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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n life_n see_v word_n 6,113 5 4.0840 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61197 The royal and happy poverty or, a meditation on the felicities of an innocent and happy poverty: grounded on the fifth of Matthew, the third verse. And addressed to the late and present sufferers of the times. Sprigg, William, fl. 1657. 1660 (1660) Wing S5081; ESTC R221805 40,412 115

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those_o on_o who_o a_o sun_n of_o prosperity_n shine_v on_o who_o the_o favour_n of_o the_o world_n smile_v but_o oh_o how_o far_o and_o how_o high_a be_v god_n thought_n above_o we_o even_o as_o high_a as_o the_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n so_o far_o be_v his_o thought_n and_o his_o way_n above_o we_o i_o know_v this_o be_v a_o great_a paradox_n to_o the_o learning_n a_o dark_a riddle_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n what_o be_v the_o poor_a bless_a they_o that_o lie_v in_o the_o dust_n on_o who_o all_o man_n trample_v that_o be_v contemn_v despise_a and_o make_v as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a offscouring_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o god_n see_v not_o as_o the_o world_n see_v the_o bee_n of_o his_o omnisciency_n see_v far_o than_o the_o dark_a optic_n of_o our_o flesh_n be_v able_a to_o look_v he_o see_v through_o thing_n to_o the_o very_a pith_n and_o marrow_n of_o they_o whereas_o we_o see_v only_o the_o husk_n the_o shell_n of_o thing_n we_o be_v able_a to_o look_v no_o far_o than_o outward_a appearance_n than_o the_o varnish_n paint_n and_o gild_a the_o world_n have_v set_v on_o thing_n our_o eye_n be_v detain_v on_o the_o superficies_n of_o thing_n be_v able_a to_o comment_v on_o nothing_o but_o light_n and_o colour_n whereas_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o almighty_a penetrate_v to_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o core_n of_o thing_n he_o look_v to_o the_o far_a end_n of_o they_o and_o discern_v what_o be_v behind_o the_o curtain_n exitus_fw-la actum_fw-la probat_fw-la it_o be_v the_o end_n and_o catastrophe_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o denominate_v it_o either_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o be_v well_o that_o end_v well_o that_o be_v crown_v with_o a_o good_a event_n or_o issue_n as_o the_o proverb_n say_v ante_fw-la abitum_fw-la nemo_fw-la supremaque_fw-la funera_fw-la faelix_fw-la can_v the_o heathenish_a poet_n sing_v it_o be_v our_o short-sightedness_n the_o dulness_n of_o our_o understanding_n optic_n that_o make_v we_o often_o judge_v and_o envy_v those_o as_o happy_a who_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a poor_a contemptible_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n and_o such_o as_o if_o we_o know_v they_o aright_o we_o shall_v look_v on_o rather_o as_o object_n of_o our_o pity_n than_o our_o envy_n our_o eye_n be_v dazzle_v by_o the_o outward_a pomp_n and_o splendour_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a pageantry_n of_o gaudy_a show_n judge_v those_o often_o the_o proprietor_n of_o the_o great_a felicity_n who_o inherit_v nothing_o but_o misery_n but_o can_v we_o see_v those_o thing_n we_o so_o often_o make_v the_o object_n of_o our_o admiration_n the_o idol_n of_o our_o desire_n to_o the_o core_n and_o within_o the_o inmost_a r●nd_v we_o shall_v find_v they_o be_v but_o like_o the_o apple_n of_o sodom_n beautiful_a to_o the_o eye_n but_o such_o as_o be_v touch_v drop_v to_o ash_n or_o like_o the_o fairy_n money_n that_o turn_v to_o dust_n or_o those_o beautiful_a sepulcher_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n speak_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v full_a of_o nothing_o but_o rotteness_n and_o dead_a man_n bone_n this_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o legible_a that_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n by_o the_o dark_a twilight_n of_o their_o natural_a reason_n be_v able_a to_o spell_v it_o out_o viz._n that_o man_n happiness_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o outward_a thing_n witness_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o stoic_n who_o place_v the_o spring_n of_o their_o felicity_n in_o nothing_o without_o themselves_o who_o though_o they_o build_v not_o their_o felicity_n on_o christ_n of_o who_o it_o be_v their_o happiness_n to_o be_v ignorant_a yet_o be_v not_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o place_v it_o in_o riches_n or_o any_o of_o the_o other_o fade_v wither_a perish_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n but_o on_o virtue_n and_o though_o aristotle_n and_o the_o peripatetic_n who_o weak_a eye_n be_v something_o more_o dazzle_v with_o the_o pomp_n and_o splendour_n of_o alexander_n court_n and_o the_o varnish_n of_o the_o world_n be_v content_a to_o admit_v these_o outward_a enjoyment_n as_o handmaid_n to_o wait_v and_o attend_v on_o virtue_n yet_o do_v not_o like_o the_o brutish_a epicure_n that_o philosophical_a herd_n of_o swine_n place_n their_o felicity_n in_o they_o though_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o may_v confer_v some_o ornament_n and_o lustre_n and_o it_o may_v receive_v some_o beauty_n and_o splendour_n from_o they_o but_o we_o be_v here_o teach_v another_o doctrine_n by_o christ_n another_o lesson_n in_o the_o gospel_n bless_v be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n in_o the_o word_n there_o be_v first_o a_o proposition_n or_o a_o assertion_n lay_v down_o bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o of_o which_o a_o pregnant_a ground_n or_o reason_n follow_v in_o the_o next_o word_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o as_o if_o christ_n by_o his_o divine_a logic_n have_v thus_o argue_v for_o the_o word_n do_v carry_v in_o their_o womb_n this_o syllogism_n of_o which_o without_o violence_n they_o may_v be_v deliver_v they_o be_v bless_v who_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o salvation_n that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o most_o high_a the_o blood-royal_n of_o heaven_n on_o who_o heaven_n happiness_n and_o eternal_a life_n be_v entail_v but_o such_o be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n they_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o life_n of_o heaven_n of_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o minor_a therefore_o they_o be_v bless_v i_o shall_v speak_v to_o the_o proposition_n and_o its_o reason_n several_o and_o first_o to_o the_o proposition_n or_o assertion_n bless_a be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n in_o which_o we_o shall_v consider_v first_o the_o subject_a poor_a in_o spirit_n second_o the_o predicate_v bless_v and_o first_o for_o the_o subject_a poor_a in_o spirit_n in_o the_o original_a {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o say_v beza_n est_fw-la proprie_fw-la mendicus_fw-la i_o e._n ad_fw-la extreman_fw-la inopiam_fw-la redactus_fw-la qui_fw-la nil_fw-la habet_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la ostiatim_fw-la acceperit_fw-la say_v stephanus_n the_o word_n signify_v one_o reduce_v to_o extreme_a poverty_n or_o one_o that_o have_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o beg_v from_o door_n to_o door_n but_o for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o methodical_a assoil_v this_o question_n what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o poor_a in_o spirit_n we_o shall_v first_o show_v negative_o who_o these_o poor_a in_o spirit_n be_v not_o and_o then_o give_v the_o true_a criterion_n or_o character_n whereby_o to_o discover_v who_o they_o be_v therefore_o by_o poor_a in_o spirit_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v 1_o they_o that_o be_v poor_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o fortune_n of_o this_o life_n for_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o poverty_n it_o be_v say_v by_o the_o prophet_n david_n in_o psalm_n 37._o 25._o i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o be_o old_a yet_o have_v i_o not_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_v or_o his_o seed_n beg_v bread_n for_o these_o outward_a enjoyment_n be_v also_o the_o gift_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n which_o he_o seldom_o deny_v his_o own_o people_n in_o such_o a_o competency_n as_o may_v relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o render_v their_o life_n comfortable_a and_o though_o these_o outward_a blessing_n these_o common_a favour_n these_o mercy_n of_o the_o left_a hand_n be_v no_o distinguish_v characteristical_a mark_n of_o god_n special_a grace_n and_o favour_n though_o they_o be_v not_o the_o special_a pledge_n and_o criteria_n of_o his_o love_n for_o that_o the_o sun_n of_o these_o common_a favour_n his_o goodness_n cause_v to_o shine_v upon_o the_o unjust_a as_o well_o as_o just_a and_o the_o rain_n of_o these_o vulgar_a mercy_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a and_o perhaps_o in_o a_o more_o plentiful_a manner_n in_o more_o large_a and_o plentiful_a shower_n upon_o the_o wicked_a then_o on_o the_o good_a for_o their_o portion_n be_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n god_n reserve_v more_o rich_a more_o choice_a mercy_n for_o they_o their_o happiness_n not_o consist_v in_o have_v the_o sun_n of_o a_o outward_a prosperity_n shine_v upon_o they_o but_o in_o the_o shine_n forth_o of_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n but_o however_o he_o do_v not_o usual_o altogether_o withhold_v these_o outward_a enjoyment_n from_o they_o though_o he_o common_o do_v not_o see_v it_o good_a for_o they_o to_o riot_n in_o the_o like_a excess_n as_o he_o often_o permit_v the_o wicked_a lest_o too_o rank_a a_o fortune_n may_v cause_v their_o heart_n to_o wax_v fat_a and_o forget_v god_n yet_o he_o usual_o deny_v they_o not_o food_n and_o raiment_n yea_o he_o
condition_n how_o that_o they_o have_v no_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o no_o holiness_n no_o purity_n no_o sanctity_n of_o their_o own_o these_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n here_o mean_v have_v thus_o discourse_v on_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o proposition_n we_o be_v by_o the_o course_n of_o our_o method_n arrive_v at_o the_o predicate_v viz._n bless_a the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o quasi_fw-la {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o non_fw-la sorti_fw-la non_fw-la morti_fw-la subjectus_fw-la a_o word_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a of_o felicity_n be_v sum_v up_o a_o word_n that_o reach_v the_o cul●en_a top_n or_o fastigium_fw-la of_o all_o happiness_n a_o felicity_n that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o stroke_n of_o death_n to_o the_o sith_o of_o time_n a_o felicity_n which_o neither_o time_n shall_v wither_v nor_o the_o hour_n or_o approach_v of_o death_n be_v able_a to_o blast_v and_o so_o we_o have_v finish_v the_o proposition_n and_o shall_v now_o hasten_v to_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n christ_n say_v sometime_o to_o his_o dischple_n luke_n the_o 10_o 20._o verse_n rejoice_v not_o so_o much_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v make_v subject_a to_o you_o but_o rather_o that_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n that_o your_o name_n be_v write_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o finger_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n that_o your_o name_n be_v enroll_v and_o register_v in_o the_o archive_n of_o heaven_n now_o from_o the_o word_n thus_o anatomize_v and_o unbowel_v there_o seem_v natural_o to_o spring_v these_o proposition_n 1_o that_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n be_v a_o royal_a and_o bless_a state_n or_o condition_n or_o in_o the_o concrete_a that_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n be_v bless_v 2_o that_o the_o ground_n or_o reason_n of_o all_o true_a happiness_n or_o blessedness_n be_v found_v in_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o that_o they_o only_o may_v be_v true_o and_o without_o irony_n term_v happy_a or_o account_v the_o real_a proprietor_n of_o all_o felicity_n who_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n on_o who_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n be_v entail_v 1_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n be_v a_o bless_a state_n and_o happy_a condition_n i_o shall_v rather_o darken_v than_o illustrate_v the_o meridian_n brightness_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o be_v write_v as_o with_o a_o sunbeam_n shall_v i_o bring_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n for_o its_o confirmation_n it_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n than_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o lip_n of_o he_o that_o be_v truth_n itself_o that_o can_v lie_v but_o that_o no_o truth_n though_o of_o never_o so_o great_a evidence_n may_v be_v without_o witness_n the_o whole_a scope_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n seem_v to_o bear_v its_o testimony_n and_o give_v in_o evidence_n to_o the_o confirmation_n hereof_o how_o frequent_a be_v it_o say_v in_o proverb_n beside_o other_o place_n that_o pride_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o this_o the_o language_n and_o dialect_n of_o the_o scripture_n throughout_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v dwell_v with_o a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a heart_n that_o tremble_v at_o his_o word_n but_o that_o he_o hate_v and_o resist_v the_o proud_a do_v not_o almost_o every_o page_n and_o chapter_n throughout_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o the_o same_o key_n do_v not_o god_n all_o along_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o his_o threaten_n against_o high_a thing_n and_o high_a thought_n against_o proud_a and_o tower_a imagination_n that_o exalt_v and_o lift_v up_o themselves_o have_v he_o not_o denounce_v enmity_n against_o proud_a and_o high_a thing_n have_v he_o not_o threaten_v to_o level_v and_o bring_v down_o every_o high_a hill_n till_o he_o make_v it_o become_v a_o plain_a be_v not_o the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o almighty_a with_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v he_o not_o on_o the_o other_o side_n pawn_v his_o word_n and_o engage_v his_o promise_n to_o exalt_v the_o humble_a to_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a to_o lift_v up_o every_o valley_n etc._n etc._n have_v he_o not_o invite_v all_o those_o that_o hunger_n and_o thrust_n all_o those_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a leaden_a promise_v that_o he_o will_v feed_v they_o that_o he_o will_v satisfy_v they_o that_o he_o will_v ease_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o their_o soul_n what_o be_v all_o these_o expression_n but_o as_o so_o many_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o proposition_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o quote_v and_o cite_v place_n and_o therefore_o shall_v hasten_v to_o the_o reason_n whereof_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v borrow_v from_o a_o rule_n among_o physician_n with_o who_o it_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o maxim_n that_o primus_fw-la gradus_fw-la sumitatis_fw-la est_fw-la nosse_fw-la morbum_fw-la the_o first_o degree_n of_o health_n be_v to_o know_v the_o disease_n for_o as_o our_o proverb_n have_v it_o a_o disease_n that_o be_v know_v be_v half_o cure_v now_o this_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n be_v a_o reflex_n act_n of_o the_o soul_n discover_v to_o man_n their_o want_n that_o they_o may_v go_v to_o christ_n to_o be_v supply_v of_o his_o fullness_n to_o receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n for_o grace_n it_o discover_v to_o man_n their_o own_o nakedness_n that_o they_o may_v go_v to_o christ_n to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o white_a robe_n of_o his_o righteousness_n till_o adam_n eye_n be_v open_v that_o he_o see_v his_o nakedness_n and_o his_o sin_n he_o have_v no_o shame_n nor_o sense_n of_o his_o guilt_n but_o so_o soon_o as_o his_o eye_n be_v open_v he_o begin_v to_o sow_v fig_n leave_v together_o to_o cover_v his_o sin_n and_o hide_v his_o shame_n this_o be_v the_o usual_a method_n and_o progress_n of_o god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n first_o to_o alarm_n and_o awaken_v the_o soul_n by_o a_o clap_n of_o thunder_n so_o to_o rouse_v he_o from_o the_o lethargy_n and_o sleep_n of_o sin_n to_o prick_v they_o to_o the_o quick_a and_o make_v they_o cry_v out_o like_o the_o jailor_n in_o the_o act_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v this_o cause_v the_o scale_n to_o fall_v from_o off_o their_o eye_n those_o scale_n of_o ignorance_n with_o which_o their_o eye_n be_v seal_v and_o then_o they_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o their_o shame_n and_o begin_v to_o loath_a and_o abhor_v themselves_o to_o clothe_v themselves_o with_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n and_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o dust_n now_o when_o a_o soul_n have_v thus_o see_v its_o nakedness_n it_o begin_v to_o think_v of_o a_o cover_n of_o a_o mantle_n or_o a_o cloak_n to_o hide_v its_o sin_n and_o begin_v first_o to_o sow_v together_o the_o fig_n leave_v of_o its_o own_o righteousness_n of_o its_o own_o performance_n and_o so_o long_o as_o it_o think_v they_o will_v serve_v its_o turn_n it_o look_v no_o further_a till_o at_o length_n a_o flash_n of_o lightning_n come_v and_o smute_v all_o their_o righteousness_n black_n all_o their_o beauty_n scorch_v their_o leaf_n and_o burn_v up_o all_o their_o hay_n and_o stubble_n and_o discover_v a_o new_a light_n unto_o they_o that_o make_v they_o the_o border_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n never_o so_o broad_a and_o let_v they_o with_o the_o pharisee_n enlarge_v their_o phylactery_n never_o so_o wide_a yet_o they_o shall_v find_v the_o skirt_n thereof_o too_o narrow_a too_o shallow_a to_o cover_v they_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v out_o of_o conceit_n with_o themselves_o to_o fall_v in_o disesteem_n and_o disreputation_n with_o themselves_o than_o they_o begin_v to_o let_v fall_v those_o plume_n and_o specious_a train_n that_o before_o they_o so_o much_o please_v and_o pride_v themselves_o in_o and_o indeed_o man_n will_v never_o desire_v to_o put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_fw-la till_o they_o have_v thus_o see_v their_o own_o poverty_n that_o their_o own_o righteousness_n be_v but_o as_o dirty_a and_o menstruous_a rag_n till_o they_o be_v thus_o come_v acquaint_v with_o their_o own_o want_n how_o empty_a their_o own_o exchequer_n be_v how_o low_a their_o own_o treasure_n run_v they_o will_v never_o desire_v to_o be_v supply_v out_o of_o those_o treasure_n of_o grace_n god_n have_v lay_v up_o in_o christ_n for_o poor_a sinner_n till_o man_n look_v up_o and_o discern_v the_o sword_n of_o vengeance_n hang_v by_o a_o small_a hair_n over_o their_o head_n ready_a to_o drop_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o desperate_a peril_n and_o danger_n of_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o condition_n till_o they_o see_v the_o filthiness_n
condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v not_o a_o law_n that_o have_v any_o force_n or_o obligation_n in_o foro_fw-la conscientiae_fw-la in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n for_o our_o right_n as_o i_o say_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v rather_o commence_v than_o extinguish_v by_o our_o adoption_n and_o new-birth_n for_o who_o be_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o but_o the_o lord_n and_o who_o then_o have_v better_a right_a unto_o it_o then_o the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o who_o may_v more_o true_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o creation_n than_o they_o for_o who_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o yet_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o they_o though_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v most_o common_o see_v here_o that_o servant_n ride_v on_o horseback_n and_o the_o prince_n go_v on_o foot_n etc._n etc._n three_o this_o poverty_n be_v not_o any_o low_a and_o base_a abjectness_n of_o spirit_n no_o sordidness_n or_o despondency_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n be_v not_o to_o have_v little_a poor_a narrow_a and_o contract_a soul_n to_o have_v creep_v and_o degenerate_a spirit_n that_o be_v always_o grovel_v in_o the_o dust_n that_o according_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o serpent_n creep_v on_o their_o belly_n and_o lick_v the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v mere_a muck_n or_o dunghill_n worm_n that_o have_v their_o head_n and_o heart_n bow_v down_o to_o the_o earth_n os_fw-la homini_fw-la sublime_fw-la dedit_fw-la say_v the_o poet_n this_o therefore_o be_v unworthy_a and_o below_o the_o generosity_n of_o a_o man_n much_o more_o a_o christian_n religion_n do_v not_o make_v man_n fool_n and_o sheepish_a but_o admirable_o blend_v the_o innocency_n of_o the_o dove_n together_o with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n of_o the_o serpent_n religion_n be_v not_o that_o that_o cloud_n the_o mind_n with_o black_a melancholic_a and_o sad_a apprehension_n if_o any_o think_v thus_o they_o seem_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o absurdity_n with_o those_o heathen_a that_o deify_v their_o disease_n and_o erect_v altar_n unto_o fever_n or_o admit_v the_o like_a abuse_n that_o mahomet_n disciple_n do_v when_o they_o believe_v their_o prophet_n convulsion_n to_o be_v ecstasy_n and_o divine_a rapture_n this_o be_v to_o entitle_v our_o melancholy_n to_o religion_n and_o guild_v over_o the_o distemper_n and_o infirmity_n of_o nature_n with_o the_o title_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v something_o like_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o negro_n who_o paint_v their_o god_n black_a and_o the_o devil_n white_a whereas_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o morose_a sour_a or_o tettrick_a thing_n that_o what_o the_o philosopher_n say_v of_o virtue_n may_v with_o advantage_n be_v affirm_v of_o religion_n viz._n that_o can_v it_o assume_v corporeity_n or_o render_v itself_o visible_a it_o will_v appear_v so_o lovely_a so_o amiable_a that_o it_o will_v at_o once_o both_o enamour_v and_o ravish_v the_o whole_a world_n into_o the_o admiration_n of_o her_o feature_n and_o by_o the_o sole_a attractive_n of_o her_o transcendent_a beauty_n and_o the_o powerful_a charm_n of_o its_o comely_a grace_n attract_v and_o captivate_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n and_o command_v both_o homage_n and_o affection_n from_o all_o that_o shall_v behold_v she_o she_o will_v then_o need_v no_o other_o eloquence_n than_o the_o silent_a oratory_n of_o her_o own_o beauty_n to_o recommend_v she_o and_o invite_v the_o whole_a world_n unto_o her_o embrace_n for_o be_v good_a nature_n a_o lovely_a thing_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o improve_v and_o meliorates_fw-la man_n nature_n than_o the_o engraft_n religion_n therein_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o enlarge_v the_o spirit_n and_o give_v it_o a_o more_o just_a and_o noble_a elevation_n then_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o more_o noble_a with_o a_o more_o generous_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o low_a base_a and_o abject_a thing_n than_o that_o that_o be_v it_o that_o raise_v a_o man_n thought_n from_o the_o earth_n on_o which_o they_o be_v natural_o so_o apt_a to_o grovel_v and_o be_v bow_v down_o unto_o that_o be_v it_o that_o spirit_n and_o ennoble_v a_o soul_n that_o emancipate_v it_o from_o base_a slavish_a and_o pusillanimous_a fear_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o a_o high_a and_o princely_a ambition_n and_o ambition_n more_o noble_a and_o generous_a then_o that_o of_o alexander_n that_o so_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n that_o not_o only_o one_o earth_n but_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v too_o little_a for_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o fill_v or_o satisfy_v it_o this_o be_v that_o refine_v the_o affection_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o fly_v a_o high_a pitch_n than_o to_o be_v decoy_v by_o any_o thing_n here_o below_o than_o to_o stoop_v to_o any_o thing_n on_o this_o side_n immortality_n and_o life_n that_o cause_v the_o soul_n to_o soar_v aloft_o and_o mount_v up_o as_o with_o eagle_n wing_n till_o it_o make_v its_o nest_n in_o the_o very_a bosom_n of_o god_n they_o therefore_o disparage_v religion_n and_o cast_v a_o blot_n and_o scandal_n on_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o go_v all_o the_o day_n droop_v and_o hold_v down_o their_o head_n like_o a_o bulrush_n there_o be_v none_o who_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v cheerful_a to_o have_v a_o merry_a heart_n and_o a_o cheerful_a countenance_n as_o christian_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o one_o face_n shall_v shine_v so_o much_o as_o they_o who_o like_o moses_n have_v see_v god_n in_o the_o mount_n 4_o we_o be_v therefore_o by_o this_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n to_o understand_v something_o beyond_o anything_o that_o have_v be_v yet_o mention_v and_o without_o doubt_n it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o like_a sense_n as_o that_o place_n where_o christ_n say_v its_o hard_a for_o a_o camel_n or_o cable_n rope_n as_o some_o interpret_v it_o for_o the_o same_o word_n in_o the_o original_a signify_v both_o to_o pass_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n then_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o we_o shall_v be_v best_o able_a to_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o these_o riches_n that_o bar_v our_o entrance_n into_o blessedness_n and_o this_o poverty_n on_o which_o it_o be_v entail_v by_o compare_v these_o with_o other_o place_n one_o scripture_n be_v the_o best_a key_n to_o unlock_v the_o sense_n of_o another_o our_o saviour_n say_v matt._n 9_o 13._o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o in_o another_o place_n the_o whole_a need_v not_o the_o physician_n but_o those_o that_o be_v sick_a so_o likewise_o where_o he_o say_v he_o come_v to_o seek_v the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n so_o likewise_o that_o parable_n of_o the_o pharisee_n that_o make_v so_o nigh_o and_o familiar_a approach_n to_o the_o altar_n and_o bless_a god_n he_o be_v not_o as_o the_o publican_n that_o stand_v aloof_o afar_o off_o and_o cry_v lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n and_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o verdict_n of_o truth_n itself_o go_v away_o more_o justify_v than_o the_o pharisee_n that_o be_v so_o pure_a and_o righteous_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n i_o say_v this_o parable_n may_v lend_v some_o light_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o it_o also_o when_o our_o saviour_n take_v a_o little_a child_n and_o set_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o disciple_n say_v unless_o you_o be_v as_o little_a child_n you_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n heaven_n he_o seem_v to_o have_v give_v a_o clear_a comment_n on_o this_o text_n also_o when_o he_o say_v suffer_v little_a child_n to_o come_v unto_o i_o for_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o seem_v to_o paraphrase_n on_o the_o same_o doctrine_n from_o all_o which_o put_v together_o i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o collect_v and_o spell_v out_o this_o or_o the_o like_a sense_n from_o the_o word_n viz._n that_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n be_v a_o be_v little_a mean_a vile_a and_o contemptible_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n to_o become_v as_o little_a child_n without_o strength_n and_o without_o courage_n helpless_a and_o shiftless_a without_o counsel_n and_o without_o advice_n have_v neither_o wisdom_n prudence_n discretion_n nor_o understanding_n in_o ourselves_o they_o therefore_o be_v the_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n that_o be_v arrive_v at_o this_o resign_a state_n or_o condition_n that_o have_v part_v with_o their_o own_o strength_n their_o own_o wisdom_n their_o own_o council_n and_o their_o own_o righteousness_n too_o and_o be_v become_v sensible_a of_o their_o own_o baseness_n their_o own_o unworthiness_n their_o own_o nothingness_n that_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o sinfulness_n of_o their_o nature_n the_o miserableness_n of_o their_o
what_o shall_v we_o then_o do_v shall_v we_o marshal_v up_o our_o performance_n and_o duty_n and_o set_v they_o in_o order_n to_o commend_v we_o to_o god_n to_o procure_v admission_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n will_v he_o be_v any_o better_o please_v therewith_o than_o he_o be_v with_o those_o cattle_n saul_n reserve_v for_o sacrifice_n will_v he_o not_o say_v as_o samuel_n do_v what_o mean_v the_o bleat_n of_o these_o cattle_n god_n take_v no_o bribe_n no_o we_o may_v not_o carry_v so_o much_o as_o a_o peter_n penny_n in_o our_o mouth_n as_o be_v the_o absurd_a practice_n of_o some_o papist_n for_o heaven_n porter_n for_o peter_n to_o open_v the_o door_n to_o we_o no_o there_o be_v none_o that_o take_v bribe_n in_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o courtier_n that_o expect_v fee_n no_o orator_n that_o have_v manus_fw-la occulatas_fw-la or_o bovem_fw-la in_fw-la lingua_fw-la as_o we_o say_v and_o therefore_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v invite_v to_o buy_v wine_n and_o milk_n and_o honey_n without_o money_n and_o without_o price_n they_o that_o will_v drink_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n must_v not_o think_v to_o purchase_v they_o for_o they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v sell_v then_o that_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o know_v what_o be_v reply_v to_o simon_n magus_n that_o will_v needs_o have_v buy_v it_o that_o will_v needs_o be_v cheapen_v and_o bid_v money_n for_o it_o thy_o money_n perish_v with_o thou_o this_o be_v the_o high_a the_o rank_a the_o gross_a degree_n of_o simony_n to_o think_v of_o purchase_v salvation_n for_o what_o shall_v we_o give_v the_o lord_n shall_v we_o give_v our_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o soul_n shall_v we_o give_v our_o body_n a_o sacrifice_n a_o burn_a offering_n it_o profit_v nothing_o merit_v nothing_o and_o god_n may_v cast_v back_o the_o dung_n thereof_o into_o the_o face_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o gift_n be_v of_o god_n free_a grace_n do_v not_o christ_n overturn_v the_o table_n of_o the_o money-changer_n and_o whip_v the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n and_o shall_v we_o presume_v to_o introduce_v they_o again_o i_o have_v read_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v to_o suffer_v violence_n be_v to_o be_v take_v by_o force_n but_o never_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v buy_v and_o sell_v this_o be_v the_o stone_n of_o stumble_v at_o which_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o pharisee_n fall_v the_o rock_n of_o offence_n on_o which_o the_o religious_a jew_n split_v themselves_o and_o ruin_v their_o salvation_n they_o will_v needs_o lean_a to_o the_o break_a reed_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o thereby_o wound_v and_o pierce_v themselves_o they_o think_v to_o have_v purchase_v heaven_n by_o their_o alm_n by_o their_o fast_n by_o their_o long_a prayer_n by_o the_o tithe_n of_o their_o mint_n and_o anise_n and_o do_v not_o the_o papist_n at_o this_o day_n run_v into_o the_o same_o error_n do_v not_o their_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n of_o pardon_n of_o indulgence_n etc._n etc._n set_v up_o the_o table_n of_o the_o money-changer_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n have_v they_o not_o introduce_v a_o mart_n or_o fair_a into_o religion_n and_o turn_v the_o temple_n into_o a_o shop_n or_o exchance_n in_o which_o thing_n spiritual_a be_v barter_v for_o temporal_a and_o thing_n incorruptible_a for_o silver_n and_o gold_n that_o be_v corruptible_a nonne_fw-la fecerunt_fw-la omnia_fw-la venalia_fw-la coelum_fw-la christum_fw-la tot●m_fw-la denique_fw-la religionem_fw-la have_v they_o not_o do_v by_o heaven_n as_o hannibal_n be_v report_v to_o have_v sometime_o do_v by_o old_a rome_n viz._n expose_v it_o to_o sale_n but_o we_o know_v he_o pay_v dear_a for_o his_o presumption_n it_o cost_v he_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o camp_n and_o i_o will_v advise_v these_o to_o have_v a_o care_n that_o make_v so_o bold_a with_o heaven_n that_o be_v so_o rich_a in_o work_n of_o supererogation_n that_o have_v merit_n not_o only_o for_o themselves_o but_o other_o that_o be_v so_o rich_a they_o can_v purchase_v mansion_n and_o crown_n of_o glory_n not_o only_o for_o themselves_o but_o other_o that_o be_v able_a to_o purchase_v large_a patrimony_n and_o whole_a province_n in_o heaven_n nay_o that_o can_v sell_v heaven_n reversion_n of_o glory_n to_o purchase_v vast_a territory_n here_o upon_o earth_n no_o to_o entertain_v such_o thought_n as_o these_o so_o high_a a_o esteem_n of_o our_o own_o work_n our_o own_o merit_n be_v no_o less_o than_o madness_n and_o folly_n or_o to_o think_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v welcome_a to_o god_n unless_o we_o bring_v our_o own_o entertainment_n with_o we_o no_o they_o that_o be_v invite_v to_o the_o marriage_n supper_n to_o the_o king_n feast_n must_v not_o bring_v their_o entertainment_n with_o they_o they_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v suffer_v loss_n the_o hay_n and_o the_o stubble_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o work_n must_v be_v destroy_v consume_v and_o burn_v up_o we_o must_v not_o build_v our_o faith_n and_o expectation_n of_o heaven_n upon_o the_o old_a rot_a crazy_a totter_a foundation_n of_o our_o own_o performance_n for_o this_o be_v but_o sand_n if_o we_o will_v have_v our_o foundation_n stand_v sure_a if_o we_o desire_v the_o pillar_n of_o our_o salvation_n shall_v stand_v fast_o and_o not_o be_v move_v but_o the_o last_o reason_n and_o that_o which_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o verse_n to_o the_o remain_a word_n and_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o text_n be_v this_o for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n their_o happiness_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o their_o poverty_n but_o in_o the_o right_a and_o title_n they_o have_v to_o the_o kingdom_n for_o that_o they_o be_v the_o heir_n apparent_a to_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n for_o that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal_a of_o heaven_n the_o most_o high_o bear_v seed_n of_o god_n oh_o most_o bless_a most_o happy_a most_o fortunate_a and_o royal_a poverty_n on_o which_o be_v intayl_v a_o kingdom_n that_o have_v the_o reversion_n of_o a_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n this_o life_n be_v the_o nonage_n of_o a_o saint_n we_o be_v here_o under_o pupillage_n and_o wardship_n under_o guardian_n and_o tutor_n the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n 3._o 2._o now_o be_v you_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o you_o shall_v be_v a_o saint_n portion_n be_v not_o in_o this_o life_n his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n his_o happiness_n be_v in_o reversion_n oh_o who_o will_v not_o part_v with_o all_o he_o have_v for_o a_o kingdom_n it_o be_v report_v that_o when_o caesar_n ambition_n court_v the_o roman_n monarchy_n and_o begin_v to_o bid_v for_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n that_o he_o leave_v himself_o nothing_o but_o hope_n oh_o who_o will_v not_o part_v with_o all_o he_o have_v for_o a_o kingdom_n so_o he_o may_v but_o retain_v not_o a_o bare_a uncertain_a hope_n but_o the_o sure_a reversion_n of_o a_o kingdom_n what_o shall_v cesar_n bid_v more_o for_o the_o bare_a naked_a hope_n of_o a_o earthly_a empire_n than_o christian_n for_o not_o the_o hope_n but_o certainty_n of_o a_o spiritual_a a_o heavenly_a kingdom_n shall_v cesar_n venture_v more_o for_o a_o temporal_a crown_n than_o christian_n for_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n be_v he_o account_v unworthy_a of_o terrestrial_a empire_n that_o will_v not_o venture_v his_o life_n for_o it_o and_o be_v not_o he_o much_o more_o unworthy_a of_o a_o celestial_a throne_n that_o will_v not_o adventure_v and_o part_n with_o his_o all_o for_o it_o it_o be_v report_v of_o a_o fortunate_a king_n that_o he_o account_v it_o his_o sole_a misfortune_n that_o he_o never_o have_v misfortune_n and_o therefore_o be_v mind_v industrious_o to_o seek_v and_o court_v that_o which_o other_o man_n endeavour_v most_o to_o shun_v and_o avoid_v he_o cast_v a_o ring_n of_o great_a value_n into_o the_o sea_n and_o after_o a_o while_n find_v it_o in_o the_o belly_n of_o a_o fi●h_n serve_v up_o to_o his_o table_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v the_o great_a the_o sad_a misfortune_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o have_v not_o this_o misfortune_n to_o fall_v into_o this_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o have_v it_o may_v just_o take_v up_o the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o say_v periissem_fw-la nisi_fw-la periissem_fw-la i_o have_v be_v eternal_o unfortunate_a and_o miserable_a have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o this_o misfortune_n i_o know_v this_o have_v be_v a_o age_n too_o skilful_a and_o ingenious_a in_o supplant_n one_o another_o in_o raise_v themselves_o by_o the_o fall_n of_o other_o in_o build_v their_o fortune_n on_o the_o ruin_n of_o other_o man_n but_o this_o be_v