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* 1.1AS the children of the bodily, barren have been excellent pillars in Gods Church, as Isaac of Sarah, Joseph of Rachel, Sa∣muel of Anna, John Baptist of Elizabeth: So also they which have been begotten from spiritual barrennesse, that is, converted from a sinfull life, have proved most famous instruments of grace, as Zacheus from the world, St. Mathew from the receipt of custome, St. Paul from a persecutor to be∣come an Apostle, and many
heathen Infidells to become glorious Martyrs for the crosse of Christ.
O heavenly Father, I con∣fess unfainedly, that I have been hitherto barren, bear∣ing but green leaves of outward profession onely, and no efectuall fruits of a true faith. Therefore, Lord, I beseech thee to dig and dung about me with thy grace, and to water me with the dew of thy bles∣sing; that I may be like a tree planted by the water side which in due season shall bring forth fruits of land and praise to thy name, Amen.
The growth of Grace.