The new birthThe nevv birth

and above all, shine forth in doing good against evil, ⟨p. 145⟩and overcoming injuries with good turns. They must show themselves cheerful, and amiable, peaceable, and heavenly minded; and that they do not serve themselves, but seek the profit and good of their brethren, in charity. They must neither be so licentious, as to be won by company of others, to things that are unlawful; nor so over strict and scrupulous, as to be enemies to the lawful use of lawful contents. And it is certain, that that man (which being sanctified by the spirit, doth show forth the fruits of the spirit (joy, love, peace, temperance, goodness, meekness, and the rest), and that observeth a prudent mediocrity in all things, so that he neither overlash in unlawful things, nor be too strait in lawful liberty), shall win to himself an honourable estimation in the hearts of them that are not stark naught; and shall make them ready to receive his exhortations, and to join with him in good exercises, by which they may at length be made partakers of the grace of God. Wherefore (my brethren) see that ye beautify the doctrine of God; see that ye honour the name of Christ; see that ye be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own souls. Deny your selves, crucify your lusts, serve not your own bellies, seek not your own things, but show your holy conversation in the meekness of wisdom. Let those that are not yet regenerate, behold in you that be, something that may affect them, that may stir them to a good liking, to a care of following, and to a desire (at least) of being found such as you are; and so by working out your own salvation, be helpers also to the salvation of others. Secondly, let your tongues be well ordered,¹ and your words gracious. Let your lips feed many, let ⟨p. 146⟩your mouths be well-springs of life, and pleasant and fruitful trees; the words of which (as it were leaves) may heal many. Although the preaching of the word by the Minister, be the chief means of begetting again; yet there can be no doubt made, but that good communication of private men, hath bin, and may be, and (if it were well used) would be effectual to the same purpose. The preaching that first spread abroad the Gospel, was of men by private conference speaking to those of their acquaintance, whom they found opportunity so to teach;