the_o narrow_a path_n of_o divine_a truth_n describe_v from_o live_v practice_n and_o experience_n of_o its_o three_o great_a step_n viz._n purgation_n illumination_n &_o union_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o also_o of_o thomas_n a_o kempis_n the_o german_a divinity_n thauler_n and_o such_o like_a of_o the_o say_n of_o matthew_n weyer_n reduce_v into_o order_n in_o three_o book_n by_o j._n spee_n unto_o which_o be_v subjoin_v his_o practical_a epistle_n do_v above_o 120_o year_n since_o in_o the_o dutch_a and_o after_o the_o author_n death_n print_v in_o the_o german_a language_n at_o francfort_n 1579._o and_o in_o latin_a at_o amsterdam_n 1658._o and_o now_o in_o english_a london_n print_v for_o ben._n clark_n in_o george-yard_n in_o lombard_n street_n 1683._o a._n d._n to_o the_o reader_n if_o job_n and_o the_o psalm_n reader_n thou_o do_v know_v then_o the_o same_o truth_n these_o line_n to_o thou_o will_v show_v god_n thou_o enlighten_v to_o sin_v the_o cross-way_n out_o which_o christ_n have_v tread_v thy_o way_n to_o heaven_n no_o doubt_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n courteous_a reader_n i_o have_v determine_v to_o collect_v and_o put_v together_o some_o of_o the_o more_o notable_a say_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o make_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o book_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v please_v to_o consider_v they_o or_o such_o like_a he_o may_v be_v able_a thereby_o more_o easy_o and_o without_o scruple_n to_o turn_v over_o this_o small_a treatise_n especial_o if_o he_o come_v to_o those_o place_n by_o which_o the_o most_o illuminate_v matthew_n wyer_n complain_v of_o his_o inward_a pain_n and_o anguish_n which_o throughout_o the_o book_n he_o frequent_o do_v lest_o the_o reader_n thereby_o be_v fright_v from_o they_o or_o shall_v account_v such_o pang_n and_o desertion_n for_o absurd_a and_o fantastical_a therefore_o by_o mean_n of_o these_o he_o will_v remember_v and_o consider_v that_o this_o way_n of_o the_o cross_n although_o now_o adays_o it_o be_v almost_o utter_o unknown_a and_o forsake_v be_v even_o to_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o true_a member_n always_o accustom_v and_o tread_v in_o for_o this_o be_v that_o narrow_a way_n and_o that_o straight_a gate_n by_o which_o we_o must_v enter_v into_o life_n yea_o by_o this_o same_o way_n viz._n by_o sorrow_n suffering_n strait_n and_o death_n our_o forerunner_n jesus_n christ_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n walk_v even_o to_o his_o sepulchre_n and_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a to_o and_o for_o we_o all_o who_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v imitator_n of_o himself_o for_o it_o behoove_v he_o to_o suffer_v and_o so_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n of_o he_o isaiah_n say_v he_o have_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n and_o we_o see_v he_o and_o he_o be_v not_o of_o a_o aspect_n so_o as_o that_o we_o can_v be_v delight_v in_o he_o a_o man_n despise_v and_o the_o least_o of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o know_a infirmity_n etc._n etc._n observe_v and_o consider_v o_o thou_o devout_a reader_n together_o with_o all_o those_o who_o true_o love_v jesus_n christ_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v imitator_n of_o he_o how_o narrow_a and_o sharp_a and_o how_o many_o pang_n and_o desertion_n be_v this_o way_n fill_v with_o which_o yet_o christ_n enter_v into_o after_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o have_v leave_v to_o we_o for_o a_o ensample_n for_o than_o it_o be_v that_o his_o soul_n be_v sorrowful_a even_o to_o the_o death_n than_o it_o be_v that_o for_o very_a agony_n he_o sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n and_o pray_v to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n thrice_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o cup_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o nor_o yet_o be_v he_o hear_v nor_o wâ—â—â—_n any_o helper_n present_a with_o he_o the_o wine-press_n be_v to_o be_v tread_v and_o the_o cup_n to_o be_v drink_v down_o the_o flood_n be_v to_o be_v wade_v through_o and_o obedience_n to_o be_v yield_v unto_o the_o father_n even_o to_o the_o very_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n upon_o that_o he_o be_v hang_v naked_a between_o two_o thieeve_n as_o the_o incendary_a &_o trumpeter_n of_o the_o seditious_a present_o after_o they_o divide_v his_o garment_n by_o lot_n even_o before_o his_o eye_n many_o also_o shake_v their_o head_n at_o he_o so_o that_o nothing_o else_o encompass_v he_o round_o but_o ignominy_n and_o reproach_n and_o one_o sorrow_n tread_v upon_o the_o heel_n of_o another_o then_o the_o wave_n of_o affliction_n be_v so_o many_o that_o they_o enter_v even_o into_o his_o soul_n because_o he_o be_v desert_v of_o his_o father_n that_o out_o of_o mere_a pressure_n and_o dereliction_n he_o cry_v out_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o all_o which_o be_v find_v describe_v at_o large_a in_o the_o evangelist_n prophet_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n especial_o in_o the_o 22_o psalm_n where_o the_o prophet_n complain_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n my_o god_n i_o call_v unto_o thou_o all_o the_o day_n but_o thou_o will_v not_o hear_v i_o a_o be_o worm_n and_o no_o man_n also_o in_o psalm_n 60._o save_v i_o o_o god_n because_o the_o flood_n have_v enter_v into_o my_o soul_n i_o be_o stick_v fast_o in_o the_o deep_a mire_n and_o there_o be_v no_o bottom_n and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o psalm_n moreover_o in_o psalm_n 88_o my_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o evil_a and_o my_o life_n approach_v unto_o the_o grave_n or_o hell_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o and_o the_o like_a say_n express_v the_o torment_n of_o christ_n the_o whole_a psalter_n with_o the_o prophet_n be_v perfect_o fill_v but_o now_o if_o thou_o shall_v say_v christ_n indeed_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v testify_v do_v suffer_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o fulfil_v they_o in_o his_o example_n yet_o be_v it_o impossible_a that_o any_o one_o can_v imitate_v he_o in_o such_o strait_n and_o desertion_n it_o be_v answer_v christ_n himself_o have_v say_v he_o that_o take_v not_o up_o his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n nor_o be_v he_o worthy_a of_o i_o also_o peter_n have_v say_v christ_n have_v suffer_v for_o we_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o may_v follow_v his_o step_n now_o if_o this_o be_v impossible_a will_v not_o these_o and_o the_o like_a say_n read_v every_o where_o up_o and_o down_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o vain_a but_o what_o do_v paul_n say_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o and_o christ_n say_v that_o that_o which_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n for_o he_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v yield_v thyself_o therefore_o to_o god_n and_o commit_v thy_o cause_n unto_o he_o o_o man_n and_o hope_v in_o he_o that_o he_o will_v perform_v and_o fulfil_v all_o thing_n in_o thou_o for_o he_o always_o even_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o world_n even_o to_o this_o very_a day_n have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o combat_n of_o his_o peopleâ—_n and_o he_o be_v faithful_a and_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o be_v tempt_v beyond_o what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v never_o yet_o do_v such_o misery_n touch_v his_o elect_n but_o he_o still_o together_o with_o the_o temptation_n find_v out_o a_o way_n to_o escape_v as_o it_o be_v make_v manifest_a in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o all_o as_o also_o the_o author_n of_o these_o saying_n be_v lead_v through_o fire_n and_o water_n through_o misery_n and_o strait_n and_o through_o a_o total_a desertion_n yet_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o measure_n so_o as_o they_o become_v as_o gold_n purify_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o be_v purge_v from_o their_o sin_n alas_o how_o vast_o great_a be_v that_o micsey_n in_o which_o david_n cry_v out_o â—nd_v complain_v the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n have_v compass_v i_o about_o and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n have_v make_v i_o afraid_a the_o snare_n of_o death_n have_v lay_v hold_v upon_o i_o also_o when_o jeremiah_n for_o mere_a anxiety_n and_o desertion_n curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o nativity_n as_o we_o may_v read_v they_o in_o their_o own_o place_n and_o who_o can_v express_v in_o word_n that_o both_o internal_a and_o external_a misery_n wherewith_o job_n be_v afflict_v from_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v give_v unto_o i_o this_o say_v he_o that_o thou_o may_v cover_v i_o in_o hell_n or_o the_o grave_a my_o dwelling_n be_v in_o hell_n or_o the_o grave_n and_o i_o have_v make_v my_o bed_n in_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n also_o in_o another_o place_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o continual_a desertion_n he_o open_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n as_o do_v jeremiah_n to_o many_o more_o such_o
then_o â—nto_o the_o understanding_n his_o salvation_n also_o â—n_v go_v no_o further_o then_o into_o the_o understanding_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o it_o must_v at_o last_o need_v die_v in_o that_o death_n that_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n viz._n wherein_o reason_n be_v destroy_v for_o in_o this_o death_n there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o the_o soul_n or_o mind_n only_o but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n do_v penetrate_v even_o into_o the_o most_o inward_a region_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o mind_n i_o answer_v thereto_o that_o then_o also_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o this_o our_o soul_n and_o mind_n when_o it_o shall_v live_v with_o such_o a_o estrangedness_n from_o the_o flesh_n that_o it_o can_v but_o with_o great_a nauseousness_n and_o tedious_a disdain_n bear_v in_o its_o self_n all_o the_o desire_n and_o lust_n which_o spring_n from_o the_o nethermost_a part_n of_o the_o flesh_n so_o as_o it_o will_v rather_o die_v infinite_a death_n and_o to_o be_v free_v from_o they_o then_o with_o pleasure_n even_o once_o to_o perform_v they_o in_o the_o verv_v act_n behold_v my_o g._n this_o brief_a proposal_n how_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o prove_v and_o try_v hâ—â—_n faith_n if_o any_o man_n believe_v in_o chriâ—â—_n from_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d must_v need_v be_v wrack_v with_o great_a doâ—lours_n in_o his_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n so_o thâ—_n he_o will_v account_v of_o sin_n for_o the_o most_o grievous_a torture_n that_o can_v be_v find_v in_o all_o thâ—_n world_n and_o for_o his_o great_a enemy_n and_o how_o then_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o act_v it_o can_v he_o enter_v into_o a_o friendship_n with_o it_o although_o therefore_o the_o vulgar_a knowledge_n of_o those_o who_o glory_n in_o the_o gospel_n may_v say_v on_o this_o wise_a sin_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v not_o perpetrate_v in_o the_o very_a act_n though_o it_o shall_v lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n do_v we_o no_o hurt_n yet_o do_v thou_o i_o pray_v hear_v how_o christ_n do_v nevertheless_o assert_v that_o he_o who_o look_v on_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o be_v already_o guilty_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o which_o word_n sure_o christ_n excuse_v not_o but_o accuse_v the_o lust_a of_o a_o man_n and_o will_v real_o have_v it_o account_v for_o sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n dearest_n g._n i_o beseech_v thou_o do_v not_o despond_v in_o thy_o mind_n because_o of_o this_o hard_a say_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o god_n i_o only_o write_v this_o of_o purpose_n that_o thou_o may_v seasonable_o learn_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o thing_n lest_o thou_o shall_v consume_v thy_o youth_n unprofitable_o and_o that_o thou_o may_v bear_v fruit_n to_o god_n â—in_v thy_o own_o soul_n they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n who_o be_v of_o the_o dregs_o of_o the_o vulgar_a though_o they_o may_v have_v knowledge_n yet_o they_o lie_v down_o tire_v in_o sloth_n nor_o do_v they_o oppose_v sin_n with_o the_o least_o burn_a zeal_n or_o breaâ—â—_n its_o impetuous_a assault_n nor_o yet_o do_v this_o external_a abstinence_n from_o sin_n and_o the_o debilitate_v of_o they_o suffice_v for_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o descend_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n itself_o when_o even_o the_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n far_o therefore_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o commit_v sin_n in_o the_o very_a act_n also_o this_o my_o letter_n intend_v this_o at_o least_o that_o thy_o young_a limb_n be_v stir_v up_o both_o night_n and_o day_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o continue_a prayer_n in_o temperance_n purity_n meekness_n of_o heart_n long-suffering_a louâ—_v of_o thy_o enemy_n as_o also_o in_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n in_o holy_a proficiency_n anâ—_n in_o other_o virtue_n conduce_v to_o christian_a discipline_n concern_v which_o thy_o owâ—_n conscience_n will_v afford_v to_o thou_o a_o testimony_n all_o which_o be_v perform_v thou_o wiâ—â—_n every_o day_n rejoice_v in_o thy_o great_a success_n iâ—_n the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o at_o last_o wheâ—_n thy_o most_o miserable_a condition_n be_v know_v thou_o will_v be_v a_o terror_n to_o thy_o own_o selâ—_n and_o therefore_o thou_o will_v so_o much_o thâ—_n more_o diligent_o call_v upon_o god_n for_o help_v that_o his_o most_o powerful_a right_a hand_n maâ—â—_n at_o length_n gracious_o support_v thy_o soul_n and_o conquer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n in_o a_o real_a victory_n the_o lord_n have_v mercy_n on_o we_o all_o and_o heal_v our_o disease_n and_o effectual_o cause_v we_o to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o his_o righteousness_n lest_o we_o be_v leave_v naked_a in_o our_o own_o impurity_n epist._n viii_o how_o any_o one_o who_o be_v studious_a concern_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n ought_v daily_o to_o exercise_v himself_o most_o belove_a niece_n because_o i_o understand_v that_o thou_o earnest_o desire_v such_o a_o disposition_n of_o heart_n as_o true_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o can_v not_o withhold_v myself_o but_o must_v write_v to_o thou_o these_o few_o thing_n for_o thy_o great_a confirmation_n in_o they_o that_o thou_o be_v once_o enter_v into_o this_o way_n shall_v not_o desist_v from_o vigorous_o proceed_v forward_o and_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n together_o with_o a_o total_a suppression_n of_o thy_o carnal_a part_n be_v therefore_o diligent_o studious_a that_o thy_o diligence_n be_v not_o tire_v out_o in_o read_v in_o humanity_n in_o silence_n in_o meekness_n in_o temperance_n forbearance_n patience_n and_o compassion_n also_o learn_v to_o exercise_v thyself_o in_o all_o study_n of_o virtue_n that_o thou_o be_v find_v faithful_a in_o little_a thing_n may_v be_v make_v ruler_n over_o much_o great_a for_o if_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v faithful_a in_o these_o few_o thing_n assure_o thou_o will_v never_o be_v entrust_v with_o more_o but_o i_o hope_v that_o thou_o will_v receive_v wisdom_n and_o prudence_n from_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o will_v have_v a_o care_n of_o and_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o thy_o own_o self_n lest_o some_o bitter_a root_n shall_v spring_v up_o in_o thou_o and_o so_o thou_o and_o thy_o soul_n tumble_v headlong_o into_o destruction_n for_o the_o flesh_n do_v very_o subtle_o assault_v a_o man_n to_o beguile_v he_o and_o turn_v he_o away_o from_o godliness_n wherefore_o make_v a_o strict_a watch_n upon_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n careful_o encompass_v thyself_o round_o have_v cut_v off_o the_o world_n and_o all_o wantonness_n of_o life_n speech_n and_o thought_n prefer_v every_o one_o with_o all_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n not_o only_o the_o good_a but_o also_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o immodest_a learn_v also_o to_o bridle_v in_o thyself_o and_o to_o humble_v thyself_o be_v always_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o thy_o heart_n never_o let_v vain_a evil_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n arise_v in_o thy_o mind_n but_o always_o oppose_v they_o with_o great_a earnestness_n pour_v out_o to_o the_o lord_n fervent_a prayer_n and_o if_o thou_o get_v any_o spare_a time_n on_o holy_a day_n or_o otherways_o employ_v it_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n or_o else_o of_o that_o little_a book_n entitle_v of_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o these_o exercise_n thyself_o and_o learn_v to_o ponder_v they_o often_o in_o thy_o mind_n if_o thou_o read_v any_o thing_n which_o thou_o do_v not_o understand_v call_v upon_o the_o lord_n with_o ardent_a sigh_n and_o daily_a tear_n that_o he_o will_v open_v to_o thou_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n for_o to_o be_v the_o necessary_a food_n of_o thy_o soul_n for_o the_o more_o thou_o shall_v follow_v the_o lord_n the_o more_o thou_o shall_v understand_v of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o thou_o be_v intent_n to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n by_o so_o much_o the_o less_o shall_v thou_o understand_v scripture_n therefore_o let_v thy_o constant_a endeavour_n be_v to_o approve_v thyself_o faithful_a in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v viz._n make_v know_v to_o thou_o in_o and_o by_o mortification_n and_o a_o continual_a access_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n nor_o let_v any_o time_n slip_v by_o thou_o in_o vain_a and_o without_o thus_o do_v if_o thou_o reply_v that_o thou_o understand_v not_o what_o thou_o read_v again_o say_v that_o though_o thou_o may_v noâ—_n understand_v all_o yet_o be_v it_o incumbent_a oâ—_n thou_o to_o exercise_v thyself_o in_o the_o sacred_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o also_o to_o be_v unwearied_o solicitous_a about_o it_o for_o by_o these_o exercise_n thou_o shall_v soon_o be_v amend_v then_o by_o idleness_n and_o these_o be_v the_o beâ—â—_n mean_v of_o institute_v and_o of_o exercise_v anâ—_n man_n
he_o weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n and_o because_o he_o do_v not_o see_v it_o to_o bâ—_n a_o true_a go_v forth_o he_o forth_o with_o let_v it_o gâ—â—_n and_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n this_o faith_n bâ—â—_n hold_v those_o thing_n which_o appear_v not_o anâ—_n which_o a_o man_n know_v not_o whence_o the_o be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o he_o hope_n where_o theâ—â—_n be_v no_o hope_n the_o thief_n see_v christ_n naâ—ed_v hang_v next_o unto_o he_o upon_o the_o croâ—â—_n so_o that_o there_o can_v appear_v no_o kingdom_n no_o salvation_n or_o life_n to_o belong_v unto_o he_o but_o contrary_a to_o all_o his_o whole_a capacity_n 〈◊〉_d understanding_n he_o do_v believe_v that_o whicâ—_n he_o do_v not_o see_v by_o how_o much_o the_o far_o off_o and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o moâ—â—_n incredible_a the_o thing_n be_v which_o be_v propound_v by_o so_o much_o the_o great_a be_v thâ—_n faith_n and_o by_o this_o faith_n come_v salvation_n and_o righteousness_n above_o all_o the_o understanding_n faculty_n and_o capacity_n of_o man_n christ_n say_v i_o be_o humble_a these_o word_n sometime_o do_v dart_n like_o a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n into_o a_o man_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o again_o if_o they_o shall_v abide_v so_o many_o adversity_n and_o injury_n can_v not_o fall_v upon_o a_o man_n for_o he_o will_v always_o think_v that_o these_o be_v just_o do_v unto_o he_o and_o they_o also_o be_v still_o to_o be_v hearty_o love_v from_o who_o these_o be_v do_v unto_o he_o yea_o though_o these_o shall_v be_v a_o hundred_o sell_v more_o and_o great_a which_o do_v happen_v to_o he_o either_o from_o god_n or_o man_n yet_o will_v he_o always_o abide_v without_o complaint_n or_o murmur_a and_o will_v confess_v all_o to_o be_v right_o and_o not_o injurious_o do_v unto_o he_o when_o paul_n say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o low_a of_o the_o apostle_n than_o be_v he_o the_o great_a better_a be_v a_o humble_a sinner_n confess_v his_o sin_n than_o a_o just_a man_n puff_v up_o boast_v much_o and_o handle_v other_o with_o hard_a word_n all_o thing_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o a_o man_n which_o be_v extant_a in_o scripture_n but_o not_o by_o a_o man_n but_o by_o god_n strength_n and_o when_o thus_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n be_v fulfilleâ—_n in_o a_o man_n the_o scripture_n be_v a_o representation_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v fiulfil_v iâ—_n he_o so_o that_o when_o he_o look_v into_o scripture_n he_o may_v have_v the_o representation_n 〈◊〉_d all_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o himself_o chap._n xxxv_o in_o all_o height_n of_o condition_n humility_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v and_o in_o the_o deity_n the_o humanity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v forget_v nor_o must_v any_o one_o fall_n back_o into_o himself_o but_o property_n of_o person_n be_v always_o to_o be_v exclude_v and_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o be_v behold_v no_o man_n descend_v i_o say_v more_o humble_o than_o do_v christ_n who_o yet_o be_v the_o most_o high_a for_o he_o comprehend_v both_o god_n and_o man_n so_o also_o ought_v we_o when_o exalt_v up_o into_o the_o deity_n to_o retain_v the_o humanity_n noâ—_n to_o forget_v our_o finderness_n for_o our_o emptiness_n must_v always_o be_v behold_v and_o we_o be_v to_o be_v humble_v beneath_o all_o other_o we_o can_v never_o come_v unto_o poverty_n oâ—_n spirit_n unless_o first_o we_o be_v take_v up_o into_o god_n and_o after_o that_o be_v let_v down_o again_o from_o he_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o create_a nature_n that_o be_v into_o our_o emptiness_n or_o anity_n and_o then_o christ_n for_o certain_a reâ—aineth_v always_o with_o we_o no_o man_n be_v â—â—fer_v then_o in_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v when_o â—pon_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o own_o emptiness_n we_o renounce_v ambition_n that_o 〈◊〉_d the_o endeavour_n of_o appropriate_a the_o â—eacock_n help_v we_o to_o a_o similitude_n for_o this_o â—or_a when_o he_o behold_v his_o tail_n he_o set_v 〈◊〉_d upright_o but_o when_o he_o look_v down_o upon_o â—is_n foot_n he_o let_v his_o tail_n fall_v so_o do_v a_o man_n set_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n he_o desistâ—th_v from_o all_o aspire_n of_o mind_n when_o he_o â—ooks_v upon_o his_o foot_n that_o be_v the_o state_n of_o his_o â—reated_a nature_n littleness_n be_v to_o be_v learn_v of_o christ_n for_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v afraid_a â—â—est_a through_o high_a speculatious_a we_o be_v lift_v up_o and_o so_o fall_v like_o lucifer_n christ_n â—aith_o i_o be_o humble_a if_o he_o be_v humble_a â—ho_fw-mi be_v so_o high_a in_o the_o deity_n and_o one_o â—ith_v it_o what_o then_o ought_v not_o a_o elect_a â—an_v to_o be_v humility_n therefore_o and_o littleness_n shall_v be_v always_o the_o care_n of_o a_o elect_a â—an_v that_o he_o may_v give_v to_o god_n the_o thing_n â—hat_n be_v god_n and_o keep_v to_o himself_o that_o which_o be_v his_o for_o in_o pride_n consist_v the_o high_a enmity_n to_o god_n and_o the_o great_a fall_n from_o he_o if_o therefore_o a_o elect_a man_n be_v a_o little_a too_o much_o elevate_v in_o sublime_a matter_n let_v he_o acknowledge_v his_o error_n with_o the_o deep_a grief_n and_o let_v he_o confess_v that_o he_o owe_v a_o thousand_o talent_n when_o another_o perhaps_o who_o be_v still_o live_v in_o nature_n scarce_o owe_v one_o the_o delight_n and_o study_v of_o true_a christian_n be_v always_o to_o desire_v humble_a and_o low_a thing_n and_o there_o security_n abide_v with_o they_o and_o christ_n dwell_v in_o they_o chap._n xxxvi_o when_o a_o man_n be_v exercise_v about_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o know_v no_o way_n of_o escape_v out_o eternal_o but_o he_o be_v quiet_a and_o choose_v to_o remain_v in_o that_o same_o death_n and_o perdition_n of_o his_o soul_n without_o any_o condition_n make_v nor_o can_v he_o believe_v any_o redemption_n or_o salvation_n and_o if_o one_o talk_v to_o he_o of_o these_o good_a thing_n he_o refuse_v to_o hear_v they_o yea_o all_o comfort_n be_v a_o bitter_a affliction_n to_o he_o when_o now_o he_o shall_v be_v at_o rest_n in_o this_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o death_n of_o these_o jâ—â—_n say_v i_o despair_v nor_o shall_v i_o at_o all_o live_v beyond_o this_o moment_n thou_o have_v set_v i_o â—t_a the_o very_a bottom_n these_o happen_v to_o a_o â—an_v in_o the_o perdition_n and_o corruption_n of_o â—is_n soul_n his_o body_n be_v already_o dead_a but_o concern_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v after_o the_o death_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n nothing_o can_v be_v say_v for_o they_o must_v be_v â—elt_v all_o that_o be_v speak_v be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o thing_n itself_o all_o this_o abovesaid_a be_v â—he_n way_n to_o that_o end_n that_o last_v eternal_o he_o who_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a way_n â—ometh_v to_o attain_v the_o apprehension_n of_o that_o end_n just_a as_o he_o do_v who_o find_v his_o way_n â—ut_v this_o end_n and_o this_o way_n be_v the_o action_n of_o god_n only_o but_o the_o passion_n or_o suffering_n belong_v to_o man_n this_o be_v that_o way_n â—nto_o which_o a_o man_n be_v against_o his_o will_n compel_v by_o god_n here_o will_v prevail_v â—ot_n but_o coaction_n as_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o peter_n when_o thou_o be_v young_a thou_o do_v â—â—ird_v thyself_o and_o thou_o wente_v whither_o â—hou_n will_v but_o when_o thou_o shall_v be_v old_a â—hou_fw-mi shall_v stretch_v forth_o thy_o hand_n and_o thou_o â—alt_n go_v whither_o thou_o will_v not_o he_o who_o persever_v not_o in_o the_o say_a passion_n â—ut_v go_v back_o from_o christ_n that_o be_v free_v himself_o that_o liberty_n of_o he_o belong_v to_o time_n but_o not_o to_o god_n and_o that_o man_n be_v abortive_a of_o who_o esdras_n say_v there_o shall_v be_v many_o abortive_n chap._n xxxvii_o the_o elect_n stand_v yield_v up_o and_o leave_v to_o god_n and_o what_o ever_o they_o meet_v with_o they_o accept_v it_o from_o god_n alone_o and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v god_n nor_o do_v they_o respect_v the_o creature_n wherefore_o also_o they_o love_v their_o enemy_n and_o be_v in_o themselves_o free_a from_o envy_n and_o hatred_n and_o can_v pray_v for_o their_o enemy_n who_o friend_n they_o be_v confess_v all_o to_o be_v good_a that_o happen_v to_o they_o but_o for_o they_o that_o injure_v they_o they_o one_o the_o other_o side_z count_v those_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v good_a true_a christain_v with_o all_o that_o they_o have_v be_v not_o their_o own_o but_o god_n propriety_n whatsoever_o therefore_o hapen_v to_o they_o happen_v to_o god_n also_o they_o take_v all_o as_o from_o god_n nor_o do_v look_v upon_o man_n nor_o upon_o other_o thing_n but_o upon_o god_n to_o who_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n come_v from_o he_o they_o who_o be_v in_o this_o state_n to_o they_o every_o
when_o a_o man_n stand_v between_o conscience_n and_o flesh_n and_o when_o conscience_n cease_v than_o the_o flesh_n urge_v he_o and_o to_o he_o it_o be_v say_v amend_v thy_o life_n or_o thou_o must_v die_v but_o when_o one_o stand_v between_o life_n and_o conscience_n and_o transgress_v as_o to_o his_o life_n present_o it_o be_v say_v to_o he_o from_o god_n thou_o must_v die_v chap._n fourteen_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o death_n of_o the_o flesh_n i'faith_o when_o it_o be_v upon_o trial_n god_n then_o prove_v it_o it_o experience_v the_o great_a misery_n there_o be_v many_o way_n of_o come_v unto_o regeneration_n but_o the_o end_n of_o all_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o yet_o one_o ascend_v in_o some_o much_o high_a than_o another_o do_v as_o when_o any_o one_o come_v into_o the_o sunshine_n he_o have_v the_o sun_n yet_o be_v one_o near_a to_o the_o sun_n than_o another_o this_o be_v my_o counsel_n that_o a_o time_n be_v set_v to_o attain_v unto_o god_n the_o inward_a mind_n be_v free_a but_o the_o outward_a humanity_n without_o grace_n be_v exercise_v under_o a_o severe_a judgement_n i_o have_v no_o prop_n under_o i_o whether_o i_o respect_v god_n or_o the_o creature_n or_o heaven_n or_o the_o earth_n and_o i_o have_v nothing_o but_o that_o i_o can_v lay_v myself_o down_o in_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v whole_o set_v down_o under_o god_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v present_a but_o i_o can_v enjoy_v it_o the_o sun_n indeed_o have_v shine_v but_o now_o the_o fall_v thereof_o be_v come_v and_o it_o shine_v no_o long_o i_o lie_v down_o in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o comfort_n leave_v to_o i_o but_o in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o i_o will_v nothing_o but_o only_o what_o he_o will_v into_o which_o state_n if_o any_o one_o real_o come_v he_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a i_o say_v this_o that_o i_o may_v express_v that_o misery_n in_o which_o i_o lie_v to_o understand_v these_o thing_n be_v pleasant_a but_o real_o to_o feel_v they_o most_o bitter_a when_o the_o spirit_n suffer_v the_o flesh_n ought_v to_o suffer_v with_o it_o but_o when_o the_o flesh_n suffer_v there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o the_o spirit_n to_o suffer_v it_o be_v never_o better_a with_o i_o then_o when_o i_o give_v up_o myself_o into_o death_n the_o flesh_n suffer_v its_o own_o judgement_n when_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o peace_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n suffer_v the_o flesh_n must_v suffer_v also_o the_o poor_a animal_n must_v die_v for_o my_o sake_n though_o against_o my_o will_n but_o because_o i_o also_o give_v myself_o up_o to_o death_n i_o do_v not_o refuse_v the_o death_n also_o of_o the_o animal_n he_o that_o give_v not_o himself_o up_o into_o death_n can_v take_v his_o food_n with_o thanksgiving_n he_o that_o be_v to_o exercise_v modesty_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o various_a affliction_n otherwise_o he_o will_v wander_v if_o he_o shall_v use_v it_o without_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o cross_n if_o i_o shall_v stand_v betwixt_o two_o thing_n nor_o know_v which_o of_o the_o two_o i_o be_o to_o do_v i_o will_v weigh_v they_o and_o will_v take_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o my_o flesh_n when_o i_o do_v so_o it_o be_v well_o with_o i_o and_o i_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v say_v thou_o know_v o_o lord_n what_o i_o have_v do_v but_o when_o i_o do_v otherwise_o viz._n that_o which_o be_v grateful_a unto_o nature_n it_o be_v always_o ill_a with_o i_o and_o i_o can_v call_v god_n to_o witness_v conscience_n indeed_o be_v free_a but_o i_o dare_v not_o allege_v that_o for_o it_o be_v of_o grace_n the_o suffering_n be_v hard_a when_o no_o hope_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o future_a for_o the_o natural_a man_n for_o though_o the_o daybreak_n be_v come_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n nor_o comfort_n but_o a_o man_n must_v wait_v without_o hope_n and_o be_v quiet_a in_o death_n and_o though_o all_o the_o joy_n comfort_n and_o refreshment_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v present_a yet_o he_o be_v bind_v as_o it_o be_v with_o cord_n and_o can_v taste_v of_o none_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o never_o desire_v that_o time_n may_v run_v out_o that_o a_o day_n a_o week_n a_o month_n a_o year_n may_v come_v for_o whatever_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o they_o be_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v a_o nonentity_n because_o he_o can_v rest_v no_o where_o nor_o use_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o delight_n for_o he_o be_v make_v bare_a or_o naked_a of_o all_o and_o be_v put_v upon_o the_o cross_v hence_o be_v it_o that_o both_o thing_n present_a and_o to_o come_v be_v indifferent_a to_o he_o when_o even_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o as_o he_o be_v now_o but_o those_o to_o who_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o yet_o crucify_v they_o be_v touch_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o time_n for_o they_o be_v free_a and_o can_v take_v up_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o meet_v with_o but_o this_o state_n can_v last_v long_o for_o judgement_n will_v come_v than_o whatever_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o for_o the_o furture_n he_o can_v take_v it_o up_o and_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o he_o he_o can_v reject_v for_o he_o be_v impotent_a whilst_o he_o hang_v on_o the_o cross_n nor_o can_v he_o execute_v his_o own_o will_n chap._n xv._o all_o thing_n be_v or_o consist_v in_o order_n &_o order_n must_v be_v keep_v if_o one_o be_v willing_a to_o knit_v together_o superior_a thing_n that_o he_o may_v loosen_v inferior_a thing_n he_o will_v break_v order_n and_o wander_v in_o error_n of_o which_o we_o must_v beware_v the_o lord_n say_v he_o that_o break_v the_o least_a commandment_n and_o shall_v so_o teach_v etc._n etc._n we_o must_v seek_v a_o free_a condion_fw-la in_o god_n in_o which_o one_o be_v free_a from_o himself_o for_o to_o be_v free_a from_o one_o self_n be_v a_o liberty_n which_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n the_o gross_a and_o the_o low_a thing_n be_v image_n of_o thing_n superior_a which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o well_o of_o thing_n spiritual_a as_o thing_n corporeal_a for_o we_o ascend_v from_o the_o one_o into_o the_o other_o and_o from_o the_o inferior_a to_o the_o superior_a even_o as_o pleasure_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o good_a thing_n and_o the_o build_n on_o the_o sand_n be_v image_n when_o thing_n be_v most_o gross_a and_o low_a then_o be_v they_o the_o image_n of_o thing_n superior_a and_o that_o which_o be_v visible_a denote_v that_o that_o be_v invisible_a the_o spirit_n also_o have_v its_o flesh_n in_o which_o it_o dwell_v also_o mystery_n have_v their_o external_a history_n they_o who_o urge_v mystery_n so_o as_o to_o exclude_v history_n disturb_v order_n and_o do_v err_v although_o christ_n the_o bless_a fulfil_v all_o thing_n in_o spirit_n in_o his_o elect_a which_o he_o perform_v coporal_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n yet_o be_v they_o also_o corporal_o do_v in_o he_o therefore_o the_o historical_a sense_n must_v remain_v but_o also_o it_o behoove_v a_o man_n to_o experience_n in_o his_o own_o self_n the_o mystery_n likewise_o the_o lord_n say_v love_v your_o enemy_n the_o cross_n passion_n adversity_n death_n etc._n etc._n be_v our_o enemy_n which_o we_o be_v to_o love_v and_o embrace_v the_o natural_a man_n be_v surround_v with_o death_n and_o which_o way_n soever_o he_o turn_v himself_o he_o have_v a_o sword_n present_v to_o his_o sight_n just_a as_o when_o one_o turn_n on_o this_o and_o on_o that_o side_n shall_v look_v about_o he_o and_o still_o some_o body_n run_v before_o his_o face_n so_o also_o be_v judgement_n always_o meet_v with_o the_o natural_a man_n ready_a to_o snatch_v away_o his_o life_n which_o way_n soever_o he_o turn_v himself_o at_o last_o he_o yield_v up_o himself_o when_o he_o can_v no_o more_o make_v his_o escape_n but_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o life_n when_o the_o body_n or_o nature_n hang_v stretch_v out_o upon_o the_o cross_n zeal_n in_o kindle_a with_o divine_a pleasure_n be_v a_o great_a pleasure_n but_o the_o cross_n and_o violent_a plague_n follow_v after_o it_o myrrh_n be_v the_o last_o gift_n for_o it_o be_v write_v they_o offer_v gold_n franckincense_n and_o myrrh_n when_o i_o hear_v the_o scripture_n i_o be_o fright_v for_o it_o denote_v the_o natural_a death_n nature_n will_v have_v a_o appropriation_n therefore_o communion_n be_v a_o death_n to_o it_o at_o which_o it_o be_v affright_v chap._n xvi_o to_o desist_v from_o propriety_n and_o to_o help_v another_o at_o our_o own_o loss_n be_v a_o thing_n true_o pleasant_a to_o find_v gain_n in_o loss_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o be_v best_a in_o our_o esteem_n and_o to_o prefer_v
be_v daily_o with_o he_o so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v occasion_n he_o hear_v his_o speech_n with_o his_o friend_n and_o familiar_n that_o come_v from_o several_a place_n to_o visit_v he_o as_o also_o such_o discourse_n as_o he_o frequent_o have_v with_o himself_o all_o therefore_o what_o ever_o he_o have_v hear_v be_v well_o imprint_v upon_o his_o mind_n and_o memory_n when_o the_o discourse_n be_v end_v he_o in_o his_o own_o chamber_n faithful_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n nor_o do_v he_o in_o the_o least_o acquaint_v any_o one_o with_o they_o even_o to_o his_o last_o breath_n but_o then_o when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o die_v he_o discover_v to_o his_o friend_n who_o stand_v by_o that_o he_o have_v privy_o commit_v those_o say_n to_o writing_n as_o they_o will_v find_v they_o among_o his_o written-paper_n now_o why_o that_o treatise_n of_o his_o say_n be_v divide_v into_o three_o part_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o aforesaid_a john_n spee_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o private_a affair_n go_v away_o twice_o and_o consequent_o have_v order_v according_a to_o each_o space_n of_o time_n a_o part_n distinct_a by_o itself_o even_o as_o they_o be_v afterward_o keep_v divide_v and_o be_v here_o print_v but_o the_o distinction_n or_o distribution_n into_o chapter_n and_o verse_n be_v do_v by_o another_o for_o the_o reader_n sake_n that_o by_o the_o guidance_n of_o a_o table_n every_o particular_a point_n may_v be_v the_o more_o convenient_o inquire_v after_o and_o be_v find_v out_o moreover_o as_o to_o the_o forementioned_a john_n spee_n this_o may_v be_v say_v of_o he_o he_o be_v a_o unmarried_a young_a man_n descend_v of_o a_o noble_a family_n very_o pious_a and_o have_v a_o manifest_a warmth_n and_o zeal_n this_o man_n see_v he_o be_v bless_v of_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a gospel_n have_v bid_v adieu_o to_o the_o world_n daily_o study_v and_o search_v into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v with_o all_o his_o might_n intent_n thereon_o so_o that_o he_o may_v but_o arrive_v at_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o when_o he_o see_v that_o youthful_a lust_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n do_v strive_v to_o get_v dominion_n over_o his_o soul_n and_o upon_o all_o side_n rush_v in_o upon_o he_o he_o begin_v to_o exercise_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o utmost_a endeavour_n in_o watch_n and_o fasting_n daily_a and_o both_o night_n and_o day_n tire_v himself_o out_o with_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v resist_v those_o invade_a lust_n and_o cast_v a_o bridle_n over_o they_o and_o when_o he_o observe_v that_o sin_n do_v not_o yet_o cease_v from_o his_o soul_n and_o mind_n he_o enter_v into_o a_o more_o hard_a or_o strict_a course_n of_o life_n with_o all_o severity_n which_o he_o continue_v even_o to_o his_o death_n out_o live_v the_o most_o pious_a matthew_n eleven_o month_n only_o for_o he_o then_o die_v and_o be_v carry_v into_o the_o true_a rest_n from_o all_o his_o labour_n on_o the_o second_o of_o march_n 1561._o may_v our_o merciful_a lord_n and_o god_n grant_v to_o we_o all_o his_o compassion_n and_o gracious_o help_v we_o that_o we_o may_v in_o his_o good_a time_n be_v set_v free_a from_o alâ—_n our_o erroneous_a way_n and_o thought_n and_o from_o all_o our_o fault_n and_o blemish_n amen_n the_o epistle_n of_o mat._n wire_n epist._n i._o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o clear_a perception_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o g._n of_o f._n whereas_o i_o certain_o find_v in_o thou_o a_o desire_n great_o inflame_v and_o that_o thy_o soul_n even_o burn_v with_o a_o thirsty_a longing_n after_o the_o gain_v the_o most_o clear_a perception_n of_o true_a divine_a grace_n manifest_v by_o christ_n our_o saviour_n i_o can_v not_o rest_v content_v until_o take_v this_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v brief_o to_o show_v to_o thou_o what_o that_o be_v that_o can_v conduct_v or_o lead_v thou_o thereunto_o whereby_o those_o thing_n may_v be_v the_o better_o discover_v to_o thy_o sight_n which_o be_v here_o a_o hindrance_n to_o thou_o so_o that_o they_o be_v reject_v thou_o may_v with_o fear_n beware_v of_o what_o hide_v thy_o light_n with_o thick_a darkness_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a whilst_o there_o yet_o remain_v but_o one_o only_a yea_o though_o it_o be_v the_o least_o root_n of_o sin_n in_o which_o a_o man_n still_o persist_v that_o he_o can_v ever_o arrive_v at_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o grace_n because_o at_o the_o time_n that_o regeneration_n be_v perfect_v when_o by_o that_o clear_a light_n above_o nature_n manifest_v to_o and_o in_o a_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o same_o enmity_n that_o be_v interpose_v between_o he_o and_o god_n be_v represent_v to_o he_o no_o iniquity_n nor_o any_o accusation_n of_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o yea_o so_o pure_a must_v that_o regeneration_n be_v that_o that_o man_n as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o shall_v have_v nothing_o either_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n which_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v already_o resign_v up_o so_o as_o to_o be_v ready_a with_o a_o most_o ardent_a zeal_n to_o forsake_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n yea_o he_o shall_v never_o have_v need_n further_a to_o sustain_v even_o the_o least_o check_n of_o conscience_n but_o shall_v have_v beat_v back_o all_o by_o a_o most_o invincible_a perseverance_n in_o fight_v and_o shall_v have_v supplant_v all_o whatsoever_o may_v disturb_v his_o conscience_n insomuch_o that_o by_o these_o mean_n his_o soul_n may_v at_o last_o arrive_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n in_o full_a peace_n and_o void_a of_o all_o accusation_n for_o often_o time_n a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o be_v come_v to_o the_o cut_n off_o many_o wicked_a inclination_n and_o that_o then_o he_o be_v in_o little_a or_o no_o want_n and_o that_o chief_o because_o that_o which_o be_v the_o quite_o contrary_a whereby_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v corrupt_v be_v not_o 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remain_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o light_n never_o come_v to_o shoot_v forth_o its_o beam_n manifest_o in_o he_o for_o when_o he_o shall_v have_v root_v out_o those_o sin_n that_o daily_o rack_v his_o conscience_n there_o present_o will_v arise_v in_o their_o stead_n another_o new_a accusation_n of_o his_o conscience_n which_o be_v till_o now_o unknown_a to_o he_o see_v that_o same_o field_n of_o accusation_n will_v never_o be_v barren_a even_o to_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o the_o combat_n wherefore_o the_o aforesaid_a vice_n be_v not_o lay_v open_a even_o to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o his_o nature_n unless_o they_o show_v their_o face_n by_o degree_n and_o that_o even_o from_o the_o very_a first_o entrance_n into_o the_o combat_n to_o the_o very_a point_n of_o time_n when_o the_o strive_n with_o the_o accuse_a sin_n be_v finish_v by_o affliction_n and_o through_o the_o cross_n the_o soul_n at_o last_o gain_v her_o freedom_n from_o and_o become_a conqueress_n over_o they_o all_o in_o a_o conscience_n true_o pure_a and_o thorough_o purge_v apprehend_v nothing_o at_o all_o either_o within_o or_o without_o herself_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v true_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o see_v and_o know_v after_o a_o most_o exact_a scrutiny_n make_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o she_o have_v not_o full_o resign_v up_o and_o deny_v herself_o in_o and_o to_o declare_v it_o in_o short_a upon_o this_o very_a point_n turn_v the_o hinge_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o unto_o this_o aught_o all_o such_o as_o earnest_o endeavour_v after_o the_o attainment_n of_o rest_n and_o peace_n with_o their_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o reach_v after_o it_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n and_o to_o institute_n their_o life_n according_o thereunto_o unless_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o
by_o fear_n and_o anxiety_n by_o terror_n and_o by_o death_n for_o they_o can_v like_v the_o common_a sort_n of_o man_n spend_v their_o life_n in_o mere_a pleasure_n but_o he_o do_v always_o detain_v he_o under_o a_o rigid_a discipline_n and_o many_o fright_n and_o make_v they_o drink_v down_o the_o bitter_a potion_n of_o tribulation_n that_o all_o their_o internal_a faculty_n as_o well_o of_o spirit_n as_o of_o soul_n may_v be_v bring_v under_o the_o cross_n nor_o can_v they_o ever_o arrive_v at_o true_a peace_n until_o every_o one_o of_o they_o learn_v naked_o to_o yield_v up_o himself_o into_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o content_o to_o take_v of_o the_o potion_n mix_v by_o god_n and_o give_v he_o to_o drink_v out_o of_o mere_a grace_n and_o love_n now_o that_o this_o cup_n be_v bitter_a be_v no_o fault_n of_o god_n but_o our_o own_o and_o that_o because_o we_o be_v contrary_a and_o enemy_n to_o what_o be_v good_a and_o can_v bear_v to_o be_v purge_v just_a like_o the_o vulgar_a people_n who_o trouble_n be_v increase_v by_o a_o mix_a physick-wine_n for_o by_o nature_n a_o man_n fly_v from_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v hard_a and_o produce_v pain_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v recover_v nor_o to_o come_v at_o health_n then_o by_o those_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v always_o more_o and_o more_o adapt_v to_o christ_n our_o head_n by_o a_o similitude_n of_o his_o suffering_n death_n and_o burial_n that_o afterward_o by_o a_o like_a resurrection_n also_o we_o may_v be_v take_v into_o he_o and_o be_v possess_v of_o a_o never-fading_a crown_n of_o glory_n for_o how_o much_o we_o suffer_v together_o with_o christ_n so_o much_o also_o shall_v we_o reign_v with_o â—im_n not_o indeed_o in_o this_o time_n of_o temporary_a abode_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o permanency_n of_o spirit_n and_o life_n in_o which_o we_o â—hall_v arise_v and_o be_v excite_v to_o such_o a_o likeness_n of_o christ_n as_o consist_v not_o with_o depraved_a nature_n but_o be_v lift_v up_o above_o nature_n and_o be_v conform_v into_o a_o spirituâ—â—_n eternal_a and_o immortal_a life_n thus_o therefore_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o their_o â—wn_a order_n may_v expect_v it_o will_v be_v accord_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o divine_a gift_n â—â—at_v the_o enemy_n may_v for_o the_o time_n to_o â—â—me_n have_v no_o more_o right_a nor_o power_n â—er_o our_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n under_o â—hich_v hitherto_o we_o have_v be_v bind_v use_v captivate_v hope_v for_o salvation_n use_v redemption_n in_o christ_n from_o all_o our_o internal_a enemy_n who_o force_n our_o soul_n into_o slavery_n so_o that_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n we_o may_v in_o all_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n serve_v the_o lord_n as_o present_v with_o we_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n he_o therefore_o that_o have_v appear_v on_o earth_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o to_o the_o desolate_a will_v comfort_v and_o cure_v our_o sorrowful_a heart_n and_o gracious_o set_v the_o captive_n free_a he_o i_o say_v will_v in_o his_o own_o time_n appear_v gracious_a to_o thy_o humane_a weakness_n and_o will_v bless_v thy_o internal_a poverty_n and_o affliction_n with_o a_o greâ—â—_n plenty_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n now_o these_o few_o thing_n i_o be_v willing_a according_a to_o thâ—_n simplicity_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o meaâ—_n gift_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o write_v unto_o thou_o from_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o serve_v thou_o that_o 〈◊〉_d perhaps_o some_o mean_n may_v be_v discover_v to_o thy_o heart_n through_o the_o diviâ—â—_n mercy_n lead_v to_o a_o great_a proficiencâ—_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o thâ—_n thy_o soul_n may_v be_v seal_v up_o in_o eternal_a peace_n and_o reconciliation_n through_o thâ—_n grace_n of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n aâ—â—_n 31._o 1559._o epist._n v._o for_o what_o end_n the_o scripture_n be_v give_v and_o how_o we_o ought_v most_o exact_o to_o satisfy_v conscience_n also_o concern_v the_o difference_n between_o humane_a righteousness_n and_o that_o which_o avail_v before_o god_n to_o u._n of_o w._n most_o dear_a lady_n have_v this_o occasion_n offer_v i_o be_v willing_a to_o write_v a_o few_o line_n unto_o thou_o give_v thanks_o to_o you_o all_o for_o your_o friendly_a inclination_n of_o heart_n towards_o we_o the_o eternal_a god_n grant_v that_o that_o bond_n in_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v together_o in_o he_o and_o do_v profess_v a_o mutual_a union_n to_o the_o true_a member_n may_v become_v more_o firm_a and_o may_v grow_v in_o christ_n our_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o death_n as_o to_o what_o concern_v my_o condition_n it_o be_v indeed_o at_o present_a such_o as_o be_v tolerable_a to_o the_o flesh_n as_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n for_o the_o bond_n of_o death_n remain_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o in_o my_o member_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v know_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n himself_o take_v we_o all_o into_o his_o protection_n that_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v in_o his_o fear_n this_o dangerous_a time_n which_o as_o i_o conjecture_v can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o most_o hard_a sorrow_n o_o will_v to_o god_n we_o can_v at_o length_n come_v even_o unto_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o feel_v it_o in_o our_o soul_n which_o indeed_o be_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o somewhat_o shadow_v o_o lord_n grant_v unto_o we_o that_o life_n which_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o bear_v witness_v of_o yet_o oftentimes_o by_o so_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o so_o many_o various_a reading_n a_o man_n be_v but_o keep_v back_o and_o distract_v when_o as_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n necessary_a that_o every_o one_o shall_v observe_v himself_o in_o the_o act_n of_o hear_v speak_a think_v work_a and_o in_o all_o else_o where_o a_o man_n be_v busy_v about_o any_o other_o matter_n in_o thing_n of_o thiâ—_n life_n and_o that_o all_o these_o be_v to_o his_o utmost_a put_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o that_o he_o most_o exact_o endeavour_n &_o in_o all_o have_v a_o care_n to_o satisfy_v his_o own_o conscience_n for_o so_o long_o as_o the_o accusation_n thereof_o endure_v by_o the_o guilt_n of_o anâ—_n though_o the_o least_o transgression_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o peace_n a_o be_v find_v in_o hâ—_n soul_n because_o as_o long_o as_o any_o one_o do_v not_o satisfy_v his_o own_o conscience_n he_o be_v willing_o keep_v a_o prisoner_n under_o sin_n but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o way_n hinder_v many_o as_o much_o as_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v stand_v before_o god_n in_o his_o own_o proper_a righteousness_n which_o be_v very_o true_a however_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o trace_v through_o this_o most_o rocky_a way_n of_o our_o conscience_n even_o to_o its_o utmost_a limit_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o at_o length_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o a_o mortification_n and_o destruction_n of_o all_o our_o laborious_a endeavour_n and_o then_o will_v our_o own_o righteousness_n shame_v we_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o all_o will_v die_v before_o ever_o we_o have_v live_v and_o glory_n that_o we_o have_v renounce_v our_o own_o righteousness_n when_o as_o even_o yet_o we_o stick_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o sin_n break_v forth_o into_o outward_a act_n but_o the_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o more_o accurate_o consider_v if_o we_o desire_v to_o make_v a_o proficiency_n in_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o life_n which_o we_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v dead_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n nor_o have_v no_o liveliness_n in_o it_o in_o his_o account_n yea_o furthermore_o that_o life_n which_o our_o soul_n enjoy_v whilst_o it_o confide_v in_o and_z s_z bottom_v on_o these_o or_o these_o thing_n must_v also_o be_v change_v for_o a_o death_n and_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v permit_v that_o the_o enormity_n thereof_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o its_o progress_n for_o this_o life_n which_o our_o soul_n have_v take_v to_o herself_o after_o this_o manner_n spring_v from_o no_o where_n else_o then_o from_o out_o of_o that_o imaginary_a righteousness_n and_o holiness_n which_o we_o fancy_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o we_o and_o which_o tickle_v we_o with_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o sweet_a flattery_n and_o private_o be_v very_o please_v to_o we_o yea_o and_o give_v to_o our_o soul_n a_o kind_n of_o tranquillity_n these_o thing_n be_v hide_v so_o deep_o in_o a_o man_n and_o deceive_v we_o with_o such_o dissimulation_n as_o if_o all_o be_v well_o with_o we_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o christ_n because_o the_o man_n know_v that_o no_o such_o
which_o lie_v hide_v in_o man_n and_o convince_v he_o do_v yet_o partake_v of_o reason_n and_o humane_a power_n although_o the_o lord_n do_v afterward_o offer_v to_o the_o heart_n the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n submit_v itself_o to_o that_o but_o for_o all_o that_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o one_o with_o the_o light_n for_o no_o man_n receive_v this_o light_n but_o he_o in_o who_o the_o reason_n and_o strength_n of_o man_n be_v on_o the_o cross_n become_v dead_a with_o christ_n now_o such_o a_o one_o thenceforward_a because_o of_o the_o communion_n he_o have_v receive_v with_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v also_o again_o raise_v up_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n thenceforward_a become_v his_o life_n his_o own_o reason_n and_o all_o his_o own_o power_n abide_v in_o death_n nor_o be_v there_o a_o soul_n live_v in_o he_o but_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o the_o man_n come_v to_o renounce_v all_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o all_o his_o own_o righteousness_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o become_v conform_v to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o which_o the_o natural_a man_n never_o know_v nor_o can_v arrive_v thereat_o therefore_o because_o the_o judgement_n of_o calvin_n reach_v not_o so_o far_o and_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o yet_o dead_a to_o his_o own_o reason_n &_o strength_n he_o indeed_o bear_v witness_n against_o his_o own_o self_n because_o that_o which_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v death_n by_o the_o gospel_n rom._n 8.10_o 11._o and_o 6.5_o 6._o keep_v he_o in_o life_n the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n serve_v he_o for_o that_o purpose_n even_o to_o his_o own_o proper_a commodity_n for_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o divulge_v till_o after_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o at_o length_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o we_o otherwise_o our_o acknowledgement_n be_v not_o concern_v but_o only_o about_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v still_o carnal_a and_o though_o we_o be_v not_o plain_o like_a to_o the_o rude_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v account_v ourselves_o for_o imitator_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v leave_v all_o yet_o still_o we_o be_v to_o be_v make_v like_a unto_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v plant_v into_o his_o death_n furthermore_o i_o here_o further_o acknowledge_v that_o no_o man_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n derive_v from_o adam_n can_v ever_o attain_v unto_o the_o eternal_a mercy_n of_o god_n that_o study_n indeed_o and_o that_o labour_n by_o which_o such_o a_o man_n in_o his_o solicitous_a endeavour_n be_v tire_v our_o before_o he_o can_v arrive_v at_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n i_o acknowledge_v for_o humane_a and_o that_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n but_o that_o righteousness_n which_o one_o acquire_v by_o this_o study_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o that_o righteousness_n which_o be_v prevalent_a in_o god_n sight_n for_o this_o be_v at_o last_o after_o the_o law_n constitute_v in_o we_o by_o christ_n first_o therefore_o a_o man_n must_v labour_v under_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n even_o to_o the_o high_a perfection_n of_o himself_o and_o to_o the_o great_a innocency_n he_o possible_o can_v yet_o when_o all_o this_o be_v do_v the_o soul_n be_v to_o feel_v at_o length_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o see_v it_o can_v possible_o abide_v therein_o it_o fall_v manifest_o down_o into_o death_n and_o then_o at_o length_n be_v it_o by_o christ_n raise_v again_o into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o now_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o common_a be_v by_o the_o church_n which_o be_v near_o to_o we_o propose_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o this_o that_o god_n through_o and_o by_o christ_n crect_v salvation_n mere_o without_o any_o addition_n of_o work_n which_o i_o grant_v but_o because_o these_o under_o the_o law_n obtain_v no_o righteousness_n by_o the_o benefit_n of_o work_n there_o be_v put_v no_o study_n or_o rigour_n therefore_o they_o also_o can_v for_o christ_n sake_n renounce_v nor_o forsake_v their_o good_n see_v as_o yet_o they_o have_v gain_v none_o for_o they_o will_v have_v they_o renounce_v what_o they_o have_v not_o but_o in_o the_o interim_n they_o suffer_v loss_n also_o in_o that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o arrive_v at_o that_o therefore_o which_o they_o say_v be_v true_a but_o it_o be_v not_o right_o apply_v by_o they_o as_o all_o the_o scripture_n do_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n that_o they_o come_v not_o to_o the_o truth_n nevertheless_o i_o be_o unwilling_a to_o deny_v unto_o they_o all_o grace_n for_o their_o portion_n and_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o gift_n see_v that_o they_o study_v with_o all_o their_o might_n for_o christ_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v hear_v somewhat_o of_o he_o provide_v they_o be_v faithful_a in_o what_o they_o acknowledge_v and_o that_o to_o the_o utmost_a he_o that_o neglect_v this_o be_v condemn_v by_o his_o own_o proper_a judgement_n epist._n xxi_o the_o difference_n between_o repentance_n and_o regeneration_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o little_a book_n of_o diederick_n phillips_n which_o be_v print_v concern_v the_o new_a creature_n to._n j._n w._n dear_a john_n that_o acknowledgement_n of_o diederick_n phillips_n concern_v the_o new_a creature_n i_o do_v partly_o own_o for_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v not_o stretch_v further_o than_o it_o reach_v viz._n that_o it_o can_v according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n lead_v to_o repentance_n and_o to_o lead_v a_o pious_a life_n but_o if_o that_o repentance_n and_o life_n so_o correct_v thereby_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v put_v for_o the_o new_a creature_n whilst_o yet_o the_o conscience_n be_v still_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n then_o be_v it_o erroneous_a for_o whilst_o that_o no_o death_n have_v as_o yet_o happen_v and_o still_o sin_n lie_v so_o powerful_o in_o the_o whole_a man_n that_o by_o mean_n of_o a_o accusation_n it_o often_o drive_v the_o soul_n into_o sadness_n the_o soul_n be_v yet_o under_o the_o law_n for_o by_o the_o law_n in_o our_o conscience_n we_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n and_o though_o a_o man_n may_v force_v into_o silence_n that_o accusation_n and_o that_o burden_n of_o sin_n that_o torment_v our_o conscience_n and_o that_o by_o scripture-promise_n and_o so_o comfort_v himself_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o then_o he_o still_o abide_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o old_a man_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o arrive_v at_o the_o death_n of_o it_o for_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o sin_n therefore_o also_o no_o accusation_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o conscience_n can_v touch_v it_o for_o then_o a_o man_n live_v whole_o under_o grace_n and_o his_o mind_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n to_o be_v sustain_v by_o the_o external_a comfort_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o also_o by_o the_o absolution_n from_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n it_o shall_v bring_v forth_o to_o he_o a_o great_a confidence_n for_o his_o life_n be_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o consist_v under_o the_o law_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n wherefore_o also_o the_o conscience_n in_o its_o purity_n enjoy_v the_o high_a peace_n remain_v seal_v by_o the_o holy-ghost_n but_o in_o they_o who_o be_v still_o under_o conscience_n the_o law_n of_o sin_n still_o exercise_v its_o power_n and_o conscience_n do_v still_o accuse_v perpetual_o for_o some_o sin_n so_o that_o it_o hence_o appear_v open_o that_o such_o be_v not_o yet_o dead_a to_o the_o law_n because_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o law_n do_v still_o remain_v in_o its_o power_n so_o long_o as_o by_o the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n somewhat_o be_v commit_v against_o conscience_n and_o though_o we_o will_v not_o confess_v that_o we_o be_v under_o the_o law_n or_o under_o the_o accusation_n thereof_o notwithstanding_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o accusation_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n still_o reign_v here_o or_o there_o yet_o be_v the_o thing_n manifest_a by_o conscience_n its_o self_n which_o through_o a_o accusation_n for_o sin_n render_v we_o guilty_a if_o therefore_o we_o can_v stand_v in_o purity_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o inward_a man_n than_o indeed_o the_o law_n by_o its_o virtue_n which_o it_o have_v in_o the_o conscience_n through_o sin_n dare_v not_o so_o assault_v the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n as_o that_o he_o must_v seek_v comfort_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v confirm_v by_o