Englands sickness, comparatively conferred with Israels Divided into two sermons, by ThoEnglands sicknes, comparatively conferred with Israels Diuided into two sermons, by Tho

We shall find the perplexity of this spiritual sickness; (how far?) exceeding the corporal, if we either compare them generally, or particularly, instance in any special disease.

We shall finde the perplexity of this spirituall sicknesse; (how far?) exceeding the corporall, if wee either compare them generally, or particularly, instance in any speciall disease.

1 Generally, The excellency of health, is measured according to the Life, which holds it: and the dignity of Life is considered by the cause that gives it,¹ 1. The Life of the Plant is basest, because it consists but in the juice which is administered by the earth to the root thereof, and thence derived and spread to the parts,² 2. The Life of the brute creature excels, because it is sensitive, and hath power of feeling,³ 3. The Life of man is better then both, because it is reasonable, conceiving & judging of things by understanding 4.⁴ The Life of a spiritual man is better then all the former, and it hath two degrees, 1. The life of inchoate regeneration, and it consists in grace, 2. the perfect life of imputed righteousness,⁵ conferred and confirmed by Jesus Christ, 5. The Life of Glory exceeds all, whereof there are also two degrees, 1. the fruition of glory in soul, 2. the full possession in the union of the body to it. These two last sorts of Life transcend the former in two main respects, 1. Because the other may die, must die; these have a patent of eternity sealed them, 2. Because the other have transient ⟨p. 91⟩