Selected quad for the lemma: scripture_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n great_a holy_a see_v 3,964 5 3.2444 3 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
B10083 Tracts theological. I. Asceticks, or, the heroick piety and vertue of the ancient Christian anchorets and coenobites. II. The life of St. Antony out of the Greek of Sr. Athanasius. III. The antiquity and tradition of mystical divinity among the Gentiles. IV. Of the guidance of the spirit of God, upon a discourse of Sir Matthew Hale's concerning it. V. An invitation to the Quakers, to rectifie some errors, which through the scandals given they have fallen into. Stephens, Edward, d. 1706.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Asceticks, or, the heroick piety and virtue of the ancient Christian anchorets and coenobites.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Life of St. Antony.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Antiquity, tradition, and succession of mystical divinity among the Gentiles.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Enthusiasmus divinus: the guidance of the spirit of God.; Stephens, Edward, d. 1706. Apology for, and an invitation to, the people call'd Quakers, to rectifie some errors, which through the scandals given they have fallen into. 1697 (1697) Wing S5444E; Wing S5444E; ESTC R184630 221,170 486

There are 13 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

they_o be_v sinner_n above_o all_o that_o have_v succeed_v they_o i_o tell_v you_o nay_o but_o except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v god_n be_v able_a to_o restore_v they_o again_o the_o vineyard_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o and_o give_v to_o other_o husbandman_n who_o shall_v render_v he_o their_o fruit_n in_o their_o season_n i_o think_v i_o have_v do_v here_o for_o though_o i_o know_v many_o have_v write_v very_o bitter_o against_o monk_n and_o monkery_n i_o think_v they_o not_o worth_a the_o look_n into_o because_o i_o believe_v the_o truth_n which_o i_o have_v assert_v will_v stand_v as_o a_o impregnable_a rock_n against_o all_o their_o blast_n yet_o at_o last_o it_o come_v into_o my_o mind_n that_o a_o excellent_a person_n of_o great_a learning_n judgement_n piety_n and_o candour_n of_o this_o church_n of_o england_n have_v write_v something_o to_o like_a purpose_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o look_v into_o he_o and_o find_v to_o my_o sorrow_n for_o he_o but_o great_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o case_n how_o unworthy_a of_o himself_o and_o of_o how_o little_a weight_n it_o be_v which_o he_o have_v say_v against_o they_o i_o intend_v to_o have_v spare_v his_o name_n and_o to_o have_v pass_v it_o over_o with_o a_o short_a note_n that_o it_o need_v not_o nor_o deserve_v a_o answer_n but_o consider_v that_o that_o be_v only_o the_o way_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o sacrifice_v all_o esteem_n of_o man_n whether_o ourselves_o or_o other_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n too_o for_o their_o admonition_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n spare_v not_o to_o record_v the_o fail_n of_o holy_a man_n i_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o like_a to_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o excellent_a person_n mr._n joseph_n meed_n have_v conclude_v the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o latter_a time_n foretold_v 1_o tim._n 4.1_o to_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o saint_n introduce_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n through_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o liar_n forbid_v to_o marry_v and_o command_v to_o abstain_v from_o meat_n to_o make_v good_a his_o interpretation_n of_o that_o first_o part_n of_o the_o prediction_n and_o make_v it_o complete_a conclude_v the_o latter_a part_n to_o be_v understand_v of_o monk_n that_o they_o be_v the_o chief_a advancer_n of_o saint_n worship_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o he_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o chemnitius_n a_o know_a adversary_n to_o they_o who_o live_v about_o 1200_o year_n after_o the_o time_n he_o speak_v of_o and_o eunapius_n a_o know_a enemy_n not_o only_o to_o they_o but_o to_o all_o christian_n who_o he_o call_v wretched_a caitiff_n and_o damn_a dog_n and_o why_o so_o why_o because_o he_o blaspheme_v the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n who_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o death_n the_o dust_n of_o who_o foot_n he_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o lick_v up_o competent_a witness_n indeed_o and_o a_o special_a testimony_n this_o but_o he_o add_v yet_o may_v we_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o gather_v hence_o etc._n etc._n but_o without_o shift_n we_o may_v see_v plain_o to_o what_o shift_n his_o unadvised_a and_o preposterous_a zeal_n have_v reduce_v he_o thus_o to_o expose_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o cause_n he_o have_v undertake_v when_o all_o his_o learning_n diligence_n and_o inquiry_n and_o all_o antiquity_n can_v afford_v he_o no_o better_o evidence_n and_o to_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o censure_n he_o have_v deserve_o give_v to_o his_o own_o witness_n have_v they_o be_v monk_n and_o only_a monk_n who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o this_o have_v it_o be_v fair_a to_o cast_v a_o aspersion_n upon_o all_o and_o be_v it_o fair_a within_o a_o dozen_o line_n after_o to_o print_v bishop_n and_o monk_n in_o different_a character_n while_o both_o be_v under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n at_o this_o rate_n what_o calumny_n may_v not_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n the_o israelite_n the_o christian_n the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o and_o such_o as_o pretend_v most_o of_o all_o to_o reformation_n the_o devil_n have_v always_o sow_v his_o tare_n and_o most_o industrious_o among_o the_o best_a but_o upon_o this_o evidence_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o the_o accuse_v will_v be_v acquit_v by_o all_o impartial_a judge_n as_o to_o what_o st._n austin_n say_v of_o some_o hypocrite_n ramble_v about_o in_o the_o habit_n of_o monk_n it_o be_v very_o disingenious_o not_o to_o say_v dishonest_o allege_v concern_v monk_n in_o general_n but_o st_o augustine_n mind_n concern_v the_o monk_n of_o his_o time_n be_v so_o plain_a in_o what_o follow_v that_o i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o in_o this_o place_n and_o for_o further_a answer_n to_o this_o abuse_n of_o his_o testimony_n they_o who_o please_v may_v peruse_v it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n upon_o ps_n 99_o &_o 132._o and_o ep._n 137._o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v gregory_n of_o tower_n v._o cassian_n coll._n 18._o c._n 16._o he_o have_v unhappy_o conclude_v before_o that_o those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o description_n of_o monkery_n and_o when_o that_o conceit_n be_v once_o fix_v in_o his_o mind_n it_o present_o set_v all_o his_o part_n and_o all_o his_o learning_n to_o work_v to_o prove_v it_o to_o other_o and_o give_v easy_a admittance_n to_o all_o that_o may_v seem_v to_o favour_v it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o imagine_v abstain_v from_o meat_n may_v comprehend_v renounce_v of_o possession_n nor_o can_v he_o otherwise_o have_v think_v that_o the_o monk_n do_v any_o more_o all_o more_o it_o be_v conc._n chalced._n do_v that_o c._n 15._o to_o they_o not_o to_o all_o forbid_v marriage_n than_o st._n paul_n himself_o do_v nay_o than_o our_o saviour_n himself_o do_v nor_o have_v set_v himself_o disc_n 28._o to_o derogate_v from_o that_o obedience_n of_o the_o recabite_n to_o the_o institution_n of_o their_o progenitor_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v so_o high_o approve_v and_o testify_v his_o approbation_n of_o by_o so_o gracious_a a_o promise_n nor_o have_v imagine_v that_o the_o law_n of_o nazarism_n be_v ever_o impose_v upon_o any_o much_o less_o that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o thing_n express_o name_v which_o the_o apostle_n decree_v at_o the_o council_n of_o jerusalem_n shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o gentile_n who_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o that_o act._n 21.25_o do_v prove_v any_o prohibition_n of_o that_o whereby_o the_o apostle_n decree_v the_o gentile_n shall_v observe_v no_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o prohibition_n of_o imposition_n and_o a_o prohibition_n of_o a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a act._n but_o how_o do_v prejudice_n blind_a man_n mind_n that_o a_o man_n of_o his_o part_n of_o his_o learning_n of_o his_o judgement_n candour_n and_o generosity_n in_o assert_v the_o truth_n in_o other_o matter_n shall_v be_v so_o affect_v with_o a_o mere_a imagination_n of_o his_o own_o as_o to_o maintain_v that_o to_o do_v such_o a_o indignity_n to_o so_o glorious_a a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o st._n gregory_n nazianzen_n call_v the_o most_o choice_a and_o wise_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o st._n hierom_n the_o flower_n of_o the_o church_n which_o produce_v so_o many_o glorious_a saint_n of_o so_o great_a virtue_n and_o adorn_v with_o such_o various_a and_o illustrious_a grace_n produce_v so_o many_o bishop_n innumerable_a and_o among_o they_o the_o most_o illustrious_a light_n of_o the_o church_n both_o for_o virtue_n and_o learning_n be_v so_o much_o respect_v not_o only_o by_o the_o people_n but_o by_o the_o best_a of_o the_o christian_a emperor_n and_o approve_a and_o favour_v by_o the_o most_o eminent_a bishop_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v so_o many_o testimony_n of_o their_o excellence_n by_o person_n of_o the_o great_a credit_n and_o reputation_n and_o deserve_v so_o well_o in_o many_o respect_n that_o such_o a_o man_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o fancy_n of_o his_o own_o shall_v set_v up_o a_o chemnitius_n a_o prejudice_v adversary_n to_o they_o and_o eunapius_n a_o pagan_a adversary_n to_o the_o christian_n against_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n and_o so_o wrest_v &_o strain_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o thereby_o so_o expose_v himself_o to_o just_a censure_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o the_o mischief_n of_o prejudice_n that_o i_o can_v think_v of_o a_o edify_v instance_n to_o make_v all_o man_n good_a man_n learned_a man_n and_o wise_a man_n jealous_a of_o themselves_o and_o cautious_a that_o they_o do_v not_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o not_o to_o do_v god_n service_n for_o he_o need_v no_o such_o shift_n nor_o be_v at_o any_o time_n please_v with_o they_o of_o the_o essean_n out_o of_o josephus_n
10._o c._n 6._o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o a_o solitary_a this_o aught_o to_o be_v all_o his_o intention_n that_o he_o may_v come_v to_o possess_v in_o this_o body_n a_o image_n of_o future_a beatitude_n and_o begin_v in_o this_o vessel_n to_o foretaste_a the_o earnest_n of_o heavenly_a conversation_n and_o glory_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n that_o the_o mind_n so_o extenuate_v or_o refine_a from_o all_o carnal_a dust_n may_v be_v daily_o elevate_v to_o spiritual_a thing_n till_o all_o its_o conversation_n all_o its_o volutation_n of_o heart_n may_v become_v one_o continual_a prayer_n and_o as_o i_o say_v a_o little_a before_o all_o our_o love_n all_o our_o desire_n all_o our_o study_n all_o our_o endeavour_n all_o our_o cogitation_n all_o that_o we_o see_v all_o that_o we_o speak_v all_o that_o we_o hope_v may_v be_v god_n and_o that_o unity_n which_o now_o be_v of_o the_o father_n with_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o son_n with_o the_o father_n may_v be_v transfuse_v into_o our_o sense_n and_o mind_n that_o be_v that_o as_o he_o love_v we_o with_o a_o pure_a and_o indissoluble_a charity_n we_o also_o may_v be_v join_v to_o he_o in_o a_o perpetual_a and_o inseparable_a charity_n cap._n 7._o for_o the_o attain_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o he_o recommend_v from_o experience_n of_o the_o senior_n the_o continual_a or_o frequent_a mental_a repetion_n of_o that_o verse_n psal_n 70._o deus_fw-la in_o adjutorium_fw-la meum_fw-la intend_v domine_fw-la ad_fw-la adjuvandum_fw-la i_o festina_fw-la in_o our_o liturgy_n o_o god_n make_v speed_n to_o save_v we_o o_o lord_n make_v haste_n to_o help_v we_o and_o large_o show_v the_o use_n of_o it_o at_o all_o time_n and_o upon_o all_o special_a occasion_n abbot_n theodore_n concern_v the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n cassian_n lib._n 5._o he_o be_v endow_v with_o very_o great_a sanctity_n and_o complete_a science_n not_o only_o in_o the_o active_a life_n but_o also_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o acquire_v not_o so_o much_o by_o study_n of_o read_v or_o humane_a learning_n as_o by_o purity_n of_o heart_n for_o he_o can_v hardly_o either_o understand_v or_o pronounce_v so_o much_o as_o a_o few_o greek_a word_n when_o he_o seek_v the_o explanation_n of_o a_o certain_a obscure_a question_n he_o persist_v indefatigable_o in_o prayer_n seven_o day_n and_o night_n until_o he_o know_v the_o solution_n of_o the_o question_n propose_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o lord_n cap._n 33._o when_o certain_a of_o the_o brethren_n admire_v his_o eminent_a light_n of_o knowledge_n inquire_v of_o he_o the_o sense_n of_o certain_a scripture_n he_o say_v a_o monk_n desire_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n aught_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o employ_v his_o pain_n upon_o book_n of_o commentator_n but_o rather_o restrain_v and_o keep_v all_o the_o industry_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o beat_v of_o his_o heart_n to_o the_o purify_n of_o his_o carnal_a affection_n which_o be_v expel_v present_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o veil_n of_o his_o passion_n be_v once_o remove_v will_v begin_v as_o it_o be_v natural_o to_o contemplate_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o be_v not_o publish_v to_o we_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v unintelligible_a and_o obscure_a but_o they_o become_v obscure_a by_o our_o fault_n the_o veil_n of_o sin_n overclouding_a the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v again_o restore_v to_o their_o natural_a sanity_n the_o read_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v even_o alone_o abundant_o suffice_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o true_a knowledge_n nor_o will_v they_o need_v the_o instruction_n of_o commentary_n as_o these_o eye_n of_o flesh_n need_v the_o doctrine_n of_o none_o to_o see_v if_o they_o be_v free_a from_o suffusion_n and_o dimness_n of_o sight_n for_o therefore_o be_v there_o so_o great_a variety_n and_o error_n arisen_a among_o interpreter_n themselves_o because_o the_o most_o run_v to_o interpret_v they_o without_o use_v any_o diligence_n towards_o the_o purgation_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o grossness_n or_o uncleanness_n of_o their_o heart_n think_v thing_n divers_a or_o contrary_a either_o to_o faith_n or_o to_o themselves_o they_o can_v not_o comprehend_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n cap._n 34._o for_o this_o see_v in_o smith_n be_v select_a discourse_n the_o true_a way_n and_o method_n of_o attain_v to_o divine_a knowledge_n abbot_n serapion_n of_o discretion_n cass_n coll._n 2._o cap._n 11._o when_o i_o be_v a_o child_n and_o live_v with_o abbot_n theon_n this_o brutish_a custom_n be_v impose_v upon_o i_o by_o the_o enemy_n that_o after_o i_o have_v eat_v with_o he_o at_o the_o nine_o hour_n i_o do_v every_o day_n secret_o convey_v one_o biscuit_n into_o my_o bosom_n which_o i_o do_v after_o without_o his_o knowledge_n eat_v in_o secret_a which_o theft_n though_o i_o do_v constant_o through_o my_o accustom_a incontinence_n commit_v yet_o when_o i_o have_v gratify_v my_o appetite_n come_v to_o myself_o i_o be_v more_o torment_v with_o the_o gild_n of_o my_o theft_n than_o satisfy_v with_o what_o i_o have_v eat_v and_o when_o i_o be_v every_o day_n compel_v to_o the_o grief_n of_o my_o heart_n to_o perform_v that_o most_o troublesome_a work_n impose_v as_o it_o be_v by_o pharaoh_n taskmaster_n instead_o of_o brick_n upon_o i_o nor_o can_v extricate_v myself_o from_o this_o their_o most_o cruel_a tyranny_n and_o be_v ashamed_a and_o confound_v to_o discover_v the_o secret_a theft_n to_o my_o senior_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o be_v please_v to_o rescue_v i_o out_o of_o the_o yoke_n of_o this_o captivity_n that_o certain_a brother_n desire_v to_o come_v to_o the_o cell_n of_o the_o senior_n for_o edification_n sake_n and_o when_o they_o be_v refresh_v and_o a_o spiritual_a conference_n be_v begin_v the_o senior_n answer_v to_o their_o question_n discourse_v of_o the_o vice_n of_o gastrimargy_n or_o gluttony_n and_o of_o the_o domination_n and_o slavery_n of_o thought_n keep_v secret_a and_o do_v explain_v their_o nature_n and_o most_o dismal_a power_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v conceal_v i_o by_o the_o power_n of_o this_o conference_n be_v prick_v and_o terrify_v with_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n as_o believe_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v for_o that_o cause_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v reveal_v the_o secret_n of_o my_o heart_n to_o the_o senior_n i_o begin_v first_o secret_o to_o sigh_v then_o the_o compunction_n of_o my_o heart_n increase_v break_v out_o into_o sigh_n and_o tear_n i_o pull_v the_o biscuit_n which_o by_o that_o evil_a custom_n i_o have_v secret_o steal_v to_o eat_v out_o of_o my_o bosom_n where_o it_o be_v conceal_v and_o profer_v it_o to_o they_o i_o do_v prostrate_a upon_o the_o ground_n with_o supplication_n for_o pardon_n confess_v how_o i_o do_v every_o day_n eat_v in_o secret_a and_o with_o abundance_n of_o tear_n do_v implore_v they_o to_o beg_v my_o absolution_n from_o this_o hard_a bondage_n of_o the_o lord_n then_o say_v the_o senior_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n child_n thy_o confession_n have_v obtain_v thy_o absolution_n though_o i_o hold_v my_o tongue_n for_o thou_o have_v this_o day_n get_v the_o victory_n of_o thy_o enemy_n more_o powerful_o beat_v he_o down_o by_o thy_o confession_n than_o thou_o thyself_o be_v cast_v down_o by_o he_o through_o thy_o concealment_n who_o not_o at_o all_o check_v either_o by_o thy_o own_o or_o any_o other_o reprehension_n thou_o do_v suffer_v to_o domineer_v over_o thou_o till_o now_o but_o now_o after_o this_o thy_o confession_n that_o wicked_a spirit_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o disquiet_v thou_o nor_o shall_v the_o filthy_a serpent_n any_o long_o hold_v a_o hide_v place_n in_o thou_o be_v drawnout_a into_o the_o light_n out_o of_o the_o darkness_n of_o thy_o heart_n by_o a_o salutary_a confession_n the_o senior_n have_v not_o finish_v these_o word_n and_o behold_v a_o burn_a lamp_n proceed_v from_o my_o side_n so_o fill_v the_o cell_n with_o the_o smell_n of_o brimstone_n that_o the_o stink_n of_o it_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o remain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o senior_n resume_v his_o admonition_n behold_v say_v he_o our_o lord_n have_v visible_o prove_v to_o thou_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o word_n that_o thou_o shall_v see_v with_o thy_o eye_n the_o instigator_n of_o thy_o affection_n drive_v out_o of_o thy_o heart_n by_o a_o salubrious_a confession_n and_o shall_v know_v that_o the_o detect_v enemy_n shall_v no_o long_o at_o all_o have_v place_n in_o thou_o by_o his_o manifest_a expulsion_n and_o so_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o senior_n the_o domination_n of_o that_o diabolical_a tyranny_n in_o i_o be_v
up_o in_o judgement_n against_o such_o as_o will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o tepidity_n carelessness_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o most_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o religion_n note_n and_o observation_n to_o discern_v illusion_n from_o divine_a inspiration_n there_o be_v another_o part_n of_o the_o quarrel_n which_o our_o author_n have_v to_o this_o mystical_a divinity_n beside_o that_o that_o it_o be_v unintelligible_a as_o he_o say_v viz._n that_o it_o lead_v person_n into_o strange_a illusion_n of_o fancy_n which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v a_o great_a injury_n not_o only_o to_o those_o melancholy_a soul_n that_o be_v lead_v through_o this_o valley_n of_o shade_n and_o darkness_n but_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n itself_o which_o if_o true_a be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o quarrel_n indeed_o but_o if_o well_o consider_v no_o great_a cause_n than_o other_o have_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o some_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o it_o be_v true_a many_o person_n have_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o many_o more_o by_o satan_n transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n but_o must_v we_o therefore_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o true_a divine_a illumination_n inspiration_n motion_n or_o communication_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o necessary_a to_o be_v well_o consider_v how_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v and_o because_o o._n n._n in_o the_o book_n which_o our_o author_n answer_v have_v a_o discourse_n on_o that_o subject_a which_o have_v pass_v his_o examination_n without_o any_o hard_a censure_n which_o be_v a_o implicit_a approbation_n that_o may_v not_o improper_o here_o be_v add_v for_o the_o discern_a of_o such_o illusion_n proceed_v from_o satan_n from_o the_o true_a inspiration_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n we_o affirm_v that_o many_o note_n and_o observation_n there_o be_v whereby_o they_o may_v be_v know_v if_o not_o certain_o whether_o divine_a as_o to_o their_o original_a where_o no_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n or_o miracle_n yet_o whether_o contain_v truth_n and_o advance_v virtue_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n and_o whether_o any_o way_n noxious_a and_o hurtful_a either_o to_o the_o person_n that_o receive_v they_o or_o other_o and_o this_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a now_o for_o these_o note_n of_o discern_v they_o i_o need_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o no_o other_o book_n then_o to_o the_o doctor_n be_v martyr_n sancta_fw-la sophia_n though_o he_o be_v please_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o there_o in_o the_o preface_n from_o §_o 29._o to_o §_o 35._o again_o in_o the_o three_o treatise_n p._n 268._o from_o §_o 9_o to_o §_o 22._o where_o after_o direct_v a_o strict_a observation_n to_o be_v make_v concern_v the_o person_n whether_o 1._o vicious_o incline_v 2._o arrogant_a and_o proud_a or_o 3._o curious_a 4._o or_o much_o addict_v to_o melancholy_a there_o be_v particular_o cast_v off_o and_o mark_v out_o for_o satanical_a illusion_n among_o other_o these_o all_o such_o pretend_a inspiration_n or_o revelation_n as_o do_v invite_v the_o person_n to_o say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n obedience_n humility_n peace_n and_o unity_n honesty_n purity_n and_o any_o other_o divine_a virtue_n but_o especial_o contrary_a to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n or_o obedience_n for_o instance_n as_o the_o attempt_v to_o make_v any_o new_a and_o seditious_a reformation_n as_o likewise_o when_o the_o person_n obstinate_o believe_v these_o revelation_n to_o be_v of_o god_n after_o they_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o experience_a superior_n and_o director_n all_o such_o i_o say_v be_v condemn_v for_o satanical_a illusion_n which_o cut_v all_o the_o nerve_n of_o all_o such_o pretend_a revelation_n as_o can_v any_o way_n disturb_v the_o church_n faith_n or_o peace_n and_o most_o of_o all_o of_o those_o enthusiasm_n and_o fanatic_a frenzy_n which_o have_v be_v so_o common_a among_o protestant_n §_o 14._o last_o in_o all_o these_o pretension_n where_o there_o be_v any_o great_a difficulty_n of_o discern_v the_o good_a and_o divine_a from_o the_o bad_a and_o satanical_a spirit_n we_o have_v a_o judge_n to_o repair_v to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n say_v st._n paul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o prophet_n §_o 15._o but_o there_o be_v other_o influence_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n direct_v we_o also_o in_o action_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a or_o of_o counsel_n and_o on_o either_o side_n lawful_a and_o free_a from_o sin_n some_o of_o which_o inspiration_n can_v be_v try_v or_o distinguish_v from_o enthusiasm_n by_o any_o such_o way_n as_o the_o former_a which_o because_o they_o be_v much_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o mystic_n and_o be_v very_o necessary_a for_o advance_v christian_n in_o the_o way_n of_o perfection_n it_o seem_v requisite_a for_o the_o free_v these_o also_o from_o mistake_v to_o give_v the_o reader_n here_o some_o account_n of_o they_o §_o 18._o 1._o we_o must_v know_v then_o as_o sancta_fw-la sophia_n tr._n 1._o p._n 57_o and_o other_o have_v discourse_v more_o at_o large_a that_o there_o be_v two_o spirit_n within_o we_o that_o be_v all_o the_o regenerate_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o of_o corrupt_a nature_n assist_v with_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o take_v a_o kind_n of_o possession_n of_o we_o upon_o adam_n fall_n eph._n 2.2_o that_o this_o last_o spirit_n be_v never_o total_o expel_v or_o silence_v in_o we_o during_o this_o life_n but_o tempt_v we_o still_o gal._n 5.17_o and_o that_o its_o suggestion_n may_v appear_v many_o time_n like_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n pretend_v good_a end_n the_o perform_v some_o duty_n to_o ourselves_o or_o our_o neighbour_n our_o advancement_n in_o virtue_n and_o the_o like_a that_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o spirit_n sanctify_v grace_n receive_v in_o our_o regeneration_n or_o justification_n be_v in_o its_o infusion_n ordinary_o but_o as_o a_o small_a s●ed_z 1_o john_n 3.9_o 1_o pet._n 1.23_o mat._n 13.31_o 33._o or_o spark_n capable_a of_o a_o daily_a growth_n and_o increase_n and_o which_o with_o the_o co-operation_n of_o our_o free_a will_n and_o further_a aid_n that_o be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n receive_v from_o god_n work_v in_o we_o at_o length_n a_o total_a reformation_n and_o christian_a perfection_n which_o so_o many_o among_o the_o regenerate_v as_o do_v attain_v be_v say_v in_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n to_o be_v spiritual_a person_n and_o to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o i●_n this_o sense_n the_o apostle_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n 〈◊〉_d brethren_n can_v not_o speak_v unto_o you_o as_o to_o spiritual_a but_o as_o 〈◊〉_d carnal_a and_o as_o to_o babe_n in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o an●_n so_o ver_fw-la 3._o for_o you_o be_v yet_o carnal_a and_o walk_v according_a to_o man_n that_o be_v you_o be_v babe_n only_o in_o christ_n and_o i●_n in_o some_o degree_n carnal_a and_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o natural_a man_n still_o and_o not_o as_o yet_o entire_o spiritual_a and_o frequent_a mention_n we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d these_o several_a degree_n and_o growth_n in_o a_o regeneral_n condition_n it_o be_v god_n pleasure_n that_o the_o ne●_n man_n as_o the_o old_a shall_v grow_v by_o degree_n and_o not_o b●_n make_v complete_a in_o we_o all_o at_o once_o mention_v i_o say_v of_o some_o babe_n and_o little_a one_o and_o to_o be_v feed_v as_o yet_o only_o with_o milk_n of_o strong_a meat_n and_o wisdom_n and_o high_a mystery_n only_o to_o be_v deliver_v to_o and_o speak_v among_o the_o perfect_a see_v heb._n 5.12_o 13._o 1_o pet._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 3.1_o 1.2_o 6._o of_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o receive_v increase_n from_o god_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o col._n 2.19_o of_o the_o new_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n 2_o cor._n 〈◊〉_d .16_o of_o arrive_v to_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n 〈◊〉_d the_o stature_n or_o age_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n eph._n 4.13_o of_o the_o apostle_n labour_v to_o present_v every_o 〈◊〉_d perfect_a in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o they_o may_v stand_v perfect_a and_o full_a in_o all_o the_o will_n of_o god_n col._n 1.28_o 4.12_o and_o of_o this_o perfection_n still_o contain_v in_o it_o high_o and_o high_a degree_n not_o as_o if_o i_o have_v already_o attain_v say_v the_o apostle_n phil._n 3.12_o though_o therefore_o by_o this_o principle_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o the_o infusion_n of_o the_o habitual_a grace_n of_o charity_n we_o be_v already_o translate_v from_o the_o former_a be_v of_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o a_o divine_a be_v of_o supernatural_a grace_n free_v at_o the_o first_o from_o the_o former_a state_n of_o mortal_a sin_n and_o from_o the_o slavery_n and_o captivity_n we_o suffer_v under_o its_o
archbishop_n say_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o a_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o at_o each_o be_v sing_v the_o hymn_n come_v holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o exhortation_n in_o the_o commination_n this_o be_v mention_v as_o one_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o pardon_n viz._n if_o we_o will_v be_v order_v by_o the_o governance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o in_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n art_n 17._o be_v mention_v together_o godly_a person_n and_o such_o as_o feel_v in_o themselves_o the_o work_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n mortify_v etc._n etc._n to_o this_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n i_o will_v subjoin_v the_o judgement_n of_o one_o of_o her_o son_n who_o though_o at_o first_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o the_o common_a prejudice_n of_o the_o age_n yet_o afterward_o upon_o better_a consideration_n extricate_v himself_o and_o recover_v a_o better_a judgement_n and_o have_v in_o few_o word_n say_v what_o be_v much_o to_o the_o purpose_n that_o god_n himself_o afford_v his_o intimacy_n and_o converse_v to_o the_o better_a soul_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o i_o confess_v the_o proud_a and_o fantastic_a pretence_n of_o many_o of_o the_o conceit_a melancholist_n in_o this_o age_n to_o divine_a communion_n have_v prejudice_v divers_a intelligent_a person_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o such_o happy_a vouchsafement_n so_o that_o they_o conclude_v the_o doctrine_n of_o immediate_a communion_n with_o the_o deity_n in_o this_o life_n to_o be_v but_o a_o high-flown_a notion_n of_o warm_a imagination_n and_o over-luscious_a self-flattery_n and_o i_o acknowledge_v i_o have_v myself_o have_v thought_n of_o this_o nature_n suppose_v communion_n with_o god_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o peace_n and_o those_o comfort_n which_o natural_o result_v from_o it_o but_o i_o have_v consider_v since_o that_o god_n more_o near_a and_o immediate_a impart_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o that_o happiness_n by_o divine_a love_n humility_n and_o resignation_n in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o vital_a touch_n and_o sense_n be_v a_o thing_n possible_a in_o itself_o and_o will_v be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o heaven_n that_o glory_n be_v begin_v in_o grace_n and_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v some_o excellent_a soul_n the_o happy_a antepast_n that_o holy_a man_n in_o ancient_a time_n have_v seek_v and_o glory_v in_o this_o enjoyment_n and_o never_o complain_v so_o sore_o as_o when_o it_o be_v withhold_v and_o interrupt_v that_o the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n run_v infinite_o this_o way_n and_o the_o best_a of_o modern_a good_a man_n do_v from_o their_o own_o experience_n attest_v it_o that_o this_o spiritualize_v religion_n and_o render_v its_o enjoyment_n more_o comfortable_a and_o delicious_a that_o it_o keep_v the_o soul_n under_o a_o vivid_fw-la sense_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o grand_a security_n against_o temptation_n that_o it_o hold_v it_o steady_a amid_o the_o flattery_n of_o a_o prosperous_a state_n and_o give_v it_o the_o most_o ground_a anchorage_n and_o support_v amid_o the_o wave_n of_o a_o adverse_a condition_n that_o it_o be_v the_o noble_a encouragement_n to_o virtue_n and_o the_o high_a assurance_n of_o a_o happy_a immortality_n i_o say_v i_o consider_v these_o weighty_a thing_n and_o wonder_v at_o the_o carelessness_n and_o prejudice_n of_o thought_n that_o occasion_v my_o suspect_v the_o reality_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o privilege_n i_o see_v how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v in_o deny_v matter_n of_o inward_a sense_n because_o ourselves_o do_v not_o feel_v they_o or_o can_v form_v a_o apprehension_n of_o they_o in_o our_o mind_n i_o be_o convince_v that_o thing_n of_o gust_n and_o relish_n must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o sentient_a and_o vital_a faculty_n and_o not_o by_o the_o noetical_a exercise_n of_o speculative_a understanding_n and_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o believe_v infinite_o that_o the_o divine_a spirit_n afford_v its_o sensible_a presence_n and_o immediate_a beatific_a touch_n to_o some_o rare_a soul_n who_o be_v divest_v of_o carnal_a self_n and_o mundane_a pleasure_n abstract_v from_o the_o body_n by_o prayer_n and_o holy_a meditation_n spiritual_a in_o their_o desire_n and_o calm_a in_o their_o affection_n devout_a lover_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n and_o tender_o affectionate_a to_o all_o the_o world_n sincere_a in_o their_o aim_n and_o circumspect_a in_o their_o action_n enlarge_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o clear_a in_o their_o mind_n these_o i_o think_v be_v the_o disposition_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o fit_v we_o for_o divine_a communion_n and_o god_n transact_v not_o in_o this_o near_a way_n but_o with_o prepare_a spirit_n who_o be_v thus_o dispose_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o his_o influence_n and_o such_o i_o believe_v he_o never_o fail_v to_o bless_v with_o these_o happy_a fore_n taste_v of_o glory_n but_o for_o those_o that_o be_v passionate_a and_o conceit_a turbulent_a and_o notional_a confident_a and_o immodest_a imperious_a and_o malicious_a that_o dote_v upon_o trifle_n and_o run_v fierce_o into_o the_o way_n of_o a_o sect_n that_o be_v lift_v up_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o glorious_a prerogative_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o party_n and_o scorn_v all_o the_o world_n beside_o for_o such_o i_o say_v be_v their_o pretension_n what_o they_o will_v to_o divine_a communion_n illapse_n and_o discovery_n i_o believe_v they_o not_o their_o fancy_n abuse_v they_o or_o they_o will_v we_o for_o what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o with_o those_o who_o genius_n and_o way_n be_v so_o unlike_o he_o but_o the_o other_o excellent_a soul_n i_o describe_v will_v as_o certain_o be_v visit_v by_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o converse_n as_o the_o crystalline_a stream_n be_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o light_n or_o the_o fit_o prepare_a earth_n who_o seed_n be_v in_o itself_o will_v be_v actuate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v a_o late_a writer_n of_o no_o mean_a learning_n and_o part_n and_o authority_n too_o among_o those_o of_o his_o own_o party_n who_o reckon_v the_o despise_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o his_o operation_n now_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o idolatry_n of_o old_a and_o afterward_o by_o reject_v of_o our_o saviour_n at_o his_o come_n and_o yet_o in_o detestation_n of_o enthusiasm_n utter_o abandon_v all_o impulse_n and_o motion_n to_o thing_n and_o action_n which_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v duty_n in_o themselves_o evidence_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n etc._n etc._n under_o the_o name_n of_o irrational_a impression_n and_o violent_a inclination_n and_o what_o some_o man_n intend_v by_o impulse_n he_o say_v he_o know_v not_o indeed_o they_o who_o reject_v all_o such_o thing_n reject_v they_o know_v not_o what_o and_o do_v they_o thereby_o only_o hurt_v themselves_o it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o just_a punishment_n but_o such_o confident_a assertion_n in_o print_n may_v not_o only_o be_v hurtful_a to_o man_n but_o also_o injurious_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v by_o man_n conceit_n the_o jew_n heretofore_o have_v the_o favour_n to_o inquire_v of_o god_n and_o receive_v answer_n and_o direction_n in_o their_o special_a exigence_n and_o if_o the_o christian_n be_v not_o allow_v that_o favour_n now_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o the_o state_n of_o christian_n be_v inferior_a to_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n then_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n or_o that_o the_o christian_n now_o be_v as_o the_o latter_a jew_n be_v fall_v from_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a state_n nor_o can_v i_o conceive_v any_o reason_n why_o christian_n shall_v not_o have_v some_o such_o mean_n for_o this_o purpose_n as_o the_o ancient_a jew_n have_v but_o that_o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o divine_a oracle_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n by_o the_o residence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o if_o we_o be_v indeed_o such_o as_o our_o profession_n do_v require_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v that_o be_v true_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly-minded_n it_o do_v therefore_o concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o ourselves_o if_o god_n do_v not_o answer_v we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o saul_n when_o god_n be_v depart_v from_o he_o rather_o than_o to_o dishonour_v our_o profession_n by_o argue_v against_o the_o truth_n to_o cover_v our_o shame_n and_o since_o the_o lord_n ear_n be_v not_o heavy_a that_o it_o can_v hear_v whether_o our_o sin_n have_v not_o interpose_v between_o our_o god_n and_o we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v certain_o we_o often_o need_v a_o wisdom_n more_o than_o
sentiment_n and_o this_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o peculiar_a worship_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n all_o over_o the_o world_n from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o same_o perform_v every_o day_n in_o most_o of_o the_o great_a church_n and_o every_o lord's-day_n in_o all_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n till_o the_o last_o age._n it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o so_o great_a honour_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o benefit_n to_o soul_n due_o dispose_v that_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o prevalence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n and_o of_o satan_n transform_v than_o disrespect_n and_o neglect_v of_o it_o under_o pretence_n of_o a_o more_o spiritual_a worship_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o grievous_a to_o that_o envious_a and_o malicious_a spirit_n than_o to_o see_v that_o passion_n which_o he_o have_v most_o malicious_o procure_v to_o be_v so_o honour_v all_o over_o the_o world_n and_o apply_v to_o his_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o have_v he_o oppose_v it_o with_o all_o the_o subtlety_n and_o malice_n he_o can_v possible_a beside_o for_o people_n to_o slight_v it_o under_o pretence_n of_o christ_n be_v come_v to_o they_o in_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o manifest_a and_o dangerous_a piece_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n so_o to_o set_v up_o themselves_o above_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o st._n paul_n himself_o who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o they_o and_o therefore_o another_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n and_o if_o we_o do_v well_o consider_v what_o decay_v of_o charity_n and_o unanimity_n among_o man_n and_o of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n to_o god_n have_v in_o all_o part_n attend_v the_o neglect_n of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n that_o may_v be_v another_o evidence_n of_o what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o who_o do_v neglect_v it_o whatever_o their_o pretence_n be_v but_o for_o all_o separatist_n and_o sectary_n in_o general_a it_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a caution_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o full_a of_o admonition_n and_o prohibition_n against_o schism_n and_o division_n and_o of_o prediction_n both_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o apostle_n both_o of_o the_o variety_n of_o they_o and_o of_o the_o danger_n in_o that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v that_o specious_a appearance_n as_o to_o deceive_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect._n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n in_o former_a time_n we_o shall_v find_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o true_a spirit_n among_o any_o of_o any_o party_n of_o separatist_n but_o much_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n or_o delusion_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o presence_n or_o energy_n of_o some_o spirit_n and_o a_o concurrence_n of_o divers_a of_o these_o indication_n or_o sign_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v and_o confident_a that_o it_o be_v a_o antichristian_a spirit_n be_v its_o appearance_n never_o so_o specious_a in_o other_o respect_n and_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n especial_o have_v such_o as_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o true_a spirit_n find_v themselves_o to_o be_v sometime_o strange_o assault_v and_o tempt_v by_o the_o subtle_a adversary_n viz._n to_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o undervaluation_n of_o other_o person_n and_o to_o neglect_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o needless_a to_o they_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o ancient_a religious_a christian_n be_v general_o preserve_v from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a snare_n be_v that_o they_o be_v train_v up_o as_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o old_a under_o ancient_a experience_a christian_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o exercise_n of_o humility_n subjection_n both_o of_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o constant_a discovery_n of_o the_o disposition_n and_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o their_o superior_n and_o of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n but_o where_o both_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n have_v be_v neglect_v it_o be_v not_o strange_a that_o among_o many_o appearance_n and_o pretence_n there_o shall_v be_v find_v little_a of_o solidity_n especial_o where_o those_o noble_a heroic_a virtue_n of_o abstraction_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n heavenly-mindedness_a and_o continual_a attendance_n to_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v reject_v as_o monkery_n and_o superstition_n but_o all_o their_o goodly_a appearance_n and_o pretence_n end_v at_o last_o in_o emptiness_n and_o scandal_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v all_o who_o have_v any_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o beware_v of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o ancient_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o take_v such_o offence_n at_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o error_n by_o any_o seduce_a spirit_n as_o therefore_o to_o oppose_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o any_o of_o its_o operation_n and_o elude_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o undermine_v the_o doctrine_n thereof_o be_v as_o certain_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n and_o in_o truth_n as_o much_o fanaticism_n as_o the_o other_o in_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a for_o the_o good_a spirit_n be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v have_v as_o all_o other_o to_o be_v avoid_v for_o without_o it_o we_o can_v be_v genuine_a live_a christian_n but_o mere_a empty_a formal_a professor_n of_o which_o sort_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v be_v the_o great_a part_n both_o of_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n among_o we_o if_o judgement_n be_v make_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n rule_n of_o their_o fruit_n and_o fruitfulness_n but_o lest_o any_o well-minded_a soul_n shall_v be_v trouble_v with_o any_o doubt_n in_o this_o respect_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o have_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o between_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o know_v that_o as_o there_o may_v be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o may_v be_v the_o residence_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o there_o be_v no_o sensible_a distinguishable_a manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o operation_n and_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v often_o so_o subtle_a and_o secret_a in_o the_o manner_n both_o in_o illumination_n and_o power_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n as_o be_v not_o manifest_a by_o sense_n but_o by_o faith_n only_o and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o but_o as_o the_o most_o desirable_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v regeneration_n and_o effectual_a sanctification_n so_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n thereof_o be_v the_o most_o infallible_a note_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o good_a spirit_n which_o always_o lead_v to_o mortification_n of_o all_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a affection_n and_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o celestial_a angelic_a and_o divine_a disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n but_o to_o soul_n due_o prepare_v purge_v and_o dispose_v for_o it_o that_o bless_a guide_n do_v often_o manifest_v his_o presence_n by_o sensible_a attraction_n and_o restraint_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o plain_a suggestion_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o such_o as_o once_o find_v that_o i_o can_v give_v no_o better_a advice_n than_o what_o we_o have_v ecclesiasticus_fw-la 4._o and_o 6._o which_o i_o believe_v be_v part_n of_o the_o mystic_a theology_n of_o the_o ancient_n finis_fw-la a_o apology_n for_o and_o a_o invitation_n to_o the_o people_z call_v quaker_n to_o rectify_v some_o error_n which_o through_o the_o scandal_n give_v they_o have_v fall_v into_o wherein_o the_o true_a original_a cause_n both_o humane_a and_o divine_a of_o all_o the_o division_n in_o the_o church_n and_o mischief_n in_o the_o state_n and_o among_o the_o people_n be_v plain_o and_o brief_o open_v and_o detect_v london_n print_v for_o the_o author_n 1697._o advertisement_n that_o whole_a body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o infirmity_n which_o the_o individual_n of_o which_o they_o consist_v be_v and_o often_o sick_a of_o the_o same_o disease_n and_o the_o very_o worst_a of_o all_o those_o of_o the_o mind_n blindness_n conceitedness_n perverseness_n obstinacy_n incorrigibleness_n and_o impatience_n of_o reproof_n or_o even_o friendly_a admonition_n the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n do_v abundant_o manifest_a but_o in_o none_o be_v it_o more_o manifest_a than_o in_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o to_o be_v a_o example_n admonition_n and_o warn_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n their_o whole_a history_n and_o all_o
their_o office_n and_o place_n be_v authorize_v and_o oblige_v to_o be_v guide_n of_o soul_n and_o those_o who_o have_v presume_v to_o reject_v these_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o establish_v in_o his_o church_n have_v frequent_o fall_v into_o mischief_n there_o be_v many_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o simon_n magus_n act._n 8.18_o they_o be_v desirous_a to_o purchase_v it_o but_o not_o at_o the_o price_n our_o saviour_n set_v it_o mat._n 13.44_o 46._o and_o there_o be_v many_o false_a counterfeit_a spirit_n very_o officious_a to_o offer_v themselves_o where_o they_o find_v hope_n of_o reception_n and_o they_o always_o suggest_v and_o instigate_v to_o the_o follow_v of_o their_o lead_v which_o be_v insensible_o and_o as_o they_o find_v their_o follower_n dispose_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o from_o christ_n and_o when_o they_o can_v prevail_v with_o they_o in_o that_o manner_n they_o endeavour_v to_o fill_v they_o with_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o conceitedness_n make_v they_o admire_v by_o other_o as_o extraordinary_a and_o very_a holy_a person_n that_o they_o may_v make_v they_o think_v better_o of_o themselves_o than_o they_o ought_v and_o so_o get_v advantage_n of_o they_o that_o way_n and_o there_o be_v general_o two_o great_a fault_n commit_v by_o most_o pretender_n to_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o spirit_n 1._o they_o do_v not_o well_o consider_v themselves_o and_o teach_v other_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n pre-acquired_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o so_o great_a a_o divine_a favour_n 2._o they_o neither_o consider_v nor_o teach_v other_o the_o necessary_a caution_n and_o direction_n for_o trial_n of_o spirit_n in_o general_a the_o conscientious_a observation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o principal_a thing_n for_o both_o for_o as_o the_o law_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o christ_n so_o the_o conscientious_a observation_n of_o the_o external_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v obedience_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n to_o prepare_v we_o for_o and_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n but_o for_o more_o particular_a caution_n and_o direction_n that_o be_v a_o subject_a too_o large_a for_o this_o occasion_n and_o have_v be_v large_o treat_v of_o by_o other_o the_o question_n concern_v baptism_n with_o water_n and_o the_o eucharist_n or_o holy_a communion_n be_v even_o such_o as_o that_o of_o naaman_n 2_o kin._n 5.11_o 22._o but_o they_o who_o make_v they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o servant_n of_o that_o heathen_a who_o give_v he_o this_o prudent_a admonition_n if_o the_o prophet_n have_v bid_v thou_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o rather_o when_o he_o say_v unto_o thou_o wash_v and_o be_v clean_a may_v they_o at_o least_o take_v example_n from_o that_o heathen_a who_o receive_v the_o admonition_n even_o from_o his_o servant_n even_o with_o the_o like_a bless_a success_n and_o this_o with_o what_o i_o have_v say_v before_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o apprehend_v necessary_a to_o be_v say_v to_o the_o question_n for_o such_o serious_a considerate_a person_n as_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o inform_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o give_v they_o all_o further_a satisfaction_n when_o i_o understand_v where_o any_o real_a scruple_n do_v remain_v the_o review_n what_o i_o have_v write_v i_o have_v write_v with_o all_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n with_o all_o candour_n and_o impartiality_n and_o good_a will_n to_o all_o without_o any_o other_o design_n than_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o all_o and_o without_o any_o affectation_n of_o any_o ornament_n as_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n yet_o can_v i_o not_o expect_v but_o i_o must_v incur_v the_o censure_n of_o most_o in_o one_o thing_n or_o other_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o general_a corruption_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o manner_n at_o this_o time_n not_o only_o of_o the_o scandalous_a and_o profane_a or_o hypocritical_a professor_n but_o even_o of_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_a in_o many_o thing_n and_o deserve_o esteem_v in_o the_o world_n both_o for_o part_n and_o honesty_n and_o yet_o in_o other_o not_o so_o complete_a as_o may_v be_v wish_v partly_o through_o the_o bias_n of_o their_o own_o disposition_n and_o partly_o through_o the_o common_a cheat_n of_o honourable_a name_n such_o as_o prudence_n moderation_n discretion_n charity_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o contrary_n call_v good_a evil_a and_o evil_a good_a and_o partly_o through_o certain_a false_a notion_n undermine_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o render_v it_o of_o none_o effect_v in_o many_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v introduce_v and_o recommend_v to_o the_o world_n by_o a_o late_a sect_n appear_v in_o a_o very_a plausible_a form_n but_o in_o truth_n generate_v by_o a_o unnatural_a copulation_n of_o church_n of_o england_n with_o some_o socinian_n principle_n set_v up_o their_o own_o corrupt_a humane_a reason_n in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o wrest_v the_o divine_o inspire_a scripture_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o it_o persuade_v themselves_o and_o other_o that_o the_o noble_a heroic_a virtue_n so_o much_o study_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o ancient_a christian_n such_o as_o humility_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n heavenly-mindedness_a etc._n etc._n be_v for_o time_n of_o persecution_n but_o we_o be_v under_o another_o dispensation_n as_o i_o myself_o have_v be_v tell_v by_o a_o principal_a author_n and_o promoter_n of_o it_o and_o encourage_v such_o temporize_a compliance_n under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o moderation_n and_o prudence_n as_o be_v not_o only_a inlet_n to_o sin_n and_o hindrance_n of_o grace_n but_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o practice_n and_o sentiment_n of_o the_o best_a christian_n of_o all_o age_n with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o example_n and_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o evangelical_n counsel_n in_o this_o age_n our_o baptismal_a engagement_n and_o the_o genuine_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n what_o gloss_n they_o make_v upon_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n i_o must_v leave_v to_o other_o better_a acquaint_v with_o they_o to_o consider_v but_o what_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o person_n so_o leven_v but_o as_o severe_a censure_n of_o this_o write_v as_o they_o take_v this_o to_o be_v of_o other_o but_o that_o reasonable_a expression_n of_o just_a indignation_n at_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o at_o abuse_n of_o scripture_n to_o patronize_v vanity_n and_o by_o person_n profess_v religion_n shall_v be_v censure_v for_o passion_n but_o that_o such_o warm_a expression_n and_o charge_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o awaken_v such_o out_o of_o a_o deadly_a slumber_n as_o experience_n have_v prove_v can_v not_o be_v move_v by_o gentle_a touch_n shall_v be_v censure_v as_o vncharitableness_n and_o necessary_a plain_n deal_v with_o mortal_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o a_o country_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o soul_n be_v censure_v as_o indiscretion_n disrespect_n to_o superior_n and_o sauciness_n but_o to_o leave_v such_o as_o be_v ready_a to_o wish_v and_o to_o talk_v but_o will_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v serve_v to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o those_o who_o commendation_n be_v most_o desirable_a be_v willing_a to_o use_v other_o as_o the_o cat_n foot_n but_o will_v not_o touch_v the_o work_n with_o one_o of_o their_o finger_n nor_o intermit_v the_o compliment_n of_o a_o dinner_n to_o consult_v of_o what_o themselves_o profess_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a importance_n who_o prudence_n prefer_v to_o countenance_v religion_n with_o peruke_n and_o lace_n and_o topknot_n and_o servant_n in_o livery_n rather_o than_o to_o bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n in_o bear_v testimony_n against_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o age_n by_o the_o tacit_n reproof_n of_o they_o in_o a_o decent_a but_o plain_a and_o a_o little_a unfashionable_a attire_n who_o prefer_v charity_n at_o home_n in_o provide_v for_o the_o temporal_a concern_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o family_n with_o some_o little_a creditable_a act_n of_o charity_n as_o we_o call_v it_o before_o trust_v to_o providence_n in_o more_o liberal_a contribution_n to_o unfashionable_a good_a work_n to_o leave_v such_o i_o say_v and_o to_o come_v close_o to_o the_o business_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o i_o be_o yet_o a_o member_n and_o be_o not_o satisfy_v to_o separate_v while_o i_o live_v in_o the_o nation_n notwithstanding_o all_o i_o dislike_v in_o it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o and_o
of_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n nor_o have_v we_o of_o the_o essean_n who_o yet_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v a_o religious_a sect_n among_o the_o jew_n of_o great_a antiquity_n though_o not_o once_o mention_v in_o all_o the_o scripture_n a_o people_n who_o live_v a_o religious_a abstract_a life_n but_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o in_o this_o place_n because_o i_o intend_v the_o full_a relation_n both_o of_o josephus_n and_o of_o philo_n concern_v they_o hereafter_o nor_o shall_v i_o here_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o therapeut_n another_o religious_a society_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o philo_n say_v not_o only_o for_o that_o reason_n because_o i_o intend_v philo_n relation_n of_o they_o hereafter_o but_o because_o i_o conceive_v this_o no_o proper_a place_n for_o it_o for_o i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v some_o of_o those_o who_o be_v first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n probable_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o possible_o of_o the_o essean_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o cavil_n which_o some_o disingenuous_a and_o prejudice_v person_n have_v in_o these_o last_o age_n strain_v their_o wit_n to_o raise_v against_o it_o though_o they_o may_v retain_v some_o sentiment_n and_o practice_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o for_o some_o time_n as_o do_v they_o at_o jerusalem_n as_o may_v be_v understand_v from_o act._n 15.1_o 5._o gal._n 2.4_o 12._o etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o that_o time_n nor_o any_o such_o since_o but_o christian_n who_o from_o that_o time_n inhabit_v the_o same_o place_n and_o from_o thence_o after_o the_o persecution_n cease_v be_v the_o ascetic_a community_n propagate_v to_o palestin_n and_o those_o part_n first_o and_o afterward_o into_o europe_n the_o precursor_n to_o our_o saviour_n st._n john_n baptist_n according_a to_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o angel_n luk._n 1.15_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n even_o from_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o drink_v neither_o wine_n nor_o strong_a drink_n have_v his_o raiment_n of_o camel_n hair_n and_o a_o leathern_a girdle_n about_o his_o loin_n and_o his_o meat_n be_v locust_n and_o wild_a honey_n mat._n 3.4_o and_o be_v in_o the_o desert_n till_o the_o day_n of_o his_o show_v unto_o israel_n luk._n 1.80_o but_o in_o the_o fifteen_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n caesar_n annas_n and_o cajaphas_n be_v the_o high_a priest_n the_o word_n of_o god_n come_v unto_o he_o in_o the_o wilderness_n luk._n 3.1_o 2._o and_o be_v send_v of_o god_n joh._n 1.6_o he_o preach_v and_o baptize_v in_o the_o wilderness_n mat._n 3.1_o mar._n 1.3_o and_o the_o people_n from_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n go_v out_o to_o he_o and_o be_v baptize_v of_o he_o mat._n 3.5_o 6._o this_o be_v a_o life_n not_o only_o of_o retirement_n and_o abstraction_n from_o the_o world_n such_o as_o be_v also_o that_o of_o the_o coenobite_n who_o live_v in_o religious_a community_n but_o plain_o a_o eremetick_n or_o hermetick_n life_n and_o this_o be_v by_o one_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o his_o mother_n womb_n and_o therefore_o by_o one_o raise_v up_o by_o he_o who_o have_v raise_v up_o the_o nazarite_n before_o with_o good_a cause_n do_v the_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n repute_v he_o a_o prince_n of_o the_o monk_n and_o hermit_n raise_v up_o among_o the_o christian_n and_o so_o good_a cause_n that_o they_o who_o oppose_v it_o may_v seem_v to_o oppose_v not_o only_o the_o sentiment_n and_o opinion_n of_o man_n but_z out_o of_o prejudice_n and_o misguide_a zeal_n the_o very_a act_n of_o god_n very_o disingenious_o and_o inconsiderate_o to_o serve_v a_o party_n and_o for_o our_o saviour_n himself_o though_o we_o have_v no_o particular_a account_n of_o his_o life_n till_o about_o the_o thirty_o year_n of_o his_o age_n yet_o we_o can_v question_v but_o he_o do_v practise_v himself_o what_o he_o do_v recommend_v to_o other_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o life_n of_o the_o high_a perfection_n the_o only_a particular_a of_o his_o life_n before_o that_o be_v leave_v upon_o record_n be_v that_o when_o he_o be_v twelve_o year_n old_a he_o tarry_v behind_o at_o jerusalem_n at_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n and_o joseph_n and_o his_o mother_n know_v not_o of_o it_o and_o after_o three_o day_n be_v find_v in_o the_o temple_n sit_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o doctor_n both_o hear_v they_o and_o ask_v they_o question_n and_o that_o all_o who_o hear_v he_o be_v astonish_v at_o his_o understanding_n and_o answer_n and_o when_o his_o mother_n ask_v he_o why_o he_o have_v thus_o deal_v with_o they_o and_o tell_v he_o that_o they_o have_v seek_v he_o sorrow_v he_o reply_v how_o be_v it_o that_o you_o seek_v i_o witted_a you_o not_o that_o i_o must_v be_v about_o my_o father_n business_n and_o that_o he_o go_v down_o with_o they_o and_o come_v to_o nazareth_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o at_o his_o baptism_n we_o see_v how_o careful_a he_o be_v to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n afterward_o he_o declare_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o the_o father_n who_o send_v he_o and_o to_o his_o disciple_n that_o it_o be_v his_o food_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o he_o who_o send_v he_o and_o to_o finish_v his_o work_n joh._n 5.30_o 4.34_o that_o he_o live_v a_o life_n of_o poverty_n from_o his_o birth_n be_v very_o plain_a in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n and_o that_o by_o his_o own_o choice_n certain_o not_o ingenuous_a person_n will_v deny_v and_o therefore_o of_o voluntary_a poverty_n and_o that_o he_o live_v also_o a_o life_n of_o chastity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v much_o less_o that_o it_o be_v a_o life_n of_o abstraction_n recollection_n and_o continual_a adherence_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o the_o father_n and_o all_o this_o be_v put_v together_o and_o well_o consider_v what_o be_v it_o other_o than_o a_o most_o perfect_a ascetic_a life_n the_o great_a exemplar_n so_o generous_o and_o heroick_o exemplify_v by_o those_o many_o and_o numerous_a choires_n of_o holy_a christian_a nazarite_n of_o who_o the_o world_n especial_o this_o lazy_a tepid_a unprofitable_a sensual_a generation_n which_o despise_v the_o memory_n and_o reproach_v the_o common_a name_n heretofore_o with_o they_o and_o other_o venerable_a be_v not_o worthy_a and_o this_o life_n which_o he_o live_v himself_o he_o do_v recommend_v to_o other_o as_o by_o his_o own_o illustrious_a example_n so_o also_o by_o his_o doctrine_n though_o he_o enjoin_v it_o to_o none_o especial_o in_o that_o high_a degree_n for_o chastity_n and_o celebacie_n he_o do_v not_o bare_o approve_v it_o but_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n mat._n 19.11_o which_o all_o can_v receive_v save_v they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v give_v and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v there_o be_v eunuch_n who_o have_v make_v themselves_o eunuch_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n sake_n he_o add_v he_o that_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v it_o let_v he_o receive_v it_o in_o both_o speak_n of_o something_o more_o excellent_a than_o ordinary_a and_o beside_o in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v eunuch_n who_o have_v make_v themselves_o eunuch_n etc._n etc._n he_o plain_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o use_n and_o practice_n at_o that_o time_n as_o it_o have_v be_v long_o before_o which_o he_o so_o approve_a and_o recommend_v to_o all_o who_o can_v receive_v it_o and_o concern_v voluntary_a poverty_n to_o the_o young_a man_n who_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v that_o he_o may_v have_v eternal_a life_n and_o have_v keep_v the_o commandment_n from_o his_o youth_n up_o he_o reply_v one_o thing_n thou_o lack_v if_o thou_o will_v be_v perfect_a go_v and_o sell_v whatsoever_o thou_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n and_o come_v take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o mat._n 19.21_o mar._n 10.21_o luk._n 18.22_o and_o forsake_v all_o he_o make_v a_o indispensible_a requisite_a to_o the_o be_v his_o disciple_n whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o who_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n luk._n 14.33_o as_o to_o religious_a obedience_n and_o voluntary_a subjection_n to_o the_o order_n and_o determination_n of_o another_o well_o experience_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n for_o a_o exercise_n of_o a_o entire_a subjection_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o creator_n what_o else_o be_v it_o but_o a_o very_a proper_a and_o useful_a mean_a and_o expedient_a for_o the_o acquire_v the_o habit_n and_o a_o continual_a exercise_n of_o that_o great_a doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n of_o self-denial_n and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n mat._n 16.24_o mar._n 8.34_o warrant_v and_o approve_v by_o god_n in_o the_o recabite_n and_o by_o
and_o that_o both_o these_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o different_a spring_n and_o fountain_n for_o from_o falshood_n flow_v numerous_a and_o divers_a idea_n or_o kind_n of_o evil_n but_o from_o truth_n a_o great_a abundance_n of_o both_o humane_a and_o divine_a good_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o feast_v be_v thus_o for_o seven_o week_n together_o they_o assemble_v together_o which_o they_o do_v not_o only_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o number_n seven_o but_o also_o to_o the_o power_n of_o it_o for_o they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o chaste_a and_o virgin_n number_n this_o festival_n be_v a_o preparatory_a to_o the_o great_a feast_n viz._n pentecost_n so_o call_v for_o its_o belong_v to_o the_o number_n fifty_o which_o be_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o natural_a number_n because_o of_o the_o power_n of_o a_o rightangled_n triangle_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o production_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o array_v in_o white_a as_o soon_o as_o the_o ephemereut_n for_o that_o be_v the_o name_n they_o call_v their_o beadle_n by_o give_v the_o sign_n all_o of_o they_o before_o they_o sit_v down_o to_o eat_v stand_v in_o a_o very_a decent_a order_n with_o all_o gravity_n do_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n their_o eye_n because_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o see_v thing_n so_o worthy_a of_o veneration_n their_o hand_n to_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o eat_v any_o food_n before_o out_o of_o pretence_n of_o necessity_n pray_v to_o god_n that_o their_o banquet_a may_v please_v he_o and_o be_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n or_o according_a to_o understanding_n the_o senior_n sit_v down_o according_a to_o their_o admission_n for_o they_o do_v reckon_v those_o who_o have_v live_v many_o year_n and_o be_v very_a ancient_n the_o senior_n there_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o young_a child_n if_o they_o have_v but_o late_o be_v enamour_a with_o that_o way_n of_o live_v but_o they_o count_v those_o who_o begin_v betimes_o in_o the_o flower_n of_o their_o age_n to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o contemplative_a part_n of_o philosophy_n which_o indeed_o be_v the_o best_a and_o divine_a part_n their_o senior_n though_o their_o youth_n be_v not_o yet_o expire_v the_o woman_n also_o be_v at_o the_o feast_n with_o they_o many_o of_o which_o be_v very_a ancient_n and_o virgin_n out_o of_o pure_a love_n to_o purity_n not_o out_o of_o necessity_n as_o some_o of_o the_o priestesses_z among_o the_o greek_n who_o live_v so_o upon_o that_o account_n rather_o than_o out_o of_o free_a choice_n no_o these_o live_v so_o because_o of_o a_o true_a zeal_n for_o and_o desire_v of_o wisdom_n for_o have_v a_o fervent_a desire_n to_o live_v by_o wisdom_n they_o make_v no_o account_n of_o bodily_a pleasure_n neither_o do_v they_o desire_v mortal_a but_o immortal_a offspring_n which_o only_o a_o soul_n that_o true_o love_v god_n be_v able_a to_o bring_v forth_o out_o of_o its_o self_n for_o it_o be_v god_n who_o have_v shed_v into_o it_o the_o intellectual_a ray_n of_o the_o father_n by_o which_o it_o will_v be_v able_a to_o contemplate_v the_o decree_n of_o wisdom_n when_o they_o sit_v together_o the_o man_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o woman_n on_o the_o left_a if_o any_o one_o suppose_v that_o soft_a seat_n than_o ordinary_a though_o not_o so_o costly_a be_v prepare_v for_o such_o noble_a virtuous_a exerciser_n of_o virtue_n let_v he_o know_v that_o they_o have_v cheap_a sort_n of_o carpet_n make_v of_o some_o leave_n and_o bark_n of_o tree_n that_o grow_v there_o on_o which_o they_o lean_v a_o little_a for_o they_o remit_v something_o of_o the_o hard_a way_n of_o live_v that_o the_o lacedoemonian_o use_n though_o in_o all_o respect_n they_o study_v frugality_n and_o have_v a_o strong_a antipathy_n against_o the_o philtre_n of_o pleasure_n they_o be_v not_o wait_v upon_o by_o slave_n for_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o keep_n of_o servant_n to_o be_v a_o custom_n against_o nature_n for_o she_o make_v and_o bring_v forth_o all_o man_n free_a but_o the_o iniquity_n and_o unreasonable_a covet_n of_o those_o who_o have_v affect_v inequality_n the_o ringleader_n of_o all_o mischief_n have_v bring_v camp_n into_o the_o world_n and_o set_v the_o strong_a man_n on_o fire_n to_o exert_v their_o strength_n against_o the_o weak_a here_o as_o i_o say_v be_v no_o servant_n but_o freeman_n give_v all_o necessary_a attendance_n which_o they_o do_v hearty_o and_o with_o all_o readiness_n even_o to_o the_o prevention_n of_o request_n for_o the_o junior_n of_o the_o company_n which_o be_v appoint_v from_o meal_n to_o meal_n do_v with_o all_o diligence_n serve_v those_o who_o have_v arrive_v to_o a_o great_a pitch_n of_o virtue_n just_a as_o natural_a son_n do_v with_o great_a pleasure_n and_o emulation_n serve_v their_o parent_n reckon_v these_o their_o common_a parent_n to_o be_v near_o relate_v to_o they_o than_o their_o parent_n by_o blood_n since_o nothing_o be_v near_a than_o integrity_n to_o those_o who_o have_v right_a mind_n those_o that_o wait_v come_v with_o their_o garment_n loose_v about_o they_o lest_o there_o shall_v be_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o servility_n among_o they_o at_o this_o feast_n i_o know_v some_o will_v laugh_v at_o the_o hear_n of_o this_o but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o do_v those_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o weep_v and_o lament_v at_o those_o feast_n no_o wine_n be_v bring_v in_o but_o only_o very_o clear_a water_n cold_a water_n for_o the_o most_o and_o warm_a water_n for_o the_o tender_a of_o the_o old_a men._n their_o table_n be_v pure_a from_o all_o bloody_a creature_n loaf_n be_v their_o meat_n and_o salt_n be_v their_o sauce_n the_o most_o dainty_a of_o they_o indeed_o make_v it_o more_o palatable_a with_o hyssop_n for_o right_a reason_n charge_v they_o like_o priest_n to_o sacrifice_v sacrifice_n without_o wine_n and_o to_o live_v upon_o they_o for_o wine_n be_v a_o incentive_a of_o folly_n and_o chargeable_a dish_n provoke_v lust_n which_o be_v the_o most_o insatiable_a of_o all_o beast_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n after_o the_o guest_n be_v sit_v in_o the_o order_n foremention_v the_o waiter_n do_v stand_v decent_o in_o order_n ready_a to_o serve_v there_o be_v no_o drink_n bring_v but_o every_o one_o call_v for_o it_o as_o he_o want_v it_o and_o which_o be_v more_o than_o any_o thing_n already_o mention_v no_o one_o dare_v belch_n or_o fetch_v his_o breath_n indecent_o but_o some_o body_n either_o offer_v a_o query_n upon_o some_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o solve_v something_o propose_v by_o another_o without_o any_o solicitude_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o solution_n for_o not_o one_o among_o they_o desire_v fame_n by_o fine_a speak_v but_o every_o one_o love_n to_o see_v another_o more_o exact_a and_o when_o they_o see_v he_o so_o not_o to_o envy_v he_o though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o acute_a themselves_o they_o have_v all_o the_o like_a desire_n to_o learn_v sometime_o one_o of_o they_o take_v more_o time_n when_o he_o teach_v repeat_v and_o dwell_v upon_o what_o he_o say_v that_o he_o may_v imprint_v his_o notion_n on_o their_o soul_n for_o many_o time_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o auditor_n be_v not_o able_a to_o keep_v pace_n with_o the_o interpretation_n of_o one_o that_o speak_v too_o close_o or_o too_o fast_o fall_v short_a of_o comprehend_v what_o be_v say_v the_o rest_n look_v with_o their_o face_n upright_o upon_o he_o who_o speak_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o posture_n and_o give_v notice_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o comprehend_v what_o they_o hear_v by_o a_o nod_n or_o a_o look_n they_o discover_v their_o commendation_n by_o the_o continue_a cheerfulness_n of_o their_o aspect_n but_o a_o doubt_n be_v signify_v by_o a_o still_a motion_n of_o the_o head_n and_o their_o right_a hand_n be_v little_a finger_n the_o junior_n also_o that_o wait_n give_v no_o less_o attention_n than_o those_o that_o sit_v at_o table_n their_o exposition_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v allegorical_a hint_n for_o the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o their_o law_n seem_v to_o they_o like_o a_o animal_n in_o which_o the_o literal_a expression_n be_v the_o body_n and_o the_o invisible_a sense_n enfold_v in_o the_o word_n the_o mind_n wherein_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n begin_v distinct_o to_o consider_v the_o property_n thereof_o as_o through_o the_o perspective_n of_o the_o name_n after_o it_o have_v behold_v the_o admirable_a beauty_n of_o the_o notion_n and_o unveil_v the_o symbol_n have_v bring_v to_o light_v the_o deep_a or_o more_o recondite_n sense_n to_o those_o who_o from_o a_o small_a hint_n be_v capable_a of_o trace_v obscure_a truth_n by_o the_o light_n of_o those_o that_o
they_o whole_o abstain_v from_o wine_n as_o he_o have_v say_v in_o these_o express_a word_n and_o eat_v nothing_o that_o have_v blood_n in_o it_o water_n be_v their_o only_a drink_n and_o their_o food_n be_v bread_n with_o salt_n and_o hyssop_n farther_o he_o describe_v the_o order_n and_o degree_n of_o their_o governor_n to_o wit_n those_o who_o perform_v the_o ecclesiastical_a office_n then_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o deacon_n and_o last_o the_o episcopal_a presidency_n over_o all_o he_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v these_o thing_n more_o accurate_o may_v be_v therein_o inform_v from_o the_o forementioned_a history_n of_o philo._n it_o be_v therefore_o apparent_o evident_a to_o every_o one_o that_o philo_n write_v thus_o do_v mean_a thereby_o those_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n and_o discipline_n at_o the_o beginning_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n epiphanius_n bishop_n of_o cyprus_n concern_v the_o same_o har._n 29._o §_o 5._o have_v say_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v at_o first_o call_v nazarene_o as_o act._n 24.5.2.22_o and_o for_o some_o time_n jessean_o whether_o from_o the_o name_n of_o jesse_n or_o from_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n because_o they_o be_v his_o disciple_n he_o add_v but_o thou_o may_v find_v this_o in_o the_o write_n of_o philo_n in_o the_o book_n by_o he_o entitle_v of_o the_o jessean_o who_o describe_v their_o polity_n and_o commendation_n and_o recount_v their_o monastry_n near_o about_o the_o lake_n maria_n he_o relate_v it_o of_o no_o other_o than_o of_o christian_n for_o he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o that_o region_n call_v mariotis_n and_o be_v by_o they_o themselves_o conduct_v to_o the_o monastry_n of_o that_o place_n get_v much_o profit_n by_o it_o for_o be_v there_o in_o the_o day_n of_o easter_n he_o see_v both_o their_o life_n and_o how_o some_o live_v without_o eat_v all_o the_o holy_a week_n of_o easter_n some_o two_o day_n and_o some_o until_o the_o evening_n but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o this_o man_n for_o the_o treat_v of_o the_o subject_a concern_v the_o faith_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o christian_n st._n hierom_n concern_v the_o same_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr scriptoribus_fw-la ecclesiasticis_fw-la philo_z the_o jew_n bear_v at_o alexandria_n of_o the_o race_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v therefore_o by_o we_o place_v among_o the_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n because_o write_v a_o book_n of_o the_o first_o church_n of_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n at_o alexandria_n he_o discourse_v in_o praise_n of_o our_o people_n the_o christian_n there_o recount_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o there_o but_o also_o in_o many_o other_o province_n and_o call_v their_o habitation_n monastry_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o such_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o first_o believer_n in_o christ_n as_o now_o the_o monk_n endeavour_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v that_o nothing_o may_v be_v any_o one_o be_v own_o that_o be_v that_o none_o claim_v a_o propriety_n in_o any_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v none_o among_o they_o rich_a none_o poor_a their_o patrimony_n be_v divide_v among_o those_o who_o need_n that_o they_o all_o attend_v to_o prayer_n and_o psalm_n also_o to_o doctrine_n and_o to_o continence_n such_o as_o luke_n relate_v be_v the_o first_o believer_n at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v report_v that_o under_o caius_n caligula_n he_o be_v in_o some_o danger_n at_o rome_n whither_o he_o be_v send_v legate_n for_o his_o nation_n that_o when_o he_o come_v a_o second_o time_n to_o claudius_n he_o there_o in_o the_o same_o city_n speak_v with_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o hold_v friendship_n with_o he_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n also_o write_v in_o praise_n of_o the_o follower_n of_o mark_n the_o disciple_n of_o peter_n at_o alexandria_n a_o little_a after_o recount_v the_o work_n of_o philo_n among_o the_o rest_n he_o put_v in_o one_o book_n concern_v the_o life_n of_o our_o people_n that_o be_v concern_v apostolic_a man_n of_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o which_o he_o entitle_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d viz._n because_o they_o do_v contemplate_v heavenly_a thing_n and_o pray_v continual_o johannes_n cassianus_n concern_v the_o same_o lib._n 2._o de_fw-la institut_fw-la cap._n 5._o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o faith_n there_o be_v indeed_o but_o few_o but_o those_o most_o approve_a person_n reckon_v under_o the_o denomination_n of_o monk_n who_o as_o from_o mark_n the_o evangelist_n of_o bless_a memory_n who_o first_o preside_v bishop_n in_o the_o city_n of_o alexandria_n they_o receive_v their_o rule_n of_o live_v do_v not_o only_o retain_v those_o great_a thing_n which_o we_o read_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o church_n or_o crowd_n of_o believer_n at_o first_o make_v so_o famous_a viz._n the_o multitude_n of_o they_o who_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n neither_o say_v any_o of_o they_o that_o ought_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v be_v his_o own_o but_o they_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o among_o they_o that_o lack_v for_o as_o many_o as_o be_v possessor_n of_o land_n or_o house_n sell_v they_o and_o bring_v the_o price_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v sell_v and_o lay_v they_o down_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o distribution_n be_v make_v unto_o every_o man_n according_a as_o he_o have_v need_v but_o they_o even_o build_v up_o more_o sublime_a thing_n upon_o they_o for_o retire_v into_o the_o most_o secret_a part_n of_o the_o suburb_n they_o lead_v a_o life_n of_o so_o great_a rigour_n of_o abstinence_n that_o so_o severe_a a_o profession_n of_o life_n be_v a_o amazement_n to_o other_o for_o they_o apply_v themselves_o with_o so_o much_o fervour_n to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n and_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o hand_n day_n and_o night_n that_o neither_o the_o appetite_n or_o memory_n of_o meat_n unless_o after_o two_o or_o three_o day_n do_v interrupt_v they_o by_o hunger_n of_o the_o body_n and_o they_o receive_v meat_n and_o drink_n not_o as_o what_o they_o desire_v but_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o not_o that_o neither_o before_o sunset_n that_o they_o may_v conjoin_v the_o time_n of_o light_n with_o the_o study_n of_o spiritual_a meditation_n but_o the_o care_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o night_n and_o other_o thing_n do_v they_o effect_v more_o sublime_a than_o these_o concern_v which_o he_o who_o be_v not_o sufficient_o inform_v by_o the_o people_n of_o the_o country_n may_v satisfy_v himself_o in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a history_n sozomen_n concern_v the_o same_o 1_o hist_o eccl._n c._n 12._o have_v speak_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o virtue_n of_o its_o professor_n and_o of_o the_o confessor_n then_o live_v and_o of_o the_o famous_a bishop_n spiridion_n he_o add_v but_o most_o of_o all_o do_v they_o illustrate_v the_o church_n with_o their_o virtue_n and_o propagate_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n who_o exercise_v the_o monastic_a discipline_n for_o this_o kind_n of_o philosophy_n come_v from_o god_n with_o the_o great_a benefit_n to_o man_n despise_v indeed_o many_o science_n and_o the_o artifice_n of_o logic_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o curiosity_n and_o by_o which_o the_o exercise_n of_o better_a thing_n be_v supplant_v nor_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o advantage_n for_o a_o right_a kind_n of_o life_n confer_v by_o it_o and_o with_o a_o more_o natural_a prudence_n void_a of_o curiosity_n teach_v those_o thing_n which_o remove_v whole_o viciousness_n and_o effect_v better_a thing_n but_o the_o middle_a thing_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n it_o repute_v not_o among_o the_o good_a but_o delight_n in_o only_o good_a thing_n and_o hold_v he_o for_o a_o ill_a man_n who_o although_o he_o abstain_v from_o evil_a yet_o do_v not_o good_n for_o it_o do_v not_o make_v show_n but_o exercise_v virtue_n and_o make_v no_o account_n of_o the_o glory_n which_o be_v of_o man_n resist_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n with_o great_a fortitude_n nor_o do_v it_o yield_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n nor_o stoop_v to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o body_n but_o have_v obtain_v the_o power_n of_o a_o divine_a mind_n it_o look_v perpetual_o at_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o who_o it_o worship_v day_n and_o night_n and_o appease_v with_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n but_o have_v begin_v a_o pure_a religion_n with_o purity_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o good_a deed_n it_o make_v light_a of_o wash_n and_o such_o like_a purification_n for_o it_o judge_v sin_n only_o to_o be_v impurity_n and_o be_v conqueror_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o happen_v from_o without_o and_z as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v mistress_n of_o all_o be_v not_o divert_v from_o her_o purpose_n neither_o by_o the_o confusion_n of_o
encumber_a with_o it_o any_o long_o his_o movable_n he_o also_o sell_v and_o give_v the_o money_n to_o the_o poor_a 3._o and_o have_v reserve_v some_o small_a matter_n for_o his_o sister_n the_o next_o time_n he_o go_v to_o church_n he_o hear_v our_o lord_n say_v in_o the_o gospel_n matt._n 6.34_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o the_o morrow_n and_o therefore_o without_o any_o more_o delay_n he_o even_o go_v out_o immediate_o and_o distribute_v that_o too_o among_o the_o poor_a and_o have_v give_v she_o in_o charge_n to_o some_o experience_a and_o trusty_a virgin_n to_o be_v educate_v in_o their_o cloister_n he_o betake_v himself_o to_o a_o ascetic_a life_n without_o door_n keep_v a_o very_a close_a eye_n upon_o himself_o and_o lead_v a_o very_a rigid_a and_o absteinous_a life_n for_o at_o that_o time_n there_o scarce_o be_v any_o settle_a monastery_n in_o egypt_n neither_o do_v any_o monk_n live_v in_o a_o remote_a wilderness_n but_o whoever_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o order_v himself_o very_o severe_o exercise_v himself_o in_o some_o solitary_a place_n not_o far_o from_o his_o own_o town_n at_o this_o time_n there_o be_v a_o old_a man_n in_o a_o neighbour_a village_n that_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o a_o solitary_a life_n from_o his_o youth_n st._n antony_n have_v observe_v he_o be_v inflame_v with_o emulation_n and_o at_o first_o continue_v alone_o in_o some_o place_n or_o other_o that_o be_v hard_o by_o the_o village_n and_o wherever_o he_o hear_v of_o any_o studious_a and_o zealous_a courter_z of_o virtue_n like_o a_o provident_a bee_n he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o go_v and_o find_v he_o out_o never_o return_v to_o his_o own_o abide_v till_o he_o have_v see_v he_o and_o can_v bring_v something_o back_o with_o he_o which_o may_v serve_v for_o part_n of_o a_o viaticum_fw-la to_o bear_v up_o his_o spirit_n in_o his_o progress_n to_o heaven_n after_o he_o have_v continue_v thus_o some_o time_n he_o square_v his_o mind_n with_o such_o exactness_n as_o to_o resolve_v never_o to_o return_v again_o to_o the_o place_n where_o his_o ancestor_n seat_n be_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o to_o bear_v the_o secular_a concern_v of_o his_o relation_n in_o his_o memory_n any_o long_o that_o he_o may_v entire_o apply_v his_o mind_n and_o affection_n to_o a_o vigorous_a assiduity_n in_o ascetick_n and_o therefore_o he_o wrought_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n because_o it_o be_v write_v 2_o thess_n 3.10_o let_v not_o the_o idle_a eat_v part_v of_o what_o he_o get_v by_o his_o labour_n he_o subsist_v on_o himself_o and_o part_n of_o it_o he_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a he_o pray_v continual_o because_o he_o have_v learn_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v incessant_o in_o private_a he_o attend_v so_o diligent_o to_o the_o scripture_n when_o read_v that_o nothing_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n from_o he_o but_o he_o hold_v it_o so_o fast_o that_o his_o mind_n be_v as_o good_a as_o a_o library_n to_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o demeanour_n he_o be_v belove_v by_o all_o he_o submit_v with_o great_a readiness_n to_o all_o virtuous_a person_n who_o he_o visit_v he_o will_v with_o great_a diligence_n by_o himself_o mark_v every_o virtuous_a person_n be_v virtue_n for_o which_o he_o be_v peculiar_o eminent_a and_o stamp_v they_o upon_o himself_o in_o one_o he_o will_v observe_v a_o obligingness_n of_o carriage_n in_o another_o a_o unwearied_a fervour_n in_o prayer_n in_o a_o three_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n in_o a_o four_o great_a condescension_n and_o charity_n he_o will_v very_o affectionate_o eye_v this_o person_n be_v great_a sprightliness_n vigilance_n and_o moderate_a use_n of_o sleep_n and_o another_o man_n affability_n delight_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o readiness_n in_o conference_n on_o spiritual_a subject_n here_o he_o admire_v one_o for_o his_o fortitude_n magnanimity_n patience_n and_o courage_n there_o another_o for_o his_o fast_n hard_a lying_n upon_o the_o ground_n and_o other_o such_o like_a art_n of_o subdue_a the_o body_n but_o principal_o and_o above_o all_o he_o will_v seal_v on_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n that_o piety_n and_o vehement_a affection_n for_o christ_n and_o stream_n of_o mutual_a love_n which_o be_v very_o obvious_a and_o legible_a in_o they_o all_o thus_o he_o use_v constant_o to_o go_v back_o to_o his_o own_o cell_n always_o fraught_v with_o such_o useful_a observation_n as_o these_o make_v himself_o the_o repository_n of_o all_o those_o excellency_n he_o can_v spy_v in_o other_o whence_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o elicit_v and_o display_v they_o in_o a_o bright_a and_o exemplary_a conversation_n all_o the_o contest_v he_o have_v with_o those_o of_o the_o same_o age_n with_o himself_o be_v to_o be_v second_o to_o none_o of_o they_o in_o christian_a discipline_n in_o which_o sort_n of_o victory_n he_o behave_v himself_o so_o modest_o that_o no_o body_n fret_v at_o he_o for_o envy_n but_o rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a take_v delight_n in_o take_v notice_n of_o he_o insomuch_o that_o the_o whole_a neighbourhood_n that_o have_v any_o regard_n for_o virtue_n and_o all_o with_o who_o he_o converse_v observe_v his_o goodness_n use_v to_o call_v he_o theophiles_n or_o god_n friend_n the_o elder_a call_v he_o son_n and_o the_o young_a brother_n 4._o but_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v envious_a and_o hate_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v commendable_a can_v not_o endure_v to_o see_v such_o a_o noble_a purpose_n in_o so_o young_a a_o person_n but_o make_v it_o his_o endeavour_n to_o thwart_v all_o his_o design_n to_o his_o disadvantage_n at_o first_o he_o strive_v to_o bring_v he_o off_o of_o his_o ascetic_a course_n of_o life_n by_o throw_v into_o his_o mind_n a_o remembrance_n of_o his_o estate_n of_o the_o nearness_n of_o his_o relation_n and_o a_o solicitude_n for_o they_o a_o love_n of_o money_n and_o desire_v of_o glory_n great_a variety_n of_o pleasure_n and_o other_o such_o recommendation_n of_o the_o method_n of_o the_o world_n as_o also_o thought_n of_o the_o ruggedness_n of_o virtue_n and_o how_o much_o labour_n it_o cost_v a_o man_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o long_a remainder_n of_o his_o life_n in_o short_a the_o devil_n raise_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o dust_n in_o his_o thought_n that_o by_o bemudding_n and_o disorder_v his_o mind_n he_o may_v make_v st._n antony_n let_v go_v his_o design_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o enemy_n see_v himself_o too_o weak_a to_o foil_n st._n antony_n resolution_n and_o quite_o contrariwise_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v emasculate_v by_o the_o holy_a man_n steddiness_n supplant_v by_o a_o mighty_a faith_n and_o fall_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o continual_a and_o earnest_a prayer_n he_o assume_v a_o new_a boldness_n and_o confidence_n in_o those_o weapon_n which_o he_o know_v every_o man_n carry_v about_o he_o in_o his_o own_o flesh_n against_o himself_o for_o here_o he_o most_o lie_v in_o ambush_n against_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o young_a according_o he_o renew_v his_o assault_n against_o the_o youth_n night_n and_o day_n attacking_z he_o with_o great_a turbulence_n insomuch_o that_o stander_n by_o can_v easy_o discern_v a_o combat_n between_o they_o for_o the_o devil_n throw_v filthy_a thought_n into_o his_o mind_n and_o the_o young_a man_n rout_v they_o out_o as_o fast_o by_o prayer_n the_o adversary_n use_v his_o policy_n to_o make_v his_o body_n dissolute_a and_o rebellious_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n st._n antony_n fortify_v his_o soul_n and_o use_v his_o body_n hardly_o and_o keep_v it_o under_o by_o faith_n and_o fast_n and_o tear_n and_o earnest_a address_n to_o god_n but_o still_o the_o devil_n though_o worsted_n be_v very_o hardy_a and_o appear_v to_o he_o in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o woman_n represent_v beautiful_a in_o all_o respect_n only_o to_o impose_v upon_o st._n antony_n but_o antony_n by_o place_v the_o noble_a extract_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o intellectual_a power_n in_o a_o clear_a view_n before_o himself_o quench_v this_o firebrand_n of_o deceit_n nevertheless_o the_o devil_n will_v yet_o be_v hint_v the_o softness_n and_o affectingness_n of_o this_o pleasure_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n antony_z like_o a_o enrage_a and_o exasperate_v person_n by_o revolve_v in_o his_o mind_n god_n menace_n of_o fire_n and_o the_o toil_n of_o those_o furrow_n which_o the_o never-dying_a worm_n plough_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o damn_a escape_v free_a without_o be_v hurt_n or_o so_o much_o as_o singe_v by_o his_o temptation_n all_o which_o dash_v the_o enemy_n mighty_o out_o of_o countenance_n for_o he_o that_o once_o think_v of_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n himself_o be_v now_o slight_v and_o balk_v by_o a_o young_a man_n and_o he_o that_o general_o vaunt_v and_o vapour_n so_o insolent_o over_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v now_o overthrow_v by_o a_o man_n
offer_v to_o the_o natural_a motion_n of_o the_o water_n which_o in_o all_o those_o motion_n be_v keep_v entire_o suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o with_o the_o same_o and_o much_o great_a facility_n the_o god_n of_o heaven_n can_v and_o often_o do_v infallible_o guide_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n yea_o of_o king_n and_o yet_o without_o force_n or_o violation_n of_o its_o natural_a liberty_n there_o be_v never_o any_o age_n nor_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o this_o divine_a efflux_n upon_o their_o understanding_n and_o will_n it_o be_v as_o universal_a and_o common_a as_o the_o light_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o heaven_n only_o upon_o some_o in_o all_o age_n it_o be_v more_o special_a and_o effectual_a than_o upon_o other_o even_o in_o the_o gentile_a world_n i_o have_v always_o esteem_v those_o excellent_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_a famous_a for_o wisdom_n justice_n piety_n and_o knowledge_n as_o man_n illuminate_v and_o guide_v by_o this_o divine_a influence_n though_o possible_o communicate_v to_o they_o in_o a_o more_o signal_n manner_n than_o to_o other_o man_n such_o be_v socrates_n plato_n zeno_n citticus_fw-la solon_n lycurgus_n pythagoras_n tully_n seneca_n aristotle_n and_o divers_a other_o excellent_a philosopher_n moralist_n and_o lawgiver_n among_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n excite_v illuminate_v and_o instruct_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o themselves_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o prepare_v the_o heathen_a world_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o great_a light_n when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o select_v unto_o himself_o and_o his_o special_a government_n the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o descendant_n the_o jewish_a nation_n he_o set_v they_o in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n like_o a_o beacon_n upon_o a_o hill_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o common_a instruction_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n make_v they_o signal_n to_o all_o the_o world_n by_o his_o special_a government_n over_o they_o by_o miracle_n sign_n and_o wonder_n by_o give_v they_o law_n from_o heaven_n in_o great_a majesty_n and_o terror_n by_o commit_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a oracle_n by_o raise_v up_o prophet_n and_o man_n special_o inspire_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n and_o by_o effuse_v among_o they_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o sacred_a spirit_n for_o that_o i_o may_v say_v it_o once_o for_o all_o it_o have_v be_v always_o the_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n when_o he_o send_v out_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o this_o influx_n whereof_o i_o speak_v the_o divine_a providence_n accompany_v that_o efflux_n with_o suitable_a external_a mean_n to_o render_v it_o the_o more_o effectual_a and_o the_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o humane_a understanding_n but_o when_o the_o messiah_n come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o the_o message_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n the_o sun_n be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o meridian_n and_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n unto_o god_n be_v more_o effectual_a and_o universal_a so_o be_v also_o the_o efflux_n and_o irradiation_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n more_o vigorous_a diffusive_a and_o universal_a and_o as_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n of_o heal_v disease_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o like_a to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v man_n mind_n in_o the_o faith_n belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o neither_o be_v this_o all_o but_o the_o secret_a and_o effectual_a influence_n of_o the_o same_o bless_a spirit_n appear_v in_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o persuade_v and_o mighty_o subdue_a their_o will_n to_o the_o belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o convert_v man_n mind_n unto_o god_n and_o place_v they_o in_o they_o just_a and_o due_a habitude_n to_o almighty_a god_n and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o various_a working_n thereof_o be_v sometime_o call_v the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n the_o spirit_n of_o renovation_n the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n the_o spirit_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o various_a energy_n that_o this_o great_a effusion_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n and_o this_o great_a and_o more_o diffusive_a and_o effectual_a effusion_n of_o this_o influence_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n isa_n 25.7_o i_o will_v destroy_v in_o this_o mountain_n the_o cover_v cast_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o all_o people_n isa_n 11.9_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o water_n cover_v the_o sea_n isa_n 54.13_o all_o thy_o child_n shall_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o lord_n isa_n 59.20_o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o they_o my_o spirit_n that_o be_v upon_o thou_o and_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thou_o nor_o from_o thy_o seed_n nor_o from_o thy_o seed_n seed_n ezek._n 36.27_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n and_o keep_v my_o judgement_n and_o do_v they_o isa_n 44.3_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o thy_o seed_n joel_n 2.28_o i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o this_o energy_n of_o the_o divine_a influence_n appear_v 1._o by_o a_o secret_a irradiation_n and_o illumination_n of_o the_o understanding_n 2._o by_o a_o powerful_a persuasion_n and_o incline_v of_o the_o will_n both_o which_o as_o they_o be_v with_o a_o more_o vigorous_a and_o effectual_a dispensation_n under_o the_o first_o break_v out_o of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o they_o do_v accompany_v the_o publication_n of_o it_o unto_o this_o day_n and_o shall_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n though_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o mankind_n not_o with_o equal_a success_n in_o all_o age_n we_o have_v here_o the_o judgement_n and_o belief_n of_o this_o great_a and_o good_a man_n of_o a_o divine_a efflux_n upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n of_o man_n and_o that_o even_o among_o the_o heathen_a those_o so_o fame_v for_o wisdom_n justice_n piety_n and_o knowledge_n be_v illuminate_v and_o guide_v by_o a_o divine_a influence_n and_o we_o have_v here_o also_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o his_o judgement_n 1._o observation_n in_o nature_n 2._o the_o sentiment_n of_o learned_a and_o understanding_n man_n philosopher_n in_o all_o age_n 3._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n to_o which_o he_o elsewhere_o add_v his_o own_o experience_n and_o whereas_o he_o have_v in_o some_o thing_n change_v his_o opinion_n as_o he_o see_v cause_n from_o what_o it_o be_v in_o his_o young_a time_n this_o he_o receive_v early_o as_o appear_v by_o some_o of_o his_o first_o write_n and_o retain_v constant_o to_o the_o last_o as_o appear_v by_o his_o treatise_n of_o humility_n which_o he_o write_v upon_o my_o motion_n not_o long_o before_o his_o last_o sickness_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n after_o other_o particular_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n he_o add_v in_o the_o 10_o place_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o secret_a but_o a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o high_o improve_v that_o wisdom_n which_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n bring_v and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o those_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n have_v a_o secret_a guidance_n from_o a_o high_a wisdom_n than_o what_o be_v bare_o humane_a namely_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o wisdom_n that_o do_v real_o and_o true_o but_o secret_o prevent_v and_o direct_v they_o and_o let_v no_o man_n think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o fanaticism_n any_o man_n that_o sincere_o and_o true_o fear_v almighty_a god_n rely_v upon_o he_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o his_o guidance_n and_o direction_n have_v it_o as_o real_o as_o the_o son_n have_v the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n of_o his_o father_n and_o though_o the_o voice_n be_v not_o audible_a nor_o the_o direction_n always_o perceptible_a to_o sense_n yet_o it_o be_v equal_o as_o real_a as_o if_o a_o man_n hear_v the_o voice_n say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o and_o this_o secret_a direction_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v principal_o see_v in_o matter_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n
humane_a in_o many_o case_n wherein_o the_o general_a prescript_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o as_o many_o thing_n be_v lawful_a which_o may_v not_o be_v expedient_a so_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v expedient_a or_o necessary_a which_o may_v not_o be_v acknowledge_v duty_n in_o themselves_o evidence_v by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o write_a word_n and_o to_o the_o successful_a performance_n of_o acknowledge_a duty_n certain_a circumstance_n may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v so_o necessary_a that_o unless_o due_o observe_v all_o endeavour_n will_v be_v frustrate_a and_o all_o these_o expedience_n and_o circumstance_n may_v be_v and_o frequent_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o discernible_a by_o we_o mortal_n without_o some_o notice_n from_o more_o intelligent_a being_n if_o therefore_o the_o all-seeing_a wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n be_v please_v either_o immediate_o by_o his_o own_o spirit_n or_o mediate_o by_o any_o of_o the_o invisible_a minister_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o afford_v any_o such_o divine_a favour_n to_o such_o mortal_n as_o be_v due_o dispose_v for_o the_o same_o if_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o servant_n he_o be_v please_v by_o any_o secret_a impression_n upon_o his_o heart_n or_o mind_n or_o other_o notice_n to_o conduct_v he_o in_o these_o thing_n or_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n though_o without_o manifest_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o to_o exercise_v his_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o the_o subjection_n of_o his_o intellect_n to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o his_o will_n to_o obedience_n to_o his_o pleasure_n as_o he_o who_o after_o competent_a experience_n of_o this_o shall_v be_v disobedient_a to_o any_o such_o notice_n will_v certain_o incur_v sin_n more_o or_o less_o and_o just_o deserve_v correction_n so_o it_o will_v be_v no_o less_o impiety_n against_o that_o holy_a majesty_n and_o mischief_n to_o man_n to_o raise_v among_o they_o any_o scandal_n or_o prejudice_n against_o it_o and_o thereupon_o a_o great_a indisposition_n for_o it_o by_o any_o undue_a opposition_n of_o fanaticism_n without_o sufficient_a distinction_n and_o caution_n than_o it_o be_v impudence_n and_o inconsiderateness_n in_o other_o to_o expose_v themselves_o and_o their_o follower_n to_o the_o delusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n by_o high_a pretence_n to_o such_o divine_a and_o extraordinary_a favour_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o or_o notice_n of_o those_o special_a qualification_n and_o caution_n for_o trial_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o capacitate_v they_o for_o such_o favour_n and_o to_o secure_v they_o against_o such_o delusion_n it_o require_v therefore_o no_o small_a caution_n to_o use_v this_o author_n expression_n that_o under_o a_o invidious_a name_n they_o reject_v not_o such_o favour_n or_o calumniate_v such_o a_o holy_a conduct_n and_o that_o they_o especial_o who_o reproach_n other_o with_o limit_v the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v not_o themselves_o in_o this_o what_o in_o other_o thing_n they_o condemn_v in_o other_o with_o less_o reason_n and_o certain_o great_a caution_n be_v likewise_o to_o be_v use_v on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o we_o presume_v not_o to_o attribute_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n what_o be_v mere_o the_o imagination_n or_o effusion_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n what_o be_v mere_o humane_a invention_n or_o artifice_n and_o even_o the_o inspiration_n and_o delusion_n of_o satan_n transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n by_o this_o mean_n be_v great_a indignity_n common_o do_v to_o the_o holy_a and_o pure_a spirit_n and_o great_a sin_n contract_v by_o man_n arrogate_a to_o themselves_o those_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o they_o have_v little_a of_o and_o recommend_v themselves_o and_o their_o performance_n upon_o such_o high_a pretence_n and_o great_a scandal_n give_v to_o people_n to_o think_v mean_o of_o so_o great_a a_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n there_o be_v three_o greatmean_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o we_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n natural_a reason_n supernatural_a revelation_n communicate_v by_o person_n authorize_v by_o divine_a commission_n so_o to_o do_v and_o special_a illumination_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o they_o who_o careful_o use_v all_o these_o in_o their_o due_a order_n can_v err_v but_o they_o who_o set_v up_o these_o one_o against_o another_o do_v usual_o run_v themselves_o and_o lead_v other_o into_o great_a error_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o so_o great_a disorder_n and_o mischief_n have_v through_o the_o subtlety_n and_o energy_n of_o satan_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n by_o person_n pretend_v to_o some_o one_o of_o these_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o opposition_n to_o some_o other_o of_o they_o either_o of_o right_a reason_n or_o of_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o spiritual_a worship_n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o they_o who_o pretend_v most_o to_o right_a reason_n in_o opposition_n to_o inspiration_n be_v even_o therein_o very_o strong_o inspire_v but_o by_o the_o subtle_a spirit_n of_o opposition_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n as_o great_a and_o pernicious_a fanatic_n as_o any_o though_o they_o least_o suspect_v it_o but_o not_o only_o those_o unhappy_a atheistical_a pretender_n to_o reason_n who_o despise_v all_o revelation_n and_o reveal_v religion_n but_o such_o as_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o not_o only_o that_o insolent_a and_o presumptuous_a sect_n who_o assert_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o strain_n and_o wrest_v they_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o preconceived_n notion_n but_o more_o moderate_a man_n and_o such_o as_o pretend_v high_a to_o the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o most_o pure_a spiritual_a worship_n and_o cry_v out_o against_o man-made_a divinity_n and_o against_o fanaticism_n too_o by_o indulge_v too_o much_o to_o their_o own_o conceit_n have_v bring_v such_o disorder_n and_o mischief_n into_o the_o church_n as_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v doubt_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o influence_n and_o impression_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n upon_o their_o mind_n hence_o be_v many_o run_v from_o superstition_n into_o profaneness_n from_o idolatry_n into_o sacrilege_n from_o formality_n into_o contempt_n or_o neglect_v of_o the_o most_o solemn_a christian_a worship_n from_o beggarly_a rudiment_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n to_o make_v light_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n from_o monkish_a austerity_n as_o they_o call_v it_o into_o common_a indulgence_n and_o gratification_n to_o sense_n from_o popish_a merit_n into_o carlessness_n worldly-mindedness_a selfishness_n and_o little_o concern_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n or_o salvation_n of_o soul_n from_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o popish_a pretence_n to_o deny_v all_o even_o of_o the_o apostle_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o catholic_n sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o divers_a of_o the_o evangelical_n and_o apostolical_a precept_n and_o direction_n and_o at_o last_o to_o limit_v our_o saviour_n sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n to_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n till_o at_o last_o by_o those_o mean_n we_o be_v grow_v ripe_a for_o a_o persecution_n or_o some_o other_o severe_a awaken_n and_o purge_v judgement_n all_o this_o and_o more_o that_o may_v be_v note_v we_o can_v impute_v mere_o to_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n have_v be_v all_o the_o while_o mere_a idle_a spectator_n but_o if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o subtle_a and_o active_a thus_o to_o deceive_v the_o gentile_n in_o these_o latter_a time_n and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n have_v not_o be_v exempt_a from_o their_o assault_n it_o concern_v all_o to_o beware_v that_o they_o be_v not_o deceive_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o delusion_n under_o any_o of_o these_o appearance_n either_o of_o the_o good_a spirit_n or_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o of_o reason_n that_o they_o embrace_v not_o false_a conclusion_n instead_o of_o right_a reason_n their_o own_o conceit_n or_o the_o novel_a opinion_n of_o some_o sect_n instead_o of_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o satan_n transform_v for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n least_o by_o any_o mean_n as_o the_o serpent_n beguile_v eve_n through_o his_o subtlety_n their_o mind_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v from_o the_o simplicity_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n possible_a to_o escape_v this_o but_o by_o the_o aid_n illumination_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v any_o to_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o that_o spirit_n when_o they_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n prescribe_v by_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o apostle_n who_o be_v commissioned_n by_o he_o for_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o fullness_n we_o all_o receive_v as_o the_o law_n be_v our_o schoolmaster_n
whether_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n or_o one_o of_o those_o seduce_v spirit_n to_o who_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n that_o some_o will_v give_v heed_n be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n express_o say_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o take_v this_o into_o very_o deep_a consideration_n 1._o because_o of_o the_o many_o and_o weighty_a caution_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o leave_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n for_o our_o warning_n in_o these_o latter_a time_n to_o beware_v of_o they_o and_o not_o to_o go_v out_o after_o they_o with_o admonition_n concern_v their_o subtlety_n their_o energy_n or_o power_n and_o their_o strong_a delusion_n to_o deceive_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_n and_o that_o even_a satan_n himself_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n that_o be_v put_v on_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n 2_o cor._n 11.14_o and_o last_o that_o we_o shall_v try_v the_o spirit_n 1_o jo._n 4.1_o 2._o because_o if_o the_o trial_n be_v by_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n with_o the_o doctrine_n institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n authorize_v by_o he_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v apostatise_v and_o go_v off_o or_o at_o least_o fall_v short_a of_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o special_a concern_v those_o before_o mention_v and_o therefore_o to_o be_v seduce_v by_o some_o spirit_n of_o error_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o devil_n himself_o have_v that_o malice_n and_o envy_n against_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n by_o who_o he_o have_v be_v conquer_a and_o vanquish_a and_o against_o the_o solemn_a memorial_n of_o that_o victory_n that_o can_v he_o but_o keep_v people_n from_o engage_v in_o that_o holy_a covenant_n with_o he_o by_o baptism_n and_o from_o the_o solemnity_n of_o that_o memorial_n he_o will_v be_v willing_a himself_o to_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o other_o truth_n upon_o that_o condition_n rather_o than_o fail_v yet_o notwithstanding_o since_o they_o be_v a_o sober_a people_n have_v receive_v retain_v and_o do_v act_n upon_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v divers_a commendable_a thing_n in_o they_o and_o what_o error_n they_o have_v fall_v into_o have_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n give_v by_o those_o of_o the_o church_n who_o will_v have_v a_o sad_a account_n to_o answer_v for_o it_o i_o do_v hope_n in_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a spirit_n which_o have_v the_o conduct_n of_o they_o he_o shall_v lead_v and_o dispose_v those_o who_o be_v sincere_a among_o they_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o those_o thing_n whereto_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o resign_v the_o conduct_n of_o they_o to_o a_o more_o powerful_a and_o better_a guide_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v see_v such_o a_o society_n of_o complete_a christian_n come_v out_o of_o this_o despise_a people_n as_o be_v at_o this_o time_n hardly_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o i_o know_v of_o these_o be_v my_o thought_n and_o hope_n concern_v this_o people_n in_o general_n at_o present_a and_o hope_n i_o say_v ground_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o power_n of_o god_n which_o no_o good_a be_v will_v oppose_v nor_o no_o evil_a power_n can_v stand_v before_o and_o in_o his_o name_n i_o come_v unto_o you_o know_v assure_o that_o neither_o i_o nor_o any_o humane_a ability_n be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o the_o power_n that_o be_v among_o you_o notwithstanding_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o i_o have_v mention_v already_o and_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n almighty_n through_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n more_o full_o to_o explain_v unto_o you_o in_o due_a time_n but_o as_o i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a power_n it_o will_v favour_v i_o and_o assist_v i_o in_o it_o and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o too_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a power_n commissioned_n it_o must_v cease_v and_o submit_v to_o that_o victorious_a and_o all-conquering_a name_n its_o enchantment_n must_v be_v dissolve_v and_o its_o sophistry_n and_o fallacy_n detect_v i_o therefore_o as_o a_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o meekness_n of_o christ_n beseech_v you_o be_v you_o reconcile_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v they_o with_o that_o reverence_n and_o gratitude_n that_o be_v meet_v without_o cavil_v or_o regard_n to_o any_o temporal_a concern_v i_o do_v not_o invite_v you_o to_o return_v to_o the_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n which_o you_o have_v forsake_v but_o to_o those_o truth_n and_o to_o the_o due_a use_n of_o those_o holy_a thing_n against_o which_o you_o have_v be_v scandalize_v by_o those_o abuse_n and_o corruption_n nor_o do_v i_o invite_v you_o to_o dissolve_v your_o society_n or_o to_o leave_v off_o your_o meeting_n and_o drown_v yourselves_o in_o a_o promiscuous_a multitude_n no_o you_o have_v in_o part_n bear_v a_o good_a testimony_n and_o i_o will_v have_v you_o do_v so_o still_o but_o i_o invite_v you_o only_o to_o make_v your_o testimony_n more_o complete_a illustrious_a and_o irrefragable_a by_o bear_v your_o testimony_n to_o the_o whole_a truth_n and_o not_o any_o long_o a_o testimony_n like_o the_o foot_n of_o daniel_n image_n partly_o strong_a and_o partly_o weak_a by_o a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n with_o falsehood_n for_o that_o can_v stand_v long_o together_o but_o to_o strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v and_o set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v that_o you_o may_v stand_v for_o otherwise_o you_o will_v certain_o be_v break_v to_o piece_n i_o invite_v you_o but_o to_o what_o i_o be_o do_v myself_o with_o a_o small_a company_n of_o poor_a people_n that_o be_v bear_v a_o testimony_n for_o god_n and_o manifest_o under_o his_o conduct_n but_o it_o be_v neglect_v by_o they_o to_o who_o it_o have_v be_v offer_v for_o a_o sufficient_a time_n and_o in_o a_o sufficient_a manner_n consider_v their_o learning_n and_o pretence_n to_o knowledge_n and_o now_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o you_o a_o despise_a people_n that_o god_n may_v humble_v the_o proud_a and_o highminded_a and_o confound_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a by_o mean_a and_o despicable_a thing_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o men._n be_v wise_a and_o neglect_v not_o the_o opportunity_n and_o you_o who_o be_v last_o in_o the_o world_n account_n shall_v be_v first_o what_o ever_o you_o do_v you_o will_v find_v there_o be_v solid_a truth_n in_o the_o proposal_n and_o i_o wish_v you_o may_v receive_v it_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o your_o own_o comfort_n and_o salvation_n and_o you_o will_v then_o find_v i_o to_o have_v be_v your_o sincere_a and_o cordial_a friend_n e._n s._n 31_o aug._n 1696._o after_o this_o there_o be_v other_o letter_n and_o paper_n send_v which_o may_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o hereafter_o as_o there_o may_v be_v occasion_n but_o the_o last_o contain_v certain_a question_n which_o i_o think_v fit_a now_o to_o propose_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o who_o be_v sincere_a and_o do_v desire_v not_o to_o deceive_v themselves_o nor_o be_v deceive_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o will_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n if_o any_o notwithstanding_o will_v presume_v to_o go_v on_o in_o any_o false_a or_o erroneous_a way_n they_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o and_o their_o blood_n if_o they_o miscarry_v must_v be_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n for_o the_o design_n and_o use_v of_o these_o question_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o case_n what_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n or_o some_o subtle_a spirit_n of_o delusion_n whether_o they_o be_v christian_n indeed_o or_o counterfeit_n christian_n that_o be_v antichristian_o whether_o hypocritical_a professor_n in_o word_n but_o renagadoe_n in_o deed_n refuse_v the_o solemnity_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o worship_n and_o the_o order_n of_o his_o church_n or_o such_o sincere_a christian_n as_o be_v ready_a to_o follow_v the_o guidance_n of_o his_o spirit_n out_o of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o out_o of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o imagination_n and_o error_n and_o mistake_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n or_o of_o delusion_n and_o perdition_n the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o command_v