regeneration_n be_v so_o wonderful_a and_o glorious_a a_o work_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v wrought_v rather_o in_o the_o public_a body_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o those_o who_o be_v already_o sanctify_v then_o in_o hug_a mugger_n in_o this_o or_o that_o corner_n so_o that_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o regeneration_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n public_o &_o pure_o preach_v not_o as_o it_o do_v by_o a_o natural_a faculty_n inherent_a in_o itself_o work_v in_o man_n knowledge_n obedience_n and_o that_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n to_o the_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v in_o this_o respect_n but_o as_o it_o do_v by_o the_o supernatural_a power_n of_o god_n work_v true_a regeneration_n in_o the_o elect_a and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v every_o one_o in_o hand_n who_o have_v any_o care_n and_o desire_v to_o attain_v to_o eternal_a life_n to_o be_v diligent_a in_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n whensoever_o occasion_n serve_v as_o the_o wise_a man_n exhort_v the_o good_a husband_n to_o be_v sow_v his_o seed_n at_o all_o hour_n time_n and_o season_n because_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o will_v prosper_v so_o must_v this_o repentant_a take_v all_o occasion_n of_o hear_v god_n word_n for_o that_o he_o know_v not_o but_o that_o god_n will_v even_o at_o that_o time_n which_o he_o will_v bestow_v on_o worldly_a profit_n or_o pleasure_n bestow_v this_o unspeakable_a blessing_n of_o regeneration_n upon_o he_o god_n may_v indeed_o call_v he_o wheresoever_o he_o stray_v but_o that_o we_o may_v use_v the_o similitude_n above_o mention_v as_o that_o offendant_fw-la be_v like_a to_o obtain_v mercy_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o prince_n who_o stand_v at_o his_o very_a gate_n in_o his_o presence_n attend_v when_o he_o will_v because_v or_o call_v unto_o he_o than_o he_o who_o have_v address_v himself_o to_o come_v before_o the_o king_n keep_v himself_o aloof_o of_o far_o out_o of_o his_o sight_n so_o it_o be_v like_a that_o god_n will_v behold_v he_o with_o the_o eye_n of_o mercy_n who_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n hearkn_v to_o his_o voice_n &_o attend_v his_o pleasure_n then_o he_o who_o be_v out_o of_o his_o sight_n and_o employ_v about_o other_o matter_n sect._n 4._o the_o three_o and_o last_o mean_v to_o be_v use_v in_o seek_v regeneration_n be_v prayer_n or_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n whereby_o this_o repentant_a see_v himself_o to_o be_v as_o yet_o but_o carnal_a &_o hard_a heart_a as_o he_o be_v before_o and_o that_o no_o mean_n either_o devise_v by_o himself_o or_o appoint_v by_o god_n will_v prevail_v renounce_v himself_o as_o be_v most_o desperate_o miserable_a &_o all_o mean_n in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v unable_a to_o effect_v that_o which_o he_o desire_v and_o so_o fly_v to_o the_o only_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n desire_v he_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n and_o for_o christ_n sake_n in_o who_o all_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o great_a ocean_n overflow_a the_o earth_n do_v show_v forth_o itself_o to_o vouchsafe_v unto_o he_o the_o most_o wretched_a and_o unworthy_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n one_o drop_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o mollify_v his_o stony_a heart_n and_o to_o quicken_v his_o soul_n be_v now_o clean_o dead_a in_o sin_n this_o must_v be_v do_v not_o seldom_o cold_o negligent_o and_o for_o fashion_n sake_n as_o man_n use_v to_o pray_v for_o so_o man_n ask_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o no_o account_n and_o which_o they_o care_v not_o great_o whether_o they_o obtain_v or_o no_o but_o in_o all_o vehemency_n of_o spirit_n and_o affection_n yea_o with_o all_o importunity_n we_o give_v no_o rest_n night_n nor_o day_n either_o to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o god_n till_o we_o obtain_v our_o desire_n this_o prayer_n will_v be_v of_o great_a force_n as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n luk._n 18.5_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v weary_a or_o faint_v in_o perform_v this_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n but_o rather_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o by_o all_o mean_n as_o by_o abstayn_v from_o the_o superfluous_a and_o unnecessary_a use_n of_o meat_n drink_n sleep_n worldly_a affair_n and_o whatsoever_o may_v hinder_v we_o in_o this_o behalf_n and_o by_o consider_v the_o incomparable_a excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o labour_v to_o attain_v for_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o it_o the_o which_o if_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v see_v and_o find_v that_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n able_a to_o work_v miracle_n yea_o strong_a than_o the_o strong_a that_o be_v than_o god_n himself_o who_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v or_o rather_o speak_v be_v by_o prayer_n force_v and_o compel_v to_o do_v that_o which_o otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o do_v no_o man_n can_v by_o force_n wring_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o weakness_n be_v strong_a than_o man_n yet_o prayer_n in_o that_o it_o renounce_v all_o force_n of_o mean_n rely_v itself_o whole_o on_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o that_o by_o the_o which_o if_o we_o wrestle_v with_o god_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o overcome_v of_o he_o if_o man_n of_o great_a and_o lofty_a spirit_n who_o to_o god_n be_v as_o filly_n worm_n creep_v on_o the_o earth_n stand_v so_o much_o upon_o their_o reputation_n that_o as_o it_o be_v record_v of_o the_o senator_n of_o rome_n in_o old_a time_n they_o think_v it_o a_o great_a disgrace_n unto_o they_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o he_o have_v in_o vain_a ask_v help_n at_o their_o hand_n shall_v not_o god_n the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n who_o be_v as_o able_a as_o the_o rich_a and_o as_o willing_a to_o give_v as_o the_o frank_a yea_o and_o have_v as_o great_a care_n and_o not_o without_o cause_n of_o his_o glory_n as_o any_o man_n have_v of_o his_o worldly_a worship_n and_o renoun_n think_v scorn_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o i_o in_o god_n i_o have_v in_o vain_a afflict_a my_o soul_n humble_v myself_o at_o his_o footstool_n cleanse_v my_o way_n in_o his_o sight_n repair_v to_o the_o place_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o call_v upon_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o or_o get_v at_o his_o hand_n yea_o further_o as_o this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n be_v the_o most_o ready_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o procure_v this_o or_o any_o other_o blessing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n so_o often_o it_o please_v god_n to_o grant_v grace_n to_o man_n even_o while_o they_o be_v ask_v it_o to_o touch_v man_n heart_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o very_a instant_n wherein_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v in_o vehement_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n in_o a_o manner_n separate_v from_o the_o body_n and_o lift_v up_o into_o heaven_n for_o even_o as_o the_o smith_n strike_v the_o iron_n while_o it_o be_v hot_a and_o and_o fit_a to_o receive_v any_o form_n or_o impression_n so_o god_n although_o he_o can_v imprint_v his_o grace_n in_o the_o cold_a hard_a and_o flinty_a disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n yet_o he_o rather_o do_v it_o when_o as_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n be_v stir_v up_o and_o inflame_v either_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o public_a prayer_n during_o the_o which_o regeneration_n be_v ordinary_o wrought_v in_o man_n or_o else_o by_o some_o private_a christian_a exercise_n as_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o serious_a meditation_n but_o especial_o by_o pray_v and_o sing_v psalm_n to_o god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o which_o action_n it_o please_v god_n sometime_o to_o send_v his_o spirit_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o elect_a but_o it_o may_v be_v here_o object_v that_o we_o suppose_v a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o wit_n that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n shall_v pray_v especial_o with_o that_o vehemency_n and_o perseverance_n which_o we_o require_v as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 10.14_o how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o on_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v we_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o infidel_n who_o know_v not_o the_o gospel_n not_o of_o christian_n who_o may_v be_v endue_v with_o knowledge_n yea_o who_o may_v pray_v although_o not_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o the_o faithful_a do_v thus_o we_o have_v commend_v to_o this_o repentant_a the_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o regeneration_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v that_o reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n which_o may_v be_v in_o one_o as_o not_o yet_o regenerate_v the_o second_o be_v the_o diligent_a
world_n above_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o beneath_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o stranger_n at_o home_n most_o ignorant_a of_o the_o own_o estate_n as_o the_o manifold_a doubt_n controversy_n and_o contention_n which_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n trouble_v the_o head_n school_n and_o book_n not_o only_o of_o philosopher_n but_o also_o of_o learned_a divine_n about_o the_o original_a creation_n substance_n infusion_n infection_n or_o corruption_n and_o separation_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v plain_o testify_v yea_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nothing_o be_v so_o unknown_a to_o man_n himself_o as_o that_o which_o both_o of_o itself_o and_o to_o all_o other_o be_v most_o apparent_a and_o conspicuous_a as_o be_v the_o spot_n in_o a_o man_n face_n to_o wit_n the_o want_n infirmity_n and_o enormity_n of_o it_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o reason_n of_o that_o self_n love_n engrave_v by_o nature_n in_o man_n and_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o he_o be_v better_a affect_v towards_o himself_o they_o to_o any_o other_o thing_n so_o the_o judgement_n follow_v affection_n he_o think_v better_a of_o himself_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v be_v unwilling_a to_o hear_v and_o unable_a to_o conceive_v any_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o himself_o especial_o of_o his_o soul_n wherein_o his_o excellency_n do_v consist_v and_o therefore_o as_o philosopher_n know_v that_o man_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o vice_n set_v this_o precept&_n precept&_n nosce_fw-la seipsum_fw-la in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o moral_a institution_n so_o the_o first_o lesson_n which_o a_o divine_a be_v to_o teach_v and_o a_o christian_n to_o learn_v be_v this_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o thy_o soul_n whereof_o of_o thyself_o thou_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a and_o sure_o so_o it_o be_v for_o although_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v so_o whole_o infect_v with_o the_o leprosy_n of_o sin_n that_o there_o be_v no_o clean_a part_n or_o piece_n from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o toe_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o seem_v to_o itself_o most_o pure_a beautiful_a and_o glorious_a as_o by_o the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o perfect_a inherent_a righteousness_n justification_n by_o work_n merit_n of_o pure_a natural_n &_o free_a will_n do_v plain_o appear_v revel_v 3.17_o thou_o say_v i_o be_o rich_a and_o be_o enrich_v the_o one_o by_o nature_n the_o other_o by_o freewill_n and_o industry_n and_o have_v need_n of_o nothing_o and_o know_v not_o that_o thou_o be_v wretched_a miserable_a poor_a blind_a and_o naked_a these_o be_v the_o opinion_n &_o conceit_n which_o all_o man_n have_v of_o themselves_o think_v far_o better_a of_o themselves_o in_o every_o respect_v they_o they_o shall_v do_v yea_o the_o error_n before_o name_v as_o they_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n so_o they_o have_v place_n common_o in_o most_o if_o not_o general_o in_o all_o carnal_a man_n who_o howsoever_o perhaps_o for_o company_n and_o fashion_n sake_n they_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o contrary_a truth_n yet_o in_o their_o mind_n they_o hold_v the_o purity_n of_o man_n nature_n think_v it_o no_o more_o corrupt_a than_o it_o be_v create_v by_o god_n &_o then_o it_o be_v in_o adam_n during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o innocence_n yea_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o show_v how_o possible_o either_o his_o nature_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v or_o his_o corruption_n derive_v to_o his_o posterity_n yea_o think_v it_o to_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a nature_n or_o little_a inferior_a or_o different_a from_o it_o whereof_o it_o come_v that_o they_o do_v so_o usual_o resemble_v the_o divine_a nature_n unto_o it_o honour_v fear_v worship_v trust_v &_o invocate_a it_o as_o god_n yea_o ascribe_v to_o it_o what_o soever_o be_v glorious_a in_o god_n make_v saint_n of_o sinful_a man_n &_o god_n of_o saint_n whereas_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o only_o not_o most_o excellent_a but_o even_o very_a base_a and_o mean_a not_o only_o corrupt_v in_o sinfulness_n but_o even_o filthy_a and_o loathsome_a not_o weak_a or_o sick_a but_o dead_a and_o rot_a not_o happy_a but_o of_o all_o nature_n if_o we_o except_o the_o the_o devil_n &_o his_o angel_n the_o most_o wretched_a &_o woeful_a likewise_o for_o outward_a action_n he_o think_v that_o those_o work_n which_o have_v any_o show_n of_o goodness_n although_o they_o be_v never_o so_o imperfect_a corrupt_a and_o hypocritical_a be_v meritorious_a before_o god_n yea_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a price_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n both_o for_o himself_o &_o also_o for_o other_o for_o mean_v &_o ordinary_a sin_n he_o think_v they_o venial_a &_o light_a offence_n not_o to_o be_v account_v or_o avoid_v his_o good_a meaning_n be_v as_o good_a as_o perfect_a holiness_n his_o own_o righteousness_n perfect_a and_o absolute_a yea_o this_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o their_o own_o estate_n appear_v even_o in_o the_o natural_a gift_n of_o man_n who_o usual_o judge_v themselves_o of_o all_o other_o the_o witty_a most_o wise_a and_o most_o worthy_a of_o honour_n although_o there_o be_v no_o such_o cause_n yea_o although_o they_o be_v most_o simple_a &_o unlearned_a yet_o they_o be_v as_o stiff_o addict_v to_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o fashion_n as_o they_o who_o have_v the_o sure_a ground_n for_o their_o action_n &_o course_n of_o life_n in_o these_o &_o other_o like_a respect_n our_o natural_a blindness_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o so_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n in_o respect_n whereof_o this_o blindness_n be_v great_a and_o most_o hurtful_a sect._n 2_o but_o how_o shall_v we_o bring_v the_o natural_a man_n to_o see_v his_o own_o sinfulness_n sure_o 〈◊〉_d by_o set_v before_o his_o eye_n the_o glass_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n wherein_o if_o he_o will_v open_v his_o eye_n for_o of_o himself_o by_o nature_n he_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a remain_v in_o his_o mind_n he_o may_v see_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o most_o ugly_a and_o filthy_a leper_n defile_v in_o nature_n soul_n and_o body_n in_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n in_o word_n deed_n and_o in_o all_o his_o action_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n the_o which_o exercise_n of_o compare_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o wit_n the_o obedience_n command_v in_o it_o with_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o life_n we_o do_v earnest_o commend_v unto_o all_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o walk_v aright_o in_o this_o way_n of_o repentance_n lead_v to_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n and_o not_o only_o to_o consider_v the_o bare_a word_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n the_o which_o be_v of_o set_a purpose_n make_v short_a &_o compendious_a for_o memory_n sake_n do_v only_o mention_v the_o principal_a duty_n &_o forbid_v gross_a and_o capital_a sin_n but_o also_o to_o learn_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o by_o read_v mark_v and_o remember_v those_o manifold_a exposition_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o say_a commandment_n both_o by_o christ_n himself_o the_o head_n doctor_n of_o the_o church_n matth._n 6._o and_o also_o by_o his_o minister_n in_o their_o write_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n receive_v from_o he_o in_o the_o which_o thou_o who_o soever_o thou_o be_v that_o take_v in_o hand_n this_o happy_a work_n of_o repentance_n shall_v see_v the_o great_a variety_n and_o multitude_n of_o thy_o sin_n thy_o original_a sin_n which_o be_v the_o total_a corruption_n of_o thy_o nature_n prone_a to_o all_o evil_a and_o abhor_v from_o all_o goodness_n and_o thy_o actual_a sin_n thy_o inward_a sin_n to_o wit_n the_o wicked_a unjust_a and_o filthy_a motion_n of_o thy_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n and_o thy_o outward_a sin_n to_o wit_n thy_o vain_a foolish_a and_o filthy_a talk_n thy_o lewd_a behaviour_n dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o injurious_a to_o thy_o brethren_n thy_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o thy_o wilful_a and_o rebellious_a sin_n commit_v with_o a_o high_a hand_n and_o obstinate_a purpose_n and_o a_o shameless_a face_n against_o god_n and_o man_n the_o sin_n of_o thy_o youth_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o ripe_a age_n thy_o small_a sin_n although_o the_o least_o may_v be_v count_v great_a in_o that_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o the_o endless_a wrath_n of_o god_n and_o thy_o heinous_a and_o horrible_a sin_n as_o be_v atheism_n idolatry_n perjury_n murder_n incest_n and_o adultery_n all_o these_o and_o many_o other_o sort_n of_o sin_n thou_o shall_v find_v in_o every_o one_o of_o the_o ten_o commaundemt_n and_o in_o every_o part_n of_o thy_o body_n &_o soul_n if_o it_o please_v thou_o to_o take_v the_o pain_n for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o painful_a and_o grievous_a piece_n of_o work_n painful_a indeed_o
be_v a_o receive_v opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n before_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o appear_v plain_o both_o by_o that_o confutation_n of_o it_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v ronvere_n 2._o &_o by_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o that_o nation_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n likewise_o that_o it_o be_v maintain_v of_o infinite_a multitude_n of_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v so_o manifest_a that_o it_o need_v no_o proof_n the_o common_a belief_n &_o confession_n of_o â—earned_a and_o ignorant_a man_n be_v this_o that_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o their_o good_a meaning_n and_o good_a work_n but_o they_o never_o think_v or_o speak_v of_o any_o such_o regeneration_n as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v &_o many_o of_o those_o who_o do_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n ascribe_v man_n sanctification_n &_o regeneration_n to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n mean_v the_o natural_a operation_n of_o man_n will_n incline_v itself_o to_o good_a the_o which_o in_o some_o sense_n they_o do_v true_o think_v &_o call_v the_o grace_n &_o gift_n of_o god_n of_o this_o opinion_n be_v nicodemus_n a_o great_a rabbi_n in_o israel_n who_o be_v amaze_v when_o he_o hear_v christ_n teach_v this_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n as_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o any_o such_o matter_n before_o and_o therefore_o when_o christ_n teach_v that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o make_v this_o carnal_a reply_n must_v man_n return_v into_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o so_o be_v bear_v again_o this_o ignorance_n of_o regeneration_n be_v the_o most_o common_a hindrance_n why_o man_n do_v not_o seek_v after_o it_o for_o how_o can_v they_o desire_v much_o less_o seek_v that_o which_o they_o do_v not_o know_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o great_a marvel_n that_o so_o many_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o consider_v first_o that_o the_o self-love_n which_o be_v in_o man_n by_o nature_n make_v he_o to_o think_v far_o better_o of_o himself_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n strength_n and_o faculty_n than_o he_o shall_v do_v and_o second_o that_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o man_n will_v hardly_o admit_v any_o supernatural_a or_o miraculous_a work_n rest_v itself_o in_o itself_o that_o be_v in_o the_o inherent_a virtue_n and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o natural_a cause_n but_o we_o be_v to_o think_v far_o otherwise_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o renounce_v these_o grievous_a and_o damnable_a error_n to_o learn_v and_o hold_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o impossible_a to_o make_v the_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o natural_a faculty_n of_o man_n clean_o and_o pure_a his_o sinful_a life_n and_o action_n good_a and_o holy_a or_o his_o person_n be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a death_n just_a and_o righteous_a by_o any_o mean_n which_o either_o man_n or_o any_o creature_n can_v use_v than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o ethiopian_a white_a by_o wash_v he_o with_o water_n yea_o further_o that_o no_o service_n of_o god_n though_o never_o so_o solemn_a and_o devout_a no_o good_a work_n though_o never_o so_o many_o and_o excellent_a no_o good_a meaning_n though_o never_o so_o simple_a and_o innocent_a no_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n though_o never_o so_o great_a no_o worldly_a prerogative_n whatsoever_o can_v make_v a_o man_n acceptable_a to_o god_n much_o less_o partaker_n of_o eternal_a glory_n both_o which_o belong_v only_o to_o those_o who_o nature_n mind_n will_n and_o affection_n it_o please_v he_o according_a to_o his_o eternal_a will_n and_o counsel_n to_o change_v and_o renew_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o miraculous_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o conclude_v we_o be_v to_o look_v for_o salvation_n by_o no_o other_o mean_n but_o only_o by_o regeneration_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n not_o in_o ourselves_o for_o that_o be_v to_o seek_v heaven_n in_o earth_n or_o rather_o in_o hell_n or_o by_o any_o virtue_n power_n or_o quality_n in_o ourselves_o but_o only_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n to_o who_o only_o the_o glory_n both_o of_o the_o first_o and_o of_o the_o second_o creation_n be_v to_o be_v give_v and_o to_o beware_v lest_o that_o we_o be_v deceive_v with_o this_o common_a error_n esteem_v sin_n and_o holiness_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o as_o moral_a virtue_n and_o vice_n spiritual_a regeneration_n nothing_o but_o good_a education_n or_o philosophical_a institution_n godliness_n nothing_o but_o honest_a behaviour_n christianity_n nothing_o but_o civility_n the_o which_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o do_v the_o shadow_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o any_o thing_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v seek_v god_n where_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v and_o so_o without_o all_o question_n lose_v our_o labour_n sect._n 3_o the_o second_o hindrance_n whereby_o man_n may_v be_v and_o be_v keep_v back_o from_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n be_v another_o false_a opinion_n and_o conceit_n of_o it_o whereby_o man_n despair_v of_o attain_v unto_o it_o consider_v either_o themselves_o to_o be_v so_o whole_o dead_a &_o rot_a in_o sin_n that_o they_o can_v imagine_v how_o they_o shall_v ever_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o holiness_n or_o else_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o supernaturalnesse_n of_o regeneration_n as_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o a_o miraculous_a work_n this_o hindrance_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o former_a in_o the_o one_o man_n think_v better_a but_o in_o the_o other_o he_o think_v worse_a of_o his_o natural_a estate_n than_o it_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o one_o he_o presume_v of_o his_o own_o strength_n in_o the_o other_o he_o despair_v of_o the_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o one_o he_o think_v regeneration_n more_o easy_a in_o the_o other_o he_o think_v it_o a_o more_o difficult_a matter_n than_o it_o be_v this_o hindrance_n be_v not_o so_o common_a as_o the_o other_o for_o there_o be_v very_o few_o that_o do_v either_o know_v or_o acknowledge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o supernatural_a regeneration_n yet_o it_o will_v easy_o follow_v of_o that_o doctrine_n for_o man_n will_v soon_o be_v put_v back_o from_o seek_v and_o despair_n of_o attain_v to_o that_o which_o they_o hear_v to_o be_v miraculous_a &_o contrary_a to_o nature_n for_o so_o we_o read_v joh._n 6_o 66._o that_o whereas_o christ_n teach_v that_o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o he_o &_o be_v iâ—_n truth_n his_o disciple_n unless_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o of_o the_o father_n and_o as_o he_o say_v v._o 44._o except_o the_o father_n draw_v he_o that_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n go_v back_o &_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o whole_a doctrine_n we_o have_v plain_o set_v down_o math._n 19.23.24.25.26_o where_o christ_n have_v say_v that_o it_o be_v hard_a â—ea_o impossible_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n and_o so_o for_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n although_o the_o rich_a who_o abound_v in_o worldly_a pleasure_n be_v further_o off_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n drive_v his_o disciple_n to_o this_o desperate_a conclusion_n who_o then_o can_v be_v save_v or_o to_o what_o purpose_n then_o shall_v any_o man_n go_v about_o to_o be_v save_v whereunto_o christ_n make_v this_o answer_n indeed_o with_o man_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o not_o with_o god_n that_o be_v although_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o regenerate_v either_o himself_o or_o any_o other_o yet_o to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o also_o easy_a &_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v discourage_v from_o seeek_v or_o despair_n of_o attain_v it_o but_o account_v it_o a_o easy_a thing_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v rom._n 10._o where_o he_o prefer_v the_o gospel_n before_o the_o law_n in_o this_o respect_n for_o that_o it_o teach_v a_o most_o ready_a and_o easy_a way_n of_o attain_v to_o salvation_n namely_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o mouth_n whereas_o the_o law_n require_v perfect_a obedience_n which_o no_o man_n live_v be_v able_a to_o perform_v the_o which_o dissimilitude_n be_v not_o in_o the_o condition_n themselves_o for_o they_o be_v both_o alike_o hard_a both_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a it_o be_v as_o easy_a a_o thing_n for_o a_o carnal_a man_n to_o fulfil_v the_o moral_a law_n as_o it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o work_v in_o himself_o true_a faith_n and_o confession_n the_o which_o two_o be_v all_o one_o in_o effect_n but_o in_o this_o that_o god_n accompany_v and_o asi_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o miraculous_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n whereof_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o law_n be_v destitute_a be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n unable_a to_o save_v the_o hearer_n so_o then_o regeneration_n
our_o sin_n to_o god_n by_o good_a work_n for_o a_o thousand_o good_a work_n will_v not_o countervail_v the_o least_o sin_n before_o god_n judgement_n seat_n but_o that_o as_o by_o our_o sin_n heretofore_o commit_v we_o have_v disobey_v and_o dishonour_v god_n so_o now_o we_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o glorify_v he_o by_o our_o good_a work_n and_o christian_a life_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o our_o brethren_n we_o may_v and_o must_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n make_v full_a recompense_n thus_o do_v zacheus_n in_o his_o repentance_n luke_n 19.8_o promise_v christ_n that_o he_o will_v first_o give_v half_a his_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a in_o a_o testification_n of_o his_o obedience_n thankfulness_n and_o faith_n which_o he_o have_v towards_o god_n and_o then_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n restore_v four_o fold_n to_o every_o one_o from_o who_o he_o have_v injurious_o take_v any_o thing_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o renovation_n to_o wit_n amendment_n of_o life_n to_o the_o which_o john_n exhort_v the_o jew_n in_o his_o ministry_n of_o repentance_n say_v matth._n 3.8_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a repentance_n or_o such_o as_o beseem_v they_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o have_v change_v their_o course_n of_o life_n and_o to_o be_v converâ—ed_v from_o sin_n to_o god_n but_o our_o repentant_a must_v not_o stay_v here_o for_o than_o he_o play_v the_o hypocritical_a pharisie_n make_v the_o outside_n of_o the_o cup_n clean_o but_o leave_v it_o foul_a and_o filthy_a within_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v desire_v he_o to_o try_v what_o he_o can_v do_v in_o mend_v the_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a life_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o of_o all_o the_o faculty_n thereof_o this_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o hard_a piece_n of_o work_n pass_v the_o cunning_a of_o any_o creature_n and_o belong_v to_o god_n only_o yet_o man_n may_v in_o some_o sort_n change_v his_o soul_n although_o not_o from_o sinfulness_n to_o holiness_n yet_o from_o vice_n to_o virtue_n and_o from_o ignorance_n to_o knowledge_n wherein_o our_o repentant_a be_v to_o labour_n use_v all_o good_a mean_n of_o get_v knowledge_n and_o virtue_n he_o be_v to_o give_v himself_o careful_o to_o the_o read_n and_o study_v of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o all_o other_o book_n contain_v sound_n and_o true_a doctrine_n gather_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god._n yea_o although_o he_o meet_v with_o many_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o he_o can_v possible_o understande_v conceive_v or_o believe_v yet_o he_o be_v not_o to_o give_v over_o but_o rather_o to_o ascribe_v the_o hardness_n of_o they_o to_o his_o own_o dulness_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o other_o of_o they_o to_o his_o own_o incredulity_n not_o consider_v the_o power_n of_o god_n likewise_o he_o be_v to_o labour_v in_o change_v the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n frame_v and_o bend_v they_o from_o evil_a to_o good_a by_o reason_n and_o persuasion_n take_v both_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o also_o out_o of_o profane_a writer_n in_o who_o we_o may_v find_v notable_a pattern_n of_o all_o virtue_n by_o the_o example_n of_o christian_n and_o also_o of_o infidel_n of_o who_o many_o have_v so_o profit_v in_o these_o exercise_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n yea_o he_o be_v to_o use_v great_a severity_n toward_o himself_o in_o repress_v the_o perverseness_n and_o rebellion_n of_o these_o headstrong_a faculty_n and_o that_o by_o deny_v unto_o they_o the_o lawful_a use_n of_o thing_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v far_o from_o unlawful_a desire_n to_o be_v short_a he_o who_o do_v desire_n and_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n must_v by_o all_o mean_v endeavour_n not_o only_o to_o purge_v himself_o from_o all_o open_a and_o gross_a sin_n by_o lead_v a_o life_n unblameable_a before_o man_n but_o also_o from_o small_a and_o secret_a sin_n by_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o his_o way_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n yea_o not_o only_o to_o abstain_v from_o evil_a but_o also_o to_o perform_v all_o christian_n and_o honest_a duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n yea_o he_o must_v purge_v not_o only_o his_o life_n and_o action_n from_o sin_n but_o also_o his_o mind_n from_o ignorance_n use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o religion_n yea_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n from_o all_o vice_n lust_n and_o corrupt_a desire_n and_o so_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o his_o power_n to_o renew_v himself_o and_o yet_o when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v he_o be_v but_o where_o he_o be_v to_o wit_n a_o carnal_a man_n as_o dead_a in_o sin_n as_o any_o man_n be_v in_o his_o grave_n yet_o he_o have_v use_v the_o first_o mean_n of_o obtain_v grace_n and_o eternal_a glory_n and_o have_v do_v that_o whereby_o that_o grievous_a condemnation_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o wicked_a be_v avoid_v and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n procure_v at_o least_o for_o temporal_a blessiing_n sect._n 3_o the_o second_o mean_n of_o attain_v to_o regeneration_n be_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n the_o which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n by_o the_o which_o god_n work_v regeneration_n in_o his_o elect_a we_o say_v ordinary_a because_o some_o time_n it_o please_v god_n to_o work_v without_o it_o by_o other_o mean_n as_o namely_o by_o private_a read_n instruction_n and_o exhortation_n by_o miracle_n by_o cross_n and_o great_a humiliation_n yea_o sometime_o by_o temporal_a blessing_n plentiful_o and_o strange_o bestow_v on_o man_n yet_o the_o usual_a and_o appoint_a mean_n be_v the_o public_a ministry_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n perform_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o simple_a manner_n as_o we_o read_v 1._o pet._n 1.23_o be_v bear_v again_o not_o of_o mortal_a seed_n but_o of_o immortal_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n endure_v for_o ever_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o need_v any_o mean_n in_o regeneration_n it_o be_v a_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n why_o this_o mean_n more_o than_o some_o other_o why_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n rather_o than_o the_o same_o doctrine_n private_o teach_v we_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o question_n that_o as_o in_o all_o other_o miracle_n so_o also_o in_o this_o god_n use_v some_o show_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o so_o he_o may_v conceal_v his_o own_o extraordinary_a work_n as_o it_o be_v proverb_n 25.1_o it_o be_v a_o glory_n to_o god_n to_o conceal_v his_o do_n so_o in_o regeneration_n as_o great_a a_o miracle_n as_o any_o other_o yea_o the_o only_a miracle_n in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n continue_v in_o all_o age_n of_o it_o god_n use_v ordinary_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o word_n preach_v in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v a_o mediate_a work_n of_o god_n yet_o because_o this_o mean_n have_v not_o this_o power_n inherent_a in_o itself_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o immediate_a work_n to_o the_o second_o question_n we_o answer_v that_o god_n for_o the_o end_n mention_v to_o wit_n the_o conceal_n of_o his_o miraculous_a work_n use_v to_o use_v a_o mean_n have_v in_o it_o a_o virtue_n although_o not_o able_a to_o bring_v forth_o the_o effect_n yet_o help_v towards_o it_o and_o of_o some_o force_n for_o that_o purpose_n even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o natural_a man_n and_o so_o in_o regeneration_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o have_v for_o most_o man_n think_v that_o it_o have_v indeed_o the_o power_n of_o renew_v man_n inherent_a in_o itself_o for_o thus_o they_o reason_n man_n be_v endue_v with_o reason_n may_v by_o teach_v be_v bring_v to_o knowledge_n by_o force_n of_o argument_n they_o may_v be_v persuade_v to_o virtue_n and_o moderation_n whereof_o a_o virtuous_a and_o honest_a life_n will_v easy_o follow_v yea_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o god_n do_v ordinary_o prepare_v man_n after_o a_o sort_n for_o grace_n draw_v they_o near_o to_o himself_o then_o other_o carnal_a man_n be_v and_o therefore_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o fit_a mean_n of_o regeneration_n the_o three_o point_n may_v very_o well_o be_v make_v a_o question_n among_o those_o who_o think_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n have_v the_o faculty_n of_o regenerate_v inherent_a in_o itself_o for_o why_o shall_v not_o a_o man_n learn_v and_o be_v persuade_v as_o well_o by_o himself_o as_o with_o other_o as_o well_o at_o home_n as_o in_o the_o church_n otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o question_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o answer_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o it_o but_o only_o this_o that_o so_o it_o please_v god_n to_o work_v by_o public_a and_o not_o by_o private_a mean_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v more_o meet_a that_o
of_o corruptible_a but_o of_o incoruptible_a seed_n to_o wit_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n which_o endure_v for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v the_o word_n which_o be_v preach_v among_o you_o and_o therefore_o aâ—_n new_a bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n as_o it_o may_v be_v translate_v that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n for_o as_o man_n do_v by_o speech_n make_v know_v to_o other_o their_o mind_n counsel_n and_o intent_n so_o god_n have_v many_o way_n make_v know_v unto_o man_n what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v so_o that_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v more_o or_o less_o conform_a if_o self_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o do_v it_o more_o or_o less_o increase_n in_o holiness_n this_o word_n or_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v contain_v and_o declare_v first_o in_o the_o creature_n second_o in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n three_o in_o the_o action_n of_o god_n or_o his_o continual_a administration_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o all_o which_o this_o spiritual_a food_n must_v be_v gather_v and_o get_v but_o especial_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o god_n have_v full_o and_o plain_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o which_o make_v the_o other_o two_o field_n the_o one_o of_o the_o creature_n the_o other_o of_o the_o action_n of_o god_n to_o yield_v plentiful_a fruit_n for_o the_o nourish_a of_o our_o soul_n whereas_o without_o it_o they_o be_v altogether_o barren_a and_o fruitless_a for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o who_o have_v not_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o soul_n open_v and_o enlighten_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v pick_v out_o any_o matter_n of_o spiritual_a edification_n either_o out_o of_o the_o creature_n or_o the_o action_n of_o god_n sect._n 2._o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o thâ—_n scripture_n creature_n and_o action_n of_o god_n be_v as_o mere_a undress_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v prepare_v and_o make_v fit_n for_o our_o use_n as_o we_o daily_o see_v meat_n to_o be_v dress_v infinite_a way_n this_o preparation_n be_v make_v by_o search_v and_o find_v it_o out_o which_o of_o itself_o lie_v hide_v and_o it_o be_v prepare_v either_o by_o ourselves_o or_o else_o by_o other_o as_o namely_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n who_o in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v both_o as_o steward_n to_o provide_v and_o as_o cook_n to_o prepare_v meat_n for_o the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n the_o which_o they_o do_v when_o as_o they_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n sound_n and_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o several_a condition_n of_o the_o hearer_n this_o public_a food_n which_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n yield_v be_v thâ—t_o wherewith_o chief_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v nourish_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v careful_o to_o consider_v how_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v for_o we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o declare_v how_o this_o public_a preparation_n shall_v be_v make_v for_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o this_o treatise_n yet_o as_o all_o man_n know_v that_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o body_n do_v chief_o consist_v herein_o that_o the_o meat_n wherewith_o it_o be_v nourish_v be_v well_o dress_v and_o make_v fit_n for_o the_o receyver_n not_o raw_a offensive_a or_o mingle_v with_o any_o hurtful_a thing_n so_o without_o question_n the_o health_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v chief_o depend_v on_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n that_o it_o offer_v to_o the_o church_n nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v both_o in_o itself_o good_a and_o sound_n and_o also_o make_v fit_n for_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o the_o hearer_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v and_o the_o contrary_a great_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o man_n be_v as_o careful_a in_o provide_v for_o themselves_o wise_a and_o cunning_a cook_n able_a to_o prepare_v a_o right_a the_o sacred_a word_n of_o the_o everlyve_a god_n wherewith_o their_o soul_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v feed_v to_o eternal_a life_n as_o they_o be_v curious_a about_o the_o dress_n of_o their_o bodily_a meat_n which_o be_v soon_o turn_v into_o filth_n and_o so_o cast_v away_o as_o a_o most_o loathsome_a thing_n yea_o which_o together_o with_o the_o belly_n for_o the_o which_o it_o be_v prepare_v shall_v be_v abolish_v as_o in_o the_o first_o to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o sixth_o chapter_n and_o thirteen_o verse_n but_o man_n spend_v their_o whole_a care_n time_n and_o substance_n about_o the_o one_o to_o wit_n the_o fill_n of_o their_o belly_n and_o the_o feed_n of_o their_o body_n and_o be_v altogether_o careless_a of_o the_o other_o think_v no_o cost_n sufficient_a for_o the_o one_o and_o every_o penny_n that_o be_v bestow_v on_o the_o other_o clean_o lose_v but_o to_o leave_v these_o godless_a epicure_n serve_v their_o belly_n which_o be_v their_o god_n it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o every_o christian_n that_o have_v care_n of_o the_o health_n of_o his_o soul_n after_o that_o he_o have_v do_v his_o endeavour_n in_o provide_v a_o cunning_a and_o faithful_a cook_n for_o the_o prepare_n of_o meat_n for_o his_o soul_n to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o the_o receyve_n of_o it_o by_o procure_v in_o himself_o a_o appetite_n to_o this_o spiritual_a food_n that_o so_o as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o feed_v the_o body_n it_o be_v earnest_o desire_v may_v be_v happy_o digest_v this_o be_v do_v fiâ—st_n by_o unload_v our_o stomach_n from_o all_o sinful_a care_n cogitation_n and_o desire_n the_o which_o be_v of_o nature_n contrary_a to_o the_o pure_a and_o heavenly_a word_n of_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v entrance_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v both_o earnest_o desire_v the_o word_n and_o cherish_v sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v resolve_v himself_o to_o yield_v hearty_a obedience_n unto_o it_o by_o cast_v away_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o his_o mind_n heart_n or_o life_n contrary_a unto_o it_o this_o counsel_n we_o have_v give_v us._n 1._o pet._n 2.1_o wherefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o maliciousness_n and_o guile_n all_o dissimulation_n envy_n and_o evil_a speak_n as_o new_a bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o and_o likewise_o james._n 1.21_o wherefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o filthiness_n and_o superfluity_n of_o maliciousness_n receyve_v with_o meekness_n the_o word_n engraft_v in_o you_o which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v your_o soul_n second_o this_o appetite_n of_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v procure_v by_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o profitablenesse_n and_o excellency_n thereof_o for_o who_o will_v not_o desire_v that_o which_o he_o see_v to_o be_v both_o most_o needful_a and_o profitable_a for_o himself_o and_o most_o excellent_a in_o itself_o it_o be_v the_o only_a matter_n of_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o so_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v eternal_a life_n psal._n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_n the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a and_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a &_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v more_o to_o be_v desire_v then_o gold_n yea_o then_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a also_o than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n moreover_o by_o they_o thy_o servant_n be_v make_v circumspect_a and_o in_o keep_v they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n again_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o word_n be_v so_o great_a as_o can_v be_v express_v it_o be_v indeed_o contemn_v by_o carnal_a man_n as_o base_a and_o simple_a and_o as_o have_v in_o it_o no_o matter_n of_o importance_n but_o a_o bare_a story_n of_o christ_n crucify_v as_o we_o read_v 1._o cor._n 1._o the_o grecian_n and_o other_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n reject_v the_o gospel_n as_o be_v destitute_a of_o that_o deep_a wisdom_n wherewith_o they_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v endue_v but_o what_o marvel_n be_v it_o that_o he_o who_o be_v blind_a think_v it_o to_o be_v dark_a when_o the_o sun_n shine_v most_o clear_o or_o that_o a_o natural_a man_n who_o in_o regard_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v as_o blind_a as_o a_o buzzard_n can_v see_v no_o wisdom_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o which_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o endless_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v contain_v the_o queen_n of_o saba_n think_v it_o worth_a her_o labour_n to_o travail_v into_o a_o strange_a country_n to_o hear_v the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n and_o count_v his_o servant_n happy_a in_o that_o they_o live_v in_o
by_o dip_v and_o drown_v the_o body_n in_o water_n for_o when_o as_o we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n in_o our_o own_o body_n or_o else_o behold_v it_o administer_v unto_o other_o feel_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o eternal_a death_n due_a unto_o we_o for_o sin_n &_o a_o mortification_n of_o thinherent_a corruption_n of_o sin_n come_v from_o thence_o they_o do_v we_o feed_v our_o soul_n by_o this_o sacrament_n &_o that_o no_o less_o when_o we_o see_v it_o administer_v to_o other_o then_o when_o we_o feel_v it_o in_o our_o own_o body_n and_o therefore_o the_o custom_n which_o have_v prevail_v in_o most_o place_n of_o neglect_v &_o contemn_v this_o part_n of_o the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v and_o sharp_o reproove_v likewise_o in_o the_o other_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o bread_n and_o the_o wine_n receive_v in_o it_o feed_v both_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n the_o one_o by_o their_o natural_a virtue_n the_o other_o by_o their_o mystical_a and_o sacramental_a signification_n work_v in_o we_o a_o fresh_a remembrance_n and_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n represent_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n in_o piece_n and_o the_o pouâ—ing_n forth_o of_o the_o wine_n sect._n 5._o thus_o much_o of_o the_o public_a food_n of_o the_o soul_n beside_o the_o which_o we_o have_v other_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v use_v private_o for_o christian_n must_v not_o be_v as_o babe_n unable_a to_o feed_v themselves_o or_o to_o take_v any_o nourishment_n unless_o it_o be_v put_v into_o their_o mouth_n by_o other_o but_o must_v as_o they_o receive_v the_o meat_n prepare_v by_o other_o so_o also_o dress_v some_o for_o themselves_o and_o that_o by_o gather_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o only_a food_n of_o the_o soul_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v even_o there_o where_o the_o public_a food_n be_v have_v to_o wit_n in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o god_n in_o these_o field_n the_o word_n of_o god_n grow_v and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o be_v continual_o conversant_a in_o they_o and_o so_o to_o make_v his_o soul_n strong_a fat_a and_o lusty_a first_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o read_n studying_z understand_v and_o meditate_v of_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o profitable_a read_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n diverse_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o that_o we_o read_v it_o with_o this_o intent_n and_o purpose_n to_o edify_v ourselves_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n make_v our_o spiritual_a edification_n the_o end_n of_o our_o read_n otherwise_o we_o may_v spend_v all_o our_o day_n yea_o although_o they_o be_v as_o many_o as_o the_o day_n of_o methuselah_n and_o yet_o receive_v no_o more_o increase_n of_o holiness_n than_o they_o who_o never_o hear_v tell_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o why_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v find_v this_o spiritual_a food_n but_o he_o who_o do_v hunger_n after_o it_o and_o seek_v it_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n indeed_o god_n sometime_o be_v find_v of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o seek_v nor_o yet_o so_o much_o as_o ask_v after_o he_o and_o do_v by_o his_o spirit_n renew_v those_o who_o do_v not_o once_o think_v of_o regeneration_n or_o salvation_n but_o here_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n in_o regenerate_a man_n but_o of_o that_o ordinary_a continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o holiness_n which_o every_o faithful_a man_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o work_v in_o himself_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v this_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v he_o that_o seek_v it_o not_o shall_v never_o find_v it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o many_o have_v be_v very_o painful_a reader_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o never_o find_v in_o they_o any_o spiritual_a fruit_n or_o comfort_n because_o they_o read_v they_o not_o to_o that_o end_n but_o for_o some_o sinister_a respect_n the_o jew_n take_v great_a pain_n in_o read_v or_o rather_o in_o learning_n without_o book_n the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n yea_o so_o great_a as_o may_v make_v christian_n who_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o bestow_v so_o much_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o seek_v or_o keep_v christ_n pardon_v of_o sin_n &_o eternal_a glory_n as_o they_o do_v in_o seek_v a_o earthly_a king_n &_o earthly_a glory_n the_o which_o only_o they_o look_v for_o by_o their_o messiah_n and_o yet_o they_o find_v not_o christ_n nor_o any_o spiritual_a grace_n because_o they_o seek_v not_o for_o such_o thing_n so_o many_o other_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n for_o other_o sinister_a end_n some_o to_o get_v the_o knowledge_n of_o curious_a and_o unprofitable_a question_n and_o controversy_n of_o endless_a genealogy_n yea_o some_o for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o erroneous_a &_o heretical_a opinion_n some_o for_o mere_a knowledge_n &_o vain_a ostentation_n but_o he_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o good_a physician_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n must_v lay_v aside_o these_o and_o all_o such_o respect_n propound_v to_o himself_o the_o confirmation_n and_o increase_n of_o his_o faith_n love_n patience_n temperance_n &_o of_o all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n these_o thing_n must_v be_v continual_o in_o his_o mind_n yea_o he_o must_v apply_v to_o these_o purpose_n all_o the_o precept_n example_n and_o doctrine_n wherewith_o he_o meet_v mind_v only_a point_n of_o spiritual_a edification_n and_o especial_o those_o whereof_o he_o most_o doubt_v and_o will_v be_v resolve_v and_o which_o belong_v most_o to_o his_o present_a use_n this_o rule_n and_o counsel_n we_o have_v give_v by_o eliphas_n job._n 5.27_o who_o after_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v at_o large_a both_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o his_o goodness_n in_o spare_v save_v and_o bless_v the_o godly_a he_o add_v this_o notable_a conclusion_n loe_o thus_o we_o have_v inquire_v of_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o and_o know_v it_o for_o thyself_o that_o be_v do_v not_o content_v thyself_o with_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o this_o doctrine_n but_o apply_v it_o to_o thy_o own_o special_a state_n not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o a_o christian_a in_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o observe_v and_o study_v those_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o direct_o tend_v to_o spiritual_a edification_n for_o it_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a if_o he_o can_v give_v so_o much_o time_n to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n as_o that_o he_o know_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thâ—_n story_n all_o question_n which_o can_v be_v move_v about_o any_o place_n but_o that_o when_o as_o all_o can_v be_v have_v as_o it_o be_v seldom_o see_v that_o any_o gyve_v or_o can_v give_v himself_o so_o whole_o to_o this_o study_n who_o have_v any_o other_o call_v choice_n be_v make_v of_o that_o which_o be_v most_o needful_a profitable_a and_o excellent_a in_o the_o which_o respect_n he_o be_v also_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n for_o his_o daily_a read_n study_v and_o meditate_v in_o the_o which_o this_o spiritual_a food_n do_v most_o plentiful_o grow_v and_o may_v most_o easy_o be_v have_v for_o although_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v be_v write_v for_o our_o comfort_n and_o edification_n and_o that_o no_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v account_v barren_a and_o unprofitable_a yet_o some_o part_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o more_o effectual_a for_o spiritual_a edification_n than_o other_o be_v in_o that_o they_o handle_v those_o point_n wherein_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v more_o full_o and_o plain_o then_o other_o do_v thus_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n to_o the_o which_o they_o be_v as_o commentary_n and_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o that_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n plain_o reveal_v which_o before_o be_v cover_v with_o type_n and_o ceremony_n yea_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o epistle_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o other_o do_v more_o didirect_o aim_v at_o this_o mark_n than_o the_o story_n of_o the_o life_n and_o act_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n it_o seem_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o psalm_n do_v most_o excellent_a in_o this_o behalf_n the_o which_o consist_v whole_o of_o spiritual_a meditation_n observation_n precept_n and_o experiment_n insomuch_o that_o it_o may_v true_o be_v call_v the_o christian_a man_n garden_n wherein_o all_o manner_n of_o
god_n you_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o whither_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o your_o hart_n this_o point_n be_v to_o be_v note_v for_o that_o howsoever_o few_o or_o none_o of_o the_o faithful_a in_o these_o day_n have_v occasion_n give_v unto_o they_o of_o conceit_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o error_n by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n the_o which_o be_v not_o now_o in_o use_n yâ—t_v because_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n maintain_v all_o her_o error_n by_o this_o mean_n whereas_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o many_o of_o her_o child_n have_v this_o gift_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o thereof_o follow_v that_o whatsoever_o they_o hold_v or_o think_v be_v true_a and_o agreeable_a to_o god_n word_n the_o three_o &_o last_o of_o those_o disease_n which_o be_v most_o usual_a in_o the_o mind_n &_o which_o we_o will_v here_o mention_v be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o particular_a providence_n of_o god_n &_o of_o his_o reward_v every_o one_o even_o in_o this_o life_n according_a to_o his_o work_n for_o many_o christian_n although_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n will_v in_o his_o universal_a judgement_n reward_v both_o the_o godly_a with_o eternal_a glory_n and_o the_o wicked_a with_o shame_n and_o misery_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v that_o he_o execute_v justice_n and_o mercy_n in_o this_o life_n especial_o in_o regard_n of_o matter_n of_o less_o moment_n either_o good_a or_o evil_n this_o ignorance_n be_v a_o petty_a atheism_n many_o way_n hurtful_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v avoid_v it_o take_v from_o they_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n judgement_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o bridle_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o sin_n yea_o the_o hope_n of_o reward_n for_o good_a work_n by_o the_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v pull_v forward_o to_o the_o cheerful_a performance_n of_o they_o whereas_o the_o word_n of_o god_n tech_v as_o experience_n also_o will_v without_o doubt_n testify_v to_o he_o that_o will_v observe_v the_o do_n of_o god_n that_o he_o note_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o day_n book_n even_o their_o least_o action_n both_o good_a and_o evil_a yea_o the_o most_o secret_a motion_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o suffer_v none_o of_o they_o to_o go_v unrecompense_v yea_o he_o recompense_v every_o work_n in_o the_o own_o kind_n inflict_v a_o punishment_n like_a unto_o the_o sin_n and_o give_v a_o blessing_n to_o the_o good_a work_n that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v that_o the_o one_o do_v belong_v and_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o other_o the_o disease_n happen_v unto_o the_o conscience_n be_v many_o but_o of_o they_o all_o the_o most_o usual_a be_v the_o false_a testimony_n of_o it_o excuse_v where_o it_o shall_v accuse_v for_o see_v that_o it_o do_v manifest_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o life_n of_o many_o christian_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n unlawful_a and_o contrary_a to_o god_n word_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n grant_v that_o either_o they_o sin_v witting_o against_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n or_o which_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o charity_n &_o therefore_o rather_o to_o be_v think_v that_o their_o conscience_n be_v false_a witness_n affirm_v evil_a to_o be_v good_a and_o good_a to_o be_v evil_a hereof_o it_o come_v that_o many_o christian_n think_v it_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o dissemble_v lie_v and_o gloze_n in_o their_o deal_n and_o affair_n with_o their_o brother_n when_o as_o their_o profit_n &_o advantage_n do_v so_o require_v that_o they_o may_v give_v the_o time_n appoint_v or_o at_o the_o least_o due_a to_o holy_a exercise_n and_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o eat_v drink_v sleep_n pastime_n company_n traffic_n and_o to_o any_o worldly_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n that_o they_o need_v not_o practice_v any_o duty_n of_o love_n pity_n or_o thankfulness_n to_o their_o brother_n but_o in_o all_o thing_n regard_v and_o do_v that_o only_o which_o stand_v with_o their_o own_o profit_n and_o last_o when_o as_o they_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v and_o think_v to_o be_v unlawful_a yet_o this_o lie_a witness_n bear_v they_o in_o hand_n that_o god_n will_v wink_v at_o these_o escape_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n allow_v they_o to_o do_v so_o and_o so_o they_o draw_v god_n into_o the_o society_n of_o their_o sin_n make_v he_o as_o it_o be_v the_o receiver_n of_o their_o theft_n and_o think_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v like_a unto_o themselves_o this_o disease_n be_v diligent_o to_o be_v search_v out_o by_o examine_v our_o conscience_n and_o life_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n and_o law_n of_o god_n which_o will_v not_o lie_v and_o in_o those_o case_n whereof_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o any_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o abstain_v from_o action_n till_o god_n give_v unto_o we_o some_o ground_n whereon_o to_o lean_v think_v it_o far_o better_a to_o abstain_v from_o many_o thing_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v to_o our_o trouble_n and_o loss_n then_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o doubtful_a &_o waver_a mind_n much_o less_o then_o to_o sin_v presumptuous_o against_o god_n by_o do_v that_o which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v unlawful_a we_o must_v in_o this_o case_n learn_v to_o remove_v all_o those_o prop_n whereon_o this_o false_a witness_n do_v rely_v itself_o as_o namely_o first_o the_o privilege_n of_o christian_a liberty_n under_o pretence_n whereof_o many_o take_v unto_o themselves_o great_a scope_n than_o be_v meet_v &_o make_v vagary_n beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o we_o know_v or_o else_o we_o be_v to_o learn_v that_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o abrogate_v any_o jot_n or_o title_n of_o the_o law_n that_o christ_n have_v free_v we_o from_o the_o curse_n but_o not_o from_o the_o obedience_n of_o it_o yea_o that_o our_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o lawful_a be_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o keep_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o conveniency_n and_o the_o spiritual_a edification_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o brother_n in_o godliness_n the_o which_o if_o we_o do_v neglect_v we_o transgress_v the_o law_n even_o in_o do_v that_o which_o otherwise_o be_v permit_v by_o the_o law_n the_o second_o prop_n whereon_o this_o lie_a witness_n lean_v be_v the_o example_n of_o virtuous_a and_o godly_a man_n endue_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o therefore_o worthy_a to_o be_v make_v pattern_n for_o other_o to_o behold_v and_o imitate_v who_o have_v practise_v defend_v allow_v or_o tolerate_v that_o which_o we_o allege_v against_o the_o receyve_v opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v lawful_a but_o neither_o will_v this_o serve_v the_o turn_n for_o no_o man_n life_n be_v a_o law_n the_o best_a man_n do_v sometime_o go_v astray_o yet_o they_o must_v then_o go_v alone_o and_o not_o lead_v other_o out_o of_o the_o way_n three_o this_o false_a excuser_fw-fr will_v bring_v in_o way_n of_o defence_n the_o manifold_a commodity_n which_o will_v ensue_v hereof_o the_o necessary_a use_n redound_v to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o our_o brother_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o to_o our_o body_n and_o by_o these_o plausible_a pretence_n labour_v to_o justify_v that_o which_o be_v not_o warrantable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o we_o be_v straight_o way_n to_o stop_v his_o mouth_n with_o that_o true_a and_o know_v say_v that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o by_o these_o infirmity_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o may_v gather_v the_o rest_n and_o learn_v to_o avoid_v and_o heal_v they_o to_o our_o unspeakable_a comfort_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n finis_fw-la