o this_o manner_n the_o riches_n of_o the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n redeem_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o death_n be_v so_o exceed_v great_a as_o that_o he_o think_v it_o a_o small_a matter_n to_o restore_v he_o to_o that_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a estate_n from_o the_o which_o he_o fall_v do_v advance_v he_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n both_o of_o holiness_n &_o of_o happiness_n hence_o it_o come_v that_o man_n be_v more_o near_o join_v to_o god_n than_o he_o be_v before_o both_o in_o subjection_n &_o in_o conformity_n but_o what_o bond_n of_o subjection_n can_v join_v man_n more_o near_o unto_o god_n than_o the_o son_n be_v to_o his_o father_n after_o the_o which_o manner_n man_n be_v before_o join_v to_o god_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v we_o answer_v that_o although_o this_o conjunction_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o son_n and_o the_o father_n be_v very_o great_a yet_o the_o word_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o that_o a_o great_a may_v be_v give_v to_o wit_n that_o which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o wife_n and_o the_o husband_n for_o this_o conjunction_n make_v two_o distinct_a person_n to_o become_v one_o person_n and_o one_o flesh_n 5._o mat._n 19_o 5_o but_o that_o other_o conjunction_n have_v no_o such_o strange_a effect_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o mercy_n to_o tie_v &_o knit_v man_n to_o himself_o not_o only_o with_o those_o bond_n of_o subjection_n wherewith_o he_o be_v tie_v to_o he_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n but_o also_o with_o this_o new_a and_o most_o straight_a bond_n take_v all_o the_o faithful_a unto_o himself_o not_o only_o as_o his_o loyal_a subject_n as_o faithful_a servant_n as_o towards_o scholar_n as_o orderly_a creature_n and_o last_o as_o natural_a son_n but_o also_o as_o a_o most_o dear_a and_o belove_a wife_n join_v to_o himself_o with_o such_o a_o indissoluble_a bond_n of_o love_n on_o his_o part_n and_o such_o loyal_a affection_n on_o their_o part_n as_o shall_v never_o be_v break_v even_o as_o the_o husband_n take_v to_o himself_o his_o beloved_a spouse_n on_o who_o he_o will_v bestow_v all_o his_o love_n riches_n &_o care_n and_o who_o he_o will_v defend_v against_o all_o evil_n and_o danger_n whatsoever_o this_o contract_n make_v betwixt_o god_n and_o his_o church_n be_v set_v down_o ezech._n 16._o 16._o the_o word_n be_v many_o yet_o worthy_a to_o be_v remember_v now_o when_o i_o go_v by_o thou_o and_o look_v upon_o thou_o behold_v thy_o time_n be_v come_v yea_o even_o the_o time_n to_o woo_v thou_o then_o spread_v i_o my_o clothes_n over_o thou_o to_o cover_v thy_o dishonesty_n yea_o i_o make_v a_o oath_n unto_o thou_o &_o contract_v myself_o with_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n and_o so_o thou_o become_v my_o own_o then_o wash_v i_o thou_o with_o water_n and_o purge_v thy_o blood_n from_o thou_o and_o i_o anoint_v thou_o with_o oil_n i_o clothe_v thou_o with_o broider_a work_n and_o shodde_v thou_o with_o badger_n skin_n and_o i_o gird_v thou_o about_o with_o fine_a linen_n and_o cover_v thou_o with_o silk_n i_o deck_v thou_o with_o costly_a apparel_n i_o put_v bracelet_n upon_o thy_o hand_n a_o chain_n about_o thy_o neck_n and_o i_o put_v a_o frontlet_n upon_o thy_o face_n and_o earing_n upon_o thy_o ear_n and_o a_o beautiful_a crown_n upon_o thy_o head_n thus_o be_v thou_o deck_v with_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o thy_o raiment_n be_v of_o fine_a linen_n and_o of_o silk_n and_o of_o broider_a work_n thou_o do_v eat_v fine_a flower_n home_n and_o oil_n marvelous_a waist_n thou_o and_o thou_o do_v luckilie_o prosper_v into_o a_o kingdom_n and_o thy_o name_n be_v spread_v among_o the_o heathen_a forty_o beauty_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o further_a declaration_n hereof_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v the_o notable_a resemblance_n which_o be_v betwixt_o marriage_n and_o this_o new_a conjunction_n of_o man_n to_o god_n we_o shall_v have_v great_a cause_n to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o in_o endite_v the_o scripture_n do_v paint_v out_o such_o dark_a mystery_n with_o so_o lively_a colour_n and_o do_v so_o fit_a earthly_a type_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o new_a conjunction_n whereby_o man_n be_v more_o near_o firm_o and_o sure_o tie_v to_o god_n than_o he_o be_v before_o be_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n wherein_o our_o nature_n be_v inseparable_o unite_v to_o the_o godheade_n in_o one_o person_n even_o as_o the_o wife_n which_o before_o be_v of_o a_o diverse_a kind_n blood_n and_o name_n be_v now_o espouse_v to_o her_o husband_n become_v one_o flesh_n blood_n and_o bone_n with_o he_o yea_o one_o person_n call_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o name_n so_o that_o as_o the_o wife_n be_v thus_o as_o it_o be_v incorporate_v to_o her_o husband_n be_v more_o near_o
1._o 26._o brethren_n you_o see_v your_o call_n that_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n be_v choose_v the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v evident_a for_o it_o be_v needful_a that_o he_o who_o will_v believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v renounce_v his_o own_o knowledge_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o other_o but_o the_o more_o wit_n and_o learning_n a_o man_n have_v the_o more_o he_o attribute_v to_o it_o to_o himself_o &_o to_o his_o own_o strength_n whereas_o they_o who_o have_v a_o small_a measure_n of_o these_o gift_n do_v not_o trust_v so_o much_o unto_o they_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n witness_v say_v that_o there_o be_v more_o hope_n to_o win_v a_o fool_n to_o wisdom_n than_o one_o who_o think_v or_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o so_o be_v wise_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o great_a ignorance_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o all_o unregenerate_a man_n now_o for_o the_o knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v of_o the_o creature_n we_o may_v say_v with_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 2._o 13._o 13._o man_n have_v forsake_v god_n the_o fountain_n of_o wisdom_n and_o then_o what_o wisdom_n can_v be_v in_o he_o for_o as_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n so_o be_v he_o of_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v natural_o so_o void_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n as_o that_o he_o seem_v not_o to_o differ_v from_o a_o bruit_n beast_n but_o only_o in_o the_o outward_a proportion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o faculty_n of_o speak_v nay_o he_o be_v more_o ignorant_a than_o be_v the_o brute_n beast_n whereof_o there_o be_v almost_o none_o which_o know_v not_o and_o that_o without_o any_o teacher_n even_o by_o the_o secret_a instinct_n of_o nature_n what_o be_v good_a and_o evil_n for_o itself_o yea_o the_o secret_a virtue_n of_o some_o herb_n or_o of_o other_o thing_n which_o may_v stand_v they_o in_o stead_n but_o man_n be_v any_o way_n distress_v know_v not_o how_o to_o go_v either_o to_o god_n or_o any_o natural_a thing_n for_o help_v be_v so_o far_o from_o know_v other_o thing_n that_o he_o know_v not_o the_o part_n temperamente_n frame_n disposition_n infirmity_n and_o disease_n of_o his_o own_o body_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o or_o the_o preserve_n or_o heal_v of_o it_o save_v only_o the_o outward_a member_n and_o fashion_n of_o it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o cause_n why_o man_n shall_v brag_v of_o that_o great_a knowledge_n which_o he_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v unto_o whenas_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o search_v it_o out_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o god_n grant_v thus_o much_o to_o the_o labour_n of_o industrious_a man_n that_o they_o attain_v to_o knowledge_n some_o more_o other_o less_a but_o the_o learnede_a philosopher_n in_o the_o world_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o actual_o ignorant_a of_o many_o thing_n but_o also_o natural_o unable_a to_o pierce_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creature_n &_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o dulness_n &_o shallowness_n of_o his_o wit_n which_o can_v find_v out_o the_o true_a cause_n form_n reason_n and_o virtue_n of_o natural_a thing_n as_o why_o the_o loadstone_n draw_v iron_n to_o it_o of_o the_o which_o kind_a infinite_a instance_n may_v be_v bring_v and_o if_o they_o chance_v to_o find_v out_o the_o virtue_n and_o quality_n of_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v do_v not_o by_o consider_v the_o cause_n but_o by_o mark_v the_o effect_n and_o so_o not_o by_o knowledge_n or_o any_o good_a cunning_n as_o we_o say_v but_o by_o chance_n and_o by_o experience_n the_o schoolmaster_n of_o fool_n sect._n 3_o of_o renew_a knowledge_n it_o remain_v that_o we_o consider_v how_o god_n of_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n do_v renew_v in_o all_o his_o faithful_a servant_n this_o first_o and_o chief_a part_n of_o his_o glorious_a image_n we_o call_v it_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a part_n because_o that_o in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n both_o have_v the_o first_o place_n and_o also_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n holiness_n 23._o for_o as_o christ_n do_v teach_v math._n 6._o 23._o if_o the_o eye_n have_v light_a in_o it_o it_o do_v enlighten_v the_o whole_a body_n but_o if_o it_o be_v dark_a there_o be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v true_o sanctify_v and_o renew_v with_o knowledge_n there_o follow_v holiness_n in_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a man_n but_o if_o there_o be_v darkness_n and_o ignorance_n in_o the_o mind_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o sin_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o man_n neither_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v either_o trust_v or_o hope_n in_o god_n or_o love_n fear_v &_o obey_v he_o or_o perform_v any_o duty_n of_o holiness_n unto_o god_n who_o he_o do_v not_o know_v in_o his_o mercy_n love_n goodness_n promise_n power_n justice_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o attribute_n so_o be_v it_o no_o less_o impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v know_v and_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o god_n be_v true_a in_o his_o promise_n merciful_a bountiful_a and_o just_a and_o not_o be_v affect_v to_o he_o according_o and_o therefore_o the_o first_o action_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n frame_v the_o new_a man_n in_o the_o elect_a be_v to_o take_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n their_o natural_a dulness_n unbelief_n and_o ignorance_n and_o to_o make_v they_o able_a to_o conceive_v understand_v believe_v and_o know_v god_n 2._o thus_o the_o apostle_n teach_v rom._n 12._o 2._o be_v you_o transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n that_o you_o may_v approve_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n so_o 13._o eph._n 4._o 13._o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o so_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n knowledge_n thus_o he_o pray_v for_o the_o colossian_n col._n 1._o 9_o that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o 9_o all_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v say_v 14._o act._n 16._o 14._o that_o whilst_o paul_n preach_v the_o gospel_n although_o the_o reprobate_n do_v not_o conceive_v or_o understand_v it_o yet_o god_n open_v the_o hart_n that_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o lydia_n to_o believe_v his_o word_n this_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o most_o sensible_a and_o evident_a thing_n in_o regeneration_n and_o that_o whereby_o they_o that_o deny_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o renew_v the_o faithful_a may_v most_o plain_o be_v convince_v for_o what_o be_v more_o wonderful_a than_o that_o man_n who_o before_o be_v dull_a rude_a simple_a and_o unlearned_a yea_o uncapable_a of_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a become_v able_a to_o comprehend_v in_o their_o mind_n most_o steadfast_o &_o to_o express_v in_o word_n very_o sensible_o the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o christian_n religion_n yet_o this_o experience_n teach_v to_o be_v true_a &_o the_o apostle_n witness_v the_o same_o 15._o the_o spiritual_a man_n discern_v all_o thing_n this_o come_v not_o by_o any_o natural_a strength_n but_o by_o the_o work_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o inspire_v this_o knowledge_n immediate_o but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o therefore_o it_o behoove_v every_o one_o who_o will_v feel_v in_o himself_o this_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n in_o change_v his_o mind_n to_o give_v himself_o diligent_o and_o continual_o to_o the_o hear_n read_v and_o meditate_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n last_o this_o renew_a knowledge_n be_v not_o either_o so_o great_a or_o yet_o so_o general_a as_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n in_o his_o pure_a estate_n wherein_o he_o know_v god_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n perfect_o but_o the_o faithful_a know_v god_n his_o word_n will_n &_o action_n so_o far_o forth_o only_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o their_o salvation_n as_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v for_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v wherein_o we_o hope_v for_o our_o full_a adoption_n even_o the_o redention_n of_o our_o body_n the_o sense_n &_o faculty_n whereof_o be_v whilst_o we_o remain_v in_o this_o life_n as_o dull_a and_o weak_a in_o the_o faithful_a as_o in_o the_o unbeliever_n and_o therefore_o they_o remain_v as_o ignorant_a as_o touch_v this_o secundarie_n knowledge_n of_o the_o sensible_a creature_n as_o do_v the_o other_o yea_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o all_o other_o part_n of_o
often_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o infirmity_n and_o sin_n appeare_v in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n make_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o religion_n doubtful_a to_o other_o yet_o he_o himself_o feel_v the_o inward_a work_n and_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v undoubted_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n we_o confess_v that_o a_o man_n true_o regenerate_v may_v have_v his_o faith_n sore_o shake_v and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n great_o blemish_v by_o the_o force_n of_o temptation_n and_o so_o may_v for_o a_o time_n want_v in_o part_n or_o whole_o this_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o have_v it_o at_o a_o other_o time_n yea_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o most_o of_o the_o faithful_a last_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o this_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v or_o can_v be_v to_o a_o faithful_a man_n a_o motive_n to_o sin_n and_o dissoluteness_n of_o life_n with_o the_o which_o it_o can_v stand_v for_o as_o it_o be_v get_v by_o holiness_n whereby_o a_o man_n see_v that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o effectual_o call_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v lose_v by_o a_o sinful_a and_o wicked_a life_n the_o which_o show_v plain_o that_o a_o man_n be_v destitute_a of_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o god_n spirit_n for_o by_o the_o fruit_n the_o tree_n be_v know_v nay_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o great_a froce_a in_o restrain_v the_o faithful_a from_o sin_n then_o this_o that_o they_o know_v that_o the_o commit_n of_o any_o one_o wilful_a sin_n do_v wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n and_o diminish_v this_o notable_a treasure_n of_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n for_o as_o he_o that_o take_v one_o or_o a_o fewestone_n out_o of_o a_o wall_n although_o he_o do_v not_o overthrow_v the_o building_n yet_o he_o make_v it_o the_o weak_a so_o a_o few_o sinful_a action_n in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n although_o they_o can_v not_o deprive_v he_o of_o this_o assurance_n it_o have_v be_v gather_v and_o as_o it_o be_v build_v up_o with_o the_o holiness_n of_o many_o year_n yet_o they_o do_v diminish_v it_o and_o can_v not_o but_o trouble_v his_o conscience_n chap._n four_o sect._n 1_o of_o the_o create_a holiness_n of_o man_n memory_n it_o have_v be_v little_a available_a for_o the_o holy_a and_o happy_a estate_n of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o those_o notable_a faculty_n of_o conceave_a understand_v and_o know_v god_n will_v and_o word_n when_o god_n do_v reveal_v himself_o unto_o he_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v make_v able_a to_o retain_v the_o say_a knowledge_n for_o the_o time_n follow_v for_o otherwise_o god_n shall_v have_v pour_v his_o grace_n into_o a_o bottomless_a or_o break_a vessel_n memory_n which_o can_v not_o keep_v or_o contain_v any_o thing_n and_o man_n shall_v have_v reap_v little_a profit_n by_o that_o which_o will_v be_v as_o soon_o lose_v as_o get_v for_o this_o cause_n god_n in_o great_a wisdom_n do_v endue_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n with_o a_o special_a faculty_n usual_o call_v memory_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o man_n in_o this_o state_n of_o innocence_n do_v safe_o keep_v whatsoever_o the_o mind_n do_v true_o conceive_v and_o so_o when_o occasion_n serve_v do_v give_v the_o say_a knowledge_n back_o again_o to_o the_o mind_n to_o be_v think_v upon_o meditate_a utter_v in_o word_n and_o follow_v in_o peed_n so_o that_o the_o memory_n be_v the_o storehouse_n of_o the_o soul_n wherein_o thing_n both_o new_a and_o old_a be_v careful_o lay_v up_o and_o faithful_o preserve_v and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o register_n of_o the_o mind_n take_v a_o note_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o come_v into_o it_o this_o faculty_n as_o all_o the_o other_o of_o man_n soul_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n so_o perfect_a and_o of_o such_o strength_n as_o that_o by_o it_o man_n may_v at_o any_o time_n call_v to_o mind_n not_o every_o trifle_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v a_o thousand_o year_n past_a for_o so_o his_o memory_n shall_v have_v be_v confound_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n infinite_a but_o whatsoever_o thing_n have_v at_o any_o time_n be_v reveal_v unto_o he_o by_o god_n or_o be_v conceive_v by_o his_o natural_a faculty_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o any_o importance_n the_o know_v and_o remember_v whereof_o may_v serve_v to_o some_o notable_a use_n and_o profit_n unto_o he_o as_o for_o other_o common_a matter_n of_o life_n which_o it_o be_v more_o gain_n to_o loose_v then_o to_o keep_v in_o these_o human_a infirmity_n prevail_v to_o forgetfulness_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o man_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n or_o any_o other_o as_o god_n be_v who_o nature_n be_v every_o way_n infinite_a do_v in_o one_o moment_n and_o with_o one_o motion_n of_o mind_n remember_v or_o rather_o know_v all_o particular_n that_o have_v be_v do_v at_o any_o time_n for_o god_n do_v think_v of_o all_o thing_n together_o without_o confusion_n but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v not_o only_o finite_a but_o also_o have_v in_o it_o a_o kind_n of_o weakness_n if_o we_o compare_v he_o with_o the_o angel_n can_v not_o think_v of_o many_o much_o less_o of_o infinite_a thing_n at_o once_o but_o of_o one_o thing_n after_o a_o other_o and_o so_o do_v the_o memory_n remember_v those_o particular_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o custody_n of_o it_o let_v go_v matter_n of_o no_o use_n that_o there_o may_v be_v place_n for_o thing_n of_o importance_n as_o be_v the_o action_n comaundemente_n apparition_n revelation_n and_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o knowe_a and_o remember_v whereof_o the_o happiness_n and_o holiness_n of_o man_n do_v consist_v memory_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v he_o in_o hand_n to_o commit_v these_o thing_n to_o sure_a custody_n the_o which_o we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o do_v so_o as_o that_o after_o many_o thousand_o year_n he_o be_v able_a to_o remember_v that_o which_o may_v any_o way_n serve_v for_o his_o good_a neither_o â—â—ede_n we_o marvel_v thereat_o consider_v the_o frailty_n of_o our_o own_o memory_n which_o be_v never_o good_a when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o best_a and_o be_v soon_o clean_o lose_v by_o sickness_n age_n or_o any_o such_o mean_n for_o as_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n whereby_o as_o by_o a_o instrument_n the_o soul_n work_v so_o be_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o body_n of_o man_n do_v continue_v in_o perfect_a vigour_n for_o many_o thousand_o year_n yea_o for_o ever_o so_o do_v his_o mind_n or_o memory_n retain_v the_o first_o vigour_n without_o be_v diminish_v whereby_o we_o see_v that_o man_n in_o this_o faculty_n of_o memory_n whereby_o his_o knowledge_n be_v make_v eternal_a do_v notable_o resemble_v god_n who_o nature_n be_v eternal_a sect._n 2._o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o man_n memory_n as_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n so_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o faculty_n man_n since_o the_o fall_n be_v so_o change_v from_o his_o first_o estate_n that_o he_o scarce_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o creature_n that_o he_o be_v have_v as_o whole_o lose_v this_o faculty_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o for_o howsoever_o in_o regard_n of_o earthly_a worldly_a and_o sensible_a thing_n this_o faculty_n be_v after_o a_o sort_n remain_v in_o man_n yet_o it_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o force_n or_o power_n to_o retain_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o how_o shall_v the_o memory_n keep_v when_o as_o the_o mind_n can_v conceive_v it_o but_o man_n corruption_n can_v so_o be_v cloak_v in_o this_o behalf_n as_o if_o it_o it_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o not_o in_o this_o and_o other_o faculty_n for_o although_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o mover_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o other_o faculty_n yet_o each_o faculty_n have_v his_o peculiar_a fault_n the_o which_o may_v plain_o be_v see_v in_o the_o memory_n for_o suppose_v that_o which_o do_v daily_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o carnal_a man_n do_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o fashion_n sake_n but_o also_o mark_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n understand_v it_o memory_n a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o all_o be_v safe_a and_o bring_v to_o a_o good_a pass_n the_o mind_n have_v do_v his_o duty_n in_o conceive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o body_n have_v do_v in_o hear_v so_o that_o now_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v come_v to_o the_o memory_n and_o
effectual_a for_o happiness_n secondlie_o these_o gift_n although_o they_o be_v part_n of_o renew_a holiness_n in_o the_o believer_n in_o who_o they_o spring_v from_o the_o root_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n yet_o in_o a_o unbelieved_a &_o unregenerate_a man_n they_o be_v not_o spiritual_a grace_n but_o natural_a gift_n unable_a either_o to_o sanctify_v or_o to_o save_v he_o that_o have_v they_o thus_o much_o of_o do_v good_a likewise_o in_o the_o commit_n of_o evil_a a_o natural_a man_n have_v freewill_n not_o only_o to_o do_v it_o but_o also_o to_o leave_v it_o undo_v for_o he_o may_v sin_v if_o he_o will_v and_o he_o need_v not_o except_o he_o listen_v of_o the_o first_o no_o man_n ever_o doubt_v but_o the_o second_o need_v to_o be_v explain_v in_o this_o manner_n as_o good_a so_o also_o evil_a be_v of_o two_o kind_n inward_a and_o outward_a the_o inward_a corruption_n of_o sin_n can_v be_v avoid_v by_o any_o mean_n for_o beside_o the_o original_a sin_n which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o regenerate_a and_o to_o the_o carnal_a man_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o inward_a faculty_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n shall_v be_v free_a from_o actual_a sinfulness_n dulness_n ignorance_n oblivion_n and_o perverseness_n and_o therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o inward_a corruption_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n man_n have_v no_o freewill_n but_o sin_v of_o necessity_n again_o his_o outward_a sin_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o one_o be_v of_o those_o which_o be_v sin_n not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o as_o they_o come_v from_o the_o inward_a root_n of_o infidelity_n as_o namely_o all_o the_o indifferent_a action_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n his_o eat_n drink_v speaking_z work_a buy_v sell_v and_o all_o other_o of_o that_o kind_n yea_o his_o good_a action_n as_o namely_o his_o hear_v god_n word_n his_o pray_v his_o give_v of_o alm_n his_o temperate_a honest_a and_o just_a action_n all_o these_o be_v sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o carnal_a man_n have_v not_o freewill_n in_o this_o kind_n of_o outward_a action_n for_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o if_o he_o do_v nothing_o yet_o that_o his_o do_v nothing_o be_v sinful_a yet_o in_o particular_n he_o have_v freewill_n or_o liberty_n of_o not_o sin_v for_o although_o he_o can_v but_o sin_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v in_o his_o freewill_n whether_o he_o will_v do_v that_o indifferent_a thing_n or_o no_o and_o so_o whether_o he_o will_v sin_v in_o that_o particular_a or_o no_o as_o namely_o a_o carnal_a man_n purpose_v to_o build_v a_o house_n if_o he_o do_v it_o he_o can_v choose_v but_o sin_n because_o he_o can_v purge_v himself_o from_o infidelity_n yet_o he_o need_v not_o sin_n in_o that_o particular_a except_o he_o listen_v because_o he_o need_v not_o build_v the_o house_n except_o he_o listen_v the_o second_o kind_n of_o outward_a sin_n be_v of_o those_o which_o be_v sin_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o be_v directy_n forbid_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o idolatry_n perjury_n murder_n adultery_n theft_n &_o such_o other_o in_o the_o commit_n whereof_o a_o carnal_a man_n have_v freewill_n it_o be_v not_o needful_a that_o he_o shall_v commit_v they_o as_o we_o see_v in_o many_o unregenerate_a man_n who_o outward_a life_n be_v irreprovable_a for_o the_o inward_a force_n of_o original_a corruption_n &_o of_o corrupt_a desire_n incline_v the_o will_n to_o sin_n do_v not_o make_v any_o necessity_n of_o any_o particular_a sin_n because_o they_o may_v be_v repress_v by_o natural_a strength_n and_o hinder_v although_o not_o from_o break_v forth_o into_o any_o sin_n yet_o from_o bring_v forth_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a sin_n for_o whenas_o a_o man_n commit_v adultery_n or_o murder_n he_o do_v it_o of_o a_o free_a although_o a_o corrupt_a will_n and_o not_o of_o any_o force_n or_o necessity_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o how_o many_o respect_v the_o freedom_n of_o will_n remain_v the_o which_o be_v not_o distinguish_v from_o a_o true_a and_o general_a good_a consist_v in_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o many_o error_n in_o this_o point_n of_o doctrine_n whilst_o many_o have_v think_v that_o either_o a_o man_n have_v freewill_n by_o nature_n or_o else_o he_o be_v able_a by_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n to_o get_v a_o artificial_a freedom_n of_o will_n and_o that_o in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n the_o will_n work_v together_o which_o grace_n if_o not_o strong_o yet_o weak_o and_o faint_o as_o we_o see_v a_o sick_a man_n go_v about_o his_o business_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o to_o think_v the_o will_n of_o man_n not_o only_o weak_a but_o clean_o dead_a in_o respect_n of_o true_a holiness_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v and_o that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v no_o more_o able_a of_o himself_o to_o enter_v and_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n than_o a_o dead_a man_n be_v able_a to_o go_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o temporal_a life_n sect._n 3_o of_o the_o renew_a will_n of_o man_n when_o as_o that_o happy_a hour_n come_v wherein_o it_o please_v god_n of_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o mercy_n to_o call_v any_o of_o his_o elect_a child_n out_o of_o the_o bondage_n and_o slavery_n of_o satan_n man_n into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n he_o than_o send_v down_o his_o spirit_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o that_o man_n who_o he_o purpose_v to_o call_v and_o by_o the_o mighty_a operation_n thereof_o do_v change_v he_o into_o a_o new_a creature_n take_v from_o he_o the_o dulness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o untowardness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o indue_a he_o with_o the_o contrary_a grace_n this_o change_n be_v whole_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o this_o supernatural_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o in_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o natural_a force_n of_o man_n will_n who_o howsoever_o perhaps_o he_o before_o his_o conversion_n use_v the_o outward_a mean_n of_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n may_v after_o a_o soâ—â—_n desire_v holiness_n and_o eternal_a life_n yet_o he_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o work_v it_o by_o himself_o than_o he_o be_v in_o his_o creation_n able_a to_o take_v to_o himself_o create_v holiness_n before_o the_o same_o be_v inspire_v into_o he_o by_o god_n for_o the_o will_n of_o man_n as_o also_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o faculty_n be_v not_o a_o agent_n or_o worker_n in_o this_o action_n but_o only_o do_v suffer_v the_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o who_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o sanctify_v the_o will_n of_o that_o man_n who_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o the_o outward_a mean_n of_o holiness_n as_o of_o he_o that_o be_v so_o careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o use_v they_o that_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v change_v his_o own_o will_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a this_o we_o see_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n who_o will_n be_v most_o spiteful_o bend_v against_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o one_o moment_n change_v to_o the_o true_a love_n of_o it_o but_o how_o be_v the_o will_n after_o this_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v it_o as_o idle_a and_o unable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n as_o before_o or_o be_v it_o now_o able_a of_o itself_o without_o the_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o choose_v and_o do_v good_a we_o answer_v that_o although_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v never_o forsake_v he_o who_o he_o have_v once_o renew_v but_o do_v to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n yea_o for_o ever_o accompany_v and_o assist_v he_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n to_o be_v put_v betwixt_o the_o first_o act_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o continual_a course_n of_o renew_a holiness_n arise_v thereof_o for_o a_o carnal_a man_n be_v renew_v by_o the_o sole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n without_o any_o help_n action_n or_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o will_v unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o it_o move_v in_o that_o it_o be_v move_v but_o a_o faithful_a man_n be_v already_o regenerate_v do_v choose_v embrace_v follow_v and_o do_v good_a and_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o renew_a holiness_n by_o the_o proper_a and_o inherent_a faculty_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o freewill_n that_o the_o renew_a holiness_n of_o the_o will_n and_o of_o all_o the_o other_o faculty_n of_o a_o faithful_a man_n be_v proper_a and_o inherent_a in_o he_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v for_o his_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o inclination_n to_o good_a although_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a holiness_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o holiness_n be_v
but_o especial_o it_o appear_v in_o those_o who_o in_o old_a time_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v philosopher_n that_o be_v seeker_n and_o practiser_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n as_o namely_o socrates_n plato_n with_o many_o other_o as_o aristides_n cato_n seneca_n who_o virtue_n we_o can_v not_o think_v to_o have_v be_v mere_a hypocrisy_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o affect_v inward_o in_o their_o mind_n as_o they_o profess_v outward_o in_o their_o life_n yet_o we_o confess_v that_o this_o decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n be_v not_o a_o like_a in_o all_o for_o in_o some_o it_o be_v inward_a and_o true_a as_o have_v be_v say_v but_o in_o other_o yea_o most_o common_o it_o be_v only_o in_o outward_a life_n sinfulness_n for_o many_o do_v lead_v a_o honest_a and_o irreproveable_a life_n be_v vicious_o dispose_v in_o their_o mind_n some_o for_o fear_n of_o civil_a punishment_n or_o of_o public_a shame_n other_o for_o vain_a glory_n sake_n as_o do_v the_o pharisy_n again_o this_o decrease_n be_v more_o general_a in_o some_o who_o abstain_v from_o many_o kind_n of_o vice_n than_o it_o be_v in_o other_o who_o be_v faulty_a in_o many_o respect_n and_o last_o this_o decrease_n be_v more_o firm_a and_o permanent_a in_o some_o continue_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o life_n but_o in_o other_o it_o have_v place_n in_o their_o young_a year_n by_o force_n of_o good_a education_n but_o be_v afterwards_o altogether_o forget_v and_o reject_v in_o the_o heathen_a it_o be_v more_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n the_o which_o be_v more_o easy_o know_v then_o be_v the_o duty_n belong_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o in_o hypocritical_a christian_n the_o outward_a decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n be_v great_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n for_o they_o will_v be_v very_o devout_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o outward_a service_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o live_v very_o wicked_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o brethren_n these_o and_o many_o other_o degree_n and_o difference_n of_o this_o natural_a decrease_n may_v easy_o be_v observe_v in_o many_o both_o within_o and_o without_o the_o church_n and_o also_o in_o all_o history_n whether_o divine_a or_o human_a but_o be_v too_o many_o to_o be_v handle_v in_o this_o short_a treatise_n chap._n four_o of_o the_o supernatural_a decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n as_o the_o increase_n of_o light_n do_v make_v a_o decrease_n of_o darkness_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o two_o thing_n of_o contrary_a nature_n sholude_v be_v together_o in_o one_o subject_n the_o one_o not_o expel_v the_o other_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n so_o the_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o man_n holiness_n bestow_v on_o unregenerate_a man_n do_v work_n in_o they_o a_o decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n make_v they_o less_o sinful_a than_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v and_o then_o usual_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v this_o decrease_n we_o call_v supernatural_a because_o it_o can_v be_v attain_v unto_o by_o those_o natural_a mean_n of_o diminish_v sin_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a pagan_a that_o ever_o live_v but_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n sound_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n sinfullnesse_n without_o the_o which_o this_o decrease_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v find_v nor_o yet_o in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o who_o many_o do_v exceed_v the_o heathen_a in_o sin_n but_o only_o in_o those_o who_o do_v yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n although_o not_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o faithful_a do_v yet_o in_o so_o great_a measure_n that_o this_o decrease_n of_o sin_n may_v very_o fit_o be_v call_v a_o shadow_n of_o true_a regeneration_n there_o be_v no_o grace_n effectual_o wrought_v in_o the_o faithful_a whereof_o a_o resemblance_n may_v not_o be_v find_v in_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n for_o not_o only_o their_o life_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o also_o they_o be_v inward_o enlighten_v to_o see_v the_o truth_n and_o be_v well_o affect_v towards_o it_o and_o endue_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o faith_n hope_n love_n patience_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o that_o not_o in_o hypocrisy_n though_o many_o do_v make_v a_o outward_a show_n and_o profession_n of_o those_o grace_n whereof_o there_o be_v not_o any_o shadow_n in_o their_o heart_n but_o in_o truth_n as_o we_o read_v heb._n 6._o 4._o 5._o 5._o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o in_o general_a be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o they_o fall_v away_o etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o god_n do_v bestow_v these_o excellent_a grace_n on_o the_o reprobate_n as_o it_o be_v throw_v pearl_n among_o swine_n we_o answer_v that_o he_o do_v it_o especial_o for_o these_o three_o cause_n first_o for_o the_o set_n forth_o of_o his_o own_o glory_n for_o by_o this_o work_n his_o love_n mercy_n goodness_n wisdom_n and_o truth_n appear_v even_o to_o the_o reprobate_n on_o who_o as_o he_o let_v the_o rain_n to_o fall_v and_o his_o sun_n to_o shine_v as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o faithful_a so_o he_o pour_v forth_o his_o grace_n as_o well_o on_o the_o one_o as_o on_o the_o other_o although_o not_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o although_o the_o eternal_a love_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v with_o it_o eternal_a salvation_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o elect_a only_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o general_a and_o as_o we_o may_v term_v it_o a_o temporary_a love_n which_o god_n bear_v to_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o in_o they_o towards_o all_o man_n both_o elect_a and_o reprobate_a second_o this_o be_v do_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o elect_a for_o who_o sake_n god_n bless_v the_o reprobate_a with_o who_o they_o live_v both_o in_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o who_o salvation_n be_v further_v and_o some_o time_n wrought_v by_o the_o gift_n and_o ministry_n of_o these_o man_n last_o god_n do_v by_o this_o mean_n make_v they_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o these_o grace_n the_o more_o inexcusable_a in_o that_o they_o contemn_v and_o tread_v under_o foot_n so_o great_a mercy_n now_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v the_o difference_n which_o be_v betwixt_o true_a regeneration_n and_o this_o supernatural_a decrease_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o shadow_n of_o it_o first_o therefore_o true_a regeneration_n be_v general_a stretch_n itself_o over_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o work_v a_o universal_a holiness_n as_o the_o leaven_n which_o be_v put_v into_o a_o great_a lump_n of_o dough_n never_o cease_v spread_a itself_o abroad_o till_o the_o whole_a lump_n be_v season_v luke_n 13._o 21._o 21._o but_o the_o shadow_n fail_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o one_o point_n of_o holiness_n or_o other_o yea_o often_o many_o part_n of_o sanctification_n be_v want_v as_o the_o mind_n be_v often_o enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n whenas_o the_o obedience_n of_o life_n and_o outward_a action_n be_v want_v 1._o 1._o cor._n 8._o 1._o we_o have_v all_o knowledge_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o love_n edifi_v again_o there_o may_v be_v see_v in_o they_o good_a affection_n without_o knowledge_n rom._n 6._o 9_o i_o bear_v witness_n say_v the_o apostle_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o zeal_n of_o god_n yet_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n yea_o often_o the_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v in_o part_n and_o in_o part_n remain_v in_o ignorance_n as_o in_o those_o who_o profess_v and_o hold_v in_o judgement_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o fund_z amental_a and_o chief_a doctrine_n of_o it_o do_v together_o maintain_v many_o error_n and_o heresy_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o thaâ—_n one_o true_o regenerate_v may_v be_v in_o some_o error_n for_o we_o all_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 1._o cor._n 13._o yet_o this_o be_v the_o force_n and_o property_n of_o a_o regenerate_a mind_n to_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o truth_n from_o error_n when_o as_o both_o be_v lay_v before_o it_o 1_o howsoever_o it_o do_v not_o see_v it_o before_o and_o therefore_o when_o as_o we_o see_v a_o man_n although_o endue_v with_o many_o gift_n yet_o to_o be_v of_o a_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o unsound_a judgement_n incline_v always_o to_o the_o wrong_a part_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n his_o regeneration_n may_v in_o that_o respect_n be_v
suspect_v to_o be_v uneffectual_a this_o the_o apostle_n do_v plain_o testify_v 19_o 1._o cor._n 11._o 19_o there_o must_v be_v heresy_n that_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o be_v god_n do_v suffer_v schism_n and_o division_n to_o be_v among_o you_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o may_v appear_v who_o holiness_n be_v sound_o and_o who_o be_v hypocritical_a or_o at_o the_o least_o light_n and_o ineffectual_a second_o man_n true_o regenerate_v receive_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o particular_a grace_n as_o of_o faith_n love_n and_o patience_n than_o the_o other_o do_v yea_o they_o do_v daily_o increase_v in_o grace_n whereas_o the_o other_o do_v common_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n never_o attain_v to_o any_o great_a measure_n of_o godliness_n but_o abide_v in_o a_o certain_a indifferent_a kind_n of_o mediocrity_n be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a beside_o true_a grace_n be_v fruitful_a but_o the_o shadow_n be_v barren_a either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n as_o the_o faith_n of_o these_o man_n do_v not_o work_n and_o show_v forth_o itself_o by_o love_n their_o love_n be_v without_o work_n of_o compassion_n and_o christian_a communion_n their_o good_a work_n without_o alacrity_n last_o the_o shadow_n of_o regeneration_n do_v often_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o be_v turn_v into_o mere_a atheism_n and_o want_v of_o all_o religion_n but_o true_a regeneration_n can_v never_o whole_o decay_v as_o math._n 3._o 20._o some_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n 20._o and_o afterward_o fall_v away_o 5._o and_o heb._n 6._o 4._o 5_o we_o read_v of_o those_o who_o be_v once_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v afterwards_o fall_v away_o from_o christ_n yea_o while_o they_o do_v retain_v this_o resemblance_n of_o true_a sanctification_n they_o be_v not_o constant_a but_o variable_a in_o do_v good_a jam._n 1._o 8._o 8._o a_o double_a mind_a man_n be_v unconstant_a in_o all_o his_o way_n that_o be_v a_o man_n half_o carnal_a and_o half_o regenerate_v do_v not_o keep_v throughout_o the_o course_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n a_o constant_a tenor_n of_o godliness_n but_o often_o change_v his_o mind_n opinion_n affection_n and_o practice_v by_o these_o and_o such_o other_o note_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o daily_a experience_n this_o shadow_n of_o holiness_n may_v be_v discern_v from_o the_o truth_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o peremptore_o to_o judge_v or_o rash_o to_o condemn_v any_o man_n for_o there_o may_v be_v find_v even_o in_o man_n true_o regenerate_v many_o want_n error_n sin_n and_o alteration_n as_o afterward_o will_v appear_v therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v the_o best_a where_o we_o see_v any_o likelihood_n of_o good_a and_o where_o there_o be_v none_o to_o hope_v for_o better_a in_o time_n to_o come_v and_o so_o leave_v other_o man_n to_o god_n judgement_n to_o censure_v our_o own_o profession_n and_o regeneration_n by_o these_o rule_n yet_o it_o be_v both_o lawful_a and_o needful_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n right_a from_o wrong_n good_a from_o evil_n the_o shadow_n from_o the_o body_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o brethren_n the_o which_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o mark_v and_o consider_v to_o try_v and_o think_v of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o in_o judge_v and_o speak_v to_o use_v great_a moderation_n and_o wisdom_n chap._n v._n of_o the_o particular_n in_o this_o supernatural_a decrease_n of_o sinfulness_n the_o first_o and_o most_o usual_a part_n of_o this_o supernatural_a decrease_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n whereby_o a_o carnal_a man_n who_o before_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n either_o of_o the_o law_n or_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v bring_v to_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o both_o to_o believe_v the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o have_v a_o sight_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o sin_n to_o see_v sin_n be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o sinful_a in_o nature_n in_o soul_n &_o body_n in_o life_n and_o action_n as_o indeed_o he_o be_v to_o feel_v sin_n be_v to_o know_v that_o for_o his_o sin_n he_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v eternal_a death_n this_o first_o part_n of_o illumination_n be_v far_o more_o easy_o &_o often_o wrought_v in_o a_o natural_a man_n than_o be_v the_o other_o because_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n man_n have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o the_o righteous_a be_v to_o be_v reward_v as_o the_o wicked_a be_v tobe_n punish_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o make_v this_o first_o step_n in_o this_o shadow_n of_o regeneration_n and_o go_v no_o further_o thus_o cain_n and_o judas_n with_o many_o other_o do_v see_v their_o sin_n &_o the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o it_o but_o yet_o have_v no_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o second_o part_n of_o illumination_n be_v sinfulness_n to_o think_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v true_a namely_o that_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a glory_n be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n 4._o heb._n 6._o 4._o this_o knowledge_n god_n work_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o word_n in_o many_o reprobate_n 13._o act._n 8._o 13._o simon_n magus_n believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v of_o who_o reprobation_n although_o we_o can_v affirm_v nothing_o because_o the_o apostle_n doubt_v of_o it_o vers._n 22._o yet_o it_o be_v plain_o out_o of_o the_o 21._o verse_n that_o he_o be_v not_o as_o then_o true_o regenerate_v yea_o many_o carnal_a man_n attain_v to_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n that_o there_o be_v no_o point_n or_o head_n of_o christian_n religion_n which_o they_o do_v not_o in_o some_o sort_n conceive_v understand_v and_o believe_v although_o not_o full_o for_o that_o be_v impossible_a yet_o so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n in_o lay_v open_a plain_o and_o evident_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o hearer_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o resolve_v all_o doubt_n controversy_n question_n objection_n and_o argument_n which_o be_v move_v about_o anypoint_n of_o doctrine_n thus_o do_v the_o teacher_n at_o corinth_n of_o who_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o cor._n 13._o 2._o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n 2._o and_o know_v all_o secret_n and_o knowledge_n and_o have_v not_o love_n i_o be_v nothing_o so_o math_n 7._o 22._o 22._o prophecy_n in_o christ_n name_n who_o he_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v as_o he_o this_o knowledge_n be_v common_o call_v a_o historical_a faith_n a_o gift_n common_a to_o the_o elect_a and_o the_o reprobate_n yet_o not_o so_o common_a as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v yea_o in_o truth_n more_o rare_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a multitud_n of_o professor_n and_o christian_n than_o it_o be_v common_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o small_a number_n of_o true_a believer_n for_o to_o let_v pass_v those_o who_o know_v nothing_o of_o religion_n we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o all_o they_o who_o be_v learn_v and_o as_o we_o say_v great_a clerk_n in_o divinity_n and_o profound_a schoolman_n do_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o judgment_n hold_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a yea_o it_o appear_v plain_o in_o the_o example_n of_o judas_n who_o although_o he_o do_v preach_v the_o gospel_n with_o his_o tongue_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o himself_o as_o christ_n witness_v joh._n 6._o 64_o 64._o that_o many_o do_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v other_o that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o they_o themselves_o think_v to_o be_v false_a and_o no_o marvel_n for_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v easy_a and_o common_a for_o a_o natural_a man_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o natural_a reason_n 12_o we_o se_z joh._n 3._o 12_o that_o christ_n can_v not_o or_o rather_o do_v not_o make_v nicodemus_n a_o teacher_n in_o israel_n believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o so_o we_o may_v well_o think_v that_o many_o otherwise_o learned_a think_v that_o it_o be_v no_o such_o supernatural_a work_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v by_o natural_a mean_n likewise_o how_o many_o think_v we_o be_v persuade_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o this_o world_n shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a world_n wherein_o the_o body_n of_o man_n which_o be_v consume_v to_o nothing_o many_o thousand_o year_n before_o be_v raise_v up_o &_o live_v for_o ever_o but_o to_o proceed_v of_o the_o decrease_n of_o ignorance_n come_v the_o decrease_n of_o infidelity_n for_o as_o
sin_n be_v thereto_o carry_v by_o the_o force_n of_o temptation_n as_o in_o a_o great_a tempest_n by_o a_o mighty_a gale_n of_o wind_n before_o they_o can_v be_v think_v themselves_o what_o they_o be_v about_o to_o do_v or_o what_o will_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o it_o whereof_o it_o come_v that_o this_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n stay_v itself_o in_o one_o or_o a_o few_o action_n do_v not_o necessary_o argue_v any_o inward_a want_n of_o the_o contrary_a grace_n or_o any_o inward_a decrease_n of_o holiness_n either_o go_v before_o or_o follow_v after_o because_o a_o man_n may_v fall_v into_o it_o as_o of_o a_o sudden_a before_o he_o be_v aware_a and_o immediate_o recover_v his_o former_a station_n by_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o judge_n either_o david_n void_a of_o continency_n for_o that_o adultery_n commit_v with_o berseba_n or_o peter_n to_o have_v want_v faith_n because_o he_o do_v at_o one_o time_n renounce_v the_o faith_n or_o noah_n to_o have_v be_v a_o intemperate_a person_n because_o he_o be_v once_o drink_v no_o more_o than_o we_o be_v to_o think_v he_o a_o weak_a man_n who_o stumble_v by_o chance_n at_o a_o block_n lie_v in_o his_o way_n and_o yet_o do_v straight_o way_n save_o himself_o from_o fall_v yea_o sudden_a sin_n may_v be_v with_o great_a grace_n than_o they_o have_v who_o be_v free_a from_o the_o aforesaid_a sin_n of_o noah_n lot_n david_n peter_n be_v far_o inferior_a in_o holiness_n to_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o seruamt_n of_o god_n to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a and_o free_a as_o from_o the_o least_o and_o most_o secret_a sin_n so_o especial_o from_o open_a &_o gross_a sin_n and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o because_o by_o they_o they_o dishonour_v god_n his_o religion_n worship_n and_o name_n open_v the_o mouth_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n to_o blaspheme_v his_o holy_a name_n the_o which_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v more_o grievous_a and_o bitter_a unto_o they_o then_o a_o thousand_o death_n and_o torment_n second_o they_o provoke_v god_n to_o lay_v some_o fearful_a punishment_n upon_o they_o who_o howsoever_o he_o suffer_v the_o reprobate_a one_o to_o go_v on_o all_o their_o life_n time_n in_o sin_n yet_o he_o never_o suffer_v any_o notorious_a sin_n of_o his_o servant_n to_o go_v unpunished_a three_o they_o wound_v their_o own_o conscience_n by_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o god_n heavy_a iudgmente_n holiness_n they_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n against_o who_o will_n they_o commite_v that_o sin_n they_o offend_v their_o brethren_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v if_o not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o that_o special_a grace_n wherewith_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v restrain_v from_o sin_n yet_o but_o weak_a christian_n in_o that_o respect_n as_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o judge_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o peter_n the_o continency_n of_o david_n the_o temperance_n of_o noah_n be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o fall_n but_o weak_a howsoever_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o other_o grace_n last_o one_o heinous_a sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v because_o usual_o it_o draw_v more_o after_o it_o for_o when_o as_o a_o man_n have_v once_o take_v a_o taste_n of_o sin_n and_o feel_v the_o sensual_a sweetness_n of_o it_o he_o be_v far_o more_o easy_o draw_v to_o it_o than_o he_o be_v before_o and_o so_o he_o go_v from_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o the_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n to_o the_o second_o namely_o to_o a_o habit_n of_o some_o one_o sin_n or_o the_o want_n of_o some_o particular_a grace_n the_o which_o appear_v by_o the_o often_o commit_v and_o iterate_v of_o the_o same_o sin_n yea_o after_o that_o the_o faithful_a man_n have_v often_o by_o repentance_n labour_v to_o purge_v himself_o from_o that_o sin_n and_o by_o prayer_n to_o obtain_v the_o contrary_a grace_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n this_o decrease_n also_o have_v sometime_o place_n in_o a_o man_n true_o regenerate_v especial_o in_o that_o kind_n of_o sin_n whereunto_o he_o be_v either_o by_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o his_o body_n and_o mind_n or_o a_o evil_a custom_n get_v before_o his_o conversion_n natural_o incline_v whether_o it_o be_v pride_n anger_n covetousness_n or_o any_o other_o sin_n but_o as_o it_o be_v far_o more_o grievous_a than_o the_o first_o degree_n so_o it_o be_v with_o great_a care_n to_o be_v avoid_v for_o it_o double_v and_o triple_v the_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o god_n the_o offence_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o reproach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o corrosive_a of_o a_o gnaw_a conscience_n and_o last_o it_o make_v a_o ready_a way_n for_o high_a degree_n of_o decrease_n to_o wit_n the_o habit_n of_o diverse_a sin_n the_o want_n of_o many_o particular_a grace_n and_o so_o to_o the_o high_a and_o most_o fearful_a degree_n which_o be_v a_o general_a decrease_n of_o holiness_n which_o be_v now_o brief_o to_o be_v declare_v where_o first_o we_o be_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o general_a and_o a_o total_a decrease_n a_o general_a decrease_n be_v when_o all_o the_o part_n of_o renew_a holiness_n and_o of_o spiritual_a grace_n receive_v be_v diminish_v but_o a_o total_a decrease_n be_v a_o utter_a decay_n of_o holiness_n as_o whereby_o nothing_o be_v leave_v this_o can_v not_o happen_v to_o any_o one_o who_o be_v true_o regenerate_v who_o in_o the_o great_a extremity_n and_o depth_n of_o his_o fall_n retain_v some_o relic_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o of_o grace_n receive_v yea_o somelife_o of_o faith_n whereby_o he_o live_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n howsoever_o he_o be_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n and_o even_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n a_o dead_a rot_a stock_n even_o as_o we_o know_v that_o the_o tree_n have_v heat_n and_o life_n in_o their_o root_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o cold_a and_o sharp_a winter_n yea_o as_o many_o beast_n lie_v all_o the_o winter_n long_o in_o hole_n of_o the_o earth_n without_o eat_v drink_v stir_v or_o have_v any_o jot_n of_o heat_n sense_n or_o life_n in_o any_o of_o their_o outward_a part_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o remnant_n of_o life_n and_o of_o heat_n lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v in_o summer_n stir_v uppe_o do_v revine_a the_o beast_n so_o that_o it_o be_v able_a to_o go_v or_o run_v up_o and_o down_o and_o to_o perform_v all_o natural_a action_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o do_v before_o this_o christ_n do_v plain_o teach_v joh._n 4._o 14._o 14._o saying_n whosoever_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o that_o be_v whosoever_o believe_v in_o i_o as_o it_o be_v expound_v john_n 7._o 38_o shall_v never_o be_v more_o a_o thirst_n 38._o but_o the_o water_n that_o i_o will_v give_v he_o shall_v be_v in_o he_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n 9_o and_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 9_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o total_o for_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o fall_v clean_o away_o from_o god_n because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n yet_o a_o man_n regenerate_v may_v decrease_v not_o only_o in_o one_o in_o a_o few_o or_o in_o many_o grace_n but_o also_o general_o in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n this_o decrease_n of_o renew_a holiness_n be_v of_o two_o kind_n for_o as_o of_o bodily_a disease_n some_o begin_v at_o the_o hart_n which_o be_v the_o root_n and_o fountain_n of_o life_n in_o the_o body_n and_o so_o spread_v themselves_o over_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n other_o have_v their_o beginning_n in_o some_o outward_a and_o inferior_a part_n and_o pierce_v in_o till_o that_o they_o come_v to_o the_o heart_n so_o of_o these_o general_n decrease_v of_o holiness_n which_o be_v as_o grievous_a disease_n of_o the_o soul_n some_o begin_v at_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o root_n and_o fountain_n of_o spiritual_a life_n and_o so_o have_v stop_v the_o fountain_n do_v easy_o dry_v up_o the_o stream_n issue_v from_o it_o other_o begin_v at_o the_o mean_a and_o base_a part_n of_o sanctification_n and_o so_o first_o kill_v the_o fruit_n than_o the_o branch_n and_o the_o body_n of_o the_o tree_n till_o at_o length_n they_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o root_n itself_o both_o these_o way_n do_v sathan_n use_v to_o destroy_v this_o wonderful_a work_n of_o regeneration_n wrought_v in_o the_o faithful_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o first_o way_n be_v the_o near_a and_o ready_a for_o if_o faith_n once_o fail_v all_o holiness_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n whereas_o faith_n may_v stand_v in_o some_o sort_n although_o most_o of_o the_o