hear_n of_o god_n word_n the_o three_o earnest_n and_o continual_a prayer_n by_o the_o first_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o come_v to_o god_n cast_v off_o his_o filthy_a sin_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a garment_n of_o a_o religious_a just_a upright_o and_o honest_a life_n by_o the_o second_o he_o stand_v wait_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o god_n mercy_n where_o usual_o man_n be_v receyve_v into_o favour_n by_o the_o three_o he_o become_v a_o little_a more_o bold_a presume_v to_o knock_v and_o rap_v at_o god_n gate_n where_o we_o leave_v he_o prepare_v wait_v and_o knock_v till_o it_o please_v god_n to_o open_v and_o let_v he_o in_o sect._n 5._o and_o yet_o there_o remain_v one_o point_n to_o be_v brief_o declare_v to_o wit_n how_o this_o repentant_a be_v now_o as_o we_o be_v to_o hope_v judge_v and_o suppose_v of_o a_o carnal_a make_v a_o spiritual_a man_n may_v know_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n for_o although_o regeneration_n be_v so_o great_a and_o a_o total_a change_n be_v usual_o so_o evident_a especial_o to_o he_o in_o who_o it_o have_v place_n that_o he_o can_v not_o doubt_v of_o it_o yet_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o natural_a infidelity_n which_o remain_v in_o they_o that_o even_o the_o faithful_a be_v bring_v to_o this_o pass_n that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o themselves_o but_o either_o think_v or_o at_o the_o least_o suspect_n themselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n when_o as_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v arryve_v in_o the_o haven_n this_o controversy_n must_v be_v take_v away_o by_o compare_v our_o present_a estate_n with_o our_o former_a and_o by_o consider_v that_o change_n which_o we_o feel_v to_o be_v of_o a_o sudden_a wrought_v in_o ourselves_o in_o the_o earnest_a performance_n of_o some_o christian_a exercise_n tend_v to_o regeneration_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o it_o in_o our_o banquet_n pastime_n sleep_n recreation_n or_o while_o we_o be_v busy_v about_o worldly_a affair_n but_o while_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n while_o we_o pray_v unto_o he_o public_o or_o perhaps_o private_o alone_a or_o with_o other_o while_o we_o humble_v ourselves_o in_o fast_v and_o unfeigned_a sorrow_n for_o our_o sin_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o which_o christian_n duty_n god_n be_v by_o his_o mighty_a power_n able_a to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o way_n he_o lift_v to_o change_v the_o natural_a disposition_n of_o his_o soul_n who_o he_o then_o call_v make_v it_o look_v toward_o himself_o which_o before_o do_v frowardlie_a abhor_v from_o all_o good_a and_o uppe_o to_o heaven_n which_o before_o have_v the_o eye_n fix_v in_o earthly_a thing_n whereupon_o this_o repentaunt_a for_o we_o will_v yet_o give_v he_o his_o old_a name_n because_o he_o doubt_v himself_o to_o be_v still_o not_o a_o new_a but_o the_o old_a man_n feel_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n his_o mind_n will_n and_o affection_n strange_o change_v for_o whereas_o before_o he_o feel_v himself_o so_o hard_o heart_v that_o although_o he_o see_v his_o sin_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o greeve_v for_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o they_o now_o he_o pour_v out_o of_o his_o eye_n river_n of_o tear_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o dishonour_n which_o he_o have_v by_o his_o sin_n bâ—ought_v to_o the_o name_n of_o god_n whereas_o before_o he_o doubt_v of_o god_n favour_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n now_o he_o be_v undoubted_o persuade_v of_o both_o and_o so_o he_o be_v now_o replenish_v with_o unspeakable_a joy_n &_o hear_v the_o spirit_n not_o of_o bondage_n and_o fear_v wherewith_o he_o be_v possess_v but_o of_o adoption_n cry_v in_o his_o heart_n abba_n father_n he_o now_o feel_v himself_o able_a to_o withstand_v those_o sin_n whereunto_o before_o he_o yield_v continual_o at_o the_o first_o to_o have_v a_o delight_n in_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o in_o all_o christian_a exercise_n whereunto_o before_o he_o be_v draw_v by_o fear_n of_o the_o displeasure_n either_o of_o man_n or_o perhaps_o in_o some_o conscience_n of_o sin_n in_o fear_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o avoid_v it_o and_o to_o conclude_v he_o feel_v all_o those_o part_n of_o holiness_n wrought_v in_o some_o measure_n in_o his_o soul_n which_o be_v requite_v in_o the_o faithful_a finis_fw-la the_o argument_n of_o the_o treatise_n follow_v as_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o man_n body_n that_o it_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o natural_a perfection_n of_o it_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o equal_a temperature_n and_o just_a proportion_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o for_o that_o it_o be_v leave_v here_o will_v soon_o perish_v and_o come_v to_o nougâ—t_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v continual_o both_o nourish_v with_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o also_o preserve_v from_o all_o hurtful_a thing_n yea_o careful_o restore_v to_o the_o former_a state_n of_o health_n if_o by_o any_o inward_a or_o outward_a mean_n it_o fall_v into_o sickness_n or_o be_v any_o way_n hurt_n wound_a or_o distemper_v no_o more_o will_v it_o serve_v for_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v both_o prepare_v by_o repentance_n for_o regeneration_n yea_o actual_o regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o it_o likewise_o must_v continual_o be_v tend_v feed_v and_o cherish_v yea_o heal_v of_o all_o those_o malady_n which_o by_o any_o mean_n happen_v unto_o it_o this_o we_o call_v the_o right_n diet_v of_o the_o soul_n resemble_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o body_n that_o both_o the_o doctrine_n may_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a be_v illustrate_v &_o declare_v by_o sensible_a &_o familiar_a similitude_n and_o also_o that_o the_o continual_a care_n and_o pain_n which_o we_o take_v about_o our_o body_n tâ—e_v order_v &_o diet_v of_o they_o may_v always_o be_v put_v we_o 〈◊〉_d mind_n of_o perform_v the_o same_o duty_n unto_o our_o soul_n for_o the_o which_o we_o oght_v to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_a as_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v better_a they_o this_o short_a and_o miserable_a life_n this_o spiritual_a diet_n have_v two_o part_n conseruative_n and_o restorative_n the_o former_a continue_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o of_o holiness_n which_o it_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n the_o other_o restore_v it_o when_o it_o be_v lose_v and_o repair_v it_o be_v decay_v again_o conseruative_a diet_n have_v two_o part_n nutritive_a and_o preservative_n consist_v the_o one_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o those_o thing_n by_o the_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v nourish_v the_o other_o in_o the_o careful_a avoid_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v hurtful_a unto_o it_o spiritual_a nourishment_n consist_v in_o two_o thing_n food_n and_o exercise_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v the_o matter_n the_o other_o the_o mean_n manner_n or_o form_n of_o nutrition_n further_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o the_o soul_n have_v resemblance_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o body_n and_o how_o it_o be_v of_o itself_o simple_a and_o spiritual_a can_v be_v subject_a to_o alteration_n distemper_n and_o disease_n which_o have_v place_n in_o the_o body_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o contrariety_n of_o quality_n prevail_a or_o yield_v one_o to_o another_o to_o wit_n that_o as_o in_o the_o body_n heat_n and_o moisture_n so_o in_o the_o soul_n holiness_n &_o sinfulness_n do_v continual_o fight_v together_o the_o one_o labour_v to_o consume_v and_o expel_v the_o other_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o flesh_n labour_v to_o quench_v all_o the_o good_a motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n strive_v to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o all_o the_o corrupt_a lust_n thereof_o gal._n 5.17_o the_o flesh_n lu_v against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o these_o be_v contrary_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o this_o be_v the_o composition_n &_o temperature_n of_o the_o soul_n have_v place_n only_o in_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n wherein_o the_o soul_n have_v in_o itself_o both_o holiness_n and_o sinfulness_n but_o not_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n or_o yet_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n in_o carnal_a man_n when_o as_o tâ—e_v soul_n be_v altogether_o either_o holy_a or_o sinful_a can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v this_o composition_n or_o temperature_n these_o point_n of_o doctrine_n may_v profitable_o be_v consider_v but_o first_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o pain_n and_o care_v take_v in_o diet_v and_o order_v the_o soul_n aught_o to_o be_v continual_a without_o any_o intermission_n for_o that_o as_o the_o body_n be_v neglect_v for_o
or_o any_o way_n hinder_v set_v ourselves_o to_o pray_v unto_o god_n as_o we_o read_v psal._n 119.61_o even_o at_o midnight_n will_v i_o rise_v to_o praise_v thou_o and_o to_o think_v of_o all_o thy_o judgement_n or_o at_o the_o least_o to_o sequester_v ourselves_o in_o the_o day_n time_n from_o the_o company_n of_o other_o as_o we_o read_v gen._n 24.63_o that_o isaac_n in_o the_o evening_n do_v walk_v forth_o into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v and_o pray_v and_o mat._n 14.23_o that_o christ_n when_o his_o time_n of_o prayer_n be_v come_v send_v the_o multitude_n away_o and_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n alone_o to_o pray_v and_o be_v there_o alone_o as_o also_o mark_v 1.35_o that_o very_o early_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o day_n he_o go_v into_o a_o desert_n or_o solitary_a place_n and_o there_o pray_v but_o as_o for_o sudden_a prayer_n he_o do_v often_o perform_v that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o other_o affair_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o other_o even_o of_o the_o whole_a multitude_n thus_o he_o pray_v john_n 11.41_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o be_v about_o to_o work_v in_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o death_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o what_o with_o extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a what_o with_o set_v and_o sudden_a prayer_n the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o continual_a exercise_n of_o pray_v to_o the_o daily_o and_o diligent_a performance_n whereof_o he_o whosoever_o desire_v to_o have_v his_o soul_n in_o good_a estate_n be_v to_o look_v careful_o lest_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n he_o be_v draw_v away_o and_o become_v negligent_a in_o this_o behalf_n as_o we_o see_v it_o often_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o christian_n do_v so_o entangle_v and_o even_o overwhelm_v themselves_o with_o worldly_a care_n and_o affair_n that_o they_o can_v scarce_o spare_v any_o time_n either_o for_o extraordinary_a or_o for_o ordinary_a either_o for_o set_v or_o for_o sudden_a prayer_n yea_o if_o there_o be_v no_o outward_a hindrance_n yet_o the_o slothfulness_n of_o the_o flesh_n unwilling_a of_o itself_o to_o take_v pain_n in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o spiritual_a exercise_n be_v a_o sufficient_a hindrance_n and_o make_v many_o cold_a negligent_a yea_o &_o at_o length_n altogether_o careless_a of_o this_o duty_n as_o we_o read_v mar._n 14.37_o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n when_o as_o they_o have_v this_o duty_n impose_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o drowsy_a sluggishness_n hinder_v from_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o the_o which_o so_o far_o prevail_v with_o they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o get_v the_o upper_a hand_n of_o it_o no_o not_o when_o they_o be_v sharp_o reprove_v by_o christ_n &_o stir_v up_o to_o prayer_n for_o so_o he_o say_v peter_n sleep_v thou_o can_v thou_o not_o watch_v one_o hour_n watch_z and_o pray_v lest_o you_o fall_v into_o temptation_n the_o spirit_n be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a and_o therefore_o christ_n speak_v of_o pray_v luc._n 8.1_o add_v this_o caveat_n that_o they_o shall_v pray_v and_o not_o be_v weary_v with_o it_o so_o that_o we_o be_v forewarn_v by_o christ_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n lest_o that_o by_o these_o or_o any_o other_o mean_n we_o be_v either_o altogether_o hinder_v or_o make_v negligent_a in_o this_o exercise_n wherein_o as_o have_v often_o be_v say_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v consist_v as_o no_o doubt_n we_o shall_v if_o we_o consider_v and_o weigh_v the_o unspeakable_a fruit_n and_o comfort_n arise_v of_o it_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v less_o irksome_a or_o more_o pleasant_a to_o a_o christian_a soul_n then_o to_o have_v daily_a company_n conversation_n conference_n and_o talk_n with_o god_n his_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n his_o protector_n and_o mediator_n his_o lord_n and_o his_o god_n the_o fountain_n and_o full_a treasure_n of_o all_o blessing_n the_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_o perform_v then_o that_o which_o procure_v pardon_n for_o all_o sin_n which_o remoove_v all_o evil_n which_o supply_v all_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a want_n which_o increase_v all_o grace_n and_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o sound_n and_o perfect_a health_n even_o as_o bodily_a exercise_n do_v the_o body_n and_o therefore_o as_o man_n feel_v their_o body_n any_o way_n heavy_a distemper_a and_o out_o of_o course_n straightway_o they_o fly_v to_o this_o remedy_n of_o exercise_n not_o doubt_v but_o that_o it_o will_v soon_o put_v it_o away_o so_o whensoever_o we_o feel_v ourselves_o prone_a to_o sin_n and_o untoward_a and_o sluggish_a in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n if_o we_o give_v ourselves_o to_o this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n &_o stretch_v out_o the_o joint_n of_o our_o soul_n before_o god_n we_o shall_v no_o doubt_n feel_v a_o great_a change_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o that_o now_o they_o be_v light_n and_o able_a to_o lift_v up_o themselves_o to_o heaven_n sect._n 11._o thus_o we_o see_v what_o singular_a force_n and_o virtue_n in_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n this_o exercise_n of_o prayer_n have_v and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a blessing_n of_o god_n who_o according_a to_o his_o gracious_a promise_n grant_v whatsoever_o his_o child_n ask_v by_o prayer_n according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n prayer_n be_v as_o profitable_a for_o the_o body_n as_o for_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o procure_v temporal_a blessing_n as_o well_o as_o spiritual_a grace_n but_o also_o by_o a_o proper_a virtue_n inherent_a in_o itself_o for_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o the_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n in_o pour_v his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n into_o their_o heart_n who_o ask_v it_o by_o hearty_a prayer_n the_o very_a action_n of_o prayer_n do_v although_o not_o merit_n yet_o both_o confirm_v and_o increase_v grace_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v not_o of_o force_n for_o temporal_a blessing_n for_o no_o man_n can_v by_o pray_v enrich_v himself_o only_a it_o procure_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o so_o bring_v riches_n but_o as_o for_o spiritual_a grace_n it_o work_v not_o the_o beginning_n but_o the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o they_o not_o only_o from_o god_n but_o also_o by_o itself_o as_o have_v be_v note_v before_o and_o will_v more_o plain_o appear_v by_o that_o which_o follow_v for_o first_o for_o prayer_n in_o general_a whosoever_o give_v himself_o to_o a_o diligent_a use_n of_o it_o he_o do_v of_o necessity_n daily_o enter_v into_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o his_o spiritual_a state_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o it_o the_o which_o can_v but_o work_v in_o he_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n for_o as_o the_o careless_a neglect_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n come_v from_o a_o greedy_a seek_n and_o a_o sensual_a enjoy_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n bring_v a_o daily_a decrease_n so_o the_o serious_a and_o continual_a meditation_n of_o they_o bring_v increase_v of_o grace_n the_o which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v watchfulness_n as_o the_o contrary_a neglect_n be_v drowsy_a sleep_a and_o therefore_o these_o two_o be_v usual_o join_v together_o watch_z and_o pray_v as_o mar._n 13.33_o look_v watch_n and_o pray_v and_o math._n 26.41_o watch_n and_o pray_v lest_o you_o fall_v into_o temptation_n that_o be_v give_v yourselves_o to_o prayer_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o your_o own_o estate_n such_o as_o use_v to_o be_v not_o in_o drowsy_a head_n but_o in_o man_n give_v to_o much_o wake_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v you_o may_v be_v strong_a in_o grace_n and_o so_o enable_v to_o resist_v the_o force_n of_o sin_n this_o appear_v more_o evident_o in_o the_o particular_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v make_v a_o full_a and_o plain_a confession_n of_o his_o sin_n before_o god_n desire_v he_o for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o christ_n to_o pardon_v they_o promise_v and_o vow_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o will_v never_o again_o so_o displease_v and_o so_o dishonour_v he_o and_o not_o be_v make_v even_o by_o this_o confession_n far_o off_o from_o commit_v of_o sin_n and_o if_o we_o suppose_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n be_v so_o strong_a in_o he_o and_o do_v so_o much_o prevail_v that_o notwithstanding_o his_o diligent_a pray_v he_o still_o fall_v into_o sin_n yet_o that_o will_v stand_v true_a which_o we_o affirm_v to_o wit_n that_o diligent_a prayer_n and_o the_o commit_n of_o sin_n will_v not_o stand_v other_o for_o if_o prayer_n can_v make_v he_o cease_v from_o sin_v yet_o his_o sin_v will_v make_v he_o leave_v off_o pray_v and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o open_v his_o mouth_n to_o god_n or_o lift_v up_o his_o eye_n to_o
who_o in_o great_a wisdom_n have_v leave_v this_o corruption_n in_o the_o faithful_a to_o exercise_v they_o while_o they_o remain_v here_o on_o earth_n yea_o as_o this_o infirmity_n can_v not_o be_v whole_o take_v away_o so_o it_o can_v not_o be_v whole_o hinder_v from_o work_v for_o it_o send_v forth_o some_o fruit_n even_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n who_o sin_n often_o but_o we_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o this_o infirmity_n in_o this_o place_n for_o although_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o definition_n agree_v unto_o it_o yet_o the_o late_a do_v not_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o spiritual_a infirmity_n yea_o the_o relic_n of_o sin_n yea_o work_a many_a way_n and_o strive_v against_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o make_v a_o faithful_a man_n prone_a and_o ready_a to_o the_o commit_n of_o actual_a sin_n or_o backward_o in_o serve_v of_o god_n for_o notwithstanding_o it_o many_o be_v far_o off_o from_o actual_a sin_n and_o forward_o in_o serve_v god._n but_o those_o spiritual_a infirmity_n in_o the_o heal_n whereof_o we_o be_v to_o labour_v do_v work_v sensible_o and_o forcible_o yea_o they_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n prevail_v usual_o inward_o in_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o sometime_o they_o prevail_v in_o the_o outward_a act_n original_a corruption_n may_v be_v so_o restrain_v that_o it_o can_v work_v but_o secret_o and_o without_o force_n or_o apparent_a effect_n but_o these_o do_v after_o a_o sort_n part_n stake_n with_o grace_n reign_v inward_o in_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n at_o least_o often_o and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o course_n howsoever_o they_o be_v so_o subdue_v and_o repress_v that_o they_o seldom_o come_v to_o the_o perfection_n and_o act_n of_o sin_n yet_o of_o these_o infirmity_n whereof_o we_o speak_v some_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n incurable_a to_o wit_n first_o those_o which_o be_v ground_v upon_o some_o erroneous_a opinion_n the_o which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o infirmity_n in_o itself_o so_o often_o it_o bring_v forth_o a_o evil_a custom_n in_o action_n and_o as_o usual_o it_o be_v inveterat_fw-la be_v incorrigible_a so_o be_v the_o effect_n which_o come_v of_o it_o for_o example_n many_o think_v that_o they_o may_v lawful_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o daily_a and_o continual_a use_n of_o all_o worldly_a pleasure_n be_v not_o in_o nature_n unlawful_a howsoever_o for_o use_v they_o be_v inconvenient_a and_o a_o hindrance_n to_o their_o salvation_n this_o be_v their_o opinion_n and_o this_o be_v their_o practice_n thus_o they_o live_v and_o thus_o they_o do_v the_o like_a we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o all_o those_o infirmity_n which_o have_v their_o beginning_n and_o foundation_n in_o a_o unchangeable_a constitution_n of_o the_o body_n howsoever_o this_o unchangeable_a disposition_n of_o the_o body_n come_v whither_o by_o nature_n or_o by_o some_o other_o accidental_a mean_n for_o example_n many_o be_v by_o the_o distemperature_n of_o their_o body_n incessant_o and_o vehement_o provoke_v and_o even_o prick_v on_o to_o carnal_a lust_n to_o drunkenness_n to_o slothfulness_n to_o anger_n impatiency_n and_o to_o other_o sin_n hereof_o it_o come_v that_o the_o soul_n follow_v the_o disposition_n &_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n be_v also_o thus_o affect_v for_o the_o sense_n of_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o body_n make_v the_o mind_n to_o think_v of_o it_o the_o will_n to_o choose_v the_o affection_n to_o embrace_v and_o hunt_v after_o it_o the_o which_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n although_o they_o be_v continual_o withstand_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n strive_v not_o only_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o burst_v into_o actual_a sin_n but_o also_o whole_o to_o dispossess_v they_o yet_o they_o have_v too_o sure_a foot_n to_o be_v clean_o take_v away_o but_o how_o hard_o of_o heal_v soever_o they_o be_v we_o must_v endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o they_o both_o for_o that_o we_o be_v as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o we_o in_o continual_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o open_a grievous_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n as_o have_v be_v say_v that_o that_o city_n which_o be_v continual_o both_o besiege_v and_o also_o assault_v be_v in_o continual_a danger_n as_o also_o because_o they_o be_v a_o continual_a trouble_n and_o grief_n unto_o we_o yea_o a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n belong_v either_o to_o god_n to_o our_o brother_n or_o to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o calling_n in_o the_o which_o respect_n the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 12.7_o call_v one_o of_o these_o spiritual_a infirmity_n a_o prick_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n continual_o buffet_v he_o that_o be_v great_o trouble_v and_o grieve_v he_o the_o mean_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v be_v these_o first_o and_o chief_o prayer_n unto_o god_n from_o who_o only_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n yea_o fervent_a earnest_a importunate_a and_o uncessant_a prayer_n as_o the_o say_a apostle_n say_v that_o he_o desire_v god_n thrice_o that_o be_v earnest_o and_o often_o that_o he_o will_v take_v that_o infirmity_n and_o temptation_n from_o he_o where_o it_o be_v add_v that_o god_n make_v he_o this_o answer_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a foâ—_n thou_o my_o power_n be_v make_v perfect_a in_o weakness_n whereby_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o his_o importunity_n in_o prayer_n be_v either_o reprove_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v or_o else_o forbid_v which_o may_v be_v admit_v although_o it_o be_v like_a that_o he_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o pray_v but_o only_o comfort_v and_o strengthen_v in_o temptation_n we_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o prayer_n or_o to_o give_v over_o as_o despair_a of_o victory_n against_o it_o but_o rather_o to_o call_v for_o grace_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n yea_o even_o to_o the_o last_o gasp_n to_o continue_v in_o earnest_a prayer_n the_o second_o mean_n be_v to_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o whither_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n or_o in_o some_o evil_a custom_n and_o company_n or_o a_o erroneous_a opinion_n the_o three_o be_v to_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n which_o may_v provoke_v we_o to_o that_o sin_n or_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o it_o the_o last_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v any_o settle_a place_n in_o our_o mind_n or_o affection_n as_o it_o be_v come_v to_o composition_n with_o it_o and_o give_v half_a unto_o it_o for_o if_o it_o bear_v rule_v in_o the_o souâ—e_n it_o will_v certain_o break_v forth_o often_o in_o outward_a action_n but_o rather_o to_o put_v it_o far_o out_o of_o our_o mind_n and_o not_o give_v unto_o it_o any_o rest_a place_n sect._n 4._o thus_o much_o of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o disease_n follow_v a_o spiritual_a disease_n be_v the_o reign_v of_o sin_n or_o ordinary_a and_o habitual_a prevail_a of_o sin_n against_o grace_n this_o definition_n be_v to_o be_v particular_o declare_v thus_o it_o have_v be_v often_o say_v that_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n there_o be_v two_o contrary_a quality_n sin_n and_o holiness_n these_o two_o be_v of_o contrary_a nature_n continual_o war_a the_o one_o against_o the_o other_o the_o field_n wherein_o this_o battle_n be_v fight_v be_v the_o will_n of_o man_n the_o which_o be_v hale_v now_o to_o this_o now_o to_o that_o side_n at_o length_n the_o one_o get_v it_o and_o withal_o the_o victory_n for_o in_o this_o battle_n the_o outward_a action_n which_o proceed_v whole_o from_o the_o will_n for_o that_o a_o man_n will_v that_o he_o do_v be_v the_o victory_n which_o if_o it_o be_v sinful_a than_o sin_n have_v prevail_v if_o sin_n take_v the_o repulse_n and_o can_v be_v bring_v forth_o then_o grace_n have_v prevail_v and_o get_v the_o victory_n there_o be_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o if_o sin_n prevail_v there_o be_v a_o grievous_a disease_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o not_o any_o prevayl_v of_o sin_n but_o the_o ordinary_a prevayl_v of_o it_o make_v a_o spiritual_a sickness_n for_o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o even_o in_o spiritual_a infirmity_n sin_n be_v sometime_o bring_v forth_o but_o not_o usual_o or_o ordinare_o as_o noah_n drunkenness_n lot_n incest_n david_n murder_n and_o adultery_n be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o happen_v perhaps_o but_o once_o in_o all_o the_o time_n of_o their_o life_n and_o therefore_o these_o sin_n argue_v not_o any_o disease_n but_o infirmity_n in_o their_o soul_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o spiritual_a disease_n be_v the_o kind_n of_o it_o be_v two_o total_a and_o particular_a the_o one_o stretch_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a soul_n of_o man_n make_v a_o sensible_a decrease_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o holiness_n the_o other_o rest_v in_o some_o part_n as_o it_o come_v to_o
which_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o man_n be_v altogether_o impossible_a be_v easy_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n who_o be_v no_o less_o able_a to_o restore_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o their_o first_o purity_n than_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n to_o create_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o all_o the_o doubt_n be_v in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n whether_o that_o as_o he_o be_v able_a so_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o work_v regeneration_n in_o every_o one_o that_o seek_v it_o if_o he_o be_v willing_a then_o sure_o either_o every_o one_o may_v attain_v to_o regeneration_n which_o be_v undoubted_o false_a or_o else_o very_a few_o do_v seek_v after_o it_o the_o which_o may_v be_v great_o wonder_v at_o that_o most_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o careless_a of_o their_o own_o salvation_n as_o not_o to_o think_v it_o worthy_a the_o seek_n if_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o grant_v it_o to_o all_o that_o seek_v it_o than_o regeneration_n remain_v as_o impossible_a a_o thing_n for_o man_n to_o attain_v as_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n to_o work_v it_o in_o man_n and_o man_n have_v cause_n to_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o neither_o themselves_o be_v able_a nor_o god_n willing_a to_o bring_v to_o pass_v we_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a and_o ordinary_a a_o matter_n as_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v for_o a_o carnal_a man_n to_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n and_o grace_n the_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n second_o if_o as_o it_o come_v sometime_o to_o pass_v he_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n desire_v it_o and_o set_v himself_o to_o seek_v it_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o persevere_v in_o this_o mind_n and_o desire_v as_o he_o ought_v but_o faint_o in_o well_o do_v and_o so_o return_v to_o his_o old_a bias_n cease_v from_o seek_v and_o lose_v his_o labour_n but_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o which_o although_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o scarce_o to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o whole_a age_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o wit_n that_o a_o carnal_a man_n do_v set_v himself_o with_o a_o resolute_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n and_o that_o in_o the_o careful_a and_o painful_a use_v of_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o he_o spend_v and_o end_v his_o day_n whither_o be_v he_o sure_a to_o obtain_v his_o desire_n or_o may_v happy_o loose_v all_o his_o labour_n we_o answer_v that_o although_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o the_o careful_a seek_v of_o regeneration_n shall_v be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o obtain_v it_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o so_o tie_v himself_o to_o the_o mean_n that_o it_o shall_v always_o &_o of_o necessity_n bring_v forth_o the_o effect_n but_o have_v leave_v it_o free_a to_o himself_o whither_o to_o give_v good_a success_n and_o a_o happy_a issue_n or_o no._n whereby_o it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o man_n may_v desire_v and_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n and_o yet_o die_v a_o carnal_a man_n out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n yet_o we_o be_v both_o in_o ourselves_o and_o also_o in_o other_o to_o hope_v the_o best_a and_o in_o that_o hope_n both_o to_o begin_v without_o despair_n and_o to_o continue_v without_o faint_a in_o the_o careful_a seek_v of_o grace_n leave_v the_o event_n to_o the_o will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n yea_o further_o we_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o no_o wrong_a opinion_n arise_v hereof_o in_o our_o mind_n as_o it_o come_v usual_o to_o pass_v in_o man_n carnal_o mind_v who_o in_o this_o case_n will_v not_o stick_v to_o say_v that_o god_n deal_v both_o unfaithful_o in_o withhold_v grace_n have_v make_v this_o solemn_a promise_n in_o his_o word_n whosoever_o seek_v shall_v find_v and_o whosoever_o knock_v shall_v have_v the_o door_n of_o grace_n set_v open_a unto_o he_o and_o also_o unjust_o both_o in_o punish_v he_o for_o the_o want_n of_o it_o who_o he_o know_v to_o have_v do_v what_o so_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o and_o also_o in_o not_o recompense_v his_o painful_a endeavour_n by_o grant_v his_o request_n and_o give_v grace_n we_o answer_v that_o god_n in_o withhold_v his_o regenerate_a spirit_n the_o worker_n of_o grace_n from_o man_n do_v they_o no_o manner_n of_o wrong_n for_o his_o grace_n be_v his_o own_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o do_v with_o they_o what_o he_o listen_v he_o be_v not_o bind_v in_o the_o beginning_n to_o create_v man_n in_o natural_a life_n and_o holiness_n how_o much_o less_o than_o be_v he_o now_o bind_v to_o restore_v those_o blessing_n unto_o he_o have_v so_o unthankful_o wilful_o &_o rebellious_o deprive_v himself_o of_o they_o as_o for_o god_n promise_n the_o which_o we_o confess_v be_v to_o be_v perform_v to_o those_o who_o be_v unworthy_a of_o favour_n for_o otherwise_o man_n unthankfulnes_n shall_v make_v god_n unfaithful_a howsoever_o they_o be_v propound_v in_o general_a term_n yet_o they_o beâ—ong_v to_o the_o elect_a only_o to_o who_o god_n do_v perform_v they_o to_o the_o full_a as_o for_o the_o reward_n due_a unto_o the_o painful_a seek_v of_o grace_n man_z when_o he_o have_v take_v the_o great_a pain_n in_o this_o behalf_n have_v do_v but_o duty_n nay_o he_o have_v not_o in_o any_o measure_n do_v his_o duty_n for_o one_o regenerate_v much_o less_o a_o carnal_a man_n can_v seek_v for_o grace_n so_o as_o he_o ought_v and_o therefore_o when_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v he_o be_v but_o a_o unprofitable_a servant_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o so_o endless_a be_v the_o mercy_n goodness_n and_o equity_n of_o god_n yea_o so_o great_a be_v his_o desire_n to_o make_v himself_o manifest_a to_o all_o man_n in_o these_o respect_n that_o it_o pity_v he_o to_o see_v any_o thing_n make_v frustrate_v of_o the_o expectation_n in_o any_o good_a endeavour_n that_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v not_o do_v good_a he_o will_v do_v it_o to_o those_o who_o be_v evil_a and_o that_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v seem_v unjust_a in_o not_o reward_v that_o which_o man_n do_v false_o think_v to_o be_v good_a and_o to_o deserve_v good_a he_o will_v in_o some_o sort_n not_o in_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o bestow_v his_o blessing_n on_o who_o he_o will_v even_o on_o the_o wicked_a be_v unjust_a in_o reward_v man_n for_o that_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v sinful_a thus_o this_o carnal_a man_n in_o seek_v grace_n do_v not_o either_o loose_v his_o labour_n or_o lack_v his_o reward_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n he_o do_v not_o only_o purchase_v unto_o himself_o temporal_a blessing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o also_o escape_v those_o fearful_a plague_n which_o be_v pour_v on_o wilful_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n in_o this_o life_n as_o we_o read_v 1._o king_n 21.28.29_o that_o achab._n do_v by_o his_o hypocritical_a humiliation_n yea_o that_o grievous_a damnation_n which_o abide_v they_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v as_o for_o the_o guilt_n of_o eternal_a death_n it_o be_v madness_n to_o imagine_v that_o it_o shall_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v avoid_v see_v it_o be_v procure_v by_o these_o and_o the_o best_a action_n of_o a_o carnal_a man_n the_o which_o come_v from_o a_o corrupt_a fountain_n can_v but_o be_v sinful_a and_o impure_a sect._n 4._o another_o hindrance_n of_o seek_v regenetion_n be_v another_o erroneous_a opinion_n conceive_v of_o it_o to_o wit_n presumption_n of_o the_o power_n &_o goodness_n of_o god_n it_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o all_o those_o who_o think_v that_o god_n will_v in_o his_o good_a time_n work_v grace_n in_o they_o although_o they_o themselves_o take_v neither_o care_n nor_o pain_n about_o any_o such_o matter_n yea_o although_o they_o go_v a_o clean_a contrary_a way_n live_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o altogether_o careless_a of_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o regeneration_n and_o salvation_n to_o this_o we_o answer_v first_o confess_v that_o god_n as_o he_o always_o can_v so_o sometime_o do_v work_v â—â—â—eâ—eration_n without_o any_o mean_n even_o in_o â—lâ—â—se_n whenever_o think_v nor_o dream_v of_o any_o such_o matter_n and_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o either_o the_o knowledge_n or_o yet_o a_o desire_n either_o of_o grace_n or_o of_o salvation_n be_v as_o we_o read_v râ—_n 10.20_o find_v of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o seek_v he_o and_o make_v manifest_a unto_o those_o who_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o once_o ask_v for_o he_o as_o we_o may_v see_v plain_o in_o the_o say_a apostle_n who_o find_v god_n &_o grace_n when_o as_o he_o do_v not_o only_o not_o seek_v or_o follow_v they_o but_o also_o fly_v as_o far_o off_o from_o they_o as_o he_o can_v thus_o regeneration_n be_v compare_v
to_o a_o treasure_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o field_n and_o be_v find_v by_o he_o who_o look_v for_o no_o such_o thing_n in_o that_o place_n and_o thus_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o many_o come_n to_o hear_v god_n word_n for_o fashion_n sake_n or_o in_o a_o wicked_a desire_n of_o hinder_v it_o and_o hurt_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o have_v be_v of_o a_o sudden_a wonderful_o convert_v and_o effectual_o renew_a thus_o it_o please_v god_n sometime_o to_o work_v regeneration_n without_o any_o mean_n that_o it_o may_v be_v see_v to_o come_v not_o from_o any_o virtue_n inherent_a in_o the_o mean_n but_o from_o the_o powerful_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o his_o ordinary_n and_o usual_a manner_n of_o work_v according_a to_o the_o which_o he_o do_v nothing_o without_o some_o kind_n of_o mean_n no_o not_o in_o miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a action_n wherein_o the_o mean_n do_v not_o help_v forward_o the_o matter_n any_o jot_n but_o only_o be_v use_v for_o a_o show_n or_o colour_n to_o hide_v the_o immediate_a work_n of_o god_n who_o glory_n it_o be_v to_o keâ—pe_v himself_o his_o counsel_n judgement_n and_o manner_n of_o work_v secret_a and_o hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n as_o we_o read_v pro._n 25.25_o thus_o he_o heal_v nâ—aman_n by_o wash_v he_o in_o jordan_n and_o the_o sick_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o anoint_v they_o with_o oil_n and_o thus_o he_o raise_v the_o widow_n son_n 2._o king_n 4_o 35._o from_o death_n by_o lay_v the_o warm_a body_n of_o elizeus_fw-la upon_o his_o dead_a and_o cold_a body_n and_o thus_o he_o heal_v the_o sickness_n of_o the_o soul_n yea_o restore_v it_o from_o death_n to_o life_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n in_o all_o which_o miraculous_a action_n the_o mean_n be_v not_o in_o any_o respectable_a to_o bring_v forth_o the_o effect_n yet_o they_o have_v in_o they_o a_o virtue_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n whereto_o the_o effect_n may_v easy_o be_v ascribe_v by_o carnal_a and_o ignorant_a man_n so_o that_o although_o god_n can_v always_o and_o do_v at_o some_o time_n work_v regeneration_n without_o mean_n yet_o ordinarilye_o he_o use_v mean_n the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n whereof_o be_v a_o impious_a tempt_a of_o god_n and_o presume_v of_o his_o goodness_n hencâ—_n it_o be_v that_o regeneration_n have_v place_n and_o be_v to_o be_v find_v not_o among_o the_o jew_n turk_n moor_n and_o other_o infidel_n but_o only_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n wherein_o his_o word_n be_v preach_v his_o sacrament_n administer_v and_o all_o other_o mean_n of_o beginning_n and_o continue_v grace_n daily_o use_v yea_o of_o church_n profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o some_o be_v more_o pure_a and_o sound_a in_o doctrine_n more_o diligent_a and_o zealous_a in_o serve_v god_n and_o in_o use_v all_o christian_a exercise_n so_o they_o have_v often_o experience_n of_o this_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n put_v his_o help_a hand_n to_o the_o godly_a endeavour_n of_o his_o servant_n yea_o of_o christian_n those_o who_o be_v careful_a and_o painful_a in_o seek_v and_o serve_v god_n be_v far_o lyke_a to_o attain_v to_o grace_n than_o they_o who_o be_v otherwise_o even_o as_o they_o be_v like_a to_o retain_v and_o recover_v their_o health_n who_o be_v careful_a in_o use_v a_o competent_a diet_n of_o meat_n and_o medicine_n than_o they_o who_o do_v careless_o distemper_v themselves_o in_o sickness_n and_o in_o health_n nor_o regard_v what_o thing_n be_v wholesome_a or_o hurtful_a for_o they_o sect._n 5._o thus_o much_o of_o the_o falsâ—_n conceit_n or_o error_n conceive_v of_o regeneration_n by_o â—he_n which_o man_n be_v hinder_v from_o seek_v it_o the_o first_o be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o spiriâ—â—_n all_o regeneration_n the_o second_o despair_v of_o obtain_v it_o by_o any_o mean_n the_o three_o presumption_n or_o a_o persuasion_n of_o get_v it_o without_o mean_n now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o other_o hindrance_n whereof_o to_o let_v the_o rest_n pass_v these_o three_o be_v most_o usual_a the_o first_o be_v infidelity_n &_o atheism_n the_o second_o worldly_a care_n and_o pleasure_n the_o three_o be_v offence_n take_v at_o those_o who_o profess_v this_o regeneration_n for_o the_o first_o although_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v name_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yet_o many_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n have_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o mind_n no_o other_o religion_n than_o atheism_n no_o god_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n no_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o world_n than_o this_o which_o they_o present_o enjoy_v they_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n nor_o devil_n no_o heaven_n nor_o hell_n no_o reward_n for_o the_o godly_a nor_o punishment_n appoint_v for_o the_o wicked_a no_o truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o folly_n to_o serve_v god_n or_o at_o the_o least_o they_o do_v so_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v not_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o either_o move_v to_o any_o good_a or_o restrain_v from_o any_o evil_n as_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n among_o who_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n from_o death_n be_v call_v in_o question_n that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n that_o be_v be_v mere_a atheist_n that_o this_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o many_o christian_n it_o appear_v both_o by_o their_o life_n &_o deal_n which_o be_v altogether_o void_a of_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o also_o by_o the_o plain_a and_o voluntary_a confession_n of_o the_o simple_a sort_n be_v by_o sickness_n fear_n hope_v love_n or_o any_o other_o mean_n make_v to_o declare_v their_o conscience_n in_o this_o behalf_n these_o man_n can_v possible_o seek_v for_o regeneration_n see_v that_o they_o make_v no_o account_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n whereunto_o it_o lead_v and_o therefore_o this_o hindrance_n can_v be_v take_v away_o but_o by_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o have_v promise_v and_o will_v certain_o perform_v it_o eternal_a salvation_n unto_o all_o those_o that_o seek_v for_o it_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o take_v in_o hand_n the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n the_o which_o require_v many_o several_a tractate_v yet_o as_o touch_v this_o ignorance_n of_o god_n the_o which_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o error_n whatsoever_o it_o may_v be_v refute_v by_o as_o many_o argument_n as_o there_o be_v creature_n in_o the_o world_n all_o which_o joint_o and_o severallie_o do_v preach_v and_o make_v manifest_a the_o deity_n power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o do_v not_o put_v out_o their_o own_o eye_n not_o only_o to_o christian_n live_v in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o even_o to_o infidel_n remain_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o their_o natural_a blindness_n as_o we_o read_v roman_n 2.20_o the_o godheade_n that_o be_v the_o eternity_n and_o power_n of_o god_n may_v be_v behold_v in_o the_o creature_n for_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n suppose_v some_o infinite_a power_n by_o the_o which_o they_o be_v make_v and_o be_v continual_o order_v and_o preserve_v and_o some_o great_a king_n and_o monarch_n have_v authority_n over_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o who_o will_v one_o day_n call_v all_o his_o subject_n to_o account_v and_o give_v unto_o every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o work_n the_o great_a objection_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n make_v against_o the_o godheade_n and_o the_o most_o forcible_a motive_n to_o this_o infidelity_n be_v the_o invisibilitie_n and_o insensible_a secrecy_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o action_n in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o continual_o show_v forth_o his_o omnipotency_n in_o new_a and_o strange_a miracle_n his_o justice_n in_o punish_v sin_n and_o reward_v good_a deed_n his_o presence_n in_o hear_v those_o that_o pray_v unto_o he_o but_o suffer_v all_o thing_n to_o go_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n yea_o as_o if_o he_o have_v lay_v aside_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o world_n the_o wicked_a to_o prospeâ—_fw-la and_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v afflict_v aâ—_n for_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n although_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n that_o can_v be_v yet_o it_o be_v daily_o and_o continualle_o behold_v cease_v to_o drive_v man_n to_o admiration_n or_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o power_n of_o god_n as_o the_o common_a provet_v be_v say_v that_o a_o wonder_n last_v but_o nine_o day_n yea_o this_o secrecy_n of_o god_n be_v great_a now_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o these_o
he_o himself_o little_o think_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o read_v eccle._n 11.1_o cast_v thy_o bread_n on_o the_o water_n and_o after_o many_o day_n thou_o shall_v find_v it_o by_o this_o argument_n which_o god_n in_o mercy_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o for_o the_o help_a of_o our_o weakness_n in_o this_o behalf_n we_o be_v to_o be_v encourage_v to_o go_v on_o in_o a_o daily_a and_o liberal_a practice_n of_o christian_a duty_n towards_o our_o brother_n and_o not_o to_o spare_v for_o any_o cost_n for_o we_o do_v not_o loose_v it_o but_o only_o lend_v it_o to_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v assure_o pay_v we_o our_o own_o with_o advantage_n we_o shall_v receive_v a_o hundred_o fold_n in_o this_o life_n and_o a_o far_o better_a reward_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o god_n iâ—_n not_o unjust_a that_o he_o shall_v forget_v the_o good_a work_n the_o painful_a love_n of_o those_o who_o minister_v unto_o the_o saint_n yea_o although_o it_o be_v but_o a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n give_v to_o a_o prophet_n or_o any_o of_o god_n servant_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v but_o have_v a_o reward_n this_o motive_n to_o good_a work_n god_n have_v give_v unto_o we_o not_o that_o we_o shall_v rest_v in_o it_o or_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v the_o chief_a place_n in_o this_o consultation_n for_o then_o satan_n may_v object_v against_o we_o as_o he_o do_v against_o job_n do_v job_n serve_v god_n for_o nought_o have_v thou_o not_o compass_v he_o in_o with_o thy_o blessing_n and_o so_o to_o we_o thou_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n or_o perform_v these_o christian_a duty_n in_o love_n either_o of_o he_o or_o of_o thy_o brethren_n or_o for_o conscience_n but_o in_o a_o greedy_a desire_n and_o a_o carnal_a hope_n of_o advantage_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a if_o so_o be_v that_o we_o can_v contemn_v and_o pass_v by_o this_o argument_n not_o mistrust_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o this_o behalf_n but_o prefer_v simple_a obedience_n the_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a glory_n before_o any_o reward_n that_o god_n can_v give_v unto_o we_o in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n by_o these_o and_o such_o other_o motive_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v plentiful_o afford_v unto_o we_o we_o be_v to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o daily_a performance_n of_o all_o christian_a duty_n of_o love_n thankfulness_n compassion_n and_o mercy_n and_o to_o account_v this_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a exercise_n no_o less_o needful_a to_o be_v daily_o perform_v than_o any_o other_o chap._n iii_o sect._n 1_o hitherto_o we_o have_v declare_v how_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v by_o god_n endue_v with_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o holiness_n and_o also_o with_o health_n &_o strength_n whereby_o it_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v all_o the_o action_n belong_v unto_o it_o be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o preserve_v in_o that_o estate_n the_o which_o thing_n if_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v desire_v and_o endeavour_v by_o all_o christian_n so_o it_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v than_o be_v this_o our_o labour_n bring_v to_o a_o end_n there_o be_v nothing_o else_o needful_a to_o be_v declare_v as_o touch_v the_o welfare_n and_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o as_o for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o have_v learn_v and_o do_v know_v the_o art_n and_o mean_n of_o preserve_v health_n for_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o knowledge_n cunning_a and_o care_n in_o this_o behalf_n infirmity_n and_o disease_n may_v happen_v as_o we_o know_v by_o daily_a experience_n that_o many_o notable_a physician_n have_v fall_v into_o dangerous_a and_o mortal_a sickness_n and_o by_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o untimely_a death_n so_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o our_o spiritual_a welfare_n that_o we_o know_v how_o to_o diet_v and_o order_v our_o soul_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o health_n and_o strength_n it_o be_v also_o require_v that_o we_o know_v how_o by_o a_o convenient_a and_o meet_a diet_n to_o recover_v they_o out_o of_o sickness_n and_o to_o heal_v all_o the_o malady_n happen_v unto_o they_o for_o why_o no_o man_n as_o we_o remain_v in_o these_o earthly_a &_o corruptible_a body_n can_v promise_v unto_o himself_o continual_a and_o certain_a health_n because_o both_o our_o knowledge_n and_o also_o our_o care_n in_o practise_v be_v unperfite_a for_o if_o no_o man_n can_v attain_v so_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v sensible_a but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v hide_v in_o it_o corruption_n and_o secret_a sickness_n never_o perceave_v till_o that_o they_o can_v be_v amend_v as_o it_o come_v often_o to_o pass_v in_o impostume_n plurify_v and_o such_o other_o inward_a disease_n what_o marvel_v if_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o so_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o nature_n whereof_o be_v far_o more_o subtle_a and_o therefore_o much_o more_o hard_a to_o be_v thorough_o know_v especial_o by_o he_o who_o be_v fall_v into_o some_o special_a sickness_n wherein_o man_n be_v far_o less_o able_a to_o order_v themselves_o aright_o than_o they_o be_v in_o health_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o have_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o treatise_n show_v how_o the_o health_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v continue_v when_o it_o be_v present_a so_o now_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v procure_v where_o it_o be_v want_v or_o recover_v when_o it_o be_v lose_v it_o be_v indeed_o the_o part_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o be_v careful_a in_o keep_v the_o health_n both_o of_o his_o body_n and_o of_o his_o soul_n and_o not_o presume_v of_o his_o cunning_n in_o recover_v it_o to_o be_v careless_a of_o it_o no_o man_n be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o cast_v himself_o into_o the_o sea_n although_o he_o think_v that_o he_o may_v escape_v by_o swim_v to_o wound_v his_o body_n because_o it_o may_v be_v heal_v to_o take_v poison_n because_o he_o can_v counterpoise_v it_o by_o the_o contrary_a &_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o make_v this_o use_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o let_v his_o soul_n fall_v into_o any_o spiritual_a meladie_o because_o he_o know_v where_o to_o have_v a_o remedy_n it_o be_v so_o much_o easy_a to_o keep_v sickness_n out_o of_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n then_o to_o get_v it_o out_o after_o that_o it_o have_v get_v entrance_n as_o it_o be_v more_o easy_a for_o a_o whole_a and_o strong_a man_n then_o for_o a_o sick_a and_o weak_a man_n to_o withstand_v or_o resist_v his_o adversary_n for_o possession_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o therefore_o this_o restorative_n or_o rather_o curative_a diet_n which_o now_o we_o take_v in_o hand_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v to_o any_o man_n a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o negligent_a order_n of_o his_o soul_n but_o to_o be_v account_v the_o last_o refuge_n whither_o we_o must_v fly_v when_o as_o by_o the_o force_n of_o sin_n we_o be_v drive_v from_o the_o former_a diet_n of_o preserve_v health_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o so_o pure_a a_o nature_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o infirmity_n and_o disease_n sure_o by_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n in_o it_o the_o which_o where_o it_o have_v the_o whole_a place_n and_o rule_v the_o contrary_a holiness_n be_v altogether_o want_v as_o it_o be_v in_o carnal_a man_n be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o holiness_n be_v the_o life_n of_o it_o where_o it_o be_v and_o work_v yet_o keep_v under_o and_o overrule_v so_o that_o it_o can_v prevail_v it_o be_v a_o infirmity_n and_o last_o when_o it_o have_v in_o this_o wrestle_v prevail_v and_o get_v the_o upper_a hand_n do_v reign_n and_o rule_v it_o be_v a_o sickness_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o sin_n in_o the_o carnal_a man_n be_v death_n in_o the_o regenerate_a soul_n it_o be_v either_o a_o infirmity_n or_o a_o disease_n far_o it_o can_v go_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v whole_o expel_v holiness_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o regenerate_a man_n as_o it_o be_v heat_n out_o of_o the_o body_n and_o so_o bring_v death_n for_o as_o abraham_n be_v bring_v in_o speak_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n luke_n 16.26_o as_o betwixt_o heaven_n and_o hell_n so_o between_o carnalitie_n and_o regeneration_n there_o be_v such_o a_o gulf_n set_v that_o they_o who_o wood_n can_v without_o the_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n pass_v from_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n to_o regeneration_n nor_o from_o regeneration_n to_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n by_o that_o or_o any_o other_o mean_n yet_o as_o long_o as_o the_o soul_n be_v out_o of_o
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