A touchstone or tryall of faith by the originall from whence it springs and the root out of which it grows : held out by way of expositions of the 12 and 13 verses of the first chapter of Iohn's gospel and of the six former verses of the third chapter which treat expressly about this point ... : to which is added The spirituall practice of Christians in primitive times.
         Penington, Isaac, 1616-1679.
      
       
         This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A54073 of text R27464 in the  English Short Title Catalog (Wing P1216). Textual changes  and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more  computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life.  The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with  MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish.  This text has not been fully proofread 
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         EarlyPrint Project
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         Wing P1216
         ESTC R27464
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         ocm 09863785
         44291
         
           
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             A touchstone or tryall of faith by the originall from whence it springs and the root out of which it grows : held out by way of expositions of the 12 and 13 verses of the first chapter of Iohn's gospel and of the six former verses of the third chapter which treat expressly about this point ... : to which is added The spirituall practice of Christians in primitive times.
             Penington, Isaac, 1616-1679.
             Penington, Isaac, 1616-1679. Spirituall practice of Christians in primitive times.
          
           [4], 33 p.
           
             Printed for Giles Calvert,
             London :
             1648.
          
           
             "To the reader" signed: Isaac Pennington.
             Reproduction of original in the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign Campus). Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Society of Friends -- Apologetic works.
           Regeneration (Theology)
        
      
    
       A54073  R27464  (Wing P1216).  civilwar no A touchstone or tryall of faith, by the originall from whence it springs, and the root out of which it grows: held out by way of exposition Penington, Isaac 1648    14244 19 5 0 0 0 0 17 C  The  rate of 17 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           A
           Touchstone
           or
           Tryall
           OF
           FAITH
           ,
           BY
           The
           Originall
           from
           whence
           it
           springs
           ,
           and
           the
           Root
           out
           of
           which
           it
           grows
           :
           
             Held
             out
          
           By
           way
           of
           EXPOSITION
           of
           the
           12
           and
           13
           verses
           of
           the
           first
           Chapter
           of
           
             Iohn's
          
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           six
           former
           verses
           of
           the
           third
           Chapter
           ,
           which
           treat
           expresly
           about
           this
           point
           :
           
             Intended
          
           Not
           for
           the
           disquiet
           of
           any
           ,
           but
           for
           the
           eternall
           Rest
           and
           Peace
           of
           all
           ,
           to
           whom
           the
           Lord
           shall
           please
           to
           make
           it
           usefull
           thereunto
           .
        
         
           
             To
             which
             is
             added
             ,
          
           The
           Spirituall
           Practise
           of
           CHRISTIANS
           in
           the
           Primitive
           Times
           .
        
         
           
             LONDON
             ,
          
           Printed
           for
           
             Giles
             Calvert
          
           at
           the
           Black
           Spread-Eagle
           ,
           at
           the
           West
           end
           of
           
             Pauls
             ,
          
           1648.
           
        
      
       
       
       
         
           To
           the
           Reader
           .
        
         
           
             READER
             ,
          
        
         
           IF
           thou
           hast
           any
           leasure
           from
           partaking
           in
           ,
           or
           exclaming
           against
           the
           bitter
           contentions
           of
           this
           present
           age
           ,
           which
           have
           eat
           out
           most
           mens
           content
           in
           themselves
           ,
           and
           their
           pleasingnesse
           to
           others
           ;
           Here
           are
           some
           serious
           considerations
           proposed
           to
           thee
           ,
           as
           thou
           wilt
           one
           day
           acknowledge
           ,
           when
           thine
           eyes
           come
           to
           be
           fully
           opened
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           high
           time
           to
           look
           out
           after
           some
           other
           place
           and
           certainty
           of
           entertainment
           there
           ,
           when
           this
           earth
           by
           its
           continuall
           shaking
           and
           cracking
           under
           us
           ,
           doth
           so
           often
           threaten
           that
           it
           will
           not
           long
           support
           us
           .
           There
           is
           no
           true
           security
           for
           us
           ,
           but
           by
           Faith
           in
           Chrisst
           ;
           he
           is
           the
           only
           Rock
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           no
           stepping
           thither
           but
           by
           Faith
           :
           there
           is
           no
           certainty
           ,
           but
           by
           an
           assured
           knowledge
           of
           the
           truth
           of
           this
           Faith
           ;
           whereof
           there
           are
           so
           
           many
           and
           such
           accurate
           cheats
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           not
           possible
           to
           discern
           the
           difference
           without
           through
           sifting
           and
           scanning
           .
           The
           Devill
           ,
           that
           great
           cozouning
           merchant
           ,
           hath
           all
           kinde
           of
           counterfeit
           wares
           which
           hee
           paints
           and
           guilds
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           put
           off
           for
           true
           .
           He
           hath
           grosser
           ware
           for
           the
           grosser
           sort
           ,
           whom
           he
           can
           content
           with
           any
           thing
           ;
           but
           more
           refined
           stuffe
           for
           such
           as
           look
           more
           narrowly
           into
           things
           :
           Men
           that
           are
           openly
           vaine
           and
           prophane
           ,
           yet
           can
           hardly
           bee
           beaten
           off
           from
           it
           ,
           but
           that
           they
           love
           God
           ,
           and
           have
           such
           a
           Faith
           as
           will
           carry
           them
           to
           heaven
           ;
           though
           they
           doe
           not
           live
           so
           strictly
           as
           others
           ,
           yet
           they
           believe
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           it
           God
           looks
           after
           .
        
         
           This
           deceit
           thou
           seest
           through
           oh
           stricter
           soule
           !
           but
           know
           withall
           ,
           the
           Devill
           hath
           more
           curious
           counterfeits
           ,
           wherein
           there
           is
           the
           exact
           proportion
           of
           the
           thing
           resembled
           ,
           all
           but
           the
           life
           and
           power
           ;
           yea
           ,
           he
           is
           cunning
           also
           in
           imitating
           the
           life
           and
           power
           of
           every
           thing
           ,
           he
           hath
           a
           resemblance
           of
           that
           too
           (
           for
           those
           that
           will
           not
           otherwise
           be
           content
           )
           to
           keep
           them
           from
           attaining
           the
           truth
           and
           substance
           which
           if
           they
           were
           not
           thus
           deceived
           by
           him
           ,
           with
           the
           similitude
           of
           ,
           they
           would
           not
           cease
           to
           pursue
           .
        
         
           Thou
           art
           confident
           thou
           art
           not
           deceived
           ,
           so
           are
           all
           that
           are
           deceived
           ;
           the
           Devill
           could
           not
           deceive
           thee
           ,
           with
           that
           which
           is
           false
           ,
           if
           he
           did
           not
           withall
           work
           
           in
           thee
           a
           perswasion
           that
           it
           is
           true
           :
           What
           will
           it
           hurt
           thee
           to
           try
           and
           try
           thoroughly
           ?
           Nay
           ,
           surely
           it
           will
           much
           advantage
           thy
           very
           confidence
           :
           After
           tryall
           ,
           thou
           mayst
           be
           confident
           upon
           knowledge
           ,
           now
           thou
           art
           confident
           but
           upon
           supposition
           ;
           and
           if
           thou
           shouldest
           at
           last
           prove
           mistaken
           ,
           thou
           wouldest
           have
           too
           much
           time
           to
           befoole
           thy selfe
           ,
           and
           bewaile
           thy
           confidence
           ;
           thou
           wilt
           be
           more
           angry
           that
           thou
           wert
           pressed
           no
           further
           to
           tryall
           ,
           then
           thou
           art
           now
           offended
           that
           thou
           art
           pressed
           so
           much
           to
           it
           .
           Thou
           art
           but
           a
           Traveller
           in
           this
           world
           ,
           and
           yet
           thou
           wilt
           look
           after
           a
           sure
           title
           in
           these
           transitory
           things
           ;
           oh
           look
           that
           there
           be
           not
           a
           flaw
           in
           thy
           title
           to
           thy
           true
           inheritance
           :
           And
           if
           thy
           spirit
           be
           seriously
           bent
           towards
           this
           employment
           ,
           here
           perhaps
           the
           Lord
           may
           administer
           to
           thee
           some
           help
           and
           direction
           ,
           or
           furnish
           thee
           better
           some
           other
           way
           when
           he
           shall
           see
           good
           .
        
         
           The
           way
           of
           tryall
           here
           propounded
           ,
           is
           certaine
           ,
           though
           somewhat
           difficult
           ,
           yea
           ,
           indeed
           altogether
           impossible
           without
           the
           help
           of
           Gods
           Spirit
           :
           And
           yet
           ,
           what
           sweeter
           ,
           safer
           ,
           truer
           direction
           can
           be
           given
           ,
           to
           us
           poore
           ,
           weak
           ,
           empty
           creatures
           ,
           who
           are
           nothing
           ,
           who
           can
           doe
           nothing
           ,
           then
           to
           fly
           to
           him
           who
           is
           able
           to
           do
           all
           things
           ,
           to
           issue
           out
           that
           power
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           manage
           it
           in
           us
           ,
           whereby
           the
           thing
           we
           desire
           may
           be
           effected
           ;
           and
           to
           waite
           quietly
           upon
           him
           in
           our
           present
           uncertaine
           
           condition
           till
           he
           shall
           please
           to
           do
           it
           ,
           rather
           then
           patch
           up
           a
           satisfaction
           of
           our
           own
           ?
        
         
           And
           this
           way
           of
           tryall
           is
           not
           any
           invention
           of
           mine
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           plainly
           represented
           in
           these
           Scriptures
           ,
           from
           the
           mouth
           of
           
             Iohn
          
           and
           Christ
           ,
           referring
           the
           tryall
           of
           Faith
           ,
           to
           the
           birth
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           birth
           to
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           as
           thou
           mayst
           more
           fully
           see
           in
           the
           Discourse
           it selfe
           ;
           to
           which
           I
           now
           leave
           thee
           to
           make
           what
           use
           of
           it
           ,
           the
           Lord
           shall
           direct
           thee
           .
        
         
           
             Thine
             in
             what
             the
             Lord
             pleaseth
             ,
             Isaac
             Pennington
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
       
         
           A
           Touchstone
           or
           Tryall
           OF
           FAITH
           :
        
         
           
             JOHN
             1.
             
             VERS
             .
             12.
             13.
             
          
           
             
               
                 But
                 as
                 many
                 as
                 received
                 him
                 ,
                 to
                 them
                 gave
                 he
                 power
                 to
                 become
                 the
                 sonnes
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 even
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 believe
                 on
                 his
                 Name
                 ;
              
            
             
               
                 Which
                 were
                 born
                 not
                 of
                 blood
                 ,
                 nor
                 of
                 the
                 will
                 of
                 the
                 flesh
                 ,
                 nor
                 of
                 the
                 will
                 of
                 man
                 ,
                 but
                 of
                 God
                 .
              
            
          
        
         
           THis
           sweet
           and
           soaring
           Evangelist
           having
           glanced
           at
           the
           excellency
           of
           our
           Lord
           Christ
           ,
           in
           his
           relation
           to
           God
           (
           being
           his
           Word
           )
           his
           presence
           ,
           and
           onenesse
           with
           God
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           1.
           in
           his
           influence
           upon
           all
           things
           ,
           he
           gave
           them
           their
           being
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           3.
           he
           gave
           them
           their
           life
           too
           (
           for
           it
           was
           first
           in
           him
           )
           and
           his
           life
           containes
           all
           that
           light
           that
           man
           at
           any
           time
           receiveth
           ,
           either
           naturall
           or
           spirituall
           ,
           either
           from
           and
           through
           the
           creatures
           ,
           in
           at
           the
           windowes
           of
           his
           own
           sence
           and
           reason
           ;
           or
           more
           immediately
           from
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           into
           his
           own
           spirit
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           4.
           
        
         
           Having
           thus
           given
           a
           generall
           and
           pithy
           description
           of
           him
           ,
           
           who
           was
           to
           be
           the
           maine
           subject
           of
           his
           discourse
           ;
           he
           comes
           in
           the
           next
           place
           to
           speak
           of
           his
           fore-runner
           ,
           and
           what
           of
           Christ
           might
           be
           learned
           from
           him
           .
        
         
           He
           describeth
           this
           fore-runner
           :
           1.
           
           By
           his
           mission
           ,
           he
           was
           sent
           from
           God
           ;
           hee
           did
           not
           goe
           of
           his
           owne
           head
           ,
           but
           God
           bid
           .
           him
           goe
           :
           2.
           
           By
           his
           name
           ,
           
             His
             name
             was
             John
             ,
             vers.
          
           6.
           3.
           
           By
           the
           end
           of
           his
           comming
           it
           was
           for
           to
           be
           a
           witnesse
           ,
           to
           testifie
           somewhat
           from
           God
           unto
           the
           world
           :
           4.
           
           Concerning
           what
           he
           was
           to
           witnesse
           ;
           It
           was
           concerning
           that
           light
           he
           had
           spoken
           of
           ,
           that
           came
           into
           the
           world
           and
           shined
           in
           the
           darknesse
           ,
           uncomprehended
           by
           the
           darknesse
           ,
           that
           this
           was
           the
           light
           indeed
           :
           5.
           
           To
           what
           end
           he
           was
           to
           witnesse
           this
           ,
           
             that
             all
             through
             him
             might
             believe
             ;
          
           that
           by
           his
           meanes
           men
           might
           universally
           come
           to
           acknowledge
           this
           light
           ,
           and
           to
           cast
           themselves
           upon
           it
           ,
           to
           lead
           them
           unto
           life
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           7.
           
        
         
           In
           
             vers
             .
          
           8.
           he
           removes
           a
           mistake
           which
           might
           arise
           in
           men
           minds
           ,
           concerning
           this
           end
           ;
           
             He
             was
             not
             that
             light
             ,
             but
             to
             beare
             witnesse
             of
             that
             light
             ;
          
           as
           if
           hee
           had
           said
           ,
           do
           not
           mistake
           ,
           he
           was
           not
           this
           light
           himself
           ,
           he
           came
           not
           to
           that
           end
           to
           be
           the
           light
           ,
           but
           only
           to
           give
           in
           a
           testimony
           from
           God
           concerning
           the
           light
           ;
           to
           tell
           men
           which
           was
           it
           ,
           that
           men
           might
           not
           have
           recourse
           to
           him
           but
           to
           the
           light
           ;
           he
           was
           to
           point
           with
           the
           finger
           at
           Christ
           ,
           and
           to
           send
           men
           thither
           .
        
         
           And
           hee
           gives
           a
           reason
           why
           
             Iohn
          
           could
           not
           bee
           this
           light
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           9.
           because
           he
           wanted
           the
           property
           of
           this
           light
           :
           This
           light
           is
           the
           originall
           light
           as
           it
           was
           described
           before
           ,
           who
           hath
           all
           light
           in
           him
           who
           giveth
           out
           all
           light
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           very
           light
           ;
           
             The
             true
             light
             that
             lightneth
             every
             man
             that
             commeth
             into
             the
             world
             :
          
           It
           is
           he
           gives
           the
           light
           of
           reason
           to
           every
           man
           that
           comes
           into
           this
           outward
           world
           ,
           it
           is
           he
           gives
           the
           light
           of
           the
           spirit
           to
           every
           man
           that
           enters
           by
           faith
           into
           the
           inner
           world
           .
           Now
           
             Iohn
          
           was
           not
           this
           true
           light
           ,
           this
           very
           light
           ,
           but
           only
           had
           his
           candlelighted
           by
           it
           .
        
         
           
             Vers.
          
           10.
           
           The
           Evangelist
           proceeds
           further
           to
           describe
           this
           light
           :
           
             He
             was
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             the
             world
             was
             made
             by
             him
             ,
             and
             the
             world
             know
             him
             not
             :
          
           He
           did
           not
           only
           enlighten
           the
           world
           from
           the
           beginning
           of
           it
           ,
           but
           at
           length
           he
           himselfe
           came
           into
           the
           world
           ;
           and
           the
           world
           had
           a
           neere
           relation
           to
           him
           ,
           for
           hee
           
           gave
           it
           its
           being
           ,
           it
           was
           the
           workmanship
           of
           his
           hands
           ,
           and
           yet
           the
           world
           knew
           him
           not
           ;
           though
           he
           had
           not
           fo●gotten
           the
           world
           ,
           but
           came
           in
           due
           time
           to
           look
           after
           it
           ,
           yet
           the
           world
           had
           forgotten
           him
           and
           knew
           not
           who
           he
           was
           .
        
         
           Yea
           ,
           
             he
             came
             to
             his
             owne
             ,
             vers.
          
           11.
           his
           own
           people
           the
           Iewes
           ,
           whom
           he
           had
           selected
           out
           of
           the
           world
           ;
           whom
           he
           had
           alwayes
           cherished
           ,
           to
           whom
           hee
           had
           promised
           this
           comming
           of
           his
           ,
           and
           who
           had
           long
           expected
           it
           ,
           and
           yet
           they
           
             received
             him
             not
             .
          
        
         
           All
           this
           seemeth
           to
           be
           the
           Answer
           of
           an
           Objection
           ,
           such
           an
           Objection
           as
           this
           :
        
         
           
             Object
             .
          
           If
           Christ
           was
           the
           light
           ,
           what
           need
           he
           have
           such
           an
           one
           as
           
             Iohn
          
           to
           goe
           and
           proclaime
           it
           ?
           what
           need
           
             Iohn
          
           come
           to
           beare
           witnesse
           of
           him
           ?
           light
           discovers
           it selfe
           :
           The
           Sun
           needs
           none
           to
           goe
           and
           proclaime
           that
           there
           is
           light
           in
           it
           ;
           If
           this
           were
           the
           fountaine
           of
           light
           ,
           the
           very
           light
           indeed
           ;
           what
           need
           hath
           he
           of
           
             Iohn's
          
           testimony
           ,
           of
           
             Iohn's
          
           finger
           to
           point
           at
           him
           ?
        
         
           
             Answ.
          
           Yes
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           need
           enough
           ,
           for
           though
           he
           was
           in
           the
           world
           ;
           yea
           ,
           and
           was
           the
           great
           Architect
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           yet
           
             the
             world
             knew
             him
             not
             ;
          
           and
           though
           he
           came
           to
           his
           own
           people
           ,
           who
           had
           all
           the
           light
           of
           God
           that
           was
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           yet
           they
           
             received
             him
             not
             .
          
           The
           world
           ,
           they
           did
           not
           know
           him
           ;
           the
           Iewes
           they
           would
           not
           own
           him
           ;
           though
           they
           did
           partly
           know
           him
           ,
           yet
           they
           did
           not
           like
           him
           .
           Surely
           ,
           he
           who
           was
           thus
           unknown
           ,
           who
           lay
           hid
           in
           the
           field
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           to
           the
           world
           ;
           who
           was
           thus
           rejected
           by
           his
           own
           ,
           had
           great
           need
           of
           a
           witnesse
           ,
           to
           declare
           to
           the
           world
           who
           he
           was
           ,
           and
           to
           testifie
           to
           the
           stubborn
           Jewes
           ,
           their
           rebellion
           against
           the
           light
           .
        
         
           But
           then
           it
           may
           further
           be
           demanded
           ,
           what
           did
           the
           Iewes
           loose
           by
           not
           receiving
           ,
           or
           what
           should
           the
           world
           gaine
           by
           comming
           to
           this
           light
           ,
           when
           they
           were
           pointed
           to
           it
           by
           
             Iohn
             ?
          
        
         
           Why
           very
           much
           ,
           as
           
             verse
          
           the
           12th
           holds
           out
           :
           
             But
             as
             many
             as
             received
             him
             ,
             to
             them
             gave
             he
             power
             to
             become
             the
             sonnes
             of
             God
             :
          
           They
           should
           gaine
           this
           great
           dignity
           to
           be
           the
           sons
           of
           God
           ,
           comming
           into
           Union
           and
           Fellowship
           with
           him
           ,
           they
           should
           partake
           of
           his
           honour
           from
           ,
           and
           interest
           in
           the
           Father
           .
           Christ
           would
           give
           them
           this
           priviledge
           ,
           to
           become
           the
           sonnes
           of
           the
           most
           High
           ;
           to
           go
           and
           call
           him
           Father
           ,
           and
           desire
           any
           fatherly
           
           act
           of
           him
           ;
           and
           if
           he
           be
           questioned
           for
           it
           ,
           tell
           him
           Christ
           bid
           him
           doe
           so
           ;
           hee
           gave
           him
           this
           right
           and
           priviledge
           ,
           to
           bee
           a
           sonne
           :
           What
           meanes
           that
           ?
           what
           is
           it
           to
           have
           a
           Father
           ?
           what
           is
           it
           to
           be
           a
           sonne
           ?
        
         
           It
           includes
           these
           three
           things
           in
           it
           .
        
         
           
             1.
             
             Carefull
             education
             by
             the
             Father
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             A
             sonlike
             spirit
             in
             himself
             from
             the
             Father
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             A
             sonlike
             inheritance
             for
             himself
             with
             the
             Father
             .
          
        
         
           Each
           of
           these
           is
           included
           in
           this
           prerogative
           of
           being
           a
           sonne
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           
             Carefull
             education
             by
             the
             Father
             .
          
           The
           Father
           is
           to
           nurture
           ,
           and
           bring
           up
           his
           child
           ,
           sutable
           to
           his
           own
           state
           and
           degree
           .
           This
           is
           an
           universall
           law
           of
           nature
           ,
           and
           universally
           observed
           by
           every
           creature
           ;
           every
           creature
           brings
           up
           ,
           what
           it
           brings
           forth
           ;
           and
           doubtlesse
           the
           substance
           of
           this
           law
           is
           written
           on
           Go●s
           heart
           ,
           who
           hath
           written
           the
           image
           of
           it
           on
           every
           thing
           that
           comes
           from
           him
           .
           Now
           Education
           hath
           these
           three
           things
           in
           it
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           Instruction
           in
           such
           literature
           ,
           as
           becomes
           such
           a
           sonne
           :
           Thou
           maist
           goe
           to
           God
           ,
           for
           such
           knowledge
           as
           becomes
           a
           sonne
           of
           God
           ;
           thou
           art
           to
           bee
           brought
           up
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           the
           most
           High
           ,
           this
           is
           thy
           right
           ;
           
             It
             is
             written
             in
             the
             Prophets
             ,
             And
             they
             shall
             be
             all
             taught
             of
             God
             ;
             they
             shall
             all
             know
             me
             from
             the
             least
             to
             the
             greatest
             .
          
           The
           least
           of
           them
           shall
           not
           want
           sutable
           knowledge
           ;
           They
           shall
           all
           know
           God
           who
           is
           the
           greatest
           thing
           to
           be
           known
           ,
           and
           whom
           it
           requires
           the
           highest
           life
           to
           know
           :
           
             This
             is
             life
             eternall
             ,
             to
             know
             thee
             the
             only
             true
             God
             .
          
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Preservation
           from
           dangers
           .
           The
           Father
           is
           to
           provide
           Tutors
           and
           Governours
           to
           look
           to
           the
           child
           ,
           that
           he
           doe
           not
           wrong
           himselfe
           ,
           nor
           that
           any
           else
           wrong
           him
           ;
           
             When
             thou
             passest
             through
             the
             waters
             ,
             I
             will
             be
             with
             thee
             ,
             and
             thorow
             the
             rivers
             ,
             they
             shall
             not
             overflow
             thee
             ;
             when
             thou
             walkest
             through
             the
             fire
             ,
             thou
             shalt
             not
             be
             burnt
             ,
             neither
             shall
             the
             flame
             kindle
             upon
             thee
             :
             All
             things
             shall
             work
             together
             for
             good
             to
             them
             that
             love
             God
             :
             The
             stones
             of
             the
             field
             shall
             be
             at
             peace
             with
             thee
             .
          
           Creatures
           ,
           men
           ,
           devils
           ,
           temtations
           ,
           sins
           ,
           corruption
           ;
           nothing
           shall
           hurt
           them
           ,
           nor
           they
           shall
           not
           hurt
           themselves
           ;
           nothing
           can
           hurt
           them
           but
           departing
           from
           God
           ,
           and
           their
           Father
           will
           look
           to
           
           that
           too
           ;
           
             I
             will
             put
             my
             feare
             in
             their
             hearts
             ,
             that
             they
             shall
             not
             depart
             from
             me
             ,
          
           Ier.
           32.
           40.
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Provision
           of
           meat
           ,
           drink
           ,
           cloathes
           ,
           recreations
           ,
           and
           whatsoever
           else
           is
           needfull
           for
           him
           ,
           sutable
           to
           his
           degree
           :
           This
           God
           wil
           take
           care
           for
           too
           ,
           he
           will
           take
           care
           of
           this
           for
           the
           body
           ,
           
             Hee
             that
             feeds
             the
             Ravens
             ,
             and
             cloathes
             the
             Lillies
             ,
             shall
             he
             not
             much
             more
             feed
             and
             cloath
             you
             ?
          
           but
           it
           is
           their
           spirit
           he●●s
           specially
           the
           Father
           of
           ,
           that
           is
           his
           child
           ,
           and
           spirituall
           meat
           ,
           drink
           ,
           cloathes
           ,
           recreations
           ,
           &c.
           hee
           will
           not
           faile
           to
           provide
           for
           it
           :
           
             He
             will
             give
             grace
             and
             glory
             ,
             and
             no
             good
             thing
             will
             he
             withhold
             :
          
           The
           Lions
           may
           suffer
           hunger
           ,
           and
           want
           food
           for
           their
           bodies
           ;
           but
           none
           of
           his
           shall
           want
           food
           for
           their
           spirits
           ;
           as
           he
           promiseth
           the
           poore
           captive
           exile
           ,
           who
           is
           banished
           from
           his
           presence
           and
           in
           captivity
           under
           Satan
           ,
           bound
           in
           his
           pit
           ;
           he
           promiseth
           him
           that
           he
           shall
           not
           die
           there
           ,
           nor
           his
           bread
           faile
           there
           ,
           
             Esay
          
           51.
           14.
           
           The
           words
           in
           the
           Hebrew
           are
           in
           the
           future
           tense
           ,
           
             He
             shall
             not
             die
             in
             the
             Pit
             ,
             and
             his
             bread
             shall
             not
             faile
             .
          
        
         
           2.
           
           
             A
             sonlike
             spirit
             :
          
           It
           is
           naturall
           to
           the
           sonne
           ,
           to
           be
           ,
           like
           the
           father
           ;
           but
           why
           ?
           because
           he
           hath
           it
           from
           his
           father
           .
           God
           also
           will
           put
           his
           Spirit
           into
           his
           Sonnes
           ,
           
             I
             will
             put
             my
             Spirit
             within
             you
             ;
          
           Indeed
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           spirit
           of
           a
           son
           makes
           a
           sonne
           ;
           and
           therefore
           those
           that
           want
           the
           spirit
           of
           sonnes
           ,
           we
           say
           they
           are
           unnaturall
           .
           God
           should
           beget
           unnaturall
           children
           if
           he
           should
           not
           endue
           them
           with
           a
           sonlike
           Spirit
           :
           He
           could
           not
           be
           a
           true
           Father
           ,
           beget
           a
           true
           child
           ,
           unlesse
           he
           begat
           his
           own
           spirit
           in
           him
           :
           There
           can
           be
           no
           life
           of
           a
           sonne
           ,
           no
           voyce
           of
           a
           sonne
           ,
           no
           motion
           of
           a
           sonne
           without
           the
           spirit
           ,
           
             Rom.
          
           8.
           9
           ,
           26.
           
           Sonship
           and
           the
           spirit
           are
           knit
           together
           ,
           
             Gal.
             4.
             6.
             
             Because
             yee
             are
             Sonnes
             ,
             God
             hath
             sent
             forth
             the
             Spirit
             of
             his
             Sonne
             into
             your
             hearts
             ,
             crying
             ,
             Abba
             Father
             .
          
           It
           belongs
           to
           the
           Father
           both
           to
           beget
           ,
           and
           cherish
           a
           sonlike
           spirit
           in
           his
           son
           :
           God
           hath
           undertaken
           for
           his
           ,
           as
           well
           that
           they
           shall
           be
           sons
           and
           daughters
           ,
           as
           to
           be
           a
           Father
           to
           them
           ,
           2
           
             Cor.
          
           6.
           18.
           
           He
           will
           beget
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           poure
           out
           upon
           them
           such
           a
           sonlike
           spirit
           ,
           that
           neither
           he
           ,
           nor
           they
           ,
           shall
           be
           ashamed
           of
           the
           relation
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           
             A
             sonlike
             inheritance
             :
          
           Such
           an
           one
           as
           becomes
           such
           an
           heir
           ;
           what
           God
           now
           possesses
           ,
           he
           must
           inherit
           ;
           if
           he
           be
           his
           son
           ,
           his
           heir
           ,
           it
           is
           his
           priviledge
           ;
           what
           power
           ,
           wisdome
           ,
           goodnesse
           ,
           glory
           ,
           &c.
           
           God
           now
           enjoyes
           ,
           he
           must
           have
           when
           he
           is
           grown
           up
           to
           it
           ,
           
             Rom.
          
           8.
           17.
           
        
         
         
           This
           all
           that
           receive
           Chri●t
           ,
           must
           have
           from
           and
           with
           Christ
           ;
           all
           this
           God
           hath
           given
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           and
           he
           giveth
           it
           all
           with
           himselfe
           ,
           so
           that
           take
           him
           and
           take
           all
           .
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           But
           what
           is
           this
           same
           receiving
           of
           Christ
           ?
           who
           are
           those
           persons
           that
           receive
           him
           ?
           how
           may
           we
           know
           them
           ?
        
         
           
             Answ.
          
           The
           next
           words
           tell
           you
           ,
           It
           is
           
             them
             that
             believe
             on
             his
             Name
             ?
          
           The
           name
           of
           Christ
           is
           his
           power
           to
           save
           ,
           to
           bring
           men
           out
           of
           their
           misery
           and
           wretchednesse
           unto
           this
           .
           This
           light
           comes
           to
           lighten
           men
           out
           of
           their
           darknesse
           into
           it selfe
           ;
           and
           who
           ever
           lay
           hold
           on
           him
           he
           fetcheth
           them
           out
           ;
           who
           ever
           is
           fastened
           unto
           him
           ,
           cannot
           abide
           in
           darknesse
           ,
           but
           must
           come
           out
           with
           him
           :
           Now
           to
           believe
           on
           his
           name
           ,
           is
           to
           fasten
           on
           this
           power
           of
           his
           ;
           faith
           is
           that
           glue
           which
           makes
           the
           soule
           in
           whom
           it
           is
           ,
           stick
           and
           cleave
           to
           Christ
           ;
           and
           any
           such
           soules
           he
           fetcheth
           them
           out
           of
           the
           clutches
           of
           the
           Devill
           presently
           ,
           and
           from
           amiddest
           that
           power
           of
           darknesse
           under
           which
           they
           lay
           ,
           and
           giveth
           them
           this
           priviledge
           to
           become
           sons
           of
           God
           ,
           
             Act.
          
           26.
           18.
           
        
         
           
             Quest
             .
          
           But
           how
           may
           we
           know
           those
           who
           believe
           ?
           or
           how
           come
           these
           persons
           to
           believe
           and
           receive
           him
           before
           others
           ?
           his
           own
           they
           receive
           him
           not
           ;
           how
           comes
           it
           about
           that
           these
           receive
           him
           ?
        
         
           
             Answ.
          
           That
           is
           resolved
           in
           the
           following
           verse
           ,
           
             (
             vers.
          
           13.
           )
           they
           have
           a
           new
           principle
           of
           life
           put
           into
           them
           ,
           which
           inclines
           them
           so
           to
           doe
           ,
           
             Which
             were
             born
             not
             of
             blood
             ,
             nor
             of
             the
             will
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             nor
             of
             the
             will
             of
             man
             ,
             but
             of
             God
             .
          
           These
           persons
           come
           to
           it
           by
           a
           new
           birth
           ,
           they
           come
           not
           to
           faith
           by
           the
           powers
           of
           nature
           ,
           but
           they
           are
           new
           born
           before
           they
           believe
           :
           They
           have
           a
           new
           seed
           of
           a
           new
           life
           put
           into
           them
           ,
           out
           of
           which
           faith
           growes
           ,
           and
           from
           which
           it
           fetcheth
           its
           ability
           to
           act
           .
           Now
           concerning
           this
           birth
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           not
           be
           deceived
           about
           it
           ,
           he
           shewes
           first
           what
           it
           is
           not
           ,
           whence
           it
           doth
           not
           proceed
           ;
           and
           then
           what
           it
           is
           ,
           whence
           it
           doth
           proceed
           :
           It
           is
           not
           a
           birth
           of
           
             blood
             ,
             nor
             of
             the
             will
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             nor
             of
             the
             will
             of
             man
             ,
             but
             of
             God
             .
          
        
         
           1.
           
           
             Not
             of
             blood
             :
             Blood
          
           may
           import
           that
           instruction
           in
           Religion
           and
           disposition
           towards
           Religion
           ,
           which
           a
           man
           receiveth
           from
           his
           Parents
           ;
           There
           is
           a
           veine
           of
           Religon
           runnes
           along
           with
           the
           blood
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           a
           kind
           of
           naturall
           inclination
           in
           all
           
           persons
           towards
           Religion
           ,
           both
           which
           meeting
           together
           with
           some
           addition
           of
           instruction
           ,
           will
           carry
           a
           person
           very
           farre
           in
           Religious
           practises
           .
           This
           was
           the
           Religion
           of
           the
           Iewes
           generally
           ;
           what
           they
           drank
           in
           from
           their
           parents
           ,
           and
           were
           accustomed
           to
           by
           their
           education
           ,
           that
           they
           were
           very
           strict
           in
           the
           observation
           of
           .
           And
           this
           is
           the
           root
           of
           most
           of
           the
           Religion
           ,
           at
           this
           day
           in
           the
           Word
           ;
           Turkes
           ,
           Papists
           ,
           yea
           ,
           Protestants
           generally
           suck
           in
           their
           Religion
           with
           their
           blood
           ;
           indeed
           ,
           they
           all
           pretend
           to
           a
           power
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           strive
           to
           make
           up
           a
           kind
           of
           satisfaction
           to
           themselves
           one
           way
           or
           other
           ,
           whereas
           the
           ground-work
           whereupon
           they
           build
           is
           rotten
           .
           But
           this
           is
           not
           the
           true
           birth
           ;
           man
           in
           the
           naturall
           way
           of
           generation
           cannot
           convey
           it
           ;
           
             Abraham
          
           did
           not
           thus
           convey
           it
           to
           
             Isaac
             ,
          
           but
           he
           was
           a
           sonne
           by
           Promise
           ;
           it
           is
           not
           the
           blood
           of
           
             Abraham
          
           through
           which
           the
           Faith
           of
           
             Abraham
          
           runnes
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           
             Nor
             of
             the
             will
             of
             the
             flesh
             :
          
           The
           will
           of
           the
           flesh
           being
           distinguished
           from
           the
           will
           of
           man
           ,
           denoteth
           the
           corrupt
           part
           with
           the
           desires
           thereof
           ,
           which
           also
           doth
           operate
           and
           has
           a
           power
           to
           produce
           a
           birth
           in
           Religion
           though
           not
           the
           true
           birth
           .
           This
           will
           of
           the
           flesh
           may
           work
           a
           twofold
           way
           ;
           either
           in
           ones
           selfe
           ,
           or
           in
           others
           ;
           and
           either
           way
           may
           effect
           a
           great
           change
           in
           the
           person
           ,
           in
           the
           reference
           to
           Religion
           ,
           though
           not
           the
           true
           one
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           There
           is
           the
           will
           of
           the
           flesh
           working
           in
           a
           mans
           selfe
           ;
           when
           a
           man
           for
           by-ends
           ,
           as
           vaine-glory
           profit
           ,
           quietnesse
           sake
           ,
           or
           any
           such
           like
           thing
           ,
           taketh
           up
           the
           profession
           and
           practice
           of
           Religion
           ;
           this
           is
           from
           the
           flesh
           ,
           from
           a
           corrupt
           principle
           ;
           when
           a
           man
           takes
           up
           Religion
           ,
           not
           from
           a
           pure
           conviction
           of
           conscience
           ,
           not
           for
           Religions
           sake
           ,
           but
           because
           it
           suites
           with
           such
           and
           such
           by-ends
           of
           his
           ,
           tends
           to
           advantage
           him
           in
           this
           or
           that
           respect
           .
           Thus
           the
           Pharisees
           took
           up
           most
           of
           their
           practises
           ,
           out
           of
           a
           desire
           of
           honour
           and
           gaine
           ;
           and
           it
           hath
           beene
           observed
           ,
           and
           known
           of
           many
           in
           former
           times
           ,
           that
           they
           have
           been
           Puritanes
           on
           such
           termes
           as
           these
           ,
           to
           obtaine
           a
           wife
           ,
           to
           please
           their
           friends
           ,
           to
           encrease
           their
           custome
           and
           the
           like
           ;
           And
           thus
           are
           many
           things
           maintained
           among
           us
           at
           this
           day
           ,
           which
           the
           light
           that
           is
           abroad
           would
           quickly
           and
           clearly
           
           dispell
           ,
           only
           corrupt
           ends
           keep
           them
           alive
           .
           And
           thus
           a
           man
           may
           be
           born
           anew
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           a
           great
           change
           may
           be
           made
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           he
           appeare
           a
           new
           man
           to
           all
           that
           behold
           him
           ;
           when
           as
           it
           is
           indeed
           but
           the
           working
           of
           the
           flesh
           ,
           his
           prosecuting
           some
           corrupt
           ends
           of
           his
           own
           which
           maketh
           him
           thus
           forward
           and
           zealous
           in
           Religion
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           There
           is
           this
           corrupt
           part
           ,
           or
           
             will
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
          
           not
           only
           working
           in
           a
           mans
           selfe
           but
           in
           others
           also
           ;
           and
           that
           is
           ,
           when
           other
           men
           for
           corrupt
           ends
           of
           their
           own
           ,
           strive
           to
           bring
           on
           persons
           (
           specially
           such
           as
           may
           be
           more
           easily
           led
           )
           to
           such
           and
           such
           practises
           in
           Religion
           ,
           and
           to
           zeale
           in
           such
           and
           such
           particular
           things
           :
           Thus
           the
           Pharisees
           did
           bring
           the
           people
           into
           many
           practises
           ,
           for
           their
           own
           corrupt
           ends
           ;
           and
           thus
           were
           the
           poore
           Proselytes
           born
           ,
           they
           were
           brought
           into
           a
           way
           of
           Religion
           by
           the
           Iewes
           ,
           who
           took
           great
           paines
           to
           effect
           it
           ,
           but
           made
           them
           
             ten
             times
             more
             the
             children
             of
             hell
             then
             they
             were
             before
             :
          
           And
           this
           we
           shall
           see
           ,
           will
           be
           the
           case
           of
           many
           poore
           soules
           at
           last
           ,
           who
           have
           followed
           such
           guides
           as
           have
           had
           glorious
           pretences
           in
           view
           ,
           but
           corrupt
           ends
           in
           their
           hearts
           ;
           they
           become
           ten
           times
           worse
           at
           present
           ,
           and
           will
           be
           ten
           times
           more
           miserable
           at
           last
           then
           if
           they
           had
           never
           known
           such
           and
           such
           wayes
           of
           Religion
           ,
           or
           had
           not
           been
           so
           zealous
           in
           them
           .
           But
           this
           is
           not
           the
           true
           birth
           neither
           whence
           true
           Faith
           doth
           flow
           ;
           all
           the
           changes
           that
           are
           made
           in
           us
           ,
           from
           any
           corrupt
           end
           or
           desire
           of
           our
           own
           ,
           or
           of
           any
           others
           whatsoever
           ,
           will
           bee
           of
           little
           valew
           to
           us
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           
             Nor
             of
             the
             will
             of
             man
             :
          
           The
           will
           of
           man
           being
           distinguished
           from
           the
           will
           of
           the
           flesh
           ,
           notes
           the
           purest
           and
           most
           ingenuous
           part
           ;
           and
           that
           either
           in
           a
           mans
           selfe
           or
           any
           other
           ;
           It
           notes
           ,
           that
           desire
           that
           is
           naturally
           in
           man
           ,
           to
           finde
           out
           God
           and
           his
           will
           ,
           and
           to
           worship
           and
           please
           him
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           use
           the
           best
           meanes
           the
           soule
           can
           meet
           with
           in
           reference
           thereunto
           ,
           as
           seeking
           into
           his
           word
           ,
           hearing
           ,
           conferring
           ,
           praying
           ,
           and
           observing
           what
           it
           findes
           to
           be
           his
           will
           ;
           This
           indeed
           is
           noble
           ,
           ingenuous
           ,
           and
           acceptable
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           God
           in
           its
           kind
           and
           degree
           ;
           but
           yet
           it
           doth
           not
           rise
           so
           high
           as
           this
           birth
           that
           is
           here
           spoken
           of
           :
           All
           this
           prosecuted
           by
           the
           soule
           ,
           yet
           will
           never
           
           bring
           it
           to
           God
           ,
           though
           God
           doth
           ordinarily
           (
           if
           not
           alwayes
           )
           bring
           such
           persons
           to
           himselfe
           ,
           whom
           he
           thus
           seriously
           and
           constantly
           inclines
           .
        
         
           Nor
           will
           this
           desire
           in
           others
           ,
           with
           all
           the
           meanes
           they
           can
           use
           accomplish
           it
           ;
           though
           they
           themselves
           be
           new
           born
           ,
           yet
           this
           will
           not
           beget
           another
           ;
           though
           the
           most
           pretious
           Saint
           that
           is
           ,
           should
           never
           so
           earnestly
           desire
           the
           begetting
           of
           a
           soule
           to
           God
           ;
           out
           of
           the
           purest
           ends
           that
           might
           be
           ,
           and
           should
           use
           all
           spirituall
           means
           towards
           it
           ,
           pray
           hard
           to
           God
           ,
           diligently
           spread
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Christ
           before
           the
           person
           and
           begge
           on
           him
           day
           after
           day
           with
           teares
           ,
           to
           pitty
           his
           poore
           perishing
           soule
           ,
           yet
           all
           this
           will
           not
           doe
           ;
           
             Abraham
          
           did
           as
           much
           for
           
             Ishmael
          
           as
           could
           be
           done
           ,
           if
           the
           will
           of
           man
           would
           have
           done
           it
           ;
           he
           was
           carefull
           to
           instruct
           his
           whole
           Family
           ,
           but
           in
           a
           speciall
           manner
           very
           faine
           would
           he
           have
           had
           grace
           breathed
           into
           him
           ,
           
             Oh
             that
             Ishmael
             might
             live
             before
             thee
             !
          
           How
           faine
           would
           
             Isaac
          
           have
           had
           the
           blessing
           runne
           to
           
             Esau
             !
          
           how
           much
           did
           Christ
           doe
           for
           the
           Iewes
           ,
           how
           large
           were
           his
           affections
           ;
           
             Oh
             that
             thou
             hadst
             known
             at
             least
             in
             this
             thy
             day
             the
             things
             that
             belong
             unto
             thy
             peace
             !
          
           how
           vaste
           his
           paines
           !
           
             All
             the
             day
             long
             have
             I
             stretched
             out
             my
             hands
             to
             a
             foolish
             and
             gain-saying
             people
             .
          
           So
           
             Paul
          
           for
           the
           Iewes
           ,
           
             Rom.
          
           9.
           2
           ,
           3.
           
           The
           Apostles
           of
           Christ
           though
           they
           did
           travell
           with
           men
           ,
           yet
           they
           could
           not
           beget
           or
           bring
           forth
           whom
           they
           would
           ;
           and
           those
           persons
           that
           were
           born
           of
           this
           will
           of
           theirs
           ,
           yet
           that
           birth
           came
           to
           nothing
           ,
           they
           fell
           away
           from
           the
           Faith
           afterwards
           ,
           both
           from
           Christ
           while
           he
           was
           alive
           ,
           (
           as
           this
           book
           abundantly
           testifies
           )
           and
           from
           the
           Churches
           after
           his
           ascention
           .
           So
           that
           here
           are
           the
           three
           great
           engines
           of
           Religion
           ,
           which
           turn
           all
           the
           world
           upside
           downe
           ,
           and
           make
           almost
           all
           the
           changes
           in
           Religion
           among
           men
           ,
           
             Tradition
             ,
             Corruption
             ,
             Reason
          
           and
           
             Ingenuity
             ,
          
           they
           are
           all
           here
           discarded
           ,
           as
           not
           being
           able
           to
           convey
           the
           true
           birth
           whence
           true
           Faith
           proceeds
           .
        
         
           Then
           at
           last
           ,
           the
           Evangelist
           having
           shewn
           whence
           it
           did
           not
           proceed
           ,
           sheweth
           also
           whence
           it
           did
           proceed
           ,
           both
           the
           birth
           and
           the
           faith
           ;
           
             but
             of
             God
             ,
          
           the
           birth
           comes
           from
           God
           ,
           the
           faith
           
           from
           the
           birth
           or
           from
           the
           new
           born
           child
           :
           God
           by
           his
           Spirit
           ,
           breathes
           a
           breath
           of
           life
           into
           him
           ,
           puts
           a
           new
           principle
           within
           him
           ,
           and
           by
           vertue
           of
           this
           he
           comes
           to
           believe
           on
           Christ
           :
           God
           by
           the
           power
           of
           his
           Grace
           ,
           changeth
           him
           and
           maketh
           him
           a
           new
           creature
           ,
           and
           then
           he
           comes
           to
           put
           forth
           this
           new
           act
           of
           true
           and
           spirituall
           Faith
           :
           God
           soweth
           a
           seed
           in
           him
           ,
           causeth
           this
           seed
           to
           grow
           and
           at
           length
           bringeth
           it
           forth
           ,
           so
           that
           the
           child
           is
           born
           ;
           and
           then
           Faith
           naturally
           ,
           after
           the
           law
           and
           manner
           of
           the
           Divine
           nature
           sprouts
           from
           it
           :
           The
           first
           act
           of
           the
           living
           child
           ,
           is
           to
           exercise
           the
           power
           of
           Faith
           ,
           which
           before
           lay
           hid
           in
           him
           .
           And
           this
           is
           done
           ,
           this
           birth
           is
           brought
           about
           ,
           not
           from
           a
           mans
           own
           will
           ,
           whether
           corrupt
           or
           ingenuous
           ,
           nor
           from
           the
           will
           of
           any
           else
           ,
           but
           from
           God
           ,
           from
           his
           will
           ,
           
             of
             his
             own
             will
             begat
             he
             us
             ,
             Iam.
          
           1.
           18.
           
           This
           ,
           and
           this
           alone
           is
           the
           true
           birth
           .
        
         
           For
           a
           close
           to
           these
           two
           verses
           ,
           take
           notice
           of
           these
           foure
           great
           truths
           ,
           wherein
           much
           of
           the
           Gospel
           doth
           lie
           ;
           three
           of
           them
           are
           contained
           in
           these
           two
           verses
           ,
           the
           first
           of
           them
           in
           the
           fore-going
           part
           of
           the
           Chapter
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           Christ
           is
           the
           light
           come
           into
           the
           world
           to
           lighten
           men
           out
           of
           their
           darknesse
           ;
           there
           is
           no
           getting
           out
           of
           spirituall
           darknesse
           ,
           but
           by
           Christ
           the
           true
           and
           only
           spirituall
           light
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           The
           persons
           for
           whom
           he
           doth
           this
           ,
           must
           believe
           ,
           must
           receive
           him
           by
           faith
           for
           their
           light
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Faith
           proceeds
           from
           the
           new
           birth
           ,
           a
           man
           must
           be
           new
           born
           that
           he
           may
           believe
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           The
           great
           priviledge
           Christ
           bestowes
           on
           those
           that
           believe
           ,
           which
           is
           this
           ,
           he
           gives
           them
           Authority
           to
           become
           the
           sonnes
           of
           God
           .
        
         
           Those
           that
           will
           be
           the
           sonnes
           of
           God
           ,
           must
           believe
           on
           his
           Christ
           .
        
         
           Those
           that
           will
           believe
           on
           Gods
           Christ
           ,
           must
           be
           born
           of
           God
           .
        
         
           Those
           that
           are
           born
           of
           God
           ,
           cannot
           but
           believe
           on
           Christ
           ,
           and
           Christ
           cannot
           but
           lighten
           them
           out
           of
           their
           darknesse
           ,
           for
           that
           end
           he
           came
           .
        
         
         
           
             IOHN
             3.
             
          
           
             
               Vers.
            
             1.
             
             There
             was
             a
             man
             of
             the
             Pharisees
             ,
             named
             Nicodemus
             ,
             a
             ruler
             of
             the
             Iewes
             :
          
           
             
               2.
               
            
             The
             same
             came
             to
             Iesus
             by
             night
             ,
             and
             said
             unto
             him
             ,
             Rabbi
             ,
             we
             know
             that
             thou
             '
             art
             a
             teacher
             come
             from
             God
             :
             for
             no
             man
             can
             doe
             these
             miracles
             that
             thou
             doest
             ,
             except
             God
             be
             with
             him
             .
          
           
             
               3.
               
            
             Iesus
             answered
             ,
             and
             said
             unto
             him
             ,
             Verily
             ,
             verily
             I
             say
             thee
             :
             except
             a
             man
             be
             borne
             againe
             ,
             he
             cannot
             see
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             God
             .
          
           
             
               4.
               
            
             Nicodemus
             saith
             unto
             him
             ,
             How
             can
             a
             man
             be
             born
             when
             hee
             is
             old
             ?
             can
             he
             enter
             the
             second
             time
             into
             his
             mothers
             womb
             ,
             and
             be
             borne
             ?
          
           
             
               5.
               
            
             Iesus
             answered
             ,
             Verily
             ,
             verily
             I
             say
             unto
             thee
             ,
             Except
             a
             man
             be
             born
             of
             water
             and
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             he
             cannot
             enter
             into
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             God
             .
          
           
             
               6.
               
            
             That
             which
             is
             borne
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             is
             flesh
             ;
             and
             that
             which
             is
             borne
             of
             the
             spirit
             is
             spirit
             .
          
        
         
           Here
           is
           an
           excellent
           Dispute
           betweene
           Christ
           and
           
             Nicodemus
          
           concerning
           true
           Faith
           ;
           
             Iohn
          
           had
           described
           it
           before
           in
           the
           twelf
           and
           thirteenth
           verses
           of
           the
           first
           Chapter
           ,
           where
           hee
           had
           shewed
           that
           those
           that
           did
           indeed
           believe
           ,
           were
           born
           of
           God
           :
           This
           act
           of
           Faith
           in
           them
           ,
           which
           did
           entitle
           them
           unto
           Christ
           ,
           and
           whereupon
           they
           did
           receive
           the
           right
           of
           Sonship
           in
           and
           from
           him
           ,
           did
           not
           proceed
           from
           any
           light
           set
           before
           them
           by
           men
           ;
           nor
           from
           any
           inclination
           of
           heart
           which
           man
           could
           work
           in
           them
           ;
           but
           from
           a
           new
           principle
           of
           life
           breathed
           into
           their
           soules
           by
           God
           .
        
         
           Here
           the
           case
           is
           more
           fully
           argued
           betweene
           Christ
           and
           
             Nicodemuus
             .
             Nicodemus
          
           a
           Pharisee
           ,
           and
           Rules
           of
           the
           
           Iewes
           ,
           comes
           to
           Christ
           by
           night
           ,
           acknowledging
           him
           to
           be
           a
           Teacher
           from
           God
           ,
           one
           who
           had
           the
           will
           of
           God
           revealed
           unto
           him
           by
           God
           himselfe
           ,
           and
           came
           to
           make
           it
           known
           unto
           the
           sonnes
           of
           men
           :
           Hee
           giveth
           Christ
           the
           ground
           which
           induced
           him
           thus
           to
           believe
           ,
           which
           was
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           signes
           hee
           shewed
           ,
           the
           wonders
           hee
           did
           ,
           which
           no
           man
           could
           doe
           unlesse
           God
           were
           with
           him
           .
           Those
           things
           he
           did
           were
           beyond
           the
           working
           of
           any
           humane
           power
           ,
           therefore
           God
           must
           needs
           be
           with
           that
           person
           who
           doth
           them
           ;
           he
           comes
           as
           one
           that
           would
           be
           a
           disciple
           (
           though
           hee
           comes
           not
           so
           openly
           as
           others
           did
           )
           and
           at
           his
           first
           salute
           ,
           hee
           acknowledgeth
           Christ
           to
           be
           a
           Teacher
           sent
           from
           Heaven
           by
           God
           ,
           rendring
           his
           reason
           withall
           ,
           whereby
           hee
           could
           not
           chuse
           but
           so
           judge
           ,
           which
           was
           no
           meane
           one
           neieher
           ,
           but
           drawn
           from
           the
           mighty
           things
           Christ
           did
           ,
           wherein
           the
           very
           power
           of
           God
           did
           appear
           to
           the
           eye
           of
           reason
           evidencing
           unto
           it
           that
           
             living
             Spring
          
           from
           whence
           he
           came
           ,
           and
           the
           
             Pres●●●●
          
           of
           that
           
             living
             Spring
          
           with
           him
           :
           This
           is
           expressed
           in
           the
           first
           and
           second
           verses
           .
        
         
           In
           the
           third
           verse
           ,
           Christ
           applyeth
           himselfe
           to
           his
           particular
           state
           ,
           wishing
           him
           to
           consider
           the
           ground
           whence
           this
           acknowledgement
           of
           his
           did
           arise
           ;
           telling
           him
           plainly
           ,
           that
           
             true
             Faith
          
           must
           arise
           from
           another
           root
           then
           sight
           of
           his
           miracles
           ;
           
             Iesus
             answered
             ,
             and
             said
             unto
             him
             ,
             verily
             ,
             verily
             ,
             &c.
          
           as
           if
           hee
           had
           said
           ,
           Mark
           what
           I
           say
           ,
           I
           know
           what
           I
           speak
           ,
           
             Verily
             ,
             verily
             ,
          
           it
           is
           most
           certainly
           so
           ,
           
             unlesse
             a
             man
             be
             born
             againe
             ,
             he
             cannot
             see
             the
             kingdome
             of
             God
             .
          
        
         
           What
           is
           the
           Kingdome
           of
           God
           ?
           
             The
             kingdome
             of
             God
             ,
          
           is
           that
           state
           of
           life
           and
           blessednesse
           ,
           which
           God
           hath
           brought
           to
           light
           by
           Iesus
           Christ
           .
           As
           the
           kingdome
           of
           the
           Devill
           is
           that
           state
           of
           death
           and
           misery
           man
           lies
           in
           by
           nature
           ;
           so
           the
           Kingdome
           of
           God
           is
           the
           state
           of
           life
           and
           glory
           man
           is
           advanced
           to
           by
           grace
           :
           
             Philip
          
           preached
           
             the
             things
             concerning
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             Name
             of
             Iesus
             Christ
             ,
             Act.
          
           8.
           12.
           
           He
           opened
           the
           life
           and
           blessednesse
           that
           belongs
           to
           this
           Kingdome
           ,
           and
           the
           name
           of
           Christ
           who
           is
           to
           bring
           us
           into
           it
           .
        
         
         
           
             To
             see
             this
             Kingdome
             ,
          
           is
           an
           act
           of
           Faith
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           eye
           wherewith
           wee
           behold
           every
           spirituall
           thing
           ;
           this
           eye
           no
           man
           hath
           ,
           but
           he
           that
           is
           born
           againe
           ,
           he
           that
           is
           born
           from
           above
           :
           This
           eye
           doth
           not
           lie
           hid
           in
           nature
           ,
           and
           so
           only
           wants
           somewhat
           to
           cleare
           it
           ,
           and
           draw
           forth
           the
           act
           of
           it
           ;
           but
           it
           belongs
           to
           a
           new
           birth
           ;
           he
           that
           is
           begotten
           and
           born
           of
           God
           ,
           hee
           hath
           this
           eye
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           none
           else
           :
           Therefore
           
             Nicodemus
          
           consider
           thy
           mistake
           ,
           Thou
           thinkest
           because
           thou
           seest
           by
           an
           eye
           of
           reason
           that
           I
           am
           come
           from
           God
           ,
           and
           art
           drawne
           by
           thy
           reason
           and
           ingenuity
           to
           acknowledge
           and
           owne
           it
           ,
           that
           therefore
           thou
           believest
           :
           No
           ,
           no
           ,
           
             Nicodemus
             ,
          
           if
           thou
           hast
           Faith
           ,
           it
           ariseth
           from
           another
           ground
           then
           the
           sight
           of
           my
           miracles
           ,
           it
           comes
           from
           a
           new
           birth
           in
           thee
           ,
           though
           God
           may
           make
           this
           usefull
           to
           thee
           also
           to
           help
           thee
           to
           believe
           ;
           but
           if
           thy
           Faith
           have
           no
           better
           ground-work
           then
           this
           ,
           it
           is
           like
           the
           fore-mentioned
           Faith
           of
           those
           in
           the
           former
           Chapter
           ,
           vers.
           23.
           whom
           I
           dare
           not
           ,
           I
           cannot
           owne
           as
           Disciples
           .
           Oh
           weigh
           and
           consider
           this
           ,
           all
           wise
           and
           ingenuous
           men
           ,
           behold
           your
           snare
           ,
           and
           take
           notice
           of
           this
           also
           ,
           which
           may
           help
           to
           enervate
           the
           force
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           That
           sight
           and
           acknowledgement
           of
           any
           spirituall
           thing
           which
           wee
           are
           drawn
           to
           by
           a
           power
           of
           reason
           ,
           by
           such
           evidences
           as
           reason
           it selfe
           cannot
           withstand
           (
           as
           miracles
           were
           )
           wee
           have
           just
           cause
           to
           suspect
           as
           not
           true
           and
           spirituall
           :
           It
           is
           the
           sight
           of
           reason
           not
           of
           Faith
           ;
           it
           is
           such
           an
           act
           of
           Faith
           as
           proceeds
           from
           the
           naturall
           man
           ,
           not
           from
           the
           spirituall
           man
           ;
           it
           is
           that
           act
           the
           eye
           that
           was
           in
           us
           before
           puts
           forth
           ,
           not
           the
           new
           eye
           .
           Oh
           see
           ,
           how
           men
           are
           quite
           out
           in
           seeking
           after
           the
           truths
           of
           God
           in
           every
           kind
           :
           They
           call
           for
           reason
           ,
           for
           evidences
           to
           have
           it
           brought
           by
           such
           hands
           as
           no
           man
           could
           justly
           refuse
           :
           Ah!
           they
           should
           call
           for
           new
           eyes
           ,
           or
           least
           for
           Gods
           discovering
           his
           truths
           in
           a
           spirituall
           way
           to
           their
           eyes
           which
           all
           the
           miracles
           in
           the
           world
           cannot
           doe
           :
           They
           may
           by
           miracles
           bee
           brought
           to
           a
           rationall
           sight
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           a
           present
           acknowledgement
           of
           truths
           ;
           but
           never
           to
           a
           spirituall
           
           sight
           ,
           which
           alone
           ●s
           satisfactory
           ,
           and
           which
           alone
           w●ll
           be
           lasting
           .
        
         
           Verse
           4.
           
           
             Nicodemus
          
           apprehends
           this
           spirituall
           truth
           very
           carnally
           and
           grossely
           ,
           of
           a
           fleshly
           birth
           of
           the
           fleshly
           part
           ;
           and
           it
           seemeth
           a
           direct
           absurdity
           to
           him
           ,
           what
           Christ
           had
           now
           affirmed
           :
           He
           thinks
           he
           hath
           caught
           the
           great
           Master
           (
           whom
           hee
           acknowledged
           just
           now
           a
           Teacher
           come
           from
           God
           )
           in
           a
           trap
           ,
           and
           hee
           so
           expresseth
           it
           ,
           as
           if
           Christ
           had
           overshot
           himself
           ,
           and
           could
           not
           tell
           how
           to
           make
           good
           what
           hee
           had
           laid
           downe
           ;
           
             How
             can
             a
             man
             be
             borne
             againe
             when
             hee
             is
             old
             ?
          
           is
           there
           any
           possibility
           of
           this
           ?
           
             can
             hee
             enter
             the
             second
             time
             into
             his
             mothers
             wombe
             and
             bee
             borne
             ?
          
        
         
           Verse
           5.
           
           Christ
           doth
           not
           abate
           any
           thing
           of
           what
           hee
           hath
           said
           ,
           but
           affirmeth
           it
           againe
           with
           the
           same
           vehemency
           ,
           further
           opening
           ,
           and
           confirming
           it
           ,
           
             Iesus
             answerd
             ,
             Verily
             ,
             verily
             ,
             I
             say
             unto
             thee
             ,
             Except
             a
             man
             be
             borne
             of
             water
             and
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             hee
             cannot
             enter
             into
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             God
             .
          
        
         
           Doest
           thou
           come
           to
           be
           a
           Disciple
           to
           learn
           the
           way
           to
           happinesse
           ?
           wouldst
           thou
           enter
           into
           that
           state
           of
           blessednesse
           ,
           that
           I
           come
           to
           preach
           ?
           thou
           must
           be
           born
           againe
           ;
           and
           not
           carnally
           ,
           not
           of
           carnall
           things
           ;
           but
           
             of
             water
             and
             of
             the
             spirit
             .
          
        
         
           For
           the
           better
           apprehending
           of
           this
           ,
           let
           us
           enquire
           a
           little
           into
           these
           ensuing
           particulars
           .
        
         
           
             1.
             
             What
             is
             meant
             by
             water
             ?
          
           
             2.
             
             What
             it
             is
             to
             be
             borne
             of
             water
             ?
          
           
             3.
             
             What
             it
             is
             to
             be
             borne
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ?
          
           
             4.
             
             What
             this
             entring
             into
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             God
             is
             ,
             which
             none
             none
             can
             doe
             ,
             but
             that
             person
             which
             it
             born
             of
             water
             and
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ?
          
        
         
           1.
           
           
             What
             is
             meant
             by
             water
             ?
          
           By
           
             water
          
           is
           meant
           ,
           the
           knowledge
           of
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           the
           sight
           of
           God
           in
           the
           face
           of
           Christ
           ,
           wherein
           eternall
           life
           consists
           .
           
             If
             thou
             hadst
             known
             the
             gift
             of
             God
             ,
             &c.
             thou
             wouldest
             have
             asked
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             he
             would
             have
             given
             thee
             living
             water
             ,
             Ioh.
          
           4.
           10.
           
           What
           is
           this
           living
           water
           ?
           Why
           ,
           
             this
             is
             life
             eternall
             ,
             to
             know
             thee
             the
             
             onely
             true
             God
             ,
             and
             Iesus
             Christ
             whom
             thou
             hast
             sent
             ?
          
           Ioh.
           17.
           3.
           
           The
           heavenly
           doctrine
           of
           life
           and
           salvation
           ,
           is
           often
           expressed
           in
           Scripture
           ,
           by
           this
           tearm
           of
           water
           ,
           
             My
             doctrine
             shall
             drop
             as
             the
             raine
             ,
             my
             speech
             shall
             distill
             as
             the
             dew
             ,
             Deut.
          
           32.
           2.
           
           &
           
             Is.
             55.
             10.
             
             Heb.
          
           6.
           7.
           
           As
           God
           is
           the
           fountaine
           whence
           all
           the
           life
           and
           sweetnesse
           of
           the
           creature
           flowes
           ,
           whether
           naturall
           
             (
             Is.
          
           65.
           9.
           
           )
           or
           spirituall
           
             (
             Ier.
          
           2.
           13.
           )
           So
           those
           beames
           of
           eternall
           light
           ,
           those
           streamings
           forth
           of
           life
           ,
           which
           issue
           out
           from
           God
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           Iesus
           Christ
           ,
           they
           are
           waters
           from
           this
           fountaine
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           
             What
             it
             is
             to
             be
             born
             of
             water
             ?
          
           It
           notes
           that
           fundamentall
           and
           radicall
           change
           which
           is
           made
           in
           the
           heart
           by
           the
           power
           of
           the
           truths
           of
           Christ
           conveyed
           thither
           ,
           and
           working
           there
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           three
           great
           effects
           of
           this
           water
           .
        
         
           It
           begets
           ,
           it
           washeth
           ,
           it
           nourisheth
           ;
           It
           begets
           a
           dead
           man
           to
           life
           ,
           it
           begets
           a
           man
           unto
           God
           ;
           for
           it
           is
           a
           living
           and
           active
           water
           ;
           or
           rather
           it
           is
           the
           seed
           whereof
           a
           man
           is
           begotten
           and
           born
           ;
           or
           at
           least
           the
           vessel
           ,
           that
           living
           vessel
           which
           containes
           it
           :
           It
           is
           that
           also
           wherewith
           he
           is
           washed
           after
           hee
           is
           born
           (
           though
           there
           be
           a
           washing
           with
           blood
           too
           .
           )
           And
           it
           nourisheth
           him
           after
           hee
           is
           both
           borne
           and
           washed
           ,
           hee
           lives
           upon
           the
           very
           same
           water
           that
           he
           was
           borne
           of
           and
           with
           :
           It
           is
           the
           first
           of
           these
           effects
           that
           is
           here
           spoken
           of
           ,
           that
           stroke
           that
           water
           hath
           in
           the
           generation
           and
           birth
           of
           the
           new
           creature
           ,
           
             He
             is
             born
             of
             it
             .
          
           It
           is
           by
           letting
           in
           these
           waters
           upon
           the
           soule
           and
           into
           the
           soule
           that
           God
           changeth
           it
           ,
           and
           maketh
           it
           a
           new
           .
           Our
           change
           in
           our
           spirits
           ,
           and
           our
           conversion
           to
           God
           proceedeth
           from
           ,
           and
           is
           to
           be
           attributed
           to
           that
           power
           of
           truth
           that
           God
           lets
           in
           upon
           us
           ;
           and
           to
           that
           the
           Apostle
           ascribeth
           it
           (
           as
           in
           many
           other
           places
           )
           
             Rom.
             6.
             17.
             
             Iam.
          
           1.
           1●
           .
           As
           our
           first
           change
           from
           God
           ,
           was
           by
           drinking
           of
           the
           Devils
           waters
           ,
           which
           were
           waters
           of
           darknesse
           and
           death
           ,
           waters
           of
           errour
           and
           deceit
           ;
           so
           this
           great
           change
           to
           God
           againe
           ,
           is
           wrought
           by
           drinking
           of
           Gods
           waters
           ,
           his
           spirituall
           waters
           of
           life
           ,
           which
           are
           his
           truths
           which
           hee
           holds
           out
           unto
           us
           ,
           wherein
           there
           is
           no
           darknesse
           nor
           
           deceit
           at
           all
           ,
           but
           they
           are
           cleare
           ,
           living
           ,
           and
           substantiall
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           
             What
             is
             it
             to
             be
             born
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ?
          
           It
           is
           to
           have
           this
           change
           from
           these
           waters
           wrought
           in
           us
           by
           the
           spirit
           .
           A
           man
           can
           never
           change
           his
           own
           heart
           ,
           by
           any
           of
           the
           truths
           of
           God
           ;
           but
           it
           must
           be
           the
           spirit
           that
           must
           doe
           it
           .
           This
           water
           is
           too
           spirituall
           a
           seed
           for
           any
           man
           to
           sow
           in
           his
           own
           heart
           :
           No
           man
           ,
           no
           creature
           can
           sow
           anothers
           seed
           ;
           this
           is
           the
           spirits
           seed
           ,
           and
           hee
           must
           sow
           it
           if
           it
           be
           sown
           :
           Christ
           himselfe
           openeth
           and
           illustrateth
           this
           further
           in
           the
           eigth
           verse
           of
           the
           third
           Chapter
           ,
           
             The
             winde
             bloweth
             where
             it
             listeth
             ,
             and
             thou
             hearest
             the
             sound
             thereof
             ,
             but
             canst
             not
             tell
             whence
             it
             commeth
             ,
             nor
             whither
             it
             goeth
             :
             So
             is
             every
             one
             that
             is
             borne
             of
             the
             Spirit
             .
          
           The
           Spirit
           breathes
           his
           own
           breath
           ,
           blowes
           his
           own
           blast
           ,
           makes
           his
           own
           sound
           of
           life
           himselfe
           in
           our
           spirits
           ,
           and
           thus
           are
           wee
           born
           of
           him
           .
           It
           is
           not
           all
           the
           changes
           a
           man
           can
           make
           by
           the
           light
           of
           naturall
           truths
           ,
           nay
           by
           the
           light
           of
           spirituall
           truths
           ,
           working
           them
           upon
           his
           heart
           with
           never
           so
           much
           paines
           ,
           that
           will
           amount
           to
           a
           new
           birth
           ;
           but
           it
           must
           be
           the
           spirit
           of
           Christ
           breathing
           this
           seed
           into
           him
           ,
           and
           forming
           him
           into
           a
           new
           creature
           by
           this
           seed
           ▪
           As
           it
           is
           water
           or
           the
           word
           of
           truth
           ,
           whereby
           we
           are
           begotten
           ;
           So
           it
           is
           God
           alone
           who
           begets
           ,
           and
           that
           hee
           doth
           of
           his
           own
           inclination
           too
           ,
           
             Iam.
             1.
             18.
             
             Of
             his
             own
             will
             begat
             he
             us
             with
             the
             word
             of
             truth
             .
          
        
         
           4.
           
           
             What
             is
             it
             to
             enter
             into
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             God
             ?
             The
             Kingdome
             of
             God
             ,
          
           is
           his
           spirituall
           dominion
           in
           Christ
           ,
           to
           which
           every
           spirituall
           thing
           belongs
           ,
           and
           in
           which
           all
           spirituall
           excellencies
           and
           blessednesses
           are
           laid
           up
           :
           
             To
             enter
             into
             this
             Kingdome
             ,
          
           is
           by
           a
           spirituall
           act
           of
           the
           soule
           to
           come
           within
           the
           verge
           and
           bounds
           of
           it
           ,
           even
           that
           very
           act
           which
           
             Nicodemus
          
           was
           speaking
           of
           ,
           vers.
           3.
           namely
           ,
           an
           act
           of
           true
           saith
           ;
           by
           laying
           hold
           on
           Iesus
           Christ
           and
           becomming
           one
           with
           him
           ,
           a
           man
           presently
           hath
           right
           unto
           ,
           and
           entrance
           into
           this
           Kingdome
           .
        
         
           Now
           saith
           Christ
           ,
           it
           is
           impossible
           for
           any
           man
           to
           doe
           this
           who
           is
           not
           first
           new
           borne
           ;
           hee
           can
           never
           truly
           mount
           
           upward
           ,
           whose
           earthly
           nature
           is
           not
           first
           changed
           .
        
         
           A
           man
           may
           talk
           of
           spirituall
           glories
           and
           his
           right
           unto
           them
           ,
           but
           of
           a
           truth
           he
           is
           not
           entred
           into
           the
           Kingdome
           ,
           nor
           cannot
           by
           true
           Faith
           ,
           who
           is
           not
           born
           againe
           ,
           and
           that
           both
           of
           water
           and
           the
           spirit
           .
           To
           partake
           of
           the
           priviledges
           of
           Christ
           ,
           to
           have
           life
           and
           blessednesse
           from
           him
           ,
           requires
           a
           birth
           of
           water
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           spirit
           :
           There
           must
           a
           new
           birth
           of
           water
           and
           the
           spirit
           precede
           there
           ,
           without
           which
           the
           person
           is
           not
           in
           a
           capacity
           of
           it
           ;
           he
           must
           bee
           made
           up
           againe
           of
           water
           ,
           and
           that
           not
           of
           his
           own
           forming
           neither
           ,
           but
           of
           the
           spirits
           forming
           ;
           and
           then
           by
           Faith
           he
           enters
           into
           the
           Kingdome
           ,
           and
           becomes
           entituled
           to
           all
           the
           priviledges
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           ,
           which
           without
           this
           birth
           fore-going
           cannot
           be
           done
           .
        
         
           Vers.
           6.
           
           In
           this
           verse
           ,
           Christ
           layeth
           down
           a
           position
           ,
           to
           confirme
           the
           truth
           he
           had
           spoken
           in
           the
           former
           verse
           :
           There
           is
           a
           necessity
           of
           being
           born
           of
           water
           and
           the
           spirit
           ,
           or
           else
           a
           man
           cannot
           enter
           into
           the
           Kingdome
           ;
           for
           that
           is
           a
           spirituall
           act
           ,
           and
           a
           man
           can
           act
           no
           higher
           then
           hee
           is
           ,
           and
           hee
           is
           not
           spirituall
           ,
           he
           is
           but
           flesh
           ,
           if
           hee
           be
           borne
           but
           of
           flesh
           ,
           
             That
             which
             is
             borne
             of
             flesh
             is
             flesh
             .
          
        
         
           
             Flesh
          
           here
           is
           not
           to
           be
           taken
           in
           its
           latitude
           ,
           but
           for
           that
           part
           of
           it
           which
           is
           powerfull
           in
           spirituall
           generation
           and
           production
           ;
           for
           that
           power
           of
           man
           ,
           together
           with
           the
           meanes
           and
           engines
           that
           hee
           can
           come
           by
           (
           whether
           naturall
           or
           spirituall
           )
           whereby
           he
           works
           a
           change
           in
           his
           own
           heart
           or
           upon
           others
           ,
           in
           imitation
           of
           that
           change
           which
           God
           alone
           doth
           ,
           and
           can
           work
           ,
           by
           his
           Spirit
           :
           Nature
           ,
           Reason
           ,
           Art
           ,
           with
           all
           the
           advantages
           they
           can
           possibly
           desire
           or
           have
           ;
           Nature
           enlightened
           and
           purified
           by
           reason
           and
           art
           ;
           Nature
           furnished
           as
           much
           as
           may
           bee
           with
           the
           knowledge
           of
           God
           ,
           with
           desires
           to
           be
           like
           God
           ,
           to
           recover
           his
           image
           ,
           to
           obey
           him
           &c.
           
           This
           is
           here
           meant
           by
           flesh
           ,
           and
           doth
           more
           directly
           thus
           reach
           the
           state
           of
           
             Nicodemus
             ,
          
           to
           whom
           Christ
           spake
           (
           whose
           present
           conviction
           was
           wrought
           by
           Christs
           Miracles
           meeting
           with
           his
           reason
           and
           ingenuity
           )
           
           then
           if
           it
           were
           understood
           in
           a
           more
           grosse
           ence
           .
        
         
           To
           bee
           
             borne
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
          
           denotes
           the
           greatest
           change
           that
           possibly
           can
           be
           made
           in
           a
           man
           by
           this
           power
           with
           all
           the
           meanes
           that
           it
           can
           use
           :
           The
           change
           is
           so
           great
           ,
           that
           a
           man
           is
           new
           born
           ,
           becomes
           a
           new
           man
           ,
           is
           changed
           inside
           and
           outside
           ,
           both
           to
           his
           own
           appearance
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           thoughts
           of
           others
           .
           It
           is
           an
           imitation
           of
           that
           work
           whereby
           God
           brings
           a
           man
           forth
           a
           new
           man
           .
           The
           flesh
           will
           take
           his
           tooles
           ,
           set
           about
           his
           work
           and
           seem
           to
           produce
           the
           same
           effect
           ,
           bring
           forth
           
             the
             New
             Birth
             ;
          
           but
           ,
           in
           truth
           and
           substance
           ,
           it
           fals
           short
           of
           it
           ,
           for
           it
           is
           but
           flesh
           :
           This
           birth
           ,
           when
           a
           man
           hath
           done
           all
           he
           can
           ,
           used
           all
           the
           spirituall
           meanes
           hee
           can
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           but
           flesh
           .
           The
           fruit
           can
           have
           no
           more
           vertue
           or
           strength
           and
           spirituality
           then
           the
           root
           had
           from
           whence
           it
           did
           proceed
           ,
           which
           was
           but
           flesh
           ;
           and
           though
           there
           were
           never
           so
           many
           spirituall
           engines
           in
           the
           hand
           of
           flesh
           ,
           yet
           this
           will
           not
           alter
           the
           case
           ;
           for
           those
           engines
           cannot
           work
           of
           themselves
           ,
           and
           the
           flesh
           cannot
           make
           them
           work
           spiritually
           :
           So
           that
           all
           the
           births
           produced
           by
           man
           ,
           are
           but
           fleshly
           ,
           all
           the
           changes
           man
           can
           make
           in
           his
           own
           heart
           ,
           or
           any
           else
           ,
           is
           but
           from
           flesh
           to
           flesh
           ,
           from
           grosser
           flesh
           to
           flesh
           somewhat
           more
           refined
           .
           Conversion
           by
           Miracles
           and
           strong
           arguments
           ,
           is
           but
           a
           fleshly
           conversion
           ;
           all
           the
           wayes
           that
           man
           can
           take
           to
           bring
           his
           owne
           heart
           to
           believe
           ,
           to
           close
           in
           with
           Christ
           ,
           to
           love
           Christ
           ,
           can
           produce
           but
           a
           fleshly
           Faith
           ,
           a
           fleshly
           love
           ;
           all
           the
           wayes
           man
           can
           take
           to
           kill
           and
           subdue
           sinne
           in
           him
           ,
           it
           is
           but
           a
           fleshly
           mortifying
           of
           sinne
           ;
           sinne
           is
           truly
           alive
           for
           all
           this
           ,
           and
           will
           discover
           its
           life
           again
           ,
           when
           it
           sees
           its
           time
           .
           Christ
           doth
           especially
           allude
           to
           the
           Miracles
           that
           were
           in
           
             Nicodemus
          
           his
           eye
           ;
           wer
           't
           thou
           born
           of
           these
           ?
           thy
           birth
           is
           but
           fleshly
           ;
           how
           spirituall
           soever
           such
           a
           person
           may
           seeme
           ,
           how
           spiritually
           soever
           he
           may
           seem
           to
           act
           ,
           yet
           at
           the
           root
           he
           is
           but
           fleshly
           ;
           The
           change
           is
           made
           but
           by
           flesh
           ,
           and
           the
           thing
           changed
           is
           still
           but
           flesh
           ,
           how
           glorious
           soever
           the
           change
           may
           seeme
           .
           Think
           well
           of
           it
           ,
           it
           cannot
           be
           said
           too
           often
           ;
           all
           the
           wayes
           and
           meanes
           man
           
           can
           use
           ,
           to
           bring
           up
           his
           heart
           to
           God
           ,
           they
           are
           but
           fleshly
           ,
           and
           can
           produce
           but
           fleshly
           operations
           in
           him
           ;
           all
           this
           Faith
           and
           holinesse
           ,
           though
           raised
           to
           never
           so
           great
           an
           height
           ,
           it
           is
           but
           that
           his
           heart
           must
           bee
           mortified
           to
           ,
           if
           ever
           he
           live
           spiritually
           .
        
         
           Oh!
           it
           would
           be
           sweet
           and
           profitable
           to
           consider
           the
           abundance
           of
           fleshly
           changes
           ,
           wherewith
           the
           Devill
           cozens
           men
           ▪
           They
           see
           a
           reall
           change
           in
           themselves
           ,
           and
           so
           think
           they
           are
           sure
           ;
           whereas
           it
           is
           but
           a
           reall
           fleshly
           change
           ,
           not
           a
           reall
           spirituall
           change
           ,
           and
           so
           indeed
           not
           reall
           in
           the
           true
           sence
           ;
           a
           change
           from
           naturall
           unbeliefe
           to
           naturall
           Faith
           ,
           (
           for
           there
           is
           a
           power
           in
           nature
           to
           believe
           ,
           which
           may
           either
           bee
           afrighted
           or
           perswaded
           to
           put
           forth
           it selfe
           ,
           for
           its
           own
           preservation
           .
           (
           Nature
           being
           convinced
           of
           its
           present
           danger
           ,
           and
           that
           there
           is
           no
           way
           of
           safety
           ,
           but
           by
           believing
           on
           Christ
           ,
           which
           Faith
           must
           bee
           accompanied
           with
           love
           to
           Christ
           ,
           the
           truths
           of
           Christ
           ,
           the
           people
           of
           Christ
           ;
           and
           that
           this
           love
           must
           shew
           it selfe
           in
           obedience
           :
           Nature
           I
           say
           ,
           being
           convinced
           of
           this
           ,
           does
           presently
           muster
           up
           all
           its
           forces
           of
           Faith
           ,
           love
           ,
           obedience
           ,
           laying
           them
           at
           Christs
           feet
           to
           dispose
           of
           ;
           it
           will
           trust
           him
           ,
           love
           what
           he
           will
           have
           it
           love
           obey
           what
           he
           will
           command
           it
           ,
           hate
           what
           he
           will
           have
           it
           hate
           ,
           deny
           it selfe
           ,
           its
           own
           ends
           ,
           interests
           &c.
           there
           is
           nothing
           so
           spirituall
           ,
           but
           it
           will
           undertake
           and
           goe
           thorough
           after
           its
           manner
           rather
           then
           perish
           :
           and
           alas
           !
           what
           is
           this
           ?
           All
           this
           is
           but
           nature
           working
           from
           its
           own
           principle
           ,
           with
           its
           own
           power
           ,
           to
           its
           own
           end
           .
           There
           is
           no
           new
           birth
           necessary
           to
           all
           this
           ,
           though
           all
           this
           doth
           also
           proceed
           from
           a
           new
           birth
           (
           where
           it
           is
           )
           after
           more
           a
           excellent
           manner
           then
           nature
           can
           attaine
           to
           .
        
         
           But
           now
           ,
           
             that
             which
             is
             borne
             (
             or
             begotten
             )
             of
             the
             Spirit
             is
             Spirit
             ;
          
           that
           which
           the
           spirit
           begets
           ,
           which
           the
           spirit
           produceth
           is
           spirit
           :
           That
           Faith
           ,
           that
           love
           to
           God
           which
           hee
           breathes
           into
           a
           man
           ,
           that
           is
           truly
           spirituall
           .
           If
           a
           mans
           heart
           bee
           changed
           ,
           not
           by
           reason
           ,
           not
           by
           the
           power
           of
           Miracles
           ,
           but
           by
           him
           ,
           by
           his
           immediate
           power
           ,
           then
           the
           
           change
           is
           true
           and
           sound
           :
           As
           it
           is
           the
           spirit
           who
           begets
           ,
           so
           that
           which
           is
           begotten
           by
           him
           ,
           with
           that
           water
           which
           he
           useth
           in
           his
           act
           of
           generation
           ,
           is
           a
           true
           and
           spirituall
           birth
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           three
           particulars
           which
           discover
           the
           reality
           of
           spirituall
           things
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           of
           other
           things
           .
        
         
           1
           The
           originall
           from
           whence
           they
           come
           ,
           2
           the
           nature
           whereof
           they
           are
           ,
           and
           3
           the
           effects
           which
           they
           produce
           .
           Every
           spirituall
           thing
           it
           commeth
           from
           the
           spirit
           ,
           it
           is
           spirituall
           it selfe
           ,
           and
           it
           worketh
           spiritually
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           true
           tincture
           of
           its
           nature
           ,
           and
           of
           its
           originall
           in
           every
           effect
           it
           produceth
           :
           As
           every
           naturall
           man
           is
           begotten
           by
           a
           man
           ,
           hath
           the
           nature
           of
           a
           man
           in
           himselfe
           ,
           and
           acteth
           like
           a
           man
           ,
           worketh
           the
           operations
           of
           a
           man
           ▪
           So
           every
           new
           man
           ,
           every
           spirituall
           man
           is
           begotten
           by
           the
           spirit
           ,
           hath
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           spirit
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           discovereth
           his
           nature
           and
           originall
           ,
           in
           every
           one
           of
           his
           spirituall
           motions
           and
           actions
           .
           His
           Faith
           ,
           his
           love
           ,
           every
           thing
           in
           him
           proceeds
           from
           the
           spirit
           ,
           partakes
           of
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           spirit
           ,
           moveth
           and
           acteth
           spiritually
           .
        
         
           The
           former
           of
           these
           ,
           Christ
           argues
           the
           truth
           of
           the
           new
           birth
           from
           ,
           in
           this
           place
           ,
           its
           comming
           from
           the
           spirit
           ,
           
             that
             which
             is
             born
             of
             the
             spirit
             is
             spirit
             .
          
           What
           ever
           the
           spirit
           worketh
           in
           a
           man
           ,
           is
           truly
           spirituall
           ;
           that
           light
           he
           shews
           ,
           is
           true
           spirituall
           light
           ;
           that
           grace
           he
           gives
           ,
           is
           true
           spirituall
           grace
           ;
           that
           change
           hee
           makes
           ,
           is
           a
           true
           spirituall
           change
           :
           but
           all
           other
           changes
           are
           but
           countersets
           of
           that
           true
           spirituall
           one
           ,
           which
           he
           alone
           can
           make
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           may
           shew
           us
           the
           reason
           why
           there
           are
           so
           many
           changes
           in
           this
           flitting
           age
           ;
           it
           is
           because
           most
           men
           are
           changed
           by
           the
           flesh
           ,
           the
           greatest
           power
           of
           flesh
           still
           changeth
           them
           :
           A
           strong
           Objection
           which
           they
           cannot
           answer
           ,
           will
           startle
           any
           man
           that
           is
           changed
           by
           a
           power
           of
           flesh
           .
           Hence
           men
           take
           up
           one
           practise
           to
           day
           ,
           another
           to
           morrow
           ;
           now
           acknowledge
           this
           or
           that
           for
           a
           truth
           ,
           by
           and
           by
           it
           is
           false
           ,
           then
           true
           againe
           ;
           why
           ?
           because
           they
           see
           not
           things
           by
           the
           light
           of
           the
           spirit
           which
           never
           varies
           ,
           but
           
           by
           a
           force
           of
           argument
           ,
           by
           a
           power
           of
           reason
           which
           sometimes
           appeares
           stronger
           ,
           sometimes
           weaker
           ,
           sometimes
           greater
           ,
           sometimes
           lesser
           ;
           but
           a
           soule
           whose
           light
           is
           changed
           ,
           whose
           practises
           are
           changed
           by
           the
           spirit
           ,
           that
           change
           remaineth
           good
           ,
           let
           all
           the
           winds
           and
           gusts
           of
           arguments
           blow
           never
           so
           strongly
           .
        
         
           Take
           heed
           therefore
           of
           changing
           your
           apprehensions
           or
           practises
           about
           any
           thing
           ,
           till
           you
           can
           say
           the
           spirit
           changeth
           them
           ,
           else
           it
           will
           be
           but
           a
           fleshly
           change
           .
        
         
           What
           further
           remaines
           ,
           but
           that
           every
           one
           that
           loveth
           his
           soule
           should
           lay
           this
           to
           heart
           ,
           and
           consider
           thoroughly
           according
           to
           the
           weightinesse
           and
           importance
           of
           it
           ,
           how
           it
           is
           with
           him
           ?
           what
           that
           religion
           is
           ,
           whereupon
           he
           groundeth
           his
           hopes
           ,
           what
           oyl
           feeds
           his
           lamp
           ,
           whence
           his
           Faith
           ,
           his
           love
           came
           ,
           and
           of
           what
           rank
           and
           kind
           they
           are
           .
           And
           not
           to
           doe
           this
           slightly
           ,
           or
           determine
           suddenly
           (
           as
           is
           most
           usuall
           with
           men
           in
           matters
           of
           Religion
           ;
           )
           but
           ,
           as
           on
           the
           one
           hand
           ,
           to
           be
           thankfull
           unto
           God
           for
           ,
           and
           make
           much
           of
           the
           least
           hope
           (
           which
           is
           not
           every
           ones
           lot
           ;
           )
           so
           on
           the
           other
           hand
           ,
           not
           to
           rest
           satisfied
           or
           let
           God
           alone
           ,
           till
           he
           hath
           brought
           us
           to
           an
           absolute
           certainty
           ;
           then
           and
           not
           till
           then
           we
           may
           safely
           without
           hazard
           give
           over
           the
           debate
           of
           this
           question
           .
           And
           though
           we
           may
           perhaps
           be
           a
           long
           while
           before
           we
           attaine
           it
           ,
           yet
           if
           God
           carry
           on
           our
           hearts
           in
           the
           pursuite
           ,
           we
           may
           meet
           with
           sweet
           pledges
           and
           refreshings
           in
           the
           way
           ,
           as
           may
           much
           mitigate
           Gods
           seeming
           tediousnesse
           in
           deferring
           our
           full
           satisfaction
           herein
           .
           And
           indeed
           ,
           though
           God
           leads
           his
           people
           in
           such
           harsh
           and
           difficult
           wayes
           to
           the
           eye
           of
           sence
           and
           reason
           ,
           as
           would
           affright
           any
           carnall
           heart
           ;
           yet
           he
           hath
           withall
           such
           sweetnings
           to
           mingle
           with
           them
           ,
           as
           maketh
           them
           very
           passable
           to
           all
           whom
           he
           leads
           through
           them
           :
           
             Egypt
             ,
          
           the
           bondage
           of
           it
           he
           can
           make
           tolerable
           ;
           The
           Wildernesse
           ,
           the
           intricacies
           of
           it
           he
           can
           make
           a
           plaine
           way
           through
           ;
           
             Canaan
             ,
          
           the
           high
           Wals
           and
           strong
           enemies
           thereof
           ,
           even
           the
           children
           of
           
             Anack
             ,
          
           whose
           very
           sight
           strikes
           terrour
           ,
           he
           can
           make
           conquerable
           to
           his
           Christ
           and
           to
           his
           seed
           .
        
         
         
           Onely
           take
           heed
           of
           suddennesse
           ,
           of
           sudden
           judgement
           .
           Men
           that
           are
           apt
           to
           be
           sudden
           ,
           are
           as
           liable
           to
           deceit
           ,
           and
           commonly
           are
           deceived
           ,
           especially
           in
           abstruse
           and
           difficult
           cases
           ;
           he
           that
           will
           give
           sentence
           at
           first
           dash
           ,
           without
           weighing
           the
           matter
           thoroughly
           ,
           and
           the
           severall
           circumstances
           of
           it
           ,
           may
           easily
           erre
           in
           judgment
           ;
           and
           an
           error
           herein
           is
           of
           no
           small
           concernment
           ;
           there
           cannot
           be
           a
           worse
           and
           more
           dangerous
           mistake
           .
        
         
           There
           are
           two
           sorts
           of
           persons
           very
           prone
           to
           be
           sudden
           in
           the
           judgement
           they
           passe
           on
           spirituall
           things
           ,
           and
           their
           own
           estate
           in
           spirituall
           things
           .
        
         
           The
           weak
           and
           dark
           Christian
           ,
           who
           is
           ready
           still
           through
           his
           fear
           which
           ever
           accompanies
           weaknes
           ,
           &
           darknes
           to
           conclude
           all
           against
           himselfe
           :
           and
           the
           slight
           and
           superficiall
           Christian
           ,
           who
           never
           thoroughly
           looked
           into
           spirituall
           things
           ,
           nor
           hath
           been
           well
           versed
           in
           the
           deceits
           about
           them
           ,
           he
           is
           apt
           to
           take
           the
           likenesse
           and
           appearance
           of
           every
           thing
           for
           the
           thing
           it selfe
           ;
           and
           to
           conclude
           all
           for
           himselfe
           with
           as
           great
           confidence
           ,
           as
           the
           other
           thrusts
           all
           from
           himselfe
           with
           over-much
           diffidence
           .
        
         
           The
           former
           ,
           lay
           any
           promise
           before
           him
           ;
           he
           will
           say
           it
           belongs
           not
           to
           him
           :
           bring
           him
           to
           any
           tryall
           ,
           he
           is
           presently
           cast
           :
           Try
           his
           Faith
           ;
           alas
           !
           there
           is
           nothing
           but
           unbeliefe
           to
           be
           found
           in
           him
           :
           Try
           his
           love
           ,
           it
           is
           but
           a
           naturall
           affection
           :
           Try
           his
           obedience
           ,
           it
           is
           but
           forced
           by
           the
           command
           :
           Try
           his
           uprightnesse
           ,
           why
           ,
           there
           is
           nothing
           more
           deceitfull
           then
           his
           heart
           .
        
         
           The
           latter
           ,
           he
           is
           in
           a
           clean
           contrary
           posture
           :
           Mention
           any
           promise
           ,
           he
           can
           presently
           lay
           hold
           o●
           it
           ,
           it
           belongs
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           he
           can
           suck
           a
           great
           deale
           of
           sweetnesse
           out
           of
           it
           :
           Speak
           of
           Faith
           ,
           why
           he
           hath
           it
           ;
           he
           knowes
           that
           he
           is
           undone
           without
           Christ
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           is
           the
           only
           way
           to
           life
           ,
           such
           as
           believe
           on
           him
           shall
           be
           saved
           ,
           and
           him
           hath
           he
           trusted
           with
           his
           soul
           :
           Tell
           him
           this
           Faith
           must
           be
           wrought
           by
           God
           ,
           why
           he
           knowes
           that
           no
           man
           can
           work
           it
           himselfe
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           gift
           of
           God
           :
           Tell
           him
           it
           must
           be
           a
           spirituall
           Faith
           ,
           hee
           knowes
           that
           too
           ,
           every
           grace
           is
           spirituall
           .
           Name
           any
           thing
           else
           ,
           so
           soone
           as
           you
           have
           spoke
           it
           ,
           he
           hath
           it
           ;
           Speak
           of
           love
           ,
           either
           to
           God
           or
           
           the
           brethren
           ,
           his
           heart
           will
           presently
           witnesse
           to
           him
           that
           he
           doth
           love
           both
           God
           and
           the
           brethren
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           a
           sincere
           love
           ,
           not
           for
           any
           by-ends
           in
           one
           kind
           or
           other
           :
           Come
           to
           obedience
           ,
           he
           holds
           sound
           there
           too
           ,
           he
           obeyes
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           at
           least
           in
           desire
           and
           endeavour
           ;
           he
           performes
           duties
           ,
           he
           strives
           against
           his
           corruptions
           ;
           nay
           ,
           and
           hee
           doth
           not
           this
           in
           in
           a
           legall
           way
           ,
           as
           thinking
           to
           be
           saved
           hereby
           ,
           hee
           knowes
           he
           must
           be
           saved
           by
           Christ
           alone
           ,
           by
           Faith
           in
           him
           :
           and
           for
           his
           heart
           ,
           though
           he
           faile
           in
           many
           things
           ,
           yet
           hee
           blesseth
           God
           that
           it
           is
           u
           right
           ,
           and
           he
           knowes
           God
           is
           mercifull
           to
           pardon
           his
           failings
           ,
           and
           accept
           of
           his
           integrity
           :
           So
           that
           he
           hath
           no
           cause
           to
           feare
           or
           trouble
           himselfe
           about
           any
           thing
           ;
           for
           he
           is
           sure
           what
           ever
           may
           befall
           him
           here
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           well
           at
           last
           ,
           and
           so
           he
           is
           at
           rest
           .
        
         
           Now
           both
           these
           are
           commonly
           mistaken
           :
           The
           former
           ;
           for
           the
           promises
           many
           times
           belong
           to
           such
           a
           soule
           ,
           though
           hee
           cannot
           apply
           them
           ;
           and
           hee
           may
           have
           true
           faith
           ,
           and
           true
           love
           ,
           and
           true
           obed●ence
           ,
           though
           he
           cannot
           see
           it
           :
           The
           seed
           may
           bee
           sown
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           grow
           up
           in
           him
           ,
           though
           hee
           know
           not
           how
           ,
           and
           so
           cannot
           acknowledge
           it
           ;
           and
           he
           is
           not
           to
           be
           blamed
           for
           not
           acknowledging
           it
           (
           for
           how
           can
           he
           till
           hee
           know
           it
           ?
           )
           nor
           for
           suspecting
           it
           ;
           but
           only
           for
           such
           a
           sudden
           and
           positive
           determining
           of
           the
           contrary
           ,
           which
           hee
           hath
           as
           little
           if
           not
           lesse
           ground
           for
           ,
           then
           for
           his
           suspition
           .
        
         
           And
           for
           the
           latter
           ,
           The
           promises
           doe
           seldome
           belong
           to
           such
           a
           person
           :
           The
           promises
           doe
           not
           so
           easily
           meet
           with
           and
           melt
           into
           our
           spirits
           ,
           as
           such
           kind
           of
           language
           implyes
           ;
           and
           for
           his
           Faith
           ,
           his
           love
           ,
           his
           obedience
           ,
           his
           uprightnesse
           ,
           they
           may
           be
           but
           of
           the
           stamp
           of
           nature
           ;
           and
           if
           they
           should
           meet
           with
           such
           tryals
           and
           blasts
           as
           God
           hath
           generally
           appointed
           ,
           and
           doth
           usually
           prepare
           for
           his
           ,
           they
           would
           soon
           discover
           themselves
           .
        
         
           Now
           marke
           the
           danger
           of
           each
           :
           The
           former
           loseth
           his
           peace
           ,
           his
           comfort
           ;
           The
           latter
           his
           soule
           ,
           if
           hee
           be
           deceived
           ;
           and
           both
           by
           the
           same
           miscarriage
           ,
           their
           forwardnesse
           and
           suddennesse
           in
           judgement
           ;
           the
           one
           determines
           for
           himselfe
           ,
           the
           other
           against
           himselfe
           ,
           upon
           their
           own
           
           imagination
           and
           apprehension
           ,
           before
           they
           have
           the
           thing
           laid
           before
           them
           ,
           and
           opened
           to
           them
           ,
           which
           they
           should
           judge
           ;
           or
           the
           light
           held
           to
           them
           ,
           by
           which
           they
           should
           judge
           ;
           The
           one
           determines
           against
           his
           Faith
           ,
           The
           other
           for
           his
           Faith
           ;
           and
           yet
           neither
           knowes
           what
           Faith
           is
           ,
           and
           they
           both
           doe
           it
           by
           their
           own
           reason
           ,
           which
           is
           no
           true
           light
           to
           discern
           or
           judge
           spirituall
           things
           by
           .
        
         
           It
           were
           a
           more
           modest
           and
           sutable
           action
           for
           either
           ,
           to
           bewaile
           their
           own
           ignorance
           with
           a
           sence
           of
           their
           need
           of
           understanding
           and
           determining
           this
           thing
           ,
           and
           to
           pray
           and
           wait
           for
           light
           and
           help
           from
           him
           by
           whom
           it
           is
           cleerely
           discerned
           ,
           and
           who
           can
           make
           it
           discernable
           unto
           them
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
       
       
         
           THE
           Spirituall
           Practise
           OF
           CHRISTIANS
           IN
           The
           Primitive
           Times
           :
           Wherein
           Are
           contained
           the
           sweet
           goings
           forth
           of
           life
           in
           the
           soule
           which
           is
           enstated
           in
           Christ
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           sweetnesse
           and
           clearnesse
           of
           the
           GOSPEL
           .
        
         
           HAving
           laid
           down
           the
           tryall
           of
           a
           Christian
           in
           the
           fore-going
           Treatise
           ,
           it
           may
           not
           be
           amisse
           to
           adde
           somewhat
           concerning
           the
           Practise
           of
           a
           Christian
           ,
           (
           as
           it
           was
           cast
           in
           upon
           reading
           the
           Episte
           to
           the
           
             Ephesians
             )
          
           or
           some
           part
           of
           the
           Rule
           whereby
           their
           practise
           
           was
           squared
           ,
           which
           in
           that
           Epistle
           resolves
           it selfe
           into
           these
           foure
           streames
           .
        
         
           
             1
             To
             suck
             in
             the
             sweetnesse
             of
             the
             Gospel
             .
          
           
             2
             To
             admire
             God
             and
             Christ
             who
             have
             been
             at
             the
             great
             cost
             to
             purchase
             and
             prepare
             this
             feast
             of
             fatnesse
             and
             sweetnesse
             for
             the
             soule
             .
          
           
             3
             To
             walk
             worthy
             of
             this
             his
             his
             goodnesse
             :
             And
          
           
             4
             To
             stand
             upon
             our
             guard
             that
             wee
             bee
             not
             driven
             from
             it
             ,
             from
             enjoying
             the
             sweetnesse
             of
             it
             ,
             from
             honouring
             God
             with
             it
             :
             This
             is
             the
             path
             whereinto
             Christians
             then
             were
             led
             ,
             and
             wherein
             they
             walked
             .
          
        
         
           1.
           
           To
           suck
           in
           the
           sweetnesse
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           to
           be
           ever
           seeding
           upon
           Christ
           ;
           to
           be
           ever
           delighting
           in
           that
           glorious
           state
           ,
           and
           in
           those
           glorious
           priviledges
           God
           hath
           bestowed
           upon
           us
           in
           Christ
           ;
           and
           this
           is
           to
           bee
           done
           two
           wayes
           .
        
         
           I.
           By
           considering
           the
           mercies
           and
           priviledges
           we
           have
           in
           Christ
           :
           As
        
         
           First
           ,
           we
           have
           redemption
           ,
           pardon
           of
           sinne
           in
           him
           ,
           we
           are
           bought
           from
           our
           captivity
           and
           misery
           by
           his
           blood
           ,
           we
           are
           washed
           from
           our
           sinfulnesse
           ,
           from
           our
           filthinesse
           by
           the
           same
           blood
           ,
           
             Eph.
          
           1.
           17.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           we
           are
           made
           sonnes
           and
           have
           a
           sonne-like
           inheritance
           ;
           we
           are
           made
           Gods
           portion
           ,
           and
           God
           is
           made
           our
           portion
           ,
           vers.
           5.
           
           &
           11.
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           we
           have
           all
           we
           can
           desire
           in
           this
           life
           ,
           we
           have
           accesse
           to
           God
           for
           any
           thing
           (
           Chap.
           2.
           18.
           
           &
           Chap.
           3.
           12.
           
           )
           who
           will
           bee
           sure
           to
           doe
           every
           thing
           for
           us
           we
           need
           ,
           freely
           ,
           and
           to
           put
           us
           upon
           praying
           for
           every
           thing
           wee
           need
           ,
           and
           also
           upon
           believing
           and
           waiting
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           misse
           of
           no
           mercy
           his
           grace
           hath
           designed
           us
           ;
           God
           will
           take
           care
           of
           us
           as
           of
           his
           own
           houshold
           ,
           Chap.
           2.
           19.
           
           He
           will
           be
           as
           sure
           of
           our
           growing
           up
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           of
           the
           foundation
           he
           has
           laid
           to
           bottome
           us
           upon
           ,
           vers.
           20.
           21.
           
        
         
           II.
           We
           further
           suck
           in
           ,
           and
           better
           rellish
           the
           sweetnesse
           of
           the
           Gospel
           by
           comparing
           our
           present
           state
           with
           our
           former
           :
           We
           were
           dead
           ,
           but
           are
           alive
           ;
           We
           were
           darknesse
           but
           now
           are
           light
           ;
           We
           were
           cursed
           with
           all
           spirituall
           curses
           
           in
           
             Adam
             ,
          
           but
           now
           are
           blessed
           with
           all
           spirituall
           blessings
           in
           Christ
           ;
           Wee
           were
           without
           God
           ,
           without
           hope
           ,
           strangers
           to
           life
           and
           blessednesse
           ;
           but
           now
           wee
           are
           in
           God
           and
           full
           of
           hope
           ,
           and
           every
           way
           nigh
           unto
           him
           ,
           and
           every
           excellency
           in
           him
           ,
           Chap.
           2.
           1.
           2
           ,
           3.
           &
           vers.
           6.
           12.
           13.
           and
           Chap.
           1.
           3.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           To
           admire
           that
           God
           and
           that
           Christ
           who
           have
           done
           this
           for
           us
           ,
           who
           have
           made
           such
           a
           sweet
           change
           in
           our
           condition
           .
        
         
           1
           Admire
           that
           great
           love
           wherewith
           they
           loved
           us
           ,
           which
           was
           working
           from
           all
           eternity
           to
           effect
           that
           for
           us
           ,
           which
           now
           they
           are
           carrying
           on
           amaine
           ,
           Chap.
           2.
           4.
           Chap.
           3.
           19.
           
        
         
           2
           Admire
           that
           abundant
           free-grace
           that
           has
           made
           no
           spare
           of
           any
           thing
           for
           us
           ,
           but
           has
           acted
           fully
           according
           to
           the
           strength
           of
           love
           ,
           Chap.
           1.
           7.
           Chap.
           2.
           5.
           
           &
           7.
           
           There
           were
           but
           two
           pretious
           lives
           ,
           The
           life
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           life
           of
           Christ
           ;
           and
           grace
           hath
           given
           us
           them
           both
           :
           To
           recover
           us
           from
           death
           ,
           the
           life
           of
           Christ
           was
           given
           for
           us
           ;
           and
           to
           keep
           us
           in
           life
           ,
           the
           life
           of
           God
           is
           given
           to
           us
           .
        
         
           3
           Admire
           that
           rich
           mercy
           wherein
           all
           our
           former
           sinnes
           ,
           and
           every
           dayes
           unkindnesses
           even
           against
           Christ
           and
           his
           pretious
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           God
           our
           Father
           and
           the
           sweet
           Spirit
           ,
           are
           continually
           buried
           ,
           Chap.
           2.
           4.
           
        
         
           4
           Admire
           that
           various
           ,
           that
           manifold
           ,
           that
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           (
           Chap.
           3.
           10.
           
           )
           which
           laid
           all
           the
           plot
           of
           love
           ,
           and
           which
           worketh
           us
           up
           daily
           more
           and
           more
           into
           the
           heart
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           nearer
           and
           nearer
           to
           our
           happinesse
           ,
           notwithstanding
           all
           the
           pull
           backs
           in
           our selves
           ,
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           in
           our
           spirituall
           enemies
           ,
           in
           the
           varieties
           of
           our
           conditions
           ,
           which
           all
           almost
           distemper
           us
           ,
           that
           though
           we
           are
           untoward
           under
           every
           thing
           ,
           and
           in
           danger
           by
           every
           thing
           ,
           yet
           we
           lose
           nothing
           .
        
         
           5
           Admire
           the
           mighty
           power
           which
           hath
           thus
           translated
           us
           from
           darknesse
           to
           light
           ,
           which
           daily
           preserves
           us
           from
           ●●lling
           back
           againe
           ,
           and
           is
           often
           mightily
           working
           in
           us
           to
           
           raise
           us
           up
           to
           further
           degrees
           of
           perfection
           ,
           Chap.
           1.
           19.
           20.
           Chap.
           3.
           ●0
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           To
           walk
           worthy
           of
           this
           blessed
           Gospel
           state
           (
           Chap.
           4.
           1.
           
           )
           (
           wherein
           God
           is
           our
           Father
           ,
           and
           Christ
           our
           head
           ;
           wherein
           we
           have
           so
           many
           pretious
           priviledges
           at
           present
           ,
           and
           hopes
           for
           the
           future
           ;
           wherein
           we
           professe
           our selves
           broken
           to
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           to
           all
           the
           powers
           of
           nature
           in
           our selves
           too
           ,
           )
           to
           live
           like
           men
           that
           live
           upon
           a
           new
           principle
           ,
           from
           God
           ,
           and
           in
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           God
           .
        
         
           Walking
           ,
           it
           notes
           our
           whole
           course
           ,
           all
           the
           service
           wee
           are
           now
           to
           perform
           to
           Christ
           ,
           whose
           we
           are
           ,
           and
           whom
           alone
           we
           are
           now
           to
           serve
           ;
           in
           care
           over
           our
           own
           hearts
           ,
           in
           all
           duties
           of
           worship
           ,
           in
           our
           callings
           ,
           in
           our
           converse
           ,
           in
           every
           thing
           .
        
         
           This
           
             walking
             worthy
             ,
          
           principally
           appeares
           in
           our
           manner
           of
           acting
           towards
           men
           ,
           whereof
           there
           are
           three
           sorts
           .
        
         
           1
           Our
           fellow-Christians
           ,
           2
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           3
           Persons
           that
           stand
           in
           outward
           relations
           to
           us
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           Our
           fellow-Christians
           ,
           and
           specially
           those
           in
           Church-Communion
           with
           us
           ,
           for
           they
           are
           those
           God
           hath
           more
           specially
           set
           us
           to
           walk
           with
           ,
           they
           are
           those
           with
           whom
           we
           are
           chiefly
           to
           worship
           ,
           and
           whom
           we
           must
           especiall
           love
           ,
           and
           of
           whom
           wee
           must
           especiall
           take
           care
           ,
           and
           watch
           over
           .
        
         
           Now
           the
           manner
           of
           our
           acting
           towards
           them
           ,
           must
           bee
           :
        
         
           1.
           
           
             With
             all
             humblenesse
             and
             meeknesse
          
           with
           low
           thoughts
           of
           our selves
           ,
           and
           in
           a
           meet
           manner
           ,
           Chap.
           4.
           2.
           
        
         
           2.
           
           
             With
             long-suffering
             ,
             forbearing
             one
             another
             in
             love
             ,
          
           vers.
           2.
           
           We
           must
           not
           be
           apt
           to
           apprehend
           injuries
           ,
           or
           seek
           recompence
           for
           injuries
           ,
           but
           suffer
           long
           ,
           and
           forbeare
           one
           another
           ;
           and
           not
           simply
           because
           it
           is
           the
           will
           of
           Christ
           (
           who
           hath
           forborn
           us
           much
           ,
           and
           forgiven
           us
           much
           )
           that
           wee
           should
           so
           doe
           ,
           but
           from
           the
           love
           we
           beare
           one
           to
           another
           ,
           from
           a
           tender
           brotherly
           affection
           ,
           and
           in
           a
           tender
           brotherly
           manner
           .
        
         
         
           3.
           
           The
           Apostle
           tells
           us
           what
           should
           be
           our
           great
           aime
           and
           endeavour
           in
           our
           actings
           one
           towards
           another
           ,
           vers.
           3.
           
           To
           keep
           up
           unity
           ,
           the
           unity
           of
           the
           spirit
           ,
           to
           keep
           it
           in
           the
           bond
           of
           peace
           ,
           
             endeavouring
             to
             keep
             the
             unity
             of
             the
             Spirit
             in
             the
             bond
             of
             peace
             ;
          
           we
           must
           not
           keep
           a
           sinfull
           unity
           ,
           a
           carnall
           unity
           in
           the
           bond
           of
           peace
           ;
           no
           ,
           the
           bond
           of
           peace
           must
           bind
           up
           no
           such
           unity
           in
           it
           ,
           but
           there
           must
           be
           warre
           with
           ,
           and
           opposition
           against
           ,
           all
           such
           unity
           ;
           but
           
             the
             unity
             of
             the
             spirit
             ,
          
           that
           unity
           the
           foundation
           whereof
           God
           hath
           laid
           among
           us
           ,
           (
           who
           hath
           made
           us
           perfectly
           one
           in
           spirituals
           )
           being
           all
           of
           the
           same
           body
           ,
           having
           all
           the
           same
           spirit
           of
           life
           running
           in
           us
           ,
           having
           all
           the
           same
           hope
           to
           attaine
           the
           same
           end
           ,
           all
           the
           same
           Lord
           to
           serve
           ,
           all
           the
           same
           way
           of
           union
           with
           him
           ,
           subjection
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           owning
           of
           him
           ,
           all
           the
           same
           God
           and
           Father
           who
           begate
           us
           all
           ,
           vers.
           4.
           5
           ,
           6.
           to
           which
           might
           bee
           added
           ,
           wee
           have
           all
           also
           the
           same
           enemies
           and
           the
           same
           dangers
           .
        
         
           Now
           God
           having
           laid
           such
           a
           foundation
           of
           unity
           in
           all
           our
           spirits
           ,
           we
           must
           endeavour
           to
           keep
           up
           unity
           so
           farre
           as
           it
           is
           spirituall
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           rent
           one
           from
           another
           ,
           in
           that
           wherein
           God
           hath
           made
           us
           one
           .
        
         
           
             Humblenesse
             ,
          
           takes
           away
           the
           root
           of
           contention
           ,
           (
           which
           is
           the
           bane
           of
           all
           societies
           ,
           quickly
           eating
           out
           both
           the
           sweetnesse
           and
           benefit
           of
           them
           )
           for
           that
           still
           flowes
           from
           pride
           ;
           pride
           begets
           ,
           pride
           feeds
           contention
           ;
           A
           man
           that
           has
           low
           thoughts
           of
           himselfe
           ,
           has
           little
           minde
           to
           contend
           ;
           It
           is
           height
           of
           spirit
           that
           blowes
           up
           the
           fire
           of
           contention
           .
        
         
           
             Meeknesse
             ,
          
           takes
           away
           the
           occasion
           of
           contention
           ,
           which
           arises
           much
           from
           a
           rough
           harsh
           manner
           of
           expression
           ;
           a
           meek
           spirit
           as
           it
           seldome
           takes
           occasion
           of
           contention
           ,
           but
           quietly
           lets
           it
           passe
           ,
           so
           it
           
           seldomes
           gives
           others
           occasion
           to
           contend
           with
           it
           .
        
         
           
             Long-suffering
             and
             forbearance
             ,
          
           puts
           a
           stop
           to
           the
           breaking
           forth
           of
           contention
           ,
           when
           occasions
           are
           given
           .
        
         
           But
           besides
           all
           these
           ;
           there
           must
           be
           an
           endeavour
           ,
           an
           industry
           used
           to
           keep
           up
           true
           and
           spirituall
           unity
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           The
           Apostle
           directs
           us
           how
           to
           make
           use
           of
           our
           severall
           
           gifts
           profitably
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           end
           for
           which
           they
           were
           given
           ,
           which
           is
           ,
           not
           to
           set
           up
           our selves
           by
           them
           ,
           but
           to
           perfect
           this
           unity
           ,
           to
           build
           up
           one
           another
           in
           Faith
           ,
           in
           knowledge
           ,
           and
           that
           so
           we
           may
           in
           all
           things
           grow
           up
           into
           Christ
           the
           head
           ,
           vers.
           7.
           to
           16.
           
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           The
           World
           ;
           towards
           them
           we
           must
           walke
           wisely
           ,
           Chap.
           5.
           15.
           
           First
           ,
           taking
           heed
           of
           partaking
           with
           them
           in
           any
           evill
           ,
           nay
           ,
           of
           countenancing
           the
           least
           evill
           in
           them
           ,
           Chap.
           4.
           17.
           Chap.
           5.
           7.
           11.
           
           Secondly
           ,
           redeeming
           the
           time
           from
           them
           as
           much
           as
           may
           be
           for
           converse
           with
           God
           .
           Thirdly
           ,
           doing
           as
           much
           good
           as
           we
           can
           to
           them
           while
           we
           are
           with
           them
           ;
           both
           which
           are
           included
           in
           that
           phrase
           of
           redeeming
           the
           time
           ,
           vers.
           16.
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           those
           in
           neare
           relations
           to
           us
           ,
           whether
           brought
           home
           to
           Christ
           ,
           or
           in
           their
           naturall
           condition
           ,
           we
           are
           to
           observe
           the
           strict
           Lawes
           of
           that
           relation
           we
           stand
           debtours
           to
           them
           in
           ,
           which
           wee
           are
           not
           to
           faile
           in
           towards
           them
           ,
           bee
           they
           superiour
           or
           inferiour
           ,
           how
           ever
           they
           act
           towards
           us
           ,
           Chap.
           5.
           vers.
           22.
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           Chapter
           ,
           and
           Chap.
           6.
           to
           vers.
           10.
           
           Our
           engagement
           to
           Christ
           does
           not
           set
           us
           free
           from
           our
           relations
           and
           duties
           in
           any
           kinde
           to
           men
           ,
           but
           onely
           layes
           a
           bond
           on
           him
           to
           furnish
           us
           with
           free
           spirits
           ,
           and
           power
           to
           fill
           up
           what
           wee
           owe
           in
           every
           relation
           ;
           Christ
           gives
           us
           not
           freedome
           from
           ,
           but
           freedome
           unto
           every
           thing
           that
           is
           of
           God
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           To
           stand
           upon
           our
           guard
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           driven
           from
           the
           sweetnesse
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           nor
           from
           acknowledging
           and
           admiring
           God
           in
           every
           step
           of
           his
           love
           ,
           mercy
           ,
           wisdome
           ,
           power
           and
           grace
           ;
           nor
           from
           this
           walking
           worthy
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           by
           any
           enemy
           ,
           any
           temptation
           ,
           or
           any
           thing
           that
           befals
           us
           in
           any
           kind
           ,
           Chap.
           6.
           10.
           11.
           but
           to
           stand
           armed
           against
           our
           enemies
           ,
           who
           are
           spiritually
           mighty
           ,
           and
           lay
           the
           sorest
           temptatious
           and
           baits
           in
           spirituall
           things
           ,
           vers.
           12.
           
           We
           are
           to
           stand
           armed
           thus
           :
        
         
           1.
           
           With
           an
           understanding
           having
           its
           light
           clear
           about
           it
           ,
           and
           with
           a
           will
           having
           an
           holy
           disposition
           ready
           to
           act
           in
           any
           kind
           God
           shall
           please
           to
           call
           it
           out
           unto
           ,
           vers.
           14.
           
           To
           
           have
           an
           understanding
           ready
           to
           put
           forth
           it selfe
           ,
           knowing
           how
           to
           carry
           it selfe
           ;
           how
           to
           obey
           ,
           how
           to
           suffer
           ;
           how
           to
           embrace
           ,
           how
           to
           resist
           ;
           and
           a
           will
           graciously
           disposed
           to
           either
           ,
           whensoever
           God
           shall
           call
           it
           forth
           :
           Our
           loynes
           commonly
           are
           ungirt
           ,
           our
           light
           is
           to
           seek
           ,
           our
           grace
           hangs
           loose
           about
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           unfit
           to
           act
           for
           God
           at
           all
           ,
           much
           more
           unfit
           to
           doe
           it
           in
           the
           face
           of
           that
           opposition
           which
           we
           are
           still
           likely
           to
           meet
           with
           in
           every
           spirituall
           undertaking
           :
           And
           for
           want
           of
           this
           piece
           of
           armour
           ,
           we
           lie
           open
           to
           our
           spirituall
           enemies
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           With
           an
           holy
           resolution
           to
           act
           for
           Christ
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           light
           hee
           shall
           give
           in
           to
           the
           conscience
           ;
           to
           meddle
           with
           no
           evill
           ,
           to
           omit
           no
           duty
           of
           any
           kinde
           ;
           this
           is
           that
           brest-plate
           that
           keeps
           the
           heart
           or
           conscience
           pure
           and
           safe
           ,
           vers.
           14.
           when
           the
           Devill
           do●s
           not
           finde
           us
           resolved
           against
           sinne
           ,
           or
           resolved
           for
           duties
           ,
           (
           bee
           it
           how
           it
           will
           with
           us
           )
           hee
           commonly
           takes
           us
           in
           his
           snare
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           With
           affections
           taken
           with
           the
           sweet
           truths
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ▪
           (
           as
           pardon
           of
           sinne
           &c.
           )
           and
           ready
           to
           hold
           out
           these
           truths
           for
           the
           Gospel
           to
           make
           out
           its
           way
           into
           mens
           hearts
           ,
           vers.
           15.
           
           Troubles
           and
           ●fflictions
           wee
           meet
           with
           within
           and
           without
           ,
           will
           quickly
           damp
           our
           affections
           ,
           if
           they
           bee
           not
           well
           fenced
           with
           these
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           With
           Faith
           over
           all
           these
           ,
           defending
           even
           these
           as
           well
           as
           our selves
           in
           other
           respects
           by
           Faith
           ;
           by
           Faith
           interposing
           the
           power
           of
           Christ
           between
           us
           and
           every
           enemy
           that
           may
           come
           to
           assault
           us
           in
           these
           or
           in
           any
           other
           respects
           ;
           that
           may
           come
           to
           ungird
           us
           and
           make
           us
           unfit
           to
           act
           ,
           to
           damp
           our
           holy
           resolution
           for
           God
           ,
           to
           deaden
           our
           affections
           towards
           the
           sweet
           truths
           of
           the
           Gospel
           which
           prepare
           the
           way
           for
           Christ
           ,
           or
           to
           wound
           us
           with
           any
           temptation
           whatsoever
           ;
           Faith
           is
           a
           true
           shield
           ,
           it
           defends
           both
           the
           person
           and
           the
           rest
           of
           his
           armour
           ,
           as
           we
           know
           a
           shield
           does
           :
           the
           Devill
           cannot
           prevaile
           in
           any
           point
           against
           a
           believing
           soule
           ,
           vers.
           16.
           
           Alas
           !
           we
           can
           doe
           nothing
           our selves
           ;
           doe
           no
           good
           ,
           avoid
           no
           evill
           ;
           all
           our
           strength
           lies
           in
           trusting
           God
           with
           our selves
           in
           every
           condition
           ,
           and
           with
           every
           spirituall
           
           advantage
           and
           help
           hee
           hath
           given
           us
           to
           manage
           it
           as
           he
           pleaseth
           for
           us
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           With
           hope
           of
           salvation
           by
           grace
           ,
           both
           for
           eternity
           and
           from
           any
           present
           distresse
           in
           GODS
           time
           :
           Because
           many
           seeming
           miseries
           may
           befall
           the
           believing
           soule
           ,
           contradictions
           to
           his
           Prayers
           ,
           Desires
           ,
           Faith
           ,
           yea
           ,
           to
           all
           the
           motions
           of
           GODS
           Spirit
           in
           him
           ;
           hee
           must
           have
           an
           helmet
           of
           hope
           ,
           (
           vers.
           17.
           )
           as
           well
           as
           a
           shield
           of
           Faith
           :
           And
           this
           will
           keep
           up
           his
           spirit
           ,
           that
           hee
           shall
           not
           feare
           looking
           up
           to
           GOD
           what
           ever
           befals
           him
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           With
           the
           sword
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           the
           Word
           of
           GOD
           ,
           the
           living
           Word
           ,
           the
           Word
           which
           is
           
             Spirit
             and
             Life
             ;
          
           This
           will
           kill
           all
           false
           reasonings
           ,
           and
           every
           thing
           that
           exalts
           it selfe
           against
           CHRIST
           ;
           this
           will
           make
           enemies
           flye
           from
           the
           soule
           (
           for
           they
           hate
           the
           Word
           of
           life
           ,
           they
           know
           it
           is
           their
           death
           )
           and
           it
           will
           also
           make
           the
           soule
           it selfe
           subject
           unto
           CHRIST
           ,
           vers.
           17.
           
        
         
           And
           all
           this
           and
           every
           thing
           else
           must
           bee
           done
           by
           Prayer
           ,
           vers.
           18.
           wee
           can
           doe
           nothing
           ,
           not
           gaine
           this
           armour
           ,
           not
           put
           it
           on
           ,
           not
           use
           it
           ;
           all
           must
           be
           done
           by
           Prayer
           ,
           by
           intreating
           another
           to
           doe
           it
           for
           us
           ;
           wee
           cannot
           believe
           ,
           wee
           must
           pr●y
           for
           Faith
           ;
           neither
           can
           we
           pray
           ,
           we
           must
           believe
           for
           prayer
           ;
           we
           cannot
           doe
           either
           ,
           both
           must
           flow
           from
           the
           spirit
           ,
           and
           be
           done
           in
           the
           spirit
           ,
           praying
           alwayes
           with
           all
           prayer
           and
           supplication
           in
           the
           spirit
           :
           Oh
           ,
           how
           are
           we
           stripped
           !
           when
           every
           motion
           sends
           us
           out
           of
           our selves
           to
           another
           ,
           and
           yet
           withall
           tells
           us
           ,
           wee
           are
           altogether
           unable
           to
           goe
           out
           of
           our selves
           ,
           or
           step
           the
           least
           step
           towards
           that
           other
           .
        
         
           And
           wee
           must
           watch
           unto
           prayer
           ,
           catch
           opportunities
           to
           breathe
           out
           our
           hearts
           to
           GOD
           to
           doe
           that
           in
           us
           which
           he
           bids
           us
           doe
           ;
           not
           being
           discouraged
           with
           any
           difficulties
           ,
           but
           persevering
           in
           our
           requests
           for
           our selves
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ,
           vers.
           18.
           
        
         
         
           Behold
           ô
           Christian
           thy
           spirituall
           employment
           ,
           thine
           easie
           ,
           and
           painfull
           employment
           ,
           easie
           to
           thy
           spirit
           ,
           painefull
           to
           thy
           flesh
           ;
           and
           as
           yet
           ,
           somewhat
           painfull
           to
           thy
           spirit
           also
           ,
           by
           reason
           of
           the
           cumberance
           of
           thy
           flesh
           ,
           the
           weaknesse
           of
           thy
           spirit
           ,
           the
           power
           and
           fury
           of
           thine
           adversaries
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .