if_o the_o hypocritical_a humiliation_n of_o achab_n do_v prevail_v how_o much_o more_o forcible_a will_v it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v join_v with_o the_o inward_a contrition_n whereunto_o god_n have_v make_v this_o promise_n i_o will_v resist_v thâ—_n proud_a and_o give_v grace_n unto_o the_o humble_a chap._n iii_o of_o resolution_n to_o repent_v and_o the_o hindrance_n thereof_o sect._n 1_o whosoever_o desire_v to_o have_v that_o spiritual_a regeneration_n without_o the_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n wrought_v in_o his_o soul_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n set_v himself_o to_o seek_v it_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n by_o all_o mean_v possible_a for_o so_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o save_v man_n not_o as_o dead_a and_o senseless_a creature_n unable_a to_o move_v or_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o themselves_o but_o rather_o to_o make_v they_o the_o worker_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n by_o enjoin_v they_o this_o task_n to_o use_v what_o mean_v they_o can_v of_o renew_v and_o save_v their_o own_o soul_n wherein_o god_n have_v not_o deal_v hardly_o but_o most_o reasonable_o &_o love_o with_o man_n for_o if_o the_o lest_o commodity_n in_o the_o world_n be_v worth_a the_o seek_n and_o he_o altogether_o unworthy_a of_o it_o who_o scorn_v or_o irk_v to_o take_v pain_n in_o seek_v it_o what_o be_v more_o meet_a than_o that_o spiritual_a regeneration_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v seek_v for_o before_o they_o be_v have_v again_o we_o know_v that_o god_n and_o man_n be_v now_o separate_v by_o sin_n and_o as_o far_o distant_a the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v from_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v unpossible_a for_o they_o to_o meet_v unless_o the_o one_o move_v towards_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v meet_v and_o needful_a that_o the_o inferior_a seek_v to_o the_o superior_a the_o beggar_n to_o he_o who_o be_v rich_a and_o liberal_a the_o sick_a man_n to_o the_o physician_n the_o offendant_fw-la to_o the_o merciful_a prince_n so_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o man_n to_o seek_v for_o remission_n of_o sin_n for_o spiritual_a life_n health_n and_o wealth_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o only_a giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n to_o this_o duty_n the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_o exhort_v us._n amos_n 5.6_o seek_v the_o lord_n and_o live_v matth._n 6.5_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o righteousness_n thereof_o matth._n 11.28_o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o lade_v and_o i_o will_v ease_v you_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v general_o neglect_v of_o man_n who_o contemn_v this_o counsel_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o be_v altogether_o careless_a of_o their_o own_o salvation_n spend_v all_o their_o time_n strength_n and_o wit_n in_o seek_v and_o enjoy_v worldly_a pleasure_n but_o as_o for_o this_o spiritual_a life_n of_o their_o soul_n they_o never_o think_v or_o dream_v of_o any_o such_o matter_n as_o christ_n witness_v of_o the_o jew_n john_n 6.26_o that_o they_o seek_v he_o not_o for_o his_o miracle_n or_o doctrine_n but_o because_o he_o have_v fill_v their_o belly_n with_o bread_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o so_o needful_a a_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v both_o to_o god_n &_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n we_o will_v first_o set_v down_o brief_o a_o few_o motive_n or_o reason_n persuade_v thereunto_o and_o in_o the_o second_o place_n remove_v hose_n hindrance_n by_o the_o which_o man_n be_v usual_o keep_v back_o from_o this_o seek_n of_o regeneration_n &_o salvation_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o go_v far_o for_o argument_n if_o that_o we_o will_v but_o consider_v our_o present_a estate_n in_o this_o world_n the_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v so_o full_a of_o trouble_n grief_n cross_n and_o misery_n that_o it_o make_v man_n weary_a both_o of_o it_o and_o also_o of_o themselves_o yea_o to_o desire_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o to_o be_v rid_v of_o it_o at_o all_o adventur_n although_o they_o know_v not_o of_o any_o better_a or_o of_o any_o other_o estate_n yea_o a_o little_a pain_n of_o body_n or_o sorrow_n of_o mind_n from_o the_o which_o no_o condition_n can_v be_v free_a mar_v a_o great_a feast_n of_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n make_v we_o forget_v it_o quite_o yea_o make_v it_o bitter_a and_o unpleasant_a unto_o us._n and_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o earthly_a paradise_n have_v in_o it_o the_o perfection_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n yet_o we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v the_o vanity_n of_o they_o in_o that_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a to_o enjoy_v they_o for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o hour_n not_o know_v how_o near_o our_o body_n and_o life_n draw_v to_o their_o end_n and_o if_o they_o continue_v long_o they_o will_v of_o themselves_o wax_v loathsome_a unto_o us._n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o account_v that_o man_n very_o unprovident_a and_o foolish_a who_o have_v thing_n needful_a for_o one_o or_o two_o day_n therein_o rest_v altogether_o careless_a of_o the_o time_n to_o come_v so_o we_o may_v well_o judge_v all_o carnal_a man_n more_o than_o mad_a who_o have_v no_o certain_a state_n of_o life_n in_o this_o world_n no_o not_o for_o one_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n do_v not_o seek_v for_o it_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n yea_o they_o reject_v it_o be_v offer_v a_o everlasting_a and_o unchangeable_a state_n of_o life_n joy_n glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v let_v we_o therefore_o give_v ear_n to_o that_o good_a counsel_n which_o christ_n himself_o give_v unto_o we_o john_n 6.23_o labour_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o meat_n which_o perish_v as_o for_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o mat._n 6.19_o lay_v up_o fâ—r_v yourselves_o treasure_n â—ot_n on_o earth_n where_o the_o moth_n &_o canker_n will_v corrupt_v yea_o where_o the_o worm_n will_v consume_v yourselves_o but_o lay_v up_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n where_o there_o be_v no_o corruption_n to_o be_v fear_v sect._n 2._o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o hindrance_n by_o the_o which_o man_n be_v stay_v from_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n the_o which_o although_o they_o be_v many_o and_o diverse_a as_o man_n do_v diverse_o conceive_v amiss_o of_o the_o truth_n yet_o the_o most_o usual_a of_o they_o be_v error_n or_o false_a conceit_n about_o this_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n to_o this_o head_n we_o be_v to_o refer_v first_o the_o ignorance_n of_o spiritual_a regeneration_n second_o despair_n of_o attain_v it_o as_o be_v a_o supernatural_a and_o a_o impossible_a thing_n for_o the_o first_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a regeneration_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n receive_v by_o many_o live_n in_o the_o church_n who_o confess_v indeed_o that_o man_n be_v sinful_a &_o must_v be_v holy_a &_o righteous_a before_o that_o he_o can_v please_v god_n and_o attain_v to_o salvation_n yet_o they_o think_v that_o this_o sinfulness_n be_v not_o so_o deep_o imprint_v into_o thâ—_n nature_n of_o man_n as_o be_v the_o spot_n into_o the_o skin_n of_o the_o leopard_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v but_o rather_o that_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o shake_v off_o and_o lay_v aside_o as_o a_o loose_a upper_a garment_n aâ—_n man_n pleasure_n that_o it_o come_v rather_o by_o imitation_n of_o those_o with_o who_o we_o live_v then_o by_o propagation_n from_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n by_o the_o particular_a default_n &_o wilfulness_n of_o several_a man_n who_o may_v be_v holy_a and_o pure_a if_o they_o will_v then_o from_o any_o general_a corruption_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o total_a spread_v itself_o over_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o body_n but_o only_o in_o this_o or_o that_o part_n as_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n or_o custom_n give_v to_o this_o or_o that_o vice_n some_o to_o one_o other_o to_o another_o &_o as_o they_o think_v of_o man_n sinfulness_n so_o they_o do_v &_o must_v of_o necessity_n think_v of_o the_o contrary_a holiness_n to_o wit_n that_o man_n have_v it_o in_o part_n by_o nature_n &_o may_v have_v it_o whole_o at_o his_o pleasure_n by_o good_a education_n moderation_n &_o such_o other_o mean_n as_o he_o may_v use_v without_o any_o supernatural_a work_n of_o god_n hence_o come_v or_o rather_o follow_v of_o necessity_n that_o grievous_a error_n of_o justification_n by_o work_n inherent_a holiness_n &_o man_n own_o righteousness_n wherewith_o the_o church_n have_v be_v hitherto_o &_o will_v be_v always_o hereafter_o infect_v as_o with_o a_o common_a plague_n &_o popular_a disease_n for_o that_o it_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
life_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o bare_a and_o naked_a profession_n or_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o deed_n and_o action_n when_o as_o every_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n lurk_v inward_o in_o the_o heart_n send_v forth_o fruit_n in_o life_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o kind_n of_o it_o for_o as_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o our_o body_n both_o in_o the_o whole_a and_o also_o in_o the_o several_a part_n and_o member_n of_o they_o that_o the_o more_o they_o be_v exercise_v the_o more_o they_o be_v both_o confirm_v in_o strength_n and_o augment_v in_o quantity_n and_o contrarilie_o the_o more_o they_o cease_v from_o perform_v their_o natural_a function_n the_o less_o able_a they_o be_v to_o perform_v they_o yea_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v littlâ—_n and_o weak_a even_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o soul_n the_o grace_n whereof_o as_o they_o be_v more_o or_o less_o put_v in_o practice_n in_o the_o do_n of_o of_o good_a work_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o christian_a duty_n so_o they_o do_v either_o increase_n or_o decay_v for_o example_n a_o christian_n be_v diligent_a in_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o love_n towards_o his_o brethren_n he_o impart_v his_o good_n and_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o relieve_n of_o their_o necessity_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o their_o want_n this_o christian_a by_o this_o mean_n increase_v love_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n by_o give_v he_o become_v more_o liberal_a by_o show_v mercy_n on_o the_o distress_a more_o pitiful_a the_o more_o he_o give_v to_o his_o brethren_n of_o his_o temporal_a good_n the_o more_o he_o get_v to_o himself_o of_o spiritual_a love_n the_o more_o we_o suffer_v affliction_n the_o more_o we_o learn_v patience_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o five_o to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o eight_o verse_n that_o he_o learned_a patience_n by_o his_o suffering_n and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o fifthe_o to_o the_o roman_n that_o affliction_n work_v patience_n the_o more_o the_o body_n be_v tame_v and_o keep_v under_o by_o fast_v &_o such_o other_o mean_n the_o more_o the_o soul_n be_v strengthen_v and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o all_o other_o grace_n foâ—_n by_o practiâ—e_n they_o be_v keep_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o want_n of_o practice_n they_o be_v diminish_v and_o lose_v whereby_o it_o appear_v how_o necessary_a good_a work_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o as_o they_o take_v their_o be_v from_o inward_a grace_n so_o they_o give_v back_o again_o unto_o they_o strength_n and_o increase_v thus_o christ_n mat._n 7._o in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o foolish_a builder_n make_v the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o man_n even_o that_o without_o the_o which_o it_o can_v stand_v and_o continue_v but_o will_v decay_v by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o at_o length_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n in_o like_a manner_n paul_n 1._o tim._n 6.17_o make_v good_a work_n the_o foundation_n of_o godliness_n although_o in_o truth_n and_o in_o proper_a speech_n it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o and_o jam._n 1.22_o be_v you_o not_o only_a hearer_n but_o also_o doer_n of_o the_o law_n otherwise_o you_o deceyve_v yourselves_o for_o that_o all_o your_o religion_n will_v soon_o vanish_v away_o and_o come_v to_o nought_o for_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v lose_v by_o idleness_n as_o they_o be_v strengthen_v by_o use_n and_o labour_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o good_a work_n howsoever_o little_o esteem_v by_o many_o and_o seldom_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o life_n of_o any_o have_v a_o necessary_a and_o notable_a use_n in_o this_o spiritual_a diet._n and_o sure_o whosoever_o consider_v the_o life_n and_o profession_n of_o many_o christian_n yea_o even_o of_o those_o of_o who_o we_o be_v to_o think_v no_o otherwise_o but_o that_o they_o be_v true_o endue_v with_o faith_n how_o fruitless_a and_o altogether_o barren_a of_o good_a work_n they_o be_v need_v not_o marvel_v why_o most_o man_n either_o decrease_n or_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n in_o godliness_n but_o may_v easy_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v lose_v for_o want_n of_o use_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_a duty_n for_o now_o a_o day_n christians_n be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a pleasure_n content_v themselves_o with_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o christian_a duty_n which_o belong_v to_o god_n as_o be_v prayer_n hear_v the_o word_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n lead_v a_o unblameable_a life_n but_o as_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o cost_n the_o impair_n of_o our_o worldly_a state_n and_o diminish_v of_o our_o earthly_a pleasure_n these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n but_o clean_o lay_v aside_o as_o thing_n of_o no_o necessity_n nor_o of_o any_o great_a use_n in_o regard_n of_o salvation_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o more_o they_o be_v neglect_v the_o more_o the_o grace_n from_o the_o which_o they_o shall_v proceed_v be_v diminish_v for_o as_o good_a child_n be_v to_o their_o parent_n so_o good_a work_n be_v to_o inward_a grace_n they_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v they_o as_o they_o come_v from_o they_o and_o so_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o they_o both_o as_o cause_n and_o as_o effect_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o good_a work_n we_o will_v brief_o consider_v in_o how_o many_o other_o respect_v they_o be_v good_a and_o needful_a sect._n 15._o the_o first_o motive_n and_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o good_a work_n be_v the_o set_v forth_o of_o god_n glory_n for_o the_o which_o purpose_n weâ—_n be_v both_o create_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o recreated_a in_o regeneration_n 1_o cor._n 6.20_o you_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n therefore_o glorify_v god_n in_o your_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o be_v go_n for_o that_o god_n be_v great_o glorify_v by_o our_o good_a work_n we_o know_v both_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o common_a reason_n mat._n 5.16_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o see_v your_o work_n may_v glorify_v your_o father_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o joh._n 15.8_o herein_o be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n and_o become_v my_o disciple_n and_o 1._o pet._n 2.12_o have_v your_o conversation_n honest_a among_o thâ—_n gentile_n that_o they_o behold_v your_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o visitation_n yea_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n itself_o for_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v be_v not_o evil_a or_o unjust_a or_o any_o approver_n of_o evil_a but_o of_o purity_n justice_n uprightness_n and_o goodness_n again_o by_o obey_v god_n commandment_n we_o show_v and_o profess_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o we_o acknowledge_v love_n and_o fear_v he_o that_o we_o believe_v his_o word_n promise_n and_o threaten_n that_o we_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o whereas_o by_o neglect_v those_o christian_a duty_n which_o god_n require_v we_o show_v indeed_o whatsoever_o we_o profess_v in_o word_n that_o we_o make_v small_a reckon_n of_o he_o or_o of_o his_o word_n second_o we_o ought_v to_o abound_v in_o all_o good_a work_n that_o so_o we_o may_v give_v both_o to_o other_o and_o also_o to_o get_v to_o our_o own_o conscience_n many_o argument_n and_o pledge_n of_o true_a regeneration_n the_o which_o can_v be_v know_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o shall_v we_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o say_v that_o good_a work_n be_v some_o cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o be_v in_o part_n the_o matter_n of_o our_o justification_n it_o be_v not_o good_a or_o lawful_a to_o speak_v or_o lie_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n or_o to_o persuade_v good_a work_n by_o a_o untruth_n yet_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o look_v what_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o renew_a holiness_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n so_o much_o may_v and_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o good_a work_n which_o be_v a_o part_n thereof_o to_o wit_n the_o holiness_n of_o the_o outward_a action_n for_o holiness_n be_v exercise_v by_o good_a work_n especial_o by_o those_o which_o be_v most_o costly_a and_o troublesome_a unto_o us._n for_o whosoever_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o his_o temporal_a commodity_n he_o do_v it_o in_o all_o likelihood_n in_o some_o spiritual_a respect_n and_o for_o conscience_n
the_o soul_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v that_o whereon_o the_o life_n and_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v depend_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o either_o that_o christian_n who_o be_v diligent_a in_o prayer_n shall_v be_v weak_a in_o grace_n or_o that_o grace_n shall_v abound_v where_o there_o be_v neglect_n of_o prayer_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o account_v diligence_n in_o prayer_n or_o how_o often_o ought_v a_o christian_a to_o perform_v this_o duty_n the_o answer_n we_o have_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o namely_o thessalonian_o 5.17_o pray_v without_o cease_v and_o ephesian_n 6.18_o pray_v in_o the_o spirit_n with_o all_o perseverance_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n at_o all_o time_n and_o luke_n 18.1_o he_o tell_v they_o a_o parable_n to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o shall_v pray_v always_o and_o never_o be_v weary_v this_o general_a commandment_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o restrain_v pray_v at_o all_o season_n upon_o all_o occasion_n think_v not_o this_o exercise_n to_o be_v needless_a unprofitable_a or_o unseasonable_a at_o any_o time_n in_o the_o night_n or_o in_o the_o day_n in_o the_o morning_n or_o at_o noon_n in_o the_o town_n or_o in_o the_o field_n in_o business_n or_o in_o leisure_n thus_o have_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n live_v and_o thus_o they_o have_v pass_v on_o their_o day_n in_o continual_a invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n thus_o do_v paul_n 1._o thes._n 3.10_o night_n and_o day_n without_o measure_n i_o pray_v etc._n etc._n and_o david_n psal._n 55.18_o in_o the_o evening_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o at_o noon_n day_n i_o will_v meditate_v i_o will_v make_v a_o noise_n in_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o we_o read_v of_o daniel_n dan._n 6.10_o that_o it_o be_v his_o custom_n to_o pray_v unto_o god_n thrice_o every_o day_n out_o of_o the_o which_o precept_n and_o example_n we_o may_v easy_o gather_v how_o much_o time_n and_o care_n ought_v to_o be_v allot_v and_o bestow_v upon_o this_o exercise_n and_o that_o it_o be_v continual_o to_o be_v perform_v for_o it_o be_v not_o with_o our_o soul_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o it_o be_v with_o our_o body_n the_o which_o may_v easy_o surfeit_v of_o meat_n or_o of_o exercise_n for_o that_o they_o be_v of_o mean_a strength_n can_v not_o bear_v much_o of_o either_o but_o be_v soon_o overcharge_v and_o hurt_v whereas_o the_o soul_n have_v not_o any_o pitch_n or_o set_v limit_n either_o of_o holiness_n but_o be_v to_o grow_v on_o further_a even_o when_o as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o high_a or_o of_o the_o mean_n by_o the_o which_o it_o be_v attain_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v exceed_v in_o this_o behalf_n unless_o perhaps_o we_o as_o very_o few_o do_v fall_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o heresy_n which_o give_v all_o the_o time_n of_o a_o man_n life_n to_o prayer_n and_o none_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n in_o follow_v the_o work_n of_o our_o calling_n the_o which_o be_v in_o no_o case_n to_o be_v admit_v and_o therefore_o that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o be_v require_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o this_o behalf_n and_o what_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o right_n diet_v of_o the_o soul_n we_o will_v consider_v this_o point_n more_o at_o large_a and_o in_o particular_a in_o this_o manner_n as_o bodilye_o so_o also_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a the_o one_o be_v to_o be_v use_v daily_o the_o other_o at_o some_o time_n only_o as_o occasion_n require_v for_o as_o sometime_o the_o body_n require_v long_a and_o vehement_a exercise_n the_o which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v in_o ordinary_a diet_n for_o that_o it_o will_v soon_o dry_v up_o and_o consume_v the_o body_n so_o it_o be_v sometime_o needful_a that_o a_o christian_n use_n extraordinary_a prayer_n and_o that_o for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o this_o exercise_n he_o lay_v aside_o for_o a_o time_n all_o other_o duty_n care_n and_o incumberance_n whatsoever_o the_o which_o he_o may_v not_o do_v ordinary_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v 1._o cor._n 7._o that_o when_o as_o it_o be_v so_o needful_a in_o any_o respect_n as_o for_o the_o avoid_n or_o remove_v of_o any_o great_a afffliction_n or_o heavy_a judgement_n which_o he_o have_v by_o his_o sin_n pull_v upon_o his_o own_o head_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o some_o needful_a grace_n or_o temporal_a blessing_n he_o may_v omit_v for_o a_o season_n the_o duty_n of_o marriage_n and_o give_v himself_o whole_o to_o prayer_n but_o ordinary_a prayer_n may_v stand_v with_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n neither_o hinder_v they_o nor_o yet_o be_v hinder_v by_o they_o so_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v both_o serve_v god_n by_o prayer_n and_o also_o do_v whatsoever_o his_o calling_n although_o it_o be_v laborious_a and_o troublesome_a do_v require_v this_o ordinary_a prayer_n be_v perform_v after_o two_o sort_n either_o at_o set_n and_o certain_a time_n or_o else_o upon_o occasion_n as_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n with_o man_n to_o eat_v drink_n and_o exercise_v themselves_o both_o at_o time_n appoint_v for_o these_o purpose_n and_o also_o as_o diverse_a occasion_n do_v offer_v themselves_o so_o a_o christian_n be_v to_o pray_v as_o the_o apostle_n will_v timothy_n to_o prâ—ach_v both_o in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n at_o set_a time_n &_o of_o a_o sudden_a set_a prayer_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o full_a and_o ample_a manner_n the_o other_o kind_n which_o we_o will_v call_v sudden_a prayer_n brief_o in_o few_o word_n even_o as_o we_o know_v and_o see_v that_o man_n at_o their_o set_a meal_n take_v a_o great_a quantity_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_v than_o they_o do_v at_o other_o time_n for_o why_o set_v prayer_n must_v have_v in_o it_o all_o the_o part_n or_o kind_n of_o prayer_n as_o the_o apostle_n write_v ephe._n 6._o pray_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o wit_n confession_n of_o sin_n commit_v deprecation_n of_o judgement_n present_a or_o imminent_a require_v of_o grace_n needful_a thanksgiving_n for_o benefit_n receyve_v intercession_n for_o other_o set_a prayer_n must_v consist_v of_o all_o these_o part_n yea_o which_o be_v more_o the_o particular_a at_o least_o the_o chief_a sin_n judgement_n grace_n blessing_n benefit_n person_n ought_v to_o be_v rehearse_v and_o mention_v whereof_o it_o come_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n contain_v in_o it_o so_o many_o diverse_a matter_n can_v be_v contain_v in_o a_o few_o word_n or_o utter_v in_o a_o short_a time_n whereas_o sudden_a prayer_n conceyve_v upon_o some_o particular_a occasion_n and_o have_v but_o one_o matter_n may_v be_v dispatch_v in_o one_o word_n sect._n 10._o the_o use_n of_o set_a prayer_n be_v manifest_a for_o they_o be_v many_o even_o as_o many_o as_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n all_o which_o be_v supply_v by_o mean_n of_o it_o but_o wherefore_o then_o serve_v sudden_a prayer_n sure_o for_o sudden_a use_n happen_v beside_o a_o man_n expectation_n and_o necessary_o require_v this_o duty_n of_o prayer_n as_o when_o a_o christian_a commit_v any_o sin_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n straightway_o he_o desire_v god_n to_o pardon_v his_o sin_n likewise_o when_o he_o receive_v any_o blessing_n from_o god_n he_o give_v thanks_o without_o any_o delay_n and_o likewise_o in_o all_o other_o part_n of_o prayer_n as_o we_o know_v that_o the_o church_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n have_v general_o take_v up_o this_o custom_n of_o pray_v at_o the_o take_n of_o meat_n the_o which_o of_o temporal_a blessing_n be_v most_o needful_a &_o most_o often_o receive_v this_o kind_n of_o prayer_n may_v be_v perform_v at_o any_o time_n and_o in_o any_o place_n for_o of_o it_o the_o apostle_n write_v 1._o tim._n 2.8_o i_o will_v that_o the_o man_n pray_v in_o every_o place_n lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n yea_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o other_o affair_n whatsoever_o &_o in_o the_o company_n of_o other_o but_o for_o set_v prayer_n choice_n must_v be_v make_v of_o a_o secret_a place_n &_o of_o such_o a_o time_n wherein_o we_o be_v free_v &_o as_o it_o be_v loose_v from_o all_o other_o business_n that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v our_o mind_n &_o affection_n whole_o set_v upon_o it_o mat._n 6.6_o when_o thou_o praie_v enter_v into_o thy_o chamber_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v shut_v thy_o door_n pray_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o secret_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o account_v some_o part_n of_o the_o night_n the_o fit_a season_n for_o this_o work_n because_o than_o we_o be_v free_v from_o all_o other_o duty_n belong_v either_o to_o our_o calling_n or_o to_o our_o brethren_n and_o so_o may_v without_o be_v interrupt_v