by_o the_o pen_n of_o s._n james_n a_o world_n of_o wickedness_n then_o alas_o how_o many_o and_o how_o great_a world_n of_o wickedness_n be_v include_v in_o this_o one_o little_a world_n of_o man_n now_o how_o shall_v so_o foul_a so_o unclean_a so_o pollute_v a_o creature_n set_v his_o foot_n within_o the_o portal_n of_o heaven_n how_o shall_v such_o a_o heap_n of_o hellish_a lust_n and_o devilish_a vice_n be_v receive_v into_o that_o happy_a palace_n and_o holy_a mansion_n place_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o tarry_v in_o heaven_n have_v once_o be_v there_o be_v it_o not_o because_o he_o have_v infect_v himself_o with_o sin_n with_o which_o see_v all_o mankind_n be_v whole_o poison_v and_o cover_v over_o from_o head_n to_o foot_n be_v of_o their_o father_n the_o devil_n nothing_o else_o but_o even_o little_a devil_n differ_v from_o the_o great_a one_o not_o in_o substance_n and_o part_n of_o corruption_n but_o alone_o in_o the_o degree_n thereof_o as_o a_o child_n of_o four_o or_o five_o year_n from_o a_o man_n of_o thirty_o or_o forty_o how_o can_v he_o possible_o find_v any_o place_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n thus_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v our_o reason_n sin_n can_v have_v no_o place_n no_o dwell_n none_o entertainment_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n man_n unregenerate_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o very_a compound_n or_o bundle_n of_o dirt_n and_o sin_n wherefore_o man_n unregenerate_a can_v possible_o find_v a_o place_n in_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n from_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o man_n nature_n reason_n 2_o nature_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o god_n nature_n the_o second_o follow_v take_v from_o the_o purity_n of_o god_n nature_n the_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n of_o pure_a eye_n and_o can_v abide_v none_o iniquity_n yea_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n his_o soul_n hate_v he_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o sin_n as_o heat_n to_o cold_a as_o light_v to_o darkness_n as_o any_o two_o contrary_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v contrary_a and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o too_o for_o other_o thing_n be_v contrary_a each_o to_o other_o alone_a in_o regard_n of_o their_o quality_n but_o the_o very_a nature_n substance_n and_o be_v of_o god_n be_v contrary_a to_o sin_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o taxie_n disorder_n confusion_n a_o not_o be_v and_o god_n be_v order_n perfection_n holiness_n a_o absolute_a and_o a_o simple_a be_v for_o holiness_n in_o god_n be_v not_o a_o accident_n but_o his_o very_a essence_n be_v holiness_n and_o he_o be_v after_o a_o inconceiveable_a and_o incomprehensible_a manner_n infinite_o and_o essential_o good_a holy_a and_o pure_a wherefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reconciliation_n nor_o union_n betwixt_o he_o and_o the_o sinner_n till_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o the_o sinner_n be_v remove_v and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v form_v and_o imprint_v in_o he_o a_o fresh_a even_o as_o the_o poison_n of_o a_o adder_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o man_n and_o the_o venom_n of_o a_o toad_n extreme_o opposite_a to_o his_o life_n and_o therefore_o no_o force_n can_v compel_v no_o wage_n hire_v no_o rhetoric_n persuade_v no_o persuasion_n induce_v he_o to_o lodge_v a_o toad_n or_o serpent_n in_o his_o bosom_n so_o be_v it_o impossible_a that_o the_o most_o holy_a pure_a righteous_a perfect_a essence_n of_o god_n shall_v admit_v into_o a_o society_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n with_o he_o the_o impure_a filthy_a loathsome_a toadlike_a serpentine_a nature_n of_o man_n for_o though_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n &_o excellency_n of_o god_n nature_n be_v such_o that_o he_o can_v receive_v any_o hurt_n or_o indamagement_n from_o sin_n as_o a_o man_n be_v hurt_v by_o the_o poison_n of_o a_o poisonful_a creature_n yet_o still_o withal_o such_o be_v his_o excellency_n and_o the_o infinitnes_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n that_o he_o can_v but_o remove_v far_o and_o far_o from_o himself_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o himself_o what_o fellowship_n can_v there_o be_v betwixt_o light_n &_o darkness_n god_n and_o wickedness_n how_o can_v thing_n absolute_o and_o essential_o contrary_a be_v join_v together_o in_o one_o see_v god_n be_v perfect_o holy_a and_o man_n if_o we_o may_v use_v that_o epithet_n in_o this_o matter_n perfect_o sinful_a either_o god_n must_v become_v sinful_a like_o to_o man_n or_o man_n holy_a like_o to_o god_n or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o gracious_a union_n and_o communion_n betwixt_o man_n and_o god_n now_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v become_v sinful_a be_v the_o most_o blasphemous_a and_o utter_o impossible_a imagination_n in_o all_o the_o world_n wherefore_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v make_v holy_a that_o be_v to_o say_v be_v regenerate_v or_o bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o three_o place_n let_v we_o peruse_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n reason_n 3_o in_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v manifest_v his_o purpose_n of_o goodness_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n grace_n from_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o run_v along_o in_o these_o promise_n 36.26_o ezek._n 36.26_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o stony_a heart_n out_o of_o your_o body_n and_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n hence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o reason_n thus_o whosoever_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n be_v likewise_o a_o stranger_n from_o all_o happiness_n and_o from_o eternal_a life_n now_o until_o a_o man_n be_v regenerate_v he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o that_o covenant_n for_o why_o that_o promise_v in_o the_o first_o place_n a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n wherefore_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o until_o a_o man_n be_v regenerate_v he_o can_v be_v save_v last_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n reason_n 4_o death_n and_o suffering_n death_n from_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n death_n be_v it_o only_o to_o purge_v we_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o save_v we_o from_o the_o pit_n of_o hell_n be_v it_o not_o also_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n that_o we_o be_v sanctify_v by_o his_o truth_n may_v avoid_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o become_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o he_o zealous_a of_o good_a work_n doubtless_o have_v christ_n go_v about_o to_o ransom_n we_o upon_o other_o term_n he_o must_v have_v lose_v his_o labour_n altogether_o if_o christ_n shall_v come_v and_o die_v for_o one_o man_n ten_o thousand_o time_n all_o those_o death_n shall_v profit_v that_o one_o man_n nothing_o at_o all_o for_o his_o salvation_n unless_o he_o be_v make_v a_o new_a creature_n for_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n though_o it_o be_v of_o force_n to_o reconcile_v mercy_n and_o justice_n in_o god_n yet_o be_v not_o of_o force_n enough_o to_o make_v god_n unjust_a or_o to_o diminish_v any_o whit_n his_o infinite_a righteousness_n which_o shall_v be_v diminish_v yea_o annihilate_v if_o he_o shall_v open_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n to_o unholy_a unsanctified_a unregenerate_a person_n for_o than_o shall_v he_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o the_o wicked_a then_o shall_v fool_n dwell_v with_o he_o than_o shall_v he_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o unrighteous_a and_o communion_n with_o the_o dark_a darkness_n whereas_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o he_o be_v light_a 1.5_o 1_o john_n 1.5_o and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o darkness_n and_o that_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o say_v we_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o we_o lie_v and_o deal_v not_o true_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v love_v of_o god_n and_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o wherefore_o such_o admittance_n of_o such_o man_n into_o heaven_n can_v no_o more_o stand_v with_o god_n justice_n they_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o a_o man_n life_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v never_o the_o meaning_n or_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o open_a heaven_n to_o any_o but_o to_o those_o who_o he_o will_v sanctify_v and_o by_o sanctification_n bring_v to_o salvation_n and_o so_o we_o conclude_v the_o point_n in_o this_o manner_n whosoever_o be_v without_o christ_n can_v possible_o come_v to_o heaven_n for_o he_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n every_o unregenerate_a man_n be_v without_o christ_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o he_o be_v new_a creature_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n &_o lust_n therefore_o no_o unregenerate_a man_n so_o continue_v can_v
can_v be_v save_v accept_v i_o pray_v you_o of_o this_o my_o labour_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o my_o desire_n of_o your_o soul_n welfare_n and_o make_v this_o one_o only_a sufficient_a recompense_n of_o this_o and_o all_o other_o my_o travail_n among_o you_o in_o receive_v the_o grace_n that_o god_n offer_v and_o strive_v to_o be_v such_o as_o here_o you_o may_v find_v that_o all_o the_o citizen_n of_o heaven_n must_v be_v even_o man_n regenerate_v so_o with_o my_o most_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o your_o prosperity_n i_o kind_o take_v my_o leave_n rest_v so_o long_o as_o the_o over-weightinesse_a and_o over-toylsomnesse_a of_o the_o place_n shall_v suffer_v your_o pastor_n william_n whately_n may_v 8._o 1618._o the_o content_n of_o the_o book_n chap._n i._n the_o order_n of_o the_o wordâ—_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o they_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n pag._n 1._o chap._n ii_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n in_o number_n four_o pag._n 6._o chap._n iii_o the_o description_n of_o regeneration_n pag._n 13._o chap._n iu._n the_o order_n of_o work_a regeneration_n pag._n 26._o chap._n v._n the_o effect_n of_o regeneration_n pag._n 40._o chap._n vi_o the_o principal_a grace_n which_o by_o regeneration_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n pag._n 69._o chap._n vii_o a_o exhortation_n to_o all_o to_o examine_v themselves_o whither_o they_o be_v regenerate_v yea_o or_o no._n pag._n 87._o chap._n viii_o a_o terror_n to_o they_o that_o be_v unregenerate_a pag._n 95._o chap._n ix_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o seek_v of_o regeneration_n show_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o pag._n 101_o chap._n x._o a_o comfort_n to_o the_o regenerate_a pag._n 115_o chap._n xi_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o regenerate_a to_o cherish_v the_o life_n of_o grace_n show_v the_o mean_n of_o cherish_v it_o pag._n 129._o chap._n xii_o a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o regenerate_a to_o propagate_v grace_n to_o other_o show_v the_o mean_n of_o propagate_a it_o pag._n 139_o the_o new_a birth_n or_o a_o treatise_n of_o regeneration_n etc._n etc._n john_n 3.3_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n chap._n i._o show_v the_o order_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o they_o after_o that_o the_o report_n of_o our_o saviour_n many_o and_o great_a miracle_n have_v cause_v many_o of_o the_o common_a people_n in_o great_a multitude_n to_o follow_v after_o he_o at_o length_n also_o a_o man_n of_o better_a note_n and_o esteem_v though_o common_o the_o man_n of_o most_o note_n in_o the_o world_n be_v most_o backward_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o most_o use_n for_o the_o soul_n bethink_v himself_o of_o visit_v and_o confer_v with_o he_o this_o man_n by_o name_n be_v call_v nicodemus_n by_o place_n he_o be_v a_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o degree_n a_o doctor_n by_o sect_n a_o pharisie_n a_o generation_n of_o man_n not_o so_o glorious_a in_o the_o world_n for_o their_o fair_a outside_n as_o loathsome_a to_o christ_n for_o their_o soul_n inside_n now_o because_o the_o carnal_a regard_n of_o his_o worldly_a credit_n the_o main_a block_n that_o many_o time_n lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o greatness_n to_o hinder_v it_o from_o frequent_v the_o poor_a and_o despise_a school_n of_o christ_n make_v he_o unwilling_a to_o be_v see_v and_o account_v one_o of_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o poor_a carpenter_n of_o nazareth_n he_o therefore_o hide_v himself_o under_o the_o curtain_n of_o darkness_n and_o choose_v the_o opportunity_n of_o the_o night-season_n by_o benefit_n whereof_o he_o may_v enjoy_v some_o private_a communication_n with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n unobserue_v of_o his_o proud_a and_o spiteful_a fellow-pharisy_n his_o first_o salutation_n to_o christ_n be_v former_o set_v down_o and_o have_v in_o it_o a_o manifest_a demonstration_n of_o much_o respect_n and_o reverence_v bear_v unto_o he_o for_o he_o do_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v of_o god_n and_o give_v a_o just_a reason_n of_o his_o such_o confession_n from_o the_o great_a miracle_n which_o he_o 〈◊〉_d wrought_v and_o do_v daily_o work_v among_o they_o â—â—yond_v all_o possibility_n either_o of_o ignorance_n or_o denial_n so_o have_v our_o saviour_n get_v a_o new_a scholar_n into_o his_o school_n and_o therefore_o enter_v he_o as_o it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v though_o he_o be_v for_o other_o learning_n a_o great_a scholar_n into_o the_o very_a a_o b_o c_o of_o christian_a religion_n and_o begin_v to_o teach_v he_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o rudiment_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n the_o point_n of_o doctrine_n wherein_o our_o lord_n instruct_v this_o ruler_n and_o doctor_n be_v two_o in_o themselves_o easy_a enough_o yet_o the_o first_o and_o easy_a of_o they_o go_v much_o above_o his_o carnal_a and_o shallow_a capacity_n the_o first_o point_n be_v of_o the_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o second_o be_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n the_o former_a be_v in_o this_o verse_n propound_v and_o after_o to_o the_o thirteen_o in_o more_o word_n discuss_v upon_o occasion_n of_o nicodemus_n his_o gross_a and_o un-doctor-like_a objection_n for_o which_o grossness_n he_o be_v gentle_o reprehend_v give_v christ_n leave_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o without_o interruption_n from_o the_o thirteen_o verse_n to_o the_o two_o and_o twenty_o so_o then_o the_o word_n read_v contain_v the_o very_a foundation_n and_o cornerstone_n as_o i_o may_v term_v it_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o christ_n seek_v to_o lay_v fast_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o honest-hearted_a but_o for_o all_o his_o great_a learning_n ignorant_a nicedemus_fw-la the_o word_n themselves_o draw_v we_o to_o two_o considerable_a point_n in_o they_o the_o proof_n the_o doctrine_n prove_v the_o proof_n christ_n authority_n and_o word_n deliver_v in_o a_o earnestly-doubled_n asseveration_n very_o very_o i_o who_o before_o thou_o do_v confess_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v of_o god_n â—â—y_v unto_o thou_o the_o doctrine_n prove_v be_v about_o the_o subject_n of_o salvation_n or_o the_o person_n that_o may_v or_o may_v â—â—t_n attain_v eternal_a life_n lay_v down_o in_o a_o conditional_a proposition_n negative_o thus_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v or_o if_o a_o man_n be_v not_o borne_z again_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n vehement_a and_o repeat_v asseveration_n i_o will_v say_v nothing_o but_o in_o that_o doctrine_n whereof_o he_o see_v cause_n to_o make_v so_o plain_a and_o strong_a a_o affirmation_n i_o will_v be_v bold_a to_o dwell_v a_o while_n because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v so_o exceed_o needful_a that_o without_o it_o in_o vain_a and_o idle_a be_v all_o else_o that_o we_o can_v possible_o know_v concern_v god_n or_o christ_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n mark_v then_o i_o pray_v you_o this_o most_o necessary_a instruction_n and_o learn_v you_o if_o you_o have_v not_o hitherto_o learned_a at_o this_o time_n that_o which_o this_o ancient_a teacher_n in_o israel_n be_v first_o set_v to_o learn_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v unless_o he_o be_v regenerate_v no_o person_n be_v he_o jew_n or_o gentile_n christian_n or_o pagan_n pharisie_n or_o of_o other_o sect_n ruler_n or_o of_o inferior_a place_n learned_a or_o unlettered_a doctor_n or_o of_o low_a degree_n no_o person_n i_o say_v of_o what_o nation_n condition_n wit_n knowledge_n virtue_n or_o other_o excellency_n so_o ever_o he_o be_v can_v possible_o see_v that_o be_v enjoy_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o blissful_a estate_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n if_o he_o be_v not_o bear_v again_o that_o be_v make_v quite_o a_o new_a man_n from_o that_o that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o first_o birth_n not_o as_o nicodemus_n too_o too_o gross_o fancy_v by_o a_o carnal_a re-enter_v into_o his_o mother_n belly_n but_o by_o a_o spiritual_a renew_n of_o his_o whole_a man_n in_o all_o the_o power_n thereof_o there_o be_v a_o total_a and_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o any_o man_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o place_n and_o state_n of_o celestial_a happiness_n unless_o he_o be_v regenerate_v soon_o may_v angel_n tume_fw-fr devil_n man_n beast_n and_o beast_n stone_n &_o all_o the_o world_n just_a nothing_o then_o that_o any_o one_o unrenewed_a person_n shall_v have_v entrance_n into_o heaven_n yea_o as_o possible_a be_v it_o that_o god_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n as_o that_o any_o man_n not_o make_v anew_o according_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o bless_a vision_n possession_n fruition_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o utter_o impossible_a thing_n this_o be_v if_o of_o such_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v any_o comparison_n one_o of_o the_o most_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o
beget_v a_o new_a life_n in_o the_o preach_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o interpret_n and_o apply_v of_o it_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o man_n enable_v and_o assign_v to_o that_o work_n then_o in_o the_o bare_a read_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o be_v his_o workman_n his_o laborer_n dispenser_n of_o his_o heavenly_a mystery_n and_o fellow-workeman_n together_o with_o he_o that_o by_o become_v his_o instrument_n to_o convey_v grace_n into_o man_n heart_n they_o may_v become_v spiritual_a father_n unto_o they_o and_o by_o attendance_n not_o to_o read_v alone_o 13._o 1._o tim._n 4_o 13._o but_o also_o to_o doctrine_n or_o teach_n they_o may_v save_v themselves_o and_o their_o hearer_n and_o when_o christ_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o raise_v up_o the_o dead_a world_n of_o the_o gentile_n unto_o the_o new_a life_n of_o godliness_n and_o so_o to_o fulfil_v that_o which_o himself_o have_v foretell_v say_v 5.25_o john_n 5.25_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o shall_v live_v he_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o go_v and_o preach_v unto_o all_o nation_n will_v any_o man_n make_v himself_o so_o simple_a as_o to_o say_v 28.19_o matth._n 28.19_o he_o mean_v thus_o take_v the_o volume_n of_o the_o law_n in_o your_o pocket_n and_o draw_v it_o out_o and_o read_v a_o chapter_n or_o two_o at_o a_o time_n unto_o they_o nay_o doubtless_o he_o will_v his_o disciple_n to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o have_v so_o often_o see_v and_o hear_v he_o do_v who_o custom_n be_v as_o we_o may_v collect_v out_o of_o the_o four_o of_o luke_n where_o one_o instance_n be_v record_v to_o make_v we_o conceive_v his_o ordinary_a practice_n when_o he_o have_v read_v to_o interpret_v the_o scripture_n by_o he_o read_v as_o there_o he_o do_v say_v this_o day_n be_v this_o scripture_n fulfil_v in_o your_o ear_n and_o after_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o hearer_n as_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o fall_v into_o the_o reproof_n of_o their_o quarrelsomnesse_n against_o he_o that_o will_v upbraid_v he_o with_o the_o proverb_n of_o physician_n heal_v thyself_o proverb_n proverb_n amplify_a his_o reproof_n with_o allegation_n of_o the_o example_n of_o the_o widow_n of_o zarepta_n and_o the_o syrian_a naaman_n so_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o mistake_v his_o meaning_n when_o himself_o have_v by_o constant_a practice_n go_v before_o you_o in_o do_v what_o he_o bid_v they_o do_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o at_o all_o follow_v that_o because_o the_o word_n read_v be_v able_a to_o beget_v faith_n either_o the_o minister_n may_v content_v themselves_o usual_o to_o read_v it_o without_o preach_v or_o the_o people_n usual_o content_v themselves_o to_o hear_v it_o so_o and_o not_o be_v careful_a to_o seek_v for_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o for_o of_o such_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o of_o such_o excellent_a worth_n be_v regeneration_n that_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o seek_v it_o and_o sinful_a not_o to_o seek_v it_o not_o only_o in_o some_o one_o of_o the_o most_o easy_a mean_n that_o may_v sometime_o procure_v it_o but_o also_o in_o all_o the_o mean_n though_o never_o so_o painful_a that_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o it_o every_o man_n may_v read_v himself_o yea_o must_v read_v if_o he_o can_v this_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o may_v have_v be_v perform_v without_o establish_v of_o any_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o minister_n be_v not_o only_o to_o read_v but_o also_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n aright_o to_o exhort_v improve_v rebuke_n to_o speak_v to_o man_n edification_n exhortation_n &_o comfort_n that_o he_o may_v be_v true_o call_v a_o fellow-labourer_n with_o god_n in_o the_o work_v of_o man_n salvation_n shall_v we_o rest_v ourselves_o satisfy_v in_o one_o thing_n that_o may_v convert_v shall_v we_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o be_v constant_a in_o one_o exercise_n that_o may_v work_v grace_n doubtless_o if_o we_o do_v so_o our_o own_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o diligence_n shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n and_o condemn_v our_o spiritual_a folly_n and_o negligence_n yea_o brethren_n in_o thing_n temporal_a man_n stand_v thus_o affect_v that_o as_o they_o will_v neglect_v nothing_o that_o may_v promise_v they_o any_o furtherance_n to_o their_o good_a success_n so_o they_o will_v show_v most_o care_n and_o most_o earnestness_n in_o that_o which_o they_o have_v cause_n to_o think_v will_v be_v most_o available_a for_o their_o purpose_n now_o without_o question_n the_o word_n preach_v be_v more_o usual_o and_o more_o powerful_o effectual_a to_o regeneration_n than_o the_o word_n read_v the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v more_o often_o and_o more_o mighty_o work_v by_o the_o word_n interpret_v and_o apply_v then_o by_o it_o bare_o repeat_v out_o of_o the_o book_n i_o think_v he_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v reason_v withal_o that_o will_v stand_v in_o denial_n of_o this_o matter_n read_v the_o story_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o search_v and_o see_v if_o the_o example_n of_o man_n by_o only_o read_v regenerate_v be_v not_o few_o rare_a seldom_o nay_o scarce_o any_o where_n at_o all_o to_o be_v find_v but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o example_n of_o man_n by_o preach_v make_v new_a common_a frequent_a and_o usual_a therefore_o be_v it_o again_o conclude_v that_o he_o do_v far_o underualue_n the_o gift_n of_o spiritual_a life_n which_o satisfy_v himself_o in_o the_o less_o usual_a and_o less_o available_a mean_n of_o work_v it_o because_o it_o be_v most_o easy_a pretermit_v the_o more_o available_a and_o more_o usual_a because_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o undergo_v the_o pain_n labour_n or_o cost_v that_o it_o will_v require_v and_o thus_o you_o have_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o regeneration_n god_n spirit_n as_o the_o chief_a the_o word_n principal_o preach_v as_o his_o instrument_n the_o material_a cause_n be_v holiness_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n in_o the_o work_n of_o which_o regeneration_n be_v conversant_a holiness_n i_o say_v the_o most_o admirable_a of_o all_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o world_n as_o far_o surpass_v wit_n and_o learning_n and_o riches_n and_o other_o earthly_a vanity_n as_o learning_n surpass_v ignorance_n and_o wealth_n beggary_n this_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o beauty_n the_o riches_n the_o strength_n the_o life_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o soul_n &_o of_o the_o whole_a man_n it_o be_v a_o very_a beam_n of_o the_o divine_a light_n call_v therefore_o by_o the_o apostle_n the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a thing_n under_o heaven_n or_o of_o thing_n incident_a to_o creature_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v that_o that_o distinguish_v angel_n from_o devil_n the_o saint_n from_o the_o damn_a ghost_n take_v away_o from_o a_o bless_a angel_n his_o holiness_n he_o will_v become_v a_o black_a fiend_n of_o hell_n it_o be_v in_o a_o word_n the_o best_a of_o all_o thing_n that_o a_o creature_n can_v have_v without_o which_o nothing_o be_v worth_a the_o have_v and_o with_o which_o the_o mean_a condition_n be_v able_a to_o afford_v a_o man_n happiness_n enough_o this_o admirable_a thing_n that_o can_v by_o no_o word_n be_v sufficient_o commend_v be_v give_v by_o regeneration_n and_o therefore_o we_o call_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o regeneration_n now_o holiness_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o this_o a_o supernatural_a power_n of_o withdraw_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o whole_a man_n from_o sinful_a and_o earthly_a object_n and_o exercise_v the_o same_o upon_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n this_o adam_n have_v in_o his_o first_o creation_n and_o that_o in_o such_o perfection_n as_o god_n require_v at_o his_o hand_n this_o shall_v he_o have_v propagate_v to_o his_o son_n and_o his_o son_n to_o his_o son_n have_v he_o continue_v in_o his_o innocency_n so_o that_o to_o he_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v natural_a and_o to_o his_o innocent_a posterity_n shall_v have_v be_v which_o now_o to_o we_o be_v above_o the_o power_n and_o course_n of_o nature_n to_o attain_v and_o therefore_o need_v we_o to_o get_v it_o by_o a_o second_o birth_n because_o we_o can_v get_v it_o in_o our_o first_o birth_n for_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o conceive_v in_o his_o mind_n and_o consequent_o neither_o apply_v his_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o receive_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n 2.14_o 1._o cor._n 2.14_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v yea_o his_o mind_n be_v always_o bow_v and_o bend_v after_o either_o bare_a earthly_a or_o very_o hellish_a object_n but_o because_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v spiritual_o discern_v therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n endue_v he_o with_o a_o new_a power_n of_o raise_v himself_o up_o from_o these_o base_a and_o filthy_a
o_o therefore_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n can_v sufficient_o understand_v their_o own_o bliss_n that_o with_o hearty_a rejoice_v within_o themselves_o and_o unfeigned_a thankfulness_n unto_o god_n they_o may_v pass_v on_o forward_o towards_o the_o fruition_n of_o it_o hope_v of_o great_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n do_v fill_v the_o soul_n with_o joy_n and_o man_n before_o the_o attain_n of_o good_a thing_n make_v sure_a and_o certain_a unto_o they_o do_v comfortable_o foresee_v and_o expect_v the_o attainment_n let_v we_o do_v so_o for_o thing_n spiritual_a consider_v with_o thyself_o to_o what_o inheritance_n the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n have_v please_v to_o adopt_v thou_o represent_v unto_o thyself_o the_o unutterable_a joy_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o thou_o and_o which_o thou_o can_v no_o more_o be_v deprive_v of_o than_o god_n himself_o can_v fail_v of_o truth_n and_o alsufficiencie_n for_o he_o that_o have_v promise_v be_v faithful_a and_o will_v perform_v his_o promise_n the_o child_n of_o god_n while_o they_o frame_v their_o affection_n according_a to_o their_o present_a estate_n in_o the_o world_n do_v walk_v heavy_o and_o discouraged_o at_o once_o wrong_v both_o god_n that_o have_v give_v they_o such_o excellent_a thing_n to_o take_v comfort_n in_o and_o themselves_o that_o have_v receive_v so_o certain_a assurance_n of_o such_o thing_n do_v it_o become_v thou_o to_o who_o god_n have_v make_v over_o the_o royal_a inheritance_n of_o heaven_n purchase_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o own_o son_n to_o wear_v out_o thy_o heart_n with_o discontentment_n and_o to_o mar_v thy_o face_n with_o carnal_a tear_n be_v not_o the_o fullness_n of_o celestial_a glory_n and_o riches_n able_a to_o countervail_v thy_o mean_a and_o afflict_a estate_n here_o can_v eternity_n outweigh_v this_o inch_n of_o time_n and_o infinite_a blissefulnesse_n the_o present_a sleighthy_a affliction_n sure_o the_o balance_n be_v too_o too_o unequal_a wherein_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a value_n be_v not_o of_o sufficient_a weight_n to_o pull_v down_o such_o trifle_n it_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n but_o our_o be_v lead_v by_o sense_n rather_o than_o by_o faith_n which_o make_v our_o heart_n heavy_a and_o our_o life_n uncomfortable_a let_v we_o but_o clear_v up_o our_o eye_n dim_v with_o excessive_a and_o causeless_a tear_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v matter_n enough_o for_o glorious_a and_o unspeakable_a joy_n even_o in_o these_o tribulation_n which_o feel_v most_o burdensome_a unto_o us._n be_v thou_o never_o so_o poor_a never_o so_o despise_v wrong_a trouble_a yet_o be_v regenerate_v god_n be_v thy_o father_n christ_n thou_o elder_a brother_n heaven_n thy_o house_n and_o habitation_n and_o the_o glory_n thereof_o thy_o inheritance_n can_v he_o be_v poor_a that_o have_v such_o riches_n despise_a that_o have_v such_o honour_n deject_a that_o have_v such_o comfort_n belong_v unto_o he_o to_o every_o soul_n among_o you_o that_o be_v able_a to_o approve_v his_o regeneration_n unto_o himself_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o say_v unto_o he_o in_o this_o wise_a that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o lay_v the_o fault_n of_o his_o troublesome_a and_o discontent_a life_n upon_o his_o estate_n but_o alone_o upon_o his_o unbelief_n and_o inconsideratenes_n for_o god_n have_v give_v cause_n and_o mean_n enough_o of_o be_v full_a of_o hearty_a comfort_n and_o joy_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o that_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n can_v do_v unto_o he_o do_v thou_o not_o see_v how_o frolic_a the_o foolish_a worldling_n be_v if_o he_o have_v get_v a_o few_o thousand_o pound_n together_o if_o he_o have_v build_v he_o a_o fair_a house_n and_o purchase_v a_o good_a live_n or_o two_o lie_v near_o about_o it_o and_o yet_o in_o such_o term_n stand_v his_o soul_n with_o god_n that_o if_o he_o shall_v as_o he_o may_v decease_n to_o night_n he_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v roar_v in_o hell_n before_o morning_n but_o thou_o to_o who_o heaven_n be_v ascertain_v by_o the_o most_o plain_a evidence_n and_o strong_a assurance_n that_o god_n can_v tell_v how_o to_o make_v unto_o his_o creature_n of_o a_o future_a thing_n if_o thou_o have_v a_o ill_a child_n a_o froward_a yoke-fellow_n a_o sickly_a body_n a_o penurious_a and_o friendless_a estate_n do_v spend_v thy_o time_n in_o sullen_a discontentment_n weep_v and_o wail_v and_o take_v on_o with_o little_a less_o immoderatenesse_n of_o grief_n than_o rahel_n weep_v for_o her_o child_n which_o will_v not_o be_v comfort_v because_o they_o be_v not_o i_o tell_v thou_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n of_o thou_o and_o a_o soul_n shame_n for_o thou_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sin_n to_o underprize_v heaven_n be_v it_o not_o a_o sin_n to_o embase_v god_n rich_a gift_n be_v it_o not_o a_o sin_n to_o disesteem_v these_o benefit_n that_o pass_v all_o the_o estimation_n of_o all_o man_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o a_o dis-esteeming_a embase_v underprise_v of_o heaven_n itself_o to_o carry_v thyself_o as_o if_o the_o comfort_n and_o felicity_n thereof_o be_v not_o of_o worth_n enough_o to_o keep_v thou_o from_o sink_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o sorrow_n about_o earthly_a matter_n again_o tell_v i_o if_o thou_o shall_v hear_v of_o a_o man_n that_o have_v at_o the_o same_o time_n make_v two_o bargain_n by_o the_o one_o of_o which_o he_o shall_v loose_v some_o four_o or_o five_o shilling_n or_o pound_n say_v and_o by_o the_o other_o he_o shall_v gain_v so_o many_o hundred_o thousand_o pound_n and_o upon_o the_o former_a trifle_a loss_n shall_v sit_v weep_v and_o sigh_v and_o wring_v his_o hand_n and_o cry_v out_o that_o he_o be_v undo_v though_o he_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o a_o rich_a amends_n his_o second_o bargain_n have_v make_v he_o if_o i_o say_v thou_o shall_v hear_v of_o such_o a_o person_n what_o will_v thou_o say_v to_o he_o will_v thou_o not_o cease_v pity_v he_o and_o even_o break_v into_o laughter_n at_o his_o so_o ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a folly_n that_o will_v needs_o torment_v himself_o without_o all_o cause_n and_o will_v not_o enjoy_v the_o good_a that_o god_n have_v offer_v he_o in_o truth_n few_o man_n will_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n so_o much_o as_o to_o take_v compassion_n of_o such_o a_o wilfully-miserable_a man_n harken_v now_o then_o what_o i_o say_v thou_o be_v this_o man_n forspeak_v of_o and_o thy_o carriage_n be_v just_a his_o carriage_n so_o that_o what_o accusation_n of_o folly_n and_o absurdnesse_n thou_o will_v cast_v upon_o he_o the_o same_o do_v in_o the_o true_a application_n of_o thing_n appertain_v to_o thyself_o thou_o have_v two_o life_n and_o two_o estate_n a_o temporary_a and_o a_o everlasting_a for_o the_o temporary_a thou_o have_v indeed_o let_v it_o be_v confess_v make_v but_o a_o sorry_a match_n thy_o child_n be_v not_o so_o dutiful_a thy_o yoke-fellow_n not_o so_o love_v thy_o state_n not_o so_o plentiful_a thy_o friend_n not_o so_o faithful_a as_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v but_o for_o the_o everlasting_a thou_o have_v make_v a_o bargain_n above_o all_o imagination_n gainful_a for_o god_n be_v to_o thou_o a_o most_o faithful_a friend_n and_o father_n christ_n jesus_n a_o most_o dear_a surety_n and_o brother_n heaven_n a_o rich_a inheritance_n all_o saint_n fellow-citizen_n and_o all_o angel_n willing_a servant_n and_o after_o this_o minute_n of_o time_n spend_v in_o affliction_n thou_o shall_v pass_v to_o a_o state_n of_o bliss_n that_o never_o shall_v have_v a_o end_n in_o truth_n the_o gain_n of_o ten_o hundred_o thousand_o pound_n do_v not_o more_o exceed_v the_o loss_n of_o two_o single_a penny_n than_o these_o thy_o spiritual_a benefit_n exceed_v thy_o natural_a cross_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v it_o be_v most_o ignorant_o and_o simple_o do_v of_o thou_o to_o pass_v away_o thy_o day_n in_o heaviness_n and_o sigh_v which_o thou_o have_v so_o good_a and_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o spend_v in_o all_o holy_a cheerfulness_n and_o rejoice_v will_v thou_o then_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o thy_o unquiet_a and_o uncomfortable_a live_n it_o be_v not_o the_o multitude_n nor_o greatness_n of_o thy_o cross_n it_o be_v not_o the_o heaviness_n of_o those_o affliction_n that_o lie_v upon_o thou_o more_o hard_a then_o upon_o other_o man_n as_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o imagine_v so_o seek_v to_o excuse_v thy_o own_o fault_n but_o it_o be_v thy_o carnalnesse_n of_o mind_n thy_o be_v lead_v all_o by_o sense_n thy_o look_v only_o to_o thing_n visible_a here_o before_o thy_o eye_n and_o not_o to_o thing_n invisible_a prepare_v for_o thou_o above_o the_o cloud_n and_o keep_v for_o thou_o by_o a_o strong_a and_o able_a friend_n christ_n jesus_n that_o have_v also_o buy_v it_o and_o pay_v dear_a for_o it_o the_o