Remains of that reverend and learned divine, John Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplain in…Remaines of that reverend and learned divine, Iohn Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplaine in…

The first difference is this, The spiritual strength ¹goes further then the natural strength. Look what the natural man with the natural strength can do, the spiritual man can do more, he can go further both in degree and measure: and the reason is, because grace elevates nature, it brings it unto a higher pitch; grace is unto the soul as a prospective glass is unto the body, it brings that which is a far off, to be as it were nigh at hand, it turns a man to see things in a more excellent ⟨p. 81⟩manner: for as water that is elevated by fire, so is he that hath this strength; that is, he is abler to do more then a natural strength can do: this was that which made a difference between Sampson and other men, he had a natural strength, and he had another strength to do more then another man could do: and that this strength doth go further then a natural strength, we will prove by these particulars. First, the spiritual strength enables you to see more, and to prize grace more; ²the natural strength shows you something in your journey, but it shows you not unto the end of your journey; whereas the sight that the inward man brings unto the soul, adds unto it Jeremiah 31. 34. Then shall ye know me; that is: ³they knew me before, but now they shall know me in another manner then before: grace presents things unto the soul in another hue. Secondly, in performances: all natural strength leads a man but unto a form of godliness, but this strength gives a man power and ability to do good. Labour, therefore, labour for this strength that your hearts may be in such a frame of godliness, that you may do Gods will in earth as the Angels do it in heaven, which the carnal man will never do: he that hath not this strength, he will never labour to please God after that manner, because he cares not for grace if he can but escape hell, but the spiritual man will not be contented to have the pardon of sin, except he may have grace and holiness too. Thirdly, it enables ⟨p. 82⟩⁴him to go further in Judgement, the natural man he cares not, if he can get but just so much holiness as will bring him to heaven; but the spiritual man will not be contented with any answer; but it is with the spiritual man as it is with the Sun; the clearest Sun-shine shows the most motes; the clearest glass the best; and best water is next the fountain;