like_a may_v we_o turn_v throughout_o that_o whole_a book_n and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v yet_o desire_v more_o testimony_n let_v he_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o be_v all_o every_o where_o full_a of_o this_o doctrine_n that_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o member_n even_o from_o abel_n down_o to_o these_o time_n have_v always_o tread_v in_o this_o path_n if_o therefore_o any_o one_o shall_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n believe_v this_o to_o he_o i_o hope_v this_o small_a treatise_n will_v be_v very_o serviceable_a and_o profitable_a but_o unless_o every_o one_o himself_o shall_v hear_v &_o learn_v this_o of_o the_o father_n these_o testimony_n nor_o any_o other_o will_v never_o help_v he_o no_o not_o the_o whole_a bible_n with_o all_o its_o quotation_n christ_n crucify_v be_v always_o a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o foolishness_n to_o the_o gentile_n but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v he_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n blessed_n be_v every_o one_o say_v christ_n who_o shall_v not_o be_v offend_v in_o i_o which_o be_v say_v i_o shall_v now_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o preface_n o_o lord_n who_o by_o thy_o grace_n be_v able_a to_o kill_v and_o to_o make_v alive_a to_o lead_v down_o into_o hell_n or_o the_o grave_n and_o to_o bring_v forth_o from_o thence_o again_o show_v to_o we_o thy_o mercy_n and_o grant_v we_o free_o thy_o salvation_n amen_n the_o saying_n of_o mat_n wire_n the_o first_o book_n chap._n 1._o such_o as_o be_v the_o state_n of_o a_o man_n so_o he_o understand_v the_o holy_a scripture_n if_o he_o be_v still_o in_o nature_n he_o interpret_v their_o mean_v to_o be_v of_o natural_a thing_n but_o if_o he_o be_v ascend_v high_a he_o understand_v they_o of_o thing_n more_o sublime_a and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o high_a he_o go_v he_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o much_o the_o more_o sublime_a testimony_n of_o thing_n thing_n below_o be_v the_o image_n and_o similitude_n of_o thing_n above_o if_o therefore_o a_o man_n be_v still_o in_o the_o low_a degree_n the_o scripture_n propound_v to_o he_o the_o low_a matter_n but_o if_o he_o be_v get_v up_o into_o thing_n above_o the_o scripture_n show_v to_o he_o superior_a matter_n when_o paul_n say_v not_o in_o riotous_a feast_n and_o drunkenness_n not_o in_o chambering_n and_o wantonness_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o 13_o to_o the_o rom._n 19_o that_o concern_v a_o man_n according_a to_o the_o various_a state_n of_o his_o life_n either_o literal_o or_o spiritual_o if_o he_o live_v carnal_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o gross_a flesh_n but_o if_o he_o live_v spiritual_o flesh_n also_o be_v thereby_o mean_v but_o a_o more_o refine_a sort_n of_o flesh_n to_o which_o also_o he_o must_v die_v but_o before_o he_o can_v die_v to_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v first_o have_v live_v thereunto_o and_o he_o can_v first_o have_v live_v thereunto_o unless_o first_o he_o have_v die_v unto_o the_o more_o gross_a carnality_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v this_o sublime_a way_n of_o die_v before_o he_o be_v come_v up_o unto_o that_o degreeâ—_n now_o if_o any_o one_o be_v come_v up_o thither_o rather_o in_o a_o notional_a understanding_n thereof_o then_o in_o the_o true_a essence_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v in_o very_o great_a danger_n of_o wander_v into_o error_n the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o flesh_n be_v most_o clean_o express_v in_o that_o rich_a man_n who_o live_v sumptuous_o and_o be_v clothe_v in_o scarlet_n when_o on_o the_o contrary_a lazarus_n lie_v poor_a hungry_a naked_a and_o full_a of_o sore_n but_o what_o come_v it_o too_o the_o high_a riches_n be_v bring_v unto_o the_o low_a poverty_n and_o the_o low_a poverty_n be_v change_v into_o the_o high_a riches_n christ_n say_v john_n 12.32_o when_o i_o shall_v be_v lift_v up_o from_o the_o earth_n i_o will_v draw_v all_o unto_o i_o there_o the_o earth_n be_v purify_v and_o glorify_v and_o make_v fit_a for_o god_n there_o than_o a_o man_n abide_v yield_v up_o to_o god_n and_o suffer_v all_o in_o god_n whatsoever_o he_o shall_v do_v in_o he_o here_o therefore_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o passion_n under_o god_n but_o not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o action_n and_o god_n possess_v he_o for_o his_o proper_a own_a and_o if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o yet_o possess_v god_n as_o his_o propriety_n viz._n while_o he_o be_v yet_o alive_a and_o not_o when_o he_o be_v dead_a then_o be_v not_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o his_o heart_n as_o yet_o purge_v from_o sin_n for_o the_o root_n of_o sin_n still_o be_v in_o he_o and_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o eradicate_v but_o at_o length_n this_o bottom_n be_v make_v manifest_a to_o the_o man_n and_o sin_n be_v account_v and_o be_v condemn_v as_o sin_n when_o christ_n be_v lift_v up_o from_o the_o earth_n than_o a_o man_n stand_v in_o death_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o he_o there_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v purify_v and_o the_o root_n pluck_v up_o when_o a_o man_n know_v that_o he_o be_v to_o omit_v this_o or_o that_o and_o yet_o commit_v it_o his_o prayer_n for_o more_o sublime_a gift_n be_v not_o hear_v for_o he_o lift_v not_o up_o pure_a hand_n because_o so_o long_o as_o he_o lay_v not_o aside_o inferior_a thing_n he_o receive_v no_o virtue_n to_o omit_v high_a thing_n as_o long_o as_o he_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o do_v or_o omit_v that_o which_o he_o acknowledge_v be_v to_o be_v omit_v or_o do_v by_o he_o so_o long_o be_v hide_v from_o he_o the_o do_v or_o omit_v of_o more_o sublime_a thing_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o he_o but_o if_o he_o have_v be_v faithful_a in_o low_a matter_n he_o shall_v be_v advance_v to_o high_a if_o something_n be_v to_o be_v renounce_v by_o a_o man_n and_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o renounce_v they_o then_o although_o he_o pray_v yet_o be_v he_o not_o hear_v but_o be_v force_v to_o depart_v empty_a hand_v chap._n ii_o if_o a_o man_n abstain_v from_o external_a idolatry_n as_o also_o from_o the_o company-keeping_n feast_n merry-meeting_n and_o drink_n from_o the_o proud_a apparel_n and_o from_o all_o such_o like_a that_o spring_n out_o of_o sin_n yet_o be_v he_o not_o so_o to_o rest_v satisfy_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o these_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v omit_v what_o be_v to_o be_v omit_v yet_o this_o i_o say_v that_o however_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v at_o rest_n or_o to_o content_v himself_o thus_o for_o just_a as_o he_o who_o be_v to_o go_v to_o â—olen_v be_v not_o content_a to_o pass_v over_o the_o rhine_n only_o nor_o stop_v he_o there_o but_o continue_v on_o his_o journey_n until_o he_o come_v to_o colen_n so_o also_o we_o must_v always_o be_v go_v forward_o and_o look_v still_o further_o on_o to_o internal_a purification_n that_o as_o the_o external_a conversation_n be_v purge_v so_o also_o must_v the_o inward_a foundation_n be_v purge_v now_o christ_n alone_o affect_v that_o he_o cleanse_v the_o foundation_n and_o take_v away_o sin_n and_o beyond_o all_o our_o endeavour_n or_o working_n expel_v it_o by_o faith_n only_o if_o satan_n be_v so_o powerful_a that_o he_o can_v bring_v in_o sin_n then_o be_v christ_n much_o more_o powerful_a and_o can_v both_o conquer_v and_o expel_v it_o he_o that_o experience_v the_o thing_n itself_o how_o christ_n expel_v sin_n and_o purify_v a_o man_n he_o only_o true_o feel_v the_o effect_n thereof_o before_o purgation_n sin_n may_v indeed_o be_v suppose_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o break_v forth_o into_o fruit_n yet_o be_v it_o still_o present_a viz._n in_o the_o bottom_n and_o thence_o it_o must_v be_v remove_v and_o cast_v out_o if_o a_o man_n will_v arrive_v at_o regeneration_n and_o righteousness_n be_v advance_v in_o he_o which_o render_v a_o man_n inclinable_a and_o cheerful_a to_o all_o good_a whatsoever_o but_o loath_a and_o heavy_a to_o all_o that_o be_v evil_a even_o as_o before_o sin_v make_v the_o man_n loath_a and_o heavy_a to_o good_a but_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a to_o evil_a if_o evil_a be_v not_o omit_v by_o and_o through_o regeneration_n nor_o good_a by_o and_o through_o the_o same_o regeneration_n perform_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v forcible_o with_o regret_n against_o our_o will_n whatever_o of_o evil_n be_v thus_o omit_v or_o whatever_o of_o good_a be_v thus_o perform_v for_o there_o in_o that_o case_n be_v as_o yet_o no_o renew_n but_o the_o old_a evil_a stock_n still_o remain_v which_o endeavour_v to_o effect_v its_o proper_a work_n and_o to_o produce_v they_o into_o act_n and_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o new_a creature_n but_o when_o the_o victory_n and_o regeneration_n be_v obtain_v the_o
by_o fear_n and_o anxiety_n by_o terror_n and_o by_o death_n for_o they_o can_v like_v the_o common_a sort_n of_o man_n spend_v their_o life_n in_o mere_a pleasure_n but_o he_o do_v always_o detain_v he_o under_o a_o rigid_a discipline_n and_o many_o fright_n and_o make_v they_o drink_v down_o the_o bitter_a potion_n of_o tribulation_n that_o all_o their_o internal_a faculty_n as_o well_o of_o spirit_n as_o of_o soul_n may_v be_v bring_v under_o the_o cross_n nor_o can_v they_o ever_o arrive_v at_o true_a peace_n until_o every_o one_o of_o they_o learn_v naked_o to_o yield_v up_o himself_o into_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o content_o to_o take_v of_o the_o potion_n mix_v by_o god_n and_o give_v he_o to_o drink_v out_o of_o mere_a grace_n and_o love_n now_o that_o this_o cup_n be_v bitter_a be_v no_o fault_n of_o god_n but_o our_o own_o and_o that_o because_o we_o be_v contrary_a and_o enemy_n to_o what_o be_v good_a and_o can_v bear_v to_o be_v purge_v just_a like_o the_o vulgar_a people_n who_o trouble_n be_v increase_v by_o a_o mix_a physick-wine_n for_o by_o nature_n a_o man_n fly_v from_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v hard_a and_o produce_v pain_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v recover_v nor_o to_o come_v at_o health_n then_o by_o those_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o be_v always_o more_o and_o more_o adapt_v to_o christ_n our_o head_n by_o a_o similitude_n of_o his_o suffering_n death_n and_o burial_n that_o afterward_o by_o a_o like_a resurrection_n also_o we_o may_v be_v take_v into_o he_o and_o be_v possess_v of_o a_o never-fading_a crown_n of_o glory_n for_o how_o much_o we_o suffer_v together_o with_o christ_n so_o much_o also_o shall_v we_o reign_v with_o â—im_n not_o indeed_o in_o this_o time_n of_o temporary_a abode_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o permanency_n of_o spirit_n and_o life_n in_o which_o we_o â—hall_v arise_v and_o be_v excite_v to_o such_o a_o likeness_n of_o christ_n as_o consist_v not_o with_o depraved_a nature_n but_o be_v lift_v up_o above_o nature_n and_o be_v conform_v into_o a_o spirituâ—â—_n eternal_a and_o immortal_a life_n thus_o therefore_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o in_o their_o â—wn_a order_n may_v expect_v it_o will_v be_v accord_v to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o divine_a gift_n â—â—at_v the_o enemy_n may_v for_o the_o time_n to_o â—â—me_n have_v no_o more_o right_a nor_o power_n â—er_o our_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n under_o â—hich_v hitherto_o we_o have_v be_v bind_v use_v captivate_v hope_v for_o salvation_n use_v redemption_n in_o christ_n from_o all_o our_o internal_a enemy_n who_o force_n our_o soul_n into_o slavery_n so_o that_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n we_o may_v in_o all_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n serve_v the_o lord_n as_o present_v with_o we_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n he_o therefore_o that_o have_v appear_v on_o earth_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o to_o the_o desolate_a will_v comfort_v and_o cure_v our_o sorrowful_a heart_n and_o gracious_o set_v the_o captive_n free_a he_o i_o say_v will_v in_o his_o own_o time_n appear_v gracious_a to_o thy_o humane_a weakness_n and_o will_v bless_v thy_o internal_a poverty_n and_o affliction_n with_o a_o greâ—â—_n plenty_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n now_o these_o few_o thing_n i_o be_v willing_a according_a to_o thâ—_n simplicity_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o meaâ—_n gift_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o write_v unto_o thou_o from_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o serve_v thou_o that_o 〈◊〉_d perhaps_o some_o mean_n may_v be_v discover_v to_o thy_o heart_n through_o the_o diviâ—â—_n mercy_n lead_v to_o a_o great_a proficiencâ—_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o thâ—_n thy_o soul_n may_v be_v seal_v up_o in_o eternal_a peace_n and_o reconciliation_n through_o thâ—_n grace_n of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n aâ—â—_n 31._o 1559._o epist._n v._o for_o what_o end_n the_o scripture_n be_v give_v and_o how_o we_o ought_v most_o exact_o to_o satisfy_v conscience_n also_o concern_v the_o difference_n between_o humane_a righteousness_n and_o that_o which_o avail_v before_o god_n to_o u._n of_o w._n most_o dear_a lady_n have_v this_o occasion_n offer_v i_o be_v willing_a to_o write_v a_o few_o line_n unto_o thou_o give_v thanks_o to_o you_o all_o for_o your_o friendly_a inclination_n of_o heart_n towards_o we_o the_o eternal_a god_n grant_v that_o that_o bond_n in_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v together_o in_o he_o and_o do_v profess_v a_o mutual_a union_n to_o the_o true_a member_n may_v become_v more_o firm_a and_o may_v grow_v in_o christ_n our_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o death_n as_o to_o what_o concern_v my_o condition_n it_o be_v indeed_o at_o present_a such_o as_o be_v tolerable_a to_o the_o flesh_n as_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n for_o the_o bond_n of_o death_n remain_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o in_o my_o member_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v know_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n himself_o take_v we_o all_o into_o his_o protection_n that_o we_o may_v be_v preserve_v in_o his_o fear_n this_o dangerous_a time_n which_o as_o i_o conjecture_v can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o most_o hard_a sorrow_n o_o will_v to_o god_n we_o can_v at_o length_n come_v even_o unto_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o feel_v it_o in_o our_o soul_n which_o indeed_o be_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o somewhat_o shadow_v o_o lord_n grant_v unto_o we_o that_o life_n which_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o bear_v witness_v of_o yet_o oftentimes_o by_o so_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o so_o many_o various_a reading_n a_o man_n be_v but_o keep_v back_o and_o distract_v when_o as_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n necessary_a that_o every_o one_o shall_v observe_v himself_o in_o the_o act_n of_o hear_v speak_a think_v work_a and_o in_o all_o else_o where_o a_o man_n be_v busy_v about_o any_o other_o matter_n in_o thing_n of_o thiâ—_n life_n and_o that_o all_o these_o be_v to_o his_o utmost_a put_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o that_o he_o most_o exact_o endeavour_n &_o in_o all_o have_v a_o care_n to_o satisfy_v his_o own_o conscience_n for_o so_o long_o as_o the_o accusation_n thereof_o endure_v by_o the_o guilt_n of_o anâ—_n though_o the_o least_o transgression_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o peace_n a_o be_v find_v in_o hâ—_n soul_n because_o as_o long_o as_o any_o one_o do_v not_o satisfy_v his_o own_o conscience_n he_o be_v willing_o keep_v a_o prisoner_n under_o sin_n but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o way_n hinder_v many_o as_o much_o as_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v stand_v before_o god_n in_o his_o own_o proper_a righteousness_n which_o be_v very_o true_a however_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o trace_v through_o this_o most_o rocky_a way_n of_o our_o conscience_n even_o to_o its_o utmost_a limit_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o at_o length_n we_o shall_v come_v to_o a_o mortification_n and_o destruction_n of_o all_o our_o laborious_a endeavour_n and_o then_o will_v our_o own_o righteousness_n shame_v we_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o all_o will_v die_v before_o ever_o we_o have_v live_v and_o glory_n that_o we_o have_v renounce_v our_o own_o righteousness_n when_o as_o even_o yet_o we_o stick_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o sin_n break_v forth_o into_o outward_a act_n but_o the_o matter_n be_v to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o more_o accurate_o consider_v if_o we_o desire_v to_o make_v a_o proficiency_n in_o the_o lord_n for_o that_o life_n which_o we_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v dead_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n nor_o have_v no_o liveliness_n in_o it_o in_o his_o account_n yea_o furthermore_o that_o life_n which_o our_o soul_n enjoy_v whilst_o it_o confide_v in_o and_z s_z bottom_v on_o these_o or_o these_o thing_n must_v also_o be_v change_v for_o a_o death_n and_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v permit_v that_o the_o enormity_n thereof_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o its_o progress_n for_o this_o life_n which_o our_o soul_n have_v take_v to_o herself_o after_o this_o manner_n spring_v from_o no_o where_n else_o then_o from_o out_o of_o that_o imaginary_a righteousness_n and_o holiness_n which_o we_o fancy_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o we_o and_o which_o tickle_v we_o with_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o sweet_a flattery_n and_o private_o be_v very_o please_v to_o we_o yea_o and_o give_v to_o our_o soul_n a_o kind_n of_o tranquillity_n these_o thing_n be_v hide_v so_o deep_o in_o a_o man_n and_o deceive_v we_o with_o such_o dissimulation_n as_o if_o all_o be_v well_o with_o we_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o christ_n because_o the_o man_n know_v that_o no_o such_o
then_o â—nto_o the_o understanding_n his_o salvation_n also_o â—n_v go_v no_o further_o then_o into_o the_o understanding_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o it_o must_v at_o last_o need_v die_v in_o that_o death_n that_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o all_o christian_n viz._n wherein_o reason_n be_v destroy_v for_o in_o this_o death_n there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o the_o soul_n or_o mind_n only_o but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n do_v penetrate_v even_o into_o the_o most_o inward_a region_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o mind_n i_o answer_v thereto_o that_o then_o also_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o this_o our_o soul_n and_o mind_n when_o it_o shall_v live_v with_o such_o a_o estrangedness_n from_o the_o flesh_n that_o it_o can_v but_o with_o great_a nauseousness_n and_o tedious_a disdain_n bear_v in_o its_o self_n all_o the_o desire_n and_o lust_n which_o spring_n from_o the_o nethermost_a part_n of_o the_o flesh_n so_o as_o it_o will_v rather_o die_v infinite_a death_n and_o to_o be_v free_v from_o they_o then_o with_o pleasure_n even_o once_o to_o perform_v they_o in_o the_o verv_v act_n behold_v my_o g._n this_o brief_a proposal_n how_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o prove_v and_o try_v hâ—â—_n faith_n if_o any_o man_n believe_v in_o chriâ—â—_n from_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o his_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d must_v need_v be_v wrack_v with_o great_a doâ—lours_n in_o his_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o sin_n so_o thâ—_n he_o will_v account_v of_o sin_n for_o the_o most_o grievous_a torture_n that_o can_v be_v find_v in_o all_o thâ—_n world_n and_o for_o his_o great_a enemy_n and_o how_o then_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o act_v it_o can_v he_o enter_v into_o a_o friendship_n with_o it_o although_o therefore_o the_o vulgar_a knowledge_n of_o those_o who_o glory_n in_o the_o gospel_n may_v say_v on_o this_o wise_a sin_n if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v not_o perpetrate_v in_o the_o very_a act_n though_o it_o shall_v lurk_v in_o the_o heart_n do_v we_o no_o hurt_n yet_o do_v thou_o i_o pray_v hear_v how_o christ_n do_v nevertheless_o assert_v that_o he_o who_o look_v on_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o be_v already_o guilty_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o which_o word_n sure_o christ_n excuse_v not_o but_o accuse_v the_o lust_a of_o a_o man_n and_o will_v real_o have_v it_o account_v for_o sin_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n dearest_n g._n i_o beseech_v thou_o do_v not_o despond_v in_o thy_o mind_n because_o of_o this_o hard_a say_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o god_n i_o only_o write_v this_o of_o purpose_n that_o thou_o may_v seasonable_o learn_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o thing_n lest_o thou_o shall_v consume_v thy_o youth_n unprofitable_o and_o that_o thou_o may_v bear_v fruit_n to_o god_n â—in_v thy_o own_o soul_n they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n who_o be_v of_o the_o dregs_o of_o the_o vulgar_a though_o they_o may_v have_v knowledge_n yet_o they_o lie_v down_o tire_v in_o sloth_n nor_o do_v they_o oppose_v sin_n with_o the_o least_o burn_a zeal_n or_o breaâ—â—_n its_o impetuous_a assault_n nor_o yet_o do_v this_o external_a abstinence_n from_o sin_n and_o the_o debilitate_v of_o they_o suffice_v for_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o descend_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n itself_o when_o even_o the_o thought_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n far_o therefore_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o commit_v sin_n in_o the_o very_a act_n also_o this_o my_o letter_n intend_v this_o at_o least_o that_o thy_o young_a limb_n be_v stir_v up_o both_o night_n and_o day_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o continue_a prayer_n in_o temperance_n purity_n meekness_n of_o heart_n long-suffering_a louâ—_v of_o thy_o enemy_n as_o also_o in_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n in_o holy_a proficiency_n anâ—_n in_o other_o virtue_n conduce_v to_o christian_a discipline_n concern_v which_o thy_o owâ—_n conscience_n will_v afford_v to_o thou_o a_o testimony_n all_o which_o be_v perform_v thou_o wiâ—â—_n every_o day_n rejoice_v in_o thy_o great_a success_n iâ—_n the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o at_o last_o wheâ—_n thy_o most_o miserable_a condition_n be_v know_v thou_o will_v be_v a_o terror_n to_o thy_o own_o selâ—_n and_o therefore_o thou_o will_v so_o much_o thâ—_n more_o diligent_o call_v upon_o god_n for_o help_v that_o his_o most_o powerful_a right_a hand_n maâ—â—_n at_o length_n gracious_o support_v thy_o soul_n and_o conquer_v the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n in_o a_o real_a victory_n the_o lord_n have_v mercy_n on_o we_o all_o and_o heal_v our_o disease_n and_o effectual_o cause_v we_o to_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o his_o righteousness_n lest_o we_o be_v leave_v naked_a in_o our_o own_o impurity_n epist._n viii_o how_o any_o one_o who_o be_v studious_a concern_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n ought_v daily_o to_o exercise_v himself_o most_o belove_a niece_n because_o i_o understand_v that_o thou_o earnest_o desire_v such_o a_o disposition_n of_o heart_n as_o true_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o can_v not_o withhold_v myself_o but_o must_v write_v to_o thou_o these_o few_o thing_n for_o thy_o great_a confirmation_n in_o they_o that_o thou_o be_v once_o enter_v into_o this_o way_n shall_v not_o desist_v from_o vigorous_o proceed_v forward_o and_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n together_o with_o a_o total_a suppression_n of_o thy_o carnal_a part_n be_v therefore_o diligent_o studious_a that_o thy_o diligence_n be_v not_o tire_v out_o in_o read_v in_o humanity_n in_o silence_n in_o meekness_n in_o temperance_n forbearance_n patience_n and_o compassion_n also_o learn_v to_o exercise_v thyself_o in_o all_o study_n of_o virtue_n that_o thou_o be_v find_v faithful_a in_o little_a thing_n may_v be_v make_v ruler_n over_o much_o great_a for_o if_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v faithful_a in_o these_o few_o thing_n assure_o thou_o will_v never_o be_v entrust_v with_o more_o but_o i_o hope_v that_o thou_o will_v receive_v wisdom_n and_o prudence_n from_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o will_v have_v a_o care_n of_o and_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o thy_o own_o self_n lest_o some_o bitter_a root_n shall_v spring_v up_o in_o thou_o and_o so_o thou_o and_o thy_o soul_n tumble_v headlong_o into_o destruction_n for_o the_o flesh_n do_v very_o subtle_o assault_v a_o man_n to_o beguile_v he_o and_o turn_v he_o away_o from_o godliness_n wherefore_o make_v a_o strict_a watch_n upon_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n careful_o encompass_v thyself_o round_o have_v cut_v off_o the_o world_n and_o all_o wantonness_n of_o life_n speech_n and_o thought_n prefer_v every_o one_o with_o all_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n not_o only_o the_o good_a but_o also_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o immodest_a learn_v also_o to_o bridle_v in_o thyself_o and_o to_o humble_v thyself_o be_v always_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o thy_o heart_n never_o let_v vain_a evil_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n arise_v in_o thy_o mind_n but_o always_o oppose_v they_o with_o great_a earnestness_n pour_v out_o to_o the_o lord_n fervent_a prayer_n and_o if_o thou_o get_v any_o spare_a time_n on_o holy_a day_n or_o otherways_o employ_v it_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n or_o else_o of_o that_o little_a book_n entitle_v of_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o these_o exercise_n thyself_o and_o learn_v to_o ponder_v they_o often_o in_o thy_o mind_n if_o thou_o read_v any_o thing_n which_o thou_o do_v not_o understand_v call_v upon_o the_o lord_n with_o ardent_a sigh_n and_o daily_a tear_n that_o he_o will_v open_v to_o thou_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n for_o to_o be_v the_o necessary_a food_n of_o thy_o soul_n for_o the_o more_o thou_o shall_v follow_v the_o lord_n the_o more_o thou_o shall_v understand_v of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o less_o thou_o be_v intent_n to_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n by_o so_o much_o the_o less_o shall_v thou_o understand_v scripture_n therefore_o let_v thy_o constant_a endeavour_n be_v to_o approve_v thyself_o faithful_a in_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v viz._n make_v know_v to_o thou_o in_o and_o by_o mortification_n and_o a_o continual_a access_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n nor_o let_v any_o time_n slip_v by_o thou_o in_o vain_a and_o without_o thus_o do_v if_o thou_o reply_v that_o thou_o understand_v not_o what_o thou_o read_v again_o say_v that_o though_o thou_o may_v noâ—_n understand_v all_o yet_o be_v it_o incumbent_a oâ—_n thou_o to_o exercise_v thyself_o in_o the_o sacred_a word_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o also_o to_o be_v unwearied_o solicitous_a about_o it_o for_o by_o these_o exercise_n thou_o shall_v soon_o be_v amend_v then_o by_o idleness_n and_o these_o be_v the_o beâ—â—_n mean_v of_o institute_v and_o of_o exercise_v anâ—_n man_n
the_o narrow_a path_n of_o divine_a truth_n describe_v from_o live_v practice_n and_o experience_n of_o its_o three_o great_a step_n viz._n purgation_n illumination_n &_o union_n according_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o also_o of_o thomas_n a_o kempis_n the_o german_a divinity_n thauler_n and_o such_o like_a of_o the_o say_n of_o matthew_n weyer_n reduce_v into_o order_n in_o three_o book_n by_o j._n spee_n unto_o which_o be_v subjoin_v his_o practical_a epistle_n do_v above_o 120_o year_n since_o in_o the_o dutch_a and_o after_o the_o author_n death_n print_v in_o the_o german_a language_n at_o francfort_n 1579._o and_o in_o latin_a at_o amsterdam_n 1658._o and_o now_o in_o english_a london_n print_v for_o ben._n clark_n in_o george-yard_n in_o lombard_n street_n 1683._o a._n d._n to_o the_o reader_n if_o job_n and_o the_o psalm_n reader_n thou_o do_v know_v then_o the_o same_o truth_n these_o line_n to_o thou_o will_v show_v god_n thou_o enlighten_v to_o sin_v the_o cross-way_n out_o which_o christ_n have_v tread_v thy_o way_n to_o heaven_n no_o doubt_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n courteous_a reader_n i_o have_v determine_v to_o collect_v and_o put_v together_o some_o of_o the_o more_o notable_a say_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o make_v for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o book_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v please_v to_o consider_v they_o or_o such_o like_a he_o may_v be_v able_a thereby_o more_o easy_o and_o without_o scruple_n to_o turn_v over_o this_o small_a treatise_n especial_o if_o he_o come_v to_o those_o place_n by_o which_o the_o most_o illuminate_v matthew_n wyer_n complain_v of_o his_o inward_a pain_n and_o anguish_n which_o throughout_o the_o book_n he_o frequent_o do_v lest_o the_o reader_n thereby_o be_v fright_v from_o they_o or_o shall_v account_v such_o pang_n and_o desertion_n for_o absurd_a and_o fantastical_a therefore_o by_o mean_n of_o these_o he_o will_v remember_v and_o consider_v that_o this_o way_n of_o the_o cross_n although_o now_o adays_o it_o be_v almost_o utter_o unknown_a and_o forsake_v be_v even_o to_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o true_a member_n always_o accustom_v and_o tread_v in_o for_o this_o be_v that_o narrow_a way_n and_o that_o straight_a gate_n by_o which_o we_o must_v enter_v into_o life_n yea_o by_o this_o same_o way_n viz._n by_o sorrow_n suffering_n strait_n and_o death_n our_o forerunner_n jesus_n christ_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n walk_v even_o to_o his_o sepulchre_n and_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a to_o and_o for_o we_o all_o who_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v imitator_n of_o himself_o for_o it_o behoove_v he_o to_o suffer_v and_o so_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n of_o he_o isaiah_n say_v he_o have_v no_o form_n nor_o comeliness_n and_o we_o see_v he_o and_o he_o be_v not_o of_o a_o aspect_n so_o as_o that_o we_o can_v be_v delight_v in_o he_o a_o man_n despise_v and_o the_o least_o of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o know_a infirmity_n etc._n etc._n observe_v and_o consider_v o_o thou_o devout_a reader_n together_o with_o all_o those_o who_o true_o love_v jesus_n christ_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v imitator_n of_o he_o how_o narrow_a and_o sharp_a and_o how_o many_o pang_n and_o desertion_n be_v this_o way_n fill_v with_o which_o yet_o christ_n enter_v into_o after_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o have_v leave_v to_o we_o for_o a_o ensample_n for_o than_o it_o be_v that_o his_o soul_n be_v sorrowful_a even_o to_o the_o death_n than_o it_o be_v that_o for_o very_a agony_n he_o sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n and_o pray_v to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n thrice_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o cup_n may_v pass_v from_o he_o nor_o yet_o be_v he_o hear_v nor_o wâ—â—â—_n any_o helper_n present_a with_o he_o the_o wine-press_n be_v to_o be_v tread_v and_o the_o cup_n to_o be_v drink_v down_o the_o flood_n be_v to_o be_v wade_v through_o and_o obedience_n to_o be_v yield_v unto_o the_o father_n even_o to_o the_o very_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n upon_o that_o he_o be_v hang_v naked_a between_o two_o thieeve_n as_o the_o incendary_a &_o trumpeter_n of_o the_o seditious_a present_o after_o they_o divide_v his_o garment_n by_o lot_n even_o before_o his_o eye_n many_o also_o shake_v their_o head_n at_o he_o so_o that_o nothing_o else_o encompass_v he_o round_o but_o ignominy_n and_o reproach_n and_o one_o sorrow_n tread_v upon_o the_o heel_n of_o another_o then_o the_o wave_n of_o affliction_n be_v so_o many_o that_o they_o enter_v even_o into_o his_o soul_n because_o he_o be_v desert_v of_o his_o father_n that_o out_o of_o mere_a pressure_n and_o dereliction_n he_o cry_v out_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o all_o which_o be_v find_v describe_v at_o large_a in_o the_o evangelist_n prophet_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n especial_o in_o the_o 22_o psalm_n where_o the_o prophet_n complain_v in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n my_o god_n i_o call_v unto_o thou_o all_o the_o day_n but_o thou_o will_v not_o hear_v i_o a_o be_o worm_n and_o no_o man_n also_o in_o psalm_n 60._o save_v i_o o_o god_n because_o the_o flood_n have_v enter_v into_o my_o soul_n i_o be_o stick_v fast_o in_o the_o deep_a mire_n and_o there_o be_v no_o bottom_n and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o psalm_n moreover_o in_o psalm_n 88_o my_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o evil_a and_o my_o life_n approach_v unto_o the_o grave_n or_o hell_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o and_o the_o like_a say_n express_v the_o torment_n of_o christ_n the_o whole_a psalter_n with_o the_o prophet_n be_v perfect_o fill_v but_o now_o if_o thou_o shall_v say_v christ_n indeed_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v testify_v do_v suffer_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o fulfil_v they_o in_o his_o example_n yet_o be_v it_o impossible_a that_o any_o one_o can_v imitate_v he_o in_o such_o strait_n and_o desertion_n it_o be_v answer_v christ_n himself_o have_v say_v he_o that_o take_v not_o up_o his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n nor_o be_v he_o worthy_a of_o i_o also_o peter_n have_v say_v christ_n have_v suffer_v for_o we_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o may_v follow_v his_o step_n now_o if_o this_o be_v impossible_a will_v not_o these_o and_o the_o like_a say_n read_v every_o where_o up_o and_o down_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o vain_a but_o what_o do_v paul_n say_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o and_o christ_n say_v that_o that_o which_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n for_o he_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v yield_v thyself_o therefore_o to_o god_n and_o commit_v thy_o cause_n unto_o he_o o_o man_n and_o hope_v in_o he_o that_o he_o will_v perform_v and_o fulfil_v all_o thing_n in_o thou_o for_o he_o always_o even_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o world_n even_o to_o this_o very_a day_n have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o combat_n of_o his_o peopleâ—_n and_o he_o be_v faithful_a and_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o be_v tempt_v beyond_o what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v never_o yet_o do_v such_o misery_n touch_v his_o elect_n but_o he_o still_o together_o with_o the_o temptation_n find_v out_o a_o way_n to_o escape_v as_o it_o be_v make_v manifest_a in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o all_o as_o also_o the_o author_n of_o these_o saying_n be_v lead_v through_o fire_n and_o water_n through_o misery_n and_o strait_n and_o through_o a_o total_a desertion_n yet_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o measure_n so_o as_o they_o become_v as_o gold_n purify_v in_o the_o fire_n and_o be_v purge_v from_o their_o sin_n alas_o how_o vast_o great_a be_v that_o micsey_n in_o which_o david_n cry_v out_o â—nd_v complain_v the_o sorrow_n of_o death_n have_v compass_v i_o about_o and_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n have_v make_v i_o afraid_a the_o snare_n of_o death_n have_v lay_v hold_v upon_o i_o also_o when_o jeremiah_n for_o mere_a anxiety_n and_o desertion_n curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o nativity_n as_o we_o may_v read_v they_o in_o their_o own_o place_n and_o who_o can_v express_v in_o word_n that_o both_o internal_a and_o external_a misery_n wherewith_o job_n be_v afflict_v from_o the_o lord_n who_o will_v give_v unto_o i_o this_o say_v he_o that_o thou_o may_v cover_v i_o in_o hell_n or_o the_o grave_a my_o dwelling_n be_v in_o hell_n or_o the_o grave_n and_o i_o have_v make_v my_o bed_n in_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n also_o in_o another_o place_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o continual_a desertion_n he_o open_o curse_v the_o day_n of_o his_o birth_n as_o do_v jeremiah_n to_o many_o more_o such_o
be_v it_o to_o be_v avoid_v because_o by_o the_o help_n of_o it_o occult_a defect_n be_v discover_v and_o the_o man_n confess_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n with_o contrition_n who_o also_o be_v able_a to_o purge_v he_o from_o they_o as_o long_o as_o a_o man_n live_v he_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o when_o by_o his_o own_o endeavour_n he_o be_v come_v so_o far_o that_o he_o can_v ascend_v high_a yet_o he_o shall_v get_v high_o and_o be_v advance_v but_o it_o be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v put_v forth_o his_o hand_n that_o another_o may_v close_o take_v hold_n of_o he_o and_o lead_v he_o into_o the_o way_n which_o else_o he_o will_v not_o find_v that_o be_v he_o must_v give_v himself_o up_o to_o god_n so_o as_o that_o he_o suffer_v he_o only_o to_o operate_v he_o himself_o only_o sitting_z still_o and_o submit_v himself_o unto_o god_n whatever_o then_o be_v perform_v that_o be_v no_o long_o do_v by_o man_n but_o god_n himself_o work_v above_o all_o action_n of_o man_n or_o his_o knowledge_n or_o power_n god_n act_n and_o man_n suffer_v if_o this_o be_v do_v god_n by_o such_o suffering_n and_o die_n lead_v and_o exercise_v the_o man_n which_o be_v matter_n far_o surpass_v his_o strength_n and_o knowledge_n even_o as_o before_o also_o the_o thing_n be_v utter_o unknown_a to_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o undertake_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o exercise_v himself_o in_o it_o and_o in_o this_o death_n it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v purge_v and_o all_o thing_n be_v take_v from_o he_o all_o whatever_o be_v able_a to_o hinder_v in_o he_o the_o undertake_n of_o the_o true_a essence_n then_o be_v all_o propriety_n and_o nature_n renounce_v for_o in_o god_n be_v no_o propriety_n but_o all_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a nature_n nor_o can_v any_o other_o nature_n be_v bring_v into_o god_n in_o that_o death_n the_o soul_n be_v lose_v and_o when_o ever_o this_o be_v do_v than_o a_o man_n come_v to_o the_o true_a essential_a life_n of_o god_n and_o there_o christ_n reveal_v himself_o most_o evident_o in_o man_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o search_v many_o thing_n concern_v the_o place_n wherein_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v or_o any_o other_o such_o particular_n because_o all_o these_o will_v be_v very_o perspicuous_a or_o know_v to_o our_o eye_n the_o law_n be_v fulfil_v by_o the_o new_a man_n without_o all_o dispute_n or_o imagination_n jesus_n have_v strength_n enough_o to_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o purify_v a_o man_n from_o sin_n but_o christ_n do_v also_o anoint_v the_o man_n thus_o purify_v with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n chap._n xii_o more_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o a_o man_n then_o that_o by_o god_n help_n he_o may_v abstain_v from_o sin_n and_o that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o law_n for_o a_o schoolmaster_n for_o to_o enter_v into_o death_n darkness_n the_o pit_n and_o destruction_n and_o to_o be_v bring_v from_o hence_o again_o and_o to_o rise_v again_o into_o a_o new_a life_n and_o a_o new_a heaven_n and_o light_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o lord_n who_o himself_o work_v that_o in_o man_n without_o all_o action_n of_o the_o man_n and_o that_o out_o of_o mere_a grace_n which_o a_o man_n at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o resurrection_n when_o that_o new_a daybreak_n shine_v first_o upon_o he_o most_o clear_o acknowledge_v for_o he_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v the_o alone_a mercy_n of_o god_n which_o so_o exercise_v he_o and_o bring_v he_o back_o from_o death_n to_o life_n which_o mercy_n he_o can_v not_o acknowledge_v when_o he_o be_v still_o under_o the_o law_n for_o there_o his_o propriety_n and_o his_o selfness_n be_v yet_o present_a but_o the_o commiseration_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v hitherto_o unknown_a to_o he_o because_o he_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v thus_o exercise_v by_o god_n above_o all_o operation_n and_o power_n of_o his_o own_o that_o he_o may_v come_v to_o the_o denial_n of_o himself_o but_o he_o stand_v as_o yet_o under_o the_o law_n be_v touch_v by_o no_o death_n when_o he_o think_v that_o a_o reward_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v he_o out_o of_o desert_n but_o not_o out_o of_o grace_n and_o than_o it_o be_v that_o he_o seek_v to_o establish_v his_o own_o righteousness_n but_o such_o a_o righteousness_n be_v unknown_a to_o he_o which_o above_o and_o beyond_o all_o his_o own_o operation_n and_o power_n be_v settle_v only_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n which_o faith_n be_v acquire_v only_o in_o death_n darkness_n and_o hell_n or_o the_o grave_a a_o man_n in_o who_o the_o law_n have_v exercise_v all_o its_o power_n and_o have_v slay_v he_o remain_v not_o in_o death_n but_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o again_o into_o a_o new_a life_n but_o be_v not_o raise_v up_o again_o into_o the_o old_a life_n for_o when_o he_o shall_v hang_v with_o christ_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o beg_v to_o be_v free_v that_o he_o may_v return_v again_o into_o that_o life_n he_o be_v not_o hear_v but_o he_o must_v die_v then_o not_o can_v he_o ever_o be_v thus_o make_v alive_a again_o but_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n rise_v into_o a_o new_a life_n here_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o carry_v as_o if_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o the_o left_a and_o christ_n also_o do_v hang_v naked_a on_o the_o cross_n in_o one_o man_n and_o as_o if_o he_o be_v revile_v by_o both_o of_o they_o for_o faith_n the_o evengelist_n which_o very_a thing_n also_o do_v the_o thief_n who_o be_v crucify_v with_o he_o reproach_n he_o withal_o the_o same_o be_v here_o also_o as_o if_o the_o left_a hand_n thief_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o die_v yet_o he_o must_v die_v but_o the_o right-hand_a thieâ—_n yield_v himself_o up_o unto_o death_n also_o aâ—_n if_o the_o leg_n of_o the_o thief_n be_v break_v but_o not_o of_o christ_n and_o here_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v how_o christ_n receive_v the_o thief_n on_o his_o right-hand_n but_o the_o leave_v which_o denote_v nature_n also_o perish_v unwilling_o and_o shall_v abide_v eternal_o in_o death_n also_o how_o the_o right-hand_a thief_n willing_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o death_n and_o how_o he_o shall_v be_v raise_v together_o with_o christ_n unto_o eternal_a life_n christ_n say_v upon_o his_o cross_n to_o the_o thief_n on_o his_o right-hand_n to_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n he_o do_v not_o say_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n for_o this_o can_v not_o be_v so_o long_o as_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o dye_v but_o he_o say_v thus_o thou_o shall_v he_o with_o i_o in_o paradise_n viz._n when_o thou_o have_v suffer_v death_n for_o it_o be_v as_o equal_o impossible_a that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v not_o yet_o dead_a can_v be_v exalt_v in_o god_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o hundred_o pound_v weight_n of_o lead_n shall_v fly_v upward_o unto_o the_o sky_n the_o thief_n do_v not_o nail_v themselves_o to_o the_o cross_n but_o they_o be_v nail_v the_o tree_n upon_o which_o the_o thief_n hang_v be_v cut_v tree_n and_o do_v signify_v the_o old_a man_n or_o nature_n in_o we_o for_o we_o must_v die_v in_o this_o cut_a nature_n and_o afterward_o be_v revive_v again_o in_o christ_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v respect_n christ_n but_o christ_n denote_v all_o christian_n of_o all_o who_o there_o be_v one_o only_a head_n which_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v all_o in_o all_o chap._n xiii_o god_n come_v and_o open_v to_o a_o man_n the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v in_o one_o moment_n like_o lightning_n which_o come_v as_o it_o be_v in_o one_o moment_n and_o go_v away_o again_o in_o another_o and_o then_o a_o man_n acknowledge_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v far_o otherwise_o then_o before_o when_o he_o have_v consider_v it_o in_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o thus_o god_n can_v effect_v more_o in_o one_o only_a moment_n for_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n than_o all_o the_o epistle_n which_o some_o can_v write_v to_o other_o when_o the_o light_n come_v in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o become_v clear_a and_o clear_a and_o again_o also_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o return_v again_o yet_o more_o clear_a so_o that_o more_o be_v still_o discover_v and_o manifest_v to_o a_o man_n which_o before_o now_o lay_v hide_v from_o he_o if_o this_o first_o claritude_n come_v into_o a_o man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v angelical_a but_o then_o forward_o it_o rush_v in_o much_o clear_a and_o so_o a_o man_n get_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o angelical_a claritude_n to_o another_o high_a degree_n of_o the_o same_o and_o then_o present_o he_o ascend_v yet_o high_a until_o he_o arrive_v at_o the_o
when_o all_o exercise_n and_o all_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o fail_v even_o then_o be_v these_o the_o exercise_n of_o god_n and_o his_o strength_n when_o all_o our_o strength_n be_v vanish_v away_o and_o we_o have_v so_o long_o labour_v under_o the_o law_n that_o we_o can_v do_v no_o more_o then_o be_v god_n present_a whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o for_o here_o a_o man_n must_v go_v on_o nor_o be_v it_o permit_v he_o to_o go_v back_o again_o for_o he_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n into_o which_o he_o often_o desire_v to_o come_v and_o that_o hand_n will_v not_o then_o let_v he_o go_v till_o it_o have_v right_o break_v he_o in_o piece_n by_o affliction_n and_o have_v tumble_v he_o up_o and_o down_o through_o various_a case_n whence_o it_o come_v that_o healwaye_v more_o and_o more_o lose_v himself_o till_o he_o be_v free_v from_o all_o his_o flesh_n and_o be_v make_v capable_a of_o the_o heavenly_a influence_n whoever_o they_o be_v who_o be_v not_o thus_o exercise_v but_o abide_v in_o their_o own_o labour_n can_v never_o be_v advance_v high_a but_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n always_o in_o the_o same_o state_n and_o if_o one_o shall_v return_v after_o the_o space_n of_o a_o year_n or_o two_o year_n yea_o of_o ten_o unto_o they_o he_o shall_v find_v they_o still_o as_o he_o former_o leave_v they_o how_o much_o soever_o they_o exercise_v themselves_o under_o the_o law_n and_o severity_n and_o good_a work_n and_o labour_n and_o fasting_n and_o abstinence_n etc._n etc._n yet_o they_o all_o stop_v their_o course_n here_o be_v still_o inward_o unchanged_a and_o unregenerate_v and_o of_o the_o new_a creature_n or_o regeneration_n know_v nothing_o because_o they_o be_v not_o exercise_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a suffering_n for_o affliction_n alone_o be_v this_o way_n to_o the_o new_a generation_n to_o wisdom_n and_o to_o true_a knowledge_n the_o aforesaid_a labour_n also_o must_v be_v under_o the_o law_n yea_o and_o go_v before_o that_o other_o else_o we_o can_v arrive_v at_o the_o say_a state_n of_o suffer_v so_o that_o no_o one_o abide_v therein_o for_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o purify_v and_o there_o still_o stick_v unto_o its_o bottom_n somewhat_o that_o be_v worldly_a though_o one_o may_v appear_v otherwise_o outward_o consequent_o we_o become_v not_o in_o our_o mind_n partaker_n with_o christ_n until_o be_v purify_v by_o that_o purgatory_n and_o these_o suffering_n we_o be_v make_v capable_a of_o he_o for_o light_n and_o darkness_n christ_n and_o belial_n dwell_v not_o together_o those_o middle_a thing_n which_o be_v interpose_v between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o unto_o which_o we_o always_o remain_v fix_o hold_v our_o eye_n so_o as_o we_o can_v see_v god_n those_o middle_a thing_n i_o say_v be_v to_o be_v remove_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o suffering_n from_o god_n if_o we_o be_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o if_o gold_n can_v be_v sensible_a and_o speak_v it_o will_v certain_o say_v what_o it_o shall_v suffer_v before_o it_o can_v be_v purify_v and_o so_o the_o earth_n will_v say_v how_o much_o it_o must_v suffer_v and_o how_o much_o it_o will_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o before_o the_o seed_n be_v produce_v out_o of_o its_o bowel_n when_o a_o man_n have_v bring_v all_o his_o labour_n to_o a_o end_n nor_o can_v go_v on_o further_a then_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o high_a work_n yet_o before_o his_o hand_n lie_v as_o undo_v if_o this_o must_v be_v perfect_v and_o do_v it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o god_n for_o it_o behoove_v that_o he_o shall_v accomplish_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v chap._n xxxii_o a_o man_n who_o have_v beg_v help_n from_o the_o lord_n judge_n other_o man_n honest_a than_o himself_o for_o he_o confess_v that_o if_o other_o have_v have_v this_o grace_n which_o be_v do_v to_o he_o that_o they_o have_v be_v more_o faithful_a and_o more_o honest_a by_o much_o than_o himself_o be_v whence_o also_o he_o abstain_v from_o rash_a judgement_n and_o commiserate_v poor_a man_n because_o he_o behold_v their_o future_a misery_n out_o of_o which_o he_o himself_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n without_o any_o merit_n of_o his_o own_o be_v snatch_v and_o therefore_o he_o can_v extol_v himself_o above_o other_o nor_o tax_v they_o or_o delude_v they_o but_o rather_o humble_v himself_o beneath_o all_o and_o burn_v with_o a_o universal_a charity_n moreover_o he_o will_v willing_o renounce_v his_o own_o salvation_n that_o other_o might_n but_o be_v save_v nor_o can_v he_o do_v otherwise_o because_o this_o be_v the_o property_n of_o regeneration_n he_o who_o have_v regeneration_n and_o be_v arrive_v at_o the_o true_a substance_n adher_v to_o no_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o do_v or_o omit_v to_o do_v or_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o go_v or_o stand_v whether_o he_o be_v with_o other_o or_o whether_o he_o be_v alone_o but_o he_o always_o be_v free_a from_o all_o and_o uncessant_o behold_v god_n who_o he_o be_v proper_o and_o for_o who_o sake_n he_o use_v all_o thing_n at_o what_o time_n he_o be_v rapt_v upward_o he_o be_v put_v beyond_o himself_o and_o be_v without_o all_o discretion_n and_o when_o he_o be_v let_v down_o again_o from_o that_o same_o mountain_n he_o incessant_o look_v back_o upward_o again_o the_o new_a man_n by_o a_o continual_a ascent_n every_o hover_v and_o moment_n go_v away_o unto_o god_n nor_o do_v he_o ever_o stop_v his_o course_n because_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o past_o find_v out_o he_o regard_v not_o temporal_n though_o he_o may_v seem_v so_o and_o though_o he_o do_v eat_v drink_v sleep_n and_o be_v clothe_v for_o if_o he_o shall_v regard_v they_o he_o will_v still_o stand_v in_o time_n but_o all_o the_o aforementioned_a thing_n be_v snatch_v from_o he_o by_o fire_n that_o he_o may_v ascend_v above_o time_n and_o stand_v in_o god_n he_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o in_o god_n he_o fall_v oil_n from_o all_o thing_n and_o perish_v both_o in_o body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n at_o first_o every_o one_o be_v a_o infant_n than_o a_o youth_n and_o thence_o he_o go_v into_o manhood_n and_o at_o length_n into_o old_a age_n than_o we_o falter_v and_o can_v no_o long_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o youth_n and_o at_o last_o we_o say_v i_o remember_v that_o i_o have_v be_v a_o young_a man_n but_o time_n be_v go_v when_o young_a man_n rejoice_v i_o be_o in_o sadness_n and_o whilst_o they_o live_v i_o die_v chap._n xxxiii_o there_o be_v not_o a_o letter_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o interpret_v concern_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n now_o there_o be_v many_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o one_o member_n be_v in_o another_o the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n with_o all_o figure_n and_o ceremony_n prefigure_v the_o very_a substance_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o internal_a truth_n as_o the_o image_n in_o the_o glass_n be_v the_o representation_n of_o the_o face_n and_o as_o the_o image_n can_v be_v in_o the_o glass_n of_o who_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n or_o substance_n so_o there_o be_v no_o representation_n of_o scripture_n or_o of_o ceremony_n or_o of_o figure_n to_o which_o there_o belong_v not_o some_o truth_n and_o substance_n when_o therefore_o a_o representation_n or_o image_n be_v true_a there_o be_v also_o a_o true_a essence_n or_o substance_n there_o be_v no_o shadow_n without_o a_o body_n nor_o figure_n or_o image_n without_o a_o essence_n the_o book_n of_o psalm_n begin_v mature_o with_o man_n and_z continues_z with_o he_o unto_o old_a age_n and_o even_o to_o his_o end_n and_o with_o man_n it_o rise_v up_o from_o bottom_n to_o top_n no_o christian_n transcend_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o psalm_n nor_o can_v he_o get_v so_o high_a but_o the_o psalm_n accompany_v he_o still_o and_o express_v his_o mind_n how_o long_o do_v the_o faithful_a man_n wait_v for_o god_n till_o he_o come_v and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o depart_v again_o and_o hide_v himself_o that_o a_o man_n can_v find_v he_o and_o by_o this_o very_a thing_n god_n will_v purge_v a_o man_n that_o he_o may_v learn_v true_o to_o possess_v he_o without_o appropriation_n for_o at_o first_o he_o assume_v god_n with_o appropriation_n and_o this_o than_o be_v that_o same_o subtle_a flesh_n of_o hiâ—_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v consume_v chap._n xxxiiii_o faith_n be_v a_o most_o desolate_a thing_n juâ—â—_n as_o when_o many_o thing_n be_v reach_v out_o to_o any_o one_o and_o he_o catch_v at_o theâ—_n but_o then_o they_o be_v pull_v away_o again_o but_o at_o last_o a_o door_n of_o escape_n be_v open_v 〈◊〉_d he_o which_o then_o
be_v daily_o with_o he_o so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v occasion_n he_o hear_v his_o speech_n with_o his_o friend_n and_o familiar_n that_o come_v from_o several_a place_n to_o visit_v he_o as_o also_o such_o discourse_n as_o he_o frequent_o have_v with_o himself_o all_o therefore_o what_o ever_o he_o have_v hear_v be_v well_o imprint_v upon_o his_o mind_n and_o memory_n when_o the_o discourse_n be_v end_v he_o in_o his_o own_o chamber_n faithful_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n nor_o do_v he_o in_o the_o least_o acquaint_v any_o one_o with_o they_o even_o to_o his_o last_o breath_n but_o then_o when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o die_v he_o discover_v to_o his_o friend_n who_o stand_v by_o that_o he_o have_v privy_o commit_v those_o say_n to_o writing_n as_o they_o will_v find_v they_o among_o his_o written-paper_n now_o why_o that_o treatise_n of_o his_o say_n be_v divide_v into_o three_o part_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o aforesaid_a john_n spee_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o private_a affair_n go_v away_o twice_o and_o consequent_o have_v order_v according_a to_o each_o space_n of_o time_n a_o part_n distinct_a by_o itself_o even_o as_o they_o be_v afterward_o keep_v divide_v and_o be_v here_o print_v but_o the_o distinction_n or_o distribution_n into_o chapter_n and_o verse_n be_v do_v by_o another_o for_o the_o reader_n sake_n that_o by_o the_o guidance_n of_o a_o table_n every_o particular_a point_n may_v be_v the_o more_o convenient_o inquire_v after_o and_o be_v find_v out_o moreover_o as_o to_o the_o forementioned_a john_n spee_n this_o may_v be_v say_v of_o he_o he_o be_v a_o unmarried_a young_a man_n descend_v of_o a_o noble_a family_n very_o pious_a and_o have_v a_o manifest_a warmth_n and_o zeal_n this_o man_n see_v he_o be_v bless_v of_o the_o lord_n with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a gospel_n have_v bid_v adieu_o to_o the_o world_n daily_o study_v and_o search_v into_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v with_o all_o his_o might_n intent_n thereon_o so_o that_o he_o may_v but_o arrive_v at_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o when_o he_o see_v that_o youthful_a lust_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n do_v strive_v to_o get_v dominion_n over_o his_o soul_n and_o upon_o all_o side_n rush_v in_o upon_o he_o he_o begin_v to_o exercise_v himself_o with_o all_o his_o utmost_a endeavour_n in_o watch_n and_o fasting_n daily_a and_o both_o night_n and_o day_n tire_v himself_o out_o with_o prayer_n that_o he_o may_v resist_v those_o invade_a lust_n and_o cast_v a_o bridle_n over_o they_o and_o when_o he_o observe_v that_o sin_n do_v not_o yet_o cease_v from_o his_o soul_n and_o mind_n he_o enter_v into_o a_o more_o hard_a or_o strict_a course_n of_o life_n with_o all_o severity_n which_o he_o continue_v even_o to_o his_o death_n out_o live_v the_o most_o pious_a matthew_n eleven_o month_n only_o for_o he_o then_o die_v and_o be_v carry_v into_o the_o true_a rest_n from_o all_o his_o labour_n on_o the_o second_o of_o march_n 1561._o may_v our_o merciful_a lord_n and_o god_n grant_v to_o we_o all_o his_o compassion_n and_o gracious_o help_v we_o that_o we_o may_v in_o his_o good_a time_n be_v set_v free_a from_o alâ—_n our_o erroneous_a way_n and_o thought_n and_o from_o all_o our_o fault_n and_o blemish_n amen_n the_o epistle_n of_o mat._n wire_n epist._n i._o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v come_v to_o the_o clear_a perception_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o g._n of_o f._n whereas_o i_o certain_o find_v in_o thou_o a_o desire_n great_o inflame_v and_o that_o thy_o soul_n even_o burn_v with_o a_o thirsty_a longing_n after_o the_o gain_v the_o most_o clear_a perception_n of_o true_a divine_a grace_n manifest_v by_o christ_n our_o saviour_n i_o can_v not_o rest_v content_v until_o take_v this_o matter_n in_o hand_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v brief_o to_o show_v to_o thou_o what_o that_o be_v that_o can_v conduct_v or_o lead_v thou_o thereunto_o whereby_o those_o thing_n may_v be_v the_o better_o discover_v to_o thy_o sight_n which_o be_v here_o a_o hindrance_n to_o thou_o so_o that_o they_o be_v reject_v thou_o may_v with_o fear_n beware_v of_o what_o hide_v thy_o light_n with_o thick_a darkness_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a whilst_o there_o yet_o remain_v but_o one_o only_a yea_o though_o it_o be_v the_o least_o root_n of_o sin_n in_o which_o a_o man_n still_o persist_v that_o he_o can_v ever_o arrive_v at_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o grace_n because_o at_o the_o time_n that_o regeneration_n be_v perfect_v when_o by_o that_o clear_a light_n above_o nature_n manifest_v to_o and_o in_o a_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o same_o enmity_n that_o be_v interpose_v between_o he_o and_o god_n be_v represent_v to_o he_o no_o iniquity_n nor_o any_o accusation_n of_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v find_v in_o he_o yea_o so_o pure_a must_v that_o regeneration_n be_v that_o that_o man_n as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o shall_v have_v nothing_o either_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n which_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v already_o resign_v up_o so_o as_o to_o be_v ready_a with_o a_o most_o ardent_a zeal_n to_o forsake_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n yea_o he_o shall_v never_o have_v need_n further_a to_o sustain_v even_o the_o least_o check_n of_o conscience_n but_o shall_v have_v beat_v back_o all_o by_o a_o most_o invincible_a perseverance_n in_o fight_v and_o shall_v have_v supplant_v all_o whatsoever_o may_v disturb_v his_o conscience_n insomuch_o that_o by_o these_o mean_n his_o soul_n may_v at_o last_o arrive_v to_o have_v a_o conscience_n in_o full_a peace_n and_o void_a of_o all_o accusation_n for_o often_o time_n a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o be_v come_v to_o the_o cut_n off_o many_o wicked_a inclination_n and_o that_o then_o he_o be_v in_o little_a or_o no_o want_n and_o that_o chief_o because_o that_o which_o be_v the_o quite_o contrary_a whereby_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o be_v corrupt_v be_v not_o manifest_o make_v know_v to_o he_o whereas_o if_o all_o that_o be_v a_o little_a more_o clear_o manifest_v to_o he_o he_o will_v certain_o then_o very_o ready_o apprehend_v that_o he_o be_v yet_o at_o a_o far_o great_a distance_n from_o that_o degree_n of_o a_o more_o purify_a conscience_n see_v therefore_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n that_o his_o unrighteousness_n and_o wickedness_n be_v great_a than_o he_o can_v know_v therefore_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o fall_v within_o his_o sight_n be_v always_o to_o be_v by_o he_o sedulous_o cut_v off_o for_o he_o neither_o can_v soon_o be_v able_a to_o perceive_v those_o sin_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o he_o or_o shall_v he_o observe_v depravity_n which_o be_v not_o before_o understand_v but_o by_o thus_o do_v for_o so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n live_v slothful_o in_o know_a sin_n the_o sin_n that_o be_v unknown_a will_v not_o show_v themselves_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o man_n live_v at_o this_o rate_n common_o remain_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o light_n never_o come_v to_o shoot_v forth_o its_o beam_n manifest_o in_o he_o for_o when_o he_o shall_v have_v root_v out_o those_o sin_n that_o daily_o rack_v his_o conscience_n there_o present_o will_v arise_v in_o their_o stead_n another_o new_a accusation_n of_o his_o conscience_n which_o be_v till_o now_o unknown_a to_o he_o see_v that_o same_o field_n of_o accusation_n will_v never_o be_v barren_a even_o to_o the_o last_o moment_n of_o the_o combat_n wherefore_o the_o aforesaid_a vice_n be_v not_o lay_v open_a even_o to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o his_o nature_n unless_o they_o show_v their_o face_n by_o degree_n and_o that_o even_o from_o the_o very_a first_o entrance_n into_o the_o combat_n to_o the_o very_a point_n of_o time_n when_o the_o strive_n with_o the_o accuse_a sin_n be_v finish_v by_o affliction_n and_o through_o the_o cross_n the_o soul_n at_o last_o gain_v her_o freedom_n from_o and_o become_a conqueress_n over_o they_o all_o in_o a_o conscience_n true_o pure_a and_o thorough_o purge_v apprehend_v nothing_o at_o all_o either_o within_o or_o without_o herself_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v true_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o see_v and_o know_v after_o a_o most_o exact_a scrutiny_n make_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o she_o have_v not_o full_o resign_v up_o and_o deny_v herself_o in_o and_o to_o declare_v it_o in_o short_a upon_o this_o very_a point_n turn_v the_o hinge_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o unto_o this_o aught_o all_o such_o as_o earnest_o endeavour_v after_o the_o attainment_n of_o rest_n and_o peace_n with_o their_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o reach_v after_o it_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n and_o to_o institute_n their_o life_n according_o thereunto_o unless_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o
thing_n can_v be_v attain_v to_o but_o by_o christ_n these_o be_v those_o thing_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n make_v so_o often_o mention_n viz._n our_o own_o proper_a righteousness_n our_o own_o proper_a work_n our_o own_o proper_a holiness_n and_o all_o such_o like_a viz._n if_o we_o trust_v too_o much_o to_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n which_o be_v grant_v unto_o we_o from_o the_o lord_n and_o stick_v rather_o unto_o they_o then_o to_o the_o only_a loâ—e_n god_n for_o to_o love_n god_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n then_o most_o accurate_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o will_v not_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o any_o salvation_n or_o of_o any_o good_a thing_n whatever_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n itself_o thus_o put_v a_o man_n on_o that_o he_o can_v do_v otherwise_o and_o here_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o search_v into_o the_o most_o inward_a corner_n of_o our_o heart_n whether_o or_o no_o we_o seek_v ourselves_o else_o where_o either_o in_o soul_n or_o body_n and_o whether_o we_o serve_v god_n and_o love_v he_o for_o this_o end_n that_o our_o soul_n may_v gain_v salvation_n but_o here_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o will_v be_v answer_v that_o whatever_o thing_n be_v do_v be_v do_v only_o for_o love_n yet_o nevertheless_o man_n do_v perform_v these_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o terror_n and_o the_o impulse_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o the_o scripture_n witness_v i_o say_v not_o all_o this_o because_o i_o will_v detract_v in_o the_o least_o from_o good_a work_n &_o set_v light_n by_o they_o but_o rather_o that_o we_o shall_v go_v on_o further_a &_o not_o to_o rest_v here_o nor_o be_o i_o willing_a we_o shall_v sit_v down_o in_o a_o private_a kind_n of_o peace_n of_o have_v gain_v some_o step_n only_o before_o we_o be_v come_v unto_o the_o end_n nor_o till_o the_o scope_n for_o who_o sake_n all_o this_o be_v do_v be_v due_o attain_v and_o though_o there_o be_v other_o behind_o we_o who_o follow_v up_o after_o we_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o yet_o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o we_o because_o of_o our_o great_a knowledge_n receive_v to_o put_v out_o this_o our_o talon_n to_o the_o high_a interest_n we_o can_v possible_o that_o in_o we_o may_v be_v find_v constant_a perseverance_n if_o so_o be_v at_o length_n we_o can_v arrive_v perhaps_o to_o a_o true_a die_a have_v no_o need_n more_o to_o reiterate_v so_o often_o our_o renew_n of_o death_n so_o that_o all_o may_v together_o and_o at_o once_o remain_v bury_v also_o in_o christ_n death_n eternal_o a_o more_o certain_a essential_a sort_n of_o death_n as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v follow_v we_o into_o that_o better_a state_n or_o condition_n most_o belove_a lady_n receive_v i_o pray_v thou_o these_o my_o letter_n kind_o if_o perhaps_o they_o may_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o thou_o in_o thy_o holy_a endeavour_n and_o that_o we_o may_v come_v at_o length_n to_o the_o total_a renounce_v our_o flesh_n that_o then_o we_o may_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o law_n require_v by_o christ_n for_o in_o christ_n sin_n be_v utter_o condemn_v to_o death_n and_o as_o much_o as_o we_o be_v plant_v together_o with_o he_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n so_o much_o also_o shall_v we_o through_o his_o resurrection_n be_v receive_v into_o the_o newness_n or_o the_o spirit_n who_o then_o perform_v in_o man_n the_o office_n of_o a_o governor_n and_o be_v to_o he_o in_o the_o stead_n of_o his_o life_n who_o place_n before_o this_o our_o flesh_n supply_v all_o that_o be_v beyond_o this_o the_o lord_n himself_o will_v manifest_v to_o we_o when_o we_o come_v thither_o if_o therefore_o we_o have_v our_o inward_a sense_n right_o exercise_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v firm_o adhere_v to_o he_o with_o continue_a prayer_n then_o will_v he_o kindle_v in_o thy_o heart_n some_o live_a light_n which_o my_o dead_a writing_n can_v never_o effect_v by_o mean_n of_o which_o be_v inflame_v with_o a_o great_a zeal_n to_o renounce_v all_o flesh_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o offer_v to_o the_o lord_n our_o heart_n empty_v and_o set_v free_a by_o a_o mere_a and_o pure_a submission_n unto_o and_o a_o firm_a purpose_n of_o remain_v and_o persevere_v in_o his_o will_n so_o will_v the_o thing_n prosper_v and_o our_o work_n will_v more_o happy_o succeed_v but_o why_o this_o work_n will_v succeed_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n and_o with_o such_o a_o length_n of_o time_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n because_o somewhat_o still_o will_v stick_v close_o to_o the_o heart_n which_o we_o can_v whole_o renounce_v for_o when_o but_o one_o half_a of_o the_o heart_n be_v yield_v up_o the_o offering_n remain_v impure_a nor_o be_v it_o accept_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o scripture_n command_v we_o to_o have_v a_o great_a care_n of_o or_o to_o watch_v such_o a_o heart_n which_o seek_v double_a way_n and_o carry_v upon_o either_o shoulder_n and_o halt_v on_o either_o leg_n etc._n etc._n for_o we_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n satisfy_v the_o flesh_n conscience_n hinder_v we_o and_o conscience_n too_o the_o flesh_n hinder_v we_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o yield_v ourselves_o up_o whole_o as_o a_o pure_a offering_n and_o grateful_a to_o the_o lord_n for_o such_o a_o one_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o bless_v of_o he_o that_o thenceforth_o he_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o at_o length_n that_o thence_o may_v arise_v the_o righteousness_n that_o be_v available_a before_o god_n unto_o which_o may_v the_o lord_n promote_v we_o and_o keep_v we_o by_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n in_o christ_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n the_o lord_n preserve_v we_o that_o we_o may_v persevere_v in_o his_o grace_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a will._n epist._n vi_o be_v a_o christian_a exhortation_n which_o contain_v many_o point_n very_o useful_a and_o profitable_a to_o all_o christian_n to_o the_o same_o lady_n most_o belove_a lady_n see_v that_o there_o remain_v no_o more_o time_n to_o i_o in_o this_o life_n as_o far_o as_o by_o my_o uttmost_a capacity_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n i_o be_o able_a to_o judge_v or_o be_v to_o i_o know_v i_o be_o constrain_v of_o myself_o free_o to_o open_v and_o more_o and_o more_o to_o unfold_v my_o mind_n to_o you_o yet_o the_o true_a fruit_n of_o proficiency_n in_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o attain_v to_o by_o my_o leter_n nor_o by_o our_o mutual_a converse_n appoint_v in_o the_o lord_n of_o purpose_n but_o only_o and_o alone_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o that_o the_o same_o depend_v only_o on_o the_o meet_a divine_a commiseration_n he_o best_a know_v yet_o only_o in_o soul_n and_o conscience_n who_o himself_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o very_a work_n oâ—_n the_o lord_n in_o the_o first_o place_n therefore_o it_o behoof_n be_v diligent_o to_o beware_v that_o we_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d our_o lust_n drive_v to_o that_o pass_n as_o to_o think_v that_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n whereas_o the_o night_n can_v soon_o be_v make_v the_o day_n than_o he_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n because_o in_o god_n there_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o but_o mere_a light_n and_o whosoever_o will_v come_v to_o know_v this_o work_n of_o god_n through_o his_o mercy_n they_o must_v begin_v this_o knowledge_n with_o sincerity_n of_o mind_n which_o seek_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n alone_o whosoever_o proceed_v with_o a_o double_a heart_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n now_o doubleness_n of_o heart_n consist_v in_o this_o when_o we_o be_v not_o with_o out_o whole_a heart_n soul_n and_o thought_n give_v up_o and_o whole_o leave_v to_o the_o lord_n also_o when_o we_o pour_v out_o our_o prayer_n before_o he_o with_o a_o heart_n divide_v in_o two_o whence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o hear_v according_a â—o_o our_o desire_n for_o the_o lord_n love_v we_o â—ore_o than_o we_o ourselves_o do_v love_v our_o â—elves_n inasmuch_o as_o he_o be_v averse_a to_o our_o estruction_n and_o always_o free_o bestow_v 〈◊〉_d we_o that_o which_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o â—ost_o profitable_a for_o our_o happiness_n which_o â—â—deed_o be_v that_o which_o at_o first_o be_v unâ—â—own_v 〈◊〉_d we_o but_o be_v at_o length_n make_v know_v 〈◊〉_d we_o though_o by_o and_o through_o great_a affliction_n because_o that_o we_o be_v so_o far_o fall_v into_o our_o desire_n and_o into_o that_o evil_n which_o we_o call_v our_o propriety_n that_o we_o must_v first_o be_v subject_v to_o great_a anguish_n and_o grief_n before_o we_o can_v become_v submit_v to_o the_o will_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n which_o be_v that_o which_o can_v be_v never_o do_v without_o a_o spiritual_a death_n and_o the_o