Prima the first things, in reference to the middle and last things

Now then let me advise thee (whomsoever thou art that readest) to enter into thine own soul, Use 2 and examine thine own state, whether or no thou art yet born again: Search and see, whether as yet the spirit of bondage hath wrought its effects in thee; that is to say, whether thou hast been enlightened, convinced, and terrified with a sensible apprehension, and particular acknowledgement of thy wretched estate: Search and see, whether as yet the Spirit of adoption hath sealed thee for his own; that is to say, Whether (after thy heart being broken, ⟨p. 40⟩thy spirit bruised, thy soul humbled, thy conscience wounded and awaked) thou hast had a sight of Christ, and hast thirsted after him, and hast cast thy self on him, and hast followed his ways and Commandments by an universal obedience? If upon search thou canst say (without self-deceit) that so it is with thee, then mayest thou bless God that ever thou wast born, certainly (I dare say it) thou art born again. But if thou hast not sense or feeling of these works, if all I have spoken are very mysteries to thee, what shall I say? but if ever, if ever thou meanest to see the kingdom of God, strive, struggle, endeavour with thy might and main to become truly regenerate: thus whilst the Minister speaks, it is Christ that comes with power in the word, Ezek. 18.31, 32. thou mayest say perhaps, it is not in thy power, thou art only a mere patient, and Gods Spirit the agent, and who can command the spirit of the Lord, that bloweth where he listeth, at his own will and pleasure? I answer, It is indeed the Spirit, and not man, that regenerates or sanctifies: but I answer withal, The doctrine of the Gospel is the ministration of the Spirit, and wheresoever that is preached (as I preach it now to thee) there is the holy Ghost present, and thither he comes to regenerate: nay, I can say more, there is a common work of illumination, that makes way for regeneration; and this common work puts a power into man of doing that, which when he shall do, the Spirit of God may, nay will in the day of his power mightily work in him, to his quickening and purging; if then as yet thou feelest not this mighty work of God in thee, and yet fain wouldst feel it, and gladly dost desire it (otherwise I confess it is in vain to speak) follow me in these passages;

Now then let me advise thee (whomsoever thou art that readest) to enter into thine own soul, Vse 2 and examine thine own state, whether or no thou art yet born again: Search and see, whether as yet the spirit of bondage hath wrought its effects in thee; that is to say, whether thou hast been illightened, convinced, and terrified with a sensible apprehension, and particular acknowledgement of thy wretched estate: Search and see, whether as yet the Spirit of adoption hath sealed thee for his own; that is to say, Whether (after thy heart being broken,