edifycation_n for_o if_o the_o heathen_a who_o have_v no_o spiritual_a eye_n wherewith_o to_o see_v can_v observe_v the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o these_o creature_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v rom._n 1._o how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o spiritual_a man_n find_v in_o this_o field_n plentiful_a food_n for_o the_o feed_n of_o the_o soul_n sect._n 8._o the_o last_o field_n wherein_o this_o spiritual_a food_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v grow_v and_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v be_v the_o action_n of_o god_n for_o as_o in_o the_o creation_n so_o also_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o world_n god_n be_v to_o be_v see_v and_o seek_v as_o in_o the_o one_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o other_o his_o providence_n justice_n and_o mercy_n do_v manifest_o appear_v or_o rather_o clear_o shine_v his_o providence_n by_o the_o which_o all_o thing_n all_o the_o action_n and_o faculty_n of_o all_o creature_n be_v dispose_v order_v direct_v restrain_v uphold_v as_o that_o they_o all_o several_o and_o joint_o tend_v to_o those_o end_n for_o the_o which_o he_o appoint_v they_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v have_v bring_v to_o pass_v as_o namely_o first_o principal_o and_o general_o the_o set_v forth_o of_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v the_o last_o end_n both_o of_o the_o creation_n and_o also_o of_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o second_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o justice_n upon_o the_o reprobate_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a his_o justice_n appear_v in_o that_o he_o recompense_v every_o one_o according_a unto_o his_o do_n and_o that_o without_o favour_n or_o respect_n of_o person_n lay_v fearful_a judgement_n even_o upon_o his_o elect_a for_o their_o sin_n and_o reward_v the_o good_a deed_n of_o the_o reprobate_n with_o temporal_a blessing_n but_o most_o of_o all_o he_o do_v daily_o pour_v forth_o the_o treasure_n of_o his_o goodness_n love_n &_o mercy_n towards_o his_o faithful_a servant_n in_o preserve_v they_o from_o all_o evil_a and_o in_o provide_v for_o they_o whatsoever_o be_v needful_a these_o thing_n may_v profitable_o and_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o the_o age_n and_o story_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o age_n and_o time_n wherein_o we_o ourselves_o live_v for_o that_o we_o give_v great_a credence_n &_o be_v more_o affect_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o behold_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v note_v ourselves_o know_v the_o person_n in_o who_o they_o befall_v and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o say_a action_n then_o with_o those_o which_o we_o have_v at_o the_o second_o hand_n by_o the_o report_n of_o other_o and_o which_o in_o all_o respect_n be_v strange_a and_o unknown_a unto_o us._n thus_o the_o prophet_n david_n mention_v psal._n 37.25_o one_o of_o his_o own_o observation_n the_o which_o he_o have_v be_v all_o his_o life_n time_n even_o a_o whole_a age_n in_o gather_v of_o the_o gracious_a providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o servant_n say_v i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o i_o be_o old_a yet_o do_v i_o never_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_a or_o his_o seed_n beg_v their_o bread_n of_o these_o observation_n concern_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n bestow_v on_o the_o righteous_a and_o his_o fearful_a plague_n pour_v on_o the_o wicked_a the_o book_n of_o job_n and_o of_o the_o psalm_n be_v full_a yea_o it_o be_v in_o many_o place_n make_v a_o sign_n of_o godliness_n to_o mark_v the_o do_n of_o god_n as_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o be_v of_o a_o ungodly_a man_n as_o eccl._n 2.14_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v his_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n but_o the_o fool_n walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o es._n 57.1_o the_o just_a man_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o plague_n that_o be_v come_v and_o no_o man_n regard_v that_o be_v carnal_a man_n who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o god_n deal_n nor_o exercise_v in_o mark_v they_o know_v not_o this_o that_o the_o untimely_a death_n of_o righteous_a man_n be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o some_o grievous_a plague_n which_o god_n be_v to_o bring_v upon_o that_o city_n or_o country_n where_o they_o dwell_v and_o more_o especial_o we_o be_v careful_o to_o observe_v those_o action_n of_o god_n which_o concern_v ourselves_o as_o namely_o how_o he_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n provide_v for_o we_o all_o thing_n needful_a even_o in_o our_o great_a want_n when_o as_o all_o man_n do_v forsake_v we_o how_o he_o have_v preserve_v we_o from_o great_a danger_n how_o he_o have_v chastise_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n how_o he_o have_v hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o grant_v our_o request_n how_o he_o have_v comfort_v we_o in_o our_o affliction_n how_o he_o have_v reward_v all_o our_o good_a work_n &_o godly_a endeavour_n how_o he_o have_v assist_v we_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o time_n of_o tentation_n how_o he_o have_v sometime_o let_v we_o remain_v in_o sin_n irrepentance_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n &_o at_o other_o time_n have_v give_v we_o soft_a heart_n melt_v at_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n as_o wax_v before_o the_o fire_n &_o send_v forth_o river_n of_o the_o tear_n of_o true_a repentance_n how_o he_o have_v plague_v for_o our_o sin_n or_o bless_v for_o our_o sake_n our_o friend_n acquaintance_n wife_n child_n kinsfolk_n and_o servant_n how_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o his_o will_n and_o truth_n unto_o we_o and_o in_o short_a how_o he_o have_v in_o every_o respect_n deal_v with_o we_o since_o we_o first_o know_v or_o serve_v he_o sect._n 9_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o right_a manner_n of_o feed_v the_o soul_n with_o the_o heavenly_a manna_n the_o word_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n creature_n and_o action_n of_o god_n beside_o the_o which_o there_o be_v require_v in_o the_o right_a nourishment_n of_o it_o spiritual_a exercise_n for_o it_o fare_v with_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o body_n the_o which_o although_o it_o be_v feed_v to_o the_o full_a and_o daily_o fill_v with_o meat_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v preserve_v much_o less_o increase_v in_o health_n strength_n and_o vigour_n unless_o it_o be_v exercise_v that_o so_o the_o meat_n receive_v into_o the_o belly_n may_v be_v draw_v and_o fasten_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n which_o otherwise_o will_v not_o nourish_v but_o soon_o pass_v away_o without_o any_o profit_n so_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o spiritual_a health_n and_o strength_n exercise_n be_v no_o less_o needful_a than_o food_n the_o truth_n hereof_o appear_v plain_o in_o many_o who_o although_o they_o feed_v their_o soul_n with_o all_o be_v and_o diligence_n be_v continual_o conversant_a in_o study_v hear_v read_v meditate_v and_o regard_v the_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o nourish_v by_o this_o food_n because_o they_o do_v not_o join_v exercise_n unto_o it_o this_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o spiritual_a grace_n or_o the_o performance_n of_o christian_a duty_n belong_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v of_o diverse_a kind_n as_o there_o be_v many_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o of_o christian_a duty_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a kind_n of_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v prayer_n or_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n both_o public_a &_o also_o private_a by_o the_o right_a use_n whereof_o we_o shall_v feel_v all_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o be_v stir_v up_o in_o we_o yea_o confirm_v and_o increase_v yea_o all_o drowsiness_n and_o heaviness_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v shake_v off_o as_o will_v easy_o appear_v by_o consideder_v the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o for_o the_o more_o that_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n and_o the_o multitude_n and_o heinousness_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v paint_v they_o out_o in_o their_o natural_a shape_n and_o in_o lively_a colour_n the_o more_o we_o loath_a and_o abhor_v they_o the_o often_o and_o more_o serious_o that_o we_o consider_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n either_o present_a or_o which_o be_v like_a enough_o to_o be_v short_o pour_v upon_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o also_o the_o benefit_n temporal_a and_o spiritual_a receive_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o more_o we_o increase_v in_o fear_n and_o love_n and_o all_o dutiful_a thankfulness_n towards_o he_o and_o therefore_o whosoever_o desire_v to_o preserve_v his_o soul_n in_o health_n and_o strength_n must_v have_v special_a regard_n to_o this_o that_o he_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o daily_a &_o continual_a use_n of_o prayer_n the_o necessity_n and_o efficacy_n whereof_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o may_v true_o be_v call_v
be_v not_o so_o grievous_a and_o dangerous_a as_o be_v the_o former_a to_o wit_n impenitency_n wherein_o the_o practice_n and_o exercise_n of_o godliness_n be_v neglect_v for_o this_o worldly_a christian_n serve_v god_n and_o perform_v all_o good_a duty_n although_o seldom_o cold_o and_o negligent_o yet_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n yet_o it_o be_v more_o seldom_o cure_v then_o the_o other_o for_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a and_o sensible_a and_o therefore_o not_o much_o consider_v &_o regard_v yea_o it_o have_v a_o great_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o perfect_a health_n and_o strength_n in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n duty_n whole_o want_v no_o gross_a sin_n commit_v but_o only_o such_o as_o have_v a_o show_n of_o christian_a liberty_n which_o make_v it_o lawful_a for_o the_o faith_n full_a to_o seek_v and_o enjoy_v riches_n and_o all_o other_o worldly_a pleasure_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o man_n flatter_v themselves_o in_o this_o state_n and_o rest_v content_v with_o it_o whereas_o no_o man_n conscience_n can_v be_v so_o continual_o dead_a and_o blind_a but_o that_o it_o will_v sometime_o check_v he_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o other_o and_o even_o drive_v he_o perforce_o to_o seek_v some_o remedy_n for_o it_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o we_o do_v daily_o and_o diligent_o consider_v the_o vanity_n and_o baseness_n of_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n that_o in_o comparison_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n they_o be_v as_o dung_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o fine_a gold_n that_o nothing_o be_v more_o unseemly_a than_o that_o thâ—_n soul_n of_o man_n which_o god_n by_o his_o spirit_n have_v sanctify_v and_o lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n there_o to_o enjoy_v his_o presence_n which_o be_v perfect_a happiness_n shall_v so_o much_o debase_v itself_o as_o to_o lie_v wallow_v in_o the_o puddle_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n or_o have_v any_o sound_a joy_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o which_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v loathsome_a and_o irksome_a unto_o he_o by_o these_o and_o such_o other_o meditation_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n which_o now_o be_v clog_v &_o press_v down_o with_o worldly_a care_n be_v to_o be_v stir_v up_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n to_o be_v lift_v up_o from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n and_o we_o enure_v to_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n &_o a_o cheerful_a and_o liberal_a practice_n of_o all_o christian_n duty_n especial_o in_o give_v to_o our_o brother_n or_o rather_o in_o lend_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o so_o it_o be_v indeed_o part_v of_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v leave_v all_o sensual_a epicurism_n &_o wretched_a niggardness_n to_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n who_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n and_o eternal_a perdition_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v sect._n 6._o the_o three_o and_o last_o general_a disease_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v distrust_n which_o be_v a_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n &_o promise_n make_v as_o touch_v the_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o faithful_a this_o although_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o particular_a disease_n of_o the_o mind_n yet_o in_o that_o force_n and_o effect_v it_o stretch_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a soul_n of_o man_n work_v a_o decrease_n of_o holiness_n in_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o it_o it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v and_o may_v fit_o be_v call_v a_o general_a disease_n it_o arise_v of_o a_o suppose_a impossibility_n oâ—_n god_n word_n be_v find_v contrary_a to_o our_o own_o experience_n &_o to_o man_n reason_n thus_o the_o propet_v david_n consider_v the_o miserable_a estate_n of_o the_o godly_a together_o with_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v tempt_v to_o think_v and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o thus_o many_o other_o godly_a man_n feel_v and_o see_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o conversion_n that_o god_n work_v strange_a &_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o for_o they_o promise_v to_o themselves_o the_o like_a strange_a experiment_n of_o god_n power_n and_o love_n towards_o they_o the_o which_o when_o as_o they_o do_v not_o not_o come_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o their_o expectation_n all_o go_v on_o in_o a_o ordinary_a course_n &_o happen_v to_o one_o as_o to_o another_o they_o fall_v into_o this_o doubt_n and_o distrust_n of_o god_n presence_n providence_n power_n and_o love_n towards_o they_o and_o so_o wax_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o slack_a and_o backward_o in_o all_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n and_o in_o serve_v god_n but_o this_o temptation_n be_v to_o be_v resist_v by_o consider_v that_o god_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o harden_v of_o the_o wicked_a work_v not_o open_o and_o sensible_o but_o secret_o till_o the_o time_n come_v wherein_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v reveal_v especial_o this_o evil_n show_v itself_o in_o the_o time_n of_o adversity_n when_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v overshadow_a with_o cross_n in_o the_o which_o we_o see_v not_o the_o love_n but_o rather_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n afflict_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o trial_n but_o as_o touch_v they_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o god_n do_v in_o theâ—_n show_v his_o love_n more_o than_o in_o prosperity_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v by_o they_o to_o be_v the_o more_o persuade_v of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n yea_o sometime_o this_o distrust_n become_v despair_n wherein_o the_o faithful_a man_n be_v drive_v beside_o his_o faith_n and_o hope_n yea_o beside_o himself_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n out_o of_o his_o wit_n suppose_v his_o sin_n to_o exceed_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o â—o_o be_v altogether_o unpardonable_a he_o can_v be_v comfort_v by_o remember_v his_o former_a state_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n wherein_o sometime_o he_o stand_v but_o be_v by_o that_o mean_v confirm_v in_o despair_n as_o think_v his_o sin_n to_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n the_o more_o grievous_a and_o unpardonable_a it_o be_v commit_v against_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o he_o apply_v to_o himself_o that_o which_o be_v write_v heb._n 6.6_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n if_o they_o fall_v away_o shall_v be_v renew_a again_o by_o repentance_n see_v they_o crucify_v to_o themselves_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o he_o languish_v in_o horror_n of_o conscience_n and_o a_o fearful_a sense_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o most_o fearful_a sickness_n which_o can_v happen_v to_o a_o faithful_a man_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o wicked_a spiritâ—_n in_o hell_n who_o continual_o live_v or_o rather_o die_v in_o a_o desperate_a sense_n of_o the_o endless_a wrath_n of_o god_n the_o remedy_n be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o only_o be_v able_a to_o appease_v these_o storm_n and_o in_o stead_n thereof_o to_o give_v a_o quiet_a calm_a yet_o the_o mean_n must_v be_v use_v by_o ourselves_o to_o wit_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o example_n of_o many_o godly_a man_n to_o who_o god_n have_v remit_v as_o many_o and_o as_o great_a sin_n as_o we_o be_v yea_o have_v beeâ—_n commit_v after_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v for_o the_o which_o purpose_n we_o must_v also_o remember_v that_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n betwixt_o then_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v infinite_a and_o our_o sin_n which_o be_v as_o nothing_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n all_o which_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v able_a to_o do_v away_o that_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n before_o mention_v &_o such_o other_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o malicious_a &_o despiteful_a oppugn_n of_o the_o gospel_n once_o embrace_v and_o last_o that_o where_o sin_n there_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n abound_v and_o his_o glory_n be_v set_v forth_o sect._n 7._o beside_o these_o general_a diseaseâ—_n which_o make_v a_o man_n decrease_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o godliness_n there_o happen_v to_o the_o soul_n many_o particular_a disease_n which_o contain_v themsemselue_n within_o one_o part_n or_o faculty_n of_o it_o the_o rest_n remain_v whole_a and_o sound_a these_o be_v as_o many_o as_o be_v the_o part_n of_o renewed_a holiness_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n sanctify_a spirit_n the_o want_n of_o any_o one_o whereof_o make_v a_o spiritual_a disease_n for_o where_o any_o grace_n be_v want_v there_o the_o contrary_a corruption_n of_o sin_n do_v prevail_v and_o reign_v if_o it_o be_v ask_v whether_o that_o one_o true_o regenerate_a can_v be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o any_o
two_o treatise_n concern_v regeneration_n 1._o of_o repentance_n 2._o of_o the_o diet_n of_o the_o soul_n show_v the_o one_o how_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v seek_v after_o and_o may_v be_v attain_v unto_o the_o other_o how_o it_o be_v get_v iâ—_n to_o be_v preserve_v and_o continue_v math._n 7.7_o knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v london_n print_a by_o thomas_n creed_n for_o robert_n dexter_n and_o ralph_n jackson_n 1597._o the_o occasion_n and_o argument_n of_o of_o the_o treatise_n follow_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n confirm_v by_o experience_n and_o also_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n tâ—e_v which_o be_v two_o be_v both_o one_o in_o effect_n so_o sure_a witness_n that_o no_o exception_n can_v be_v take_v against_o either_o of_o they_o that_o the_o number_n of_o true_a believer_n be_v very_o small_a especial_o in_o this_o last_o &_o most_o corrupt_a age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o as_o we_o have_v it_o foretell_v in_o scripture_n faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v but_o iniquity_n do_v abound_v and_o that_o most_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n deceive_v both_o themselves_o with_o a_o false_a conceit_n and_o also_o other_o with_o a_o hypocritical_a show_n of_o religion_n when_o as_o in_o truth_n they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o mean_v for_o many_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v religion_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n wherein_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v and_o without_o the_o which_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o attain_v to_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o clear_a sunshine_n and_o palpable_a darkness_n to_o be_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n for_o although_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a love_n â—ee_o judge_v the_o best_a of_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o grace_n take_v for_o pure_a gold_n whatsoever_o do_v glister_v yet_o most_o man_n be_v so_o estrange_v from_o god_n have_v no_o sense_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o mind_n nor_o any_o savour_n of_o it_o in_o their_o word_n and_o deed_n be_v in_o their_o whole_a behaviour_n so_o far_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n make_v no_o conscience_n of_o any_o duty_n belong_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n that_o we_o may_v be_v bold_a have_v sufficient_a warrant_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o think_v and_o say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v carnal_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n not_o as_o yet_o call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o truth_n howsoever_o they_o may_v be_v according_a to_o god_n secret_a counsel_n in_o the_o number_n of_o his_o elect_a thus_o man_n live_v and_o thus_o they_o die_v in_o the_o most_o fearful_a state_n of_o eternal_a death_n the_o which_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v will_v work_v grief_n even_o in_o the_o hard_a heart_n and_o stir_v it_o up_o to_o a_o pitiful_a desire_n of_o amend_v it_o for_o if_o we_o be_v just_o move_v to_o pity_v by_o behold_v the_o moment_n any_o misery_n of_o man_n and_o the_o distress_a state_n of_o their_o body_n be_v consume_v with_o sore_n and_o sickness_n and_o even_o at_o death_n door_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v grieve_v for_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o their_o soul_n not_o die_v but_o be_v already_o clean_o dead_a in_o sin_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o that_o state_n which_o lead_v to_o unspeakable_a torment_n and_o the_o hot-burning_a furnace_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n but_o helpless_a pity_n increase_v the_o evil_a communicate_v it_o to_o those_o who_o before_o be_v free_a from_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o rest_v but_o rather_o to_o put_v to_o our_o help_a hand_n and_o so_o both_o with_o hand_n and_o heart_n to_o endeavour_n the_o relieve_v of_o this_o woeful_a and_o wretched_a estate_n but_o it_o there_o any_o help_n for_o this_o spiritual_a misery_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o man_n can_v man_n work_v this_o regeneration_n in_o themselves_o or_o in_o other_o and_o so_o change_v a_o carnal_a and_o sinful_a man_n into_o a_o holy_a and_o new_a creature_n no_o sure_o regeneration_n be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n impossible_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o man_n angel_n or_o any_o creature_n for_o although_o many_o creature_n have_v life_n in_o themselves_o yet_o none_o can_v give_v natural_a much_o less_o spiritual_a life_n to_o another_o so_o then_o belike_o there_o be_v not_o any_o duty_n look_v for_o at_o man_n hand_n in_o this_o behalf_n but_o only_o that_o he_o pity_v and_o bewail_v his_o oâ—ne_n and_o other_o man_n desperate_a estate_n and_o the_o blame_n of_o man_n sinfulness_n and_o damnation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v on_o man_n â—ho_fw-mi can_v help_v though_o they_o will_v but_o on_o god_n who_o keep_v this_o faculty_n of_o regenerate_a man_n in_o his_o oâ—ne_a hand_n neither_o himself_o help_v man_n neither_o yet_o make_v it_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o help_v himself_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o follow_v of_o the_o aforesaid_a ground_n but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o any_o case_n to_o be_v admit_v for_o god_n do_v both_o himself_o reneâ—_n man_n by_o his_o spirit_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o also_o have_v appoint_v the_o meaane_n by_o the_o which_o man_n be_v to_o work_v his_o own_o salvation_n the_o which_o if_o he_o will_v not_o try_v and_o use_v who_o can_v either_o deny_v or_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o blame_n be_v in_o himself_o and_o not_o in_o god_n the_o which_o if_o he_o use_n can_v prevail_v yet_o the_o fault_n be_v in_o his_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o which_o be_v so_o dead_a in_o sin_n that_o it_o can_v be_v recover_v no_o not_o by_o good_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o as_o touch_v the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n the_o which_o we_o confess_v make_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o renew_v himself_o god_n be_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a to_o be_v think_v the_o author_n of_o it_o for_o he_o create_v man_n in_o perfect_a holiness_n but_o man_n do_v careless_o &_o wilful_o loose_v that_o holiness_n which_o god_n give_v unto_o he_o but_o as_o for_o the_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o recover_n of_o holiness_n man_n can_v not_o but_o take_v that_o whole_o to_o himself_o who_o although_o he_o can_v renew_v himself_o though_o he_o will_v yet_o if_o he_o will_v he_o may_v use_v the_o mean_n appoint_v for_o that_o purpose_n as_o will_n more_o plain_o appear_v in_o the_o particular_n but_o man_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v careless_a of_o eternal_a salvation_n yea_o altogether_o unwilling_a to_o take_v that_o pain_n in_o seek_v it_o which_o be_v require_v of_o all_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o find_v it_o will_v allege_v in_o defence_n of_o this_o his_o wilful_a contempt_n of_o god_n word_n that_o it_o be_v folly_n for_o he_o to_o seek_v regeneration_n the_o which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o effect_v whereunto_o we_o answer_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o despair_v of_o the_o truth_n goodness_n mercy_n or_o power_n of_o god_n and_o make_v his_o sinfulness_n the_o great_a and_o his_o damnation_n the_o more_o just_a and_o grievous_a but_o rather_o do_v his_o endeavour_n in_o the_o careful_a and_o continual_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n as_o god_n have_v command_v and_o so_o leave_v both_o the_o success_n of_o his_o labour_n and_o â—is_n own_o salvation_n to_o the_o will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n the_o which_o that_o we_o may_v do_v it_o be_v needful_a that_o we_o knoâ—_n and_o consider_v the_o mean_n whereby_o regeneration_n may_v be_v attain_v unto_o or_o at_o the_o least_o ought_v to_o be_v seek_v after_o it_o be_v not_o gold_n or_o silver_n although_o simon_n magus_n suppose_v that_o spiritual_a grace_n may_v be_v buy_v with_o money_n as_o worldly_a commodity_n be_v that_o can_v purchase_v regeneration_n not_o favour_n friendship_n or_o any_o desert_n of_o holiness_n but_o only_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o mean_n of_o regeneration_n be_v the_o way_n lead_v unto_o it_o call_v in_o scripture_n repentance_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n metanoia_n that_o be_v a_o after_z mind_n or_o a_o right_a mind_n after_o a_o wrong_a mind_n for_o as_o in_o other_o matter_n it_o come_v daily_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n be_v in_o process_n of_o time_n bring_v by_o experience_n to_o see_v their_o own_o error_n wherein_o they_o have_v do_v amiss_o be_v displease_v with_o themselves_o for_o so_o do_v with_o that_o they_o have_v do_v otherwise_o and_o so_o be_v say_v to_o repent_v of_o this_o or_o that_o action_n so_o a_o carnal_a man_n â—aving_a all_o â—is_n life_n time_n live_v in_o vain_a and_o sinful_a pleasure_n altogether_o careless_a of_o
for_o the_o present_a but_o joyful_a in_o the_o end_n to_o ransack_v the_o secret_a corner_n of_o thy_o sinful_a soul_n and_o to_o search_v even_o to_o the_o bottom_n the_o fester_a sore_n thereof_o yea_o to_o lay_v open_a before_o god_n and_o thy_o own_o conscience_n the_o story_n chronicle_n &_o day_n book_n of_o thy_o life_n past_a by_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o course_n of_o life_n which_o thou_o have_v follow_v and_o to_o examine_v it_o without_o flattery_n or_o partiality_n by_o the_o straight_a line_n of_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o which_o examination_n there_o must_v great_a care_n be_v have_v that_o we_o be_v not_o blind_v by_o any_o mean_n and_o so_o make_v corrupt_a judge_n as_o namely_o by_o a_o opinion_n and_o conceit_n of_o our_o own_o good_a part_n of_o nature_n our_o virtue_n get_v by_o good_a education_n and_o industry_n our_o good_a work_n which_o we_o have_v do_v to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o brother_n how_o many_o way_n and_o with_o how_o great_a charge_n we_o have_v maintain_v learning_n set_v forward_a religion_n serve_v god_n and_o relieve_v the_o poor_a these_o conceit_n if_o they_o run_v in_o our_o head_n they_o will_v blind_v our_o eye_n and_o so_o overshadow_v all_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o shall_v judge_v and_o pronounce_v ourselves_o not_o sinful_a but_o holy_a just_a and_o innocent_a and_o then_o especial_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o as_o we_o compare_v ourselves_o with_o those_o who_o be_v more_o sinful_a and_o in_o some_o respect_n notorious_o wicked_a then_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o own_o holiness_n which_o before_o be_v doubtful_a be_v put_v out_o of_o all_o controversy_n and_o we_o not_o only_o exempt_v from_o the_o rank_n and_o state_n of_o sinful_a man_n but_o even_o canonize_v saint_n in_o our_o own_o conceit_n this_o delusion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o vanity_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o have_v notable_o paint_v out_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o pharisee_n luke_n 18.11_o the_o pharisee_n stand_v and_o pray_v thus_o o_o god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o as_o this_o publican_n there_o be_v the_o second_o delusion_n now_o follow_v the_o first_o of_o good_a work_n i_o fast_a twice_o in_o the_o week_n i_o give_v tithe_n of_o all_o that_o i_o possess_v but_o this_o mischievous_a error_n by_o the_o which_o many_o man_n repentance_n be_v nip_v in_o the_o head_n &_o break_v off_o in_o the_o beginning_n must_v be_v remove_v by_o know_v and_o consider_v that_o other_o man_n sin_n will_v condemn_v themselves_o but_o can_v justify_v we_o that_o in_o sinfulness_n we_o be_v as_o far_o &_o further_o beyond_o other_o than_o we_o be_v short_a of_o they_o and_o that_o our_o good_a deed_n though_o never_o so_o many_o &_o glorious_a come_v from_o the_o corrupt_a fountain_n of_o a_o irrepentant_a and_o unbelieve_a heart_n be_v account_v sin_n before_o god_n as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o rom._n 14.23_o yea_o as_o defile_v and_o filthy_a clout_n loathsome_a and_o abominable_a in_o his_o sight_n and_o further_o that_o they_o come_v as_o our_o own_o conscience_n knowfull_a well_o and_o as_o other_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o suspect_v not_o from_o any_o manner_n of_o love_n either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n but_o from_o self-love_n pride_n and_o vain_a glory_n we_o intend_v &_o desire_v nothing_o but_o only_a to_o purchase_v unto_o ourselves_o credit_n &_o commendation_n in_o the_o world_n deserve_v not_o to_o be_v commend_v but_o to_o be_v abhor_v even_o of_o man_n this_o fight_n of_o sin_n consist_v in_o know_v two_o thing_n first_o ourselves_o to_o be_v so_o sinful_a as_o we_o be_v indeed_o second_o that_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o be_v unrighteous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n man_n sinfulness_n be_v this_o that_o whereas_o he_o ought_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o pure_a in_o nature_n soul_n and_o body_n he_o be_v in_o all_o these_o respect_n whole_o corrupt_v &_o defile_v with_o sin_n his_o natural_a sinfulness_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v of_o himself_o by_o nature_n without_o any_o outward_a tentation_n allurement_n or_o persuasion_n incline_v to_o evil_a &_o altogether_o unable_a to_o do_v good_a the_o inward_a sinfulness_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o that_o all_o the_o secret_a motion_n of_o it_o which_o shall_v be_v only_o towards_o god_n and_o the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o law_n be_v altogether_o from_o godward_o and_o towards_o sin_n and_o disobedience_n these_o howsoever_o some_o think_v &_o teach_v they_o to_o be_v no_o sin_n yet_o god_n do_v account_n otherwise_o of_o they_o &_o so_o must_v this_o our_o repentant_a do_v for_o why_o as_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n so_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o serve_v not_o only_o outward_o in_o bodily_a action_n but_o also_o inward_o in_o the_o spirit_n and_o soul_n and_o abhor_v the_o secret_a filthiness_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o much_o as_o the_o outward_a and_o apparent_a filthiness_n of_o the_o body_n the_o one_o be_v as_o apparent_a &_o manifest_a to_o he_o as_o the_o other_o thus_o we_o must_v esteem_v the_o corrupt_a thought_n lust_n and_o concupiscence_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o sin_n that_o so_o we_o may_v see_v &_o acknowledge_v the_o multitude_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o be_v great_a they_o the_o hair_n of_o our_o head_n and_o last_o for_o our_o outward_a action_n that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v with_o any_o opinion_n of_o our_o good_a work_n the_o perfitness_n number_n excellency_n and_o merit_n of_o they_o but_o rather_o think_v &_o know_v that_o as_o savoury_a water_n can_v come_v from_o a_o stink_a puddle_n or_o sweet_a fruit_n from_o a_o sour_a root_n no_o more_o can_v any_o one_o good_a work_n come_v from_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n from_o a_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a soul_n who_o although_o he_o give_v his_o body_n to_o the_o fire_n for_o the_o profession_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o all_o his_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a in_o a_o tender_a compassion_n of_o their_o misery_n yet_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o faith_n love_n &_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o part_n of_o regeneration_n do_v not_o by_o these_o work_n please_v god_n or_o fulfil_v his_o law_n for_o that_o where_o they_o be_v few_o and_o seldom_o perform_v they_o shall_v be_v continual_a where_o they_o shall_v be_v do_v only_o for_o god_n glory_n they_o be_v do_v only_o in_o vain_a glory_n and_o in_o desire_n of_o the_o applause_n of_o man_n or_o which_o be_v worse_o in_o a_o presumptuous_a opinion_n of_o merit_a salvation_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n if_o not_o in_o hypocrisy_n or_o in_o some_o evil_a and_o wicked_a intent_n how_o much_o less_o than_o can_v we_o think_v that_o our_o unlawful_a action_n forbid_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n be_v any_o way_n venial_a or_o justifiable_a the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o sight_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o know_v that_o by_o it_o we_o be_v make_v unjust_a and_o unrighteous_a not_o only_o by_o a_o sinful_a and_o wicked_a life_n but_o even_o by_o one_o sinful_a action_n not_o only_o by_o great_a and_o grievous_a crime_n but_o even_o by_o the_o least_o offence_n which_o we_o commit_v not_o only_o by_o outward_a sinful_a action_n but_o even_o by_o the_o most_o secret_a motion_n of_o our_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o will_n not_o only_o by_o these_o actual_a sin_n but_o even_o by_o our_o natural_a inclination_n and_o proneness_n to_o sin_n which_o the_o young_a infant_n have_v and_o bring_v out_o of_o his_o mother_n womb_n for_o he_o that_o break_v any_o one_o of_o the_o commandment_n by_o any_o mean_n break_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o be_v as_o guilty_a of_o sin_n as_o he_o who_o break_v all_o the_o commandment_n so_o that_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n this_o our_o nicodemus_n desire_v to_o repent_v and_o so_o to_o be_v sanctify_v and_o save_v must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n learn_fw-mi what_o sin_n be_v how_o many_o kind_n difference_n and_o degree_n be_v of_o it_o yea_o all_o the_o doctrine_n belong_v to_o this_o head_n and_o second_o so_o apply_v it_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o estate_n as_o that_o he_o make_v it_o as_o a_o glass_n wherein_o to_o see_v and_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v sinful_a sect._n 3_o thus_o we_o have_v bring_v this_o repentant_a to_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o estate_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o by_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n we_o mean_v the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o for_o his_o sin_n for_o
his_o behalf_n either_o to_o shake_v off_o his_o natural_a sinfulness_n or_o to_o escape_v the_o punishment_n of_o eternal_a death_n belong_v unto_o it_o for_o the_o former_a of_o these_o two_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v foster_v in_o his_o mind_n what_o conceit_n he_o will_v of_o his_o own_o excellency_n and_o natural_a strength_n suppose_v himself_o to_o be_v although_o perhaps_o for_o the_o present_a both_o outward_o wicked_a and_o inward_o sinful_a outward_o filthy_a and_o inward_o unclean_a yet_o able_a at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n to_o purge_v himself_o both_o from_o the_o natural_a corruption_n and_o from_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o sin_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n teach_v the_o contrary_a to_o wit_n that_o sin_n be_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n make_v natural_a to_o man_n cleave_v unto_o he_o as_o unseparable_o as_o the_o skin_n do_v to_o his_o body_n and_o as_o the_o spot_n to_o the_o skin_n of_o the_o leopard_n which_o have_v their_o original_n in_o the_o bone_n marrow_n and_o most_o secret_a part_n can_v by_o any_o force_n or_o devise_v be_v get_v out_o he_o may_v indeed_o by_o his_o natural_a strength_n repress_v the_o rage_n of_o it_o he_o may_v prune_v and_o lop_v it_o cut_v off_o the_o superfluous_a bough_n and_o branch_n of_o it_o yet_o the_o root_n yea_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o it_o will_v remain_v unmoveable_a in_o the_o secret_a part_n of_o his_o soul_n &_o send_v forth_o plentiful_a fruit_n in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o his_o body_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v as_o have_v be_v declare_v more_o at_o large_a else_o where_o likewise_o for_o the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o sin_n that_o can_v no_o way_n be_v avoid_v not_o by_o hide_v ourselves_o in_o some_o secret_a place_n from_o god_n for_o whether_o shall_v we_o go_v from_o his_o presence_n who_o be_v every_o where_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o hell_n in_o the_o town_n and_o in_o the_o desert_n he_o see_v as_o well_o at_o midnight_n as_o at_o noon_n day_n psa._n 139._o if_o we_o say_v to_o the_o huge_a mountain_n fall_v upon_o we_o and_o cover_v we_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n &_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n reve._n 6.16_o yet_o the_o eye_n and_o hand_n of_o god_n will_v pierce_v through_o the_o high_a hill_n and_o the_o hard_a rock_n for_o they_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o they_o but_o we_o hope_v perhaps_o to_o escape_v punishment_n yea_o though_o we_o can_v eschew_v his_o presence_n &_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o great_a mercy_n and_o indulgency_n of_o god_n who_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o misery_n anguish_n and_o confusion_n of_o man_n but_o in_o their_o salvation_n and_o happy_a estate_n and_o therefore_o will_v no_o doubt_n be_v easy_o entreat_v by_o the_o humble_a suit_n and_o pitiful_a moan_n of_o man_n to_o pardon_v their_o sin_n and_o if_o not_o to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o crown_n of_o eternal_a glory_n they_o have_v not_o deserve_v it_o yet_o to_o remit_v the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o their_o sin_n thus_o do_v many_o man_n imagine_v of_o god_n and_o thus_o they_o imagine_v he_o not_o to_o be_v god_n who_o as_o he_o be_v merciful_a so_o also_o he_o be_v just_a yea_o he_o be_v as_o just_a as_o he_o be_v merciful_a be_v in_o both_o respect_n infinite_a and_o therefore_o equal_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o less_o impossible_a that_o ggd_n shall_v remit_v the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o sin_n then_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v here_o ask_v how_o then_o do_v god_n show_v mercy_n on_o the_o elect_a we_o answer_v that_o he_o do_v it_o not_o by_o remit_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o by_o take_v it_o upon_o himself_o even_o by_o punish_v their_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o impunity_n leave_v for_o the_o carnal_a man_n but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o wrath_n the_o which_o although_o perhaps_o it_o be_v in_o part_n defer_v for_o a_o time_n yet_o assure_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o of_o vengeance_n will_v come_v at_o length_n thus_o we_o have_v bring_v this_o unregenerate_a man_n to_o the_o sight_n or_o true_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o own_o estate_n to_o wit_n the_o knowledge_n first_o of_o his_o sinfulness_n second_o of_o the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o his_o sin_n and_o three_o of_o his_o impotency_n or_o inability_n of_o mend_v this_o his_o evil_a estate_n this_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o repentance_n and_o may_v fit_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a to_o wit_n repent_v forthink_v or_o rather_o after_o think_v and_o a_o after_o mind_n for_o in_o stead_n of_o that_o fond_a conceit_n which_o he_o have_v of_o his_o own_o purity_n righteousness_n and_o happiness_n he_o now_o see_v himself_o to_o be_v sinful_a guilty_a of_o eternal_a death_n and_o subject_a to_o all_o manner_n of_o plague_n misery_n and_o curse_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o for_o ever_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v so_o that_o now_o he_o be_v in_o the_o same_o case_n with_o the_o jew_n act._n 2.37_o who_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o conscience_n by_o a_o sight_n &_o sense_n of_o sin_n ask_v peter_n what_o they_o shall_v do_v the_o answer_n follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n amende_n your_o life_n and_o be_v baptize_v for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o second_o part_n of_o repentance_n call_v humiliation_n the_o second_o lesson_n which_o a_o penitent_a person_n be_v to_o learn_v and_o practice_v be_v humiliation_n the_o which_o will_v even_o of_o itself_o follow_v the_o former_a for_o that_o the_o affection_n follow_v the_o temperature_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o can_v not_o be_v but_o that_o as_o the_o conceit_n of_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n do_v puff_n up_o a_o man_n in_o pride_n presumption_n joy_n and_o confidence_n so_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o sinful_a and_o wretched_a estate_n shall_v cast_v he_o down_o in_o shame_n sorrow_n and_o fear_v of_o the_o which_o three_z the_o first_o respect_v sin_n itself_o the_o other_o two_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o the_o first_o the_o time_n past_a the_o second_o the_o time_n present_a the_o three_o the_o time_n to_o come_v the_o first_o arise_v of_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o filthy_a and_o loathsome_a nature_n of_o sin_n for_o as_o adam_n by_o come_v out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o holiness_n into_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n have_v his_o eye_n open_v to_o see_v the_o filthiness_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o own_o nakedness_n whereupon_o he_o be_v ashamed_a desire_v to_o hide_v and_o cover_v himself_o so_o a_o carnal_a man_n come_v out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o senseless_a security_n wherein_o he_o neither_o know_v nor_o consider_v what_o sin_n be_v into_o this_o state_n of_o repentance_n wherein_o he_o conceive_v of_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v in_o deed_n judge_v himself_o in_o regard_n of_o it_o the_o most_o abject_a man_n of_o all_o other_o unworthy_a of_o their_o company_n or_o to_o come_v in_o their_o sight_n and_o therefore_o he_o decline_v it_o wherein_o this_o shame_n do_v consist_v yea_o when_o as_o this_o humiliation_n be_v vehement_a he_o judge_v himself_o the_o most_o vile_a creature_n on_o the_o earth_n the_o most_o grievous_a sinner_n that_o ever_o live_v although_o there_o be_v no_o such_o cause_n he_o have_v live_v as_o orderly_o &_o honest_o as_o usual_o man_n do_v for_o now_o he_o have_v his_o eye_n full_o bend_v upon_o his_o own_o sin_n he_o have_v fresh_a remembrance_n of_o they_o and_o of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n aggravate_v the_o heinousness_n of_o they_o and_o know_v the_o particular_n of_o they_o the_o which_o he_o do_v not_o in_o other_o man_n sin_n this_o shame_n be_v not_o so_o proper_a and_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o humiliation_n as_o be_v the_o other_o affection_n of_o sorrow_n and_o fear_n for_o that_o it_o have_v place_n in_o those_o only_a who_o before_o their_o repentance_n be_v give_v to_o great_a and_o notorious_a sin_n such_o as_o be_v not_o usual_o find_v in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v reprove_v and_o condemn_v by_o all_o as_o for_o ordinary_a sin_n which_o may_v be_v daily_o see_v in_o man_n and_o from_o the_o which_o few_o be_v free_a they_o do_v not_o work_v this_o shame_n for_o man_n be_v ashamed_a in_o regard_n of_o they_o only_o who_o be_v less_o sinful_a and_o therefore_o more_o excellent_a than_o themselves_o yea_o they_o be_v ashamed_a more_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n then_o of_o god_n because_o the_o presence_n of_o man_n be_v sensible_a whereas_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o much_o
hear_n of_o god_n word_n the_o three_o earnest_n and_o continual_a prayer_n by_o the_o first_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o come_v to_o god_n cast_v off_o his_o filthy_a sin_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a garment_n of_o a_o religious_a just_a upright_o and_o honest_a life_n by_o the_o second_o he_o stand_v wait_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o god_n mercy_n where_o usual_o man_n be_v receyve_v into_o favour_n by_o the_o three_o he_o become_v a_o little_a more_o bold_a presume_v to_o knock_v and_o rap_v at_o god_n gate_n where_o we_o leave_v he_o prepare_v wait_v and_o knock_v till_o it_o please_v god_n to_o open_v and_o let_v he_o in_o sect._n 5._o and_o yet_o there_o remain_v one_o point_n to_o be_v brief_o declare_v to_o wit_n how_o this_o repentant_a be_v now_o as_o we_o be_v to_o hope_v judge_v and_o suppose_v of_o a_o carnal_a make_v a_o spiritual_a man_n may_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n for_o although_o regeneration_n be_v so_o great_a and_o a_o total_a change_n be_v usual_o so_o evident_a especial_o to_o he_o in_o who_o it_o have_v place_n that_o he_o can_v not_o doubt_v of_o it_o yet_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o natural_a infidelity_n which_o remain_v in_o they_o that_o even_o the_o faithful_a be_v bring_v to_o this_o pass_n that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o themselves_o but_o either_o think_v or_o at_o the_o least_o suspect_n themselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n when_o as_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v arryve_v in_o the_o haven_n this_o controversy_n must_v be_v take_v away_o by_o compare_v our_o present_a estate_n with_o our_o former_a and_o by_o consider_v that_o change_n which_o we_o feel_v to_o be_v of_o a_o sudden_a wrought_v in_o ourselves_o in_o the_o earnest_a performance_n of_o some_o christian_a exercise_n tend_v to_o regeneration_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o it_o in_o our_o banquet_n pastime_n sleep_n recreation_n or_o while_o we_o be_v busy_v about_o worldly_a affair_n but_o while_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n while_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o public_o or_o perhaps_o private_o alone_a or_o with_o other_o while_o we_o humble_v ourselves_o in_o fast_v and_o unfeigned_a sorrow_n for_o our_o sin_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o which_o christian_n duty_n god_n be_v by_o his_o mighty_a power_n able_a to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o way_n he_o lift_v to_o change_v the_o natural_a disposition_n of_o his_o soul_n who_o he_o then_o call_v make_v it_o look_v toward_o himself_o which_o before_o do_v frowardlie_a abhor_v from_o all_o good_a and_o uppe_o to_o heaven_n which_o before_o have_v the_o eye_n fix_v in_o earthly_a thing_n whereupon_o this_o repentaunt_a for_o we_o will_v yet_o give_v he_o his_o old_a name_n because_o he_o doubt_v himself_o to_o be_v still_o not_o a_o new_a but_o the_o old_a man_n feel_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n his_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n strange_o change_v for_o whereas_o before_o he_o feel_v himself_o so_o hard_o heart_v that_o although_o he_o see_v his_o sin_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o greeve_v for_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o they_o now_o he_o pour_v out_o of_o his_o eye_n river_n of_o tear_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o dishonour_n which_o he_o have_v by_o his_o sin_n bâ—ought_v to_o the_o name_n of_o god_n whereas_o before_o he_o doubt_v of_o god_n favour_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n now_o he_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v of_o both_o and_o so_o he_o be_v now_o replenish_v with_o unspeakable_a joy_n &_o hear_v the_o spirit_n not_o of_o bondage_n and_o fear_v wherewith_o he_o be_v possess_v but_o of_o adoption_n cry_v in_o his_o heart_n abba_n father_n he_o now_o feel_v himself_o able_a to_o withstand_v those_o sin_n whereunto_o before_o he_o yield_v continual_o at_o the_o first_o to_o have_v a_o delight_n in_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o in_o all_o christian_a exercise_n whereunto_o before_o he_o be_v draw_v by_o fear_n of_o the_o displeasure_n either_o of_o man_n or_o perhaps_o in_o some_o conscience_n of_o sin_n in_o fear_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o avoid_v it_o and_o to_o conclude_v he_o feel_v all_o those_o part_n of_o holiness_n wrought_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o his_o soul_n which_o be_v requite_v in_o the_o faithful_a finis_fw-la the_o argument_n of_o the_o treatise_n follow_v as_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o man_n body_n that_o it_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o natural_a perfection_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o equal_a temperature_n and_o just_a proportion_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o for_o that_o it_o be_v leave_v here_o will_v soon_o perish_v and_o come_v to_o nougâ—t_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v continual_o both_o nourish_v with_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o also_o preserve_v from_o all_o hurtful_a thing_n yea_o careful_o restore_v to_o the_o former_a state_n of_o health_n if_o by_o any_o inward_a or_o outward_a mean_n it_o fall_v into_o sickness_n or_o be_v any_o way_n hurt_n wound_a or_o distemper_v no_o more_o will_v it_o serve_v for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v both_o prepare_v by_o repentance_n for_o regeneration_n yea_o actual_o regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o it_o likewise_o must_v continual_o be_v tend_v feed_v and_o cherish_v yea_o heal_v of_o all_o those_o malady_n which_o by_o any_o mean_n happen_v unto_o it_o this_o we_o call_v the_o right_n diet_v of_o the_o soul_n resemble_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o body_n that_o both_o the_o doctrine_n may_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a be_v illustrate_v &_o declare_v by_o sensible_a &_o familiar_a similitude_n and_o also_o that_o the_o continual_a care_n and_o pain_n which_o we_o take_v about_o our_o body_n tâ—e_v order_v &_o diet_v of_o they_o may_v always_o be_v put_v we_o 〈◊〉_d mind_n of_o perform_v the_o same_o duty_n unto_o our_o soul_n for_o the_o which_o we_o oght_v to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_a as_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v better_a they_o this_o short_a and_o miserable_a life_n this_o spiritual_a diet_n have_v two_o part_n conseruative_n and_o restorative_n the_o former_a continue_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o holiness_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n the_o other_o restore_v it_o when_o it_o be_v lose_v and_o repair_v it_o be_v decay_v again_o conseruative_a diet_n have_v two_o part_n nutritive_a and_o preservative_n consist_v the_o one_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o those_o thing_n by_o the_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v nourish_v the_o other_o in_o the_o careful_a avoid_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v hurtful_a unto_o it_o spiritual_a nourishment_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n food_n and_o exercise_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v the_o matter_n the_o other_o the_o mean_n manner_n or_o form_n of_o nutrition_n further_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o the_o soul_n have_v resemblance_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o body_n and_o how_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o simple_a and_o spiritual_a can_v be_v subject_a to_o alteration_n distemper_n and_o disease_n which_o have_v place_n in_o the_o body_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o contrariety_n of_o quality_n prevail_a or_o yield_v one_o to_o another_o to_o wit_n that_o as_o in_o the_o body_n heat_n and_o moisture_n so_o in_o the_o soul_n holiness_n &_o sinfulness_n do_v continual_o fight_v together_o the_o one_o labour_v to_o consume_v and_o expel_v the_o other_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o flesh_n labour_v to_o quench_v all_o the_o good_a motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n strive_v to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o all_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n thereof_o gal._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n lu_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o this_o be_v the_o composition_n &_o temperature_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v place_n only_o in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n wherein_o the_o soul_n have_v in_o itself_o both_o holiness_n and_o sinfulness_n but_o not_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n or_o yet_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n in_o carnal_a man_n when_o as_o tâ—e_v soul_n be_v altogether_o either_o holy_a or_o sinful_a can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v this_o composition_n or_o temperature_n these_o point_n of_o doctrine_n may_v profitable_o be_v consider_v but_o first_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o pain_n and_o care_v take_v in_o diet_v and_o order_v the_o soul_n aught_o to_o be_v continual_a without_o any_o intermission_n for_o that_o as_o the_o body_n be_v neglect_v for_o
his_o company_n &_o presence_n where_o they_o do_v daily_o see_v and_o behold_v his_o wisdom_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o account_v ourselves_o happy_a when_o as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o company_n house_n &_o presence_n of_o god_n behold_v the_o wonderful_a mystery_n of_o his_o wisdom_n lay_v open_a before_o our_o eye_n the_o which_o pass_v the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n and_o of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n further_o than_o the_o great_a ocean_n do_v a_o drop_n of_o water_n and_o sure_o whosoever_o can_v and_o do_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n serious_o consider_v the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o his_o church_n from_o time_n to_o time_n the_o tragical_a end_n of_o the_o reprobate_n live_v here_o for_o a_o time_n in_o all_o jollity_n and_o pleasure_n the_o happy_a estate_n abide_v the_o godly_a who_o in_o this_o world_n be_v miserable_o afflict_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n come_v of_o his_o own_o wilfulness_n the_o salvation_n and_o regeneration_n of_o the_o elect_a proceed_n from_o the_o mercy_n &_o love_n of_o god_n he_o that_o compare_v the_o law_n with_o the_o gospel_n the_o babish_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o the_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v come_v to_o ripeness_n and_o perfection_n the_o agreement_n of_o the_o tip_n with_o the_o body_n the_o wisdom_n contain_v in_o the_o judicial_a law_n of_o moses_n and_o last_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o incarnation_n death_n &_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o â—est_n of_o point_n of_o christian_n religion_n shall_v undouted_o see_v &_o will_v confess_v that_o all_o the_o wise_a law_n the_o deep_a devise_n &_o counsel_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o subtle_a politician_n that_o ever_o live_v the_o learnede_a work_n of_o the_o witty_a philosopher_n and_o schoolman_n be_v but_o mere_a foolery_n &_o silly_a shift_n yea_o he_o shall_v be_v compel_v to_o cry_v out_o &_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 11._o o_o the_o riches_n of_o depth_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v and_o 1._o tim._n 3.16_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v in_o the_o world_n and_o receive_v up_o in_o glory_n neither_o can_v any_o man_n answer_n &_o say_v i_o confess_v indeed_o that_o there_o be_v notable_a point_n of_o wisdom_n to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o hear_n &_o consider_v whereof_o i_o have_v take_v great_a delight_n but_o i_o have_v hear_v they_o so_o often_o reiterated_a that_o now_o it_o be_v irksome_a to_o i_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v for_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v even_o the_o honey_n comb_n the_o sweet_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v loathsome_a to_o the_o full_a stomach_n but_o we_o can_v be_v thus_o affect_v towards_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n therein_o contain_v the_o which_o be_v so_o infinite_a that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v sound_v to_o the_o bottom_n and_o full_o comprehend_v by_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o it_o come_v forth_o every_o day_n new_a and_o fresh_a not_o cloy_a the_o heaâ—er_n but_o inflame_v he_o more_o and_o more_o with_o a_o desire_n of_o hear_v and_o learning_n of_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o a_o wonder_n last_v but_o nine_o day_n for_o that_o nothing_o happen_v so_o strange_a but_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o at_o length_n will_v be_v find_v out_o but_o the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v more_o amaze_v he_o that_o have_v spend_v all_o his_o time_n in_o the_o seâ—ious_a contemplation_n of_o they_o then_z he_o who_o iâ—_n a_o novice_n in_o the_o school_n of_o christ._n thus_o we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o we_o ought_v to_o stir_v up_o in_o ourselves_o a_o greedy_a and_o unsatiable_a appetite_n of_o it_o yea_o great_a care_n and_o attention_n in_o hear_v it_o yea_o they_o whâ—m_o god_n have_v endue_v with_o most_o excellent_a spiritual_a gift_n and_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n ought_v not_o to_o think_v themselves_o exempt_v from_o this_o duty_n of_o continual_a &_o attentive_a hear_n of_o god_n word_n as_o no_o man_n be_v so_o strong_a in_o body_n that_o he_o may_v abstain_v from_o meat_n because_o he_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o to_o restore_v that_o spiritual_a strength_n which_o be_v daily_o weaken_v by_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n and_o also_o to_o increase_v his_o strength_n till_o he_o come_v to_o some_o ripeness_n in_o christ._n but_o contrary_o he_o be_v with_o great_a care_n joy_n and_o pleasure_n to_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n when_o soever_o just_a occasion_n be_v give_v sect._n 3_o fvrth_o as_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o feed_n of_o the_o body_n that_o meat_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o stomocke_n for_o that_o if_o by_o any_o infirmity_n thereof_o it_o be_v straightway_o void_v it_o do_v not_o any_o jot_n nourish_v the_o body_n no_o more_o will_v it_o serve_v for_o the_o feed_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o great_a joy_n &_o delight_n yea_o with_o care_n and_o attention_n unless_o also_o we_o remember_v and_o so_o keep_v it_o in_o our_o soul_n this_o point_n of_o spiritual_a diet_n be_v necessary_o to_o be_v regard_v for_o that_o many_o fail_v in_o it_o who_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n hear_v aright_o as_o many_o have_v a_o insatiable_a appetite_n in_o devour_a meat_n who_o can_v keep_v it_o for_o any_o space_n of_o time_n this_o we_o see_v both_o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o seed_n luke_n 8.13_o and_o also_o in_o daily_a experience_n whereof_o the_o one_o say_v that_o many_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o joy_n but_o it_o take_v no_o root_n in_o they_o the_o other_o show_v we_o by_o the_o unfruitful_a and_o barren_a profession_n of_o many_o christian_n that_o be_v daily_a and_o attentive_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o let_v it_o soon_o slip_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n for_o that_o otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o possible_o but_o bring_v forth_o some_o fruit_n in_o their_o life_n the_o mean_n of_o remember_v the_o word_n preach_v be_v these_o first_o careful_a attention_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v remember_v which_o be_v not_o first_o mind_v &_o mark_v second_o to_o repeat_v with_o other_o either_o with_o our_o friend_n in_o way_n of_o conference_n discuss_v every_o point_n several_o to_o see_v what_o be_v doubtful_a or_o manifest_a what_o singular_a and_o excellent_a or_o usual_a for_o as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o in_o the_o say_n of_o man_n some_o be_v more_o notable_a than_o other_o or_o with_o those_o who_o be_v any_o way_n commit_v to_o our_o charge_n in_o way_n of_o examination_n as_o our_o wife_n child_n servant_n scholar_n and_o such_o other_o but_o of_o all_o other_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o remember_v the_o word_n be_v application_n when_o as_o both_o in_o and_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o we_o consider_v how_o it_o concern_v ourselves_o or_o any_o other_o what_o experiment_n we_o have_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o how_o it_o will_v make_v for_o our_o spiritual_a edification_n whereunto_o if_o practice_n be_v join_v than_o we_o make_v it_o our_o own_o for_o ever_o thus_o we_o be_v carcful_a in_o receive_v the_o food_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v and_o as_o christ_n warn_v we_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o hear_v it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v continue_v and_o increase_v the_o spiritual_a health_n of_o our_o soul_n sect._n 4._o in_o this_o public_a banquet_n which_o god_n make_v in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o refresh_n strengthen_v and_o feed_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o child_n beside_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o have_v the_o first_o &_o the_o chief_a place_n there_o be_v a_o second_o service_n to_o wit_n the_o sacrament_n appoint_v for_o the_o same_o end_n &_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o other_o although_o in_o another_o form_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v prepare_v after_o another_o manner_n they_o nourish_v the_o soul_n in_o that_o they_o increase_v in_o we_o knowledge_n faith_n mortification_n of_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o new_a obedience_n when_o as_o the_o true_a use_n end_n and_o signification_n of_o they_o be_v due_o weigh_v as_o namely_o in_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o death_n the_o mortification_n both_o of_o our_o soul_n for_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o also_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n inherent_a in_o our_o soul_n signify_v
wholesome_a herb_n and_o sovereign_a medicine_n may_v be_v have_v and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a although_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o stranger_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v most_o conversant_a in_o this_o and_o such_o other_o as_o that_o he_o scarce_o ever_o lay_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n yea_o in_o these_o book_n some_o saying_n and_o sentence_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o other_o and_o therefore_o more_o special_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o remember_v sec._n vi_o thus_o our_o christian_a be_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n but_o what_o avail_v it_o to_o read_v that_o that_o be_v not_o understand_v or_o how_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o every_o christian_n can_v understand_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v so_o hard_a that_o even_o they_o who_o give_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o the_o study_n of_o it_o can_v with_o any_o pain_n or_o mean_n which_o can_v be_v use_v sound_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o we_o answer_v that_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a so_o it_o be_v not_o needful_a for_o any_o man_n to_o attain_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o every_o place_n and_o again_o that_o it_o be_v both_o possible_a and_o easy_a for_o any_o christian_n to_o understand_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o will_v serve_v for_o his_o spiritual_a edification_n in_o all_o respect_n yea_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o great_a mercy_n and_o wisdom_n so_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect_a as_o to_o make_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o edification_n most_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o so_o to_o meet_v with_o the_o carnal_a curiosity_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v unnecessary_a question_n and_o quiddity_n most_o intricate_a and_o even_o as_o labyrinth_n into_o the_o which_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o enter_v but_o impossible_a to_o get_v forth_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v keep_v back_o from_o read_v the_o scripture_n by_o consider_v the_o difficulty_n of_o they_o but_o rather_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o by_o prayer_n to_o god_n who_o can_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a to_o behold_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o his_o law_n by_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o phrase_n &_o manner_n of_o speech_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n use_v by_o confer_v one_o place_n with_o another_o and_o last_o by_o use_v the_o help_n of_o those_o who_o have_v labour_v painful_o and_o faithful_o in_o search_v out_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n he_o shall_v understand_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o shall_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a for_o his_o edification_n and_o salvation_n thus_o the_o scripture_n be_v painful_o read_v and_o true_o understand_v will_v yield_v unto_o we_o plentiful_a food_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o knowledge_n faith_n love_n patience_n temperance_n and_o of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n we_o shall_v enter_v into_o these_o fertile_a field_n and_o pleasant_a garden_n in_o ignorance_n doubt_v distrust_n impatience_n and_o sorrow_n but_o shall_v come_v out_o of_o they_o full_a of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o replenish_v with_o all_o spiritual_a joy_n with_o this_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o must_v join_v the_o read_n of_o the_o writing_n of_o those_o who_o have_v gather_v the_o doctrine_n &_o exhortation_n contain_v therein_o to_o their_o proper_a head_n in_o form_n of_o catechism_n sermon_n commentary_n treatise_n disputation_n common_a place_n and_o prayer_n and_o so_o have_v prepare_v spiritual_a food_n for_o other_o who_o have_v not_o the_o like_a opportunity_n of_o do_v it_o the_o benefit_n and_o profit_n which_o the_o church_n reap_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v very_o great_a for_o by_o this_o mean_v many_o point_n of_o singular_a use_n be_v get_v and_o as_o it_o be_v dig_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o otherwise_o will_v lie_v in_o they_o as_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n hide_a and_o unknown_a especial_o they_o who_o be_v not_o endue_v with_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n as_o that_o they_o be_v able_a of_o themselves_o to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n &_o therout_a to_o gather_v whatsoever_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v red_a both_o thankful_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o giver_n and_o author_n of_o they_o and_o also_o careful_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o own_o profit_n &_o edification_n yet_o not_o with_o that_o reverence_n estimation_n and_o confidence_n which_o be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o that_o which_o man_n say_v may_v be_v false_a but_o whatsoever_o god_n speak_v be_v undoubted_o true_a for_o the_o which_o cause_n we_o be_v not_o to_o rely_v and_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o writing_n &_o authority_n of_o any_o man_n of_o what_o learning_n &_o account_n soever_o he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o many_o who_o not_o content_a to_o acknowledge_v &_o admire_v the_o excellency_n of_o god_n gift_n in_o man_n do_v so_o addict_v themselves_o to_o all_o their_o say_n opinion_n and_o fashion_n that_o they_o take_v for_o undoubted_a truth_n without_o any_o further_o inquire_v of_o it_o or_o examine_v it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n whatsoever_o proceed_v from_o they_o whereof_o many_o inconvenience_n follow_v for_o first_o as_o no_o man_n be_v without_o his_o error_n want_n &_o infirmity_n so_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o stead_n of_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a food_n they_o receive_v into_o their_o soul_n corrupt_a error_n infect_v they_o yea_o as_o for_o those_o sound_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v from_o they_o they_o do_v not_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n but_o take_v they_o hand_n over_o head_n upon_o their_o word_n and_o so_o have_v no_o firm_a &_o settle_a persuasion_n and_o resolution_n of_o they_o in_o their_o mind_n three_o by_o this_o partial_a conceit_n which_o man_n have_v of_o some_o one_o teacher_n or_o writer_n they_o be_v bring_v to_o contemn_v all_o other_o man_n with_o their_o gift_n and_o and_o labour_n and_o so_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o that_o great_a fruit_n &_o edification_n which_o they_o may_v reap_v by_o they_o sect._n 7._o beside_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v as_o paradise_n the_o garden_n of_o god_n whereâ—n_v grow_v all_o manner_n of_o tree_n bear_v fruit_n for_o the_o sustentation_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n we_o have_v other_o pasture_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o feed_v to_o wit_n the_o creature_n and_o the_o action_n of_o god_n the_o creature_n serve_v for_o the_o use_n &_o sustentation_n as_o of_o the_o body_n so_o also_o of_o the_o soul_n the_o which_o may_v clear_o see_v in_o they_o the_o goodness_n power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v stir_v uppe_o to_o love_n and_o praise_n god._n he_o shall_v see_v the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o god_n by_o the_o which_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v create_v the_o one_o in_o continual_a motion_n the_o other_o unmoveble_a he_o shall_v see_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o frame_v every_o creature_n so_o curious_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o workmanship_n in_o contrive_v every_o part_n so_o fit_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o it_o as_o no_o wit_n or_o imagination_n of_o man_n can_v come_v near_o or_o almost_o imitate_v with_o these_o meditation_n the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n have_v continual_o feed_v their_o soul_n psalm_n 8.4_o when_o i_o behold_v the_o heaven_n the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n which_o thou_o have_v create_v what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o shall_v vouchsafe_v he_o this_o honour_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o these_o to_o have_v the_o fish_n in_o the_o sea_n the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n at_o his_o commandment_n hitherto_o the_o scripture_n do_v often_o send_v we_o to_o learn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n providence_n who_o if_o he_o deck_v the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n if_o he_o feed_v the_o raven_n luke_n 12.24_o yea_o the_o young_a raven_n not_o able_a to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o give_v to_o his_o servant_n all_o needful_a and_o good_a thing_n yea_o diligence_n and_o care_n in_o provide_v for_o ourselves_o pro._n 6.6_o sluggard_n go_v to_o the_o emmet_n yea_o whatsoever_o beside_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v and_o practise_v by_o us._n for_o so_o we_o be_v to_o account_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n therein_o contain_v to_o be_v even_o as_o a_o storehouse_n of_o soode_n wherein_o as_o carnal_a man_n do_v fill_v and_o fat_a their_o belly_n with_o that_o infinite_a variety_n of_o creature_n which_o god_n have_v make_v so_o the_o spiritual_a man_n may_v have_v even_o for_o the_o take_n up_o all_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a instruction_n consolation_n and_o
he_o himself_o little_o think_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o read_v eccle._n 11.1_o cast_v thy_o bread_n on_o the_o water_n and_o after_o many_o day_n thou_o shall_v find_v it_o by_o this_o argument_n which_o god_n in_o mercy_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o for_o the_o help_a of_o our_o weakness_n in_o this_o behalf_n we_o be_v to_o be_v encourage_v to_o go_v on_o in_o a_o daily_a and_o liberal_a practice_n of_o christian_a duty_n towards_o our_o brother_n and_o not_o to_o spare_v for_o any_o cost_n for_o we_o do_v not_o loose_v it_o but_o only_o lend_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v assure_o pay_v we_o our_o own_o with_o advantage_n we_o shall_v receive_v a_o hundred_o fold_n in_o this_o life_n and_o a_o far_o better_a reward_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o god_n iâ—_n not_o unjust_a that_o he_o shall_v forget_v the_o good_a work_n the_o painful_a love_n of_o those_o who_o minister_v unto_o the_o saint_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v but_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n give_v to_o a_o prophet_n or_o any_o of_o god_n servant_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v but_o have_v a_o reward_n this_o motive_n to_o good_a work_n god_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o not_o that_o we_o shall_v rest_v in_o it_o or_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v the_o chief_a place_n in_o this_o consultation_n for_o then_o satan_n may_v object_v against_o we_o as_o he_o do_v against_o job_n do_v job_n serve_v god_n for_o nought_o have_v thou_o not_o compass_v he_o in_o with_o thy_o blessing_n and_o so_o to_o we_o thou_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n or_o perform_v these_o christian_a duty_n in_o love_n either_o of_o he_o or_o of_o thy_o brethren_n or_o for_o conscience_n but_o in_o a_o greedy_a desire_n and_o a_o carnal_a hope_n of_o advantage_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a if_o so_o be_v that_o we_o can_v contemn_v and_o pass_v by_o this_o argument_n not_o mistrust_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o this_o behalf_n but_o prefer_v simple_a obedience_n the_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a glory_n before_o any_o reward_n that_o god_n can_v give_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n by_o these_o and_o such_o other_o motive_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v plentiful_o afford_v unto_o we_o we_o be_v to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o daily_a performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n of_o love_n thankfulness_n compassion_n and_o mercy_n and_o to_o account_v this_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a exercise_n no_o less_o needful_a to_o be_v daily_o perform_v than_o any_o other_o chap._n iii_o sect._n 1_o hitherto_o we_o have_v declare_v how_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v by_o god_n endue_v with_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o holiness_n and_o also_o with_o health_n &_o strength_n whereby_o it_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v all_o the_o action_n belong_v unto_o it_o be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o preserve_v in_o that_o estate_n the_o which_o thing_n if_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v desire_v and_o endeavour_v by_o all_o christian_n so_o it_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v than_o be_v this_o our_o labour_n bring_v to_o a_o end_n there_o be_v nothing_o else_o needful_a to_o be_v declare_v as_o touch_v the_o welfare_n and_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o as_o for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o do_v know_v the_o art_n and_o mean_n of_o preserve_v health_n for_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o knowledge_n cunning_a and_o care_n in_o this_o behalf_n infirmity_n and_o disease_n may_v happen_v as_o we_o know_v by_o daily_a experience_n that_o many_o notable_a physician_n have_v fall_v into_o dangerous_a and_o mortal_a sickness_n and_o by_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o untimely_a death_n so_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o our_o spiritual_a welfare_n that_o we_o know_v how_o to_o diet_v and_o order_v our_o soul_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o health_n and_o strength_n it_o be_v also_o require_v that_o we_o know_v how_o by_o a_o convenient_a and_o meet_a diet_n to_o recover_v they_o out_o of_o sickness_n and_o to_o heal_v all_o the_o malady_n happen_v unto_o they_o for_o why_o no_o man_n as_o we_o remain_v in_o these_o earthly_a &_o corruptible_a body_n can_v promise_v unto_o himself_o continual_a and_o certain_a health_n because_o both_o our_o knowledge_n and_o also_o our_o care_n in_o practise_v be_v unperfite_a for_o if_o no_o man_n can_v attain_v so_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v sensible_a but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v hide_v in_o it_o corruption_n and_o secret_a sickness_n never_o perceave_v till_o that_o they_o can_v be_v amend_v as_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v in_o impostume_n plurify_v and_o such_o other_o inward_a disease_n what_o marvel_v if_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o so_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o nature_n whereof_o be_v far_o more_o subtle_a and_o therefore_o much_o more_o hard_a to_o be_v thorough_o know_v especial_o by_o he_o who_o be_v fall_v into_o some_o special_a sickness_n wherein_o man_n be_v far_o less_o able_a to_o order_v themselves_o aright_o than_o they_o be_v in_o health_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o have_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n show_v how_o the_o health_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v continue_v when_o it_o be_v present_a so_o now_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v procure_v where_o it_o be_v want_v or_o recover_v when_o it_o be_v lose_v it_o be_v indeed_o the_o part_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o be_v careful_a in_o keep_v the_o health_n both_o of_o his_o body_n and_o of_o his_o soul_n and_o not_o presume_v of_o his_o cunning_n in_o recover_v it_o to_o be_v careless_a of_o it_o no_o man_n be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o cast_v himself_o into_o the_o sea_n although_o he_o think_v that_o he_o may_v escape_v by_o swim_v to_o wound_v his_o body_n because_o it_o may_v be_v heal_v to_o take_v poison_n because_o he_o can_v counterpoise_v it_o by_o the_o contrary_a &_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o make_v this_o use_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o let_v his_o soul_n fall_v into_o any_o spiritual_a meladie_o because_o he_o know_v where_o to_o have_v a_o remedy_n it_o be_v so_o much_o easy_a to_o keep_v sickness_n out_o of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n then_o to_o get_v it_o out_o after_o that_o it_o have_v get_v entrance_n as_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a for_o a_o whole_a and_o strong_a man_n then_o for_o a_o sick_a and_o weak_a man_n to_o withstand_v or_o resist_v his_o adversary_n for_o possession_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o therefore_o this_o restorative_n or_o rather_o curative_a diet_n which_o now_o we_o take_v in_o hand_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v to_o any_o man_n a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o negligent_a order_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o to_o be_v account_v the_o last_o refuge_n whither_o we_o must_v fly_v when_o as_o by_o the_o force_n of_o sin_n we_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o former_a diet_n of_o preserve_v health_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o so_o pure_a a_o nature_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o infirmity_n and_o disease_n sure_o by_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n in_o it_o the_o which_o where_o it_o have_v the_o whole_a place_n and_o rule_v the_o contrary_a holiness_n be_v altogether_o want_v as_o it_o be_v in_o carnal_a man_n be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o holiness_n be_v the_o life_n of_o it_o where_o it_o be_v and_o work_v yet_o keep_v under_o and_o overrule_v so_o that_o it_o can_v prevail_v it_o be_v a_o infirmity_n and_o last_o when_o it_o have_v in_o this_o wrestle_v prevail_v and_o get_v the_o upper_a hand_n do_v reign_n and_o rule_v it_o be_v a_o sickness_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o sin_n in_o the_o carnal_a man_n be_v death_n in_o the_o regenerate_a soul_n it_o be_v either_o a_o infirmity_n or_o a_o disease_n far_o it_o can_v go_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v whole_o expel_v holiness_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n as_o it_o be_v heat_n out_o of_o the_o body_n and_o so_o bring_v death_n for_o as_o abraham_n be_v bring_v in_o speak_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n luke_n 16.26_o as_o betwixt_o heaven_n and_o hell_n so_o between_o carnalitie_n and_o regeneration_n there_o be_v such_o a_o gulf_n set_v that_o they_o who_o wood_n can_v without_o the_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n pass_v from_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n to_o regeneration_n nor_o from_o regeneration_n to_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n by_o that_o or_o any_o other_o mean_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v out_o of_o
grace_n &_o if_o he_o may_v what_o difference_n there_o be_v betwixt_o he_o and_o a_o carnal_a man_n we_o answer_v that_o regeneration_n be_v the_o root_n and_o the_o possibility_n but_o not_o the_o act_n of_o all_o grace_n as_o a_o live_a body_n although_o natural_o it_o be_v thou_o subject_a of_o sense_n yet_o some_o one_o part_n of_o it_o may_v be_v benumb_v and_o senseless_a so_o the_o soul_n of_o one_o regenerate_v have_v in_o it_o at_o least_o the_o beginning_n and_o seed_n of_o all_o grace_n howsoever_o some_o of_o they_o at_o some_o time_n do_v not_o work_v or_o appear_v whereas_o a_o carnal_a man_n be_v altogether_o destitute_a yea_o uncapable_a of_o they_o among_o these_o particular_a disease_n the_o first_o place_n be_v give_v to_o the_o disease_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o which_o be_v three_o in_o number_n conceit_n error_n and_o ignorancâ—_n of_o god_n particular_a providence_n conceit_n be_v a_o fond_a opinion_n which_o a_o man_n have_v of_o his_o own_o excellency_n in_o respect_n of_o other_o esteem_v himself_o more_o just_a wise_a and_o holy_a than_o any_o other_o and_o therefore_o more_o high_o in_o god_n favour_n and_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v honour_v among_o man_n this_o proceed_v from_o that_o self_n love_n which_o be_v natural_o in_o every_o man_n yea_o in_o every_o live_a thing_n by_o the_o which_o he_o be_v move_v to_o desire_v and_o to_o endeavour_n the_o advance_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o better_n of_o his_o own_o estate_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n he_o have_v his_o mind_n continual_o set_v and_o fix_v on_o those_o thing_n wherein_o his_o excellency_n do_v consist_v and_o so_o fit_v his_o opinion_n to_o his_o desire_n and_o affection_n think_v they_o to_o be_v mo_z and_o great_a and_o himself_o more_o excellent_a in_o respect_n of_o they_o than_o he_o be_v in_o deed_n thus_o be_v not_o only_o carnal_a man_n in_o regard_n of_o outward_a blessing_n and_o natural_a gift_n but_o even_o the_o godly_a often_o puff_v up_o in_o pride_n in_o regard_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n see_v themselves_o to_o be_v advance_v to_o so_o high_a a_o dignity_n as_o far_o pass_v the_o common_a condition_n of_o man_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n as_o wisdom_n be_v better_a than_o folly_n light_v then_o darkness_n holiness_n then_o sinfulness_n and_o happiness_n then_o eternal_a misery_n yea_o as_o they_o have_v a_o more_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o their_o own_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o they_o feel_v wrought_v and_o work_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n then_o of_o other_o man_n which_o they_o but_o conjecture_v and_o of_o other_o man_n want_n infirmity_n sin_n and_o fault_n then_o of_o their_o own_o whereof_o they_o can_v abide_v to_o think_v or_o hear_v so_o they_o think_v far_o better_o of_o themselves_o then_o of_o other_o this_o corruption_n do_v many_o way_n show_v forth_o itself_o as_o namely_o in_o insolent_a talk_n and_o behaviour_n in_o obstinate_a maintain_n of_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o unlawful_a or_o unmeete_a practice_n and_o especial_o in_o contempt_n of_o our_o brethren_n their_o company_n gift_n opinion_n in_o tâ—o_fw-la spare_v acknowledge_v of_o their_o virtue_n and_o grace_n but_o it_o be_v careful_o to_o be_v resist_v and_o avoid_v as_o be_v displease_v yea_o odious_a to_o god_n who_o resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o in_o who_o eye_n nothing_o be_v more_o acceptable_a than_o a_o meek_a and_o lowly_a spirit_n as_o also_o hurtful_a to_o ourselves_o in_o that_o it_o make_v we_o obstinate_a and_o incorrigible_a in_o error_n and_o sin_n and_o deprive_v we_o of_o that_o good_a and_o comfort_n which_o may_v be_v reap_v by_o the_o gift_n and_o company_n of_o our_o brethren_n whereof_o we_o may_v reap_v great_a profit_n and_o comfort_n the_o remedy_n of_o this_o disease_n be_v the_o consideration_n not_o of_o our_o gift_n and_o grace_n but_o of_o our_o way_n &_o sin_n the_o which_o no_o doubt_n will_v pull_v down_o these_o peacock_n feather_n and_o make_v we_o base_a yea_o vile_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n by_o this_o reason_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o roman_n rom._n 12.3_o not_o to_o be_v drink_v and_o besot_v with_o any_o great_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o but_o rather_o to_o think_v sober_o and_o modest_o of_o themselves_o for_o that_o god_n have_v give_v his_o grace_n not_o all_o to_o any_o one_o lest_o he_o shall_v have_v matter_n of_o pride_n but_o some_o to_o every_o one_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o contempt_n of_o other_o wherein_o the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v praise_v and_o admire_v who_o do_v so_o temper_v his_o grace_n bestow_v on_o the_o faithful_a with_o their_o own_o want_n and_o sin_n that_o neither_o the_o one_o be_v able_a to_o lift_v uppe_o the_o mind_n too_o high_a in_o vain_a conceit_n nor_o the_o other_o to_o press_v it_o down_o too_o low_a with_o disgrace_n but_o suppli_v the_o great_a want_n with_o other_o most_o excellent_a and_o rare_a gift_n and_o qualify_v the_o abundance_n of_o grace_n with_o some_o great_a want_n or_o grievous_a sin_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o example_n of_o lot_n noah_n david_n and_o solomon_n that_o the_o most_o heinous_a and_o horrible_a sin_n have_v be_v find_v in_o the_o holy_a man_n and_o extreme_a folly_n in_o the_o mirror_n of_o wisdom_n sect._n 8._o the_o second_o disease_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v error_n the_o which_o usual_o come_v of_o conceit_n and_o do_v accompany_v it_o where_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v any_o light_a error_n in_o matter_n of_o small_a importance_n for_o no_o man_n either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v free_a from_o these_o as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v in_o this_o world_n but_o such_o as_o be_v near_o about_o the_o foundation_n and_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n &_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o endanger_v a_o man_n salvation_n as_o about_o christ_n his_o incarnation_n passion_n nature_n about_o the_o manner_n or_o matter_n of_o our_o justification_n the_o church_n or_o sacrament_n or_o any_o other_o weighty_a point_n yet_o not_o any_o such_o error_n make_v a_o spiritual_a disease_n but_o only_o when_o as_o it_o happen_v in_o a_o time_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n wherein_o the_o contrary_a truth_n be_v both_o plain_o reveal_v by_o god_n and_o also_o general_o or_o at_o least_o common_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o church_n otherwise_o if_o it_o be_v a_o time_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n wherein_o that_o truth_n be_v reveal_v the_o most_o grievous_a error_n that_o be_v do_v not_o argue_v the_o distemperature_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o make_v a_o spiritual_a disease_n as_o we_o know_v no_o man_n account_v he_o either_o blind_a or_o ill_o sight_v who_o can_v see_v and_o discern_v thing_n in_o the_o night_n or_o in_o the_o dark_a dungeon_n or_o he_o to_o be_v of_o a_o evil_a constitution_n of_o body_n who_o be_v infect_v with_o a_o common_a sickness_n or_o plague_n but_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o faithful_a be_v ignorant_a when_o they_o may_v see_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v by_o other_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o this_o case_n great_a error_n argue_v a_o evil_a constitution_n of_o the_o mind_n &_o a_o unsound_a judgement_n yea_o they_o make_v our_o regeneration_n to_o be_v doubt_v of_o and_o call_v into_o question_n for_o this_o be_v a_o property_n of_o a_o mind_n sanctify_a and_o enlighten_v by_o god_n spirit_n if_o not_o to_o search_v and_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v unknowen_a yet_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v it_o when_o it_o be_v offer_v but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v for_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n do_v witness_v it_o that_o man_n true_o regenerate_v may_v both_o live_v and_o die_v in_o great_a and_o most_o dangerous_a error_n yea_o when_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v both_o expound_v to_o they_o by_o other_o and_o also_o seek_v for_o by_o their_o own_o labour_n and_o continual_a study_n the_o remedy_n of_o this_o disease_n consist_v in_o these_o thing_n first_o that_o we_o suspect_v ourselves_o in_o those_o opinion_n wherein_o we_o disagree_v from_o those_o who_o be_v godly_a and_o learned_a know_v that_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o lead_v and_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o we_o second_o in_o know_v that_o god_n do_v often_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o greâ—uâ—us_a error_n to_o who_o he_o do_v show_v great_a favour_n not_o only_o in_o their_o regeneration_n but_o also_o in_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n so_o we_o read_v deut._n 13._o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o wonder_n and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v say_v let_v we_o serve_v strange_a