The new birthThe nevv birth

Indeed men desperately and exorbitantly wicked, and withal so owl-eyed, and so mischievously minded, that the shining of holiness doth exceedingly offend them, and provoketh in them the sharpest hatred, and most vehement malice that can be. But for those in whom the restraining spirit of God, hath kept down corruption from such an absolute prevailing; and some common work of grace, hath planted some, either beginnings, or appearances of some goodness; they cannot but wonder at the image of God, and highly esteem him in whom it is; and be provoked ⟨p. 144⟩with some desire at least, to strive for the attainment of the same excellencies. Yea, for those most notorious sinners, that are habituated so strongly in sins and wickednesses, that virtue stirreth up hatred and ill will in them: if ever any cross befall them, or any trouble of mind, or the like accident, that somewhat crusheth their corruptions, and abateth the power of their lusts; at that time, they cannot but make known a secret estimation, that goodness winneth upon them, and even desire to seek some comfort of those, whom they think able to afford it. Wherefore it is required of all those, whom the Lord hath begotten again to life everlasting, that they frame their conversation, as beseemeth the Gospel of Christ, and agreeably to their high and excellent calling; that men beholding it, may glorify their heavenly Father, and may be allured to a liking of piety, which is the first step towards the working of it. They must even shine as lights in the middest of a froward generation, being blameless and sincere, and holding out the word of life among them: yea, they are expressly commanded, to walk wisely towards them that are without, because their walking may be a great furtherance to the others conversion. They must show forth the virtues of him, that hath called them from darkness to light, that their light may help to enlighten others also. They must be patient in affliction, gentle in bearing wrongs, painful in doing service, just in all their dealings, true in all their speeches, pure in all their carriage, sober in all their lives, and unspotted in their whole conversation. They must bear much, and suffer long, and be plentiful in works of mercy, and cheerful in works of kindness;

Indeed men desperately and exorbitantly wicked, and withall so owle-eied, and so mischieuously minded, that the shining of holinesse doth exceedingly offend them, and prouoketh in them the sharpest hatred, and most vehement malice that can be. But for those in whom the restraining spirit of God, hath kept downe corruption from such an absolute preuailing; and some common worke of grace, hath planted some, either beginnings, or appearances of some goodnesse; they cannot but wonder at the image of God, and highly esteeme him in whom it is; and bee prouoked