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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n believe_v faith_n true_a 5,505 5 5.0466 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A58850 The method and means to a true spiritual life consisting of three parts, agreeable to the auncient [sic] way / by the late Reverend Matthew Scrivener ... ; cleared from modern abuses, and render'd more easie and practicall. Scrivener, Matthew. 1688 (1688) Wing S2118; ESTC R32133 179,257 416

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ii_o a_o brief_a description_n of_o the_o illuminative_a purgative_n and_o vnitive_a way_n of_o religion_n p._n 9_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o illumination_n and_o of_o faith_n with_o its_o subordinate_a grace_n especial_o conduce_v thereunto_o p._n 12_o sect_n iv_o that_o faith_n and_o natural_a reason_n improve_v be_v the_o only_a proper_a cause_n of_o illumination_n be_v take_v for_o the_o thing_n reveal_v whereof_o some_o principal_a head_n be_v here_o give_v p._n 20_o sect_n v._o of_o the_o grace_n and_o act_n of_o faith_n lead_v to_o illumination_n and_o of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o mean_n of_o believe_v p._n 40_o sect_n vi_o of_o the_o gift_n and_o guidance_n of_o god_n spirit_n towards_o true_a illumination_n the_o abuse_n and_o true_a use_n of_o it_o note_v and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v p_o 51_o sect_n vii_o of_o illumination_n reflexive_a whereby_o the_o christian_a soul_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o self_n in_o its_o spiritual_a state._n p._n 63_o sect_n viii_o of_o revelation_n or_o illumination_n extraordinary_a by_o spirit_n and_o the_o discern_a of_o they_o with_o the_o use_n of_o such_o revelation_n p._n 76_o the_o second_o part._n of_o the_o purgative_n part_n of_o religion_n sect_n i._o that_o action_n and_o good_a work_n must_v be_v add_v to_o true_a knowledge_n and_o believe_v and_o of_o the_o distinction_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v purge_v page_n 99_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o office_n of_o faith_n in_o purge_v the_o soul_n from_o sinful_a defilement_n p._n 105_o sect_n iii_o that_o in_o purify_n ourselves_o principal_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o inward_a man_n not_o neglect_v outward_a severity_n p._n 114_o sect_n iv_o of_o the_o proper_a mean_n and_o method_n of_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n and_o first_o of_o baptism_n p._n 124_o sect_n v._o of_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o repentance_n in_o cleanse_v the_o soul_n p._n 129_o sect_n vi_o that_o this_o purgative_a repentance_n must_v be_v general_a of_o all_o sin_n and_o perpetual_a p._n 147_o sect_n vii_o of_o self_n denial_n require_v to_o true_a reformation_n and_o that_o both_o of_o understanding_n and_o will._n p._n 156_o sect_n viii_o of_o the_o custody_n and_o discipline_n to_o be_v have_v over_o the_o outward_a man_n especial_o the_o eye_n ear_n and_o tongue_n p._n 174_o sect_n ix_o of_o outward_a moderation_n and_o modesty_n to_o be_v use_v in_o abstinence_n and_o apparel_n p._n 189_o sect_n x._o the_o connexion_n of_o what_o have_v pass_v with_o what_o follow_v concern_v the_o seven_o capital_a sin_n p._n 201_o sect_n xi_o of_o pride_n the_o first_o deadly_a or_o capital_a sin._n p._n 203_o sect_n xii_o of_o anger_n a_o second_o capital_a sin_n its_o concomitant_n and_o remedy_n p._n 219_o sect_n xiii_o of_o the_o deadly_a sin_n of_o envy_n its_o nature_n and_o remedy_n p._n 233_o sect_n fourteen_o of_o the_o capital_a sin_n covetousness_n p._n 244_o sect_n xv._o of_o luxury_n and_o uncleanness_n p._n 254_o sect_n xvi_o of_o gluttony_n its_o sinfullnesse_n and_o cure._n p._n 265_o sect_n xvii_o of_o slothfullnesse_n the_o last_o capital_a sin._n p._n 277_o sect_n xviii_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o second_o part_n with_o some_o short_a advice_n relate_v to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v therein_o p._n 288_o the_o three_o part._n treat_v of_o the_o unitive_a way_n of_o the_o devout_a soul_n with_o god._n sect_n i._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a union_n with_o god_n and_o of_o mystical_a theology_n and_o of_o the_o abuse_n and_o due_a use_n thereof_o p._n 297_o sect_n ii_o that_o this_o union_n consist_v chief_o in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o love_v experimental_a and_o reciprocal_a p._n 304_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o excess_n of_o vnitive_a love_n of_o god_n in_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n with_o their_o abuse_n and_o use_v note_v p._n 309_o sect_n iv_o of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o god_n by_o divine_a contemplation_n and_o meditation_n with_o some_o instance_n of_o particular_a subject_n for_o this_o latter_a p._n 317_o sect_n v._o of_o the_o union_n we_o have_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n habitual_a and_o actual_a as_o the_o proper_a matter_n of_o worship_n p._n 328_o sect_n vi_o of_o the_o defect_n incident_a to_o the_o act_n of_o pray_v and_o their_o remedy_n p._n 334_o sect_n vii_o of_o the_o due_a use_n of_o public_a and_o private_a prayer_n p._n 342_o sect_n viii_o of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o prayer_n viz._n sensible_n mental_a supramentall_a extemporarie_a form_v or_o fix_v as_o also_o of_o sing_v of_o psalm_n p._n 350_o sect_n ix_o of_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o lord_n supper_n to_o which_o certain_a instruction_n be_v premise_v p._n 359_o sect_n x._o of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n in_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n here_o discuss_v p._n 367_o sect_n xi_o other_o impediment_n and_o scruple_n observe_v against_o communicate_v especial_o with_o their_o proper_a remedy_n p._n 378_o sect_n xii_o a_o brief_a recapitulation_n of_o what_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o before_o with_o advice_n and_o direction_n concern_v the_o interruption_n and_o recovery_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o of_o consolation_n p._n 387_o the_o method_n and_o mean_n to_o true_a spiritual_a life_n the_o first_o part_n treat_v of_o spiritual_a illumination_n sect_n 1._o previous_a advice_n concern_v the_o necessity_n reasonableness_n and_o vsefulnesse_n of_o be_v true_o religious_a 1._o there_o be_v three_o principal_a stage_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v which_o every_o true_a christian_a be_v to_o pass_v over_o in_o his_o travail_n towards_o that_o sabbath_n of_o blessedness_n hope_v for_o hereafter_o and_o aspire_v to_o it_o may_v seem_v both_o very_a methodical_a and_o profitable_a to_o that_o great_a end_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n thither_o by_o clear_n up_o the_o deface_a character_n write_v by_o god_n own_o finger_n on_o the_o table_n of_o man_n heart_n concern_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n towards_o he_o in_o general_a that_o such_o a_o fundamental_a persuasion_n be_v well_o receive_v the_o edification_n in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n may_v be_v more_o firm_a absolute_a and_o better_o advance_v 2._o for_o what_o may_v we_o call_v religion_n speak_v here_o more_o practical_o than_o artificial_o but_o a_o thorough_a conviction_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v and_o power_n able_a to_o save_v and_o destroy_v everlasting_o infer_v a_o strong_a and_o just_a obligation_n upon_o all_o creature_n especial_o man_n to_o pay_v the_o debt_n of_o veneration_n and_o obedience_n to_o that_o god_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v his_o present_a be_v and_o to_o who_o he_o owe_v his_o subsistence_n and_o upon_o who_o depend_v his_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n 3._o but_o may_v it_o not_o here_o also_o be_v say_v who_o have_v believe_v our_o report_n and_o to_o who_o have_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v reveal_v too_o many_o obstinate_o refuse_v any_o better_a guidance_n or_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n but_o such_o as_o may_v favour_v their_o degenerous_a and_o dangerous_a humour_n of_o gratify_v their_o sensual_a appetite_n hurry_v they_o to_o a_o liberty_n inconsistent_a with_o that_o whereby_o we_o be_v make_v free_a to_o god_n by_o christ_n jesus_n for_o his_o service_n be_v perfect_a freedom_n freedom_n when_o we_o be_v dedicate_v to_o he_o in_o baptism_n we_o renounce_v the_o servitude_n and_o turpitude_n of_o the_o world_n and_o enter_v ourselves_o apprentice_n to_o learn_v and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o religion_n the_o art_n of_o all_o art_n god_n at_o the_o same_o time_n indent_v and_o covenant_v with_o believer_n so_o faithful_o serve_v he_o when_o their_o time_n come_v out_o by_o death_n in_o this_o world_n to_o give_v they_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o desirable_a freedom_n by_o make_v they_o citizen_n in_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o than_o which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v desire_v no_o great_a or_o better_a event_n of_o all_o his_o labour_n and_o service_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o so_o good_a nor_o great_a remuneration_n 4._o who_o will_v not_o then_o sometime_o retire_v into_o the_o chamber_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o who_o consider_v these_o thing_n will_v not_o apply_v himself_o to_o this_o so_o necessary_a so_o divine_a and_o beneficial_a a_o work_n shall_v we_o see_v so_o many_o artist_n of_o this_o world_n strive_v to_o excel_v one_o another_o not_o only_o for_o lucre_n sake_n but_o esteem_v of_o man_n in_o their_o several_a profession_n and_o trade_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v cold_a indifferent_a and_o careless_a in_o this_o of_o religion_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o how_o many_o have_v become_v poor_a infamous_a
miserable_a and_o perish_v final_o mere_o for_o want_n of_o religion_n better_o inform_v and_o govern_v they_o and_o how_o many_o on_o the_o other_o side_n have_v religion_n celebrate_v and_o immortalize_v above_o all_o other_o art_n science_n or_o heroic_a feat_n in_o the_o world_n how_o many_o pitiful_a person_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n for_o birth_n part_n education_n possession_n and_o the_o like_a admire_v by_o the_o world_n have_v outshine_v man_n even_o in_o this_o world_n in_o true_a honour_n who_o yet_o the_o world_n have_v account_v most_o renown_a and_o happy_a and_o after_o this_o life_n have_v perpetuate_v their_o name_n long_o and_o propagate_v they_o far_o than_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o world_n philosopher_n and_o the_o noble_a prince_n and_o potentate_n thereof_o and_o yet_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o contend_v so_o zealous_o for_o this_o as_o the_o other_o 5._o for_o what_o be_v all_o art_n or_o science_n or_o power_n or_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n unsanctified_a or_o unseasoned_a by_o religion_n but_o so_o many_o instrument_n of_o wickedness_n cousenage_n and_o villainy_n and_o what_o be_v all_o humane_a society_n and_o polity_n but_o so_o many_o shop_n of_o injustice_n deceit_n and_o uncontrollable_a rapine_n and_o spoil_n without_o religion_n influence_v the_o conscience_n and_o regulate_v the_o action_n of_o man_n for_o without_o this_o no_o such_o law_n can_v be_v enact_v which_o may_v secure_v either_o the_o person_n of_o man_n from_o violence_n or_o their_o property_n from_o injury_n and_o the_o advantage_n that_o some_o irreligious_a person_n make_v to_o themselves_o by_o contemn_v religious_a rule_n tend_v direct_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o common_a body_n or_o innumerable_a particular_a person_n for_o one_o man_n have_v no_o sense_n or_o conscience_n of_o god_n and_o the_o fear_v due_a to_o he_o corrupt_v wine_n and_o other_o drink_v with_o some_o benefit_n to_o himself_o and_o great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o body_n of_o many_o more_o other_o falsyfie_v stuff_n silk_n and_o clothes_n and_o deceive_v the_o wearer_n other_o counterfeit_v lawful_a money_n contrary_a to_o the_o standard_n and_o bring_v damage_n to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o often_o loss_n of_o life_n and_o good_n to_o themselves_o other_o defraud_n in_o weight_n and_o measure_n other_o embolden_v by_o gainful_a success_n in_o unjust_a practice_n cast_v off_o whole_o the_o very_a vizor_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n and_o with_o open_a face_n rob_v and_o spoil_v their_o neighbour_n and_o in_o conclusion_n bring_v confusion_n to_o themselves_o 6._o these_o be_v indeed_o lamentable_a consequence_n of_o a_o irreligious_a mind_n but_o how_o much_o more_o to_o be_v lament_v and_o avoid_v be_v the_o corruption_n and_o waste_v make_v upon_o the_o inward_a man_n by_o the_o want_n of_o religion_n how_o hereupon_o do_v as_o well_o monstrous_a as_o pernicious_a dogme_n invade_v the_o understanding_n and_o mislead_v it_o into_o many_o idle_a foolish_a false_a and_o absurd_a paradox_n and_o these_o prevail_a how_o be_v the_o affection_n set_v at_o liberty_n to_o run_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o sensuality_n and_o sophisticate_a the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n more_o criminal_a in_o the_o account_n of_o god_n than_o corrupt_v the_o king_n coin_n or_o deface_v malicious_o his_o image_n can_v be_v with_o man_n more_o prejudicial_a to_o man_n himself_o then_o outward_a blindness_n of_o the_o eye_n mutilation_n of_o member_n or_o lameness_n of_o limb_n as_o our_o saviour_n teach_v when_o he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v better_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n without_o a_o right_a eye_n or_o right_a hand_n than_o have_v such_o iutegrity_n of_o bodily_a part_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n for_o want_v of_o true_a religion_n but_o because_o such_o as_o want_v religion_n be_v least_o of_o all_o sensible_a of_o such_o remote_a and_o inevident_a evil_n preach_v against_o wanter_n of_o religion_n it_o may_v not_o be_v inconvenient_a to_o bring_v down_o the_o appeal_n against_o they_o to_o their_o sense_n and_o outward_a observation_n which_o may_v inform_v we_o what_o havoc_n irreligion_n make_v upon_o man_n person_n and_o outward_a condition_n bring_v their_o wit_n into_o suspicion_n of_o weakness_n who_o to_o appear_v somebody_o in_o dogmatize_v be_v constrain_v to_o take_v up_o the_o oppose_a the_o receive_a principle_n of_o religion_n a_o extraordinary_a subject_n draw_v man_n ear_n to_o listen_v after_o such_o a_o vain_a philosopher_n who_o otherways_o no_o man_n will_v regard_v talk_v and_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o know_a rule_n of_o sobriety_n and_o piety_n through_o the_o defect_n of_o reason_n aim_v at_o no_o great_a glory_n than_o those_o obscure_a and_o pitiful_a fellow_n of_o little_a or_o no_o place_n or_o power_n considerable_a who_o to_o acquire_v somewhat_o of_o a_o name_n provoke_v and_o set_v upon_o invincible_a champion_n or_o choose_v to_o perish_v by_o a_o royal_a hand_n 7._o and_o must_v not_o the_o portion_n of_o reason_n be_v very_o weak_a and_o low_a in_o he_o who_o undertake_v the_o oppugn_v that_o which_o so_o many_o before_o he_o have_v attempt_v without_o any_o other_o event_n than_o their_o own_o infamy_n and_o stupidity_n after_o a_o wilful_a oppose_v the_o once_o approve_a truth_n for_o so_o impregnable_a be_v the_o rock_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v master_v considerable_o by_o any_o assault_n nor_o so_o far_o sink_v or_o lose_v to_o the_o view_n and_o approbation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o leaden_a weight_n of_o man_n ratiocination_n but_o it_o buoy_v itself_o up_o above_o all_o such_o enemy_n and_o triumph_v over_o they_o while_o the_o name_n and_o memory_n of_o its_o adversary_n rot_v and_o their_o own_o deed_n contrary_a to_o religion_n oppress_v they_o in_o their_o vice_n and_o confound_v they_o so_o that_o delight_v not_o to_o know_v god_n but_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n stupendous_a infatuation_n have_v seize_v upon_o many_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o disturb_v their_o affection_n that_o not_o only_o contrary_a to_o that_o they_o call_v religion_n but_o to_o that_o we_o and_o they_o both_o call_v nature_n they_o have_v corrupt_v and_o abuse_v themselves_o so_o that_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o will_v not_o understand_v in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o can_v and_o those_o action_n which_o seem_v unreasonable_a and_o brutish_a once_o to_o themselves_o become_v their_o supreme_a perfection_n in_o which_o they_o glory_v and_o perhaps_o perish_v 8._o these_o mischief_n then_o foresee_v and_o the_o contrary_a benefit_n of_o religion_n discern_v and_o believe_v put_v i_o upon_o the_o design_n of_o s._n paul_n desire_v man_n to_o suffer_v a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n that_o they_o will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o reason_n sometime_o magnify_v by_o they_o in_o word_n but_o not_o so_o often_o allow_v of_o in_o practice_n to_o god_n and_o to_o religion_n and_o to_o christ_n jesus_n bring_v salvation_n unto_o all_o man_n whereby_o they_o can_v only_o be_v happy_a and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o here_o expect_v demonstration_n to_o compel_v they_o to_o come_v into_o the_o faith_n nor_o eloquence_n to_o persuade_v they_o not_o pretend_v to_o here_o but_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o conscience_n no_o otherways_o to_o be_v attain_v and_o the_o unspeakable_a happiness_n believe_v and_o expect_v hereafter_o may_v suffice_v to_o awaken_v divers_a to_o inquire_v serious_o whether_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o good_a berean_o which_o will_v easy_o appear_v to_o every_o unprejudiced_a mind_n under_o this_o great_a advantage_n above_o worldly_a doctrine_n that_o none_o of_o these_o have_v so_o much_o as_o dare_v to_o promise_v so_o great_a future_a blessing_n in_o a_o world_n to_o come_v nor_o have_v any_o make_v good_a such_o fair_a promise_n of_o present_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n which_o notwithstanding_o so_o many_o have_v be_v charm_v with_o and_o unhappy_o trust_v to_o and_o be_v delude_v by_o 9_o but_o yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v here_o so_o understand_v as_o if_o i_o intend_v to_o insist_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o most_o perfect_a and_o also_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o of_o god_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o holy_a worship_n and_o christ_n the_o true_a messiah_n that_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a yet_o i_o hold_v it_o requisite_a speak_v of_o illumination_n to_o instance_n in_o the_o principal_a head_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n whereby_o religion_n do_v furnish_v the_o mind_n of_o believer_n which_o either_o not_o at_o all_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o other_o book_n or_o so_o uncertain_o and_o obscure_o as_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o they_o
to_o know_v to_o who_o therefore_o shall_v i_o betake_v myself_o for_o help_n and_o succour_n but_o to_o thou_o o_o lord_n who_o alone_a can_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a and_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o how_o shall_v we_o come_v unto_o thou_o but_o through_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n in_o he_o therefore_o come_v unto_o thou_o i_o pray_v thou_o to_o give_v i_o wisdom_n that_o sit_v by_o thy_o throne_n and_o reject_v i_o not_o from_o thy_o child_n for_o i_o thy_o servant_n and_o son_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n be_o a_o feeble_a person_n and_o of_o short_a time_n and_o too_o young_a and_o weak_a for_o the_o understanding_n of_o judgement_n and_o thy_o law_n o_o send_v she_o out_o of_o thy_o holy_a heaven_n and_o from_o the_o throne_n of_o thy_o glory_n that_o be_v present_a she_o may_v labour_v with_o i_o that_o i_o may_v know_v what_o be_v please_v unto_o thou_o and_o what_o be_v that_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god._n for_o hardly_o do_v we_o guess_v aright_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o with_o labour_n do_v we_o find_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o we_o but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n who_o have_v search_v out_o but_o by_o thy_o spirit_n which_o search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o hide_a thing_n of_o god._n i_o be_o a_o stranger_n and_o a_o pilgrim_n upon_o earth_n o_o hide_v not_o thy_o commandment_n from_o i_o that_o so_o have_v a_o sound_n and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o thou_o and_o of_o myself_o and_o i_o own_o way_n of_o my_o error_n and_o my_o negligence_n and_o ignorances_n of_o my_o infirmity_n and_o emptiness_n and_o so_o diffident_a in_o and_o dislike_a myself_o i_o may_v apply_v myself_o to_o thou_o lay_v hold_v on_o thy_o strength_n partake_v of_o thy_o fullness_n and_o freeness_n and_o have_v a_o sincere_a faith_n in_o thou_o a_o fervent_a love_n of_o thou_o and_o holy_a life_n before_o thou_o and_o profess_v thou_o outward_o may_v believe_v thou_o inward_o and_o serve_v thou_o in_o all_o good_a work_n in_o all_o godly_a conversation_n and_o honesty_n and_o persevere_v therein_o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_n the_o second_o part._n of_o the_o purgative_n part_n of_o religion_n sect_n 1._o that_o action_n and_o good_a work_n must_v be_v add_v to_o true_a knowledge_n and_o believe_v and_o of_o the_o distinction_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v purge_v 1._o as_o light_n be_v at_o the_o first_o creation_n produce_v by_o god_n as_o a_o introduction_n to_o his_o six-daye_n work_n so_o have_v he_o continue_v that_o light_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n but_o especial_o man_n the_o great_a artist_n of_o all_o other_o to_o the_o better_a discharge_n of_o those_o act_n and_o office_n assign_v he_o in_o the_o few_o day_n of_o his_o labour_n in_o this_o world._n and_o according_a to_o his_o gift_n in_o work_n of_o nature_n have_v he_o provide_v a_o proportionable_a light_n of_o understanding_n and_o faith_n to_o give_v he_o mean_n rule_n and_o opportunity_n to_o work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o that_o especial_o upon_o his_o own_o soul_n to_o the_o end_n it_o may_v draw_v near_o unto_o god_n both_o in_o likeness_n of_o perfection_n and_o fruition_n of_o blessedness_n for_o the_o image_n of_o god_n deface_v by_o our_o apostasy_n have_v contract_v many_o and_o monstrous_a deformity_n the_o great_a business_n we_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v about_o be_v how_o to_o refashion_v ourselves_o to_o that_o grand_a pattern_n which_o become_v visible_a to_o we_o by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n the_o brightness_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n so_o that_o as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v with_o statuary_n who_o be_v to_o make_v a_o accurate_a image_n out_o of_o a_o rude_a and_o natural_a stone_n take_v out_o of_o the_o quarry_n what_o light_n be_v necessary_a what_o judgement_n what_o diligence_n by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o chip_n and_o hue_n away_o all_o irregular_a part_n and_o roughness_n till_o the_o intend_a form_n rise_v out_o of_o it_o so_o must_v it_o be_v with_o every_o good_a christian_a to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v his_o light_n to_o work_v by_o and_o instrument_n to_o work_v with_o and_o matter_n to_o work_v upon_o his_o own_o soul_n overgrow_v and_o misshape_a and_o whole_o out_o of_o order_n and_o rule_v as_o take_v out_o of_o the_o common_a rock_n of_o nature_n 2._o god_n therefore_o have_v set_v up_o his_o holy_a word_n among_o we_o as_o the_o great_a light_n to_o rule_v the_o day_n according_a to_o who_o illumination_n we_o shall_v direct_v and_o rule_v all_o our_o action_n and_o not_o contrary_a to_o our_o saviour_n advice_n put_v it_o under_o a_o bed_n or_o under_o a_o bushel_n that_o be_v not_o under_o the_o bed_n of_o slothfulness_n and_o laziness_n nor_o under_o the_o bushel_n of_o worldliness_n and_o secular_a business_n and_o trafficking_n whereby_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o better_a to_o advance_v worldly_a profit_n as_o hypocrite_n do_v or_o sweet_o to_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o they_o know_v much_o as_o if_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n to_o we_o be_v service_n do_v to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o talent_n commit_v to_o our_o trust_n that_o he_o will_v never_o require_v any_o thing_n from_o we_o or_o perhaps_o some_o lipp-service_n whereby_o with_o religious_a discourse_n we_o move_v other_o to_o think_v well_o of_o we_o be_v to_o be_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n to_o he_o though_o we_o remain_v unfruitful_a as_o if_o he_o that_o give_v aim_n to_o another_o shall_v persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v hit_v the_o mark_n himself_o but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n quite_o contradict_v this_o and_o that_o often_o as_o st._n james_n 1._o 22._o not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o law_n be_v justify_v before_o god_n but_o the_o doer_n and_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2._o 13._o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o we_o must_v not_o so_o understand_v as_o if_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v here_o only_o commend_v but_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n obedience_n to_o who_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a to_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n than_o the_o work_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n be_v once_o necessary_a to_o he_o that_o will_v live_v by_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n himself_o luke_n 12._o 47._o he_o that_o know_v his_o master_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n and_o so_o where_o he_o say_v john_n 8._o 19_o if_o you_o have_v not_o know_v i_o you_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n comparative_o but_o now_o you_o say_v we_o know_v therefore_o your_o sin_n remain_v for_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n as_o gerson_n observe_v it_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o be_v demand_v of_o we_o how_o much_o we_o know_v how_o well_o skilled_a we_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n what_o notable_a disputer_n and_o arguer_n we_o have_v be_v out_o of_o they_o nor_o how_o many_o good_a sermon_n we_o have_v hear_v nor_o how_o many_o chapter_n we_o have_v read_v or_o how_o often_o but_o as_o the_o form_n of_o proceed_v in_o that_o great_a day_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o matt._n 25._o 34_o 36_o etc._n etc._n what_o good_a work_n we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n we_o profess_v and_o what_o good_a fruit_n the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n have_v produce_v and_o in_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n it_o will_v not_o suffice_v to_o beat_v the_o drum_n or_o sound_n as_o it_o be_v the_o trumpet_n to_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o fight_v that_o good_a fight_n appoint_v by_o christ_n against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n unless_o as_o st._n paul_n exhort_v we_o quit_v ourselves_o likeman_n in_o christ_n camp._n 3._o apply_v then_o ourselves_o to_o so_o divine_a and_o necessary_a a_o work_n before_o we_o can_v do_v what_o be_v require_v we_o must_v judge_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o be_v now_o about_o to_o purge_v ourselves_o from_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 2_o corin._n 7._o 1._o we_o be_v first_o of_o all_o to_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o those_o spot_n and_o blemish_n which_o be_v to_o be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o soul_n and_o those_o scale_n which_o be_v to_o be_v take_v off_o our_o eye_n and_o those_o infirmity_n and_o distemper_n our_o soul_n natural_o labour_v under_o for_o we_o see_v not_o if_o we_o lament_v not_o our_o rude_a and_o pollute_a natural_a state_n our_o defect_n
ear_n so_o that_o if_o christ_n shall_v tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v his_o body_n we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o deny_v that_o he_o do_v say_v what_o in_o truth_n he_o do_v say_v for_o the_o eye_n be_v a_o less_o fallible_a sense_n than_o the_o ear_n as_o philosopher_n agree_v and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v we_o can_v see_v substance_n themselves_o but_o only_a accident_n it_o matter_n not_o whether_o that_o opinion_n be_v true_a or_o false_a be_v we_o see_v as_o much_o of_o those_o body_n and_o their_o substance_n as_o of_o any_o substance_n in_o the_o world_n and_o no_o more_o be_v needful_a 8._o seven_o the_o sacred_a symbol_n be_v call_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n because_o we_o shall_v understand_v the_o dignity_n and_o efficacy_n and_o strait_a conjunction_n between_o they_o and_o christ_n and_o christ_n and_o we_o who_o thereby_o receive_v he_o as_o our_o food_n 9_o last_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o so_o receive_v christ_n in_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n be_v faith_n as_o be_v true_o and_o general_o say_v but_o not_o altogether_o as_o some_o may_v understand_v and_o conceive_v for_o faith_n as_o in_o our_o sanctification_n so_o in_o our_o justification_n do_v work_v and_o no_o otherwise_o do_v it_o make_v we_o worthy_a and_o happy_a communicant_n for_o it_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o religion_n and_o become_v lively_a by_o love_n and_o charity_n give_v life_n to_o all_o our_o spiritual_a performance_n and_o consequent_o render_v they_o effectual_a to_o we_o so_o that_o we_o must_v believe_v first_o according_a to_o the_o true_a catholic_a faith_n in_o general_a then_o special_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o use_n of_o this_o sacrament_n last_o we_o must_v have_v a_o comfortable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o accept_v we_o in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o we_o but_o there_o must_v also_o be_v join_v herewith_o 1._o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n and_o that_o not_o to_o be_v it_o proper_o which_o we_o see_v but_o that_o which_o be_v invisible_a and_o spiritual_o take_v 2._o that_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o by_o examination_n and_o humiliation_n of_o ourselves_o that_o by_o rashness_n of_o approach_n we_o be_v not_o condemn_v of_o the_o lord_n 3._o invocation_n of_o god_n mercy_n for_o past_a sin_n and_o of_o his_o assist_a grace_n for_o prevent_v the_o like_a future_a fail_n and_o fall_n as_o we_o have_v be_v former_o subject_a to_o 4._o to_o have_v no_o malice_n nor_o notorious_a hatred_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o charity_n to_o all_o man_n especial_o towards_o they_o with_o who_o we_o communicate_v 5._o that_o we_o be_v void_a of_o all_o purpose_n or_o design_n of_o commit_v over_o again_o any_o of_o those_o sin_n which_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o upon_o due_a enquity_n and_o examination_n but_o rather_o have_v a_o sincere_a how_o weak_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v desire_v and_o purpose_n of_o live_v more_o agreeable_o to_o god_n holy_a will_n in_o all_o thing_n 6._o that_o we_o have_v a_o good_a hope_n through_o god_n grace_n which_o some_o miscall_v faith_n that_o we_o shall_v live_v according_a to_o our_o vow_n in_o baptism_n of_o old_a make_v and_o there_o renew_v and_o ratify_v and_o that_o this_o hope_n beget_v a_o care_n and_o conscience_n of_o our_o way_n hereafter_o lest_o we_o by_o relapse_v into_o former_a error_n dissolve_v that_o happy_a union_n and_o conjunction_n obtain_v in_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son._n sect_n x._o of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n in_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n which_o be_v here_o discuss_v 1._o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o office_n of_o our_o church_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o communion_n that_o as_o the_o benefit_n be_v great_a if_o with_o a_o true_a penitent_a heart_n and_o a_o lively_a faith_n we_o receive_v that_o holy_a sacrament_n so_o be_v the_o danger_n great_a if_o we_o receive_v the_o same_o unworthy_o for_o then_o be_v we_o guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n we_o eat_v and_o drink_v our_o own_o damnation_n not_o consider_v the_o lord_n body_n we_o kindle_v god_n wrath_n against_o we_o we_o provoke_v he_o to_o plague_v we_o with_o divers_a disease_n and_o sundry_a kind_n of_o death_n all_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n 1_o corin._n 11._o ver_fw-la 27._o whosoever_o shall_v eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n unworthy_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o ver_fw-la 29._o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n which_o speech_n it_o behove_v strait_o to_o understand_v aright_o lest_o by_o violence_n use_v in_o wrest_v they_o to_o too_o favourable_a a_o sense_n we_o occasion_n the_o profanation_n of_o those_o holy_a mystery_n by_o rudeness_n and_o presumption_n of_o unbelieving_a and_o impenitent_a comer_n unto_o it_o or_o we_o so_o straiten_v the_o way_n to_o god_n holy_a table_n that_o believer_n and_o they_o none_o of_o the_o worst_a rank_n shall_v be_v dishearten_v and_o discourage_v from_o approach_v to_o it_o the_o genuine_a sense_n therefore_o and_o importance_n of_o those_o say_n be_v faithful_o to_o be_v unfold_v for_o the_o better_a inform_v of_o the_o judgement_n and_o direct_v and_o satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o the_o cordial_a christian_a and_o sincere_a for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a upon_o too_o frequent_a experience_n that_o a_o horrible_a abuse_n be_v make_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o doctrine_n of_o saint_n paul_n and_o also_o of_o the_o church_n even_o now_o recite_v and_o that_o by_o worldly_a and_o loose_a man_n who_o believe_v in_o gross_a the_o sacrednesse_n of_o the_o communion_n allege_v that_o for_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o receive_v of_o it_o when_o god_n know_v they_o have_v little_a apprehension_n either_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o that_o or_o their_o unholinesse_n or_o unfitnesse_n pretend_v more_o scrupulousness_n and_o wariness_n than_o other_o and_o than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n require_v absolute_o at_o their_o hand_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o divers_a find_v themselves_o so_o entangle_v between_o the_o consciousness_n of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o worthiness_n of_o that_o that_o they_o be_v unwilling_o obstruct_v in_o draw_v nigh_o thus_o unto_o christ_n so_o merciful_o offer_v to_o they_o for_o who_o sake_n i_o have_v prepare_v these_o follow_a instruction_n leave_v other_o to_o be_v condemn_v for_o their_o falseness_n and_o hypocrisy_n in_o sacred_a thing_n by_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o that_o very_a judgement_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v fear_v in_o so_o abstain_v 2._o first_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v and_o suppose_v by_o all_o ingenuous_a as_o well_o as_o pious_a christian_n that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o incredible_a and_o a_o great_a injury_n do_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o christ_n institute_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o imagine_v that_o he_o shall_v so_o mock_v the_o great_a number_n of_o true_a though_o weak_a believer_n as_o to_o ordain_v such_o a_o sacrament_n and_o to_o such_o great_a end_n and_o propound_v so_o great_a benefit_n and_o leave_v so_o many_o gracious_a and_o kind_a invitation_n and_o exhortation_n to_o come_v to_o he_o there_o present_a and_o in_o readiness_n to_o satisfy_v the_o hungry_a soul_n with_o goodness_n and_o to_o feast_v he_o with_o the_o fat_a and_o sweet_a of_o his_o own_o table_n and_o yet_o withal_o cloth_n that_o precious_a ordinance_n with_o so_o many_o severe_a circumstance_n and_o clog_n it_o with_o so_o many_o dangerous_a difficult_a and_o heavy_a condition_n as_o very_o few_o shall_v dare_v to_o come_v at_o it_o or_o be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o 3._o second_o there_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v a_o very_a great_a difference_n between_o worthy_a communicate_v and_o due_a or_o fit_a communicate_v and_o that_o both_o these_o be_v vulgar_o and_o fallacious_o contain_v in_o that_o one_o word_n worthy_a which_o have_v a_o double_a sense_n for_o he_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v worthy_a who_o be_v equal_a in_o qualification_n of_o virtue_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o worth_n and_o merit_n of_o that_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o in_o this_o acceptation_n no_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v worthy_a no_o not_o the_o best_a prepare_v and_o holy_a man._n another_o sense_n of_o worthiness_n be_v that_o we_o call_v fitness_n whereby_o how_o unworthy_a soever_o a_o soul_n may_v be_v of_o that_o sacrament_n he_o may_v be_v repute_v worthy_a and_o come_v acceptable_o and_o fruitful_o and_o so_o that_o wilful_o in_o such_o case_n to_o absent_v himself_o may_v turn_v to_o his_o own_o
of_o himself_o that_o infallible_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v while_o he_o remain_v very_o deficient_a in_o the_o common_a and_o know_v duty_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a mistake_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o office_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v ourselves_o but_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o be_v his_o will_n and_o what_o our_o duty_n be_v to_o he_o and_o the_o effect_n of_o obedience_n and_o holy_a life_n prescribe_v by_o he_o so_o that_o justify_v and_o save_v faith_n be_v godliness_n in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o godliness_n in_o the_o power_n of_o which_o st._n paul_n speak_v be_v a_o confluence_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n the_o principal_a of_o which_o be_v reckon_v up_o by_o st._n peter_n where_o he_o counsel_v 2_o epist_n 1_o 5_o 6._o to_o add_v to_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n and_o have_v profit_v so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v possess_v of_o such_o grace_n to_o strive_v as_o the_o same_o apostle_n have_v it_o to_o abound_v in_o the_o same_o which_o have_v competent_o attain_v unto_o give_v the_o best_a assurance_n of_o the_o good_a purpose_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o give_v we_o the_o kingdom_n promise_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v 4._o but_o the_o presumptuous_a and_o preposterous_a faith_n whereby_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o fancy_n themselves_o into_o the_o high_a favour_n of_o god_n before_o they_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o discipline_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v laboursome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o flesh_n be_v that_o which_o lead_v man_n into_o blindness_n of_o mind_n and_o perhaps_o perdition_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o the_o contrary_a our_o saviour_n christ_n teach_v we_o so_o much_o where_o he_o say_v luke_n 17._o 7._o which_o of_o you_o have_v a_o servant_n plough_v or_o feed_v cattle_n will_v say_v unto_o he_o by_o and_o by_o when_o he_o be_v come_v from_o the_o field_n go_v and_o sit_v down_o to_o meat_n and_o will_v not_o rather_o say_v unto_o he_o make_v ready_a wherewith_o i_o may_v sup_v and_o gird_v thyself_o and_o serve_v i_o and_o afterward_o thou_o shall_v eat_v and_o drink_v which_o teach_v we_o that_o it_o suffice_v not_o present_o to_o take_v up_o our_o rest_n of_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o faith_n special_a so_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v call_v home_o to_o god_n from_o the_o wide_a and_o wild_a conversation_n in_o the_o field_n of_o this_o world_n but_o must_v yet_o far_o attend_v the_o service_n god_n have_v for_o we_o to_o do_v and_o then_o to_o expect_v his_o far_a favour_n of_o a_o eternal_a rest_n 5._o and_o because_o among_o various_a acceptation_n in_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n it_o be_v sometime_o use_v for_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o sometime_o for_o the_o work_n and_o fruit_n of_o faith_n every_o prudent_a and_o pious_a christian_a must_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o he_o put_v not_o such_o a_o fallacy_n upon_o himself_o as_o to_o infer_v to_o himself_o the_o whole_a virtue_n of_o faith_n take_v in_o its_o full_a latitude_n upon_o some_o particular_a branch_n thereof_o find_v in_o he_o crowd_v all_o duty_n of_o piety_n into_o one_o and_o that_o rather_o a_o preparation_n unto_o true_a religious_a life_n than_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o such_o as_o know_v and_o believe_v and_o the_o mean_n thereunto_o tend_v read_v and_o hear_v of_o god_n holy_a word_n for_o be_v well_o initiate_v in_o those_o necessary_a principle_n and_o help_n of_o devotion_n there_o so_o to_o stop_v or_o in_o they_o to_o improve_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n shall_v be_v neglect_v overthrow_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o faith_n itself_o whereof_o no_o small_a part_n be_v to_o confess_v our_o sin_n to_o repent_v hearty_o and_o thorough_o to_o attend_v to_o good_a work_n and_o act_n of_o mercy_n to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o repentance_n and_o not_o to_o think_v to_o commute_v with_o god_n that_o when_o he_o require_v private_a or_o public_a worship_n we_o shall_v think_v it_o as_o well_o and_o perhaps_o better_a to_o read_v certain_a chapter_n in_o the_o bible_n or_o to_o be_v present_a and_o hear_v a_o sermon_n and_o when_o god_n call_v to_o perform_v good_a deed_n of_o charity_n in_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o be_v at_o charge_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o exceed_v in_o read_v and_o pray_v suppose_v such_o cheap_a part_n of_o splendid_a profession_n will_v answer_v all_o obligation_n to_o god_n and_o our_o necessitous_a neighbour_n whereas_o it_o be_v one_o principal_a point_n of_o true_a christian_a illumination_n by_o faith_n to_o understand_v what_o it_o teach_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n say_v coloss_n 4._o 12._o stand_v perfect_a and_o complete_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o effect_v whereof_o faith_n be_v ordain_v and_o give_v we_o by_o god_n as_o a_o tool_n and_o engine_n not_o as_o the_o work_n itself_o 6._o and_o therefore_o the_o ancient_a and_o more_o experience_a father_n we_o read_v of_o handsome_o and_o true_o reprove_v the_o mistake_n of_o three_o well_o incline_v novice_n in_o the_o sound_a part_n of_o piety_n when_o the_o first_o declare_v the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n say_v with_o expectation_n of_o applause_n i_o have_v get_v the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n by_o heart_n then_o say_v the_o old_a man_n thou_o have_v pour_v out_o many_o word_n into_o the_o air_n intend_v he_o shall_v understand_v that_o all_o that_o be_v to_o very_o small_a purpose_n without_o proportionable_a act_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o second_o say_v i_o have_v write_v over_o all_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n with_o my_o own_o hand_n then_o say_v the_o ancient_a father_n thou_o have_v fill_v thy_o window_n with_o store_n of_o paper_n and_o the_o three_o glory_v that_o the_o grass_n grow_v on_o his_o hearth_n imply_v how_o much_o cold_a and_o hunger_n he_o have_v suffer_v be_v answer_v by_o the_o same_o person_n then_o have_v thou_o drive_v away_o hospitality_n intimate_v that_o no_o man_n abound_v in_o some_o good_a duty_n must_v persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v thereby_o make_v compensation_n for_o such_o defect_n in_o other_o grace_n wilful_o neglect_v be_v better_a inform_v from_o st._n paul_n that_o knowledge_n and_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o be_v entrust_v with_o we_o by_o god_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 17._o and_o as_o david_n practice_n be_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o all_o god_n command_n without_o exception_n or_o limitation_n psal_n 119._o 6._o 7._o against_o this_o if_o it_o chance_v to_o be_v object_v what_o vulgar_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o perfection_n in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v answer_v without_o great_a difficulty_n that_o perfection_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o christian_a religion_n above_o what_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o author_n science_n or_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o integrity_n or_o of_o part_n which_o st._n paul_n to_o philemon_n ver_fw-la 6._o call_v communication_n of_o faith_n become_v effectual_a by_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o every_o good_a thing_n so_o that_o not_o one_o virtue_n or_o duty_n prescribe_v to_o a_o true_a christian_a must_v be_v want_v to_o the_o true_a believer_n however_o the_o degree_n of_o those_o virtue_n may_v be_v and_o general_o be_v imperfect_a and_o yet_o again_o have_v in_o some_o degree_n be_v initiate_v into_o all_o christian_a virtue_n we_o be_v not_o there_o to_o rest_v as_o if_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n but_o must_v prosecute_v those_o mean_a yet_o good_a beginning_n till_o we_o arrive_v to_o that_o pitch_n which_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v accept_v to_o our_o justification_n and_o salvation_n but_o only_o have_v a_o sound_n firm_a and_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o some_o be_v please_v in_o these_o last_o age_n to_o call_v faith_n justify_v but_o faith_n proper_o so_o call_v have_v for_o its_o object_n truth_n and_o that_o as_o relate_v to_o all_o man_n but_o hope_n have_v for_o its_o object_n good_a and_o that_o as_o pertain_v to_o particular_a person_n of_o which_o nature_n be_v the_o persuasion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o foresay_a good_a as_o true_o belong_v unto_o we_o and_o thereby_o as_o st._n john_n speak_v 1_o epist_n 3._o 19_o we_o assure_v our_o heart_n before_o he_o sect_n iv_o that_o faith_n and_o not_o natural_a reason_n improve_v be_v the_o only_a
reward_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a do_v now_o in_o the_o body_n be_v another_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n not_o demonstrable_a by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n but_o discern_v by_o revelation_n 15._o to_o this_o likewise_o appertain_v the_o knowledge_n which_o faith_n teach_v we_o of_o the_o second_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o glory_n and_o justice_n to_o be_v the_o great_a judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a bring_v his_o reward_n with_o he_o so_o that_o they_o who_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n eternal_a and_o they_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a into_o everlasting_a fire_n 16._o last_o as_o the_o nerve_n and_o bond_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o be_v by_o god_n holy_a word_n teach_v assure_o that_o god_n have_v two_o city_n or_o society_n in_o this_o world_n of_o his_o own_o constitution_n and_o not_o frame_v by_o the_o will_n or_o power_n of_o man._n the_o one_o be_v that_o civil_a government_n wherein_o god_n have_v set_v his_o delegate_n to_o maintain_v order_n and_o unity_n by_o the_o due_a administration_n of_o justice_n to_o who_o man_n be_v to_o be_v subject_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n send_v to_o those_o end_n the_o other_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o company_n of_o true_a believer_n of_o who_o christ_n be_v the_o supreme_a head_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n suppli_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_a itself_o in_o love_n ephes_n 4._o 16._o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o faith_n itself_o shall_v subsist_v long_o the_o church_n be_v dissolve_v and_o it_o not_o be_v possible_a the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v dissolve_v where_o there_o be_v no_o order_n of_o superior_a and_o inferior_a nor_o possible_a that_o such_o order_n shall_v be_v preserve_v without_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n the_o catholic_a church_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o obey_v as_o our_o guide_n and_o governor_n and_o so_o be_v every_o particular_a church_n manage_v by_o lawful_o succeed_v pastor_n to_o be_v reverence_v and_o obey_v until_o such_o time_n that_o they_o or_o it_o be_v convict_v of_o some_o gross_a error_n and_o defection_n from_o christ_n and_o not_o only_o till_o all_o exception_n make_v against_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o our_o mind_n so_o that_o envious_o and_o proud_o to_o oppose_v that_o hierarchy_n institute_v by_o christ_n or_o the_o precept_n deliver_v by_o they_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o body_n in_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o resist_v god_n and_o not_o man_n and_o to_o make_v themselves_o obnoxious_a for_o officiousness_n without_o authority_n receive_v of_o god_n to_o shame_n and_o perdition_n 5._o and_o this_o abstract_n of_o knowledge_n give_v we_o by_o god_n in_o his_o reveal_v word_n i_o hold_v very_o requisite_a to_o premise_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n and_o as_o so_o many_o instance_n of_o his_o singular_a favour_n to_o his_o elect_a one_o in_o discover_v unto_o they_o such_o mystery_n as_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n be_v and_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o we_o may_v walk_v worthy_a of_o such_o light_n give_v we_o and_o to_o these_o of_o a_o speculative_a nature_n may_v we_o add_v those_o of_o the_o practical_a order_n whereby_o god_n do_v teach_v we_o above_o the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n not_o only_o not_o to_o commit_v such_o thing_n which_o be_v dishonest_a unjust_a unreasonable_a filthy_a and_o the_o like_a but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o desire_v they_o and_o that_o inward_a concupiscence_n of_o evil_n be_v a_o sin_n condemn_v by_o god_n however_o tolerate_v by_o humane_a law_n either_o because_o they_o do_v not_o actual_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o because_o such_o close_a iniquity_n can_v come_v under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o humane_a judicature_n but_o god_n search_v the_o heart_n and_o tri_v the_o reins_o and_o judge_n the_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o our_o faith_n tell_v we_o the_o sum_n of_o which_o knowledge_n be_v give_v we_o by_o st._n paul_n rom._n 7._o 7._o when_o as_o learned_a as_o he_o be_v he_o tell_v we_o i_o have_v not_o know_v lust_n except_o the_o law_n have_v say_v thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v so_o that_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v discern_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o david_n say_v psal_n 19_o 7._o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_o make_v wise_a the_o simple_a and_o again_o v._o 8._o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n and_o what_o david_n say_v there_o and_o elsewhere_o solomon_n in_o his_o book_n of_o proverb_n more_o full_o confirm_v and_o especial_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n as_o in_o the_o beginning_n give_v we_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n to_o know_v wisdom_n and_o instruction_n to_o perceive_v word_n of_o understanding_n to_o receive_v the_o instruction_n of_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o judgement_n and_o equity_n to_o give_v subtlety_n to_o the_o simple_a to_o the_o young_a man_n knowledge_n and_o discretion_n so_o foolish_a be_v they_o and_o ignorant_a who_o out_o of_o mistake_a greatness_n and_o gallantry_n and_o presumption_n of_o knowledge_n false_o so_o call_v be_v prone_a to_o despise_v the_o revelation_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o establish_v their_o own_o imagination_n serviceable_a to_o their_o lust_n and_o scandalous_a manner_n fall_v thereby_o under_o the_o just_a censure_n of_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n prov._n 1._o 7._o fool_n despise_v wisdom_n and_o instruction_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v because_o it_o be_v their_o enemy_n in_o the_o unrighteous_a and_o unreasonable_a course_n they_o choose_v to_o themselves_o verify_v what_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v john_n 9_o 41._o of_o the_o haughty_a pharisee_n if_o you_o be_v blind_a i._n e._n through_o unaffected_a and_o involuntarie_a ignorance_n you_o shall_v have_v no_o sin_n but_o now_o you_o say_v we_o see_v therefore_o your_o sin_n remain_v sect_n v._o of_o the_o grace_n and_o act_n of_o faith_n lead_v to_o illumination_n and_o of_o the_o difficulty_n and_o mean_n of_o believe_v 1._o now_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o sense_n of_o faith_n mention_v before_o and_o that_o be_v the_o grace_n or_o gift_n or_o both_o by_o which_o we_o believe_v or_o the_o next_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n towards_o illumination_n for_o as_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n so_o likewise_o be_v it_o in_o the_o case_n of_o religion_n to_o he_o that_o be_v natural_o blind_a and_o discern_v nothing_o exterior_a object_n be_v in_o themselves_o as_o visible_a as_o they_o be_v to_o he_o who_o have_v the_o perfect_a use_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o see_v all_o thing_n due_o offer_v to_o his_o sight_n but_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o organ_n hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o same_o so_o we_o find_v that_o what_o be_v present_v alike_o to_o all_o man_n understanding_n and_o faith_n have_v not_o the_o like_a effect_n upon_o man_n to_o apprehend_v or_o believe_v what_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 2._o one_o reason_n whereof_o may_v well_o be_v that_o which_o our_o catechism_n direct_v by_o god_n holy_a word_n assure_v we_o of_o viz._n that_o we_o be_v bear_v in_o sin_n of_o which_o state_n blindness_n be_v a_o principal_a part_n so_o that_o as_o it_o seem_v a_o incredible_a thing_n to_o the_o jew_n john_n the_o 9th_o that_o christ_n shall_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a may_v it_o seem_v one_o of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o we_o that_o be_v so_o natural_o ignorant_a and_o averse_a to_o spiritual_a thing_n we_o shall_v be_v cure_v of_o so_o great_a a_o malady_n but_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o doubt_n be_v give_v we_o by_o christ_n himself_o in_o the_o same_o chapter_n v._o 39_o saying_n for_o judgement_n be_o i_o come_v into_o this_o world_n that_o they_o who_o see_v not_o may_v see_v and_o that_o they_o who_o see_v may_v be_v blind_a christ_n therefore_o call_v himself_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 5._o 8._o yea_o and_o more_o than_o so_o john_n 1._o 9_o according_a to_o the_o testimony_n give_v of_o he_o by_o john_n the_o baptist_n he_o be_v the_o true_a light_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o be_v all_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v enlighten_v by_o he_o only_o they_o be_v enlighten_v 3._o and_o when_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o man_n be_v not_o the_o better_a for_o the_o light_n offer_v to_o they_o and_o shine_v before_o they_o a_o reason_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o themselves_o and_o the_o depravation_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o
obstinacy_n and_o obduratenesse_n in_o their_o natural_a state_n according_a to_o christ_n own_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 5._o v._o 40._o you_o will_v not_o come_v unto_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v write_v by_o sulpitius_n severus_n in_o the_o life_n of_o st._n martin_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o marvellous_a gift_n or_o faculty_n of_o cure_v sick_a and_o impotent_a person_n the_o blind_a and_o lame_a and_o decrepit_a who_o get_v their_o live_n by_o beg_v be_v afraid_a of_o he_o and_o will_v not_o come_v near_o he_o lest_o be_v cure_v of_o such_o their_o defect_n and_o impotency_n they_o shall_v lose_v their_o livelihood_n in_o like_a manner_n many_o get_v a_o miserable_a and_o beggarly_a livelihood_n by_o serve_v and_o comply_v with_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v blind_a and_o cripple_v in_o a_o heavenly_a sense_n refuse_v that_o light_n and_o life_n and_o renovation_n which_o christ_n bring_v with_o he_o a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o st._n paul_n preach_v to_o the_o athenian_n prepossess_v and_o captivate_v with_o worldly_a wisdom_n and_o thereupon_o say_v thou_o bring_v strange_a thing_n to_o our_o ear_n in_o their_o judgement_n more_o strange_a than_o true_a and_o though_o it_o be_v mannah_n itself_o and_o that_o drop_v down_o from_o heaven_n for_o their_o edification_n and_o comfort_n man_n out_o of_o their_o scepticalnesse_n and_o curiosity_n will_v question_v it_o and_o perhaps_o in_o time_n loathe_v it_o as_o the_o israelite_n that_o bread_n from_o heaven_n there_o be_v general_o too_o little_a agreement_n between_o the_o notion_n of_o half-sighted_n natural_a reason_n and_o delectation_n of_o our_o sense_n natural_a and_o the_o divine_a revelation_n and_o more_o spiritual_a prescription_n give_v we_o by_o religion_n though_o natural_a reason_n not_o counterfeit_v nor_o corrupt_v by_o base_a alley_n of_o vicious_a man_n may_v pass_v also_o as_o god_n true_a coin_n but_o that_o pure_a gold_n it_o be_v not_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n counsel_v we_o to_o buy_v revel_v 3_o 18._o that_o we_o may_v be_v rich_a and_o wherewith_o we_o may_v get_v white_a raiment_n that_o we_o may_v be_v clothe_v that_o the_o shame_n of_o our_o nakedness_n do_v not_o appear_v and_o get_v that_o eyesalve_n that_o we_o may_v see_v which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god._n for_o the_o knowledge_n or_o illumination_n which_o we_o have_v from_o thence_o and_o that_o which_o we_o have_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n differ_v not_o otherwise_o than_o that_o money_n a_o man_n carry_v about_o he_o or_o that_o which_o the_o tradesman_n have_v present_a in_o his_o bank_n and_o that_o which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o book_n which_o must_v put_v he_o sometime_o to_o trouble_v to_o fetch_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o fetch_v in_o be_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n also_o open_v the_o heart_n that_o we_o may_v as_o the_o disciple_n go_v to_o emaus_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n understand_v the_o scripture_n until_o which_o time_n that_o will_v be_v find_v too_o true_a which_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n cap._n 8._o 12._o complain_n of_o in_o god_n behalf_n i_o have_v write_v to_o he_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o my_o law_n but_o they_o be_v count_v as_o a_o strange_a thing_n 4._o but_o if_o we_o shall_v inquire_v faithful_o into_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o incredulity_n and_o prejudice_n against_o religion_n we_o may_v find_v they_o too_o often_o in_o the_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o man_n influence_v the_o understanding_n with_o mistake_n and_o gross_a error_n which_o yet_o some_o to_o cover_v with_o show_n of_o great_a candour_n in_o judge_v and_o ingenuity_n have_v wish_v they_o can_v believe_v the_o thing_n christianity_n require_v of_o they_o but_o if_o reality_n and_o common_a integrity_n be_v not_o also_o lay_v aside_o here_o how_o easy_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o truth_n for_o do_v not_o their_o own_o prime_a reason_n and_o of_o all_o 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religion_n as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o and_o he_o will_v not_o because_o he_o dare_v not_o for_o fear_v of_o the_o worst_a or_o let_v it_o be_v that_o he_o can_v when_o st._n paul_n if_o he_o be_v but_o so_o far_o believe_v say_v of_o some_o 2_o corinth_n 4._o 4._o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n who_o that_o be_v i_o suppose_v be_v well_o know_v have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o vain_a and_o vicious_a man_n have_v by_o their_o presume_a wit_n and_o evil_a life_n tempt_v evil_a spirit_n themselves_o and_o draw_v they_o to_o be_v accessary_n to_o their_o infatuation_n for_o as_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v from_o above_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o chap._n 1._o 17._o so_o do_v every_o notorious_a error_n and_o wickedness_n proceed_v from_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n who_o rule_v in_o the_o childeren_n of_o disobedience_n they_o be_v call_v child_n of_o disobedience_n in_o scripture_n who_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n nor_o believe_v it_o reasonable_o propound_v 5._o but_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a and_o worth_a our_o wonder_v how_o the_o same_o effect_n of_o blindness_n of_o mind_n shall_v be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o also_o to_o the_o devil_n in_o scripture_n as_o john_n 12._o 4._o speak_v of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n isaias_n he_o have_v blind_v their_o eye_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n nor_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o scholastical_a difficulty_n which_o belong_v to_o another_o place_n to_o which_o i_o may_v refer_v it_o but_o here_o i_o will_v have_v it_o observe_v that_o as_o judge_n or_o prince_n be_v say_v to_o put_v malefactor_n to_o death_n when_o they_o do_v it_o not_o themselves_o but_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o the_o executioner_n who_o office_n it_o be_v so_o god_n upon_o just_a provocation_n deliver_v great_a sinner_n to_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o their_o hardness_n and_o blindness_n when_o it_o be_v cause_v direct_o by_o satan_n only_o and_o themselves_o but_o the_o true_a light_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n of_o grace_n do_v most_o proper_o appertain_v to_o god_n as_o it_o be_v say_v 2_o corinth_n 4._o 7._o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god._n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o we_o and_o this_o key_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v also_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n do_v christ_n deliver_v to_o his_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o god_n assist_v lydia_n heart_n be_v open_v as_o we_o read_v act_v 16._o 14._o and_o so_o necessary_a be_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n that_o he_o seem_v to_o keep_v this_o key_n by_o his_o own_o side_n and_o not_o at_o all_o time_n to_o lend_v it_o to_o his_o minister_n no_o not_o the_o apostle_n nor_o do_v christ_n himself_o who_o as_o god_n have_v the_o command_n of_o man_n mind_n always_o succeed_v in_o his_o teach_n and_o exhortation_n but_o by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o deep_a providence_n suffer_v his_o labour_n to_o be_v frustrate_v by_o the_o incredulity_n of_o man_n but_o this_o we_o may_v say_v fall_v out_o by_o divine_a dispensation_n that_o god_n may_v be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o the_o beginning_n continue_v and_o consummation_n of_o every_o good_a work_n and_o to_o repel_v that_o spirit_n of_o presumption_n whereby_o too_o prosperous_a labourer_n in_o god_n harvest_n or_o vineyard_n may_v be_v prone_a to_o attribute_v much_o more_o to_o themselves_o than_o
christ_n continue_v his_o wont_a method_n to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o the_o ignorant_a and_o babe_n which_o be_v common_o deny_v to_o the_o wise_a noble_a and_o great_a one_o in_o the_o world_n until_o such_o time_n as_o the_o simple_a and_o unlearned_a shall_v proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o forget_v whence_o themselves_o derive_v that_o understanding_n they_o have_v for_o then_o sudden_o it_o degenerate_v into_o folly_n and_o man_n pride_v themselves_o and_o transgress_v the_o limit_n of_o modesty_n humility_n and_o subjection_n to_o which_o they_o be_v call_v become_v insolent_a and_o contumacious_a towards_o they_o that_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n for_o scarce_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o god_n like_o the_o foolish_a workman_n shall_v pull_v down_o with_o one_o hand_n what_o he_o build_v with_o another_o or_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v ecclesiasticus_fw-la 15._o 20._o give_v any_o man_n licence_n to_o sin_n which_o he_o shall_v do_v if_o he_o allow_v fruitful_a hagar_n to_o contemn_v her_o mistress_n sarah_n not_o lose_v her_o dominion_n for_o want_v of_o what_o be_v give_v and_o that_o by_o god_n himself_o to_o hagar_n and_o it_o be_v but_o too_o common_a to_o all_o presumer_n of_o gift_n exempt_n themselves_o from_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o commander_n and_o soldier_n leader_n and_o follower_n teacher_n and_o scholar_n what_o be_v mutinous_o utter_v and_o murmure_o against_o moses_n by_o mirian_n and_o aaron_n have_v the_o lord_n indeed_o speak_v only_o by_o moses_n have_v he_o not_o also_o speak_v by_o we_o number_n 12._o 2._o revelation_n may_v be_v and_o be_v give_v unto_o man_n but_o not_o to_o such_o as_o be_v the_o worse_a for_o they_o nor_o to_o they_o through_o who_o the_o church_n of_o god_n fare_v the_o worse_o but_o most_o probable_o such_o egregious_a ability_n be_v give_v by_o the_o subtle_a and_o evil_a spirit_n who_o if_o man_n that_o be_v evil_a may_v give_v good_a gift_n unto_o their_o child_n as_o christ_n impli_v matth._n 7._o 11._o may_v also_o do_v the_o same_o to_o his_o child_n child_n of_o pride_n of_o mind_n and_o disobedience_n of_o life_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o complexion_n with_o himself_o 2._o s._n paul_n therefore_o say_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 7._o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o true_o divine_a be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o this_o profit_n be_v manifest_o the_o profit_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o advance_n of_o that_o and_o the_o thrive_a in_o faith_n and_o charity_n so_o that_o whatever_o knowledge_n as_o singular_a and_o admirable_a as_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o shortsighted_a christian_n who_o can_v see_v afar_o off_o may_v be_v pretend_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n large_o take_v and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o general_a but_o swell_v the_o mind_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n be_v far_o from_o a_o edify_a faith_n or_o knowledge_n whatever_o specious_a effect_n may_v be_v offer_v to_o the_o world_n thereby_o cause_v admiration_n 3._o but_o notwithstanding_o such_o frequent_a mistake_n scandalous_a to_o the_o prudent_a as_o ensnare_a to_o the_o simple_a such_o a_o faith_n there_o be_v and_o such_o a_o inward_a light_n many_o time_n be_v give_v and_o add_v by_o god_n unto_o the_o natural_a perspicacity_n of_o man_n that_o the_o effect_n be_v wonderful_a upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o the_o simple_a above_o the_o learned_a for_o the_o natural_a man_n believe_v because_o he_o know_v but_o the_o true_o spiritual_a know_v because_o he_o believe_v and_o his_o belief_n be_v direct_v by_o a_o superior_a power_n agreeable_o to_o that_o say_n of_o the_o ancient_a suppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n unless_o you_o believe_v you_o shall_v not_o understand_v for_o see_v a_o promptitude_n and_o preparednesse_n in_o the_o mind_n to_o receive_v all_o impress_n from_o he_o without_o dispute_n or_o suspicion_n of_o error_n he_o will_v not_o suffer_v such_o honest_a and_o devout_a simplicity_n to_o want_v his_o influence_n dispose_v thereunto_o so_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o room_n or_o ground_n leave_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n to_o stand_v on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n and_o subtle_a ratiocination_n of_o sophistical_a head_n for_o many_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n not_o intelligible_a and_o yet_o credible_a divine_o which_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o well_o compose_a and_o well_o perform_v music_n which_o as_o the_o common_a observation_n teach_v we_o be_v most_o sweet_a and_o please_a in_o the_o next_o room_n or_o at_o a_o competent_a distance_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v few_o can_v content_v themselves_o so_o but_o must_v needs_o be_v press_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o interest_n into_o the_o company_n of_o they_o who_o make_v it_o and_o be_v view_v curious_o and_o perhaps_o touch_v the_o instrument_n which_o yield_v it_o though_o they_o have_v no_o skill_n in_o they_o but_o the_o honest_a and_o faithful_a spirit_n persuade_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o conscious_a of_o its_o own_o infirmity_n in_o make_v out_o the_o intrigue_n of_o religion_n acquiesces_fw-la with_o humility_n and_o charity_n in_o the_o thing_n propound_v without_o endless_a discussion_n which_o render_v they_o less_o credible_a many_o time_n and_o bring_v less_o satisfaction_n than_o before_o for_o the_o more_o a_o man_n argue_v the_o more_o he_o may_v 4._o i_o have_v not_o a_o little_a wonder_v at_o the_o expression_n and_o comparison_n apt_a enough_o to_o signify_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o easy_a faith_n and_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o curious_a enquirer_n into_o matter_n of_o religion_n without_o faith_n it_o be_v of_o one_o who_o have_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o christian_a faith_n of_o any_o of_o his_o age_n as_o his_o work_n declare_v intend_v to_o give_v a_o new_a scheme_n or_o model_n of_o philosophy_n and_o religion_n both_o infinite_o ambitious_a of_o applause_n and_o disciple_n to_o who_o he_o promise_v great_a notion_n and_o they_o more_o rational_a than_o former_a age_n or_o any_o country_n but_o england_n have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o but_o with_o so_o foul_a failleur_fw-fr in_o his_o first_o principle_n which_o he_o beg_v and_o will_v with_o no_o patience_n suffer_v to_o be_v question_v as_o scarce_o any_o unlucky_a sophister_n be_v subject_a to_o and_o sure_o suspect_v that_o what_o he_o teach_v may_v be_v as_o coarse_o handle_v as_o he_o do_v scripture_n and_o the_o very_a creed_n of_o the_o church_n i._n e._n with_o monstrous_a boldness_n he_o will_v divert_v man_n from_o such_o attempt_n by_o such_o a_o fine_a similitude_n as_o be_v very_o serviceable_a in_o other_o case_n as_o it_o be_v with_o he_o that_o be_v to_o take_v physical_a pill_n for_o the_o health_n of_o his_o body_n if_o he_o take_v they_o into_o his_o mouth_n and_o consider_v of_o they_o will_v needs_o chew_v they_o before_o he_o swallow_v they_o he_o will_v rather_o 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viz._n that_o the_o very_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v hereby_o weaken_a and_o more_o slight_v as_o judge_v from_o hence_o not_o to_o be_v so_o necessary_a as_o common_o be_v receive_v for_o revelation_n divine_a and_o that_o these_o writing_n we_o call_v scripture_n be_v divine_o reveal_v be_v the_o most_o fundamental_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o to_o make_v credible_a by_o sundry_a topic_n of_o reason_n have_v be_v always_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o ancient_n as_o it_o be_v still_o of_o the_o modern_a not_o illaudable_a but_o to_o offer_v demonstration_n and_o those_o such_o upon_o which_o they_o will_v constrain_v belief_n of_o that_o first_o principle_n be_v to_o cause_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o rest_n on_o that_o totter_a and_o unstable_a foundation_n and_o of_o divine_a to_o dilute_v our_o faith_n into_o humane_a persuasion_n all_o superior_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v no_o strong_a stay_n than_o such_o a_o bottom_n will_v allow_v they_o 5._o and_o i_o must_v confess_v for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v please_v with_o the_o pretend_a golden_a say_n of_o pythagoras_n or_o the_o divine_a sentence_n of_o plato_n seneca_n and_o especial_o that_o moderne_a vapourer_n or_o rather_o vapour_n itself_o hierocles_n and_o such_o as_o eunapius_n present_v unto_o we_o that_o they_o rather_o turn_v my_o stomach_n at_o their_o emulation_n of_o christian_a perfection_n thereby_o to_o lessen_v the_o value_n of_o christian_a religion_n itself_o than_o draw_v i_o to_o affect_v or_o admire_v they_o for_o st._n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 1._o 14._o tell_v we_o it_o be_v by_o faith_n we_o stand_v and_o again_o that_o our_o faith_n itself_o shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god._n and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o humane_a reason_n thus_o come_v officious_o to_o the_o aid_n of_o divine_a faith_n unable_a to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_a mind_n about_o the_o doctrine_n proper_a to_o faith_n will_v in_o the_o end_n prove_v so_o saucy_a and_o domineer_a as_o to_o give_v law_n to_o faith_n and_o like_o ivy_n which_o cling_v to_o the_o tree_n for_o a_o subsistence_n will_v weaken_v it_o and_o suck_v out_o the_o heart_n of_o it_o in_o time_n herein_o therefore_o consist_v the_o very_a soul_n or_o as_o scholastical_a man_n speak_v the_o very_a formal_a reason_n of_o christian_a faith_n illuminate_v otherwise_o than_o the_o humane_a light_n of_o this_o world_n that_o we_o believe_v what_o we_o have_v not_o see_v by_o sense_n nor_o learned_a by_o experience_n viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n we_o now_o be_v possess_v of_o be_v the_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o direction_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o holy_a conversation_n
command_n of_o christ_n in_o general_a which_o to_o apportion_v to_o every_o man_n capacity_n belong_v to_o his_o minister_n so_o that_o a_o general_a rule_n prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n concern_v the_o same_o ought_v not_o secure_o to_o be_v interpret_v and_o apply_v by_o every_o man_n single_a and_o private_a opinion_n that_o he_o have_v of_o his_o sufficiency_n or_o insufficiency_n to_o practice_v the_o same_o but_o may_v better_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o and_o by_o they_o dispense_v for_o some_o be_v too_o rigorous_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o great_a number_n too_o partial_a and_o indulgent_a and_o therefore_o safe_o and_o more_o reasonable_a it_o be_v to_o deny_v ourselves_o that_o natural_a and_o dear_a judicature_n which_o every_o man_n be_v fond_a of_o and_o to_o commit_v ourselves_o and_o especial_o our_o sense_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o other_o not_o repugnant_a to_o great_a authority_n 5._o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o of_o all_o to_o be_v avoid_v be_v the_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n which_o art_n add_v to_o nature_n which_o be_v that_o we_o may_v call_v luxury_n special_o to_o be_v consider_v hereafter_o sure_o it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o a_o good_a christian_a to_o be_v always_o full_a within_o and_o always_o warm_a without_o and_o always_o at_o ease_n and_o to_o fence_v ourselves_o by_o all_o care_n and_o solicitude_n against_o all_o ordinary_a incommodation_n and_o inconvenience_n so_o esteem_v by_o flesh_n and_o blood_n the_o scripture_n pronounce_v they_o rather_o miserable_a than_o happy_a by_o the_o prophet_n amos_n 6._o 1_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o be_v at_o ease_n in_o zion_n i._n e._n under_o no_o hardship_n or_o molestation_n rather_o drudge_a infinite_o to_o gratify_v back_o belly_n eye_n ear_n and_o palate_n with_o all_o delectable_n contemn_v the_o simple_a sufficiency_n and_o salubritie_n of_o nature_n and_o exciting_a lust_n of_o all_o sort_n by_o invention_n strange_a and_o new_a to_o a_o great_a rampantnesse_n than_o corrupt_a nature_n itself_o dispose_v to_o nay_o to_o that_o excess_n of_o fashion_n and_o folly_n do_v man_n strive_v to_o arrive_v that_o to_o attain_v praise_n and_o admiration_n or_o but_o estimation_n for_o their_o vanity_n they_o can_v suffer_v more_o pain_n and_o run_v great_a hazard_n of_o mischief_v their_o body_n than_o they_o do_v who_o for_o heaven_n sake_n i_o mean_v the_o strait_a gate_n of_o austerity_n lead_v thither_o suffer_v willing_o bodily_a incommodation_n and_o by_o affect_a nakedness_n of_o back_n breast_n and_o arm_n show_v themselves_o more_o hardy_a for_o fancy_n and_o fashion-sake_n than_o the_o ploughman_n or_o carter_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v prescribe_v this_o for_o god_n sake_n which_o be_v do_v so_o frequent_o for_o the_o world_n sake_n he_o shall_v be_v judge_v very_o unreasonable_a if_o not_o superstitious_a also_o and_o yet_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n 12._o 2._o be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n but_o be_v you_o transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o saint_n peter_n say_v 1_o pet._n 1._o 14._o as_o obedient_a child_n not_o fashion_v yourselves_o according_a to_o your_o former_a lust_n in_o your_o ignorance_n ignorance_n and_o not_o skill_n cunning_a and_o not_o art_n be_v according_a to_o he_o the_o parent_n of_o superfluity_n and_o vanity_n worldly_a for_o witness_v experience_n witness_v saint_n paul_n 1_o corin._n 7._o 31._o the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o before_o some_o can_v get_v well_o into_o a_o fashion_n it_o wear_v out_o and_o if_o it_o will_v last_v a_o mortal_a for_o ever_o i._n e._n as_o long_o as_o a_o man_n live_v it_o be_v scarce_o worth_a the_o strive_n for_o especial_o with_o great_a contention_n than_o man_n do_v to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o meanness_n and_o meekness_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o by_o change_v of_o this_o vile_a body_n we_o may_v at_o length_n be_v fashion_v like_o unto_o his_o glorious_a body_n as_o saint_n paul_n speak_v philip_n 3._o 21._o 6._o sure_o something_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v aim_v at_o by_o saint_n paul_n to_o timothy_n 1_o epist_n 2._o 9_o prescribe_v that_o woman_n adorn_v themselves_o in_o modest_a apparel_n with_o shamefastness_n and_o sobriety_n not_o with_o broider_a hair_n or_o gold_n or_o pearl_n or_o costly_a array_n but_o which_o become_v woman_n profess_v the_o gospel_n with_o good_a work_n and_o saint_n peter_n 1_o epist_n 3._o 3._o speak_v of_o the_o same_o subject_a say_v who_o adorn_v let_v it_o not_o be_v that_o outward_a adorn_v of_o plait_v the_o hair_n or_o of_o wear_v of_o gold_n or_o of_o put_v on_o of_o apparel_n but_o let_v it_o be_v the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o that_o which_o be_v not_o corruptible_a even_o the_o ornament_n of_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a spirit_n which_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n of_o great_a price_n how_o do_v this_o doctrine_n of_o st._n peter_n cross_v and_o confound_v the_o apology_n of_o the_o advocate_n of_o outward_a lightness_n in_o apparel_n and_o behaviour_n the_o wisdom_n yea_o the_o religion_n of_o this_o world_n argue_v this_o it_o matter_n not_o much_o what_o habit_n a_o man_n or_o woman_n use_n nor_o what_o fashion_n they_o follow_v in_o outward_a dress_n and_o ornament_n provide_v they_o have_v good_a heart_n towards_o god_n and_o be_v upright_o and_o innocent_a and_o true_a and_o devout_a in_o the_o main_a duty_n of_o religion_n but_o saint_n peter_n plain_o say_v do_v not_o that_o but_o see_v to_o this_o and_o who_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o narrow_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o it_o intend_v none_o but_o woman_n here_o and_o not_o effeminate_a man_n and_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o if_o it_o have_v suffice_v to_o regard_v the_o inward_a man_n only_o and_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n that_o these_o wise_a and_o holy_a apostle_n will_v never_o have_v urge_v the_o gravity_n and_o sobriety_n in_o wear_v hair_n and_o use_v apparel_n and_o gold_n and_o silver_n thereby_o disoblige_v waver_v or_o green_a convert_v and_o by_o such_o indifferent_a severity_n deter_v they_o from_o submit_v to_o the_o uneasy_a gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o more_o unblamable_a be_v such_o affect_v artifices_fw-la about_o the_o body_n in_o man_n of_o great_a mind_n and_o design_n than_o woman_n and_o most_o of_o all_o in_o person_n devote_v to_o holy_a function_n and_o ministration_n some_o of_o who_o we_o may_v suspect_v to_o have_v a_o worse_a end_n than_o the_o pharisee_n in_o their_o religious_a office_n viz._n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o to_o covet_v rather_o to_o be_v see_v and_o admire_v by_o woman_n for_o the_o spruceness_n of_o their_o habit_n to_o the_o loathe_n of_o their_o improper_a affectation_n by_o sober_a person_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o character_n and_o capacity_n spiritual_a appear_v to_o commend_v themselves_o to_o man_n eye_n rather_o than_o their_o conscience_n which_o be_v saint_n paul_n choice_n and_o practice_n 7._o nature_n and_o infirmity_n be_v sometime_o just_o allege_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o such_o from_o lightness_n in_o such_o modishnesse_n which_o sometime_o may_v be_v true_a and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v be_v never_o otherwise_o but_o that_o nature_n or_o distemper_n require_v such_o curiousness_n as_o be_v upon_o such_o pretence_n take_v up_o who_o can_v say_v or_o that_o all_o such_o end_n can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v as_o well_o by_o artless_a supplement_n neither_o will_v man_n betake_v themselves_o to_o that_o wretched_a topick_n for_o refuge_n take_v from_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o no_o way_n sinful_a and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a in_o itself_o whereas_o all_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o person_n sex_n place_n office_n age_n time_n and_o such_o like_a all_o which_o to_o confound_v with_o such_o a_o universal_a argument_n be_v absurd_a enough_o to_o themselves_o at_o the_o first_o appearance_n but_o religion_n heretofore_o never_o make_v nature_n judge_n in_o such_o case_n as_o this_o unless_o in_o st._n paul_n sense_n demand_v 1_o corinth_n 11._o 14._o do_v not_o nature_n itself_o teach_v you_o that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v long_a hair_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n unto_o he_o and_o may_v not_o this_o be_v extend_v far_o also_o be_v it_o not_o that_o greatness_n strength_n and_o number_n concern_v be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o oppress_v such_o discourse_n and_o the_o author_n of_o they_o the_o time_n be_v in_o my_o memory_n when_o the_o puritan_n preach_v loud_o for_o short_a hair_n but_o whether_o they_o change_v their_o opinion_n and_o note_n when_o they_o perceive_v the_o bishop_n likewise_o require_v the_o same_o of_o their_o clergy_n or_o whether_o the_o faction_n conquer_a and_o prosper_v think_v it_o time_n to_o lay_v that_o fashion_n down_o and_o be_v the_o first_o
to_o we_o sect_n iii_o of_o the_o excess_n of_o vnitive_a love_n of_o god_n in_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n with_o their_o abuse_n and_o use_v note_v 1._o although_o the_o principal_a design_n in_o this_o unitive_a tractate_n be_v not_o to_o fill_v the_o brain_n with_o gallant_a speculation_n and_o gay_a notion_n of_o union_n with_o god_n yet_o because_o it_o seem_v necessary_a to_o a_o competent_a understanding_n of_o the_o love_n wherewith_o god_n do_v love_v we_o and_o of_o that_o whereby_o we_o love_v god_n to_o take_v in_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n and_o use_n of_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n too_o much_o fame_v by_o some_o and_o no_o less_o defame_v by_o other_o for_o as_o supreme_a illumination_n by_o faith_n and_o contemplation_n ordinary_a do_v receive_v their_o crown_n and_o summitie_n by_o extraordinary_a revelation_n and_o vision_n god_n may_v and_o do_v sometime_o impart_v to_o his_o servant_n so_o may_v it_o be_v that_o the_o top_n of_o spiritual_a affection_n and_o love_n seraphical_a may_v touch_v the_o bottom_n of_o extraordinary_a ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n which_o be_v certain_a transportation_n of_o the_o soul_n above_o the_o pitch_n of_o common_a love_n though_o sincere_a sound_a faithful_a and_o save_v for_o in_o truth_n i_o scarce_o read_v of_o any_o religion_n except_o we_o make_v some_o faction_n religion_n in_o which_o instance_n of_o wonderful_a nature_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v not_o find_v except_v the_o mother_n faction_n of_o late_a for_o other_o issue_v from_o they_o have_v glory_v much_o of_o such_o elevation_n and_o transportation_n and_o history_n and_o relation_n very_o credible_a assure_v we_o that_o of_o old_a among_o the_o heathen_a and_o at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o mahometan_n certain_a devout_a person_n in_o their_o way_n receive_v after_o some_o ceremony_n use_v to_o that_o end_n supernatural_a impression_n and_o inspiration_n extaticall_a and_o why_o not_o since_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o all_o religion_n tend_v either_o remote_o or_o immediate_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o deity_n whereby_o some_o honour_n at_o large_a and_o blind_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o only_a true_a god_n above_o what_o atheist_n ascribe_v to_o the_o same_o and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o most_o probable_a philosophy_n about_o spirit_n there_o be_v divers_a kind_n of_o they_o some_o pure_a other_o impure_a some_o most_o malicious_a and_o mischievous_a other_o less_o noxious_a that_o god_n the_o most_o wise_a just_a and_o infinite_a dispenser_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o disposer_n may_v give_v way_n to_o spirit_n to_o enter_v into_o and_o cooperate_v with_o zealous_a person_n in_o their_o simple_a yet_o intense_a devotion_n to_o a_o deity_n and_o manage_v they_o according_a to_o the_o merit_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o profession_n so_o that_o in_o very_a truth_n faithful_a and_o unerring_a judgement_n of_o a_o sound_a religion_n can_v be_v make_v from_o such_o possession_n and_o transportation_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a rather_o that_o not_o the_o reality_n but_o purity_n and_o divinenesse_n of_o such_o ecstasy_n be_v to_o be_v estimate_v from_o the_o reasonableness_n truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o religion_n profess_v by_o such_o enthusiast_n only_o this_o may_v be_v well_o grant_v that_o such_o person_n by_o such_o enthusiasm_n be_v competent_o characterise_v for_o select_a person_n in_o their_o profession_n whether_o idolatrous_a heretical_a or_o orthodox_n 2._o or_o may_v we_o not_o say_v as_o there_o be_v one_o fire_n necessary_a for_o the_o cook_n to_o make_v his_o vessel_n boil_v over_o for_o ecstasy_n be_v certain_a ebullition_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n and_o another_o fire_n requisite_a to_o the_o smith_n to_o temper_v and_o fashion_v his_o mettle_n and_o another_o to_o the_o founder_n for_o his_o service_n so_o several_a love_n give_v several_a heat_n those_o several_a heat_n have_v several_a effect_n upon_o divers_a subject_n which_o they_o work_v on_o certain_o though_o true_a and_o modest_a believer_n shall_v not_o live_v or_o carry_v themselves_o so_o towards_o god_n as_o if_o they_o will_v oblige_v he_o to_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n or_o motion_n to_o be_v grant_v they_o so_o shall_v the_o modest_a of_o all_o demean_n themselves_o in_o their_o religion_n as_o thereby_o they_o shall_v be_v more_o susceptible_a of_o supererogated_a gift_n or_o measure_n run_v over_o as_o the_o gospel_n speak_v from_o god._n of_o which_o impartment_n i_o do_v very_o believe_v the_o professor_n of_o that_o faction_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o all_o prescribe_a discipline_v shall_v never_o be_v partaker_n pretend_v their_o divinity_n be_v too_o spiritual_a to_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o such_o exercise_n and_o they_o must_v go_v the_o near_a way_n to_o christ_n destructive_a of_o all_o bodily_a reverence_n decency_n and_o due_a veneration_n which_o consist_v in_o select_a outward_a form_n and_o fashion_n distinguish_v to_o the_o sense_n divine_a from_o natural_a moral_a or_o civil_a service_n as_o be_v most_o requisite_a 3._o but_o as_o to_o ecstasy_n of_o which_o we_o now_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v such_o which_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o cause_n to_o the_o eminent_o constant_a and_o servant_n in_o his_o service_n and_o worship_n so_o may_v we_o not_o argue_v a_o certainty_n of_o god_n value_v those_o vessel_n he_o so_o fill_v as_o more_o honourable_a or_o holy_a than_o some_o other_o from_o which_o he_o withhold_v such_o gift_n though_o where_o he_o so_o conferr_v they_o and_o they_o be_v not_o delusion_n of_o idle_a and_o evil_a spirit_n imitate_v divine_a no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v some_o good_a degree_n of_o holiness_n precede_v not_o common_a to_o all_o true_a believer_n for_o still_o we_o must_v look_v on_o they_o as_o gift_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o not_o as_o grace_n whereby_o man_n actual_o have_v profit_v and_o the_o profit_n which_o succeed_v thereupon_o be_v rather_o of_o other_o than_o themselves_o for_o such_o they_o be_v describe_v to_o be_v that_o in_o they_o sometime_o the_o reason_n be_v take_v away_o from_o they_o who_o suffer_v they_o and_o sometime_o their_o sense_n i_o scarce_o know_v what_o to_o judge_v of_o that_o say_n of_o antony_n the_o great_a undoubted_o eminent_o devout_a whatever_o modern_a censurer_n may_v judge_v which_o cassian_n in_o collatine_n relate_v that_o no_o man_n arrive_v at_o the_o perfection_n of_o prayer_n who_o in_o prayer_n understand_v what_o he_o say_v which_o possible_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o moderne_a author_n to_o invent_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o prayer_n which_o they_o call_v supramentall_a that_o be_v such_o which_o be_v above_o intelligence_n but_o this_o i_o may_v presume_v to_o say_v that_o if_o any_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n in_o public_a who_o then_o especial_o shall_v together_o with_o he_o offer_v a_o reasonable_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n shall_v affect_v or_o wilful_o fall_v into_o such_o extaticall_a form_n of_o speak_v that_o neither_o he_o shall_v understand_v himself_o nor_o shall_v be_v understand_v by_o other_o he_o must_v be_v owe_v to_o some_o other_o spirit_n for_o such_o his_o gift_n than_o that_o of_o god._n 4._o and_o for_o privation_n of_o sense_n in_o ecstasy_n some_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v very_o credible_a during_o such_o translation_n of_o mind_n which_o i_o dare_v neither_o rash_o applaud_v nor_o condemn_v but_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o holy_a man_n elpidius_n of_o who_o the_o ancient_n write_v i_o know_v not_o that_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o stand_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n and_o praise_v god_n in_o psalm_n not_o in_o recitation_n of_o creed_n and_o ave_fw-la maries_n with_o such_o steadfastness_n that_o be_v once_o sting_v with_o a_o scorpion_n he_o change_v not_o his_o posture_n which_o may_v be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o holy_a pertinacie_n against_o sense_n not_o without_o sense_n but_o if_o evil_a spirit_n enter_v into_o and_o possess_v vessel_n of_o dishonour_n and_o impious_a drown_v the_o sense_n for_o that_o time_n there_o be_v no_o incrediblenesse_n that_o the_o good_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o peace_n may_v overcome_v all_o sensation_n external_a be_v it_o not_o so_o with_o saint_n paul_n when_o as_o we_o read_v 2_o corinth_n 12._o he_o be_v wrap_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n whether_o in_o the_o body_n or_o out_o of_o the_o body_n he_o know_v not_o and_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o some_o epilepticall_a distemper_n bereave_v man_n both_o of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v relate_v to_o we_o by_o bodin_n theatr._n naturoe_n lib._n 4._o that_o in_o germany_n divers_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o cast_v themselves_o by_o witchcraft_n into_o ecstasy_n in_o such_o manner_n that_o for_o the_o time_n they_o feel_v no_o pain_n by_o blow_n pinch_n or_o burn_n but_o return_v to_o their_o common_a sense_n
in_o the_o spirit_n so_o be_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o spirit_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n galat._n 5._o 25._o for_o by_o baptism_n say_v the_o same_o apostle_n eph._n 2._o 10._o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o and_o especial_o call_v all_o good_a soldier_n of_o christ_n jesus_n as_o joshuah_n do_v the_o chief_a of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o set_v their_o foot_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o canaanitish_a prince_n to_o trample_v upon_o those_o seven_o capital_a sin_n which_o not_o only_o fight_v against_o our_o soul_n themselves_o but_o be_v leader_n on_o of_o other_o to_o assault_v and_o spoil_v we_o and_o from_o hence_o have_v we_o lead_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o top_n of_o pisgah_n by_o the_o unitive_a way_n of_o contemplation_n and_o love_n and_o acquiescence_n in_o god_n to_o have_v a_o certain_a foretaste_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o land_n of_o promise_n we_o long_v after_o and_o expect_v by_o the_o conjunction_n the_o soul_n have_v with_o god_n which_o we_o find_v not_o so_o extravagant_a a_o notion_n strain_v the_o simple_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o christ_n to_o a_o sense_n offensive_a to_o ear_n not_o thorough_o open_v to_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n but_o a_o smattering_n thereof_o be_v have_v by_o ancient_a philosopher_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o disquisition_n between_o porphyry_n and_o jamblichus_n of_o the_o egyptian_a mystery_n where_o great_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o the_o anagogical_a way_n of_o converse_v with_o the_o god_n by_o elevation_n of_o the_o understanding_n through_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o that_o theurgicall_a union_n i._n e._n as_o i_o understand_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o divine_o operative_a conjunction_n whereby_o a_o man_n have_v communion_n with_o god_n but_o all_o this_o he_o swell_v with_o be_v blind_v and_o carry_v away_o with_o egyptian_a darkness_n indeed_o lead_v to_o horrible_a superstition_n to_o attain_v such_o perfection_n whereas_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n with_o infinite_a less_a superstition_n and_o more_o perspicuity_n purity_n and_o simplicity_n conduct_v to_o that_o ascent_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o rest_v in_o god_n which_o make_v we_o like_a unto_o he_o and_o perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a matth._n 5._o with_o allowance_n for_o the_o infirmity_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o mutablenesse_n we_o be_v subject_a unto_o be_v as_o st._n peter_n say_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2._o for_o though_o the_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n 2_o corinth_n 2._o 14._o now_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n which_o always_o cause_v we_o to_o triumph_v in_o christ_n have_v their_o true_a sense_n yet_o that_o i_o suppose_v be_v of_o the_o state_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v firm_a and_o sure_o rest_v upon_o this_o foundation_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o and_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v his_o choose_a one_o until_o they_o total_o forsake_v he_o if_o that_o may_v be_v say_v but_o as_o to_o the_o actual_a and_o continual_a possession_n by_o satisfaction_n in_o he_o and_o spiritual_a sensation_n the_o christian_n be_v mutable_a here_o and_o that_o which_o not_o without_o great_a difficulty_n and_o industry_n be_v for_o some_o time_n attain_v unto_o be_v in_o a_o short_a time_n and_o sudden_o interrupt_v and_o hide_v from_o the_o eye_n to_o the_o great_a dismay_v of_o the_o devout_a soul_n so_o that_o great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o well_o to_o hold_v that_o comfortable_a communion_n with_o god_n as_o to_o acquire_v it_o and_o to_o recover_v it_o intermit_v as_o once_o to_o have_v attain_v it_o for_o as_o the_o sheet_n let_v down_o from_o heaven_n by_o the_o four_o corner_n to_o saint_n peter_n act_v 12._o wherein_o he_o see_v in_o a_o vision_n all_o manner_n of_o fare_n his_o appetite_n can_v long_o for_o be_v as_o sudden_o again_o take_v up_o into_o heaven_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o delectation_n which_o the_o spirit_n feel_v let_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o its_o wonderful_a content_n they_o be_v sudden_o take_v away_o up_o into_o heaven_n again_o and_o when_o we_o imagine_v ourselves_o in_o the_o three_o heaven_n with_o saint_n paul_n we_o unexpected_o feel_v a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o humble_v we_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n for_o paradise_n here_o will_v be_v the_o great_a temptation_n to_o fall_v again_o into_o sin_n so_o that_o as_o we_o read_v of_o abraham_n the_o elect_a of_o god_n and_o take_v by_o his_o providence_n out_o of_o his_o own_o country_n and_o kindred_n signify_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o we_o be_v lead_v into_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o show_v it_o but_o have_v no_o inheritance_n in_o it_o for_o the_o present_a no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o set_v his_o foot_n act_v 7._o so_o have_v the_o religious_a soul_n no_o footing_n firm_a here_o though_o by_o faith_n and_o affection_n it_o have_v before_o its_o eye_n the_o promise_a possession_n 3._o it_o be_v therefore_o one_o principal_a rule_n of_o right_o use_v what_o we_o have_v at_o any_o time_n attain_v to_o in_o consolation_n the_o fruit_n of_o union_n with_o god_n but_o not_o incessant_a or_o inseparable_a from_o it_o to_o understand_v so_o much_o lest_o find_v ourselves_o frustrate_v of_o our_o expectation_n we_o call_v in_o question_n the_o state_n itself_o we_o be_v in_o and_o bring_v unprofitable_a confusion_n upon_o our_o self_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v coloss_n 3._o 3_o we_o be_v dead_a and_o our_o life_n be_v hide_v with_o christ_n when_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o life_n shall_v appear_v then_o shall_v we_o also_o appear_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n the_o time_n will_v come_v but_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v that_o we_o shall_v see_v what_o be_v better_o now_o hide_v and_o keep_v with_o christ_n till_o such_o time_n as_o the_o second_o fullness_n of_o time_n shall_v come_v and_o christ_n too_o when_o our_o life_n will_v be_v manifest_v it_o may_v be_v that_o a_o love_a father_n towards_o a_o obsequious_a and_o dutiful_a child_n may_v sometime_o show_v he_o the_o grand_a deed_n whereby_o he_o have_v settle_v a_o great_a estate_n upon_o he_o yea_o may_v carry_v he_o out_o and_o show_v he_o the_o land_n house_n mine_n and_o timber_n on_o they_o which_o he_o purpose_v to_o give_v he_o but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v at_o all_o necessary_a to_o the_o main_a end_n itself_o but_o only_o to_o his_o encouragement_n to_o persevere_v in_o his_o duty_n no_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o certainty_n of_o salvation_n a_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n or_o such_o extraordinary_a argument_n thereof_o as_o be_v deny_v we_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o despondencie_n and_o sluggishness_n of_o spirit_n or_o be_v weakhanded_n in_o god_n service_n 4._o for_o second_o god_n may_v hereby_o have_v a_o gracious_a and_o wise_a design_n to_o wean_v the_o fond_a mind_n from_o sensible_a delectation_n whereby_o it_o shall_v take_v up_o short_a of_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o god_n himself_o seek_v its_o will_n and_o content_v rather_o than_o god_n to_o which_o the_o more_o true_o spiritual_a a_o man_n be_v so_o much_o more_o he_o be_v intent_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o less_o mind_n intermediate_v consolation_n which_o the_o less_o they_o be_v contend_v for_o the_o often_o they_o happen_v 5._o three_o the_o patience_n and_o constancy_n of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n by_o submission_n to_o his_o fatherly_a wisdom_n and_o pleasure_n in_o such_o dispensation_n be_v exercise_v and_o manifest_v and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n nor_o follow_v christ_n mere_o for_o the_o loaf_n which_o he_o miraculous_o feed_v some_o with_o but_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n we_o all_o know_v the_o beginning_n middle_a and_o conclusion_n of_o holy_a job_n life_n how_o religious_a and_o prosperous_a he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n before_o god_n and_o how_o miserable_a he_o be_v by_o the_o same_o providence_n remain_v all_o that_o while_o invincible_a in_o his_o resolution_n of_o adhere_v to_o god_n and_o perserve_v in_o his_o wont_a righteousness_n whereby_o he_o declare_v that_o his_o piety_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o fluid_a element_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o the_o sensible_a comfort_n pertain_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o the_o intrinsic_a excellency_n of_o religion_n itself_o carry_v its_o reward_n with_o it_o and_o so_o as_o saint_n james_n speak_v we_o know_v the_o end_n of_o he_o and_o such_o his_o patience_n and_o faith_n for_o so_o it_o please_v god_n himself_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o hardship_n bring_v upon_o his_o own_o people_n travail_v forty_o year_n in_o the_o desolate_a wilderness_n viz._n